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| Foxx Report |
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Washington has a serious spending problem and increases in mandatory spending are the largest cause of our worsening fiscal outlook. These programs often come in significantly over budget and Congress has little ability to address the unexpected spending levels. This week I introduced legislation that will protect taxpayers from unexpected mandatory spending increases and make the federal government more accountable.
H.R. 6248 limits spending on mandatory programs that are authorized or reauthorized in the future to 110 percent of the amount the Congressional Budget Office estimates its cost to be when Congress approves it. Social Security, health, poverty and veterans programs are limited to 120 percent of that cost estimate.
If a program reaches its spending limit, the Office of Management and Budget would issue a stop payment order to the Treasury Department to halt that program’s operation until Congress is able to reconsider the program. Reporting requirements included in the legislation ensure Congress has adequate warning that a program may reach its limit so reforms or offsets can be considered before any stop payment order is initiated.
Delaying DOL’s Flawed Overtime Rule
All too often the executive branch enacts policies that sound wonderful but impose unintended consequences and burdens that make the lives of hardworking Americans more difficult. The Department of Labor’s flawed overtime rule is another tragic example of that pattern. This regulation will require companies to reclassify a significant portion of their workforce, eliminating flexibility in work times, bonus compensation and opportunities to advance. It will also impose significant compliance costs that will only serve to further bury job creators under red tape.
While members of both political parties want to see all Americans earn more, we cannot ignore the financial consequences of this rule. This week the House voted to delay implementation of the rule by six months, providing workers, small businesses, nonprofits and colleges and universities with more time to prepare for the dramatic changes that will result from the department’s final rule.
Improving America’s Water Resources Infrastructure
On Wednesday the House passed the Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes Army Corps of Engineers projects that address the needs of America’s harbors, locks, dams and other infrastructure that supports the maritime and waterways transportation system. It also provides critical flood protection for homes and businesses.
This bipartisan legislation streamlines and strengthens water transportation networks to help create jobs and support economic growth. It also makes these investments in a fiscally responsible way that will strengthen congressional oversight and transparency.
Funding the Federal Government
On Wednesday the House passed legislation to fund the federal government through Dec. 9. The bill includes funds to combat the Zika virus and further address the opioid epidemic. It provides fiscal 2017 appropriations for military construction and veterans programs, including an increase in funds to address the backlog of disability claims and funds to support the modernization of the electronic health record. It also prohibits the closure of Guantanamo Bay and the construction of any facilities to house detainees in the United States or its territories.
Honoring Korean War Veterans
This week Speaker Paul Ryan signed legislation to create a wall of remembrance at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall. More than 36,000 Americans gave their lives during the Korean War, and H.R. 1475, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act, permits the addition of a privately funded wall listing the names of all members of U.S. Armed Forces who were killed in action during the Korean War. These soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country deserve to be honored and remembered.
U.S. Service Academy Day
On Saturday, Oct. 22, I will host a U.S. Service Academy Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilkesboro Civic Center; 1241 School Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. This event will help familiarize students with the application and nomination process for applying to the nation's five military service academies.
North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District has a proud tradition of military service, and it’s a privilege to help some of the area’s finest young men and women contribute to this legacy by attending our country’s prestigious military service academies. High school students of all ages and their parents are encouraged to attend this informative event.
For more information, please contact Richard Moxley at 1- 866-677-8968 or Richard.Moxley@mail.house.gov.
What’s Coming Up
During the month of October, I look forward to traveling around North Carolina’s 5th District and hearing from you. Your input is critical to my service, and I always appreciate learning more about your opinions and concerns.
Sincerely,
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