Each month, my office receives thousands of phone calls, letters, e-mails, and even Facebook messages from folks across the Sixth District. Many have questions about current issues before Congress.
I thought I would respond to a few of the inquires I have received in recent weeks in place of the regular weekly column.
I ask you to think carefully about the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Schools are being required to take away from valuable teaching time to repeatedly administer standardized testing. It’s not the only measure of student growth and school effectiveness.
Decisions about education need to be made in the home, in communities, and by local school boards and city councils. All too often we see the federal government intervening in the education system, adding more red tape and bureaucracy without benefit to students. To address this growing federal overreach and eliminate some of the most troubling provisions of No Child Left Behind, the House of Representatives has begun consideration of H.R. 5, theStudent Success Act. You may be interested to know that I offered an amendment to H.R. 5, which was adopted, to further expand flexibility for educators and allow local school boards to create and administer their own testing systems. I look forward to finishing consideration of this legislation.
I urge you to support S.J. Res. 8, the resolution of disapproval of the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) “Ambush” rule.
In December, the NLRB published a rule that would dramatically amend the rules governing elections of labor union representation by significantly cutting the notice time for union elections and requiring employers to hand over employee contact information to union leaders. I have many concerns regarding these potential “ambush” elections as well as the release of employees’ personal information. Folks should have the freedom to decide whether or not they will join a union and adequate time to consider their choices in any upcoming elections. I voted in support of S.J. Res. 8 to prevent the NLRB from implementing the rule. Unfortunately, President Obama vetoed this resolution. I’m extremely disappointed by his actions, which will allow the NLRB to force this rule on workers.
What can be done about Hillary Clinton’s missing emails?
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email account for official government business raises serious, substantial questions regarding the content of those emails, security concerns, and potential violations of the Federal Records Act. Congressman Trey Gowdy, the Chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, has requested that Ms. Clinton turn over her email server to the State Department inspector general or a neutral third party for an independent analysis of its contents. I’m closely monitoring the ongoing investigation.
I always enjoy hearing from you and learning more about your opinions on the issues of the day. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to send an e-mail through my website at Goodlatte.House.Gov or contact one of my local offices. It is an honor to serve you, and I hope that you will stay in touch.
Bob Goodlatte represents Virginia’s Sixth District in Congress.
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