May 17, 2012
Tom's Take: End the Obstruction and Prevent a Student Loan Interest Rate Hike
In this video, Senator Harkin urges Iowans to describe how the loan interest rate hike effective July 1st will impact them. Harkin is leading the effort to fight this rate hike in Congress.
January 24, 2012
The State of Our Union Depends on the Strength of the Middle Class
Senator Tom Harkin expresses his views of President Obama's State of the Union Address. Harkin, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has held hearings in Washington on the state of the middle class and listening sessions in Iowa.
August 2, 2011
Debt-Ceiling Deal and Its Impact on the Middle Class in America
While speaking with Iowa reporters today, Senator Harkin describes how the debt-ceiling deal causes greater inequalities between low-and high income earners in America, further eroding the middle class.
August 1, 2011
Floor Speech In Opposition to the Debt-Ceiling Deal
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) says that to say that this is the wrong policy at the wrong time is a gross understatement.
July 30, 2011
We Need Constitutional Action to Avert The Debt Crisis
As Congress continues to negotiate an agreement for the nation to pay its debt obligation, Senator Tom Harkin tonight called for constitutional action to avert a debt crisis.
July 26, 2011
The Default Crisis and the Path Ahead
Senator Harkin responds to calls into his office on the default crisis following the President's national address on Monday.
July 21, 2011
Tom Urges Senate Defeat of "Cut, Cap and Kill Medicare" Measure
Senator Tom Harkin invoked a warning from then-President Ronald Reagan about the risk of defaulting on our debt obligations. Tom urged the Senate to defeat a House measure he called "Cut, Cap and Kill Medicare" and instead find a balanced approach to deficit control.
July 20, 2011
Celebrating the Advancements of the ADA on this 21st Anniversary
Senator Harkin, as the chief Senate sponsor of this landmark law, points out how the ADA has increased accessibility around the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
July 20, 2011
Republicans Want To Cut, Cap, and Kill Medicare
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) in a news conference to say that the House Republicans' plan known as "Cut, Cap and Balance" should be called the "Cut, Cap, and Kill Medicare" Act. The U.S. House passed the measure last night on a largely party line vote. The legislation cuts Medicare and Social Security beyond the budget proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan, all while protecting tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and special interests.
July 13, 2011
We Need Intelligent Deficit Reduction
Senator Harkin spoke on the floor of the Senate about the need for smart deficit reduction that doesn't hurt the middle class or job creation.
July 1, 2011
Tom's Take: Tom Recaps His Western Iowa Tour To View Flood Fighting Efforts
In this week's "Tom's Take," Senator Harkin recaps his western Iowa tour to view flood fighting efforts underway in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and Hamburg. He also talks about his work to help secure Monday's presidential disaster declaration for six counties hardest hit by flooding.
June 29, 2011
The Federal Government Spurs Innovation
Senator Harkin continued his series of floor speeches on the economy by focusing on the role of the federal government in spurring innovation, bolstering economic growth, and creating jobs.
June 23, 2011
Harkin Discusses the Shrinking Middle Class and Hears from an Impacted DeWitt Mother
Senator Tom Harkin today chaired the second in a series of hearing examining the shrinking middle class in America as Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. The hearing, entitled "Stories from the Kitchen Table: How Middle Class Families are Struggling to Make Ends Meet" brought Iowan Amanda Greubel, a mother from DeWitt, Iowa to Washington to tell her story. Earlier this week, Harkin staff launched a 99 county summer tour to collect more stories from Iowa's middle class.
June 17, 2011
For-Profit Schools Have Prioritized Growth Over Education
On the floor of the Senate, Senator Harkin stated, "...the vast majority of For-Profit schools have prioritized growth over education in order to satisfy the demand of their investors. In fact, growth and return on investments for share holders is their legal obligation."
June 16, 2011
Harkin Statement on Two Anti-Ethanol Votes in the U.S. Senate
Senator Tom Harkin today delivered the following statement on the floor of the U.S. Senate in advance of votes on two anti-ethanol amendments: one that repeals the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC), the other that prohibits the use of federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities. Harkin is a senior member and former Chairman of the United States Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.
June 15, 2011
Senator Harkin on "The Early Show"
Senator Tom Harkin appeared on The Early Show on CBS to discuss the impact of the ongoing Boeing dispute with the National Labor Relations Board on workers.
June 15, 2011
Senator Harkin on the Need to Address the Jobs Deficit and Restore the Middle Class
Senator Tom Harkin today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate on the need to address jobs and restore the middle class in America.
June 10, 2011
Tom's Take - Hasten Deficit Reduction Talks By Taking GOP Plan To End Medicare Off Table
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) speaks out about the urgent need for Congress to take action and prevent a default on America's debt obligation. Harkin urged Congressional Republicans to help speed along a deal by taking the GOP's plan to dismantle Medicare off the table in the bipartisan talks. Harkin's message was simply, "Take Medicare off the table. Let's solve the default crisis. And let's talk about fixing the system so that our middle class can thrive."
May 24, 2011
Tom's Take - Standing Up to the Extreme Plan to Dismantle Medicare
Sen. Harkin discusses his recent meeting with Iowans about the importance of Medicare and the impact the House Republican Budget Proposal would have on their lives. Harkin said Medicare is a foundation for the middle class -- a lifeline to health care seniors and those living with disabilities rely on.
May 23, 2011
Senate Floor Speech on For-Profit Colleges and Universities
Statement by Senator Tom Harkin On the Targeting of Veterans and Active-Duty Members of the Military By For-Profit Colleges and Universities.
May 12, 2011
Fairness for Employees? Harkin Questions Huge Pay Gap between Employees and Executives
At a hearing this morning to examine the shrinking American middle class, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) challenged a Boeing Company executive to justify why his own compensation increased by 34% in one year while the average Boeing employee's compensation increased by only 3%.
May 12, 2011
Tom's Take - The Shrinking Middle Class and Its Impact on Iowa
Today, Sen. Harkin chaired a HELP Committee hearing, the first in a series, to examine why the middle class is increasingly slipping out of reach for Americans. Harkin highlighted the fact that there can be no sustainable economic recovery without the recovery of our middle class.
May 5, 2011
Tom's Take - Celebrating Moms and Appreciating New Health Care Freedom
Sen. Harkin wishes moms everywhere a Happy Mother's Day and discusses how the Affordable Care Act, the health reform legislation that was signed into law last year, helps to address many of the health issues women face.
May 5, 2011
Harkin Discusses Republican Budget Proposal Assault on the Middle Class and Its Impact on Iowa
Sen. Harkin spoke on the Senate floor regarding the reckless and unbalanced U.S. House Republican budget proposal. Harkin highlighted how middle class Americans and towns across the country -- like Webster City -- would be impacted by the proposal.
April 14, 2011
Harkin on the Misguided Attempt to Defund Health Reform and Planned Parenthood
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) took to the Senate floor to discuss the reckless and unbalanced House Republican budget proposal that takes two-thirds of its cuts from programs that serve the most vulnerable members of society, including the elderly and disabled, all while cutting taxes for the very wealthy. He also discussed how the House Republicans' efforts to defund the historic Affordable Care Act would impact Americans.
April 14, 2011
Tom's Take - Different Budgets, Different Values
Sen. Harkin contrasts the House Republican budget proposal with President Clinton's approach in the 1990s, which created large surpluses, 22 million new jobs, and kept America's social safety net in tact. By comparison, the House proposal dismantles Medicare, raises costs on seniors and adds trillions to the deficit.
April 13, 2011
Harkin Discusses Republican Budget Proposal Assault on the Middle Class
Sen. Harkin spoke on the Senate floor regarding the reckless and unbalanced Republican budget proposal.
April 12, 2011
Tom's Take - Forget the Elevator, Take the Stairs
As part of his daily routine, Sen. Harkin skips taking the elevator to his office on the 7th floor, and instead, takes the stairs. If you are able, taking the stairs is a great way to incorporate wellness into your everyday activities.
April 5, 2011
Tom Discusses the House Republican Budget Proposal
This afternoon, Sen. Harkin spoke on the Senate floor about the House Republican budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012 that eliminates Medicare by privatizing it and would have disastrous consequences for America's middle class.
March 29, 2011
Back Off Social Security
At a press conference yesterday, Sen. Harkin stood with Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) , Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Al Franken (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to tell Republicans to "Back Off Social Security" and abandon their dangerous plan to privatize Social Security, which would end the program as we know it. Harkin shared how Social Security helped his family after his mother passed away.
March 21, 2011
Tom's Take - One Year Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
Wednesday, March 23, marks one year since President Obama signed the health reform bill, known as the Affordable Care Act, into law. It ensures quality, affordable coverage to all Americans, cracks down on the worst abuses by health insurance companies and places a sharp new emphasis on wellness and disease prevention.
March 11, 2011
Tom Speaks at the National Community Action Foundation Conference
On Thursday morning, Senator Harkin spoke at the National Community Action Foundation's conference. The National Community Action Foundation works with lawmakers toward the goal of creating sustainable pathways out of poverty by empowering low income Americans with the skills they need to achieve permanent self-sufficiency.
March 9, 2011
Republican House Budget Cuts Bad for Iowa and America
Tom Harkin (D-IA) took to the Senate floor this afternoon to discuss the detrimental impact the proposed Republican House Budget would have on the country. He also detailed the direct impact the bill would have on Iowa.
March 1, 2011
Tom's Take - Answering Your Questions: Attempts to Cut Community Service Programs
Tom answers a question from Facebook user Crystal Schrader about the House Republicans' efforts to cut community service programs.
February 18, 2011
Tom's Take - Sharing the Sacrifice
Today, Senator Harkin discusses the implications the Republican House budget proposal would have for Iowa, and underlined the need to balance cuts in social services with revenue increases by ending the Bush-era tax cuts for high-earners.
February 15, 2011
Tom holds hearing on fighting fraud and waste in health care
Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies, held a hearing aimed at expanding support for efforts to combat waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid.
February 14, 2011
Tom's Take - Reforming No Child Left Behind
To share your thoughts on this important legislation e-mail: ESEAcomments@harkin.senate.gov
February 7, 2011
Tom Talks Health Reform on Iowa Press
Senator Harkin was the featured guest on Iowa Press this weekend, where he discussed the importance of health reform and the consequences of repealing the law. Harkin has pledged to fight any efforts to repeal or defund health reform.
February 5, 2011
Preserving America's Economic Security
Senator Harkin held a field hearing in Cedar Falls, IA on February 5, 2011.
December 2, 2010
Unemployment
Senator Harkin on the floor of the Senate talks about the need to reauthorize the Emergency Unemployment Insurance program.
September 13, 2010
Senator Harkin speaks on the floor of the Senate about the need to protect wellness funding
June 15, 2010
Senator Harkin at Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
Senator Harkin delivers the Third Annual Living Constitution Lecture at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law.
May 5, 2010
New Regulations on ATM Fees are Needed
Tom spoke on the Senate floor to discuss his amendment to regulate the fees banks can charge users when they utilize an ATM machine.
April 28, 2010
Financial Reform Needed to Hold Wall Street Accountable; Help Main Street
Tom spoke on the Senate floor before the third scheduled procedural vote to bring financial reform legislation up for consideration. The previous two attempts failed due to Republican obstructionism.
December 6, 2009
Stories of the Uninsured and Underinsured in Iowa
Tom describes the stories of three Iowans who have fallen victim to our broken healthcare system.
December 4, 2009
Senator Harkin's Holiday Message To The Troops
Tom gives his holiday message to the troops serving abroad.
December 3, 2009
Senator Harkin Addresses False Claims That Health Reform Will Hurt Medicare Recipients
Tom speaks on the Senate floor to address false accusations by Congressional Republicans that the Senate health reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will hurt Medicare recipients by making drastic cuts to the program.
December 1, 2009
Tom Talks About The Senate Health Care Reform Package
Senator Harkin talking on the floor of the Senate about health care reform.
November 20, 2009
Health Care Reform Bill In The Senate
Tom talks on the floor of the Senate about the healthcare reform bill.
October 14, 2009
Harkin Emphasizes Prevention's Role In Health Care Overhaul
Senator Tom Harkin took to the Senate floor today to stress the importance of keeping wellness and prevention measures in the merged health reform bill. Meaningful reform, Harkin argues, means shifting the focus of the system from patching people up after they get sick to keeping them out of the hospital in the first place.
Treating preventable diseases related to stress, obesity and poor nutrition account for 75 percent of our annual health care expenses. A sharp new emphasis on prevention will improve our public health and rein in sky high health care costs - two goals central to reform.
August 4, 2009
Tom Discusses Health Reform
On Monday evening, Aug 3, 2009, Senator Harkin joined members of the Senate Health, Education, Labors and Pension (HELP) Committee to discuss the benefits of The Affordable Health Choices Act for all Americans. Tom touted the prevention and wellness elements of the bill, which will reduce incidents of chronic disease and rein in the high costs of health care in America. He took to the Senate floor as his staff completed a state-wide listening tour of all 99 counties to hear Iowans concerns about health care.
August 4, 2009
Protecting Patients From Defective Medical Devices
A hearing of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to discuss the need to better protect patients from defective medical devices.
July 27, 2009
Senator Harkin Talks About The Americans With Disabilities Act Signed Into Law 19 Years Ago
On the 19th anniversary of the ADA, Tom talks about the law and the need to add a community choice provision to it.
July 15, 2009
In Historic Vote, Harkin And Senate Health Committee Approve The Affordable Health Choices Act
Landmark Health Reform Bill includes Tom's Prevention and Wellness Investments
June 18, 2009
Resolution Offers Apology For Enslavement And Racial Segregation Of African-Americans
A bipartisan, bicameral resolution passed by the U.S. Senate today provides an apology for the enslavement and racial segregation of African-Americans. The measure comes as the nation celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery. It was sponsored by Senator Harkin and Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and in the U.S. House by Congressmen Cohen.
June 17, 2009
HELP Committee Markup
Senator Harkin speaking at the Help Committee hearing.
June 17, 2009
Harkin Attends Progressive States Network Press Conference
Senator Harkin today held a press conference with Iowa State Senator Jack Hatch and a delegation of state legislators who urged Congress to include a public plan in the upcoming health reform legislation. The delegation of state legislators delivered a letter signed by more than 700 legislators from 47 states that calls for any health reform legislation to include the choice of a public health insurance option.
May 1, 2009
The Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2009
Today, Tom introduced legislation to prevent future flu outbreaks in response to the current H1N1 flu outbreak. The Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2009 would establish a nationwide voluntary influenza vaccination program under which any individual may receive an annual influenza vaccine, free of charge.
April 30, 2009
Housing Amendment Could Save Estimated 8000 Iowa Homes
Tom spoke on the floor of the Senate in support of an amendment offered by Senator Dick Durbin to the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act that would offer incentives for the creation of voluntary mortgage modifications. The amendment would prevent 1.7 million mortgages from falling into foreclosure and would preserve over $300 billion in home equity for neighboring homeowners who have made each of their own mortgage payments on time. According to estimates, approximately 8,089 homes in Iowa and $259,474,000 in neighborhood credit would be preserved.