Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3548, the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008. This legislation would enhance citizen access to government information services by promoting the use of ``plain language'' in government documents issued to the public. Writing in plain language doesn't mean writing only about simple things. It means writing well about anything the government writes about. During committee consideration of this legislation, Republican amendments were adopted that further the cause of requiring the use of plain language. Mr. Sali succeeded in revising the bill to require plain language be used in preparing collections of information, primarily tax documents, as well as regulations issued by Federal agencies. In addition, the committee accepted an amendment I offered to promote the use of the English language in documents. I have been a consistent advocate in Congress of improving government accountability, responsiveness, and transparency. I believe this legislation is consistent with these efforts. I urge my colleagues to support the Plain Language in Government Communications Act of 2008. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I am very, very pleased with this bill and urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 3548. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1097, expressing support for the designation of the month of April, 2008, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to bring attention to the tragic circumstances that face some of our Nation's children on a daily basis and to underscore our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect so that all children can live in safety and security. Child abuse comes in many forms, physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Too often, these forms of abuse are found in combination with one another. Approximately 905,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect in 2006. Nearly 80 percent of the perpetrators were parents of the victims. Last year, it was estimated that the total annual cost of child abuse in the United States was nearly $104 billion. This represents more than $33 billion in direct costs of child maltreatment, including judicial, foster care, law enforcement and health system responses and $70 billion in indirect costs including long-term economic effects. Each of us can make a difference in the prevention of child abuse by understanding the causes of child abuse, by learning to identify the warning signs that a child is being abused, by reporting any known or suspected case of child abuse, by being a friend to a child or a parent in need and by alerting others to the problem. I want to thank the folks in Wilkes County who invited me to attend a vigil at Our House in Wilkes County which provides services to abused children there. Every year, the staff and volunteers of Our House hold a vigil to raise awareness of this terrible problem in our area of the country. I know that other counties in the Fifth District of North Carolina, which I represent, also have worked to raise awareness. I want to particularly commend them for doing it. In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act was first enacted to create a focal point in the Federal Government to identify and address issues of child abuse and neglect and to support effective methods of prevention and treatment. Through this act, States receive grants to help with their child protective service functions, improve investigation and prosecution of child maltreatment and to assist community-based family resource and support services. Today, we recognize that child abuse and neglect are preventable through the efforts of schools, neighbors, families and the community. Child Abuse Prevention Month provides us all with an opportunity to work together to keep children safe and to provide the support that families need to stay together and raise children and youth to be happy, secure and stable adults. In 1983, April was first proclaimed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since that time, every April, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country. That is why I stand in support of this resolution, and I ask for my colleagues' support. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 259, honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association of America, its member senior nutrition programs throughout the country and their annual March For Meals campaigns. The senior nutrition programs, authorized under title III of the Older Americans Act, was designed to address problems of dietary inadequacy and social isolation among older people. During fiscal year 2005, 238,000 meals were served to about 2.8 million people. Fifty- eight percent were served to frail older people living at home. Meals on Wheels is the most recognized name brand of senior nutrition programs. It is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. Meals on Wheels programs support the independence and well-being of seniors and reduce the isolation experienced by so many elderly. Meals are delivered to seniors' homes, and too frequently the person delivering that meal may be the only person the senior sees all day. The Meals on Wheels program provides human contact and a safety net, particularly for those seniors living alone. Over the last several decades, a substantial growth in the elderly population has increased the demand for meal services. Today, Meals on Wheels and other similar senior nutrition programs that seek to feed the elderly report that 4 out of 10 programs have waiting lists for nutrition services. With one baby boomer turning 60 every 7 seconds, the demand for nutrition services will continue to increase. According to a Census Bureau projection, the elderly population in the United States will more than double between now and the year 2050 to 80 million people. It is clear that the work of Meals on Wheels will continue well into the future. Today, we also recognize the March For Meals campaign which takes place each year during the month of March. This campaign works to commemorate the enactment of the Older Americans Act. It is also a time for Meals on Wheels programs to focus on fundraising, awareness and volunteer recruitment. Even though March has passed, today I stand in support of this resolution and the Meal on Wheels program. I would like to thank Mr. LoBiondo for offering this resolution, and I ask for my colleagues' support. 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 in support of H.R. 4881, the Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2008. This legislation would subject any firm that has a seriously delinquent tax debt, defined to mean any time the IRS has filed a tax lien against the company, to a debarment proceeding with the aim of preventing the firm from obtaining a government contract or grant. Potential contractors and grant recipients must certify that the company does not have any seriously delinquent tax debt in order to be eligible for Federal grants and contracts. This might sound like a reasonable requirement, and it is. In fact, the administration is currently finalizing a regulation that would require Federal contractors and grantees to certify, among other things, that they have not been notified by the IRS of liability for delinquent taxes. The proposed regulation would also include the failure to pay taxes as a specific cause for a company to be debarred from receiving Federal contracts. Since the issue addressed in this legislation is already being addressed through the regulatory process, it is unclear to us whether this legislation is necessary. Nevertheless, we will not object to it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I believe we have no more speakers, and we yield back the balance of our time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to our distinguished colleague and hero from the State of Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson). (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Poe). (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution urging the designation of a National Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day. Discovered in Switzerland in 1918, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, otherwise known as GT, is a rare and serious blood disorder that affects men, women, and children of all ages across the globe. The disease affects the ability of blood platelets to form, or clot, around the site of a broken blood vessel due to a deficiency of a specific protein on the surface of the platelet. Since the blood is unable to clot normally, those who suffer from GT are faced with uncontrollable, potentially life-threatening blood loss and severe bruising. A very rare and little known hereditary disease, GT has severe emotional and physical effects on those who suffer from it. Children with GT often find themselves socially isolated as they are unable to participate in normal childhood activities such as sports or physically active play. There is no cure for this disease, and because it is so rare, there is little information on the symptoms and treatments. It is important that we support valuable organizations such as the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Research Foundation, founded by Helen P. Smith in 2001, in their effort to educate the public, promote awareness, and fund research of this serious disease. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution that seeks to raise the awareness of this serious, emotionally damaging and potentially life-threatening disease. 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 Georgia (Mr. Broun).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H. Res. 994, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to urge passage of this resolution recognizing the tragedy that befell the communities of Colorado Springs and Arvada, Colorado. Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to take a moment to reflect on the impact one man's senseless acts of violence can have on a community, a State and a Nation. On an early Sunday morning, a man entered the New Life Church and proceeded to open fire. Tragically, the lives of Tiffany Johnson and Philip Crouse were taken. They were both staff members of the Youth With A Mission Center, which educates individuals to be evangelical missionaries overseas. Two other staff members were seriously injured as well, Dan Griebenow and Charlie Blanch. This a place of peace where dedicated young men and women are educated to be Christian missionaries. What happened there on that cold Sunday morning was a true travesty for those victims and the community that surrounds them. Later that afternoon at approximately 1 p.m., the same individual who opened fire at the Youth With A Mission facility entered the grounds of the New Life Christian Church and fatally shot two teenagers, Stephanie and Rachel Works. The shooter also shot and seriously injured their father, David Works, in the parking lot before he proceeded into the church. Two others, Judy Purcell and Larry Bourbannais, were also injured that day. Fortunately for the communities of Colorado Springs and Arvada, Jeanne Assam, a volunteer private security guard, performed heroically that afternoon and engaged the shooter when he entered the church's east entrance. Jeanne Assam was a former Minneapolis police officer and was licensed to carry a firearm. She used her education and performed admirably to protect not only those inside the church, but those in the surrounding area as well. She was able to slow the gunman down, which ultimately led to the gunman taking his own life. One shudders to think of the terror that could have ensued had the shooter been able to continue unabated. The shooter was later identified as 24-year-old Matthew Murray. There is only one word that can describe the acts of Jeanne Assam on that day--heroic. The quick response by the security team at New Life Christian Church, who quickly moved to step up security after hearing the news of the initial shooting in Arvada also deserves praise. In addition, we must take a moment to thank the first responders on that day. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, the Colorado Springs SWAT team, Federal authorities, and medical professionals all played a role in quelling what could have been an even larger massacre. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this important remembrance. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, a little over a year ago, when the majority party was campaigning to take control of this House, they promised a lot of change, and they made a lot of promises about what they were going to do about gas prices and energy costs and everything else in this country. However, what has that promised change brought us? It has brought us a 43 percent increase in gasoline prices. The price of groceries is going up rapidly. We have seen no results from these empty promises. This is a do- nothing Congress. They accused the Republicans of being a do-nothing Congress. This is a do-something Congress involved with a do-nothing because what they have done has been detrimental to our country. They have caused the price of gas to go up 43 percent, the price of groceries to go up. We need a real energy policy, not a lot of empty promises. I call on the majority to let us see some results from those empty promises.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a group of true American patriots. This past Christmas a group of citizens in Alexander County, North Carolina worked hard to communicate to our men and women stationed overseas that they are in our prayers and on our minds. A civic-minded band of women in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary from the rural community of Hiddenite worked together to rally their community to send care packages to local armed forces members stationed abroad during Christmas. The sacrifice of military service during Christmas is often overlooked during a time when many of our brave military men and women are stationed abroad, making this effort all the more meaningful to the soldiers they aided. Thanks to the selfless work of Margaret Milsap, Mary Lasky and Jeanette Stevenson, which was spearheaded by Mary Matthews, more than 80 care packages were sent to 30 deployed soldiers during this past Christmas. Taylor King furniture, a Taylorsville business, generously footed the entire bill for the mailing of the 80-plus packages. Together, the VFW auxiliary and Taylor King provided a slice of home to 30 soldiers serving in foreign countries during Christmas. I hope their example of citizenship and patriotism during uncertain times serves to inspire many more Americans to show their support for our troops who fight for freedom every day.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the majority's proposed budget. Our country cannot afford this irresponsible budget. It fails to rein in spending and raises the taxes of millions of hardworking middle-class Americans by $683 billion over the next 5 years. Under this budget, North Carolina taxpayers will be hit with an average tax increase of $2,672. As working Americans face a slowing economy, the last thing they need is a job-killing tax hike. The majority budget also increases discretionary spending by $276 billion over the next 5 years. The Federal Government should never spend one penny more of taxpayer money than it needs to. American taxpayers deserve the kind of fiscal accountability that prioritizes balancing the budget without raising taxes on the American people. But this budget is straight from the same old tax-and-spend school of budgeting that Americans simply can't afford.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a group of true American patriots. This past Christmas, a group of citizens in Taylorsville, North Carolina worked hard to communicate to our men and women stationed overseas that they are in our prayers and on our mind. A civic-minded band of women in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary from the rural community of Taylorsville worked together to rally their community to send care packages to local Armed Forces members stationed abroad during Christmas. The sacrifice of military service during Christmas is often overlooked during a time when many of our brave military men and women are stationed abroad, making this effort all the more meaningful to the soldiers they aided. Thanks to the selfless work of Margaret Milsap, Mary Lasky and Jeanette Stevenson, which was spearheaded by Mary Matthews, more than 80 care packages were sent to 30 deployed soldiers during this past Christmas. Taylor King Furniture, a Taylorsville business, generously footed the entire bill for the mailing of the 80-plus packages. Together, the VFW Auxiliary and Taylor King provided a slice of home to 30 soldiers serving in foreign countries during Christmas. I hope their example of citizenship and patriotism during uncertain times serves to inspire many more Americans to show their support for our troops who fight for freedom every day.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, America's intelligence community has been without the tools it needs to monitor foreign terrorist communications for weeks. Last month, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that put the necessary tools in place, but for some reason the majority will not allow a vote in the House on this broadly supported bill. The bipartisan Senate legislation had the votes of 21 Senate Democrats. It would have permanently fixed FISA and enabled our intelligence community to monitor foreign terrorists' electronics communications effectively. The House's refusal to consider this legislation has created bureaucratic hurdles that made our intelligence gathering on foreign terrorists unnecessarily difficult. As Senate Intelligence Chairman Jay Rockefeller said last month, America's intelligence gathering capability is being degraded. The House should not adjourn until we have passed a permanent FISA fix that protects Americans and equips our intelligence community with the tools to thwart the plans of foreign terrorists. The American people expect and deserve no less.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a life well lived. Last week a great American and a good friend of mine Mrs. Frances Barham of Mayodan, North Carolina, passed away. My friend Frances was a lifelong North Carolinian, a woman dedicated to her community, her State, and her country. She was renowned for her unflagging attention to community issues both large and small. Her example of service is perhaps best exemplified by her receiving the distinguished North Carolina Long Leaf Pine Award, a high honor bestowed on only the finest of North Carolina citizens. Over the course of her remarkable life, Frances positively influenced countless students in her three-decade-long service in Rockingham County schools. She was an active member of her church for more than 70 years, and was a fixture of community involvement and service. Everywhere Frances invested her time, she made a difference, whether as a Girl Scout leader, as a member of the Mayodan Historical Society, or as a board member of the John Motley Morehead School of the Blind. In 1990, her long record of service was recognized by the people of Mayodan when she was named the town's Citizen of the Year. She was also actively involved in the political process, because she knew that freedom meant exercising her political rights as an American. A reflection of her involvement and commitment to the realm of public service is that she was the first woman to chair the Board of Elections of Rockingham County. While I was not able to attend her funeral on Monday, I know that her life was celebrated by many, and her passing leaves a hole in many, many people's lives. To all she left behind, I extend my sincere condolences. She was a great woman, and we will miss her ready smile and sharp wit.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 29, 1981, SGT Jason Harkins was a 1999 graduate of Habersham Central High School. His commitment to military service began at an early age. When he was a young boy, he used to run around with toy guns and swords practicing to become the Army man his father was. Sergeant Campbell served three years in the U.S. Army Reserve and was currently serving with the Striker Brigade, Second Infantry Division based out of Fort Lewis, Washington. He never wanted to be called a hero because he believed he was just an ordinary person doing extraordinary things. Campbell however, was a hero. He proved he was a hero when he survived a roadside bomb during his first tour in Iraq. He proved he was a hero when he rescued a wounded soldier while they were under fire during his second tour. And sadly, he proved he was a hero on May 6, 2007, when he and five other men in his platoon were killed when a makeshift bomb exploded near their vehicle. Sergeant Harkins was only 25 years old. His decorations include the Bronze Star of valor and the Purple Heart. Sergeant Harkins leaves behind a large family and a wife who will always remember him as a ``true country boy'' who found the best in every situation and could always make those around him smile. Let us pay our respects to Sergeant Jason Harkins and remember his commitment to serving this Nation by naming the post office located at 116 Helen Highway in Fort Lewis, Washington, in his honor.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I also urge our colleagues to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4454, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today to urge passage of this bill designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3050 Hunsinger Lane in Louisville, Kentucky, as the ``Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Military Heroes of Louisville Memorial Post Office Building.'' In the wake of the attacks of September 11, the United States struck back against those forces that wished to destroy not only this Nation, but all people that do not agree with their limited views on freedom, justice, and democracy. Every day across this great Nation, men and women answer the call to duty to combat these forces. Many have paid the ultimate price. Others have been wounded. But their sacrifice came so others may live safe and free. For that, we are eternally grateful. Since the beginning of this conflict, eight heroic servicepeople from Louisville, Kentucky, have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. We honor their sacrifice with this postal designation. This also serves to honor those who may lose their lives in service to our country in the future. These brave citizens of Louisville, like so many other Americans, lost their lives protecting us from those people who fight against the rights and privileges that we as Americans enjoy. I urge that we pass this bill so that their memory and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.