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Foxx Report
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On Friday, November 13, the world was reminded once again that freedom has its foes when Islamic State militants killed 129 people and injured hundreds more in coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris.
As we mourn those whose lives were lost and pray for the people of France as they confront this terrible tragedy, we must let the adversaries of liberty know that champions of freedom will not be stopped. We will not waiver, we will not cede strength and we will stand firm.
Congress will continue to explore ways in which we can defeat Islamic State. But it’s time for President Obama, who told ABC News last week that “we have contained” Islamic State, to take seriously this threat to our nation and all that we stand for.
Responding to the Refugee Crisis
This week the House passed legislation that would strengthen the vetting system for Syrian and Iraqi refugees being admitted to the United States. Obama administration officials have said there are inherent shortcomings in the current screening process for refugees, especially those fleeing embattled Middle East countries where government databases are unreliable or nonexistent. Comparing an individual's information against such deficient data leaves significant intelligence gaps and exposes the United States to insufficiently vetted individuals. This legislation is a first step toward understanding and addressing those security risks.
H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, would put in place the most robust national-security vetting process in history to ensure terrorists do not exploit humanitarian programs to enter the United States. The legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security, in unanimous concurrence with the FBI Director and the Director of National Intelligence, to certify to Congress that each refugee from Iraq and Syria is not a security threat.
The bill also would require the FBI Director to certify that an individual has received a background investigation that is sufficient to determine that the refugee is not a security threat to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General would be required to independently assess the refugee approvals and provide an annual report detailing its findings to Congress.
Office of Federal Student Aid
On Wednesday I chaired a joint hearing with Congressman Mark Meadows to review the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), a performance-based organization responsible for managing the financial aid system. We learned about a number of weaknesses within the agency that undermine the effectiveness of federal grant, loan and work-study programs and discussed ways to better serve students, families, and taxpayers.
Witnesses provided several troubling examples, including a lack of communication with borrowers, colleges and universities and loan servicers; difficulty streamlining student services; and trouble delivering the appropriate amount of aid to eligible students on time.
It's clear the FSA's actions are harming the people they are supposed to be helping. That has to stop. The information revealed at the hearing will be useful as we reauthorize the Higher Education Act.
Negotiating Committee on Legislation to Improve K-12 Education
This week I was appointed by House Speaker Paul Ryan to participate in the committee that will iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of legislation to improve K-12 education by replacing No Child Left Behind.
It is a privilege to serve on this conference committee, and I'm glad North Carolina will have a seat at the table. As a grandmother, educator and former school board member, I know America’s students are best served when those at the local level are the driving force behind improving education. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we take positive steps toward ensuring local educators have the flexibility required to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Operation Christmas Child
On Thursday I recognized Samaritan’s Purse, an organization headquartered in Boone that brings spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world, on the House floor. This week is the National Collection Week for the organization’s Operation Christmas Child ministry, which puts empty shoeboxes to good use by filling them with gifts, including fun toys, hygiene items and school supplies, for needy children.
It’s a simple concept that brings so much joy to the children who receive these special packages, and I urged my colleagues to consider participating in this worthy program.
What’s Coming Up
Next week the House will hold a district work week. May you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
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