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Tom Harkin is working in a bipartisan manner to get things done for Iowa.
Drafted New Farm Policy to Boost Rural Economy and Clean Up Our Environment; Signed Into Law by President Bush.
In May 2002, as Iowa’s first chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in nearly 100 years, Harkin successfully passed a new farm bill. The legislation is a vital economic stimulus package for rural America and Iowa. It restores an income safety net for farm families, protects and improves the quality of our soil and water, promotes renewable energy, and creates jobs by strengthening Iowa’s economy. President George W. Bush signed the farm bill into law May 13, 2002 saying it will “help ensure the immediate and long-term vitality of our farm economy.” [S.1731, became Public Law 107-171 on 5/13/02]
- Increase Conservation and Clean Up Our Environment. In 2001, Harkin worked with Republican Sen. Gordon Smith (OR) and Rep. John Thune (SD) to introduce the Conservation Security Act. This bill offers financial incentives to farmers and ranchers to implement effective conservation practices, on working lands. President Bush signed into law as part of the new farm bill. [Pioneer Press, 7/19/01; S.932, 5/22/01; became Public Law 107-171 on 5/13/02 as part of new Farm Bill]
Drafted Legislation to Double Health Research Support, Fund Education Reform Plan; Signed Into Law by President Bush.
In 2001, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2002. The legislation continues the commitment of Congress to double funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health into diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s; fully funds President Bush’s landmark education reform legislation; and secured $50 million for Iowa school construction and modernization. [S.1536, H.R.3061 became Public Law 107-116 on 1/10/02]
- Incentive for Teachers to Stay in Iowa. As chair of the committee that funds education, Harkin sponsored a bill to provide $2 million to the Iowa Teacher Incentive Program to provide incentive for teachers to stay in Iowa. The program provides forgivable loans of up to $3,000 to Iowa college students enrolled in teacher programs who plan on teaching in a designated shortage area in Iowa upon graduation. This fall, 529 students will receive loans.
- Health Security Plan for Rural and Small Town America. As chair of the committee that funds health care, Harkin successfully passed the Health Security Plan for Rural and Small Town America, which will increase access and affordability to health care services in small towns and rural areas. The bill increased funding for the National Health Service Corps to help train and retain primary care providers who serve in rural areas in exchange for education grants or loan forgiveness. Harkin also secured the largest single increase ever – over $175 million – for community health centers. The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a proposal that would increase the payment rates to Medicare providers in states like Iowa who are currently reimbursed at a rate below 95% of the national average.
Introduced Legislation to Aid Farmers in Economic Crisis; Benefit School Lunch Program; Signed Into Law by President Bush.
In 2001, Harkin introduced the Farm Aid bill to respond to the continuing economic crisis adversely affecting Iowa farmers. The bill also included an increase in school commodities and specialty crop purchases to benefit the School Lunch Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. [S.1246, incorporated into H.R.2213 which became Public Law 107-25 on 8/13/01]
Introduced Bill to Modernize and Build Health Research Facilities; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1999, Harkin introduced the Twenty-First Century Research Laboratories Act to provide support for the modernization and construction of biomedical and behavioral research facilities and laboratory instrumentation. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Susan Collins (ME), Chuck Hagel (NE), Jesse Helms (NC), Pat Roberts (KS), Arlen Specter (PA), and John Warner (VA). [S.1268, became Public Law 106-505 on 11/13/00]
Introduced Legislation to Issue Military Medals to Iowa Veterans; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1999, Harkin introduced a bill to eliminate the backlog in satisfying requests from former members of the Armed Forces for the issuance or replacement of military medals and decorations as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill. [S.687; S.A.489, S.1059 became Public Law 106-065 on 10/5/99]
Introduced Bill to Reform Welfare; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1994, with Republican Senator Kit Bond (MO), Harkin introduced a welfare reform bill based on models used in Iowa and Missouri that would place limits on the amount of time families can spend on welfare depending on each family’s circumstances. This plan was incorporated into the final 1996 Welfare Reform bill that was signed into law. [Des Moines Register, 6/15/94; Harkin Press Release, 7/19/96; S.A.4915, 7/18/96, agreed to by voice vote; H.R.3734, became Public Law 104-193 on 8/22/96]
Drafted Legislation to Increase Childhood Immunization, End SSI Benefits for Drug Addicts and Ending Payments to Convicted Felons; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1994, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1995. [H.R.4606, S.Rept.103-318 became Public Law 103-333 on 9/30/94]
- Ending SSI Benefits for Drug Addicts. After uncovering wasteful spending, Harkin included provisions in this law to identify and stop government payments to individuals who do not comply with drug or alcohol treatment requirements. Many recipients were found to be using their government payments to further their addictions.
- Ending Payments to Convicted Felons. The Senate bill included provisions to end government payments through the federal employees compensation act to any individual convicted of a felony.
- Childhood Immunization Bonus. In order to expand the number of children vaccinated against preventable illness, the bill establishes a system of bonus payments to the states for those substantially increasing the percentage of their infants who are immunized.
Sponsored an Amendment to Provide More Protections for the Disabled; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1993, Harkin sponsored an amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986, the Wagner-O’Day Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improve the protections for the disabled. [S. 1295, became Public Law 103-73 on 8/11/93]
Sponsored Bill to Help Midwestern Flood Victims Get More Assistance; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1993, Harkin sponsored an amendment to the Hazard Mitigation and Relocation Assistance Act of 1993 to help flood victims (including victims of the Midwestern floods of 1993) receive additional assistance. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Senators Kit Bond (MO) and Chuck Grassley (IA), made it easier for thousands of Iowans to get federal funds to relocate their homes off the flood plains and onto higher ground. [S. 1670, became Public Law 103-181 on 12/3/1993]
Drafted Legislation to Create One-Stop Career Center, Cut Back on Worker Compensation Fraud; and Abusive Child Labor; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1993, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1994. [H.R.2518, S.Rept.103-143 became Public Law 103-112 on 10/21/93]
- One-stop Career Centers. Began support for a nationwide system of one stop career centers to more efficiently and effectively provide job training and related services.
- Stopping Worker Compensation Fraud. After uncovering abuses, Harkin included a provision which prohibits worker compensation benefits to individuals convicted of fraud.
- Abusive Child Labor. Required major investigation by the Department of Labor into the use of abusive and exploitive child labor around the world. The series of reports begun in this law paved the way for major legislative and international efforts to combat child labor.
Sponsored Flood Disaster Aid to Farmers; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1993, Harkin sponsored an amendment that would increase the size of federal payments to farmers whose crops were damaged in the 1993 Midwestern floods by lifting a 50 percent cap on crop loss disaster aid. Harkin fought to have the Congress return to funding crop loss at 100 percent of the formula. The amendment, co-sponsored by Republican Senator Kit Bond (MO), passed and farmers were given an additional $1.4 billion in emergency funding. [Gannett News Service, 8/3/93; vote #240, 8/4/93; S.Amdt 758, H.R.2667, 8/4/1993, became Public Law 103-75 on 8/12/1993]
Introduced Bill to Expand Services to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities; Signed Into Law by President Clinton.
In 1993, Harkin introduced the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to expand or modify certain provisions relating to programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, provide Federal assistance for priority area activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, protection and advocacy of individual rights, university affiliated programs, and projects of national significance. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT) and James Jeffords (VT). [S.1284, 7/23/93, became Public Law 103-230 on 4/6/94]
Introduced Bill To Help Ensure the Health of Women; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1992, Harkin introduced the DES Education and Research Amendments of 1992 that authorizes the National Institutes of Health to conduct new epidemiological studies on individuals exposed to DES in utero – a widely prescribed drug for pregnant women to prevent miscarriages which was banned more than 20 years ago. “DES daughters,” women whose mothers took the drug, have been shown to have increased incidence of vaginal cancer, miscarriages and other diseases. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Alfonse D’Amato (NY), Orrin Hatch (UT), and Arlen Specter (PA). [Contemporary Women’s Issues, 10/19/92; S.2837, H.R.4178, became Public Law 102-409 on 10/13/92]
Wrote Landmark Amendment to Boost Breast Cancer Research; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1992, Harkin worked with Republican Senators Alphonse D’Amato (NY) and Arlen Specter (PA) to pass an amendment transferring $200 million from Defense spending to breast cancer research. The amendment was included in Defense Appropriations and signed into law by President Bush, October 6, 1992. This effort led to doubling federal support for finding a cure and improved treatment for breast cancer. [Vote #228, 9/22/92; Science, 10/30/92, became Public Law 102-396 on 10/6/92]
Drafted Legislation to Increase Health Care, Government Efficiency and Farm Safety; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush. In 1992, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1993. [H.R.5677, S.Rept.102-397 became Public Law 102-394 on 10/6/92]
- Efficiency in Government. The Senate bill provided for a personnel freeze and other hiring efficiencies resulting in an annual savings to taxpayers of $324 million.
Breast Cancer Research. Provided an over 60 percent increase in NIH-funded research to improve treatments for breast cancer.
- Telemedicine. Initiated funding for the Midwest Rural Telemedicine project improving access to health care and reducing costs by hooking up Iowa hospitals to the statewide fiber optic communications network. This cutting edge network now includes over 25 Iowa hospitals, clinics and nursing homes across the state.
- Farm Safety. Restored proposed cuts to Harkin initiated program to reduce accidental injuries on the farm and to reduce exposure of farm families to harmful pesticides and chemicals.
- Family Planning and Women’s Health. A substantial increase in family planning and women’s health services were funded in Iowa and across the nation, reducing unplanned pregnancies.
Introduced Bill to Extend Vocational Rehabilitation Programs; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1992, Harkin introduced the Rehabilitation Act Amendments which revised vocational programs for individuals with disabilities. The bill, co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), James Jeffords (VT), and Strom Thurmond (SC), helped Americans with disabilities enter the job market. [S.3065, H.R.5482 became Public Law 102-569 on 10/29/92]
Drafted Legislation to Expand Child Health Initiatives, Build Sioux City Health Center, and Increase Funding for Head Start Program; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1991, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1992. [H.R.3839, became Public Law 102-170 on 11/26/91]
- Funded Child Health Initiative. Funded a major expansion of services designed to reduce infant mortality and childhood diseases. The bill also included a substantial increase in support for immunizing children against preventable diseases like measles was provided.
- Sioux City Community Health Center. A new health center which provides affordable health care to thousands of Sioux City residents was established.
- Increase Funding for Head Start. Thousands of additional children in Iowa and around the nation received cost effective early intervention and education services of a substantial increase in support for Head Start.
Sponsored Bill Strengthening the IDEA; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1991, Harkin introduced legislation to amend and strengthen the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill, among other things, broadened the definition of “children with disabilities” to include children who are physically, socially and emotionally disabled. It was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and James Jeffords (VT). [S. 1106, became Public Law 102-119 on 10/7/91]
Sponsored Bill to Protect Legal Rights of Mentally Ill; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1991, Harkin sponsored the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Amendments Act, which provides representation to individuals with mental illness in Federal facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, community facilities for individuals with mental illness, board and care homes, homeless shelters, and jails and prisons. It was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Bob Dole (KS) and James Jeffords (VT). [S. 1475, became Public Law 102-173 on 11/27/1991]
Drafted Legislation to Increase Access to Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening, Combat Alzheimer’s Disease, and Shore Up Rural Health Care; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1991. [H.R.5257, S.Rept. 101-516 became Public Law 101-517 on 11/5/90]
- Increased Funding for Cancer and Alzheimer’s. The legislation began funding for a new national program to screen older women for breast and cervical cancer. This program has saved thousands of lives over the ensuing decade and provides screening to thousands of Iowa women every year. The legislation also doubled funding in one year for research to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease.
- Bringing Doctors to Rural Areas. The bill doubled funding for the National Health Service Corps which gives scholarships and loans in exchange for doctors serving in rural and other underserved areas in Iowa and around the nation. Iowa is one of the leading beneficiaries of this rural health program.
- Provided Rural Health Outreach Grants. Created innovative national program to increase access to quality health care in rural areas. This initiative has proved a major success and has benefited numerous communities in Iowa. It has been praised for its flexibility and lack of heavy paperwork burdens.
Sponsored Monumental Americans With Disabilities Act; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, Harkin worked with Republican Senators Bob Dole (KS) and Orrin Hatch (UT) to pass the monumental Americans with Disabilities Act. The Act helped enhance the quality of life for disabled Americans by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability in four major areas; employment, public accommodations, public transportation, and telecommunications. [S. 933, became Public Law 101-336 on 7/26/90]
Sponsored Bill to Significantly Increase Funding for Education for Disabled Individuals; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, Harkin sponsored the reauthorization of the Education of the Handicapped Act (later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which extended the funding of the program. The bill authorized $321 million for FY 1991, compared to $182 million appropriated the year before. It was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and James Jeffords (VT). [S.1824, became Public Law No: 101-476 on 10/30/1990]
Sponsored Bill to Make Closed Captioning Mandatory on All Televisions; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, Harkin sponsored the Television Decoder Circuitry Act, which made closed captioning circuit chips mandatory in all new televisions, helping many hearing impaired individuals to receive news and entertainment for the first time. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Robert Dole (KS) and John McCain (AZ). [S.1974, became Public Law No: 101-431 on 10/15/1990]
Sponsored Bill to Help States Develop Health Plan; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, Harkin sponsored a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide grants to states to assist with the development of a state plan for improving the health of individuals. The legislation was co-sponsored by Republican Senators John Chafee (RI), Thad Cochran (MS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and Richard Lugar (IN). [S. 2056, became Public Law 101-582, 11/15/1990]
Sponsored Bill to Ensure Rights and Assistance for the Disabled; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1990, Harkin sponsored a bill to reauthorize the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to extend more legal rights and assistance to persons with developmental disabilities. The legislation was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and James Jeffords (VT). [S. 2753, became Public Law 101-496 on 10/31/1990]
Sponsored Bill to Create Trails Interpretation Center in Council Bluffs; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1989, Harkin sponsored a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide for a trails interpretation center in Council Bluffs to interpret the history of development of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, and the Oregon National Historic Trail. The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). [S. 338, became Public Law No: 101-191 on 11/29/1989]
Drafted Legislation to Increase Job Training, Cut Government Waste and Abuse, and Increase Math and Science Education; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1989, as Chair of the Subcommittee, Harkin wrote the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 1990. [H.R.3356, became Public Law 101-166 on 11/21/89]
- Increase Funding for Job Training. The legislation nearly doubled funding for retraining laid off workers so they could find new jobs.
- Cut Government Waste Fraud and Abuse. Created $192 million in savings by eliminating waste, duplication and mismanagement in government programs, including an estimated $147 million in savings from reducing waste in Medicare and a major initiative to reduce taxpayer losses caused by student loan defaults.
- Enhanced Math and Science Education. Began a new coordinated strategy to enhance the quality of math and science instruction to American children.
Sponsored Bill to Expand Child Nutrition and WIC; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1989, Harkin introduced the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act to continue child nutrition programs. The bill, among other things, authorizes funds for the School Breakfast Program and required a reduction in paperwork for administering such programs. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Kit Bond (MO), John Chafee (RI), Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Slade Gorton (WA), Jesse Helms (NC), Richard Lugar (IN), Mitch McConnell (KY), and John Warner (VA). [S.1484, H.R.24 became Public Law 101-147 on 11/10/89]
Sponsored Reauthorization of the Education of the Handicapped Act; Signed Into Law by President George H. W. Bush.
In 1989, Harkin sponsored the reauthorization of the Education of the Handicapped Act. The bill, among other things, extended coverage of children with disabilities to include those with autism or traumatic brain injury and redefined “special education” to include instruction conducted in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings, and instruction in physical education. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators John Chafee (RI), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and James Jeffords (VT). [S. 1824, became Public Law 101-476 on 10/30/90]
Introduced Bill to Establish Program for WIC Recipients to Shop at Farmer’s Market; Signed Into Law by President Reagan.
In 1988, Harkin introduced the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Enhancement Act to establish a demonstration project to provide coupons to recipients of assistance under the special supplemental food program for Women, Infants, and Children for use at farmers’ markets. [S.2475, incorporated into S.2560 became Public Law 100-435 on 9/19/88]
Sponsored Bill to Protect Mentally Ill; Signed Into Law by President Reagan.
In 1988, Harkin sponsored a bill to amend the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, to ensure states protect the rights of mentally ill individuals. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), and Orrin Hatch (UT). [S. 2393, became Public Law 100-509 on 10/20/88]
Sponsored Bill to Create National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; Signed Into Law by President Reagan.
In 1988, Harkin sponsored a bill to establish within the National Institutes of Health a National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The legislation was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Orrin Hatch (UT), John McCain (AZ), Arlen Specter (PA), and John Warner (VA). [S. 1727, became Public Law 100-553 on 10/28/88]
Sponsored Bill to Help States Gain Technology for the Disabled; Signed Into Law by President Reagan.
In 1988, Harkin sponsored the Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act. The bill established a program of grants to States to promote the provision of technology-related assistance to individuals with disabilities. The bill was co-sponsored by Republicans Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), Richard Lugar (IN), and Dan Quayle (IN). [S.2561, became Public Law 100-407 on 08/19/88]
Sponsored Amendment to Develop State Assistance Programs for the Disabled; Signed Into Law by President Reagan.
In 1987, Harkin sponsored an amendment to the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to set up State Assistance Agencies, so that states could develop plans to help disabled residents. The bill was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Thad Cochran (MS), Robert Dole (KS), Orrin Hatch (UT), and Strom Thurmond (SC). [S. 1417, became Public Law 100-146 on 10/29/87]
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