Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

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

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns tomorrow, Friday, January 12, 2018, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday next, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the adoption of the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, an important and long overdue provision included in this legislation before us today. For nearly 70 years, the National Labor Relations Board respected the sovereignty of Native American Tribes throughout the country and allowed the Tribes to adjudicate labor issues within the laws and standards of each Tribe. However, in 2004, the NLRB began to change its longstanding practices and adopted subjective tests to determine when it wanted to assert its jurisdiction in matters involving Native American Tribes. These subjective tests are applied on an arbitrary, case-by-case basis and are having an impact on Tribal businesses that are operated on sovereign Tribal lands. Tribal business leaders have been asking Congress to respect their sovereign rights and end the NLRB's inconsistent and misguided decisions when it comes to labor decisions dealing with Tribal businesses. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, sponsored by Representative Todd Rokita, a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, stops the NLRB from picking winners and losers when it comes to matters dealing with Tribal businesses and ends the bureaucratic overreach conducted by the NLRB in recent years. Most importantly, this legislation protects the sovereignty Native Americans deserve and ensures that Tribes have control over their own labor relations and, ultimately, determine what works best for workplaces on Tribal lands. Bipartisan support for Tribal sovereignty has been reaffirmed time and again by Congress, and for more than 180 years, the Supreme Court has held that Tribes possess a nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-government. It is time that we strip unelected bureaucrats of the power they abuse and respect the rights of Native American Tribes. I wish to thank Representative Todd Rokita for introducing and championing the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act and urge Members to support this important clarification to Federal law.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we salute and thank the brave men and women who make up our law enforcement community. Officers on the local, State, and Federal level dedicate their efforts to keep us safe. They serve to protect the vulnerable and to defend us from harm. They patrol the neighborhood beats, walk our streets, and willingly put their lives on the line to do the work that makes our society safe. These men and women preserve our way of life by steadfastly safeguarding us from crime. To ensure the safety and protection of others, many have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifice must not be forgotten, and their families should always remain in our prayers. Though today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I believe members of our law enforcement community deserve our gratitude every day. New Year, New Tax Code

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, it is a new year, and I am thankful that my Republican colleagues and I made good on our promise to bring about a new Tax Code. Due to the historic passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, most citizens, couples, and companies will finally receive the tax relief they have so desperately needed. The list of companies nationwide that have announced pay raises, bonuses, and 401(k) contributions is growing. Companies that weren't able to invest more in their employees in the past have found renewed confidence in this Nation's economic future. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle proclaimed that this bill was a tax scam that would only profit the rich. These baseless claims are the very epitome of fake news, and nothing could be further from the truth. Already, more than a million Americans have received bonuses because of our efforts to reform the Tax Code. $900 billion is being distributed to hardworking American taxpayers by job creators as of today. Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we have witnessed companies begin to reinvest in the future of employees. In fact, Aflac announced it will increase 401(k) matching from 50 percent to 100 percent for the first 4 percent of employee contribution, on top of issuing one-time bonuses to employees. Our job creators are so inspired by the reforms we worked hard for, and those who are working toward retirement will enjoy these benefits for years to come. While some in this Chamber stated that tax reform would lead to Armageddon, I would like to point out that, for many, tax reform has brought about what Reagan called morning in America again. Proponents of the status quo and naysayers claimed that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would cost taxpayers. That is simply not the truth. Even modest increases in GDP growth caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will substantially contribute to a leveling off of the deficit. The Congressional Budget Office stated, for every one-tenth of 1 percent increase in GDP, nearly $270 billion in revenue is added over 10 years. Most importantly, hardworking American taxpayers will now keep more of their hard-earned cash. Estimates show that married couples taking advantage of the new standard deduction in the Fifth District of North Carolina may receive a tax cut to the tune of $1,834. That is no small sum. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that House Republicans kept our promise to bring about more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks in 2017, and I look forward to this continued success in 2018.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and community partners. Recently, the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest received the coveted 2017 Restored and Resilient Landscapes Award from the U.S. Forest Service southern region. The Ranger District received this award due to efforts to produce a healthy and more diverse forest. This project, which began in 2012, has exceeded its goal of restoring 40,000 acres of forest for parkgoers to enjoy. Specifically, collaborative partners have worked together to remove understory fuels to decrease wildfire risk, restore shortleaf pines, and increase wildlife openings, while improving areas for deer and other wildlife to forage. These combined efforts of the Grandfather Ranger District and collaborative partners have yielded fantastic results for our community and our forests. I know that these efforts will benefit generations of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists for years to come. I salute the Grandfather Ranger District and the many partners who earn the Restored and Resilient Landscapes Award.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Christmas, many of us consider the season of giving and some also think of Christmas cookies. Equally, when many consider giving back, or cookies, they think of the Girl Scouts. However, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that Girl Scouts do more than sell cookies. They actively work to improve their communities all year long. Five Girl Scouts in Watauga County recently received the bronze and silver awards for outstanding community service. A few troops earned awards for redecorating a library reading cave to encourage classmates to spend more time learning. Another Girl Scout taught a free dance class so that children who couldn't afford lessons wouldn't miss out. Last, one Girl Scout sought to help end hunger in Watauga County. She wrote thank-you cards to sponsors that provided funds for healthy Thanksgiving meals to feed the hungry. These young women are a credit to their parents and to our communities. I congratulate these young women on their well-earned awards, and I look forward to their continued success.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, recently, Forbes magazine reported something that we North Carolinians have known for some time: North Carolina is the number one State for business. To give credit where it is due, the Tar Heel State's successful business atmosphere is in large part due to the North Carolina Legislature which has cut personal and corporate tax rates since Republicans assumed the majority in 2010. This year the legislature enacted a budget that reduces the State's flat personal income tax rate from 5.499 to 5.25 in January of 2019. In 2013, elected officials in Raleigh created an impressive probusiness policy agenda that reduced the State's corporate income tax from 6.9 percent in 2013 to 3 percent in 2017, which will drop to 2.5 percent in 2019. This progrowth corporate income tax reduction has played a pivotal role in making North Carolina attractive to businesses. The State of North Carolina is a wonderful place to start a business and to live, and people from other States are moving to the State in droves. Migration rates to North Carolina consistently rank in the highest percentiles in the Nation. Our State ranks second in lowest business costs in terms of labor, energy, and taxes. With rankings like that, it is no wonder that businesses rightly choose to operate out of North Carolina. As a former small businessowner, it is a pleasure to hear that Forbes had recognized North Carolina's business bona fides. Thanks to the North Carolina Legislature, small and big businesses in North Carolina are competitive on a domestic and global scale. Mr. Speaker, the officials in Raleigh worked hard to ensure North Carolina would become the most competitive State for business in the country. Here in Washington, we are building upon the success of North Carolina and bringing about a tested policy recipe for economic growth: fairer, simpler, and lower taxes. Whether you are an individual struggling to make sense of your tax burden before April 15, or an American corporation that is trying to compete with America's competitors, or a small business that has faced the IRS's stifling complexity, you know that our Tax Code is broken. I have heard enough from Fifth District families, businesses, millennials, and other budding entrepreneurs to know that Congress must act now to bring about the economic expansion that Americans need and deserve. That is why I was proud to cast my support in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs bill. This bill is Congress' answer to the will of the people. It delivers much-needed tax relief to taxpayers by lowering every marginal tax rate on the books that applies to working Americans. It enables our businesses to win here at home and expand our Nation's job growth. It will boost paychecks for generations to come. By doubling the standard deduction, even more Americans will no longer need to itemize their deductions. For married couples filing jointly, this translates to $24,000 yearly that is free from Federal taxes. By lowering the crippling taxes on businesses, workers will see an increase in their wages. A report from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that a middle- income family in North Carolina would see its aftertax income increase by $2,366. The same foundation found that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create 975,000 new jobs nationally and grow wages by 4.4 percent for middle-income households. As we have seen in North Carolina, when governments simplify and lower taxes, citizens reap the rewards of economic expansion, job growth, and higher wages. Despite all of the hard work done by North Carolina's Legislature and despite our State being rated the number one in which to do business, it is being held back by the Federal Tax Code. The current Tax Code is littered with trillions of dollars in special interest tax breaks that have held people back. Even though North Carolina is number one, you will find that the four highest earning counties in the United States are all near Washington, D.C. The spending of the Federal Government fueled by the Tax Code and its giveaways undermine the foundations of our economy. These special-interest tax carve-outs are driven by--you guessed it-- special interests. It is time we stop rewarding the closely connected here in Washington and keep taxpayer dollars where they belong, with American workers, job creators, and businesses. It is time the Federal Government stopped using the Tax Code to engineer people's decisions and allow Americans to live their lives based on their desire for higher wages, entrepreneurism, service, and economic exchange. I urge my colleagues to follow North Carolina's lead and support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to lower taxes and increase paychecks, wages, and job growth, and to fix the Tax Code.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Randy Johnson, a former committee staff member and long-time friend of the Education and the Workforce Committee who is stepping down as the Senior Vice President for Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce after 20 years of service for that respected organization. As his title suggests, Randy's role at the Chamber has required him to be engaged in a number of key public policy issues involving the committee. Although the Chamber is losing a very effective advocate, the policies and laws impacting the American workforce are stronger because of his commitment and engagement. Before going to the Chamber in 1997, Randy was the Labor Counsel and Workforce Policy Coordinator for the Committee for nine years. During this period, Randy was involved in crafting a number of federal statutes including the Family and Medical Leave Act on which Randy authored a superb minority report predicting many of the challenges that employers have faced in their efforts to comply with that law. He brought that same caliber of foresight and diligence to the legislative process leading up to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Randy also helped immensely during the transition to a Republican majority of the House after the 1994 elections and was instrumental in ensuring that the Committee hit the ground running during that historic period. During his time at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Randy and his staff earned the respect of policymakers because they drilled down into the details of legislation and issues, an attribute which made them effective advocates and credible stakeholders on Capitol Hill. Randy could also be counted on to express with clarity what happens when the rubber meets the road. The Chamber has always been a prominent voice for employers' interests in labor and workplace issues, but this does not mean the Chamber's positions are always strictly partisan. The Chamber's pragmatic positions on labor and employment issues reflected Randy's influence. Under Randy's leadership, there was always room for discussion wherever it was possible to reach a legislative solution in which all sides could come away with something. His relentless pursuit of results should be commended. Mr. Speaker, we have not yet learned of Randy's plans after he departs the Chamber but we expect and hope that we have not heard nor seen the last of him. We need more people like Randy Johnson who find that creating sound public policy is a calling and who possess his attention to detail and determination to seek solutions. We hope he is not content to let his light fade under a bushel and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to wish two very special constituents a happy birthday. Mrs. Lexie Holbrook and her great-great-great nephew, Mr. Jake Wagoner, of Wilkes County, recently celebrated their respective birthdays. Mrs. Holbrook observed her 110th birthday, and Jake enjoyed his 10th birthday. Mrs. Holbrook is the grande dame of North Wilkesboro and holds the title of the oldest living person in the county. While 100 years and 5 days may separate them in age, they share a strong bond. Jake is proud of Lexie's age, and he regards her experience as cool. Further, he believes her to be something of a celebrity. Jake reported to his fourth grade class about Lexie's upcoming birthday and exclaimed: ``That's right, she's mine.'' The pride and love Mr. Wagoner feels for Lexie is inspiring. Mr. Speaker, I hope their story will serve to inspire others to strengthen the ties of friendship across generational lines--as we should all hope to have such bonds within our families.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Bible Week. For thousands of years, the Bible has been a source of guidance and strength for humanity. During times of turmoil and confusion, I can think of no more important source of comfort than the wisdom provided in the Good Book. The Bible serves as a profound influence in my life, as well as others in this Chamber. Many of us gather weekly for prayer breakfasts and Bible study. The Bible offers us hope when circumstances are dire and is a source of strength when human frailty brings us low. As we read in the Gospel of Matthew: ``Come unto me, all ye that labor under heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'' Next week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, my prayer is that it will be a time of healing and unity for all. As we reflect on the blessings God has provided, I hope we will also celebrate the gift God provides us daily through His holy word

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute a brave, dedicated nurse of Ashe County, North Carolina, Mrs. Maggie McNeill. Recently, the Fifth Congressional District of North Carolina experienced torrential downpours and flooding, causing severe damage to many residents and their property. Mrs. McNeill, scheduled for her shift at Ashe Memorial Hospital, found her car's path blocked by flood waters and a downed tree. Undeterred by this danger, Mrs. McNeill hiked on foot up a steep hill to her helpful father who gave her a ride to the hospital in time to help deliver two babies. What a fantastic role model Mrs. McNeill is. She understood she was needed, and she risked herself to get to her patients. She exemplifies the best characteristics of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for many when I say that future generations of the Ashe County community are blessed by Mrs. McNeill's dedication to her calling.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the chair of the Small Business Committee.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 607, I call up the bill (H.R. 3441) to clarify the treatment of two or more employers as joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3441.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act. Mr. Speaker, the premise of this legislation is simple. It is about protecting the ability of entrepreneurs in this country to start and run their own business, and it is about ensuring opportunities within reach for all Americans. Every day, men and women across the country work hard to earn a paycheck and provide for their families, and every day, local businessowners work hard to keep their doors open and hire employees. Meanwhile, bureaucrats in Washington are busy setting policies that have a widespread impact on every workplace in the country. As we learned during the Obama administration and from rulings made by the previous National Labor Relations Board, too often these policies do far more harm than good. When it comes to rules and policies governing our Nation's workforce, there has never been a greater need for Congress to clarify areas of the law that shouldn't be left up to boards and Federal agencies to decide. That is especially true regarding the joint employer issue. In 2015, when the Obama administration's NLRB unilaterally redefined what it means to be a joint employer, the result was massive confusion and uncertainty. The Committee on Education and the Workforce has heard from countless individuals on how the vague and unworkable new joint employer standard threatens job creation, creates new roadblocks for entrepreneurs, and upends successful business models and relationships. H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act, will deliver much-needed relief by providing legal clarity under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. The legislation simply restores a commonsense joint employer standard, and it does so in a way that upholds vital worker protections and ensures all employers know their responsibilities to their employees. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Byrne, for introducing and tirelessly championing this proposal, along with the Democratic cosponsors. I urge all Members to vote in favor of H.R. 3441 so we can protect local jobs, opportunity, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne), the chief sponsor of this bill.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, before I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar), I want to take just a minute to express my deepest sympathy to him, as the representative of the people of Sutherland Springs, for this Sunday's tragic events. He is here today to do the job they sent him to do, but we all know his heart is very much in that community. I thank him for being here, and I hope he knows that so many people are praying for him and the people he represents. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), the distinguished chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Francis Rooney).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).