Iowa Disasters
Learn about Disaster Recovery Assistance through the handout provided by Senator Harkin's office
Get the latest information available from the State of Iowa Flood 2008 website.
We now have available a Flood Cleanup Guide in PDF format.
Learn about Federal Emergency Assistance Available to Agricultural Producers
Additionally, Iowans affected by recent tornadoes and floods are urged to call the 24-hour Iowa Concern Hotline for financial and emotional assistance at (800) 447-1985
People who want to donate to help the victims of the storms can do so through Iowa’s Flood Resource Center.
Today in the Senate
An error occurred while retrieving Today in the Senate.June 30, 2008
Harkin Announces Full $17 Million Coming To Create Jobs, Rebuild Iowa Communities
by Harkin Press Staff
$11 Million in Employment Funds Being Disbursed Today
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the full $17 million in federal funds directed to the Iowa Workforce Development are now available to create temporary employment in counties that have been affected by the recent severe weather and flooding. Earlier this month, Harkin spoke with Labor Secretary Elaine Chao about an immediate release of $6 million to Iowa. Today’s announcement represents the total amount of funding that was headed Iowa’s way. Harkin is the Chairman of the Senate panel that funds labor initiatives.
This funding will create temporary employment to assist in the clean-up and recovery efforts as a result of the recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.
"As many Iowans are struggling due to lost jobs, this direct infusion of funding will help workers get back on their feet," said Harkin. "This program is a double win for our state because it helps our communities clean up in the aftermath of this historic disaster, and creates jobs for Iowans who have lost their jobs because of this crisis."
Iowans who are unemployed due to the disaster are eligible for these jobs. Each Iowan who is qualified to receive these benefits could receive up to $12,000 for up to 26 weeks. Those interested in employment are encouraged to call 1-800-Job-Iowa.
June 30, 2008
Statement by Senator Harkin on President’s Approval of Flood Relief Support
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today made the following statement about President Bush’s approval of the Supplemental Spending Bill which, among other domestic priorities, would allocate $2.65 billion for the federal agencies tasked with providing support for the recent disasters. In an effort to ensure that affected states are getting help, Harkin, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, brought together a coalition of bipartisan Midwestern Senators to fight for funding for areas impacted by natural disasters this year. Harkin has received assurances that another Supplemental funding package may be brought up this year to include more disaster funding for Iowa and other states.
June 27, 2008
Congress Approves Harkin’s Push For Flood Disaster Aid & American Health, Employment And Research Priorities
Senator Harkin, Chairman of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds labor and health initiatives, successfully included major provisions to help Americans in the supplemental spending package that the Senate passed today by votes of 92 to 6. The bill will now go to the president for his approval.
June 25, 2008
Harkin, Senators Honor Boy Scouts And Those Affected By Tragic Tornado
Senator Harkin today applauded passage late last night of a resolution he introduced with Senator Chuck Grassley and Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson of Nebraska honoring those affected by the tornado that hit the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa on June 11.
June 24, 2008
Videos Of Senator Harkin in Iowa This Weekend
Sen. Harkin tours Columbus Junction, IA
June 23, 2008
Common Misunderstandings Could Delay or Limit Your Assistance
In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by rumors and half-truths about how to get help and the various assistance programs that are available. When residents suffer losses they need accurate information.
June 23, 2008
Updated - Harkin Encourages Families Affected by Disaster to Seek Food Assistance
Following action by the state of Iowa to establish a Disaster Food Assistance Program in counties hardest hit by flooding and weather, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today encouraged Iowans affected by the disaster to seek help in putting food on their tables while the flood waters recede. The Disaster Food Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior appropriator on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds USDA programs.
June 18, 2008
Harkin Encourages Families Affected by Disaster to Seek Food Assistance
Following action by the state of Iowa to establish a Disaster Food Assistance Program in counties hardest hit by flooding and weather, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today encouraged Iowans affected by the disaster to seek help in putting food on their tables while the flood waters recede. The Disaster Food Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior appropriator on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds USDA programs.
June 17, 2008
An Update From Senator Harkin
June 16, 2008
Tom Talks From The Senate Floor About The Recent Flooding In Iowa
June 15, 2008
Images from Iowa
June 13, 2008
After Eastern Iowa Flood Damage Tour, Harkin Announces Federal Disaster Declaration For 13 Counties
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced the federal disaster declaration of 13 Iowa counties - Adam, Boone, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dallas, Dubuque, Floyd, Franklin, Marion, Page, Story, Tama and Union. Now that the counties have been declared, residents and businesses can begin applying for federal disaster assistance. Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler and Delaware counties have already been given their federal disaster declarations. Harkin visited Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City today and plans on touring the damage done in Mason City, Charles City, Nashua and Waverly tomorrow.
June 12, 2008
Senator Harkin Statement Regarding Tornado That Ripped Through Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch
Senator Harkin today conveyed his sympathies to victims, families and friends of those affected by last night’s tornado that swept through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch near Turin, Iowa. News reports indicate that four boys - including 14-year old Aaron Eilerts from Eagle Grove, Iowa - died in the disaster and many more are injured.
May 26, 2008
Statement From Senator Harkin After Visiting Iowa Communities Hit By Severe Weather
US Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement today after touring communities in northeast Iowa that were ravaged by tornadoes:
May 23, 2008
The Meaning of Sacrifice
On Memorial Day, the President and other leaders give speeches in the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. But to truly appreciate the sacrifices of Americans who have given their lives in battle, I recommend visiting a different part of the cemetery.
May 22, 2008
Statement of Chairman Tom Harkin
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in response to the Senate vote of 82 to 13 override the veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act in the Senate. Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted 316 to 108 to override the measure. Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and of the Senate-House conference committee on the new farm bill.
May 21, 2008
President Bush Veto Would Deny Forward-Looking Farm, Food, Conservation and Energy Initiatives
Today, right now in America, farm families and rural communities are awaiting a new farm bill. Working families are struggling to put food on the table because of recession and rising food prices. Today in America farmers and ranchers lack the assistance they need to conserve resources and provide a cleaner environment. Production is increasing at such a rapid pace that our lands are eroding and the strain on the environment is increasing. And today in America energy costs are off the charts with drivers in some areas paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas and farmers around the country seeing their diesel costs increase substantially. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act - or more commonly, the farm bill - was aptly named to address each of these concerns.
May 20, 2008
Harkin Statement on Senator Ted Kennedy
Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement after learning that Senator Ted Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
May 15, 2008
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Harkin Led Farm Bill That Benefits Iowa
Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and of the Senate-House conference committee on the farm bill, today announced that with a vote of 81-15, the Senate had overwhelmingly approved the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the farm bill conference agreement. The bill will now be sent to the White House.
May 14, 2008
Video - Tom Debates the Farm Bill on the Senate Floor
Senator Harkin takes to the floor during the debate of the farm bill.
May 14, 2008
Interning in my Office
Years ago I began my political career as an intern for Iowa Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives. The experience provided an invaluable firsthand education into how government operates. I’m looking for bright students who share this interest in public service to apply for internships in my office.
