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| Foxx Report |
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The House returned to Washington this week following the November 8, 2016, elections to begin work in what is often called the “lame-duck” session of Congress.
We got back to business immediately and approved legislation to block President Obama from issuing new rules during his final days in office. Outgoing presidential administrations frequently rush into place high-cost or politically-driven regulations, which are known as “midnight rules,” during their last days and months in office. The rush to produce these rules undercuts time for sound analysis, public transparency and responsiveness to public comments suggesting better ways to regulate — or showing that no regulation is needed at all.
H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, allows Congress to overturn midnight regulations quickly before they can have a negative impact on the American economy. It amends the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to allow CRA resolutions that disapprove of multiple midnight rules to be passed by the new Congress. This rapid response mechanism establishes a strong incentive for presidential administrations to avoid issuing problematic midnight rules in the first place.
Extending Congressional Sanction Authorities against Iran
Since its original passage in 1996, the Iran Sanctions Act has been a crucial piece of our nation’s response to the threat posed by Iran’s rogue regime. However, the law expires next year and it is imperative that we extend this critical tool, which supports sanctions on Iran’s illicit weapons programs and ballistic missile development that were not suspended as part of the recent nuclear deal.
This week the House passed H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Act, which provides clear statutory authority to re-impose many of the most powerful sanctions on Iran’s energy industry if this rogue regime rushes toward a nuclear weapon. It also gives Congress - not the executive branch - final say on when Iran gets permanent sanctions relief and extends the Iran Sanctions Act for 10 years.
We also approved legislation that prohibits U.S. financial institutions from financing aircraft sales to Iran. The bill also makes permanent a direct financing prohibition for Export-Import Bank assistance to the government of Iran, prohibits indirect financing for Iran and stops any financing if the Export-Import Bank discovers that its support has been used to facilitate the export or re-export of aircraft to Iran.
Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability
Residents in rural areas sometimes experience phone calls that are never able to connect or the quality of the call can be compromised when they do connect. Making a direct connection can be costly to complete so third-party intermediate carriers often choose the least costly route to direct long-distance calls throughout the American telecom infrastructure in order to save money.
On Monday the House passed H.R. 2566, Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, which requires third-party providers to register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and meet certain call quality standards. This legislation will help improve call quality and reliability in rural areas.
What’s Coming Up
Next week the House will not be in session in observance of Thanksgiving. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday.
Sincerely,
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