Federal health care plan could force state action Sep 18, 2009
Tom Harkin expressed confidence Thursday a health care plan will emerge this fall despite overwhelming Republican opposition and mixed views among Democrats. If Congress passes a health care overhaul, legislators say they'll likely need to come up with more state money to partially match increased federal funding. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
American Clean Energy Act will discriminate against Iowans and other Midwesterners Sep 17, 2009
When member-consumer-owners ask us what they can or should do, we tell them to contact Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, Iowa's senators at www. FindABalancedSolution. (Kalona News, IA)
U.S. Senator to Look Into Cellphone-Cancer Link Sep 16, 2009
WASHINGTON - Iowa senator Tom Harkin, newly empowered to investigate health matters as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, promised on Monday to probe deeply into any potential links between cellphone use and cancer. Harkin, who took over the committee earlier this month after the death of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, said he was concerned no one has been able to prove cellphones do not cause cancer. (Newsmax)
Nobel recipient Norman Borlaug dies at age 95 Sep 15, 2009
Tom Harkin said modern agriculture is truly a reflection of Borlaug's achievements. "The way we farm and thus feed and fuel the world are a result of his influence. Though Dr. Borlaug is no longer with us, his vision for agriculture remains," Harkin said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Franken pushes health care reform at Harkin steak fry Sep 15, 2009
Minnesota Senator Al Franken, right, receives applause from Ruth and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin following Franken's remarks at the 32nd Harkin Steak Fry Sunday, September 13, 2009 in Indianola, Iowa ... Tom Harkin's 32nd annual steak fry fundraiser, as Democrats who control Congress attempt to pass a health care reform package this year. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Ag community responds to Lincoln as new Senate Ag Committe Chair (66) Sep 15, 2009
She replaces Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who is leaving that post to chair the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. We re pleased to see that someone who understands the concerns of farmers and ranchers is in this important position, noted MFBF President Bob Hanson. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Senator to look into cell phone-cancer link Sep 15, 2009
WASHINGTON - Iowa senator Tom Harkin, newly empowered to investigate health matters as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, promised on Monday to probe deeply into any potential links between cell phone use and cancer. Harkin, who took over the committee earlier this month after the death of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, said he was concerned no one has been able to prove cell phone do not cause cancer. (MSNBC -- Health)
Harkin: 'Silent majority' back health care reform Sep 15, 2009
Tom Harkin predicts Congress will approve a health care reform bill this fall that includes a public option, saying a "silent majority" of Americans favor such an overhaul. Speaking with reporters Sunday at an annual Democratic fundraiser, Harkin promised passage of a health reform measure being pushed strongly by President Barack Obama. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Who’s Looking After the Workers? Sep 14, 2009
Tom Harkin, cosponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, and Chairman George Miller of the House Education and Labor Committee. As fiduciaries with broadly-diversified portfolios, the signatories wrote, we must be cognizant of these trends and their impact on our investments. (Human Events Online)
Harkin makes Iowa a 'laughingstock' Sep 13, 2009
Posted: Sunday, September 13, 2009 YANKTON, S.D. -- Tom Harkin might just be onto something when he curtly dismisses reports of a possible Republican resurgence across Iowa in response to eight months of Barry Obama's Marxist experiment. After all, Iowans have rather passively suffered Harkin's looney ramblings in Washington for the past several years. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Harkin tries on Kennedys health care reform mantle Sep 12, 2009
Tom Harkin missed it. "I was heartened by his strong support for a public option," Harkin said Thursday in a morning-after analysis, adding he believes Congress is in a strong position to pass health care reform before Christmas. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harkin Taking Senate Health Chairman Spot Sep 10, 2009
WASHINGTON Senator Tom Harkin will replace the late Edward Kennedy, a fellow liberal Democrat, as chairman of the U.S. Senate health committee, a key panel in the drive for healthcare reform, a Democratic Party aide said on Wednesday. In addition, Senator Blanche Lincoln will succeed Harkin as chair of the Agriculture Committee, the aide said. (Newsmax)
Harkin takes lead role in health care debate Sep 10, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, will be giving up his post as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and will lead a committee playing a key role in the health care reform debate as it kicks into high gear ... "Iowa Democrats are deeply proud of Tom Harkin's record of fighting for the most vulnerable among us and excited he'll be in a position to do much more," Kiernan said in a statement. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Ark. Sen. Lincoln new head of Senate ag committee Sep 10, 2009
Tom Harkin set to take over health care ... Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who will replace Kennedy as chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in a series of leadership changes announced Wednesday ... Tom Harkin, D-Iowa listens at left. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
AP source: Dodd rejects health panel chairmanship Sep 9, 2009
Tom Harkin of Iowa, the next most senior Democrat on the panel. The aide spoke only on condition of anonymity ahead of Dodd's announcement of his decision, expected Wednesday. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Is the political ground shifting under Iowa Democrats? Sep 6, 2009
Sioux City Journal : Is the political ground shifting under Iowa Democrats. Is the political ground shifting under Iowa Democrats. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Vets receive long-overdue medals Sep 5, 2009
Tom Harkin in a ceremony at the Grout Museum's Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 ... Tom Harkin followed both of the mottos he mentioned Thursday. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harkin hopeful Senate will pass food safety bill Sep 4, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Wednesday. "This is an urgent matter. We can't put it off," Harkin told a food safety forum at Drake University. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Wellness wave Sep 2, 2009
Tom Harkin and Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, would provide a tax credit for up to 10 years to companies offering wellness programs that include things such as health awareness, risk assessment and behavior change programs with incentives for participation. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Evansdale vet awarded overdue Purple Heart Aug 26, 2009
Tom Harkin helped him get it. Morris formally will be awarded the medal at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at Prince of Peace Church in Evansdale. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Latham: Narrow focus on health insurance Aug 22, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, in McAllister Hall at NIACC were turned away because of possible fire code violations. Harkin s staff had been offered a larger venue prior to the meeting but turned it down. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Distaste for campaigning a factor in Gudgels decision not to run again Aug 21, 2009
Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin and Rep. Dave Loebsack and their staffs in promoting the needs of Keokuk and Southeast Iowa. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Some turned away question location Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin at North Iowa Area Community College, because of fire code concerns. The room where the meeting was held has a maximum capacity of about 100 people, said Sethanne DeGabriele, NIACC spokeswoman. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Big turnout at health care meeting Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin speaks to the crowd at a health care reform town hall meeting Friday at North Iowa Area Community College ... Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, at North Iowa Area Community College on Friday because of fire code concerns. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Upmeyer calls on Harkin to give public access to health care bill Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin to give the public access to the health care reform bill he helped pass out of a Senate committee last month. The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee passed its bill a month ago and the public still cannot read it because they have not made it available, said Upmeyer. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
People turned away at Harkin meeting due to fire code Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, at North Iowa Area Community College because of fire code concerns. So many people came to the meeting that they couldn t all fit into the room at McAllister Hall were it was scheduled. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Harkin tells Grassley to pull the plug on end-of-life comments Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin took issue with Sen. Charles Grassley's comments that people have "every right to fear" part of a House bill that provides for end-of-life counseling. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Bin-buster predicted at harvest Aug 15, 2009
Tom Harkin both recently asked U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack via letters to declare 23 Iowa counties agriculture disaster areas. Crops have been destroyed or significantly injured by hail and flooding, the requests said. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Harkin, Grassley cross swords on health care debate Aug 14, 2009
Tom Harkin took issue with Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley s comments at a town hall meeting that people have every right to fear a provision in a House bill that provides for end-of-life counseling. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Iowa senators announce juvenile justice grant Aug 14, 2009
Tom Harkin said identifying and rehabilitating at-risk youth are "significant steps toward preventing future crimes.". The Iowa Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning Agency can use the funds to improve juvenile justice system operations, and establish programs designed to prevent gang involvement and substance abuse by juveniles. (Sioux City Journal)
Grassley pledges to vote against a government-run plan Aug 14, 2009
Tom Harkin last week where he was repeatedly shouted down by health-care reform opponents. As the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley has played a key role in negotiations for a bipartisan health-care reform package. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Harkin gets earful about health care at Davenport town hall meeting Aug 12, 2009
(older than 14 days). Article rated a 0 by 0 users. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Revolutionary War veteran Ebenezer Ayres gets new tombstone Aug 12, 2009
Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin. A new tombstone for Ebenezer Ayres was unveiled in a separate Ayres area of the cemetery along side the mans original tombstone. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
AARP launches health care reform ad blitz Aug 12, 2009
Tom Harkin over the weekend in Des Moines, have been "unfortunate.". "There are groups of people that are motivated by a political agenda, but there are also people that are sincere about what their concerns are, and those people frankly, are not getting a chance to ask those questions and hear the answers from members of Congress because of the disruptions," Koeppl said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harkin Makes Promoting Wellness Personal Aug 11, 2009
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is far more concerned with another electronic device: his pedometer. It reminds me, Don t take that subway, Harkin said, shaking a pointed finger at the underground trolley that carries Members and staff from the Capitol to the three Senate office buildings. (Roll Call)
Dedication sets the record straight Aug 11, 2009
Letters of congratulations were read from Iowa Gov. Chet Culver and U.S. Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin. A new tombstone for Ebenezer Ayres was unveiled in a separate Ayres area of the cemetery along side the man's original tombstone. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Some turned away at Waterloo Harkin health forum Aug 11, 2009
Tom Harkin addresses a forum on health care at People's Community Health Clinic in Waterloo Monday morning ... Tom Harkin was greeted by a relatively civil crowd at a town hall meeting on health care Monday morning, two days after a similar gathering in Des Moines was disrupted by protesters. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Health-care outbursts foreshadow a hot August Aug 10, 2009
Tom Harkin of Iowa, was interrupted several times by people in the audience shouting criticism and questions, even though he said he didn't expect Iowans to take part in what he called "scare tactics, misinformation and obstruction.". "As we have seen in recent days, opponents are pulling out all stops to kill the reform effort. This is a shame," Harkin said. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Iowa Health Reform Debate Heats Up Aug 10, 2009
Tom Harkin became unusually heated in Des Moines on Saturday. A crowd packed into a room at the Des Moines Primary Health Care Center for Harkin's August recess "Building Iowa's Future" tour. (7 KETV Omaha)
Shouting match erupts at Harkin's health care forum Aug 9, 2009
Tom Harkin erupted into a shouting match Saturday afternoon, when opponents of health care reform yelled pointed questions and criticisms to the Democratic senator. It echoed other health care events sponsored by members of Congress around the country in recent days that have been disrupted by protestors, although no one was arrested at Saturday s event. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Tension at Iowa Sen. Harkin's health care event Aug 9, 2009
Tom Harkin, with several audience members shouting criticism and questions at the Iowa Democrat. Opponents of health care reform proposals interrupted the nearly hourlong meeting several times. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harkin supports public health care option Aug 8, 2009
Tom Harkin won't say he will vote against any health care reform legislation that doesn't include a public option, but he thinks government-backed competition to private insurance has deep support in Congress. "I'm very much for a public option," Harkin said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
No clunker rebates for rich? Or poor? Nevermind Aug 7, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, wanted to prevent Microsoft founder Bill Gates and other rich people from benefiting from the "cash-for-clunkers" program. But his proposal would also have inadvertently disqualified many low-income car buyers from getting the incentives. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Recession driving summer push to feed needy kids Aug 7, 2009
Senate Education Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said his committee will take a closer look at the summer program in considering the legislation. "Ensuring that our kids have enough to eat during summer months is critically important, especially during these tough economic times," Harkin said in an e-mail. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Harkin wants limits on Cash for Clunkers Aug 7, 2009
Tom Harkin doesn t want taxpayers to help Bill Gates buy a new car. Harkin has proposed limiting the popular cash for clunkers program that gives new car buyers up to $4,500 if they trade in an older, inefficient vehicle. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Congress OK’s additional $2b for ‘clunkers’ Aug 7, 2009
An attempt by Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, to limit the program to lower- and middle-income consumers was jettisoned on a vote of 65-32. Gregg s call for Congress to offset the $2 billion with spending cuts elsewhere also failed, 51-46. (Boston Globe)
Senate to consider $2 billion 'clunkers' refill Aug 7, 2009
Tom Harkin of Iowa has also voiced concern, arguing it does little to help working families. Harkin wants the vouchers limited to individuals earning less than $50,000 a year or joint filers earning less than $75,000. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Senate panel backs Leach for Humanities post Aug 5, 2009
Tom Harkin, a member of the committee, said. Leach's nomination moves to the full Senate for confirmation. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Franken relishes policy role in new Senate position Aug 2, 2009
He really understands the sort of workings of government and how policy is developed and the effect it has, said Senator Tom Harkin, Democrat of Iowa. This is not some passing fancy of his. (Boston Globe)
Senators back Culver on disaster request Aug 1, 2009
Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin are supporting Gov. Chet Culver's request for a presidential disaster declaration for Black Hawk County to qualify for disaster aid to help with cleanup from a July 10 windstorm that heavily damaged parts of Cedar Falls and elsewhere. Each Iowa senator wrote President Barack Obama asking for the declaration. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Harkin pushes for Medicare reform Aug 1, 2009
Tom Harkin, a veteran of several unsuccessful attempts to improve Medicare reimbursement to Iowa health care providers, sees the current congressional debate as the best opportunity to reward their high-quality care. "Now's our chance if we're going to have a big health care reform bill," Harkin, the Democrat from Cummings, said. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Congress Ignoring Obesity in Health Bill Jul 31, 2009
Legislation passed by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, chaired by Tom Harkin, includes up to $10 billion in annual funding for community wellness programs and a provision requiring chain restaurants to list calorie counts. House legislation goes further, with an amendment by Kind calling for a national strategy to combat obesity. (CBS News -- Health)
Herseth Sandlin sees no need to rush health care reform Jul 31, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, expressed frustration with the slow pace of health care reform. "This isn't easy," Harkin said, since numerous interests "have fingers in the pot and they don't want to change the system.". (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Dodd may snub lobbyists, but not their cash Jul 25, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, before the start of the continuation of a mark-up of the Affordable Health Choices Act, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ron Edmonds, File. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Harkin scolds CBO, Finance Committee Jul 25, 2009
Tom Harkin scolded the Congressional Budget Office for not including savings from wellness and prevention measures he put in health care reform legislation, a decision, he said, that artificially raises the plan's cost. "They're nuts," the Iowa Democrat said Thursday about the CBO not including "mega billions" in savings. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Senate Democrats scrub August vote for healthcare plan Jul 24, 2009
It s time for them to fish or cut bait, Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. In the House, Democratic leaders are struggling to win over rebellious moderates and conservative rank-and-file party members who are demanding changes to their version of the legislation. (Boston Globe)
Harkin: CBO is wrong on health care cost Jul 24, 2009
Tom Harkin scolded the Congressional Budget Office for not including savings from wellness and prevention measures he put in health care reform legislation, a decision, he said, that artificially raises the plan's cost. "They're nuts," the Iowa Democrat said Thursday about the CBO not including "mega billions" in savings that could be realized from counseling people who are pre-diabetic, for example, and providing follow-up care and monitoring. (Sioux City Journal)
FEMA trying to avoid more delays, official says Jul 24, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, issued a statement which said Harkin, like Grassley, had contacted FEMA and was awaiting its response. My focus is on moving forward and getting to the bottom of this discrepancy to ensure that problems like this are not happening anywhere else in the state, said Harkin. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Senators seek coverage for alternative therapies Jul 24, 2009
Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who is a longtime supporter of nontraditional medicine, is at the forefront of the effort to win insurance coverage for such providers as part of national healthcare legislation. It s time to end the discrimination against alternative healthcare practices, Harkin said at a congressional hearing. (Boston Globe)
Rule change creates headaches Jul 23, 2009
Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ames, to express their concerns. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Loud party led to arrests at Iowa chief justice's house (3) Jul 20, 2009
shouldbemayor wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:41 PM:" Sobriety and Family Are Focus of New Federal GrantsThis Saturday Joan Ohl, commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, will present a grant of $500,000 per year for five years to Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus. The judicial branch will work with the Iowa Department of Human Services, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Office of Drug Control Policy to implement the family drug court program in seven... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Obama Budget Proposal Reignites Farm Payment Limitation Battle (12) Jul 20, 2009
U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) supports Obama's efforts to cut government subsidies to large farms, but questions the method of doing it. Obama's budget plan would eliminate direct payments for producers with high sales revenues. (Agri-View, WI)
Should blacks get reparations? Jul 19, 2009
Tom Harkin, after the Senate voted June 18 to endorse a national apology for slavery. "It is important to have a collective response to a collective injustice." And considering the scale and brutality of slavery in American history, Senator Harkin could not be more right. (Yahoo News)
Local activists cringe at Sotomayor's evasive answers Jul 18, 2009
Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said Thursday that he sees "nothing that would keep us from having her on the floor of the Senate before the August break and confirming her as a Supreme Court justice.". The prospect of the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice thrills Samuel Nodarse, a Cuban immigrant and retired University of Northern Iowa modern language professor. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Sen. Harkin touts health care moves Jul 18, 2009
Tom Harkin praised preventive health care measures approved by a Senate panel, predicting they will "transform our current sick care system into a genuine health care system.". The Affordable Health Choices Act approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is "landmark" legislation that will reduce health care costs, include a strong public option, protect individuals' choice in care and assure affordable coverage for everyone. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
