Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. First, Madam Chair, I would like to express my condolences to our colleague for the situation that she found herself in with the person she was trying to help. No one wants to be in that kind of situation, and I am very sorry that it has happened. But this amendment is just another example that H.R. 1309 was poorly drafted, rushed, and not well thought out. The provisions and requirements relating to the details of maintaining a workplace violence prevention plan should be thoroughly vetted during the rulemaking process. In the established rulemaking process, stakeholders can comment on what provisions should be included in the final standard. This allows for robust evaluation of what provisions ultimately help create the most feasible and protective safety and health standard possible. We all share in the common goal of preventing workplace violence in healthcare and social service settings. We need to trust that the rulemaking process will result in the most protective standard possible. Healthcare professionals deserve the right to comment on a highly complex and new standard. This amendment does not address the underlying concerns with the bill. Democrat amendments to the bill, such as the one we are debating, do not change these basic facts. This bill is unworkable in its current form, and this amendment doesn't change the fact that H.R. 1309 fails to allow for the development of a workable, effective, and feasible workplace violence prevention standard. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Chair, this amendment is yet another well-intentioned addition to a flawed bill. A provision this obvious should have been included in the underlying text, but Democrats are unnecessarily rushing through this legislation even though OSHA is working on a rulemaking. What other seemingly obvious provisions or considerations are left out of the bill that are not being offered as amendments today? And which mandates included in the bill are unworkable, costly and ill- advised? These questions are exactly why the established regulatory process solicits necessary feedback from stakeholders and the public. H.R. 1309 circumvents a longstanding established OSHA rulemaking process, which is intended to research thoroughly the underlying circumstances and gather meaningful stakeholder input in order to create the most feasible and protective safety and health standards possible. By dodging the established regulatory process, H.R. 1309 will miss key issues like the ones addressed in this amendment. This bill is unworkable in its current form, and Democrat amendments don't change the fact that H.R. 1309 fails to allow for the development of a workable, effective, and feasible workplace violence prevention standard. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Chair, this amendment is simply more window dressing on a flawed bill. While technical assistance is welcome and appropriate, this amendment places an arbitrary time limit that is woefully insufficient to cope with the flawed rule, and there is no telling how short an unfriendly administration might allow this needed advice period to last. Moreover, technical assistance after employers are subject to a rule in which they had no input is too little too late. Rather than amend a flawed bill by allowing the Department of Labor to help businesses after they are subject to a flawed rule, we should reject this bill and instead allow OSHA to pursue its established rulemaking process that provides ample opportunity for feedback from stakeholders and the public before they are subject to another Washington regulation. Democrat amendments to the bill, such as the one we are debating, do not change the basic fact that H.R. 1309 is overly prescriptive and circumvents the established rulemaking process, failing to allow for the development of a workable, effective, and feasible workplace violence prevention standard. This amendment should be defeated. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the late Howard Blackburn of Hays, North Carolina for his recent induction into the Wilkes County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Howard Blackburn epitomized a life of excellence and service. He served in the military during World War Two and the Korean War. Howard Blackburn influenced thousands of lives through his leadership in education and agriculture. Through his work at Wilkes Community College, where he served as director of the life sciences program, Mr. Blackburn helped thousands of students develop farming skills. Howard Blackburn is perhaps best known throughout Wilkes Country for his contributions to beekeeping. He helped found the Beekeepers of Wilkes, and personally served as an instructor and mentor for decades. He helped many, many other people understand the importance of bees to our lives. He always maintained the highest standards of meticulous conduct and expected others to strive to the same level of excellence. Howard Blackburn is a shining example of service that we should all seek to emulate

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Sewell for his 4 years of service as president of the Winston- Salem Police Foundation. When he steps down as president in December, Mr. Sewell will be able to look back on his term and be extremely proud of the successes he has had. Mr. Sewell has led the foundation in a manner that truly gives back to the community. One such example is when, under his leadership, the foundation donated to the Winston-Salem Police Department the Operation Sweet Reads truck, which will be used to engage with local children with ice cream and promote literacy and education. Scott Sewell has served his community well, and he will continue to do so even after his term has ended. He is an exemplary member of the community, and I am proud to call him a friend and to recognize his service.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week, we celebrate the fifth year of National Apprenticeship Week, a week dedicated to showcasing the impact that apprenticeship programs have on preparing Americans for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Our Nation has 7 million unfilled jobs. A 2018 survey of U.S. employers showed that nearly half of all job creators struggle to hire employees with the right skills for the job. Apprenticeships offer one of the strongest solutions to closing the skills gap and strengthening the American workforce. That is why Republicans on the Committee on Education and Labor are committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. According to the Department of Labor, 94 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program, and the average starting salary after completion is $70,000. Apprenticeships help integrate the education system with the workforce development system, which allows all students to be better prepared to compete successfully in the 21st century economy.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize William Stillerman of Winston-Salem, North Carolina for his outstanding tenure as President and CEO of Baptist Retirement Homes. Throughout his 34 years of exceptional leadership, Baptist Retirement Homes has been a pillar of effective care and compassion for the elderly in North Carolina communities. The foundation he started now totals forty million dollars, helping to serve the Homes' over 500 residents and expand the reach of its services for homebound seniors. Seeing such a successful local initiative to provide seniors access affordable prescriptions, comfortable housing, meals, companionship and many other needs is truly inspiring, and I'm proud to represent the person who embodies its powerful driving force. Now that Mr. Stillerman himself is retiring, I wish him the very best and thank him for his incredible work and dedication in serving retirees in our state.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, today, thanks to the relentless efforts of our military's special operations servicemembers, ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is dead and our world is a safer place. Saturday night's victory over this violent enemy is due to our troops' selfless sacrifices and superior work with our Nation's intelligence operatives. President Trump has shown that under his command there is no safe place for terrorists, and I thank him and our troops for helping keep our country free and safe. Providing national security is the number one job of the Federal Government. Now it is time the House of Representatives puts our troops first by passing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2020 to support our military's continued success and ensure the safest possible outcome in all its missions.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this legislation before us today. I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 4334, the Dignity in Aging Act, which will reauthorize the Older Americans Act through 2024. For over 50 years, the Older Americans Act, or OAA, has helped provide social and nutrition services to older Americans. With more than 40 million Americans aged 65 and older, the programs and services offered by OAA are helping them maintain independence, and the data shows overwhelmingly that these programs help older Americans live higher-quality lives. The reach of this law is substantial and covers many aspects of elder care beyond just well-known programs like Meals on Wheels. OAA supports services that include: Nutrition programs providing meals at senior centers, schools, and churches; care to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors; family caregiver support systems; and services to help older Americans move into employment. This reauthorization is the product of bipartisan hard work with Members of the Education and Labor Committee and shows the good that can come from working together. Through productive conversation and compromise, we have successfully authorized grants for States and Area Agencies on Aging, AAAs, responsible for coordinating local services for older individuals. Specifically, the supportive services program funds a wide range of social services aimed at helping our older population remain independent in their own homes and communities. These services include, case management, adult daycare, and other numerous activities of senior centers. Additionally, States are required to devote a certain portion of funding to access services, home care, and legal assistance. Furthermore, local agencies that implement the law on the ground will receive additional clarity about cost-sharing policies designed to increase the cost-effectiveness of OAA programs. The bill also infuses additional accountability over hardworking taxpayer funds into these programs by requiring programs to demonstrate they met their stated goals prior to receiving a renewal of their grant. In addition to funding for supportive services and nutrition services, H.R. 4334 also provides for caregiver support. The bill continues support for the National Family Caregiver Support Program, which provides funds to States to support Americans caring for aging family members. The program provides a range of services, including information and assistance to caregivers about available services, counseling, organization of support groups and caregiver education, respite services to provide families temporary relief from care-giving responsibilities, and supplemental services to complement care provided by other caregivers. The bill also provides increased flexibility to states by lifting a cap on the percentage of funds that can go to older relative caregivers, which will allow for additional support for those seniors who have taken responsibility for caring for family members due to the growing problem of opioids in our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am very encouraged by the teamwork and bipartisanship that went into this bill. H.R. 4334, the Dignity in Aging Act, reflects Congress' commitment to our Nation's seniors and builds upon the law's flexible policies, allowing older Americans to age with health, dignity, and independence in the communities of their choosing. I would like, again, to thank Representative Stefanik for her diligent work on this legislation and Chairman Scott for his commitment to bipartisanship. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this reauthorization that will benefit an entire generation of older Americans.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, an impeachment inquiry is one of the most serious actions the House can take. But the gravity of such proceedings seem to be lost on the Democratic Caucus. As a reminder, I would like to quote Federalist 65: The prosecution of impeachment will seldom fail to agitate the passions of the whole community, and to divide it into parties more or less friendly or inimical to the accused. In many cases it will connect itself with the preexisting factions and will enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence and interest on one side or the other; and in such cases there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. Speaker Pelosi's impeachment inquiry by fiat has realized this greatest danger. I call on her to allow for an open debate on this process immediately.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina, on receiving the National Athletic Trainers' Association Safe Schools Sports Award. This honor is given to academic institutions that demonstrate excellence in prioritizing safe athletic programs that keep students injury-free. Students' health and safety should always come first. However, often in our culture, health and safety take a back seat when students face high pressure to compete and perform. Such risks are counterproductive to the personal growth that schools like Forsyth Country Day School strive to foster through their athletic programs. I applaud Forsyth Country Day School on its authentic dedication to students' development through athletics. I commend its administrators, faculty, and coaches for earning this prestigious award.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Alleghany Rescue Squad in North Carolina's Fifth District on its 50th anniversary. The story behind this rescue squad is a truly remarkable testament to the strength and character of this community. On September 12, 1969, high school students, Linda Pennington and Johnny Johnson, collided with a tree while driving from the school football game. Both were trapped inside the car for hours before they could be taken to the hospital. At the scene of the wreck, hundreds gathered and did what they could to help, but without jaws of life and other rescue equipment, they were not able to save Linda and Johnny. The community responded to this horrible tragedy by coming together to make sure next time disaster struck, it would be prepared. Local leaders gathered men and women to form the rescue squad. Soon, with the help of the Elkin Rescue Squad, CPR classes were underway, and so was the squad's fundraising campaign. The rescue squad made appeals to the community for money to buy a truck, all-purpose first-aid kit, resuscitator, jaws of life and many other life-saving tools. The response from community members was incredibly generous and the Alleghany Rescue Squad continues strong today, comprised entirely of volunteer workers--including three of its charter members--who raise all funding for equipment and rescue classes. These men and women are true heroes, always ready to save when lives are in danger. They prove that when neighbors are in need, the community around them can provide the best help, and I am very proud to represent citizens who so selflessly serve their fellow citizens.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, it is very fitting that John Wood receive a lifetime achievement award from the Career Colleges & Schools of Texas. He and his wife, Victoria, have worked tirelessly to make the Ocean Corporation a place where students gain the skills they need to lead successful and productive lives in a variety of occupations that benefit not only the student but also the State of Texas and, indeed, the country and the world. Their focus is always on ensuring that the programs are of the highest quality and that students are career-ready when they leave their various programs. Having visited the Ocean Corporation myself, I can testify to the dedication of the faculty and staff that John and Victoria have assembled. In addition to their dedication to high-quality programs, they have maintained their enthusiasm for the value of career education and the choices that it presents. John is deserving of the award, and I commend all who are responsible for recognizing him and his true lifetime achievement.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, when our country was founded, the idea of a democratic republic was not foreign; it was nonexistent. Besides intermittent cooperation to win independence, the Colonies had no sense of unity, and being American had little meaning. Few citizens could have realized the amount of sacrifice needed to write and ratify a document to unite them all. Our Constitution truly is a miracle. Aside from its genius, its history helps us appreciate the blessing it is. Our colleague, Congressman Chris Stewart, and Judge Ted Stewart wrote a wonderful book, ``Seven Miracles That Saved America.'' In it, they offer three reasons to believe God had a hand in the crafting of the Constitution. For the remainder of my time today on Constitution Day, I would like to quote them. ``One, Timing. The window of opportunity for the writing and ratification of the Constitution was very small. Every effort to make the Articles of Confederation workable between 1776 and 1787 had already failed. But then suddenly, in May of 1787, a group of 55 patriots came together with both the wisdom of the ages and enough youth to energetically fight for the ratification of the Constitution. ``Any attempt to create a constitution later than 1787 would have almost certainly resulted in failure as well. Just 2 years after the Convention finished its work, France became embroiled in its own revolution, which lasted a full decade and degenerated into a bloody, violent affair. ``Surely, this example of failure would have frightened the Founding Fathers, giving them reason to think very differently about the degree of power to be retained by `the people.' ``Making matters worse was the fact that the Founders split into two distinct political camps in the years that immediately followed the Convention. Had the Constitutional Convention been called just a few years later than 1787, many of these men would have been unwilling to stand together. And without their input, the Convention would never have had a chance of success. ``Two, Miraculous Compromise. The second way in which the Constitution is demonstrably a miracle is the manner in which it came about. ``During the course of the Convention, every delegate had to give up on some cherished principle. ``James Madison, who had come to the Convention more prepared than anyone and was primarily responsible for the general outline of the government established by the Constitution, lost on many issues. Most dear to him was his belief that the House and the Senate should be based on proportional representation. ``Franklin wanted an executive council voted for life, rather than a single executive. He did not want the chief executive to have the power of the veto. He did not want anyone in the executive position to receive a salary. He lost on all counts. ``But during the course of the 560 roll calls, no man lost every time, and everyone was part of a winning vote on some occasion. These men of social stature, political and business success--`demigods' all-- swallowed their pride, accepted defeat of personal agendas, and went forth and convinced a nation to accept the product of the Convention. ``Three, 4,400 Miraculous Words. Perhaps the greatest miracle of the Constitution is the document itself. In essence, the Constitution has had only 13 substantive amendments in over 200 years. ``History has proven that the Constitution creates a system that defies despotism and tyranny. ``How was it able to do this? Primarily through the underlying premise, part of Madison's gift to the world, that the Constitution comes from the people. Madison coined the phrase `We the People.' These words are far more than a clever phrase. They restate the principle, first asserted in the Declaration of Independence, that God gives man rights and the only legitimate purpose of government is to protect those rights. ``In short, the Constitution not only survived the evolution of this great Nation but permitted the American people to exercise the greatest level of individual liberty in history. ``Further, it has been the `shining light on the hill' that has provided the inspiration for peoples all over the Earth to seek liberty and freedom for themselves. ``Is that not a miracle?''

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank both of my colleagues from North Carolina for their leadership on doing their best to help HBCUs. However, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2486, the FUTURE Act. Under the guise of a manufactured deadline, House Democrats are rushing through a bill that will negatively impact student borrowers across the country. I want to make one thing clear: In no way does my criticism of the underlying bill diminish my support for America's HBCUs and MSIs and the important role these institutions of higher learning play in our country. My issue is with this bill and the process by which it is before us. We have a responsibility to diligently and responsibly allocate taxpayer dollars. Too many in this body find it way too easy to spend hard-earned taxpayer dollars without promising accountability. That is an insult to every citizen who has entrusted us with their representation. Yet, the Democrats' bill before us uses budget gimmicks to skirt House protocols. This flawed bill also eliminates account maintenance fees, programs that serve low-income minority students through financial aid awareness and borrower assistance services. In addition to funding and policy issues, the bill has serious process issues. Our colleagues have skipped the markup process and brought it straight to the floor. This unnecessary move to push forward a bill without the deliberation of the committee is a disservice to America's students. We have the time to deliberate this legislation with all parties at the table, but my colleagues aren't interested in sound policy, they are interested in sound bites. Simply put, there are better ways to accomplish the policy goals of this bill and really work toward improving the future of American students.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Price for his very kind comments and associate myself with them. I want to welcome our new Members, and I want to thank all of the Members here in advance for helping them feel welcomed to this wonderful body and for helping them get adjusted in a hurry to their work here. Former Speaker Boehner always said that the North Carolina delegation punched above its weight. I want to say that, with the addition of these two wonderful Members, we are going to continue that tradition of punching above our weight and bring to the people's House a wealth of experience and a commitment to helping all of the people of the United States of America. So I want to welcome, again, Representative Bishop and Representative Murphy to the people's House and say: God bless you, and may God continue to bless all of us.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, no American will ever forget what happened to us, to our Nation, 18 years ago. We remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we watched the tragedy of September 11 unfold. But we also recount how, in the midst of fear and uncertainty, so many Americans acted as heroes and gave of themselves for the sake of their country and their city to help their fellow human beings. The darkness of that day did not prevail. An attack meant to bring us to our knees instead brought us together and prompted a generation of protectors--airmen, soldiers, sailors, Coast Guard, and marines--to rise up in defense of freedom and in pursuit of peace. As we commemorate the tragedy of September 11, we pray for the families of the fallen in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania; we give thanks for the bravery of first responders who ran toward the burning buildings and away from safety; we honor the men and women whose last moments were committed to love of country and their fellow human beings; and we pray for the safety of those men and women still deployed throughout the world on the mission that began that day. While we hope never again to endure the suffering that day brought, it continues to inspire all of us to be selfless for the greater good of our country which unites us all. I commend the communities in North Carolina's Fifth District and around the country who are commemorating 9/11 and taking up service projects in remembrance of September 11 on what has become our National Day of Service. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Winston-Salem State University, WSSU, in North Carolina's Fifth District on its recent ranking by Money magazine as the Nation's best public Historically Black University for value. The publication considered 26 different measures of value, including affordability, education quality, and graduates' record of landing well-paying jobs. Many institutions do not make timely completion of college a priority, leading to increased debt for the six out of 10 students who take more than 6 years to graduate. WSSU is a bright spot in our Nation's university system, though, with the average student graduating in under 5 years and alumni earning an average $46,200 annually within 3 years of graduation. Chancellor Elwood Robinson, WSSU administrators, and faculty should be very proud to lead our Nation's Historically Black Universities and Colleges in value. I applaud the school's dedication to honoring the financial sacrifices made to pursue postsecondary education.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the failure of some Members of the House of Representatives to condemn the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS, movement that seeks to sabotage and undermine the State of Israel is appalling to me. Instead of empowering a movement that seeks to isolate Israel, we should be supporting our greatest ally in the Middle East. I have seen firsthand that BDS efforts violate the core goals of universities, which thrive--or should thrive--on open exchange and debate. And I reject the rationale of some Members who voted against the resolution under the guise of free speech. H. Res. 246, voted on this week, echoes many resolutions that I have broadly supported. In February, House Republicans put forth one such measure to reject anti-Semitism in all forms. Astonishingly, some House Members expressed dissent during the voice vote on this motion. However, once a recorded vote was called, the motion passed 424-0. This week, the majority leadership took the path of least resistance from its far-left Members by putting on the floor another resolution to condemn anti-Semitism but refusing to debate legislation with the teeth necessary to push back against the hateful BDS movement. Support of Israel has long enjoyed bipartisan consensus, and real action against the BDS movement must be taken. I and 195 other Republicans signed onto a discharge petition for H.R. 336, the Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act, to bring this legislation before the full House for an up-or-down vote. H.R. 336 imposes direct and concrete penalties on the BDS movement by allowing State and local governments to adopt laws to divest public funds from groups or organizations that boycott Israel. S. 1, the Senate companion to H.R. 336, passed with strong bipartisan support, 77-23. By passing H.R. 336, this House would send a clear message that the BDS movement's anti-Semitic messages and actions will be met with firm consequences in the United States. It is important that we stand in opposition to the BDS movement and stand with our strongest ally in the Middle East. We must reject the BDS movement with the full force of law and continue to support Israel as the major strategic partner that this body has long enshrined in our laws, our policy priorities, and our hearts and minds.

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we all have been privileged to know people in our communities who have led remarkable lives but are unsung heroes. Today, I want to highlight one such couple whom I have come to know and admire. I rise to recognize Ralph and Christine Brown, a remarkable couple and role models for all the rest of us. They grew up in families of very modest means. While working full time, Ralph began a one-man security business in 1963. What started as Lake Norman Security Patrol, Inc., expanded into two of the most successful businesses in North Carolina and the country: Security Central and AlarmSouth. Ralph learned the importance of security while serving as a U.S. Army policeman and turned his knowledge into security and patrol services for homes and commercial entities. At his side was Christine, his brilliant helpmate. They have a wonderful and philanthropic family that is carrying on the family tradition and business into the third generation. Ralph and Christine's success has not only become a family legacy but has benefited numerous good causes in the community through their generosity, including the American Heart Association, the United Way, and Grandfather Home for Children. Having inspiration and determination combined with hard work was their recipe for remarkable success. The Browns are proof that the American Dream is alive and well. Recognizing DKG in Region IX of North Carolina

Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Region IX of the North Carolina State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society on their achievements at the State convention in Hickory, North Carolina. Region IX makes up eight chapters across North Carolina's Fifth District and took home five achievement awards, three communications excellence awards, and two newsletter and website awards. These recognitions speak to the chapter's success in its mission to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. As an educator myself, I know the incredible difference it makes to have opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and scholarships. The society invites members who are dedicated to education in different fields, both active and retired, to build up future leaders at the local level. As we all know, the local level is where the best practices and policies in education come from. Knowing that young educators in the Fifth District have such talented and locally engaged women behind them makes me very proud. These women are shining examples of the powerful impact that organizing within our communities has on future generations.