Summary
Current Position: US Representative since 2005
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2020 US Representative
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th District in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout her time in Congress, Foxx has established herself as a champion of conservative values and has helped lead the national movements to reduce federal government spending and increase government oversight and accountability.
Source: Government page
About
Source: Government page
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th District in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout her time in Congress, Foxx has established herself as a champion of conservative values and has helped lead the national movements to reduce federal government spending and increase government oversight and accountability.
She currently serves as the Republican Leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor. From 2013 to 2016, she served as Secretary of the House Republican Conference.
The nonpartisan magazine National Journal has consistently ranked Foxx as one of the most conservative members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. She also has a lifetime 96 percent approval rating from the American Conservative Union.
Representative Foxx is a visible leader in the House Republican Conference, where she regularly takes a stand for the principles of individual freedom and limited government. She was also the first member of her 2004 class to introduce and pass a substantive bill in the House.
In 2008 Foxx successfully passed a bill to streamline the federal government and save taxpayer money. This accomplishment makes her one of the few members of Congress who took office in 2004 who got legislation signed into law in both the 109th and 110th Congresses.
As the Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education, Foxx led efforts to modernize and reform the nation’s workforce development system. In 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provided a long overdue reform of the Workforce Investment Act, was signed into law. WIOA, a bipartisan, bicameral compromise between the Foxx-authored SKILLS Act (H.R. 803) and the Workforce Investment Act of 2013 (S. 1356), streamlines and improves existing federal workforce development programs and fosters a modern workforce that American businesses can rely on to compete.
Prior to serving on Capitol Hill, Foxx spent 10 years in the North Carolina Senate where she successfully sponsored several statewide and local bills and consistently voted against tax increases and for legislation that would make governments more efficient and less wasteful.
Dr. Foxx is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received her A.B. degree in English and M.A.C.T. in Sociology. She earned her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching/Higher Education from UNC-Greensboro.
Dr. Foxx began her career as a secretary and research assistant at UNC-Chapel Hill. She taught at Caldwell Community College, was a sociology instructor at Appalachian State University and held several administrative positions at ASU, including Assistant Dean of the General College. Dr. Foxx also served as Deputy Secretary for Management in the N.C. Department of Administration for Governor Jim Martin. Prior to her election to the Senate in 1994, she served as President and later a consultant at Mayland Community College from 1987-1994.
Representative Foxx has been active in civic and business affairs, serving on many state and national committees. She served on the Executive Committee of North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry and was elected to three four-year terms on the Watauga County Board of Education. She was confirmed by the United States Senate for a Presidential appointment to the National Advisory Council for Women’s Educational Programs. She also served on the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Advisory Panel. Other current or former service on boards includes the Board of Directors of the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy, Board of Directors of the N.C. Center for Public Research, the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors, National Conference of State Legislatures’ Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Child Care, Charter Member of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and the Foscoe-Grandfather Community Center Board.
Dr. Foxx is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. Her support for America’s veterans and active-duty military is characterized by her introduction of the HERO Act, legislation that extends IRA benefits for troops serving in combat zones. She has also supported bills that expand veterans’ disability compensation and that significantly increased overall Veterans Affairs funding. Dr. Foxx has also voted in favor of honoring our nation’s fallen by prohibiting demonstrations at military funerals held at national cemeteries.
Dr. Foxx is the recipient of several state and national awards. Among those awards are the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award, the Family Research Council’s True Blue Award and the Alan Keith-Lucas Friend of Children Award, the highest honor granted by the North Carolina Child Care Association. She is a former Rotarian.
At Mayland Community College, Dr. Foxx implemented several nationally recognized programs including a curriculum evaluation program which has been adopted by major universities. In another major success, she raised over $1 million in private funds for an on-campus, state-of-the-art child development center built by prison inmates. At ASU she implemented a model orientation/academic advising program which is still in existence.
Virginia Foxx is married to Tom Foxx. Prior to her entering Congress, the couple owned a nursery business in Watauga County. Dr. Foxx is a lay leader in her church and her hobbies are reading, gardening and being a grandparent to two.
Experience
Work Experience
- Member
Watauga County Board of Education
1976 to 1988 - President
Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina
1987 to 1994 - Member/ Representative
North Carolina State Senate
1994 to 2004
Education
Personal
Birth Year: 1943
Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York, NY
Gender: Female
Race(s): Caucasian
Religion: Christian: Catholic
Spouse: Thomas A. Foxx
Children: Theresa Foxx
Contact
Email:
Offices
Washington D.C. Office
2462 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2071
Fax: (202) 225-2995
Boone District Office
400 Shadowline Dr, Suite 205
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 265-0240
Fax: (828) 265-0390
Clemmons District Office
3540 Clemmons Rd, Suite 125
Clemmons, NC 27012
Phone: (336) 778-0211
Fax: (336) 778-2290
Web
Government Page, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook
Politics
Recent Elections
2018 US Senator for 5th District
| Virginia Foxx (R) | 159,917 | 57% |
| Denise Adams (D) | 120,468 | 43% |
| TOTAL | 280,385 | |
2016 US Senator for 5ht District
| Virginia Foxx (R) | 207,625 | 58.4% |
| Josh Brannon (D) | 147,887 | 41.6% |
| TOTAL | 355,512 | |
Source: Ballotpedia
Finances
FOXX, VIRGINIA has run in 10 races for public office, winning 9 of them. The candidate has raised a total of $8,380,861.
Source: Follow the Money
Committees
Committees
House Committee on Education and Labor
House Committee on Oversight and Reform
Subcommittees
National Security
Voting Record
See: Vote Smart
New Legislation
Source: Congress.gov
Issues
Source: Government page
Jobs & Economy
After one of the worst recession’s in our nation’s history and slowest recovery since World War II, the American people are seeing jobs, opportunity, and confidence come roaring back.
After promising a bold agenda called A Better Way, the 115th Congress delivered on historic tax cuts, rolling back stifling regulations, revitalizing Main Street by providing relief to community banks, and strengthening career and technical education. We are now witnessing the lowest unemployment rate in decades, increases in take-home pay and extraordinarily high consumer confidence.
I have long advocated for a fairer, simpler and lower taxes on American families and job-creators. That’s why I strongly supported H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This commonsense, historic piece of legislation helped Americans from all walks of life by creating jobs, bolstering paychecks, slashing tax burdens and repatriating American earnings.
America previously had one of the worst tax codes in the industrialized world for businesses. By reducing tax rates for businesses large and small, our bill leveled the playing field and made America the jobs magnet of the world. H.R. 1 also threw out special-interest loopholes and consolidated deductions. Most importantly, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans and eliminated excessive, costly taxes. That means you get to keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
To learn more about my support for tax reform, please visit https://fairandsimple.gop/.
Furthermore, I helped lead the fight to fix Washington through regulatory relief. The 115th Congress enacted record relief from Obama-era red tape with 15 bills to strike harmful regulations from the books. This includes my own bill (H.J.Res. 37), signed into law, that revoked a federal contracting rule that undermines basic due process rights.
The House of Representatives also took action to add more accountability for unelected bureaucrats by making any major regulation subject to an up-or-down vote of Congress by passing the Regulations from Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (H.R. 26).
Finally, the House added to an agenda of regulatory certainty by passing my bipartisan bill, the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act (H.R. 50). This bill works to increase transparency about the costs of unfunded federal mandates and hold the federal government accountable for considering those costs before passing them on to local governments and the private sector.
While these pro-growth policies and booming economy helps grant Americans with a renewed sense of confidence for the future, Congress needs to continue its work to meet the remaining challenges to America’s workers.
Job openings are at record highs. In fact, the economy recently crossed an important threshold – there are now more job openings than those who are unemployed. In answer to this challenge, the Committee on Education and the Workforce approved H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which went on to be unanimously passed by the House of Representatives on June 22, 2017. Just over a year later on July 31, 2018, President Trump signed this landmark legislation into law.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act is a true difference-maker for North Carolinians. The law makes crucial updates to our national workforce development by empowering state and local community leaders and improving alignment with in-demand jobs.
Healthcare
With my Republican colleagues, I remain committed to replacing ObamaCare with patient-centered health care that works for the American people.
That is why I supported the American Health Care Act, a comprehensive replacement of ObamaCare that delivered relief from Obamacare’s taxes and mandates that have hurt job creators, increased premiums, and limited options for patients and health care providers. The bill returns control of health care from Washington back to the states and restores the free market so Americans can access quality, affordable health care options that are tailored to their needs.
Furthermore, I voted for H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. This bill provides relief from expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction. H.R. 1 also frees patients from ObamaCare’s individual mandate penalty – allowing the flexibility to buy the health care that’s right for them if they choose.
However, my support for affordable health care options is not limited to replacing Obamacare. I support a wide range of reforms to the health care system. This includes legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions while bringing down costs and expanding choices for families, end medical malpractice lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care, and restore competition through association health plans for small businesses.
I supported the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Act of 2018 (S. 292) to support the collection of donated biospecimens to advance both research on and treatments for pediatric cancer. I strongly supported the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act of 2017 (S. 204) to improve access to experimental treatments for patients with terminal diseases or conditions. I also supported the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act (H.R. 3922) to fund important programs like the state Children’s Health Insurance Program, community health centers, and other important public health priorities.
Furthermore, I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Treatment and Recovery (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. This bipartisan bill serves as a fundamental step in preventing the scourge of opioids from taking more American lives. The legislation will help in the overall efforts to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect our communities, and bolster our efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
Legislation pertaining to Health Care sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 6: Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act
H.R. 1101: The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2017
Energy & Gas Prices
America possesses a wealth of domestic energy reserves, and yet hardworking Americans continue to struggle with unpredictable energy costs. High energy prices reduce consumer purchasing power, slow economic growth, and increase inflation. That is why I support an “all of the above” energy policy to boost domestic energy production so Americans have an affordable, reliable, and diverse energy supply for years to come.
Technological advances are making previously untapped energy sources accessible and are fueling America’s energy renaissance. However, even low emitting energy sources are subject to robust scrutiny by federal permitting authorities who are under no deadlines to act and can drag out the approval process for new projects.
One example of the lengthy approval process is the W. Kerr Scott Damn Hydropower Project. Due to the project requiring extensive coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there have been delays in the review process for design plans. That is why I sponsored H.R. 951, which extends the deadline for construction to begin on the project and allows the construction license to be reinstated if it expires. This pro-renewable energy legislation was signed into law on July 23, 2018.
Congress needs to make sure onerous regulatory burdens don’t stand in the way of accessing or advancing all forms of American energy. We must ensure clean air, clean water and a healthy, safe environment based on science, not top-down regulation. American energy independence can be achieved in a way that respects our environment while strengthening our economy and adding good American jobs.
Legislation pertaining to Energy and Gas Prices sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 951: To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of a hydroelectric project.
H.R. 1314: Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act
Budget & Tax Reform
As American families face financial challenges and work to balance their checkbooks, the federal government should be doing the same.
Much of the economic turmoil gripping our nation is the result of government spending beyond its means. America needs leaders who abide by principles of sound fiscal management, not those who rush massive, wasteful legislation which excuses waste and exposes taxpayers to fraud and abuse. As a strong fiscal conservative, I will continue to oppose unnecessary federal spending and higher taxes and will support responsible long-term solutions to shrink the national debt and restore fiscal sanity to this country.
That is why I became a cosponsor of H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act. This bill cut $15 billion in unused funds. This bill rescinded funding that is not needed for its intended purposes, or that has been sitting unused within agencies for years and return it to the American taxpayer.
Washington owes the American people a responsible, balanced budget that offers a long-term solution for reining in federal spending and reforming mandatory spending to keep programs such as Medicare strong. Republicans in Congress continue to adopt budgets that would balance in 10 years, fostering a healthier economy and helping create jobs.
Runaway programs that spend more than Congress ever anticipated continues to be a problem. That is why I introduced H.R. 3719, the Spending Safeguard Act. This commonsense legislation would help reign in new programs that spend far beyond what was originally budgeted, helping protect essential programs like Social Security and Medicare.
I have long advocated for a fairer, simpler and lower taxes on American families and job-creators. That’s why I strongly supported H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This commonsense, historic piece of legislation helped Americans from all walks of life by creating jobs, bolstering paychecks, slashing tax burdens and repatriating American earnings.
America previously had one of the worst tax codes in the industrialized world for businesses. By reducing tax rates for businesses large and small, our bill leveled the playing field and made America the jobs magnet of the world. H.R. 1 also threw out special-interest loopholes and consolidated deductions. Most importantly, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans and eliminated excessive, costly taxes. That means you get to keep more of your hard-earned paycheck.
To learn more about my support for tax reform, please visit https://fairandsimple.gop/.
Legislation pertaining to the Budget sponsored, co-sponsored, or supported by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 3719: Spending Safeguard Act
H.R. 3: Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act
Education & Workforce Development
Education: Achieving and maintaining the highest standards in American education is key to our national competitiveness and to the success of individual Americans.
The United States is home to educational opportunities which have no equal throughout the world. Today’s youth must not lose sight of the importance of a good education and should be encouraged to exercise the determination and perseverance required to make the most of the opportunities before them.
As a parent, grandparent and lifelong educator, I understand how important it is for North Carolinians to know that local teachers have the tools they need to help our children reach their potential. Education is not best when micro-managed at the federal level.
In recent years, we have taken a positive step forward in restoring local control of our nation’s public schools by passing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This historic legislation rolled back the federal footprint on K–12 education and put important decisions about education back where it should be – with parents, teachers and local leaders. The Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into law on December 5, 2015.
As the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, I support education proposals which return decision-making power and resource flexibility to the local level while keeping schools accountable for results to taxpayers, parents, and students.
Workforce Development: Presently, there are more than 6 million unfilled jobs in this country in a phenomenon known as the skills gap. These high-demand jobs remain vacant due to a critical shortage of skilled workers.
In answer to this challenge, the Committee on Education and the Workforce approved H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which went on to be unanimously passed by the House of Representatives on June 22, 2017. Just over a year later on July 31, 2018, President Trump signed this landmark legislation into law.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act is a true difference-maker for North Carolinians. The law makes crucial updates to our national workforce development by empowering state and local community leaders and improving alignment with in-demand jobs.
H.R. 2353 will help more Americans gain the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce and compete for good-paying, in-demand industry jobs. With strengthened community partnerships and increased access to innovative technical education programs, more North Carolinians will be able to pave the way to career success.
Postsecondary Education: From personal experience, I know that paying for college is hard work. The vast majority of American households are feeling that pressure as tuition and fees increase.
The need for solutions to help ease the challenge of college affordability is especially acute in today’s economy. So many recent graduates took out loans with an expectation that they would be able to find a job to pay off their debt, only now many find themselves struggling with un-or-underemployment.
Across the country, collective student loan debt has soared past one trillion dollars, and the mounting tab shows no signs of slowing. It is clear that postsecondary education is no longer meeting the needs and demands of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce, and simply reauthorizing the aging Higher Education Act will not address these challenges.
On December 1, 2017, I introduced H.R. 4508, the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act. The PROSPER Act will reform postsecondary education by promoting institutional innovation and student completion, simplifying and improving student aid, providing students and families with detailed information about institutions and programs, and strengthening accountability in postsecondary education.
Americans deserve a postsecondary education system that is affordable and prepares them for the workforce, and I will continue my work on behalf of students and families to reform our nation’s postsecondary education system.
Legislation pertaining to Education sponsored, co-sponsored or supported by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:H.R. 4508: Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act
H.R. 2353: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act
Agriculture
North Carolina’s Fifth District has a rich tradition of farming and ranching. From tobacco and poultry to soybeans and grapes, our farmers and ranchers produce some of the best agricultural products in the world. As our farmers and ranchers continue to be good stewards of North Carolina’s land, I am committed to promoting our local agriculture economy and actively engaging in the creation of responsible farm policies that honor taxpayers while protecting the way of life of North Carolina’s farming families.
As a past member of the House Agriculture Committee and member of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee, I have built a record as an agriculture policy reformer and will keep looking for ways to find innovative legislative solutions to ensure North Carolina’s farmers and ranchers are free to compete, adapt and seize opportunities to safely maximize production and meet the needs of America and the world.
Legislation pertaining to Agriculture sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 4265: Sugar Policy Modernization Act of 2017
H.R. 564: Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2017
National Defense & Veterans
Providing for the common defense of the United States of America is the federal government’s primary duty. The push by the previous administration to shrink the size of our military forces resulted in a readiness crisis that left troops overworked and ill-prepared to face the vast array of threats to America’s security. After nearly a decade of cuts, my colleagues and I have made rebuilding the military one of our top priorities.
Repairing and rebuilding our military is key to defending our country. Congress is continuing the effort to rebuild our armed forces and ensuring that our brave warfighters have the resources they need to meet current and future threats. I was proud to support the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, which will strengthen our military’s readiness, provide our troops with the largest pay raise in eight years, increase the number of uniformed personnel, and ensure that our servicemembers have the equipment and skills necessary to protect our country.
The entire nation owes our military personnel and veterans a huge debt of gratitude, and we must ensure that debt is properly repaid. One of the ways we have sought to repay that debt is through providing affordable health care for military members and their families, both when in uniform and after they have retired. I am a strong supporter of health care for our veterans and recognize the importance of providing full access to all benefits our veterans have earned, through an easily accessible and affordable system.
Millions of Americans joined the service with the understanding that health care would be available to them when they retired. Reports of veterans waiting for months for treatment through a VA medical facility are unacceptable. That is why I supported the Department of Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks, or VA MISSION Act. Signed into law on June 6, 2018, the VA MISSION Act streamlines the department’s duplicative community care programs into one cohesive program, expands the VA’s Post-9/11 Caregiver Program to all eras, and includes funding for the Choice Program that is expected to last until the streamlined community care program is implemented.
H.R. 1499, the Hero’s Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act is a bill that I spear-headed to correct a flaw in the tax code that prevented servicemen from placing income from combat pay into a tax-free retirement account. I am extremely proud that on May 23, 2005, H.R. 1499 became the first piece of substantive policy legislation to pass the House sponsored by a first term Member of that Congress.
Our soldiers and veterans are some of our finest citizens, we will never forget those who have sacrificed to protect, uphold, and defend America and her interests.
Immigration
As the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, I am thankful America has always opened her arms to people looking to build a better way for themselves and their families. But today America’s immigration system is broken. It’s not working for families; it’s not working for employers; it’s not working for taxpayers. We must work to reform our immigration system with humane and common-sense policies.
Our first principles on immigration reform should be to secure the borders, uphold American laws, and protect our national security. This is why I support enforcing our current immigration laws.
The incentive for illegal immigration into the United States must also be removed. Workplace enforcement is a critical component to immigration reform. Those who knowingly hire illegal workers are complicit in the broken state of immigration in this country. America currently operates with an optional E-Verify system that allows employers to confirm whether prospective employees are, in fact, legal to hire. Congress should explore making E-Verify mandatory and consider consequences for employer violations that amount to more than a slap on the wrist.
Furthermore, immigration reform must also correct glaring problems with the current visa system. It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of illegal residents in this country have overstayed once-legal visas. The existing visa bureaucracy has to be overhauled in favor of a responsive system that tracks individuals upon entry and ensures timely exits. We should also give priority to those with sought-after skills.
In June, I voted in favor of H.R. 4760, the Securing America’s Future Act, although it failed to pass. I supported H.R. 4760 because it would have reformed America’s immigration system by ending chain migration, providing funding for a southern border wall, enforcing biometric entry-exit tracking, halting funding to sanctuary cities, and providing a legal, renewable status for those who have received DACA status. Additionally, the legislation clarified the “Flores decree,” allowing children and their parents to remain together while in the custody of DHS.
America is a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. Deference to the rule of law is a defining feature of our great country and part of what makes us a beacon of hope for those escaping corruption and poverty in their home countries.
If you would like some general immigration statistics, they can be found here.
Legislation pertaining to immigration sponsored, co-sponsored, or supported by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R.140: Birthright Citizenship Act
H.R. 997: English Language Unity Act
H.R. 4760: Securing America’s Future Act
2nd Amendment Rights
Since well before our country’s founding, Americans have exercised the right to keep and bear arms, a right formally protected by the ratification of the Second Amendment in 1791. As a lifelong defender of Second Amendment freedoms, I am committed to ensuring that any new proposals considered in Washington do not infringe upon the constitutionally-guaranteed rights of law-abiding citizens. In the wake of devastating tragedies, well-meaning people feel compelled to “do something” and the government, likewise, to intercede. But good intentions don’t often make good or constitutional laws, and they certainly are no match for those set on being lawless. The right to keep and bear arms is not one for hunters and sportsmen alone. For centuries, it has been a right for every American citizen to arm themselves to defend their property and the people they hold dear. And it is a right that cannot be infringed.
Legislation pertaining to the 2nd Amendment sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 367: Hearing Protection Act of 2017
H.J. Res. 40: A resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Social Security Administration relating to Implementation of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007.
Social Security & Medicare
Medicare and Social Security are vitally important to millions of retired Americans who paid into the programs during their working years. They are important to today’s taxpayers, too, who are covering Medicare and Social Security’s current bills. Every American has a vested interest in the financial health and long-term viability of both programs.
The Social Security system provides income critical to the livelihood of America’s seniors. However, in many ways, the system is outdated and unfair. Constituents often express their frustration with their Social Security benefits and the difficulty of maneuvering through the massive bureaucracy for answers when issues arise.
Much has changed since Social Security was created over 70 years ago and it is my duty to ensure that promises made are promises kept. Instead of simply continuing with temporary patches to stave off short-term problems or increasing taxes to address the imminent funding shortfalls, now is the time for Congress to make the decisions necessary to secure the future of Social Security for the retirees of today and tomorrow. That’s why I support comprehensive Social Security reform which guarantees people the money they paid into the system instead of continuing to allow the government to squander the money on unrelated priorities. Retirees of today and tomorrow deserve to know that their benefits are secure rather than being subject to the political whims of Washington.
With regard to Medicare, many seniors are already facing the pain of a broken system and are being denied the care and personal choice they deserve. The American Medical Association reports that 1 in 3 primary doctors is limiting Medicare patients, and more than 1 in 8 is forced to deny Medicare patients altogether.
When Medicare was created in 1965, baby boomers were teenagers. Today, more than 10,000 are retiring every day and there are nowhere near enough workers paying into Medicare to support them. And, though today’s beneficiaries contributed $109,000 to Medicare over the course of their employment, the cost of their care and participation in the program is $343,000.
If we do nothing to fix the fact that Medicare spends three times as much money as it takes in, we will lose Medicare. That is the simple truth.
“Power to the Patients” is the GOP Medicare mantra. Our reforms will ensure the current Medicare program continues for all today’s seniors. For future beneficiaries, Medicare will be patterned after the highly successful Medicare Advantage program. Future seniors will have the option to choose between traditional Medicare and a wide variety of competitive health plans (the same ones available to members of Congress). This is the only credible proposal on the table that would preserve Medicare, get its finances in order, and ensure its viability for years to come.
If we reform in a responsible way now, we can save Medicare and Social Security in ways that don’t erode care and benefits for current seniors or pass the burden of government’s unfunded promises onto America’s job creators today and our children and grandchildren tomorrow.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation and infrastructure are key components of economic development and tourism efforts in North Carolina and in the 5th District. During my time in Congress, I have worked to bring accountability to the Highway Trust Fund by introducing legislation repealing Davis-Bacon wage requirements. Removing Davis-Bacon wage requirements from federally-funded highway construction projects would free up funds from inflated wages and regulatory compliance to create more market-priced construction jobs and more affordable, timely-completed projects.
This Congress, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2584, the National Park Service Legacy Act. The National Park Service (NPS) is currently faced with a growing backlog of maintenance projects to repair aging infrastructure. Deferred maintenance needs impact nearly every national park across the country, including the Blue Ridge Parkway. According to the NPS, North Carolina ranks seventh nationally with an estimated $431 million in deferred park maintenance, with the Blue Ridge Parkway accounting for more than 60% of the state total. This deferred maintenance negatively impacts the economic benefits of visitors to the Parkway for neighboring communities. H.R. 2584 would address this issue by providing dedicated annual federal funding to address national park deferred maintenance needs. The bill would ensure that parks continue to preserve our nation’s heritage and recreation opportunities and that local communities who depend on park visitors for revenue will continue to flourish.
Legislation pertaining to the transportation and infrastructure sponsored, co-sponsored, or supported by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 2584: National Park Service Legacy Act
Values
Protecting and encouraging a strong family is of vital importance to our nation’s progress and prosperity. We should continue to promote policies in Washington that allow families to flourish and that protect life at all stages.
I am grieved by the number of innocent lives lost to abortion each year and continue to strive to be a nation that respects life from conception to natural death. Few things demean the sanctity of human life more than elective abortion. Throughout the 115th Congress, the House has passed multiple pro-life bills and supported the Trump Administration’s efforts to ensure taxpayer funds are not used for abortions.
I voted in favor of H.J. Res. 43, a resolution of disapproval that blocks an Obama administration regulation forcing states to include abortion providers, such as Planned Parenthood, as recipients of Title X grant distributions. This legislation also passed the Senate on March 30 and was signed into law by the president on April 13. You can view remarks I gave on the House floor in support of this legislation at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1j5mq5yAuY&feature=youtu.beAdditionally, I cosponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, when it passed the House October 3. This legislation would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks based on medical evidence that unborn children feel pain at this point of development.
I introduced legislation on April 6, 2017 to prevent tax-favored health savings accounts from being used to fund elective abortion. You can view an op-ed I wrote about this legislation here: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/328661-health-savings-accounts-should-not-fund-elective-abortion.
The Department of Health and Human Services recently issued a proposal to prohibit Title X family planning program funds from going to organizations which perform abortions unless the abortion services are separated physically and financially from the rest of the organization. This rule, the Protect Life Rule, will draw a bright line between family planning and abortion, in accordance with the intent of Congress and if enacted, would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions in any way. I joined over 140 of my House colleagues in a letter to Secretary Azar strongly supporting the proposed rule. Additionally, I was proud to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives in support. You can view my comments at the URL below.
I am committed also to fighting the travesty of human trafficking. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, pervasive yet often unnoticed, occurring “underground” every day amid ordinary functions in the public square. Estimates by the International Labor Organization indicate that, globally, 20.9 million people are trafficked, around 4.5 million of whom are victims of forced sexual exploitation. Over half are subjected to forced labor, 26% are children and 55% are women and girls. Strikingly, these abuses constitute a $150 billion worldwide industry. In North Carolina alone there were 157 instances of human trafficking reported in 2016.
I am proud of the work we have done in the 115th Congress to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation. This Congress, the House passed more than thirteen bills dedicated to ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation. The bills have included changes to ensure that prosecutors have the essential skills and knowledge to properly investigate and process cases where the victim has experienced severe trauma, encourage states to implement services and programs to help these victims, close loopholes that allowed people who used phones to record the sexual assault of a child to escape federal conviction, and made it easier to prosecute those who record or transmit it.
Additionally, the House passed a bill authorizing the State Department and federal law enforcement to target international human traffickers by offering rewards for their arrest or conviction around the globe. I will continue to fight human trafficking both in the United States and around the world to ensure that we end this global epidemic.
Our nation was built on Judeo-Christian values and we must not turn our backs on these principles. While the First Amendment to the Constitution explicitly states that Congress shall make no law establishing a state religion, it also prohibits Congress from prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The First Amendment guarantees Americans the freedom to think, speak, and believe as they choose. To force Americans to check their religious beliefs at the door when engaging in any sort of public debate is wrong. I will fight to maintain our rights and to honor and carry on our religious heritage.
Again in the 115th Congress, I am proud to serve as a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, Congressional Prayer Caucus and Values Action Team.
Legislation Pertaining to Values sponsored, co-sponsored, or supported by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act
H.R. 36: Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
H.R. 354: Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2017
H.R. 644: Conscience Protection Act of 2017
H.R. 692: Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act
H.R. 853: Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2017
H.R. 1192: Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2017
H.R. 1625: The TARGET Act
H.R. 1761: Protecting Against Child Exploitation Act
H.R. 2019: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude certain abortions from the definition of qualified medical expenses for purposes of distributions from health savings accounts.
H.R. 2473: Put Trafficking Victims First Act
H.R. 4131: No Abortion Bonds Act
H.R. 4660: Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2017
H.R. 4712: Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Government Oversight
Oversight of the Executive Branch and its federal agencies is one of Congress’s primary responsibilities – whether the issue is the election security, abuses in Executive Branch spending, or modernizing the federal government.
Accountability, transparency and appropriate public scrutiny are necessary for government to function well, within its constitutional bounds.
I currently serve on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. You can stay informed about Congress’ oversight work by visiting the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s website: www.oversight.house.gov
Furthermore, I’ve long sponsored legislation to increase government accountability and transparency. I introduced the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act (H.R. 50) to hold the federal government accountable for saddling burdensome mandates on our nation’s local and state governments.
Furthermore, I introduced the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2018, or GREAT Act. This bill would help modernize transform federal grant reporting from disconnected documents into useable, searchable data. In doing so, the federal government spends over $600 billion in federal grants every year. By ensuring that the latest technology is utilized in our grantmaking systems, we can better track and manage these federal dollars and gain instant insights into the productivity of this spending.
Legislation pertaining to Government Oversight and Accountability sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Foxx in the 115th Congress:
H.R. 50: The Unfunded Mandates Information & Transparency Act
H.R. 4887: The Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2018
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