This week, the House continued its work to fund the federal government, passing H.R. 6147, the Interior, Environment, Financial Services, and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2019. This legislation reins in the EPA’s overly burdensome regulatory agenda and builds on Congress’ work to combat opioid abuse by providing $415 million to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. It also strengthens enforcement of sanctions programs to combat financing for terrorists with $161 million for the Treasury Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. Finally, it protects the sanctity of life by prohibiting the use of funds in the Federal Employee Health Benefit program and DC federal and local funds for: abortion, the so-called DC Death with Dignity Act or DC’s Reproductive Non-Discrimination Act.
Supporting Main Street
On Tuesday, the House passed S. 488, the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act with a solidly bipartisan vote of 406 - 4. Many of our rules and regulations governing startups and investors were conceived of in the 1930s, well before public information was a widely accessible, driving force for innovation. This legislation reforms antiquated regulations to increase access to capital for innovators and small businesses so they can grow and compete in the global marketplace.
Teachers in Congress
This week, it was a pleasure to host Dustin Haley and Cristofer Wiley from Walkertown High School and R.J. Reynolds High School of Forsyth County for the 2018 Teacher in Congress Internship. Every year, I look forward to this opportunity to share an inside perspective on Congress with educators. It is my hope that these educators leave with new insights to share with their classes this fall, and from what they told me, I’m certain these two did.
“Experiencing this learning opportunity has been, by far, more than I could ever have imagined. Seeing Congress at work and shadowing the everyday happenings of Congresswoman Foxx has been an eye-opening experience that I am excited to share with my students and colleagues.” – Dustin Haley
“Representative Foxx’s Teacher in Congress program provides the rare opportunity to observe Congress and its members at work - and dispels a number of the more cynical impressions of how many people assume it works. These experiences have left me more thoughtful about how I teach civics, politics, and the civil discourse.” – Cristofer Wiley
Left: Haley, Right: Wiley
North Carolinians in the Capitol
Every week I meet with many different constituents, industries and non-profits who bring their concerns to my Washington D.C. office. Here is a snapshot of recent meetings I’ve held.
Lawson Stancil
James and Ramona McRae
Alliance of Specialty Medicine
In 1848 the first American women’s rights convention was held in Wesleyan Chapel, Seneca Falls, NY. “The Seneca Falls Convention,” as it came to be known, was organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and saw attendance of over 300 women and men. In one of her most famous speeches, Stanton read from The Declaration of Sentiments which was modeled after the Declaration of Independence.
“We are assembled to protest against a form of government, existing without the consent of the governed – to declare our right to be free as man is free…”
What’s Coming Up?
Next week, the House will consider legislation to lower healthcare premiums, expand Health Savings Accounts and restore access to needed medication.
Sincerely,
