Democratic Congressman Leonard Boswell was reelected in November of 2010 to serve his eighth term in the United States House of Representatives as a respected voice and advocate for Iowa’s Third Congressional District.

Boswell believes in the importance of public service and has spent his life serving his country and his neighbors. Leonard has committed himself to working for the people including 20 distinguished years in the United States Army, 12 years in the Iowa Senate, and eight terms in the halls of Congress.

Leonard is a Member of the House Committee on Agriculture, where he presently serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Farm Commodities and Risk Management. His seniority and leadership position on the Agriculture Committee have further enabled him to be a voice for Iowa’s farmers and producers as he helps to shape the next Farm Bill. As one of the few farmers in the House, Boswell has used his influence and his background in agriculture to advocate for expanding America's homegrown energy industry, increased conservation, mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), increased transparency in the marketplace, and stronger food safety standards.

Boswell was also named to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he serves on the Subcommittees on Aviation, and Highways and Transit. Leonard has used his position on the Transportation Committee to advocate for a stronger transportation and infrastructure investment that creates good-paying, quality jobs, increases safety, and fosters commerce. Leonard has directed much-needed federal resources to rebuild and repair Iowa’s transportation infrastructure, which is critical in creating jobs and ensuring Iowa’s competitiveness.

Having served two tours in Vietnam as a combat assault helicopter pilot, two tours of duty in Europe with NATO, and having earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, the Soldier’s Medal, and numerous other awards, Congressman Boswell is a respected voice on military and veterans affairs in the House of Representatives. He has used his influence to shepherd through Congress the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which provides a comprehensive suicide prevention program for our nation’s veterans. Congressman Boswell has also vigorously spoken out in favor of redeploying our forces from Iraq, and fought for increased benefits for our nation’s veterans.

Leonard Boswell was born and raised in Ringgold and Decatur counties where he attended public schools and graduated from Lamoni High School. He later earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Graceland College. A committed family man, Leonard and his wife Dody have been married over fifty years and together they have three children.