Pelosi to visit Iowa

Iowa Republicans have been criticizing Democrats like Nancy Pelosi for adjourning the U.S. House in late July — and not planning to reconvene until September — without taking action on a flood relief package.  Today, two of the three Democrats who represent Iowa in congress issued statements announcing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) will visit Iowa in early September.  The statements from Congressmen Braley & Loebsack are copied below.

This statement was issued at 6:26 a.m. central by Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo):

Braley Announces Speaker Pelosi to Visit Iowa, Tour Communities Impacted by Flooding

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced that Speaker Pelosi will travel to Iowa on September 8, 2008 to tour communities affected by the floods and tornado of 2008. 

At the request of Rep. Braley and other members of the Iowa delegation, Speaker Pelosi will visit Iowa and tour several communities affected by the recent disasters.   Since the flooding, Congressman Braley has repeatedly encouraged the Speaker to visit Iowa.

“I’m happy that Speaker Pelosi accepted my invitation to tour Iowa’s flood-affected communities and see to see first-hand the damage and devastation caused by the floods,” Braley said.  “I’m pleased that Speaker Pelosi has indicated her support for additional disaster relief funding, and I will continue working to ensure that Iowa has the resources necessary to rebuild.” 

Further details on Speaker Pelosi’s trip to Iowa will be released as they become available. 

At 11:17 a.m. central, the following statement was released by Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-Mt Vernon):

SPEAKER PELOSI ACCEPTS REP. LOEBSACK’S INVITATION TO TOUR FLOOD DAMAGED AREAS OF IOWA

Washington, DC – Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after receiving news that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will visit Iowa on Monday, September 8th to tour flood damages areas of Iowa. 

“Many of our communities have been affected by the recent floods, and thousands of Iowans are struggling to get back on their feet.  The $2.65 billion in disaster relief that has already been provided only serves as a down payment; significantly more funding is necessary for a swift and robust recovery.

“I have explained to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Iowans need our help, and she personally assured me that when Congress reconvenes in September we will take up and pass a second disaster assistance package.  However, before we can secure comprehensive disaster aid, Speaker Pelosi must see firsthand the extent of damage to our communities, families, and businesses affected by the floods.  Only then, will she understand the true struggle our state faces as we travel down the long road to recovery.

“I am pleased to announce today that Speaker Pelosi has accepted my invitation to tour flood damaged areas of Iowa.  The gravity of our situation here in Iowa must not go unaddressed. I am committed to seeing our state clean up, move forward, and thrive once again, and I will not rest until further funding is provided for the ongoing recovery effort.”