Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, there is no question that the Nation's warfighters are among the bravest and most selfless people in the world. It is fitting that grateful Americans often find a way to thank our servicemen and -women for their defense of our Nation. It is also important, though, not to forget the great sacrifices children of our servicemembers make as well. April is the Month of the Military Child, and during this month, we celebrate and honor the incredible children of our servicemembers. Many military children serve as America's youngest ambassadors abroad when their parents are stationed overseas. They may also go long periods of time without the day-to-day parent interactions that many civilian children enjoy, such as meals together and bedtime stories. I salute the children who, alongside their parents, bear countless sacrifices to protect our country's freedoms. This month and every month, these children deserve our gratitude.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Women's History Month. Every March, we celebrate the trailblazing women who have enriched our history, our society, and our communities. This month, it is important to recognize the hardworking women in today's workforce. Today, more than 70 percent of women work outside of the home, and these women account for nearly half of the workforce, while 40 percent of women are their family's top earners. Because of tax reform, the women of America's workforce will be able to keep more of their hard-earned cash to spend on their families, rather than sending it to Washington. Additionally, working moms and their families will receive double the child tax credit to ensure they have the means to care for their children. Mr. Speaker, to the naysayers who claimed that tax reform would only benefit rich men, I say that is categorically false. Tax reform already has and will continue to empower the wonderful women in America's workforce to make history worth recognizing.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) for leading this Special Order tonight and for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life-affirming and lifesaving work done across the country by pro-life pregnancy centers. I have the privilege of representing the New Hope Pregnancy Compassion Care Center in Yadkinville, North Carolina; and I am proud to share the testimony of a young woman who perfectly encapsulates what these care centers do. She writes: ``The day I found out I was pregnant, I was very upset and didn't know what to do. I had so many different emotions and knew that it was going to be very hard, especially with me still being in college. I didn't know how I was going to tell my parents, my family, or my church. After having two positive pregnancy tests, I decided to go to Compassion Care Center. This was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. ``When I got there, I took another pregnancy test and it was positive. After that, I ended up having an ultrasound. After I seen my little baby on the ultrasound, I was lost for words. I had so many emotions and felt like I had no one. After my ultrasound, I ended up talking to a staff person about life and about this new baby. I told her how scared I was to tell my parents and how bad of a person I felt because of this. Even though this baby was not planned by me, God had planned it for me. She explained to me that even though I was still in college and still living at home, that she knew that I could do this and get through this. After we talked for a while about my life, the new baby, and religion, we prayed together. ``I ended up going home after that and telling my parents. It was very hard for them to cope with at first, but eventually they accepted it. I started going back to Compassion Care every week after that to take classes that offered videos about pregnancy and babies. Watching those videos helped me so much because it was a lot of new information that I did not know. ``I earned points every time that I came to watch these videos by watching them and doing homework sheets. The points I earned I could use to buy stuff in the store. The store had many different items that I could get. I got maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, wipes, and toys. These items helped me tremendously. ``Without Compassion Care offering these classes and items, I wouldn't have known what to do. I have learned so much stuff that I didn't know before and they have given me the best support. I absolutely love everyone there and appreciate everything that they have done for me. I just recently had my daughter, and she has become my entire life. ``I know one thing, though, if I would have not been involved with Compassion Care Center, I would not have been able to do this. They were a lifesaver and I cannot express enough how thankful I am that they were there for me every step of the way.''

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Grace Baptist Church, in Winston- Salem, North Carolina, paid tribute to its pastor of the past 37 years, Ed Sears, and his wife, Linda. Pastor Sears is transitioning out of his role as senior pastor, and the members of the church, along with people from across the State, met to acknowledge the leadership and inspiration provided by Pastor Sears. Pastor Sears is known as a servant of God who is held in high esteem by all who know him and his reputation. He is a person who made those around him feel loved. There is general agreement that the love that he shows others is a result of his commitment to and his relationship with Jesus Christ. He has made a difference in the lives of thousands of others to whom he ministered whenever they were in need. He has been totally committed to his ministry and been a true role model for us all. As he retires from a full-time ministry to face health challenges, we wish him well. We know that he will deal with these challenges in the same way he has lived his life thus far, with honor, integrity, strength, and faith that will inspire others. May God continue to bless you, Pastor Sears. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I offer my deepest condolences to Reverend Billy Graham's children and grandchildren on this very sad occasion. Reverend Billy Graham will be remembered by millions of people for millions of reasons, which is a testament to the people he inspired. When I consider Reverend Graham's life and all of his many accomplishments, I think of his humble beginnings and his dedication to bringing people to Christ. Reverend Graham, North Carolina's favorite son, began as a farmer's son and was not born with the steadfast faith that we later observed. It was a faith he chose and that he dedicated himself to all of his life. Later, he would be called America's Pastor, as he counseled Presidents and the poor alike. What is remarkable is how Reverend Graham heard the call and made the choice to follow the Lord and to take His word farther and more rapidly than it had ever gone before. Mark 16:15 of the Good Book instructs us to, ``Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'' This is a charge that Reverend Graham took seriously and a charge which he spent a lifetime endeavoring to obey. This seemingly ordinary man went on to do extraordinary things because of his faith and because of his calling to follow the Lord. In Chronicles 16:9, we observe that ``for the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the Earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.'' This scripture strikes true when we think of Reverend Graham's life and work. His heart was certainly filled with love for the Lord. Reverend Graham traveled the world preaching to the masses, but he did not crave frame or notoriety. Ever the humble servant, Reverend Graham craved the grace to bring others to Christ. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened that Reverend Graham is no longer with us, but I rejoice that he has joined the Lord, whom he loved so dearly. I am proud to join thousands of Americans in paying my last respects to Reverend Graham as his body lies in honor in the United States Capitol. This is only the fourth time in history that a civilian has earned this high honor and the esteem of a grateful nation, and this honor is richly deserved. Mr. Speaker, I hope that everyone here and those watching at home will remember all of Reverend Graham's many lessons and will let his life serve as a reminder to us all that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things if we put our trust in the Lord.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Azerbaijan has been a reliable friend and valuable partner of the United States, and it is appropriate for Congress to commemorate the victims of the Khojaly tragedy as our Azerbaijani friends mark the 26th anniversary of the event. We remember the 613 Azerbaijani men, women, and children killed in Khojaly on February 25 and 26, 1992. Continuing to mark the anniversary of such a tragedy is always difficult, but it is critical that we spend time honoring the precious lives lost. The Government of Azerbaijan continues to partner with the United States in counter-terrorism efforts, and the country has made meaningful strides its short history as an independent nation to promote economic development regionally, including its efforts in constituting the ``New Silk Road.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the town and people of Khojaly who died on those fateful days and in offering our deepest condolences to Azerbaijan on this tragic anniversary.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, when tragedy struck in 1957, the Surry County, North Carolina community came together, honored its' own, and remained strong. I rise to commemorate the selfless sacrifice of Mrs. Cora Beasley, a third grade teacher. Sixty-one years ago, a fire consumed Flat Rock Elementary School in Surry County. Mrs. Beasley ignored the danger and helped students out of a second-floor window, saving their lives. During the blaze, Mrs. Beasley attempted also to save third-grader Larry Adams, but sadly, they both perished. This month, the Flat Rock School community will rename its main building the Cora F. Beasley Building, a fitting tribute to one woman's selfless heroism. I salute the efforts of this tight-knit community and offer my prayers for Mrs. Beasley, Mr. Adams, their families and all of those affected by the fire that day.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, new Boy Scouts make a promise to do their best to do their duty to God and country and to help other people at all times. Mr. Lewis Wood from Stokes County, North Carolina, has not only fulfilled that promise, he has lived it to the fullest. Mr. Wood joined the Boy Scouts of America in January 1943. Later, he served as a volunteer and Scoutmaster for Troop 440 for 50 years. When Mr. Wood and his family were recently informed of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he was focused on living until this January, the 75th anniversary of his becoming a Scout. What an admirable spirit and a wonderful man. After a lifetime of service, Mr. Wood is now preparing for his next journey. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Wood for his 75 years of dedication to the Boy Scouts and Stokes County.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the 242 athletes who made the 2018 United States Winter Olympic team. This is the largest delegation of athletes from any nation attending the Winter Olympic Games in history. While reviewing the roster, I was pleased to see that the world will get to know something I have known for a long time: North Carolinians are strong competitors, three of whom I would like to salute. I offer my well wishes and congratulations to Heather Bergsma of High Point, North Carolina, who will compete in long track speed skating; Kimani Griffin from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who will compete in long track speed skating; and Bobby Sanguinetti from Wilmington, North Carolina, who will compete in ice hockey. The Olympic Games remain one of the only avenues in which the world's community may come together despite resounding differences. I wish these North Carolinians the very best as they compete on the world stage, along with their fellow United States athletes, and will look forward to cheering all of them on.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce very much for his help on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I am here to speak in support of the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act, introduced by my good friend Eliot Engel and me. It is another excellent example today of bipartisanship here in the House. As Chairman Royce said, this bill expands and reforms the War Crimes Rewards Program, which provides bounties for perpetrators of the world's worst human rights abusers. The current program authorizes these rewards only for the purposes of prosecutions in international tribunals. While experts can attest to the necessity of international tribunals or mixed court tribunals in limited circumstances, the program fails to offer the same advantages and incentives to prosecutions in national jurisdictions using national courts. There is already broad consensus that prosecuting perpetrators of atrocities like the genocide that plagues religious minorities at the hands of ISIS has the greatest impact when the prosecutions are conducted within the society in which the crimes occurred. When governments can keep these prosecutions within national jurisdictions, witnesses have easier access to courts, public awareness of these brutal atrocities is maximized, and parties will more likely understand domestic laws. Furthermore, domestic trials are often cheaper, quicker, and less resource intensive, meaning more resources can be devoted to items like discovery and analysis. Congress has already attested to the threat that these crimes posed to U.S. interests, including the heavy price tag in the forms of regional instability, refugee flows, economic losses, and reconstruction costs. A related program, the Rewards for Justice Program, authorizes similar bounties for terrorists wanted by the United States for violations of United States law, most famously, the one that was placed upon Osama bin Ladin. The bounties have led to the disruption of terrorist activities, but also to the prosecution of terrorists like Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Our bill would bring the War Crimes Rewards Program into conformity with that standard by explicitly listing violations of U.S. law as a basis for issuing the reward, not just the conviction by an international tribunal. It would also allow the U.S. to work with our allies to issue joint rewards, another provision in the terrorism authorization that the human rights provision lacks. This bill will leave important safeguards already incorporated into the current program in place. These safeguards include the ineligibility of government officials, consultation with the Attorney General, and congressional notification of the awards. Finally, Mr. Speaker, national governments are sovereign, and the U.S. Government shouldn't be neglecting their proper role by offering this tool solely to tribunals. Currently, there are efforts to encourage the prosecution of ISIS perpetrators of rape and genocide against Yazidis in national courts using domestic laws that provide for such prosecutions. This bill would make it clear that the U.S. Government should also be encouraging such efforts. The genocide by ISIS fighters in the Middle East; war crimes perpetrated by Syria's brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad; and the North Korean regime's crimes against its own people must all be opposed by the United States. It is my hope that the passage of this bill will send the signal that these brutal atrocities and the cowards who perpetrate them will be hunted down and punished with all means possible. I thank my good friend and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, for his role as the lead Democrat cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation. Again, I thank Chairman Royce for bringing this to the floor. Lastly, I thank the committee staff for their thoughtful contributions and assistance.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Gohmert, my classmate, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow night the President will come before this Chamber to address Americans and the wider world. While some in this Chamber and those watching at home will disagree with the President's vision, I hope that we may all agree to pay attention to the facts. The fact remains that our economy is booming. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, middle class Americans are receiving bonuses and are empowered to keep more of their paychecks. Energy companies are slashing their rates so that taxpayers are spending less on energy. Families are now able to keep more of their hard-earned money to spend any way they wish. The Dow Jones has soared into new heights under this administration. These facts will surely be addressed by the President, even if they are conveniently ignored by some in this Chamber and members of the news media. I look forward to attending the State of the Union and encourage all those tuning in to remember the facts.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to include in the Record an opinion editorial authored by columnist Tom Joyce of the Mount Airy News. In the piece, ``DACA = Dems against Common Americans,'' Mr. Joyce correctly asserts that during the Schumer Shutdown, the Democratic Party put the interests of DACA participants above those of our military personnel who suffer from shutdowns. I commend Mr. Joyce on his acute understanding of the facts. [From the Mount Airy News] DACA = Dems Against Common Americans (By Tom Joyce) As I sit here on Friday, a stare-down is continuing in Washington over a spending bill that was threatening to shut down the federal government at midnight. First of all, it's bad enough that members of Congress-- representing both parties--are so irresponsible they can't handle a basic function such as adopting a budget, something state and local governments, businesses and families routinely do. This is evident not just with the spending plan, but virtually any issue of consequence to address our nation's many woes. The problem is that members of both parties are more interested in pleasing their corporate donors and other special interests than they are helping rank-and-file Americans. Senators and representatives largely have become a privileged class who believe they don't have to play by the rules, ones they themselves make. Although people like myself are paid to offer these kinds of observations in the dim hope they might actually elicit change, I wholeheartedly believe change won't occur unless some major overhaul in Washington replaces most of the present leadership. While the fiscal irresponsibility surrounding the recent budget impasse has been sickening in and of itself, the really disgusting thing is how congressional Democrats have tied their support for a spending bill to relief for DACA participants. You know, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Dreamers) program that gives special treatment to hundreds of thousands (and maybe more) illegal immigrants brought by their illegal immigrant parents to this country as kids ``through no fault of their own.'' Now they are young adults who are all military heroes, heart surgeons or Rhodes Scholars with spotless criminal records, and despite being such great and talented people aren't depriving legal citizens of jobs. Even if all that were true, it's disgraceful to see how the Democratic Party has been putting the interests of DACA participants above those of our military personnel who suffer from shutdowns, including not getting paid. When was the last time Democrats went to bat to such a degree for our own inner-city youths who are ``Dreamers'' deprived of a good education or economic opportunities while Dems cater to people who shouldn't be here in the first place? When was the last time the Democrat Party was all in to help veterans plagued by homelessness and unemployment? To be honest, the Democrats once were the party of the working man, which somewhere along the way was hijacked by far-left cultural elitists. They deal in a currency of identity politics which sees issues such as who uses what bathroom as more important than those aiding the common man. While their unwavering desire to avoid doing anything that in any way inconveniences illegal aliens (at the expense of legal Americans) is part of this trend, the truth is Democrats are selfishly motivated. As Sen. Ted Cruz remarked during the 2016 presidential campaign, another definition for illegal immigrants is ``undocumented Democrats.'' And obviously with their core support among real Americans dwindling to the point their party basically has rendered itself irrelevant, Democrats are seeking a ready-made group of subservient voters. This can be accomplished by legalizing the DACA group and any other non-citizens on which Democrats can lay their hands. Here again, the common man is lost in the shuffle. As long as there are homeless veterans whose needs are not being met, people mired in poverty through governmental policies and additional conditions ``through no fault of their own'' and other legal residents in need, not one bit of energy should be devoted to assisting illegals. Given that many people from other nations have spent years and untold sums of money to become U.S. citizens the right way, I personally won't be satisfied until every person now within our borders illegally is deported once and for all. We either have laws and rules, or we don't. And build that wall. You can't convince me this wouldn't benefit legal Americans by freeing up jobs they supposedly won't take, including better-than-average construction positions often occupied by illegals. Along the way companies--yes, many of which grease the Republican wheels with donations--would be forced to pay decent wages rather than exploiting cheap labor. The first ones who should be deported are the parents of Dreamers, who when described as people brought here ``through no fault of their own'' is another way of saying it was somebody's fault--theirs. In the meantime, DACA will continue to be another way of saying Democrats Against Common Americans.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, during times of strife and stagnation, the most powerful tool we have at our disposal is the power of prayer. It is with that in mind that I offer my most heartfelt prayers for the men and women serving in uniform who are going without pay, and for the 9 million children forgoing access to critical healthcare during this Schumer shutdown. House Republicans fulfilled our bipartisan mission to responsibly fund the government, support our troops, and reauthorize CHIP for the children who rely on the program. The reason that Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats shut down the government is plain and simple. They value the demands of illegal immigrants more than they value the needs of American citizens. It is now the third day of the Schumer shutdown and that is 3 days too many in my book. I pray that the Senate Democrats who have shut down our government will soon see reason and will fund the government. Our citizens deserve better. End the Schumer shutdown.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the House Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, some Americans have not heard the truth about why we have the Schumer shutdown. The simple truth is that it is because the Republicans believe in the rule of law, want to fund our troops and the CHIP program. Democrats are advocating for illegal aliens. President Obama violated the Constitution when he signed an executive order allowing illegal aliens to reside here as legal residents. The court ruled his action unconstitutional. To President Trump's credit, he agreed with the court and asked Congress to find a solution to that issue and our broken immigration system. House Republicans are working on a solution and doing our job in passing appropriations bills and continuing resolutions to fund troops and our government. Senate Democrats saw an opening for their zeal to make these illegal aliens legal and have chosen to shut down the government. It is time for the Democrats to give priority to national security and legal people in our country. Vote to fund the government, and come to the table to find a law- respecting solution to immigration. Stop the Schumer shutdown.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, all the news today is about the Schumer shutdown. The House has done its work. The economy is booming. We passed a massive tax cut before the end of the year, which is bringing raises and prosperity to all segments of our economy. What is the problem? The problem is the Democrats in the United States Senate. The Democrats in the Senate are holding government funding hostage. The people protecting this country will continue to work but won't get a paycheck; this includes firefighters, Border Patrol, and servicemembers. We have a short-term funding bill ready for the President to sign, but Democrats are standing in the way. Democrats are endangering our national security, our veterans, and our children. The insurance of 9 million children is at risk because CHIP would not be reauthorized. Mr. Speaker, it appears as though the Democrats want to take away attention from the wonderful economy we have. We need to pass this bill and move on.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mrs. Roby, for being a leader in this area. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 4712, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This is commonsense legislation to strengthen, under penalty of law, the protection of infants who enter the world alive after attempted abortions. We agree, as my colleagues on the other side have pointed out, that an infant born alive rightly has protection under the law and is, in fact, a person. This was established by the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, signed into law by President Bush in 2002 after it was passed by voice vote in this Chamber and by unanimous consent in the Senate. We need this bill because, in practice, babies fighting for their lives after an attempted abortion are being denied treatment at the hands of so-called physicians. This law affirms and protects the survivors of abortions and ensures that, just like every other baby who is born, these persons become hospital patients and receive the same medical care as any other child born in the United States, not left in the very hands of those who sought to terminate their life. Mr. Speaker, this is an unfortunately necessary bill to ensure healthcare professionals comply with the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote to protect our Nation's most vulnerable children and to affirm life by voting to support it.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, each year we commemorate National School Choice Week to celebrate a family's right to select the best school for their children. This year we are starting the celebration on January 21. Americans like to have options, and when it comes to options in postsecondary education, there are more opportunities than ever. School choice is also about bringing those options to America's children in elementary and secondary schools. One of the best examples of options is the expansion of school choice. In the expansion of school choice is the growth of charter schools. Over the last 12 years, public charter school enrollment has tripled, and America now has 3 million students attending these schools. Along with the growing demand for charter schools, homeschooling and private school choice programs are increasing. There are 2.3 million students being homeschooled, and enrollment in private school choice programs has increased more than 100 percent. Making school choice available to more families should be a priority for all of us. It is clear that parents are looking for options, and we want opportunity for them to be open to everyone. Honoring Crystal Winebarger

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to wish Crystal Winebarger of the Fifth District a very peaceful and happy retirement. For the last 16 years, Ms. Winebarger selflessly served as the Hunger and Health Coalition director of operations located in Watauga County, North Carolina. The Hunger and Health Coalition's mission is to lift up the community by providing resources such as food, medications, and heat in the winter to those in need. Crystal worked with members in the faith community and local churches to ensure the well-being of many individuals and families. It is my belief that North Carolina will benefit from her tireless efforts for years to come. A lasting legacy of service is something that is becoming all too rare in our neighborhoods today. I will remain forever grateful to Ms. Winebarger for her service to our community. I wish her a happy retirement.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to join my colleagues who all thank the gentleman tonight for the fantastic leadership that he has given to this issue for so many years. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to affirm the dignity of the estimated 59 million children whose lives have been terminated by abortion in the United States since 1973. This Friday, tens of thousands of Americans will bear witness to the value of the unborn at the 45th annual March for Life, united in opposition to the life-degrading Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. The right to life is first among the inalienable rights of the Nation's Declaration of Independence. It is imperative to safeguard life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; those necessary conditions for people to flourish. Unfortunately, as evidenced by Roe v. Wade, our society too often values happiness at the expense of human life. However, amid this culture of death, the pro-life movement fights for life with love. And this year's March for Life theme, ``Love Saves Lives,'' truly embodies the spirit of the pro-life movement. Look no further than the 2,200 pregnancy centers across the country dedicated to serving pregnant women and new mothers. There are many in my district and I am very proud of them. These pregnancy centers empower women with life-affirming options and offer medical testing, prenatal care, and ultrasounds. They also provide parenting classes, baby supplies, and financial assistance to help meet the emotional and material needs of pregnant women. Many offer information about the beautiful option of adoption and provide referrals to connect birth mothers with loving families for their babies. The babies cared for in these clinics are loved before they are even born and the women are offered the love and support they need. These clinics recognize life as a precious gift and embrace a life-affirming option despite adverse circumstances. We live in a society that mistakes choice for liberty. But the beauty of living in a free country is that we can use our liberty for love. On Friday, the march will speak for the unborn, but the pro-life movement is more than just words. It is love in action every day, affirming the value of life at all stages, no matter the difficulties it presents. Striving to love daily is not easy, yet it is the greatest exercise of our freedom, and there is no life unworthy of that love.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate 25 years of observing Religious Freedom Day. On this day, more than 200 years ago, our forefathers in the Virginia General Assembly sought to practice their respective religions freely, so they passed a State law which secured our ability to exercise our faith freely today. The context of this initial law formed the inspiration for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Our country holds among its most fundamental freedoms the right to practice freely one's religion and associate with others who share those same beliefs. As we know from experience, freedom is not without cost and it is not free. It must be protected and nourished, and our communities of faith, in particular, need to be safeguarded from government encroachment and intrusion. It is with this in mind, Mr. Speaker, that I will continue to work with my colleagues to defend our First Amendment and our communities of faith on Religious Freedom Day and every day.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow.