Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1438 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight a very insightful and pertinent report from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, ACTA, titled: ``A Broadside for the Nation, Preparing College Students for Informed Citizenship.'' ACTA is a wonderful, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting academic excellence, academic freedom, and accountability through the trustees at America's colleges and universities as well as informing and engaging the general public. The broadside is reminiscent of the many broadsides published during the revolutionary period that were so important in informing the people along with getting their support for the revolution. Being an informed citizen isn't passe. It is one of our most sacred responsibilities as Americans and one we cannot afford to abandon or ignore. As the report's authors lay out: ``True patriotism includes a commitment to and appreciation of American values and principles. Since the founding of our Nation, our greatest leaders have recognized that our freedom and our prosperity depend on informed and engaged citizens.'' We just celebrated 250 years of American greatness, Mr. Speaker, and we ought to do all that we can to learn of and espouse the values and principles that make America the greatest country in the world. Michael Poliakoff, the president of ACTA, captured this sentiment perfectly in this report: ``The birth of America 250 years ago amazed the world, and our founding documents have inspired the search for freedom and human rights throughout the world. The colleges and universities built and maintained by the vision and generosity of generations of Americans owe it to the Nation to ensure that every student they graduate understands the precious heritage we share.'' Let us not forget the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson who once opined on this very issue: ``If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.'' I commend ACTA and the many authors who contributed to this report for calling attention to this issue. It is one that we all would do well to wholeheartedly support.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize John McCourt and his wonderful wife, Eileen, who are the epitome of the American Dream. John began his career in 1970 in County Tyrone, Ireland, in the screening equipment business on the factory assembly line for Powerscreen International Limited. After building his reputation and business acumen across Europe, he and his wife, Eileen, relocated their family to the United States, and he soon established his own distributorship in Texas. Fast-forward to today, and the McCourt family runs a highly successful equipment business with a reputation and a track record that is steeped in high quality and unparalleled commitment. Their business is family owned and family operated with over 500 years of experience in the industry and over 150 employees. I was fortunate to meet members of the McCourt family recently in Washington through Associated Equipment Distributors. They are a wonderful group of dedicated people. The wonderful story of their parents, John and Eileen, as well as the story and success of their entire family, is something to marvel at, Mr. Speaker. We should all take the time to recognize the impeccable, business- driven and value-driven people in our communities and across the Nation like the McCourt family for all they do in supporting our great American economy. a modern broadside

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 119-755) to accompany House Resolution 1438 should have included in its waivers of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6955 a disclosure of the following violations: Clause 10 of rule XXI, which prohibits consideration of a measure if it has the net effect of increasing mandatory spending over the current, five-year, or ten-year period. Section 303 of the Congressional Budget Act, which prohibits consideration of legislation providing new budget authority, a change in revenues, or a change in the public debt limit, for a fiscal year until the budget resolution for that year has been agreed to.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As I said at the outset of this debate, Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of business to attend to this week. Our work in service to the American people continues. We are not in chaos, Mr. Speaker. The four underlying measures of this rule meet the priorities of President Trump, the administration, and the American people. We are focused on commonsense measures. As we have seen across our country in recent weeks and months, the Democratic Party is being taken over by communists, and we know that communists have never made the world a better place to live. A vote against this rule and its underlying measures is a vote to deny the priorities of all three of the entities I have mentioned and to deny positive progress. We would all do well to remember that. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, we don't side with killers. We side with the Constitution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have great affection and respect for VFW members. In fact, I have great respect and admiration for every organization that represents veterans. It is because of veterans that we speak English here today and that we are the greatest country in the world. I would like to set the record straight about which veteran organizations are supporting this legislation. We have The American Legion, and I am not going to read the entire quote, but there is a quote here from Daniel Wiley, American Legion national commander, who said: ``For over a century, The American Legion has been the leading veterans service organization advocating for passage of nearly all major expansions or reforms to healthcare and benefits that benefit veterans and their families.'' ``After thorough consideration of the legislative and regulatory environment, which included conversations with legislators who both agree and disagree with the bill, we believe TCAVA is the best path forward to get these crucial bills enacted into law.'' ``The Take Care of America's Veterans Act represents our Nation's sacred promise to those who serve and those they leave behind,'' said Bonnie Carroll, president and founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS. The Military Officers Association of America has supported this legislation. The Wounded Warrior Project and 16 other groups support the legislation before us today. Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, is quoted here: ``This legislation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand with the veterans, caregivers, and survivors who have sacrificed so much for our country.'' Mr. Speaker, I have page after page after page of quotes from these various organizations that support this legislation. I believe they are correct in supporting the veterans legislation which is a part of this rule. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining on both sides.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the American people need to take note of the amount of rhetorical smog emanating from the other side of the Chamber, because it is obscene. Our Democratic colleagues continue to weave together an entirely disingenuous and deceptive narrative that Democrats are the ones standing at the forefront of the conversation when it comes to supporting our Nation's veterans. That has never been the case and will never be the case. If Democrats truly cared enough about veterans, they would spend their time supporting Chairman Bost's bill and not coming up with hack job, so-called solutions that do nothing to reform the VA and deliver high-quality care and service to those who have served this Nation. Mr. Speaker, it is sad that our colleagues across the aisle have chosen this position. It is sad that they can gin up misleading narratives and hawk them around like someone delivering newspapers on a bike. The bill before us ensures that combat-disabled servicemembers who were medically retired through no fault of their own receive the benefits they earned while maintaining equity across retiree populations. This is what happens when personalities of the day and political gamesmanship subvert actual legislating, like what Chairman Bost and Republicans have been doing the entire time. The former doesn't deliver for veterans. It treats them like second-class citizens. Their solution is spending more money while delivering fewer outcomes. Wow, color us shocked. It is a story as old as time. Instead, the bill before us today would reduce net direct spending by approximately $1.3 billion over the next 10 years. In an era of growing deficits and debt, H.R. 9237 demonstrates that Congress can advance significant veterans' priorities while remaining fiscally responsible and reducing overall Federal spending. Republicans are focused on targeted relief. This is targeted relief that focuses on combat-disabled veterans, includes additional fairness safeguards, and does not throw money at a problem with the meager hope of things fixing themselves by osmosis. Let's run through what else you will not find in the cobbled- together, so-called solutions that Democrats are throwing their weight behind. You won't find a unified Democratic effort to reform the VA's outdated construction and leasing processes that delay the opening of clinics and facilities across the country. In Chairman Bost's bill, Republicans are doing just that. You won't find the Democratic commitment to ensure that veterans can continue to access the mental health care support services in the communities where they live nationwide. In Chairman Bost's bill, it is there. You won't find Democratic solutions to slash government bureaucracy that hinders veterans from accessing the care they deserve and earned. In Chairman Bost's bill, they are there. Mr. Speaker, that is the difference here. All Democrats see is another government program to funnel money into without any commitment whatsoever to improving the lives of those the program serves. They will contort the language they use and the policy gimmicks they cook up to mislead people and organizations into believing mistruths. VSOs, the purpose-driven organizations that are dedicated to advocating for veterans, have been led to believe that Republicans somehow want to rob veterans of their benefits, but that is entirely untrue. As is evidenced by President Trump's efforts, the efforts of Secretary Collins at the VA, and the veteran-driven legislation here in Congress, Republicans see veterans and meet them where they are. Republicans see and understand the problems that veterans face every day and want to ensure that the VA is nimble, responsive, and rightsized so that veterans are not left in the dark and to fend for themselves. Here is a final little nugget that I will leave you with, Mr. Speaker: The majority of our Republican members on the Veterans' Affairs Committee are indeed veterans. There is only one Democrat on that committee who is a veteran. I trust veterans to know and understand what veterans need and deserve. People are actually attuned to issues veterans face as opposed to those who simply haven't the slightest clue. Republicans are the ones with actual solutions here. We are not bloviating like so many have chosen to do. We are fighting for veterans, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. Yesterday, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule, House Resolution 1423, providing for the House's consideration of four measures: H.R. 139, H.R. 8595, H.R. 9237, and H.R. 1181. First, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, or their respective designees, provides one motion to recommit, and makes in order 29 amendments. Additionally, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 1181, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, under a closed rule. The rule provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services, or their respective designees, and provides one motion to recommit. Finally, the rule provides that once the NSRP Appropriations Act is passed, the Clerk shall add the text of S. 1383, the SAVE America Act, to the bill and transmit it to the Senate as a single item. Mr. Speaker, we have a lot of business to attend to in the people's House this week, and part of that business is passing this rule and the underlying legislation. Now, I am sure, as is always the case, that our Democrat colleagues will not be focused on the task at hand for even a mere second in this debate. It would be a miracle if they did, Mr. Speaker. You and I both understand that. What they will end up doing is ruffling their own feathers, working themselves into a tizzy, and spending their time blabbering on about things that are unrelated to the business at hand. It is very typical behavior. The rule before us today advances four separate pieces of legislation that all bear a common thread. Let me say that again, Mr. Speaker. The rule before us today advances four separate pieces of legislation that all bear a common thread: They serve the interest of the American people. H.R. 8595 will make America stronger, safer, and more resilient through the championing of America First foreign policy so that our Nation and allies are supported while our adversaries are deterred. H.R. 9237 is a comprehensive package of more than 60 bipartisan bills which will enhance and reform the delivery of healthcare and benefit services at the Department of Veterans Affairs for the entire veteran community, including military and veteran families. H.R. 1181 would prevent intrusive monitoring by the Federal Government of Americans who exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms. H.R. 139 establishes daylight saving time as the permanent, year- round standard time for the United States and would dispense with the semi-yearly practice of resetting our clocks. For far too long, the American public has spoken out against this disruptive practice. This Congress and this President will bring the stability to American households that our constituents have been endlessly seeking. Advancing this rule and its underlying bills is the imperative before us today, Mr. Speaker. The American people demand our doing so, and we must act without hesitation or delay. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 1423 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and thank The American Legion Post 290 in King, North Carolina, for recently sponsoring a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Referred to as ``The Moving Wall,'' this replica is 246 feet in length and honors every servicemember who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Vietnam. In late April to early May, The Moving Wall was displayed at The American Legion Post 290 in King, and I was fortunate enough to attend the closing ceremony and offer a few remarks about its importance. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsored the event, and doing so takes serious and dedicated planning by all who are involved. This event came together through countless hours of preparation and diligence in monitoring the wall while it was in King. Sheila Winfrey, the 290 unit president; Lynn Shouse, the vice president; Cherryl Penn; and Jessie Penn deserve tremendous credit for putting this entire event together. The citizens of King and those from the area who came to view The Moving Wall indicated that they share the exact same sentiment. We are all grateful for the dedication and efforts of these four wonderful individuals in helping put this event together, as well as grateful for those represented on the wall. Everyone who was fortunate enough to attend, me included, would agree that they did a fantastic job all around. It is my hope that many others across our Nation will attend such events where The Moving Wall is displayed and take the time to learn of its importance and the sacrifices made to preserve and protect the freedoms we are all blessed to have by those who have served and especially those who lost their lives in service.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Faster Labor Contracts Act. Republicans should always be proworker, and we are always proworker; but being proworker does not mean handing more power to Washington, and it certainly does not mean taking decisions away from the workers themselves. Yet, that is exactly what this bill does. For nearly 90 years, Federal labor policy has been guided by a simple principle: workers and employers should determine the terms of employment through voluntary, good-faith bargaining. That framework, established under the National Labor Relations Act, has governed labor relations for generations. The Faster Labor Contracts Act turns that principle on its head. If negotiations fail to conclude within a federally prescribed timeline, government-appointed arbitrators are empowered to impose wages, benefits, schedules, and workplace rules for years to come. In other words, this bill replaces negotiation with compulsion and substitutes private agreements with Federal mandates. Most concerning, workers themselves may be bound by contracts they never approved. Under the FLCA, employees would lose one of the most fundamental rights they have today: the ability to vote on the terms and conditions governing their own employment. This is not proworker. It is progovernment, and Congress should not be in the business of silencing workers or stripping them of their voice. Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition to this bill.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Horn in the West outdoor drama that is in its 74th season in Boone, North Carolina. Horn in the West tells the story of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the days before and during the war for independence. This drama is inspiring, Mr. Speaker. It helps tell the story of our founding as a nation in dramatic fashion that is enjoyable for people of all ages. Many people are traveling from near and far to visit our Nation's capital in advance of the semiquincentennial, and rightfully so. The city has immense history as it relates to the Revolutionary War and the founding of our Nation. We should also take the time to look around locally, for there are many opportunities to learn about the fundamental components of America's story, like what Horn in the West conveys through drama. Mr. Speaker, I remain in admiration of everyone who has played and continues to play a part in keeping Horn in the West alive and running since it first began in 1952. This outdoor drama kicks off in late June and runs through July. It is always well attended and supported by people from North Carolina and surrounding areas, even by those who may not be from the area. I encourage everyone to learn more about Horn in the West and even consider traveling to Boone to watch it firsthand. You will not be disappointed.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the Biden-Harris administration abandoned our Border Patrol agents and refused to enforce our sovereign borders. This destroyed morale and increased attrition throughout the front lines of law enforcement who want to do what they signed up for: secure our borders. It is crucial to our national security that ICE and CBP have the resources and pay they need to accomplish their critical and legal missions of preventing illegal aliens and other public safety threats, narcotics and other contraband from entering our communities, and removing criminal illegal aliens from within our country. It is not sufficient to hope that we can use the funding from H.R. 1 to fully fund these agencies. Our colleagues talk about money that Homeland Security has in its budget, but they are quite well aware that the money allocated in H.R. 1 provided supplemental funding to finish building the border wall that was abandoned under the Biden administration, provide funding for additional well-paid frontline personnel to accomplish their Homeland Security missions, and invest in advancements in technology to close exploitable gaps and enhance border interdictions to keep our communities safe. Yes, there is money, but it is mostly for the wall and for technology. Right now, CBP does not have the personnel that it says it needs. That is why the reconciliation legislation provides supplemental investments in closing the personnel gap throughout CBP; bolstering recruiting, training, and education; and addressing attrition and the morale crisis by funding retention bonuses. H.R. 1 funding is not sufficient for the everyday operations of securing our Nation's borders, and as our colleague from Oklahoma said, there was an agreement to do this in the Homeland Security bill, and at the last minute the Senate balked and refused to do it. Mr. Speaker, providing expedited consideration of the forthcoming reconciliation measure will allow us to fund these two mission-critical agencies and the people who support them. Let's move forward, pass this rule, and advance the reconciliation measure that will soon come before us. I support the rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the previous question and a ``yes'' vote on the rule. The text of the material previously referred to by Mr. McGovern is as follows: An Amendment To H. Res. 1336 Offered By Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts At the end of the resolution, add the following: Sec. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this resolution, the House shall proceed to the consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. 8914) to amend section 1304 of title 31, United States Code to restrict payments for compromise settlements or awards. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The bill shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and on any amendment thereto to final passage without intervening motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary or their respective designees; and (2) one motion to recommit. Sec. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX and clause 8 of rule XX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 8914. Sec. 4. The Clerk shall transmit to the Senate a message that the House has passed H.R. 8914 no later than three calendar days after passage.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine).