During this River to River interview, host Ben Kieffer talks with Representative Dave Loebsack about the issues facing his constituents in Iowa's 2nd district, including flood risk, healthcare, employment, and trade tariffs. Later in the hour, Loebsack answers listener questions.
One issue that remains close to Loebsack's heart is the Cedar Rapids flood, which was 10 years ago on June 13th.
"I have not forgotten about Cedar Rapids even though I don't represent Cedar Rapids any longer," Loebsack says. "All of that has a special place in my heart given that I was out there at the time mucking out basements and doing what I could, not just here in Congress."
Loebsack is still working on legislation that would establish a National Flood Center.
"I've been pressing hard along with Congressman Blum, along with our two Senators— I'm never going to let go of what happened in Cedar Rapids and what I think we have to have happen to mitigate and minimize future flooding down the road."
