Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the opportunity to visit Minnesota myself later this year. I urge our colleagues to support H. Res. 923, recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary, and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Minnesota becoming a State. In February of 1857, Congress passed an enabling act that defined the State boundaries and authorized the establishment of a State government for the people of Minnesota. Among other things, it called for a convention to establish a State constitution. As is normal in a democracy, the Democrats and Republicans could not come to a final agreement on language, which resulted in the drafting of two distinct constitutions. Ultimately, a conference committee of five members from each party was formed in order to work out the differences and create one constitution both sides could agree to. This happened in August of 1857. Although neither party agreed to sign along with members of the other party, a consensus on the language was agreed upon and two copies were made and signed. Minnesota's State constitution was born. A few months later, on May 11, 1858, President James Buchanan signed legislation granting statehood to Minnesota, making it the 32nd State in the Union. Until that point, Minnesota held the status of a territory for more than 9 years. Henry Hastings Sibley, the State's first Governor, famously uttered Minnesota is finally free ``from the trammels of territorial vassalage.'' On this occasion of the sesquicentennial, it is important that we recognize all that Minnesota has to offer. It is truly a time of celebration for the 5 million-plus residents of Minnesota, and there is a lot to celebrate. Its geography and terrain are among the most precious and beautiful our Nation has to offer. It is home to the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River, which has been so crucial to the development of the economic viability of our Nation. Minnesota is a land rich in natural resources and remains among the leaders in agriculture and iron production. Minnesota's farming industry feeds and nourishes many of our Nation's citizens today. Minnesotans are known to be a people with a sense of pride in their history and tradition. Many Minnesotans have had profound impact on the lives of people all across our Nation. For instance, the founders of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Dr. William Mayo and his two sons, William and Charles, began their practice in Minnesota. Minnesota is also the birthplace of one of America's greatest literary figures and favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald. His literary works have reached millions and continue to have a great impact on our youth. Fitzgerald's ``The Great Gatsby'' is regarded as one of the great American novels. In conclusion, the State of Minnesota is one that is rich in nature, resources, and, most importantly, in people and heritage. For this reason, I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 923, recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th anniversary. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, my colleague from Minnesota (Mrs. Bachmann).

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of this resolution promoting National Men's Health Week. Across this Nation, men are reminded daily about the benefits of living a healthy life. Whether through exercise, a balanced diet, or regular visits to the doctor, these simple steps can lead to longer, more vibrant lives. Sadly, many men still neglect the basic preventative measures and often fail to realize the ripple effect their declining health can have on those around them. It is no secret that men have a shorter lifespan than women. Of the 10 leading causes of death in this country, men lead women in all 10. Yes, some of this can be attributed to lifestyle differences. Men are prone to engage in heavier drinking, smoking, and risky behaviors. But the sad reality is that men all too often neglect to seek out the medical help they need. Studies have shown that men are significantly less likely to visit the doctor than women are. Congress and the President established National Men's Health Awareness Week in May 1994. They chose the week leading up to Father's Day, when our focus on the male figures in our life is greatest, to bring national attention to the critical health issues facing men and to highlight the preventative measures that are necessary and available. Early detection is vital, and in many cases, increases chances for survival. Men's Health Awareness Week helps bring this information to light and highlights the proactive steps that men can take to improve their chances for a long, healthy life. The benefits of a more proactive approach to men's health extends not only to the individual, but to their families, friends, society, and the Nation. Better long-term health means fewer medical expenses for families, taxpayers, and employers. When women outlive their spouses, often by more than half a decade, they face the financial, emotional, and physical burden of living out their remaining years in solitude. This can ultimately place undue stress on a family or taxpayers. Men's Health Awareness Week helps broaden our understanding of the serious health risks facing men and the simple steps we can all take to help mitigate their effects. So I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution, but to honor its message. If you're a man, go to the doctor. If you're a woman, encourage your husband, brother, son, and friends to do so. Take a walk, go for a jog, or eat a piece of fruit. After all, we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon, and good legislation that would help ease the pain at the pump languishes due to congressional inaction. Washington is just not working for average taxpayers in North Carolina. Recently, I've seen some good ideas to deal with high gas prices, but we can't seem to get them brought to the floor for a vote. For example, I'm a cosponsor of Mr. Young's American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act, which addresses both sides of this issue. It would tap domestic oil in an environmentally sensitive way and then use the tens of billions of dollars of Federal revenue to invest in 18 different existing alternative energy programs, from wind energy to water energy, all without raising taxes. How high will the Pelosi premium have to get before we vote on commonsense legislation like this? This bill proves that we can bring down the price of gas while investing in the energy of the future without raising taxes on America's working families.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Nebraska, the author of this resolution, Mr. Fortenberry.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day. Trees--They provide us with shelter and warmth. They clean the air we breathe. Their majesty inspires awe and alters landscapes. Mankind owes its livelihood to these miracles of nature, yet it is so easy to overlook their importance and beauty. These traits were not lost to J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer who moved from Detroit to the unforgiving, treeless plains of the Nebraska Territory in 1854. A journalist and avid lover of nature, Morton used his position as editor of Nebraska's first newspaper to spread agricultural information and his enthusiasm for trees. His words did not fall on deaf ears. Fellow pioneers soon realized how valuable trees were to their survival, not only for fuel and building materials, but for the stability of the soil and shade from the arid sun. Once appointed as the secretary of the Nebraska Territory, on January 4, 1872 Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday called ``Arbor Day.'' That same year, on April 10, citizens across Nebraska planted over one million trees. The first official Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1874 and by 1885 it became a legal holiday in Nebraska to be celebrated on April 22, J. Sterling Morton's birthday. Throughout the 1870's the appeal spread across the nation and it was not long before Arbor Day was celebrated in each state of the United. States. Today, Arbor Day is observed not only throughout this great nation, but across the globe. While most states observe Arbor Day on the last Friday in April, celebrations have evolved to correspond with varying ideal planting weather. In response to growing national and international popularity, the Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to ``inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.'' The Arbor Day Foundation fuels their mission through the Arbor Day Farm, promoting and coordinating events, working with government and corporate entities, and distributing over' 10 million trees annually. What began as a local holiday born of one man's enthusiasm has flourished into a global celebration. From Florida to Oregon and Cambodia to Venezuela, people gather to honor the ideals of Arbor Day. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and cherish its goal, captured convincingly in the words of its founder, J. Sterling Morton-- ``the cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man.'' Mr. Davis of Illinois. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support of this bill designating the post office located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most important public figures of our times. His leadership during the civil rights movement helped to make America the country it is today, a country that strives for equality, justice and liberty for all its citizens. Dr. King is an American icon and, as such, deserves this honor and recognition. Dr. King, a southern Baptist minister, was instrumental in leading the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 60s. After his march on Washington in 1963, Dr. King's memorable and often quoted I Have a Dream speech established him as one of the greatest public speakers of his time. In over 2,500 speeches over the course of his career Dr. King cried out against segregation and other forms of racial inequity, bringing discrimination to the forefront of people's minds and making civil rights a primary concern. His ceaseless efforts to end racial discrimination and segregation through nonviolent means earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making him the youngest recipient in history. He has also been honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal. In 1983 Congress established a national holiday as a tribute to his memory. Widely recognized as one of the most pivotal figures in the battle to end bigotry and discrimination on the basis of race, Dr. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, and was instrumental in orchestrating the famous Birmingham, Alabama protests. Towards the end of his life, Dr. King expanded his message to apply to impoverished Americans. The Poor People's Campaign focused on the economic injustice and tried to reach out to poor people of all races and cultures. Dr. King dedicated his life to ensuring the principles this country holds so dear, those of liberty and justice for all citizens. I thank my respected colleague, Earl Blumenauer, for introducing this legislation, and reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 1734. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5477, legislation to name the post office in San Gabriel, California, in honor of Chi Mui. Today, we honor Chi Mui who passed away from cancer on April 27, 2006. His accomplishment in serving the citizens of San Gabriel, California, as the first Asian and Chinese American council member and mayor of San Gabriel was a testament to his lasting dedication and friendship to the community. The modest beginning of Chi Mui's life did not forecast the dramatic and incredible impact he would have on the people of Los Angeles. Born in China on October 26, 1952, Mayor Mui was the son of a seamstress and a cook. At the age of 10, he moved with his family out of his home in China and into New York City where he quickly learned to speak English. In 1980, Mayor Mui graduated cum laude with a degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic University of New York and subsequently moved to southern California. Before being elected to the San Gabriel City Council in 2003, Mayor Mui wasted no time in devoting his efforts to his new community. He was instrumental in developing 600 units of affordable and senior housing in Los Angeles's Chinatown and spent his time teaching citizenship classes in order to help hundreds of fellow immigrants achieve citizenship in their new home. A passion for open space, Mayor Mui led the efforts to obtain the space and the $35 million necessary to build the first urban state park in downtown Los Angeles. Mayor Mui was also a devoted athlete and cofounded the Los Angeles Chinatown Athletic Association Volleyball Club where he worked as a coach teaching and reinforcing life lessons that continue well beyond volleyball. In a city where one in two residents is Asian, Mayor Mui played a role as liaison between the city government and the Asian community. As a city council member, he led the efforts to open the county public library in San Gabriel on Saturdays to provide greater access to residents without increasing cost. His tireless work for the Asian community was recognized when he was twice elected President of the Los Angeles Chinese American Citizens Alliance. Recognizing his ability and devotion to San Gabriel in the Asian community, the council appointed him vice-mayor in 2005. In 2006, it elevated him to the position of mayor, an invaluable step that linked the members of the Asian community. With gratitude to his service to the San Gabriel community, I ask all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5477. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5477, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 3774, the Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act. In April of this year, the Department of Justice wrote to the committee raising a number of constitutional concerns with the introduced version of this legislation. While a number of changes were made to address these concerns during committee consideration of the legislation, some remained concerned that the legislation could still be vulnerable to constitutional challenges. For example, making demographic information about these senior executive service candidates and incumbents available for hiring purposes could suggest that this information should be taken into account in the selection process. But I stand before you today to raise a concern much bigger than the state of our Federal workforce. I stand before you today to bring your attention to the woeful lack of attention that has been given this Congress to the skyrocketing gas prices throughout this Nation. Throughout the country, for the first time in our history, a gallon of gas at local gas stations averages more than $4, and there appears to be no relief in sight for working class Americans. House Republicans have introduced a comprehensive plan to lower gas prices and preserve energy independence. The Republican plan would increase the production of American-made energy in an environmentally safe way. It would promote new, clean, and reliable energy sources. It would cut red tape and increase the supply of American-made fuel and energy. And it would encourage greater efficiency by offering conservation tax incentives. The Democrats, however, have no such plan to help American families and small businesses deal with their increasing pain at the pump. At a time when our country is facing a serious crisis in energy prices, with all due respect to my colleague from Illinois, my assumption is that most Americans would prefer that we focus on solving America's energy woes, rather than spending valuable floor time debating the creation of various offices within the Office of Personnel Management. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 4106, the Telework Improvements Act of 2008. This legislation is designed to encourage more Federal employees to participate in telework programs. This legislation moved through committee, and I understand Chairman Waxman worked with Ranking Member Tom Davis to make several improvements to this legislation. Getting serious about promoting telework is a major step in the right direction, but telework only indirectly addresses the problem of soaring gas prices. Mr. Speaker, gas prices have gone up $1.63 since Democrats took control of this House last January, and as far as anybody knows, Democrats still have no plan to address this problem. The Republicans, on the other hand, stand ready to address the problem with a blueprint that promotes alternative and renewable fuels, harnesses technologies already being employed successfully by many of our global competitors, and encourages responsible oil and gas exploration designed to unlock America's natural energy resources and end our dependence on foreign fuel imports. I remain concerned that none of the bills being considered today do anything to address the pain at the pump currently facing our Nation. American families and small businesses are begging Congress to throw them a life preserver amid today's soaring gas prices, but no relief is in sight. No wonder Americans believe Washington is broken. Most Americans believe it is past time to start addressing the real problems facing American families. I note with some disappointment that not a single piece of legislation to help lower gas prices is on the House schedule this week. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, while this legislation will give a break from high gas prices to some Federal employees, the vast majority of Americans have to use their cars to go to work and to other activities and are paying an average of $4 a gallon, the highest prices in history, while the Democratically controlled Congress does nothing to help those hardworking Americans who struggle to do the right thing every day, but are receiving no assistance from the Democrat majority here. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take up S. 2420, the Federal Food Donation Act. The House version of this legislation, H.R. 4220, was introduced by Representative Jo Ann Emerson and was passed by the House last December. S. 2420 would require the Federal Acquisition Regulation to be amended to provide certain contracts for the provision, service or sale of food, include a clause encouraging the donation of excess food to organizations such as homeless shelters. In doing so, the legislation also states agencies and contractors making donations would be protected from civil or criminal liability associated with the donation. Mrs. Emerson has been a leader in the effort to relieve hunger in this Nation, and I applaud her dedication to this issue. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 4791, the Federal Agency Data Protection Act. While we appreciate the majority's willingness to incorporate several suggestions from our side such as including language from H.R. 2124, Representative Tom Davis' Federal Agency Data Breach Protection Act, we remain concerned that this legislation misses some key opportunities to advance legislation which truly strengthens our Federal information security laws. But, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a much more pressing issue, an issue of great concern to all Americans. With gas prices soaring to $3.98 per gallon over the weekend, according to AAA, the House returned officially from Memorial Day break today, but believe it or not, not a single piece of legislation to help lower gas prices is on the House schedule this week. This is particularly amazing since then Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi promised the American people ``a commonsense plan'' to lower gas prices way back in April, 2006. And it's particularly troubling since House Republicans unveiled a comprehensive plan to lower gas prices 2 weeks ago and has promoted that plan across the country during last week's Memorial Day recess. Instead of delivering on their April, 2006, promise, however, the Democrats in charge of Congress have delivered only a staggering $1.65 Pelosi premium, meaning consumers are forced to pay $1.65 more per gallon of gasoline compared to what they paid on January 4, 2007, the Democrats' first day in the majority. For an average family that fills up its two cars once a week, that's an astronomical 2,574 more dollars per year that they are forced to pay at the pump. That's $2,574 less that families have for their children's educational expenses; $2,574 less for family vacations this summer; and $2,574 less for food costs, which also are skyrocketing. No wonder Democrats are continuing to feel the heat for doing nothing, nothing, to address the rising cost of gasoline. Let me quote part of a column in Monday's New Hampshire Union Leader about what Congress has done to contribute to American families' and small businesses' pain at the pump: ``Congress has prevented the drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, which could be providing 1 million gallons of oil per day. Congress has put 85 percent of the U.S. coastal areas off-limits for drilling. Congress has recently prohibited the processing of oil shale, which could provide substantial quantities of oil economically . . . ``To sum it up, Congress has done nothing to help but lots to increase on our dependence on foreign oil and increase the price Americans pay for oil and gas.'' An op-ed published over the weekend in the Athens, Georgia, Banner- Herald makes the case that the Democratic Congress has contributed to the recent surge in gas prices: ``Drilling is prohibited in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, a potential source of 1 million barrels a day, 5 percent of America's daily oil consumption. Also off-limits is 85 percent of America's coastline. ``Americans deserve to know the story, in all its gory details, of what their government has done and is doing to cause high prices at the pump and to make gasoline, indeed, all energy, more scarce and more expensive in the future.'' Indeed, while Democrats have offered nothing more than broken promises and policies that drive up gas prices, House Republicans have unveiled a comprehensive plan for lower gas prices and energy independence. The GOP blueprint promotes alternative and renewable fuels, harnesses technologies already being employed successfully by our global competitors, and unlocks America's natural energy resources through the responsible exploration of oil and gas in the United States, a reform backed by the majority of Americans, according to a new Gallup Poll. How much longer will Democrats ignore the will of the American people by keeping the House Republicans' plan off the House floor? Another quote from the Charleston, West Virginia, Daily Mail: ``Doing Nothing is What Democrats in Congress Have Specialized in, and That's One of the Reasons Gasoline Costs $4 Per Gallon.'' Mr. Speaker, we can stand here and deal with a lot of issues that we're dealing with this week, but we need to get to the issues that the American people want us to deal with, and that's the soaring price of gasoline and energy costs. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.