Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ferguson), our distinguished colleague.

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

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

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), another distinguished member from the committee.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague from Virginia is prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time to close.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is a no-brainer. Today, Congress has a chance to stand up for jobs, opportunity, and local businesses in each of our districts. This legislation rolls back an unworkable joint employer policy that is hurting both workers and employers. Contrary to some of the misleading rhetoric we have heard today, nothing in this bill undermines worker protections. In fact, the bill ensures workers know exactly who their employer is under Federal law. I urge all Members to do what is best for the workers and local job creators in their district by voting in favor of H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, this motion is just another attempt to ignore the real damage caused by the NLRB's expanded and unworkable joint employer standard which continues to hurt local businessowners and their workers. Let's not get distracted by this motion. Instead, let's focus on the bipartisan solution which is pending: H.R. 3441, the Save Local Business Act, which simply restores a commonsense definition of employer to provide certainty and stability for workers and employers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the motion to recommit and ``yes'' on the Save Local Business Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and the bill for which it was made, the Resilient Federal Forests Act. The rule makes in order several needed amendments, but, more importantly, it allows for much-needed debate and consideration of a bipartisan bill to address the growing economic and environmental threats posed by catastrophic wildfires. This bill will give Federal agencies immediate tools to increase the effectiveness of our forest management projects while preserving environmental protections. While of immense benefit to preserving our national parks, the bill also supports the private sector by addressing obstructionist litigation against management activity, and rewarding collaboration by local governments and local stakeholders when they work together to foster more effective management projects. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina's Fifth District is home to pristine national parks, including the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, otherwise known as America's favorite drive. I am an unwavering supporter of our Nation's national parks, and I look forward to equipping better our park managers to protect our forests from wildfires and other threats to their environmental integrity.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, Forbes magazine recently discovered something many of us have known for a long time, which is that Sparta, North Carolina, is a wonderful place to live and work. Sparta, located in Alleghany County, is a wonderful community made up of people with vision, strong work ethic, big hearts, and dreams. Forbes encouraged young entrepreneurs to move to seven locations around the country--and, in particular, to Sparta--for the high-speed fiber internet and relatively low cost of living. This would allow innovators and job creators to live affordably and work globally. Mr. Speaker, this is a great reason to move to Sparta, but it is not the only reason. I urge entrepreneurs and families to live in Sparta for the wonderful quality of life, sense of community, and incredible heart that makes this town a wonderful place to call home.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Carolina Fifth District constituent, Mr. Stuart Epperson, whose work has positively affected so many in North Carolina and so many across this great Nation. Stuart, or ``Stu,'' as his friends know him, is living proof that not only is the American Dream possible, it is achievable if you are simply willing to work hard for it. Stu's story is a model one for all. Growing up on a small tobacco farm in Virginia, Stu learned hard work and perseverance. In the 1980s, Stu and his brother-in-law started the Salem Media Group to minister to and report positive news to families across the country. Under his leadership, Salem Media Group and Salem Radio now host 120 radio stations, 67 of which are in the top 25 markets, and operate 2,400 affiliates. Mr. Speaker, at a time when many Americans opt to turn off the news due to the negative content, Mr. Epperson's audience is tuning in to be inspired and to be informed. The content put forth by the Salem Media Group serves as a beacon of hope to the many families seeking positive and instructive stories. Mr. Speaker, when I consider the body of Mr. Epperson's work, I am reminded of the parable of the faithful servant in Luke 12:48. The Good Book tells us that: ``For unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required. . . . `' The Lord has certainly gifted Mr. Epperson with some amazing abilities, and in return, Mr. Epperson has used these talents to give back to multiple community activities. Among those activities are the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, Salem Pregnancy Care Center, One Kid at a Time mentoring program, and the Christian Association of Youth Mentoring, which he founded. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am sure that Stu would agree that the adage ``behind every good man is a good woman'' is a true one for him. Stu married the love of his life, Nancy Etsinger Epperson, 54 years ago. This lovely couple has 4 children and 21 grandchildren. I commend Stu Epperson not only for his many accomplishments but also for his dedication to ensuring that radio remains family-friendly and value-focused. In recognition of Stu's life and work, I am pleased to announce that soon Stu will be receiving the highly coveted Vision and Leadership Award from the Family Research Council. This award is justly deserved by such an accomplished man, and I add my salute to him. I know that the community in Winston-Salem, this Nation, and the wider world have benefitted from Stu Epperson's many efforts to make the world a better place. I commend Mr. Epperson on his many accomplishments and his service to our Nation.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of a very wonderful constituent of the Fifth District of North Carolina, Teresa Lewis. Every September, we celebrate American Business Women's Day in order to recognize the many different backgrounds and diverse occupations of American businesswomen. However, it is my belief that we should celebrate American businesswomen like Teresa Lewis every day. Teresa's success was born out of determination and the desire to provide a better life for her family. In 1986, Teresa founded WorkForce Carolina, a professional staffing service that includes recruitment, interview completion, and skills assessment. As CEO of WorkForce Carolina, Teresa has employed thousands of people, and her company has served as a boon to the North Carolina economy. Most importantly, Teresa serves as a role model to all women and men in our country. I commend Teresa Lewis on all of her many accomplishments and thank her for all she does for the community.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the many women who have lost their lives to breast cancer and those who have survived. As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In order to prevent additional loss of life, it is essential that women educate themselves on prevention and receive regular screenings. In 2008, I cosponsored legislation supporting the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in part, to help get the message out that this disease can and does kill men and women of all ages. According to the American Cancer Society, since 2007, death rates in older women with breast cancer are decreasing, yet death rates in women under the age of 50 are steady. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all women watching to get screened regularly for this devastating disease.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague from Tennessee, the chair of the Budget Committee, for the wonderful work she has done on bringing us to this position. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this substitute amendment. As chair of the Education and the Workforce Committee, my priority this Congress is to ensure that our policies promote a climate of job creation through economic growth, a sound fiscal policy, and a global economic competitiveness. Our budget helps achieve all of these priorities by laying the foundation for a robust and comprehensive simplification of our burdensome Tax Code. The Democrat substitute not only fails to do so but would decimate America's workforce. Our budget reforms our broken Tax Code so that it works for every American at every income level, regardless of where they live or how much money they earn. The top U.S. tax rate for individuals has been as high as 90 percent and as low as 28 percent. At the same time, income tax revenue has remained fairly steady, despite these sharp rate swings. It turns out that the biggest driver of Federal revenue is not higher tax rates but economic growth. In fact, a sizeable majority of economists point out that a broad base and low rates are key in a tax system that fosters economic growth and competitiveness. Legislators on both sides of the aisle agree on this basic principle, and history has shown it to be true. Instead of raising taxes, we should, instead, embrace the policies contained in this budget resolution that encourages economic growth, like reducing regulatory burdens, welfare reform, and comprehensive tax reform for all individuals, not just a select few.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share some information about the Unified Tax Reform Framework that was released last week by Republicans in the House of Representatives. I think it is important that, with all of the sad news coming out this week in the country, particularly in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas, we do share with the American people some information that will be so important to them long term and will help our economy get a good jump start. Incidentally, last quarter, our economy grew at 3.1 percent, but very few people have heard about that, and it is important that we point that out. Mr. Speaker, the material provided by the Ways and Means Committee is extraordinarily valuable, and I also would encourage people to go on the Ways and Means' website and on my website and on individual websites of Members to gain more information about this framework. First, it lowers the rates for individuals and families. The framework shrinks the current seven tax brackets into three: 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent. And actually, Mr. Speaker, many more Americans will pay no taxes as a result of the tax reform, because we are going to double the standard deduction and enhance the child tax credit. The framework roughly doubles the standard deduction so that typical middle class families will keep more of their paycheck. It also significantly increases the child tax credit. It eliminates loopholes for the wealthy and protects bedrock provisions for the middle class. It repeals the death tax and alternative minimum tax. Mr. Speaker, dying should not be a taxable event. It is important that we not tax people, particularly farmers and small businesses, at the death of a businessowner or farmowner. It creates a new lower tax rate structure for small businesses. It will help to create jobs and promote competitiveness by lowering the corporate tax rate. So that Americans can compete on a level playing field, the framework reduces the corporate tax rate to 20 percent, below the 22.5 percent average of the industrialized world. It will boost the economy by allowing for expensing of capital investments. The framework allows, for at least 5 years, businesses to immediately write off or expense the cost of new investments, giving a much-needed lift to the economy. It moves to an American model for competitiveness. The framework ends the perverse incentives to offshore jobs and keep foreign profits overseas. It levels the playing field for American companies and workers by allowing the profits achieved overseas to come back by imposing a one-time low tax rate on wealth that is already accumulated overseas so there is no tax incentive to keep the money offshore. Mr. Speaker, we need to get our economy booming again to create jobs and to make our country much greater than it is today. I endorse this framework put out by the Ways and Means Committee and look forward to the work that is going to be done by the committee as it refines the framework and brings forth a bill for us to vote on.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Georgia for her leadership on this issue. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The United States currently stands alongside North Korea, China, and Vietnam as one of only seven countries that allow elective abortion to occur after 20 weeks postfertilization. At this point in their life, unborn babies have a well-developed brain and nervous system as well as pain receptors. This fetal development is observed by surgeons who routinely see these unborn children react to pain. In fact, doctors administer anesthesia to these children in the womb during fetal surgeries. I am proud to support this bill, also known as Micah's Law, because we must care for these unborn children, not cruelly inflict pain and deny them their inherent dignity by treating them as objects. One day, I hope that a cultural life will take hold in the United States and that all children will be protected under the law. However, until that day comes, it remains my solemn duty to stand up for life. Regardless of the length of this journey, I will continue to speak for those who cannot. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to protect the Nation's most vulnerable children and ensure they are not subject to unimaginable pain and to affirm life by voting in favor of this bill.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nearly 3,000 souls that were taken from us much too soon on September 11, 16 years ago. Like many others, the events of September 11, 2001, are forever etched in my memory. On that day, I was in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving in the State legislature, and recall an aide coming in to share the news. Naturally, when hearing about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center, we all thought it was a terrible accident that had occurred. My colleagues and I were in a state of shock and grief when we heard about the second plane and the subsequent attacks that followed. What I remember most is the feeling of abject horror and disbelief that we experienced on that day. That horror is still felt by the family members who were left behind, robbed of their loved ones who were violently taken too soon. I often think of the brave first responders who ran towards danger with thought of little else other than to save their fellow Americans. The terror attacks seemed surreal, yet the aftermath has a finality which does not dissipate with time. As years passed, the shock of the attack has diminished, but the memory of the feeling of hope that arose from the acts of selfless Americans is stronger. In my mind, one of the very worst events in human history became overshadowed as the very best in us--as a people--was made evident through countless acts of kindness and dignity. It is this dignity we must hold on to in order to honor the fallen. From the first responders, citizens, volunteers, and, finally, the devoted souls on board Flight 93, I remember the moments in which the very best parts of Americans shone brightest. These moments include when our citizens were no longer categorized by their differences, but were defined by their shared determination not only to survive, but also to overcome an unthinkable tragedy. If a student asks me about my memories of September 11, I always tell them honestly of the horror I felt, and I tell them of the hope that emerged as our people did their level best to turn evil into good. While I will never forget September 11, 2001, and the lives that were forever lost to us on that day, 16 years ago, I take some comfort in knowing that a loving and never-changing God called them to Heaven to live in His presence forever. Now, more than ever before, we must recall the sacrifices made by so many in the aftermath of September 11 and recall that freedom is never truly freely given. It is earned. It is hard-fought for, and it is something we must all work together to continue to achieve. May God bless all of those who lost their lives on September 11, those who were left behind, and those who continue to fight for our freedom.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from the Education and the Workforce Committee, Mr. Lewis, for offering this amendment. At a time when U.S. job openings are at a record 6.2 million, America faces a skills shortage. Employers all over the country tell us they need more employees who are skilled. I have said this before, and I will say it again for so long as I am here: All education is career education. I am a former TRIO director. I am not opposed to TRIO. This is not an effort to diminish access to baccalaureate degrees, but to give priority to programs that are helping Americans learn the skills they need for good, high-paying jobs. Research has shown that graduates with a technical or applied sciences associate's degree outearn baccalaureate degree holders by between $2,000 and $11,000. Earlier this year, the House passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. That bill and this amendment are important steps to make sure all Americans have access to an education that helps them develop the skills they need to have a successful life. I am proud to support this amendment.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and say farewell to a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce staff who has dedicated more than 20 years of public service to the people's House. Ed Gilroy began his congressional career on the staff of former Congressman Rod Chandler of Washington, but most of us know him for his nearly 16 years of service as the committee's Director of Workforce Policy. Ed led our efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare for small-business employees, provide moms and dads more flexibility in the workplace, and protect the rights of workers and employers. When we think about the passage of the bipartisan Pension Protection Act in 2006 and the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act of 2014, we have to think of Ed. Ed Gilroy has been a trusted adviser, dedicated public servant, distinguished colleague, and an invaluable member of our committee family. We are deeply grateful for his many years of service to the American people and the U.S. House of Representatives, and we wish him all the best in the years ahead. 25th Anniversary of the First Charter School

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, something monumental occurred for students and families who were seeking a new way to pursue a high- quality education. Twenty-five years ago, our Nation's first charter school, the City Academy, opened its doors in St. Paul, Minnesota. City Academy began a new era for school choice and provided families with an alternative option to the traditional public school system. Today, over 3 million students are enrolled in charter schools, and more than 6,800 have opened in over 40 States. Charter schools are not only growing as an option for students, but these schools are also getting results. Innovative charter schools are providing thousands of students and families with the hope and opportunity that they can receive a high-quality education and gain the skills they need to succeed for the future. I congratulate City Academy for being a true pioneer in school choice 25 years ago and support the expansion of school choice for American students and families. Honoring Alexander Furniture Academy

Mr. FOXX

Mr. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the efforts of the CVCC Alexander Furniture Academy, located in Taylorsville, North Carolina. This fantastic facility hosts a program where students are taught the basic skill levels required to gain employment as a sewing operator or upholstery craftsman within the furniture trade. Under the leadership of Center Director Eunice Mays and thanks to the generous scholarships awarded by many groups like Craftmaster Incorporated, AHFA, and others, nearly 50 students have graduated, and almost all are now employed. I wholeheartedly commend Eunice and the Alexander Furniture Academy as well as all of its sponsors for putting together a program that doesn't just teach valuable skills to would-be job seekers, but a program that literally helps individuals build the skills they need to succeed from the bottom up. In the last 6 months, students have crafted 90 sofas and chairs and 20 loveseats which have been sold. The profits from the students' creations are invested in scholarships and help to keep the academy open. I commend the Catawba Valley Community College Alexander Furniture Academy teachers, staff, and students on this terrific program.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to honor a Catawba County native. Mr. Greg Brunt has won more than 100 medals in the Special Olympics and serves as an inspiration to the wider Catawba community and, in my opinion, the Nation. Mr. Brunt's road cannot have been easy. He has overcome challenges that many Americans don't have to face. Instead of giving in, Mr. Brunt gives back. As a swimming instructor to younger students, Mr. Brunt teaches children the value of practice and perseverance. Mr. Brunt has earned many Special Olympic medals, and has aspirations of being in the Catawba County Hall of Fame. Though I am not a voting member of the board, Mr. Brunt would have my vote. Additionally, I was thrilled to learn that Mr. Brunt is a man of faith, who attends Corinth Reformed Church, and that his favorite song is ``Amazing Grace.'' When I think of the amazing accomplishments Mr. Brunt has achieved, I cannot help but think, how sweet the sound. I wholeheartedly congratulate Mr. Brunt on all of his many wins, and wish him continued success.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize--and say farewell-- to a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce staff who has dedicated more than 20 years of public service to the People's House. Edwin Gilroy began his congressional career on the staff of former Congressman Rod Chandler of Washington, and he would then go on to serve as Professional Staff Member for the Committee. But most of us know Ed for his nearly 16 years of service as the Committee's Director of Workforce Policy. It was in this capacity Ed led our efforts to expand access to affordable health care for small business employees; provide moms and dads more flexibility in the workplace; protect the rights of workers and employers; and hold officials accountable for how our nation's health and safety laws are enforced. Ed has also had a remarkable impact on policies affecting the retirement security of working families. He was instrumental in our bipartisan efforts to strengthen the defined benefit pension system with passage of the Pension Protection Act in 2006, and again with enactment under President Obama of the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act in 2014. And he has played a vital role in ensuring all Americans have access to affordable retirement advice. He has guided us through countless hearings, markups, floor debates, field hearings, member briefings, round-table discussions, and stakeholder meetings, and through it all, he has been a trusted adviser, dedicated public servant, distinguished colleague, and an invaluable member of our Committee family. Ed Gilroy, on behalf of my colleagues, we are deeply grateful for his many years of service to the American people and the U.S. House of Representatives, and we wish him all the best in the years ahead.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank both of my colleagues for their leadership on H.R. 2664 and bringing this important matter to the attention of the House. I rise to express my strong support for this bill, and to commend, again, my colleagues for making a difference in the fight to end modern slavery. Over the past few years, we have only begun to comprehend the horrors of human trafficking and how it established a foothold in this country. Thanks to the vigilance of faith-based groups, humanitarians across the globe, and the courage of survivors, we are learning more about the tactics and loopholes human traffickers exploit to prey on the most vulnerable among us. Children are often the ones most vulnerable to exploitation. It is estimated that one in six endangered runaways are likely victims of this horrific crime. Earlier this year, with the leadership of Representatives Guthrie and Courtney, the House passed the Improving Support for Missing and Exploited Children Act. That bipartisan legislation supports the critical efforts of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It includes positive reforms to encourage new and innovative ways to recover and protect missing and exploited children, including those who are victims of trafficking. We need to do everything possible to ensure this vital work will continue, and that is what H.R. 1808 was all about. But this is an issue that demands our ongoing attention. More solutions are needed, and that is why we are here today, to build on the bipartisan work we have already accomplished. The Department of Labor has a unique vantage point for spotting violations in workplaces that can be telltale signs of modern slavery and labor exploitation. This bill equips DOL personnel to form partnerships with law enforcement to detect and address signs of human trafficking in America's workplaces. Mr. Speaker, if we can shed light in any corner where this evil may lurk, we must. Again, I commend Mr. Walberg's leadership on this issue and Mr. Sablan for working with him so passionately. I am proud that the Committee on Education and the Workforce could do its part to support their work and bring this bill to the floor. I urge all Members to vote in favor of the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act.