Iowa’s two new congressmen were sworn into office this (Thursday) morning in Washington. Democrat Bruce Braley represents Iowa’s first district, which includes Davenport, Dubuque and Waterloo. Democrat Dave Loebsack represents the second district, which includes Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Loebsack left his job as a political science professor at Cornell College to go to Washington. “Bruce and I got to know each another throughout the campaign and I’m really happy to be here with him because we think a lot alike on the issues and I think we’re going to be a good partnership here and join Leonard Boswell on the Democratic side of the delegation,” Loebsack says. Boswell, a Democrat from Des Moines, is Iowa’s third district congressman.
Braley, a lawyer from Waterloo, says the orientation process is over, and it’s time to get to start passing legislation. “We also have a very ambitious 100-hour agenda that we’re going to start tackling during the swearing in process,” Braley says. “I think Dave and I both feel very privileged to be out here on behalf of the people in our district and we’re both very excited to be here experiencing this unique opportunity together.”
Iowa’s two other congressman — both Republicans — were sworn in today, too. Steve King of Kiron represents western Iowa’s fifth district and Tom Latham represents the fourth district which includes Ames and Mason City.