Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, Republicans and Democrats can agree that every hardworking, taxpaying American deserves a Federal Government that is built upon a solid foundation that breathes efficiency and is peopled by those with appropriate skills, not necessarily degrees. To achieve that end, we must eliminate the bureaucratic snares that have hamstrung the Federal hiring process over the course of decades, and fast. In its current state, this dilapidated and archaic hiring process serves as a deterrent to attracting qualified and high-quality candidates. The simple truth is that it seriously undermines the Federal workforce's ability to serve the American people in both a proper and efficient manner. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that something must be done to turn the tide. That is precisely why I have introduced the Chance to Compete Act of 2023 alongside Representative Gerry Connolly, Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer, and Representative Ro Khanna. This legislation builds upon a solid record of bipartisan collaboration and proven success in codifying key skills-based hiring reforms. More specifically, under this legislation, Federal agencies will be able better to distinguish practical performers in a field of candidates and focus on hiring individuals who can perform at the highest level in the jobs they assume within the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this much-needed bipartisan legislation.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the benefits of school choice cannot be overstated. On average, students participating in school choice programs perform better academically and see higher college admission rates. These factors make school choice a no-brainer, and charter schools serve as a foundational cornerstone of the educational freedom school choice delivers. Yet, even as many traditional government-run schools do not meet the needs of students, President Biden is erecting unreasonable barriers for new charter schools and arbitrary funding restrictions. This is an abject attempt to expand teachers unions' monopoly over K-12 education. A great education is a gateway to success, but Democrats are working hard to lock that gate and hide the key. Students deserve the opportunity to find a learning environment that suits them. That begins by ending Democrats' anticharter school crusade.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, our postsecondary education system is in dire straits. Reforms are more necessary now than ever. To start with, income-driven repayment plans have left millions of borrowers trapped under a mountain of interest. Many of these borrowers have done everything right. They have been faithful to make their monthly payments, yet years later find they have made little to no progress on their principal. This can be extremely frustrating, especially for those who realize they have already paid back the original cost of the loan. This is the kind of problem that needs to be fixed. It is critical that we address the structural problems that plague our postsecondary education financing system for the students of tomorrow, but it is also crucial that we address the problems it has caused for the students who have already been harmed today. That is why House Republicans put in the work and offered a solution that fixes this broken system. That solution begins with the REAL Reforms Act. This legislation protects the interests of students and taxpayers by providing targeted relief for borrowers currently struggling while implementing lasting reforms to ensure it doesn't happen to future borrowers. This legislation also implements reforms to simplify the number of repayment options and caps unlimited graduate lending while ensuring college remains accessible and affordable to all Americans, regardless of their financial circumstances. It also saves taxpayers billions by eliminating runaway forgiveness programs that disproportionately benefit wealthier households. Together, these reforms will lower the cost of college for students, families, and taxpayers. In contrast, President Biden's radical student loan bailout will exacerbate tuition inflation while encouraging students to go deeper into debt. Blanket loan cancellation to the tune of $400 billion and enacting retroactive free college by expanding what were intended to be limited safety nets is fiscally irresponsible and morally indefensible. Republicans and Democrats agree on the problems, and we must come together to work toward a solution. For example, everyone agrees that postsecondary education should provide students and taxpayers a positive return on investment. There is bipartisan consensus that the cost of nonrepayment can no longer fall squarely on taxpayers. For far too long, colleges have been more focused on getting students in the door and have paid little mind to what happens once they are there or once they leave. Again, there is bipartisan consensus that this too needs to change. It is time for Congress to come together and fix the mess created by these failed policies. My Republican colleagues and I stand ready to work with the President and congressional Democrats to do so. Republicans Stand for Life

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans remain undeterred in our mission to protect the sanctity of human life and the rights of the unborn. Today, we will pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and H. Con. Res. 3, which condemns violence against pro-life institutions and groups. By passing these two pieces of legislation, we are fulfilling the commitment we made to the American people to preserve a future that is built on freedom. Over the last 2 years, the American people witnessed unprecedented attacks both on the unborn and those who stand for life. Today, we are turning that tide. House Republicans are sending a unified message to the entire country and the world: Our new House majority stands for life.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. Just a couple of minutes ago we heard a speaker on the other side of the aisle criticize Republicans saying we don't support wearing masks, and wearing masks affects others; however, having an abortion affects only a woman. So what is an abortion? What is an abortion? It is the intentional taking of the life of an unborn child. How in the world can you say that an abortion does not affect anyone except the woman? That is the core of the difference between those of us who support unborn children and born children. Those who support abortions ignore the fact that another life is involved. That is the core of the issue. There are two lives involved here, the mother and the unborn baby. We must recognize that.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, words matter, and ideas have consequences. That is why House Republicans are once again changing the name of the committee I now chair to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Every time Democrats take control of the House, they swap out the word ``workforce'' for ``labor.'' This back and forth is at the core of Republicans' and Democrats' differing views on the concept of work. The Bible tells us that when God created Adam and Eve, He gave them the garden to cultivate and animals to name. This was work. Being made in the image of God means that we, like Him, have the capacity to build, create, and bring order from chaos. Using our God-given gifts, mankind has done just that. This ability to work and create is something to celebrate, not lament. Influenced by Marxism, the left prefers to call work labor. This is a mistake. I reject the idea that work freely done is toil. I reject the idea that work freely done is a curse. I embrace the idea that having the opportunity to provide for one's family is a blessing. Even those who do not adhere to a Biblical worldview can see empirically that men and women are at their best when they get to work. Work is fundamental to a lasting sense of fulfillment. As a small business owner myself, I know there is nothing better than the feeling you get when you look at something you have built with your own hands and ingenuity. I also prefer the word ``workforce'' over ``labor'' because all work is of equal value. When the left refers to labor, they aren't talking about the work of lawyers and doctors but the work of mechanics and welders. Why? For several decades now, our culture has made a distinction between blue-collar and white-collar work that denigrates the former. This is wrong. Calling the men and women who keep our homes heated and our cars running ``laborers'' degrades their contribution to society. We must recognize that there is more than one path to the American Dream. Working in a high-rise office building is not of greater value than the window washer cleaning that building. Each plays a pivotal role in keeping our economy running. ``Labor'' also implies that workers do not have a choice in who they work for or what conditions they work in. In the United States, we live in a free society, and workers have freedom to choose for whom they work. If an employer is unfair or unjust, workers have the freedom to find a different employer and to seek recompense. Yet the left uses the word ``labor'' to pit workers against employers, all in the hopes of bringing about more government control and a radical redistribution of wealth. The United States is the most prosperous country in history because of our free market, but embracing socialist policies and views would destroy that. Democrats also insist on using the word ``labor'' because they are beholden to Big Labor. Democrats have made it clear that they wish to force all Americans into unions, regardless of their preference. When Democrats oversee this committee, their efforts focus on bolstering union bosses at the expense of employee free choice. This myopic view serves only a small spectrum of the workforce, as the majority of workers choose not to be in a union. On the other hand, Republicans are committed to supporting the entire workforce. We do not support a one-size-fits-all work model and understand that work is as diverse as the people doing it. So when I talk about the workforce, I am talking about all the men and women who take pride in their work. When I talk about the workforce, I am talking about all the men and women who work hard to provide for their families. When I talk about the workforce, I am talking about all the men and women who have gained the skills necessary to be productive and self-sufficient citizens. Under my leadership, the Committee on Education and the Workforce will serve the entire workforce, no matter what color their collar is, how dirty their hands get when they work, or whether they work independently. The end of Big Labor, in our hearing room, is over.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jerry Brooks, the chief of the Clemmons Volunteer Fire Department in Forsyth County, North Carolina. At the end of this month, Jerry will be retiring after 51 years of service to the Clemmons community. Everyone who knows Jerry can attest to the caliber of his character, his unwavering servant's heart, and his profound love for our great country. Since the September 11 attacks, Jerry has led the Clemmons Volunteer Fire Department in honoring those who lost their lives that day by displaying a magnificent 40- by 60-foot American flag every year. Madam Speaker, I consider Jerry Brooks to be a true patriot in every sense of the word. I congratulate Jerry on his well-earned retirement. May God bless him, his wonderful wife, Karen, and his entire family as he enters this next chapter of his life.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, our postsecondary education system is broken. The Government Accountability Office recently released the troubling report blasting colleges for giving perspective students misleading information on financial aid letters. The report found that only 9 percent of college financial aid letters correctly calculated students' out-of-pocket costs, and nearly half misled students by blurring the lines between grants and loans, in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars. This lack of transparency is inexcusable and outright shameful. Students and families make one of the most critical financial decisions of their lives when they accept their financial aid offer. Schools should not hide the true cost of college from them. That is why Representative Lisa McClain and I introduced the College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act to ensure that aid offers are clear, so student and parent choice are maximized.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 989, the Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022. This legislation will support Native American language centers toward fulfilling the mission of the Native American Language Act, a bipartisan bill passed in 1990, with the intent of revitalizing Native American languages. This legislation has been helping Native American Tribes preserve their cultural heritage for 32 years. S. 989 will help advance this mission. Specifically, S. 989 ensures taxpayer funds are targeted toward the intended purpose preserving Native languages. Promoting and preserving Native American languages is a challenging mission, but a worthy one. Sadly, some languages have already been lost. In 2008, Chief Marie Smith Jones passed away. She was the last speaker of the Eyak language of an Alaskan indigenous Tribe. When she died, so would have the Eyak language if she had not worked to create a dictionary and recordings of the language. According to the National Geographic, one language dies every 14 days. S. 989 will help prevent that from happening. Simply put, this legislation works to provide Native American language centers with the resources they need to keep our country's cultures, traditions, and heritage alive. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 989, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, S. 989 will assist Native American resource centers in further aligning the resources they are provided by the Department of Education with the goals of the Native American Language Act. By supporting the development, preservation, and promotion of Native American languages, this legislation ensures that the rich, cultural heritage and traditions of Native Americans are not lost to future generations. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues who have spoken in support of S. 989, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1402, the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act, named after Durbin Feeling, a linguist from the Cherokee Nation who passed away in 2020. This bill takes positive steps to preserve the legacy of Native languages and cultures. In short, this legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, HHS, to work with other Federal agencies, local, and Tribal partners to examine which laws are helping protect Tribal languages and which aren't. This legislation will bolster efforts to preserve, promote, and revitalize Tribal languages and culture. This legislation also creates a voluntary survey to assess the use of Native American languages. It is important to know if these efforts are effective. This bill also promotes good governance. The President will be required to report to Congress on whether Federal laws are hindering the preservation of Native American languages. This is an example of responsible legislating, which includes limiting redundancy, holding agencies accountable, and ensuring laws are working as intended. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1402, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, the Durbin Feeling Native American Languages Act is a commonsense bill that will help preserve the integrity of Native languages and culture. Directing the Secretary of HHS to work across the Federal Government and with Tribal leaders to examine which laws are helping Native languages thrive is pragmatic. Directing the President to keep us informed on those efforts is also wise. Language is integral to any culture; this sensible legislation will aid in the important work of keeping Native American languages alive and strong. Madam Speaker, I support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 5329, the Food Donation Improvement Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help expand the donation of food to those most in need. This is the perfect bill to pass during the holiday season, a time when we are reminded that it is better to give than to receive. Specifically, this commonsense legislation extends liability protections to those who donate food, either directly to a person in need or to those selling food at a deeply reduced cost. In other words, it is another avenue to help disadvantaged Americans get the food they need to thrive. Helping nonprofits, farmers, schools, restaurants, and others to assist the hungry in their neighborhoods without increasing costs to taxpayers is legislating at its best. This bill ensures generous Americans can give food to those in need without facing unnecessary liability. Our country is one of the most generous in the world. It is time to unleash that generosity. S. 5329 will help reduce food waste, while also increasing support from Americans most in need. According to Forbes: ``Approximately 40 percent of food in the U.S. is wasted, and the U.S. spends $408 billion each year processing, transporting, storing, and disposing of food that is never eaten.'' This is an unnecessary waste, especially when so many Americans could use this food to feed their families. That is why I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank my colleague and friend, Jim McGovern, also for calling this bill to my attention last week. He pointed this out to me, and I say that Republicans support good government solutions that prevent waste, while also providing for those most in need. Today's legislation is the embodiment of commonsense solutions. It provides the assurance many Americans need to guarantee they are protected when giving to those in need. Our laws should be promoting charity and generosity, not curtailing it. There is no reason to let food go to waste when we can get it to those families most in need. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will get food to the hungry, and it does so without adding to the taxpayers' tab. This is a win-win. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on December 15, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Rollcall No. 529, and NAY on Rollcall No. 530.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Madam Speaker, employee-sponsored coverage is the bedrock of our healthcare system, and it is under attack by President Biden and the Democratic Party. Despite its name, the Affordable Care Act did nothing to make healthcare coverage more affordable. In fact, it did the opposite. Health coverage is now more expensive than ever. In 2008, before the passage of ObamaCare, the average annual premium for a family was $12,680. Today, it is $22,460. To make matters worse, experts say that 2022 is the calm before the storm, and employers are bracing for drastic cost increases in 2023 due to inflation, health worker staff shortages, and supply chain issues. It is imperative that Congress address the affordability, transparency, and accessibility of healthcare. I have said this repeatedly: I will not stand by while the Federal Government burdens Americans with heavy-handed policies. Now Democrats are using their self-made affordability crisis to move all Americans to Medicare for All. The Biden administration has continued its march towards total government control by illegally expanding ObamaCare subsidies. Expanding ObamaCare and its unfettered spending continues to drive inflation, adds billions of dollars to the Federal deficit, and makes health insurance less affordable. Despite the pandemic being over, President Biden has also failed to end the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, PHE, prolonging Americans' dependence on the Federal Government. The American people deserve to know the Biden administration's plans to wind down the PHE and transition the procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and testing to the commercial market quickly. Furthermore, it is imperative that we continue to protect access to telehealth as part of this off-ramp plan. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that virtual visits can fill glaring gaps in healthcare access nationwide. Congress allowed coverage for pre-deductible virtual visits for the duration of the PHE. Around 90 percent of high deductible health plans took advantage of that provision this year, up from approximately 80 percent in 2021 and 60 percent in April 2020. This is clear proof that Americans need and are making use of increased access to telehealth. President Biden and Democrats may not have a plan to address these critical issues, but Republicans do. For the past year, House Republicans have worked to create the Commitment to America which includes policies to strengthen employer-sponsored coverage by increasing competition in the healthcare market, promoting price transparency, and lowering health coverage costs. Republicans also have plans to help employers lower costs by expanding access to association health plans and tax-advantaged health savings accounts. We plan to remove barriers that currently prevent employers from participating in advanced payment initiatives. We will reduce the administrative burden on business owners created by outdated ObamaCare paperwork mandates, and we will promote policies that transfer control of health spending back to the patient. We must shed the layers of bureaucracy blocking Americans from understanding the true cost of their care. This includes codifying the Trump administration's price transparency rule and building on the price transparency provision in the No Surprises Act. Time and time again, the Biden administration has failed to make the best use of taxpayer dollars. Democrats champion the idea of ``health for all'' and ``universal coverage,'' but they seriously fail to consider the adverse impact their policies have on inflation, costs, access, and quality. By contrast, Republicans will build on the bedrock of our healthcare system--employer-sponsored coverage. We are committed to making employer-sponsored healthcare and the healthcare market more affordable, transparent, and competitive. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Ellzey for giving me the opportunity.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, freedom of speech and thought on college campuses is essential to one of the most important missions of the university: the search for truth. While censorship can come from the right or left, many colleges and universities are now zealously devoted to advancing leftwing ideas and are willing to disregard evidence and logic to do it. Universities should be a marketplace of ideas, not temples to a single political dogma. When students or faculty speak out against established norms, they are canceled, fired, or otherwise stigmatized by peers and university administrators. This is not what our Founding Fathers intended for our country or for our universities. Thomas Jefferson, who founded the University of Virginia, once wrote: ``I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.'' Universities used to promote this sentiment, but things have changed--and not for the better. Universities should be centers of education, not indoctrination. Yet university leaders either brazenly push their own agenda or walk on eggshells in fear of their own student body. Research and development suffer when debate and discussion are openly rejected on college campuses. Quashing intellectual curiosity hinders every field of study. The freedom to speak and think freely comes from God. Students should not have to sign away their First Amendment rights after enrolling in college, especially if those institutions accept taxpayer funds. It is time for colleges and universities to be held accountable when they refuse to protect the free speech of students and faculty. Members of the Education and Workforce Committee have submitted multiple bills to promote and protect the freedom of speech on college campuses. In the next Congress, we look forward to examining closely these bills and other ways to preserve the First Amendment on campuses. Independent Contractors

Ms. FOXX. This administration won't be happy until it controls how, when, and where you work. It is hard to know if it is sheer arrogance that drives this administration to think it knows better than you or if Biden is so beholden to Big Labor that he refuses to see what is best for the rest of America. Regardless, this administration's attack on independent contractors is wrong, and Republicans aren't standing for it. Many workers, especially women, have come to rely on the flexibility the independent contracting model provides. A regular 9-to-5 schedule does not work for every American. Forcing all workers into a one-size-fits-all model, while a dream for union bosses, is a mistake. This debate is about freedom. Workers deserve the freedom to choose how they work. I am pushing back against Democrats' assault on entrepreneurial opportunity and their attempts to control the lives of Americans from birth until death. Because I have seen firsthand that when the Federal Government steps aside and allows job creators and industry leaders to innovate, the workforce and U.S. economy will thrive. We have had enough of this Washington-knows-best mentality. Remember when President Obama told Americans, ``You didn't build that.'' He ridiculously claimed that businesses need the government's help to be successful. As if this wasn't bad enough, now the Biden administration is telling America's entrepreneurs, ``You can't build that.'' This is unacceptable. We must do everything we can to stop this proposed rule, and I encourage everyone to get involved. Get on the phone, call your Representative and Senator, and submit a comment. We must put pressure on the Biden administration to withdraw this proposed rule. Enough is enough. The livelihoods of real people are at risk. Americans should be able to build a future they want for themselves. It is time for Washington to get out of the way.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, President Biden is turning the Federal Student Loan Program into a titanic heading straight for an iceberg. The Biden administration's changes to these programs will make a bad system worse. For starters, President Biden's sixth extension of the student loan repayment pause brings the total cost of this unjustifiable policy to $195 billion. This is foolish by every measure. Most college-educated workers were not the ones to lose their jobs during the pandemic and were able to adjust to flexible work arrangements, so why are they getting special treatment from the Biden administration? Would it be fair to force student loan borrowers to pay off the car and mortgage loans of the millions of blue-collar Americans who lost their jobs because of forced economic shutdowns? The answer is a resounding no. To add insult to injury, President Biden is falsely promising a $400 billion bailout knowing full well this illegal, disgraceful action will likely get struck down in court. Using the livelihoods of 40 million borrowers to score political points at the expense of hardworking taxpayers and the next generation of students is politics at its worst. President Biden's use of the executive pen to stab taxpayers in the back doesn't end there. Since taking office, President Biden has been canceling massive amounts of loans under the guise of ``fixing'' broken programs. The very programs Democrats themselves created, including nearly $50 billion through the administration's illegal waivers. This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law. Our student loan system already operates in the red, and these changes will ensure it costs taxpayers even more. Yet, it is only the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, the Biden administration's new income-driven repayment plan, IDR, will turn Federal student loans into untargeted grants costing taxpayers a fortune in the process. Because President Biden couldn't get his radical agenda through Congress, he is dismantling the Federal student loan program and pushing Democrats' free college plan by executive fiat. Between slashing payments for high-income graduate students to expanding the number of individuals who will receive forgiveness, economists and policy experts agree that the average student loan borrower will pay roughly half of what he or she owes if this plan is enacted. This is not what taxpayers signed up for when the program was created, and it is certainly not the plan Congress wrote and passed. These changes will have long-term consequences because they create perverse incentives for over-borrowing. Why would students make smart financial decisions when they know Uncle Joe or another administration will pay off their loans? Instead of solving the problem for all borrowers, President Biden is sticking future borrowers in a ship with cracks in the hull. These foolhardy changes will accelerate tuition, inflation. With taxpayer-subsidized tuition, colleges and universities will have no incentives to keep costs down. It will also turn more postsecondary institutions into degree mills. The only thing loan forgiveness does is encourage colleges and universities to offer even more degree programs they know do not pay off once students enter the workforce. Our country needs reforms that can right the ship, not sink it even deeper into a fiscal abyss. Republicans are proposing commonsense solutions that will make the Federal student loan program seaworthy. The REAL Reforms Act provides targeted relief for those that need it most instead of stealing from taxpayers to provide ineffective and expensive bailouts. This legislation also provides practical solutions for the underlying problems plaguing higher education. These are the kinds of policies we need, policies that will make our Federal student loan program capable of serving borrowers without throwing taxpayers overboard.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on December 8 the House passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023 on a bipartisan basis. I am particularly proud to see that my amendment, the Defense Maintenance Data Transparency Act, was included in this crucial package. The challenges facing the Department of Defense's inability to access necessary data to award truly competitive contracts to small businesses in America is unacceptable. My amendment would direct the Secretary of Defense to clarify existing, ambiguous terms in the U.S. Code as well as in DOD's acquisition regulations that, once corrected, will help the DOD access the data it needs to promote greater opportunity for small businesses to compete for maintenance service contracts and has the potential to save millions of taxpayer dollars. Greater competition within the defense industry means more value for every hardworking taxpayer in America.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, for the sixth consecutive year, Appalachian State University has led the entire Nation in the number of alumni who have become National Board Certified Teachers. Indeed, this is a monumental feat. This accolade not only speaks to the caliber of Appalachian State's alumni, but also to the university's commitment to prepare talented individuals who will go on to make a profound impact upon our society. Under the steadfast leadership of Chancellor Sheri Everts, and thanks to the dedication of countless members of this university, Appalachian State's excellence continues to be recognized on the national stage. Congratulations to Appalachian State, the Reich College of Education, and its many alumni on this wonderful accomplishment.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, there are many wonderful people who work in and around the House to help us do the people's business. Some are very visible, and some are less so. Often the less visible are some of the most valuable in many ways. One of those people is Patricia Smith, Pat, who is a true patriot and works hard every day to serve others. Ms. Pat prepares and serves food in the Republican Cloakroom. She is unfailingly sweet and caring, not only to Members but to everyone. In addition to her service in the House, Ms. Pat serves at her church and volunteers on weekends, feeding the homeless. She lives her faith every minute of every day. As Saint Francis said: Preach a sermon every day. When necessary, use words. Ms. Pat does not need to use words. She lives the Gospel every day. She will soon be retiring, and she will be greatly missed. Congratulations, Ms. Pat, on a life well lived. I will miss you and your example more than you can know.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. As we say here sometimes to save time, I certainly associate myself with the very eloquent words of Congressman Kelly. He is so good. You see that he needed no notes. He can just come up here and speak without anything. This is a tough day for me to come in and talk about your leaving, Congressman Keller, but we want to let you know how much we appreciate you. That is why we are here. One thing I have learned about Representative Fred Keller while serving with him in Congress is that he is someone who always shows up prepared to work on behalf of job creators and workers, and he is committed to upholding the Constitution. I am so glad your staff and family are there in the gallery with us today because I know they have heard positive things about you before, but I think it is helpful for them to hear us come here today in this special place to say these things to you. I have greatly appreciated and admired Fred's strong commitment to conservative principles. As a businessman and job creator himself, he knows the free market works and is dedicated to protecting it. It is clear why Fred recently received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. His stalwart defense of limited government and fiscal responsibility will serve as an example to current and future lawmakers alike. Fred has been an important leader on the Education and Labor Committee. As the Republican leader on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Fred worked hard to protect the rights of workers and job creators. He was well suited for this function because he has real-world experience in business. Managing a plant of 250 people for 25 years gave Fred the experience needed to serve our country's workforce. The committee and this Congress have benefited from his insight and wisdom. I have also admired Fred's commitment to the sanctity of life, which has been second to none in this body. I will never forget the story Fred told during a hearing that none of us had ever heard before and were not expecting to hear. The story was about his son, Freddie, who suffered a traumatic brain injury at a young age. Doctors told Fred and his wife that there was zero chance his son would recover. Despite pressure from doctors, Fred and his wife refused to take their son off life support. Freddie recovered and is now in his thirties, working for the healthcare industry. What a victory for parents' love for their son and the principle of life. Fred's commitment to life didn't end back in his son's hospital room. It is something he has been dedicated to throughout his life. No matter where he goes, Fred wears a pin on his collar that represents the exact size and shape of baby's feet at 10 weeks after conception. It is a daily reminder that life is sacred, and it is our duty to protect the most vulnerable. It is no surprise that Fred received an A-plus rating on the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-Life Scorecard. As he said on the House floor: If my time in Congress is to be remembered for one thing, let it be that I fought to defend the sanctity of life. You have certainly done that, Fred. Congressman Keller, we will remember. We will remember that you stood against the Democrats' radical pro-abortion agenda. We will remember that you stood up for the conscience, rights, and religious freedoms of healthcare workers. We will remember that you gave a voice to the 63 million unborn babies killed in the womb before they had voices. Today, when our first freedoms are called into question, we need leaders who will take a stand without wavering and defend our constitutional rights. That is exactly what Fred did when he introduced the Restoring Academic Freedom on Campus Act. Defending the freedom of expression on college campuses is imperative, and I appreciate Fred's work on this issue. The freedom to speak and think freely comes from God. Students should not have to sign away their First Amendment rights after enrolling in college, especially if those institutions accept taxpayer funds. It is time for colleges and universities to be held accountable when they refuse to protect the free speech of students and faculty. I also greatly appreciate how Fred led the Congressional Review Act resolution against OSHA's tyrannical vaccine mandate. Fred used every legislative avenue to help nullify President Biden's emergency temporary standard that would have forced millions of workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine or face losing their jobs. His commitment to protecting the individual liberties of every American stands out. When OSHA finally withdrew this authoritarian measure after losing at the Supreme Court, Fred and I celebrated. This is a lesson to us all. Even when the hill is steep, we must fight on. In this case, standing up for the Constitution saved so many Americans from being coerced into making a medical decision they were uncomfortable with. We need leaders who have the courage of their convictions. Fred is such a leader. Being a leader means having the prudence also to know which hills to fight on, which hills to abandon, and which hills are worth dying for. I believe Fred and I agree that the preservation of our God-given rights is worth any and every sacrifice, and that is why it has been an honor to serve alongside him. Common cause always creates uncommon bonds, and I will miss you as a partner. Lastly, Fred has something that far too many of our national leaders lack: humility. Fred has always cared more about service than the spotlight. Saying Fred will be missed is an understatement. He is what every statesman should be: prudent, decisive, and gracious. Congressman Keller, we wish you the best in your future endeavors, knowing that whatever you do next will be in further service to the American people. From a grateful country and from someone who is honored to call herself your friend, thank you for all you have done to protect freedom and constitutional government. You will be missed.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the House is losing many fine Members at the end of this session, and I wish them all well. There is one retiring Member I want to say a few words about today. That Member is my good friend, Louie Gohmert. Louie and I came to Congress in the 109th in the year 2005 in a relatively small class. But that class had five fine Texans, three of whom have already retired. Louie Gohmert has been a great friend and an extremely dedicated patriot and Representative. He has been actually a great friend to all people in this body. He is kind and gentle. He is very serious also about the work that is done here. I know he has often been frustrated by the actions of both the House and Senate, but he has continued to work diligently to make our country and, indeed, the entire world better. The highest compliment I think I can pay him is that he is a good man who has always sought to do good. Our country has been blessed by Louie Gohmert throughout his life, and I am sure he will continue to do good. Mr. Speaker, I will miss Louie, but will pray that God will continue to bless him, Kathy, and his daughters.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize four members of the Boone and Church Band, who recently won the 95th Annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) National Convention Talent Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jaxton Boone, Ethan Church, Eli Church, and Walker Boone performed before a crowd of 62,000 at the convention and came away with a resounding victory, and they were the only applicants from North Carolina. What is most impressive, Mr. Speaker, is the backgrounds of these young men. Eli, Ethan, and Jaxton are all current high school students, and Walker is a full-time college student. Two others associated with the Boone and Church Band deserve recognition: Colton Boone, another recent high school graduate balancing college courses with a full-time job, and Lynn Church, a father who manages the group. The six-member group has traveled across western North Carolina since 2016 and has performed at church services, fairs, and even festivals. Mr. Speaker, I had the great fortune of hearing them this weekend at the Avery County Historical Museum, and I saw firsthand how great they are. While they make beautiful music, they also really enjoy themselves as they perform. It was so uplifting to be there to see that. Their caliber of talent is awe-inspiring, Mr. Speaker. Based on the variety of songs that they perform, they use 10 different instruments, such as a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and piano, to name a few. Together, they blend a variety of music styles, including bluegrass and southern gospel. But what is truly magnificent, aside from their wonderful talents, is how these musicians live the truth found within the gospel every single day. The lives they lead and their relationship with God is directly reflected in the music they share with so many people. Truly, they are a shining example of what makes western North Carolina so great. Congratulations, again, to the Boone and Church Band on this wonderful accomplishment. May God continue to bless them and their great work. Save Franchisees