David Loebsack: “I thank the gentleman from California for yielding, and I do rise in support of this bill. As we struggle to recover…”

“I thank the gentleman from California for yielding, and I do rise in support of this bill. As we struggle to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, Congress must be good stewards of taxpayer funding and ensure that as families cut back and save, the government cuts back and saves as well. I have been pleased to work with Congressman Cole to promote this legislation. And as the only Democratic cosponsor, I do want to thank him for his work on this bill. I'm also pleased that Senator Coburn's identical amendment passed with huge bipartisan support in the Senate. And I do expect similar support in the House, as I think we can all agree on this commonsense way to ensure the prudent use of taxpayer funds. This bill will prohibit the use of public funding for political party conventions like the recent ones in Tampa and Charlotte. It will also put any leftover funding toward deficit reduction. And while I did not attend the convention this year so I could focus on the needs of Iowans, I know there is an important role some convention activities play for the political parties and for the country, and indeed for the political process in America.…”