Senator Harkin announced on Monday that he and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) have introduced legislation aimed at helping to efficiently bring ethanol to communities across America. The bipartisan plan gives pipeline owners the same tax benefits they receive for moving petroleum products.

Senator Harkin will be acting as a surrogate for Presidential candidate Barack Obama at The National Forum on Disability Issues from 12:30-4:00 PM on Saturday, July 26th, in Columbus, Ohio. The Forum is a non-partisan presidential forum organized by the Ohio Disability Vote Coalition and the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Senator Harkin renewed his calls yesterday for better FDA techniques and a national trace-back system following the news that the FDA had identified the source of a salmonella strain that sickened more than 1,200 people.

Senator Tom Harkin today met with Cedar Rapids city leaders, including Mayor Kay Halloran, to get an update on the recovery and rebuilding process. Cedar Rapids officials outlined the federal support they will need to rebuild and Harkin reiterated his vow to securing federal resources to help in that effort.

Yesterday Senator Harkin announced that more than $16 million will be coming to the state of Iowa for flood control and flood prevention measures. The provisions were approved yesterday by the Senate Appropriations committee of which Senator Harkin is a senior member. The funding includes:

Over the weekend, Senator Harkin returned to Iowa to celebrate Independence Day. While their he and his supporters walked in two great parades. On July 3rd he attended the West Des Moines Independence Day Parade, and on July 4th he was in Clear Lake walking in their Independence Day parade. Attendance and support was amazing in both places. Thank you to all those who made it out to walk in the parade and to those of you who cheered us along the routes!

See below for some great pictures of Senator Harkin and his supporters in West Des Moines and Clear Lake.

Senator Harkin 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.