On Monday, August 22, 2011, Iowa’s 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack appeared on Iowa Public Radio’s program The Exchange with Ben Kieffer. During the half hour program, Dave reacted to the recent developments in Libya. Following is a delayed live blog of the program.

Kieffer: Was the fall of Tripoli and the likely fall of Muammar Gaddafi a foregone conclusion?
Loebsack: I’m not sure it was at least not this quickly. People were surprised at the developments over the weekend. The general sentiment in Congress is Gaddafi is someone who is not a friend of the United States and almost everyone will be happy that he is gone. I voted against troops on the ground. Moving forward we have to work with NATO, Arab and African states and the United Nations. To the extent to which we are involved, we must be very careful about how.

Kieffer: What does this mean to the United States?
Loebsack: Anytime you can get rid of a dictator like Gaddafi it is a good thing. We’ve gotta make sure the transition is as peaceful and stable as possible. There’s going to be a period that’s kind of shaky. We have to make sure we support the small “d” democrats there during the transition.

Kieffer: How has the United States been active in Libya?
Loebsack: Principally through the United States State Department. The trouble has been in identifying who are our friends. I have been asking, “what does a post Gaddafi Libya look like?” We have not had an answer up to this point.

Kieffer: What does this mean for President Obama and the Democrats?
Loebsack: I don’t think there is an answer at this time. NATO has taken the lead and other Arab and African Countries as well as the UN will be involved in this. We must provide as much support as possible within our means.

Kieffer: President Clinton ignored the War Powers resolution in Libya, as has President Obama. Are you worried that Congress was left out of the picture?
Loebsack: I had my own concerns about how this went down. That’s why I voted for no boots on the ground. Many are being critical of the President for political reasons. We need to find the middle ground on what the president can and can’t do.

Kieffer: When will Congress work for substantial cuts in the pentagon budget?
Loebsack: Maybe as early as the end of this year depending on whether the super committee comes to any conclusion. I agree we have gotta draw down. We are spending too much money in Iraq and Afghanistan. We should fulfill the pledge to get troops out of Iraq this year. I’m all for reoriented our spending. We need a strong defense and budget cutting will require a number of complicated decisions.

Kieffer: When you look at the super committee, are you hopeful?
Loebsack: Well, I hate to predict, it’s very difficult. I agree with the folks who send e-mails and phone calls my office about the dysfunction in Washington. I hope the committee will not reflect the dysfunction of Congress. I was for a committee like this last year, but it did not have hanging over it the prospect of cuts. I am not sure this is the best way to go about it and I had concerns about the deal that was struck regarding the debt limit and deficit.

Kieffer: What would make it a thumbs down for you?
Loebsack: I don’t like to draw bright lines because we are going to have to compromise. I don’t want to say I need this or else, we are going to have to compromise.

Kieffer: Republican presidential candidates would reject raising taxes to resolve the deficit problem. What are your thoughts?
Loebsack: A balanced approach would include enhanced revenues. For example, close loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas. We could extend research and development tax credits. Congress should find places where we agree and put those items on the table.

~ Dave Loebsack is serving in the United States House of Representatives from Iowa’s Second District. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and on the House Armed Services Committee. He is also seeking re-election to a fourth term. To learn more about Congressman Dave Loebsack, click here.