|
|
| |
| Foxx Report |
|
|
The United States has undergone an energy renaissance driven by newly discovered resources, technological innovation and our skilled workforce. This week the House passed a package of bills that seeks to maximize America’s energy potential by updating and modernizing outdated policies. The legislation focuses on the transmission, distribution and storage of energy to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure to meet today’s modern energy challenges. It also seeks to meet energy reliability and security challenges through enhanced emergency preparedness and utilization of advanced technologies to address threats to the electricity system. This legislation reflects today’s era of energy abundance and ensures Americans have access to affordable and reliable energy no matter where they live.
Modernizing Chemical Safety Laws for the 21st Century
The Toxic Substances Control Act was enacted in 1976 to manage hazardous chemicals in commerce. On Tuesday the House passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation that provides a much-need update to the regulation of American-made chemicals and the products that contain them. This compromise with the Senate will help ensure chemicals in commerce are safer for consumers and provides regulatory certainty for businesses and manufacturers.
Our Veterans Deserve Better
As a country, we are uniquely blessed. We live in the world’s finest democracy where each one of us has the opportunity for nearly limitless fulfillment and prosperity. That freedom and opportunity has been made available to us because of the sacrifices of those who have fought for and defended America, which is why it was outrageous to hear Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald compare the wait times that veterans experience for health care to long lines at Disneyland this week.
Yet again it seems that there is no sense of responsibility or concern from the Obama administration with the disgraceful way our veterans are being treated. 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 Congress has continued its efforts to meet our responsibility to America’s veterans. However, we cannot transform the VA alone. The VA needs to be led and staffed by people who believe America has a duty and an obligation to help our veterans.
Examining the Misuse of AmeriCorps Funds
On Tuesday I chaired a hearing of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training that examined the most recent misuse of taxpayer funds in the AmeriCorps program and ongoing oversight deficiencies at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
An investigation by the CNCS Office of Inspector General revealed that federal grant money was used by AmeriCorps members to provide support services during abortion procedures in violation of federal law. During the hearing, I questioned Wendy Spencer, head of CNCS, about the corporation's enforcement policies and called for a comprehensive review to ensure all other grantees and sub-grantees in the program are complying with the law.
Veterans Information Session
On Friday, June 17, I will host an information session for veterans from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the VFW Post 9010, 4675 Hampton Road, Clemmons, NC 27012. Representatives from nonprofit organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to answer questions from veterans and their families as well as provide information and guidance regarding obtaining available benefits.
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. It is always an honor to assist veterans from the 5th District in any way possible, and I hope they find this event informative and beneficial.
Carolinians in the Capitol
This week I met with a variety of individuals and organizations from North Carolina, including pediatric trauma leaders, Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, North Carolina Propane Gas Association and local members of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
What’s Coming Up
Next week the House will hold a district work week. As we observe Memorial Day, I urge you to join me in taking time to pause, reflect and honor the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in the pursuit of a more prosperous and free America.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here
|
|
|
