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| Foxx Report |
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Every day the men and women of the Capitol Police work hard to keep members of Congress, staff, press and visitors to the U.S. Capitol safe. On Wednesday, June 14, the bravery of three Capitol Police officers, Special Agent David Bailey, Special Agent Henry Cabrera and Special Agent Crystal Griner, prevented a tragedy when Republican members of Congress practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity were attacked by a lone gunman.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, congressional staffer Zachary Barth, former congressional staffer Matt Mika, Special Agent Bailey and Special Agent Griner were injured in the attack. As we pray for the swift recovery of all involved, I would like to share Wednesday’s opening prayer by our chaplain Rev. Patrick Conroy, S.J. with you:
“Almighty God, on a day when violence has come to this assembly, we ask your blessing on our brother, Representative Steve Scalise, the two officers and the staffer who have been shot. Bless the hands of those who tend to their injuries.
“We as Americans are blessed by a free and open society with rights secured by law and the Constitution. But once again, we’re reminded that there is a vulnerability that comes with that openness.
“May we all be vigilant in being good citizens, neighbors, and defenders of our way of life at a time when so many challenges to our way of life and government seem under siege. We thank you for the men and women who respond to the crises that befall us, especially the Capitol Police, and all first responders. May their heroism and generosity of spirit be an inspiration to us all, and may they be assured of our appreciation of their service.
“And in this great silence, as we are gathered most dramatically as this assembly, the People’s House, may Republicans and Democrats be mindful of the rare companionship they share. Men and women who have taken very public responsibility for our country, that carries so many burdens and today the reminder of shared danger.
“May this day be characterized by kindness, goodwill, and compassion, one to another. God, bless America. And may all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory. Amen.”
Helping Veterans Get Better Care and Results from the VA
On Tuesday, the House approved bipartisan legislation to ensure employees who are not fulfilling their duties at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are held accountable for their actions.
S. 1094, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, creates a new streamlined and efficient process to remove, demote or suspend any VA employee for poor performance or misconduct. It also provides expanded protections for whistleblowers and specifically bars VA from using this removal authority if the employee has an open whistleblower complaint or case with the Office of Special Counsel.
The entire nation owes our military personnel and veterans a huge debt of gratitude, and ensuring that debt is properly repaid is one of my top priorities in Congress. Since the wait list manipulation scandal was brought to the public’s attention, Americans have become all too familiar with incompetence and misconduct at the federal agency charged with helping our veterans. It is critically important that we take care of those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and this week Congress continued its efforts to meet our responsibility to America’s veterans.
Extending Construction Deadline for Wilkesboro Hydropower Project
On Monday the House passed legislation I authored that allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which the Wilkesboro Hydroelectric Company is required to begin construction of its hydropower project at W. Kerr Scott Dam.
On July 17, 2012, the agency granted the company an original license for the project on the Yadkin River in Wilkes County. However, Section 13 of the Federal Power Act requires Wilkesboro Hydroelectric Company to begin construction within four years of license issuance. The project has required extensive coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and there were delays in the review process for the design plans. As a result, Wilkesboro Hydroelectric Company was not able to start construction of the amended design within the statutory deadline.
Congress needs to make sure onerous regulatory burdens don’t stand in the way of accessing or advancing all forms of American energy. Wilkesboro Hydroelectric Company has worked to ensure its project meets the requirements outlined by the federal government and this legislation is consistent with previous congressional action to spur hydropower development at Corps facilities.
Executive Actions to Educate America’s Future Workforce
On Thursday I was proud to join President Trump at the White House where he announced efforts to expand educational opportunities for America’s workers. His executive order takes important steps to expand apprenticeships and improve job-training programs.
For years, hardworking Americans have been waiting for a champion in the White House who is willing to provide them with the tools to succeed in a recovering economy. The actions announced by the Trump administration today are a step in the right direction to closing the skills gap that exists in this country.
Republicans in Congress have been finding new ways to work with the private sector to promote earn-to-learn programs to recruit and retain high-qualified employees for a future workforce. All education is career education, and it is reassuring to see the White House join House Republican efforts to educate Americans for the future.
What’s Coming Up?
Next week the House will take up the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act and the Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act to bring efficiencies to our energy infrastructure while ensuring the environmental protections Americans deserve. These pieces of legislation will enhance the reliability of our nation’s electricity grid and streamline the onerous processes for construction of dams and other surface water projects.
Sincerely,
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