Leonard Boswell



Leonard L. Boswell has been a Democratic member of the House of Representatives since 1997, representing the 3rd District of Iowa. (map)

Iraq War
Boswell voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Health Issues
Boswell had a non-cancerous tumor removed from his stomach in 2005. The surgery and resulting recovery period caused him to be the most-absent member of congress for the year. Rumors circulated that Democrats were looking to replace him on the ballot for 2006's congressional race against Iowa GOP Senate leader Jeff Lamberti, but Boswell's return to work and apparent good health have put an end to the speculation.

Veteran health
On March 21, 2007, the House considered the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, introduced by Rep. Boswell, to address the problem of mental illness following service in wars and high suicide rates among veterans. Specifically, the bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: The bill passed 423-0.
 * Provide screening for risk factors of suicide, track veterans at risk, counsel and treat them and provide for referral for counseling and treatment. Counselors would be expected to work with local emergency rooms and police, mental health organizations and veterans services organizations to engage in outreach. Mental health care would be provided on a 24-hour basis and a hotline would need to be established and implemented.
 * Provide research and mental health care for veterans who have experienced sexual trauma while in the military.
 * Make an effort to remove the stigma associated with mental illness, encourage veterans to seek treatment and assistance for mental illness, promote skills for coping with mental illness, and help families with veterans understand the issues of assimilating to civilian life after war.

Bio
Boswell was born January 10, 1934 in Missouri. He was educated at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, served in the United States Army, and was a farmer and a member of the Iowa Senate before entering the House. Boswell was also the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor of Iowa in 1994.

Boswell was drafted in the Army in 1956, but worked his way to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, and the Soldier's Medal. "He served two one-year tours of duty as an assault helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He also served two NATO tours of duty in Europe, first for four years in Germany, and later three years in Portugal." Due to his extensive military background, Boswell has Top Secret clearance. 

Congressional career
According to his House biography, "Boswell has participated in bringing about the first balanced federal budget in nearly three decades, provided meaningful tax relief to working families, supported the most comprehensive education reform ever undertaken, and has been instrumental in crafting aviation security legislation. He also continues to fight for keeping Iowa's small businesses and rural communities vital, preventing crime, and fighting for Iowa's families."

2006 elections
In 2006, the Republicans nominated Jeffrey Lamberti to face Boswell in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Boswell retained his seat.

Money in politics
cid=N00004208&cycle=2006

Committees

 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Aviation
 * Subcommittee on Railroads


 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research
 * Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, Chair


 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Agriculture
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Contact
DC Office: 1427 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-3806 Fax: 202-225-5608 Email: rep.boswell.ia03 AT mail.house.gov Website

District Office: 300 East Locust, Suite 320 Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-282-1909 TollFree: 888-432-1984 Fax: 515-282-1785

Resources

 * Official website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Articles

 * "Boswell Campaign: Congressman Boswell to Address Out-of-State Interest Groups in Campaign," IowaPolitics.com, October 4, 2006. re Economic Freedom Fund
 * Chris Dorsey, "IowaPolitics.com: 3rd CD Candidates Discuss TV Ads in Debate," IowaPolitics.com, October 4, 2006.
 * "Boswell Campaign: Congressman Boswell Tells Lamberti 'Keep Your Word' and Remove 527 Ads," IowaPolitics.com, October 5, 2006.
 * "Lamberti Campaign: Lamberti to Boswell: It’s Time to Stop Hiding Behind Negative Ads," IowaPolitics.com, October 5, 2006.

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Bleeding Heartland
 * Diary of a political madman
 * Political Forecast
 * Blog for Iowa
 * Century of the Common Iowan