Virginia Foxx

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close if my colleague from Colorado is also prepared.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My colleague from Colorado knows very well that the House is doing its work and focusing on the things that are important to hardworking Americans. Just this week, we are holding 81 hearings here in the House in various committees. That is definitely doing our work. We are here on the floor today looking at a very important piece of work and overriding this onerous rule. That is not a waste of time. Mr. Speaker, the National Labor Relations Board has been attempting for years to tip the scales toward union organizers, and last December, it was finally able to accomplish one of its major goals with approval of this ambush election rule. The two Board members who descended from the decision were clear about the rule's primary purpose: enabling initial union representation elections to occur as soon as possible. This rule will shorten the length of time in which such an election is held from the current median of 38 days to as little as 11 days. The Board's decision was broad and unprecedented, overturning decades of practice in labor laws and skewing elections in favor of unions. One of its most outrageous provisions is postponing decisions about who is eligible to participate in an election to after the election. One of the most fundamental principles of a fair election is ensuring only those eligible to vote to have the ability to vote, maintaining the value of each voter's individual vote. That basic democratic protection would be shattered by this rule. It may also lead to more union representation elections being set aside and new elections being ordered. Glenn Taubman characterized the consequences of this ambush election rule very fittingly in testimony before our Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, saying: It is akin to a mayoral election in which it is unknown, either before or after the election, whether up to 20 percent of the potential voters are inside or outside the city limits. The rule will also require a new mandatory poster be placed in the workplace within 2 business days of receiving a petition for election, the content of which will be determined by the National Labor Relations Board. Employers are also provided only 8 days to find experienced representation before facing a hearing and must file an in-depth statement of position within only 7 days of receiving a petition for election. Companies of any size--and, in particular, small businesses-- frequently do not have in-house counsel and are not prepared at the drop of a hat to respond to complex, consequential legal situations. A provision with a serious impact on employee privacy is the access provided to unions of additional contact information, including every employee's name, address, personal phone number, and personal email address, which must be provided within 2 days of an election order without any option to opt out. Important review procedures would be set aside by this rule as well, including the opportunity for review of decisions made prior to the election by the Board itself. The Board's requirement for review of postelection disputes would be made discretionary for the first time as well, limiting oversight. This flawed decision is currently facing litigation from the private sector as well, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other trade associations filing a lawsuit to block its implementation as a violation of the National Labor Relations Act, Administrative Procedure Act, and employers' rights. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 152 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 152 provides for a closed rule providing for consideration of S.J. Res. 8, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board, and a closed rule for consideration of H. Res. 132, providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the 114th Congress. Across the Capitol, the United States Senate took positive action on March 4 when it passed a resolution, S.J. Res. 8, invoking the Congressional Review Act to overturn the National Labor Relations Board's recent ambush election rule. On that same day, my colleagues and I at the Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on legislation I strongly supported and cosponsored, H.J. Res. 29, which is identical legislation to that which will come before the House today. The National Labor Relations Board's ambush election rule is just the latest of its outrageous actions taken in defiance of longstanding precedent, jeopardizing employee free choice and privacy and employer free speech. This rule would give workers as few as 11 days to consider a consequential decision before voting for or against joining a union, prevent employers from having adequate time to prepare for union elections, and postpone critical questions over the election, such as voter eligibility, until after the election. While providing little consideration of the longstanding rights of employees and employers, the rule further violates their privacy by ensuring that workers' personal information such as email addresses, work schedules, phone numbers, and home addresses are provided to union leaders. There is a myriad of consequences to this harmful regulation, including constraining the rights of workers to make informed decisions, severely hampering employers' rights to speak to their employees during union organizing campaigns, and weakening privacy rights of workers. These consequences will seriously impact the relationship of workers and employers and upend a carefully crafted process for organizing elections. These precedents have arisen over decades of practice within existing rules and should not be upended by hyperpartisan bureaucrats to the benefit of national unions at the expense of hardworking Americans. H. Res. 152 also provides for consideration of H. Res. 132, the committee funding resolution for the 114th Congress. Since taking the majority, House Republicans have been careful stewards of taxpayer dollars, streamlining House operations and saving funds wherever possible. In fact, this Congress, the House remains below the amount authorized in 2008. This bipartisan resolution will allow our committees to continue their vital work on behalf of this institution, including legislative reforms and oversight with additional investigations and field hearings. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying resolutions, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, March is Women's History Month, which honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. Since 1917, when Republican Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to serve in Congress, 313 women have served as U.S. Representatives, Senators, or Delegates. In 2014, the American people made history by electing a record number of women to Congress. In January, 12 new women were sworn in to the House of Representatives, joining 72 incumbents who won reelection. The number of women serving in the Senate has reached 20, and four of the five nonvoting Delegates are women. These women with rich perspectives and a commitment to good ideas and teamwork are changing the way Washington does business. The women of the 114th Congress are shaping our Nation, and it is an opportunity and responsibility that we take seriously.

Ms. FOXX

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

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today, too many Americans struggle to realize the dream of higher education. Our current system is unaffordable, inflexible, and outdated, and it has resulted in too many students unable to complete college, saddled with loan debt, and ill-equipped to compete in our modern economy. In recent years, burdensome Federal regulations, a lack of transparency, and a dizzying maze of student aid programs have only contributed to the problem. Students and families deserve better. Mr. Speaker, when my husband and I were in high school and contemplating the possibility of college, we were penniless people. In his case, his parents had no formal education--they couldn't read and write--and my family had very limited education, but we understood then that the way out of poverty was to go to college, work hard, and get a good job. Folks like us who had no resources could do that. It is very difficult for people in this day and time to do what he and I did. He graduated from college with a very small debt. I graduated from college with absolutely no debt because of working my way through. It did take me 7 years to do it, but I was able to do it. Mr. Speaker, we want to be able to provide an environment in this country where people with very limited resources can do what my husband and I and millions of other young people did in the past, which is get a higher education without going deeply into debt to do so. The upcoming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act provides Congress an opportunity to help every individual--regardless of age, location, or background--access and complete higher education if they choose. To inform the reauthorization process, the Education and the Workforce Committee has held 15 hearings over the last several years. After receiving feedback from students, institutions, innovators, administrators, and researchers, the committee established a set of key principles that will guide our reform of the postsecondary education law. First, we must empower students and families to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the institution that meets their unique needs. Today's higher education resources are incomplete and inaccurate and often complicate the financial aid process, misguiding students about their academic and financial options. Developing a more streamlined and transparent system, as well as enhancing financial literacy services, will help students better understand the higher education landscape and make choices based on easy-to-understand, relevant information. Second, we must simplify and improve student aid. Currently, the Federal Government operates more than 10 aid programs, each with its own set of rules and requirements. Many students, particularly first- generation and low-income students, are overwhelmed by the complexity of the current system, which can ultimately deter them from accessing the aid that will help make college a reality. Consolidating this patchwork of aid programs will simplify the application and eligibility process and help more students understand, manage, and repay their debt. Third, we must promote innovation, access, and completion. In recent years, as the postsecondary student population has changed, many institutions have developed new approaches to delivering higher education, including competency-based curriculums and online classes. The Federal Government should make every effort to support these innovations, as they have enabled more Americans to earn a degree or certificate faster with less cost and without additional disruption to their daily lives. Finally, we must ensure strong accountability by limiting the Federal role. The current administration has subjected institutions to onerous regulations and requirements, which have created a costly and time- consuming process, hampered innovation, and jeopardized academic freedom. Eliminating ineffective Federal burdens will provide States and institutions the flexibility they need to deliver effectively a high- quality education to their students. We are confident that these pillars will translate into meaningful Federal reforms that reflect the evolving needs of students and the workforce. Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training held its first hearing of the 114th Congress, where we heard policy recommendations on how we can strengthen America's higher education system to serve students, families, workers, and taxpayers better. Former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels testified: It is my great hope that this Congress will have the courage to see the challenges and treat reauthorization of the Higher Education Act as an opportunity for reform. He continued: The country needs a reauthorization that will reduce the costs of higher education's regulatory burdens, simplify and improve student aid, and create an environment more conducive to innovation in higher education. Dr. Christine Keller, vice president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, stressed the need for ``access to clear, meaningful data . . . to answer questions and provide essential information for higher education stakeholders--for students and families to make more informed decisions about where to attend college, for policymakers to determine allocations of public resources and evaluate institutional effectiveness, and for college leaders to facilitate innovation and successful student outcomes.'' After outlining several opportunities for simplifying Federal aid, Mr. Michael Bennett, associate vice president for financial aid services at St. Petersburg College, recommended ``a new repayment model that will simplify and streamline the repayment process by collapsing the various existing plans into two basic plans . . . simplifying repayment for students would certainly decrease default rates and the taxpayers' burden of having to shoulder the costs of defaulted loans.'' In the coming months, there will be many conversations and what can be done to maintain the strength of our robust higher education system. We have a responsibility to act now to preserve our unique role in the world as a summit of opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, last month, the Obama administration admitted that it sent inaccurate tax forms to 820,000 Americans who receive health insurance through ObamaCare. Individuals who received subsidies must fill out the 1095-A form to document what they have received for the past year. The government is advising people not to file their tax returns until they have the correct forms, but just last week Kevin Counihan, the man responsible and accountable for leading healthcare.gov, declined to say when ObamaCare participants will get the correct tax forms and if all of the new forms have been created. Since its implementation, the President's health care law has proved to be a hindrance, not a help, to the health care market. This debacle is yet another example of why we must continue to work towards repealing this ill-conceived law and replacing it with policies that empower patients and promote access to affordable health care options.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, before a joint session of Congress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the threat of an Iran with nuclear weapons capability. Prime Minister Netanyahu is absolutely right to be concerned. The world cannot tolerate a nuclear Iranian regime. The Obama administration is signaling it will support temporarily restricting, not eliminating, Iran's potential to produce nuclear weapons, but I believe it is critical that we act to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear capabilities. Further, any deal reached by the State Department and Iran regarding their nuclear program needs to include Congressional involvement. As a strong supporter of Israel, I am concerned about the instability and the animosity that exists toward one of our strongest allies. Though there may be widespread ignorance in the international community about the conflict between Israel and those who seek its destruction, the simple truth is that throughout history Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to exist and defend itself from all threats. A strong Israel is key to stability and security in the Middle East, and I will continue to stand with our friend and ally.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I believe in an opportunity economy, where hard work, education, innovation, and risk are rewarded, and we empower individuals, not government. Imagine what determination and a degree can do for today's young people, provided they have a variety of choices to meet their needs and good information about the investment they are making. Paying for college is hard work, and it is getting more difficult as tuition and fees continue to increase at rapid rates. Luckily, American families have an investment tool known as a 529 plan to help them save for their child's college education. Last week, the House approved bipartisan legislation to expand, strengthen, and improve 529 plans, which nearly 12 million families have utilized to help plan for their child's education. With student loan debt surpassing credit card debt, we need to do everything we can to encourage American families to save for college and invest in their child's future.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on February 18, the State of North Carolina lost one of its most generous and devoted public servants when former Congressman Cass Ballenger passed away at the age of 88. Cass served 38 years in public office and was a beloved colleague to many who serve in this Chamber for 18 of those years. He never lost an election, which tells you plenty about the honesty and tenacity with which he lived his life. In addition to his reputation as a straight-talking legislator who reformed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, he was known for his extensive humanitarian efforts in Latin America, where he helped build medical clinics, supported orphanages, and delivered medical and relief supplies with his wife, Donna. Although I never had the opportunity to serve with Cass in Congress, I considered it a great privilege to know this remarkable man and always looked forward to seeing him when our paths crossed in North Carolina. Cass was a man of integrity who said exactly what he thought and fought for what he believed was right. He will be greatly missed.

Ms. FOXX

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of the 613 Azerbaijani men, women, and children killed in Khojaly on February 25 and 26, 1992. Marking the anniversary of such a tragedy is difficult, but it is critical that we remember and honor the precious lives lost. Azerbaijan has been a reliable friend and valuable ally of the United States, and it is appropriate for Congress to commemorate the victims of the Khojaly tragedy as our Azerbaijani friends mark the 23rd anniversary of the event. Despite such hardships, Azerbaijan has been a great support to U.S. efforts in the War on Terror, and the country has made great strides over its short history as an independent nation to promote economic growth and prosperity. 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. I do not.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I would like to reiterate my earlier statement that all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. I do not yield for any other purpose and will not yield for any other purpose.

Ms. FOXX. I do not yield.

Ms. FOXX. I do not.

Ms. FOXX. I do not.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 125 provides for a structured rule providing for the consideration of a number of amendments to H.R. 5, the Student Success Act. My colleagues on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and I have been working to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Our efforts in reauthorization have centered on four principles: reducing the Federal footprint in education, empowering parents, supporting effective teachers, and restoring local control. H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, ensures that local communities have the flexibility needed to meet the needs of their students. This legislation reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as ESEA, for 5 years while making commonsense changes to update the law and address some of the concerns raised following the last reauthorization. Despite good intentions, there is widespread agreement that the current law is no longer effectively serving students. Instead of working with Congress to reauthorize ESEA, the Obama administration began offering States temporary waivers in 2011 to exempt them from onerous requirements in exchange for new Federal mandates from the Department of Education. These waivers are a short-term fix to a long- term problem and leave States and districts with uncertainty about whether they will again be subject to the failing law and if the administration will change the requirements necessary to receive a waiver. It is time to give students, parents, teachers, and school districts the certainty to make decisions and the flexibility to make the best decisions for their communities. H.R. 5 is a step in the right direction and will provide this certainty and flexibility. Since Republicans returned to the majority in the House in 2011, we have held 20 hearings on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The committee considered five reauthorization bills in four markups in the 112th Congress in addition to a markup and a favorable reporting of H.R. 5 in 2013 and again this month. I am pleased to work with my colleagues on the Rules Committee to report rules for floor debate and the consideration of legislation that promotes transparency and participation. In this case, I think we will have a terrific opportunity to further improve the bill through the amendment process. Forty-four amendments are made in order by this rule, including over 20 Democratic amendments and nine bipartisan amendments. The House will have the opportunity to work its will. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 125 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My colleague has raised the provision in the manager's amendment related to school-based health centers referring children in schools for abortions. Regardless of their position on abortion, most Americans agree that the issue should not be raised at school. The language now in the bill reflects that consensus and would have no impact on adoptions. Mr. Speaker, my background as an educator, school board member, mother, and grandmother reinforces my belief that students are best served when people at the local level are in control of education decisions. I also believe that education is the most important tool Americans at any age can have. I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school and went to college where I worked full time and attended school part time. It took me 7 years to earn my bachelor's degree, and I continued to work my way through my master's and doctoral degrees. From my own experience, I am convinced this is the greatest country in the world for many reasons, not the least of which is that a person like me, who grew up extremely poor in a house with no electricity and no running water, with parents with very little formal education and no prestige at all, could work hard and be elected to the United States House of Representatives. No legislation is perfect, and that is why I look forward to working with my colleagues to address their concerns and improve the Student Success Act throughout the amendment process. We have a significant number of amendments to consider. Forty-four amendments are made in order by this rule, including over 20 Democrat amendments. Among those is Ranking Member Scott's substitute amendment for this legislation and nine bipartisan amendments. I have never been one to let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and H.R. 5 is a step in the right direction of reducing the Federal role in education; empowering parents, teachers, and local school districts; and increasing local control. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation, and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this rule and the underlying bill.

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.