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NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of former Virginia state senator and state delegate Johnny Joannou:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and former colleague in the Virginia General Assembly, Johnny Joannou. I served with Johnny in both the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia. He was well-known for being a talented lawyer and for his independence. Johnny was always willing to work with both sides of the aisle and he fought hard to achieve results for his constituents, regardless of the political consequences. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Chris and all of his friends and supporters during this difficult time."
April 29, 2016
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4901, which would reauthorize the D.C. voucher program, known as the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, through 2021.
We don't spend enough money on education, so it is hard to justify diverting scarce public resources in order to finance private school education for a handful of students at the expense of the vast majority who attend public schools. Instead, we should focus our limited public resources on initiatives that improve education for all of our children. This is the promise of a public school education in the United States, but the voucher programs undermine that promise while hiding behind the guise of school choice for students in need.
April 28, 2016
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 88. This Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval would undo the Department of Labor's final rule that simply ensures financial advisers act in the best interests of their clients with retirement funds.
Now, this is a Department of Labor rule that only applies to workers' retirement funds. In times past, people would retire and receive a defined benefit. They would just retire and get their promised income. But now, we have what are called defined contribution plans, where the money is invested and, over the years, if someone, even a modest-income person, invests over his 40-year career, he could easily amass a fund of hundreds of thousands of dollars, even $1 million if they start early and invest consistently.
April 27, 2016
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, more than 60 years ago, Congress responded to the Defense Department's concern that so many children were malnourished, they would be unfit for military service, that they passed the National School Lunch Act as a measure of national security to safeguard the health and well-being of our Nation's children.
Through the enactment of the first Federal child nutrition program, Congress recognized that feeding hungry children is not just a moral imperative, it is vital to the health and security of our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I serve as the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Our committee is tasked with making sure that all children have an equal shot at success, so it is only fitting that child nutrition programs fall within our committee's jurisdiction.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Scott Rigell (VA-02), Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Randy Forbes (VA-04) asked IRS Commissioner John Koskinen to assist American families affected by contaminated Chinese drywall.
Contaminated drywall has significantly impacted more than 3,700 homes across the country. In 2013, President Obama signed into law the Drywall Safety Act of 2012, legislation that was introduced by Rigell and quickly passed through Congress thanks to strong bipartisan cooperation across Virginia’s Congressional delegation. The legislation set chemical standards for domestic and imported drywall, established remediation guidelines for disposal of all drywall, and expressed a sense of Congress that China must be held accountable for the damage this product has already caused across America. However, many contaminated drywall victims continue to face significant financial hardship.
Issues:Taxes
April 20, 2016
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia on its 150th anniversary.
Founded in 1866, St. Mark's was originally a mission church of St. James and the congregation grew rapidly. After outgrowing three buildings in their first 50 years, church leaders moved the congregation to a new building in the West End of Richmond. The Georgian Revival style building opened in 1922, was consecrated in 1946, and is still in use today.
April 18, 2016
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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for getting the title of our State correct. I thank the gentleman from New York and the gentlewoman from Ohio for yielding and organizing tonight's Special Order.
Last week, the House of Representatives failed to pass a budget by the statutorily mandated date of April 15. This failure is unfortunate for our budget process, but perhaps not unfortunate for the American people because no budget is better than the proposed Republican budget that would have been brought to the floor.
Our Nation's budget reflects priorities, but the Republican budget only highlights the wrong priorities. The budget the House Republicans wanted to bring to the floor would be even more devastating to students, working families, and seniors than their previous proposals.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the final “conflict of interest” rule to protect workers’ retirement savings and ensure they receive investment advice that’s in their best interest.
“I strongly support the Department of Labor’s ‘conflict of interest’ rule, which finally closes gaping loopholes in a critical retirement savings regulation that dates back to 1975. When workers seek out personalized financial advice on how to invest their retirement nest egg, they are making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. These workers and their families often place their full trust and confidence in their financial advisor.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of State Senator John Miller:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of State Senator John Miller. I first knew John during his time as a broadcaster and I welcomed him as he transitioned to public office. John was a dedicated public servant who led efforts in the General Assembly to reform SOL testing and combat sea level rise. He was willing to work with both sides of the aisle to achieve results for our Commonwealth. I grew to appreciate his counsel as we worked on behalf of our mutual constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sharron, his daughter Jenny and his son John, and his countless friends and supporters.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement today after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that during the month of March, the economy added 215,000 jobs:
“Today’s job report represents the 73rd consecutive month of private sector job growth with unemployment steady at 5 percent. This extends the longest streak of job growth on record, which was previously set in April 2000 at 51 months. This is welcome news, however more work must be done to support the economic recovery and strengthen working families.