Washington, DC – Congressman King released the following statement today regarding the announcement that President Obama will visit western Iowa next week. Twice in the past year, King has written to Obama to ask him to make time to visit the communities in western Iowa hardest hit by last year’s historic flooding during his previous trips to the state. Despite the requests, Obama did not visit western Iowa during either trip.
“Regardless of his motives, I am glad President Obama will visit western Iowa,” said King. “Twice in the last 14 months, I’ve asked the President to make time in his previous trips to Iowa to visit the communities and individuals in western Iowa impacted by last year’s historic flooding along the Missouri River. Both requests fell on deaf ears. Now, when drought is a more pressing concern, he will come and I hope he takes time from his political activities to visit those still recovering from excess water and at the same time dealing with too little moisture this year.
It’s frustrating that we’re nearly a year removed from last year’s flooding and still no significant actions have been taken to provide those who live and work in the River Basin with any additional flood protection. I’ve offered the solution for increased protection in the form of legislation, H.R. 2942, to require an increase in Missouri River reservoir system’s flood storage capacity. But I’ve had to go as far as adding legislative language to the Farm Bill to try to force this administration to engage in this issue.
For the first time in my memory, Iowans need flood protection and drought relief simultaneously. The Obama Administration has resisted taking a position on flood protection while Senate Democrats killed drought disaster relief for Iowa producers. We need to pass a Farm Bill and I hope the President meets with real Iowans who will tell him the same thing.”