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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Jason Lewis (R-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at safely reining in the size and associated costs of the federal criminal code and prison system.
H.R. 4261, the Safe, Accountable, Fair, and Effective (SAFE) Justice Act takes a broad-based approach to improving the federal sentencing and corrections system, spanning from sentencing reform to release policies. The legislation, which is inspired by the successes of states across the country, will break the cycle of recidivism, concentrate prison space on violent and career criminals, increase the use of evidence-based alternatives to incarceration, curtail over-criminalization, reduce crime, and save money.
November 7, 2017
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3441, the so-called Save Local Business Act. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, employers have increasingly moved away from direct hiring of employees to the use of permatemps and subcontracting to reduce labor costs and liability. For many workers, the name on the door of the building where they work may not be the name of the company that technically signs their paycheck.
In situations like these, where more than one entity controls or has the contractual right to control the terms and conditions of employment, the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act hold both entities responsible for violations as joint employers. The joint employment standard under the NLRA ensures that workers can negotiate with all parties that control the terms and conditions of employment. Similarly, the joint employment standard under the FLSA ensures the appropriate companies can be held accountable for wage theft, equal pay, overtime pay, and child labor violations.
November 6, 2017
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank and pay tribute to Denise Forte, who is my staff director on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. After a remarkable 20 plus year career in federal service, today is Denise's last day with us.
Denise first came to Capitol Hill as a Women's Research and Education Institute fellow in my personal office in 1994. While she received her degree in computer science from Duke University, Denise's fellowship on Capitol Hill made her realize her true professional calling--helping ensure America's children have equality access to a quality education. I recognized her talent and; at the conclusion of her fellowship, hired her as a full-time employee where she excelled at several positions, including as my legislative director.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 261,000 jobs in October, with the unemployment rate at 4.1 percent.
“Today’s jobs report shows that our economic recovery remains strong and resilient, but our work in Congress is far from over. The reality is that too many families and individuals are still struggling to make ends meet, and lack some semblance of economic security. A substantial portion of that security is achieved through access to affordable health care coverage
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after Congressional Republicans unveiled H.R. 1, the so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
“The Republican’s proposed plan provides tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest among us and adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit. This legislation provides no real investment in workers, jobs or the economy. Eventually these irresponsible tax cuts will be paid for by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, veteran services, educational resources, and other vital services for working families.
Issues:Taxes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Virginia Representatives Gerry Connolly, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Donald S. Beyer, Jr., and A. Donald McEachin called on House Republicans to protect the state and local tax deduction. In Virginia, 1.5 million households claim $16.5 billion in SALT deductions for an average deduction of $11,288 per household. Virginia has the nation’s 4th highest percentage of tax filers claiming a SALT deduction (37%). “The Republicans’ proposed tax plan is little more than a giant tax cut for the wealthy masquerading as tax reform. Instead of helping working families succeed and ensuring that our economic recovery reaches every community, the President and Republicans in Congress are insisting on tax cuts at the expense of the very people they are claiming to help,” said Congressman Bobby Scott.
Issues:Federal BudgetTaxes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-3) issued the following statement on passage of H.Con.Res. 71 – Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 216 to 212 (Roll Call 589)
“I am disappointed that Republicans in Congress have insisted on passing a budget that is fiscally irresponsible. This budget also fails to provide necessary investments in the American people, investments that would help working Americans and provide a safety net for those in need.
Issues:Federal BudgetTaxes
October 25, 2017
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 120th anniversary of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Newport News, Virginia.
St. Augustine's Episcopal Church had humble beginnings. Originally known as Warwick Parish, and then as St. Paul's Church, its mission was started in 1897 with the intention of providing a religious community for African-American Episcopalians. The church was started with neither a full-time pastor nor an official building, so the congregation ran their early services out of the upper floor of the Columba Opera House in Newport News. Reverend Joseph F. Mitchell became the first vicar for St. Paul's Mission in the fall of 1897 and spent the next six years of his ministry trying to grow the parish and raise enough funds to afford to build a chapel for the congregation.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26), John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Beto O’Rourke (TX-16) and Jared Polis (CO-2) announce introduction of the House companion to the Senate Medicare-X Choice Act of 2017. The Medicare-X Choice Act (H.R. 4094) builds upon the successful framework of the Medicare program by providing a public plan as an option on the individual and small business health exchanges. Congressman Scott said, “At a time when Congress and the administration should be working to improve our current health system, the administration’s actions have undermined the Affordable Care Act and created uncertainty and confusion for American families. I am proud to join my colleagues in putting forth a plan to build on the ACA’s progress, and ensure that all Americans have greater access and more options for affordable health coverage.”
Issues:Health Care
October 24, 2017
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Newport News Alumnae Chapter.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students attending Howard University. These women all saw education and community service as the key to pushing forward the cause of civil rights and progress for the African American community, and that mission remains strong to this day. Today, Delta Sigma Theta has grown to an organization with over 250,000 members and over 940 local chapters operating all over the United States and the world.