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Foxx Report
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On Wednesday the House passed legislation to improve K-12 education by replacing No Child Left Behind with new policies to help every child access a high-quality education. The Student Success Act, which reforms and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, is a long-term solution that would prevent future federal overreach into elementary and secondary education, support effective teaching in the classroom, provide parents a stronger voice in education and restore local control.
Currently states are forced to choose between the fundamentally flawed policies of No Child Left Behind, which doubled down on federal programs, mandates and spending, and the Obama administration’s controversial temporary, conditional waiver scheme, which has imposed the administration’s preferred policies and heightened the level of uncertainty shared by states and school districts. America’s students deserve better.
The Student Success Act empowers the people closest to students with the authority to make education choices in their respective states and communities. State and local governments can identify student needs and determine priorities better than the federal government. Local control always delivers programs and services more efficiently and effectively. By scaling back Washington’s one-size-fits-all micromanagement of classrooms, this legislation takes positive steps toward ensuring local educators have the flexibility required to meet the diverse needs of their students.
21st Century Cures
Today I voted in favor of bipartisan legislation that seeks better, faster, safer and more innovative approaches to treat diseases and medical conditions that currently lack effective therapies. The 21st Century Cures Act would modernize clinical trials to expedite the development of new drugs and devices, remove regulatory uncertainty in the development of new medical apps and break down barriers to facilitate increased research collaboration.
It currently takes 15 years for a new drug to move from the lab to the local pharmacy. Great strides have been made in research and treatment of many diseases, but there is still much we have to learn. By accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of life saving and life improving therapies, we can transform the search for faster cures.
The legislation also would apply the Hyde amendment and other restrictions that protect the sanctity of life to taxpayer dollars included in the bill. The Hyde amendment has been regularly attached to annual appropriations bills for nearly 40 years to prevent federal funding of elective abortion with limited exceptions.
Health Care Solutions That Lower Costs and Empower Patients
During the 114th Congress, House Republicans have continued our efforts to minimize the damage caused by Obamacare. However, the best approach to solving the multitude of problems resulting from Obamacare is to unite behind a complete repeal of the law and replace it with solutions that lower costs and empower patients to choose the care that’s right for them.
I recently signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 2653, the American Health Care Reform Act. This bill would repeal Obamacare completely and allow a standard deduction for health insurance that treats individually purchased plans and employer sponsored plans the same, making sure that all Americans receive the same tax benefits for health care.
H.R. 2653 would return decisions about health care and insurance coverage to patients. It is people, not government, who can best determine the coverage and services that meet their needs.
ID Cards for Veterans
Many veterans have contacted me over the years expressing their frustration at having to carry official Department of Defense discharge papers to prove their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently offers identification cards only to those who have served at least 20 years in the Armed Forces or those who receive medical care for a service-connected disability. As a result, many veterans have to document their military service through official records, which contain sensitive personal information that leaves them at unnecessary risk for identity theft.
This week the House unanimously passed legislation that will create an official identification card for veterans, making it easier to access services available to them and better protecting them from identify theft. The bill has been sent to the president’s desk for his signature.
Concern about the Ongoing Negotiations with Iran
This week I spoke on the House floor and expressed my deep concern about the ongoing negotiations with Iran over the country’s nuclear capabilities. Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is critical to securing peace in the Middle East and protecting U.S. interests, including our close ally Israel.
It was good to hear Secretary Kerry’s recent commitment not “to shave anywhere at the margins in order just to get an agreement” and to work for an agreement that will pass scrutiny. However, media reports from the negotiations in Vienna indicate that Iran has tried to renegotiate the previously released framework and continues to demand further concessions from international negotiators.
Ultimately, it is critical that any deal prevents Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capabilities and ensures that international inspectors can validate their adherence to an agreement’s negotiated terms. If Iran cannot negotiate in good faith, then perhaps it is time to leave the negotiating table altogether.
Improving the Health of America’s Forests
On Thursday I voted in favor of bipartisan legislation that addresses the growing economic and environmental threats of catastrophic wildfire by expediting and improving forest management activities in federal forests.
As a member of the National Parks Caucus and someone who loves the outdoors, it is my desire to protect the bountiful natural resources of our beautiful nation and pass them along to the next generation. This legislation will improve the health of overgrown, fire-prone federal forests by implementing proactive management standards.
Teacher in Congress
Congratulations to Heather Hahn of Wilkesboro and Bill Dinkins of Winston-Salem on their selection for the ninth annual “Teacher in Congress” internship. The “Teacher in Congress” internship was created to offer educators a glimpse of the workings of Congress and the federal government while experiencing the day-to-day life of a member of Congress.
This program will provide Heather and Bill with a tangible way to give students a look inside the federal government. Their week in Washington will equip them to teach in new ways about our roles in a democratic society and hopefully inspire the next generation of North Carolina public servants with a vibrant civics education.
What’s Coming Up
Next week the House will consider the Western Water and American Food Security Act to address the drought in California and related issues.
Sincerely,
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