American people deserve a government that works for them

Congress' approval rating did not get to 10 percent overnight and restoring the public's faith in the institution will take some time. The strength of our representative democracy is Americans' trust in our democratic system. The recent pledge I took to never become a lobbyist and the legislation that I co-sponsored are small steps, but we must start somewhere.

Just about a year ago, I signed on to legislation that bans Congress from insider trading. At the time, I was only the fourth member of Congress (and the first from Iowa) to add my name to the bill. It wasn't until the fall, after intense media exposure, that the calls for the passage of the STOCK Act grew. It was the watershed moment that led to the bill's passage and it was finally signed into law this week. Unfortunately, it will take another watershed moment to get the lobby ban passed.

I am also an original co-sponsor of the DISCLOSE Act, which promotes the transparency of the money that is being spent to influence elections. The bill would enhance reporting by the so-called “Super PACs” to ensure the public knows who is funding these groups that often operate anonymously. Our election process must be open and transparent and we must pass this bill.

Congress needs to be reformed and the American people deserve a government that works for them. These changes will undoubtedly take time, but that shouldn't stop my colleagues and me from standing up and doing what is right for Iowans.

Rep. Dave Loebsack

Iowa City