#Virginia Foxx

[porterdavis]

She seems nice...

"Shut up!"

[justinspoliticalcorner]

MADINA TOURÉ and IRIE SENTNER at Politico:

NEW YORK — Speaker Mike Johnson said he will call Joe Biden and demand the president send the National Guard to Columbia University — an escalation after protesters constantly shouted him and other Republicans down during a visit to the campus Wednesday.

Johnson, flanked by GOP lawmakers from New York and elsewhere, repeated his calls for the university’s embattled president to step down. But protesters shouted “who are you people?” “Mike, you suck!” and chanted “free Palestine,” making it almost impossible for the gaggle of reporters and others to hear the speaker. “This is dangerous. This is not the First Amendment, this is not free expression,” Johnson said. He later added: “If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, there is an appropriate time for the National Guard.” Johnson directly faced the Gaza Solidarity Encampment that has thrown the Ivy League campus into turmoil over the past week — demonstrations that have drawn bipartisan anger over incidents of antisemitism. Johnson earlier in the day called Columbia President Minouche Shafik a “weak and inept leader” who can’t guarantee the safety of Jewish students during a radio interview.

While he’s the most senior elected official so far to push for Shafik’s resignation, numerous Republican lawmakers — including New York’s GOP delegation — and at least one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), are also pushing for her ouster. “My message to the students inside the encampment is go back to class and stop the nonsense,” Johnson said. “Stop wasting your parents’ money.” Johnson’s comments Wednesday capped off a week of chaos at the school that started when Shafik and other university leadership testified before House lawmakers, followed by her calling in police to arrest around 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on campus. The protests and arrests spawned similar demonstrations at NYU, Yale, MIT and beyond and have become the latest domestic flashpoint in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Columbia University is in a free fall,” House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said Wednesday, accusing Shafik of presenting false testimony during the hearing. “I have a message for President Shafik and a message for you all too: The inmates are running the asylum,” she added.

[...] Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) — who has accused Columbia of bowing to “right wing pressure” with its arrests of students — dubbed Johnson’s visit as another tactic in a conservative attack on educational institutions and an effort to silence “anti-war and pro-Palestinian sentiment.”

Yesterday, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was hellbent on making Kent State look like a picnic by demanding President Biden call in the National Guard to quell pro-Palestinian protests on campuses nationwide. Speaker Johnson got deservedly shut down by protesters.

See Also:

HuffPost: Speaker Johnson To Columbia Protestors: 'Go Back To Class And Stop The Nonsense'

[someprettyboat]

Thank you, Rep. Virginia Foxx, for reminding me of one of my favorite poems:

"(Thanks) For decent church-goin' women, with their mean, pinched, bitter, evil faces." ~ William Burroughs

[politicalprism]

Virginia Foxx Reflects on Legacy as House Education Committee Chair

After two decades of service on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., is stepping down as chairwoman, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped Republican education policy. Known for her staunch advocacy of parental rights, school choice, and tackling college affordability, Foxx’s leadership has been instrumental in spotlighting key GOP education priorities.

First elected in 2004, the 81-year-old congresswoman has served as chair for two terms when Republicans held the House majority and ranking member when Democrats were in control. A waiver allowed her to continue chairing the committee during the 118th Congress, despite the GOP’s six-year limit on top committee positions.

Her departure from the chair role comes as the Republican Steering Committee is set to select her successor on Thursday.

A Focus on Education and National Priorities

Foxx, a former college instructor and community college president, has made reducing college costs a top priority. She aimed to reauthorize the Higher Education Act, reflecting her commitment to addressing affordability challenges in higher education.

Under her leadership, the committee championed issues such as protecting women’s sports, advancing parental rights, and expanding school choice. These initiatives resonated with voters and emerged as pivotal campaign themes for Republicans.

Foxx also played a key role in opposing the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness program, earning praise from colleagues and party leaders. House Speaker Mike Johnson described her as “a force of nature” with a work ethic and humility that served as a model for others.

“She has been a very faithful friend to me and a good model for all of us,” Johnson said in an interview.

Addressing Antisemitism on College Campuses

Foxx’s tenure was marked by efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. Under her direction, the committee issued subpoenas, reviewed over 400,000 pages of documents, and conducted hearings that highlighted the harassment and threats faced by Jewish students. These efforts led to the resignations of several Ivy League leaders accused of failing to protect Jewish students.

“Our goal was and is to make sure that Jewish students are safe on campus,” Foxx told ABC News.

Her work drew bipartisan acknowledgment, with House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik crediting her with elevating education as a priority.

A Legacy of Resilience

Foxx’s journey from humble beginnings in rural Avery County, North Carolina, to becoming a congressional leader is a testament to her resilience. Growing up without electricity or running water, she rose to become a respected lawmaker whose portrait now hangs in the Education Committee’s hearing room on Capitol Hill.

“I just never imagined, in my wildest dreams, being in Congress or having a portrait,” Foxx said.

She has served as a mentor to colleagues like Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah. Owens, a former NFL player, compared Foxx’s leadership to that of legendary coach Al Davis, highlighting her ability to rally a team around a common goal.

A New Chair on the Horizon

The race to succeed Foxx is heating up, with Reps. Burgess Owens and Tim Walberg, R-Mich., vying for the position. Walberg, who has served on the committee for 16 years, believes his experience makes him a strong contender. Owens, a relative newcomer, has expressed his eagerness to build on Foxx’s legacy.

Foxx, however, remains focused on her broader role in Congress.

“My greatest achievement comes every day when we help another constituent, so my life isn't just tied up in the committee,” she said.

As Republicans prepare to elect a new leader, Foxx’s impact on education policy and her dedication to public service will remain enduring hallmarks of her career

[hwdownandout]

Buster Keaton and Virginia Fox in a scene from The Playhouse (1921).

[tomorrowusa]

The Republican House of Representatives held its last meeting of the calendar year. It was about what you would expect.

The earlier evidence-free GOP Impeachment to Nowhere was overshadowed by a lot of talk about whole milk. Not kidding! 🐄

Kevin McCarthy is leaving the House, but I don't think he has technically submitted his resignation just yet. His departure is appropriately hapless; his favored successor has been ruled ineligible to run for the seat in CA-20.

Assemblyman Vince Fong not allowed to run for Kevin McCarthy's seat, CA Sec. of State rules

[cavenewstimes]

'Billions Of Dollars Wasted Each Year': Virginia Foxx Bemoans 'Underused' Government Offices

Welcome to our blog, where we journey through the gentle meadows of life, seeking inspiration and sharing stories that nourish the soul. Today, we delve into a thought-provoking YouTube video titled “‘Billions Of Dollars Wasted Each Year’: Virginia Foxx Bemoans ‘Underused’ Government Offices.” As we stroll through the emerald fields of bureaucracy, we are invited to reflect upon the untapped…

[angelx1992]

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Arthur Delaney at HuffPost:

U.S. House Republicans sent a subpoena Wednesday to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, for information about how his state responded to a massive fraud scheme by a nonprofit operating a pandemic relief program. Federal prosecutors have charged dozens of people affiliated with a Minnesota nonprofit that stole $250 million worth of aid intended to feed children.

“You are well aware of the multi-million-dollar fraud that has occurred under your tenure as Governor,” House Education and Workforce Committee chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said in a Wednesday letter accompanying the subpoena to Walz. The subpoena requests any emails between Walz and the Minnesota agencies administering the aid that Foxx said would show “the extent of your responsibilities and actions addressing the massive fraud that resulted in the abuse of taxpayer dollars intended for hungry children.” Foxx had requested information about the fraud scheme from the Minnesota Department of Education in November 2023 and in June. In August, Walz became Kamala Harris’ running mate ― and a much juicier target for Republican oversight. “This was an appalling abuse of a federal COVID-era program,” a spokeswoman for Walz said in an email on Wednesday. “The state department of education worked diligently to stop the fraud and we’re grateful to the FBI for working with the department of education to arrest and charge the individuals involved.”

House Republicans doing waste of time subpoenas, this time towards Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

See Also:

The Guardian: Republican-led House panel subpoenas Tim Walz over $250m Covid relief fraud

[evilmark999]

Remember when a reporter asked the then new Speaker about his role in the insurrection? The GOP zombie horde surrounding Small Johnson basically all paraphrased the boisterously immature Virginia Foxx: "No! Boo! Shut up! Shut up!"

They're all very clearly starved for braaains...

It's wild what a few short months of actually getting to know a person can do to your opinion of them. That's what House Republicans seem to have learned since October, when they replaced the glad-handing Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., with smarmy fundamentalist Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., for the Speaker of the House role. Johnson's election was treated like a big win at the time. Republicans were unified in cheering and chanting "Mike! Mike!" like they were celebrating a championship-winning quarterback, instead of a guy who serves creepy youth pastor vibes.

Johnson's popularity lasted as long as an embarrassing dance craze, however. It hasn't been five months and already Johnson's colleagues are pulling the Mariah Carey "I don't know her" bit. Tuesday, CNN reported that fewer than 100 House Republicans bothered to RSVP for their congressional retreat in West Virginia this week, meaning that less than half the caucus showed up.

"[S]ome Republicans have complained about the venue choice," CNN's reporters note. "Speaker Mike Johnson selected the Greenbrier Resort because it was 'family friendly,' in a break from past retreats which have taken place in sunny Florida."

No pity for people who elected a Puritan as their leader, only to find out he's serious about taking away everyone's good time. These same people were griping to Politico last month that Johnson's presentation at the last weekend retreat ignored pertinent-to-members issues like how to win re-election and grow their majority. Instead, "Johnson effectively delivered a sermon" about "declining church membership and the nation’s shrinking religious identity." They're just mad that they have to suffer the lives they're seeking to forcibly inflict on the rest of us.

[evilmark999]

"I'll go to my deathbed knowing that they lied. They looked into the State Senators' eyes - and the people of Georgia and people of America - and lied to them about this - and KNEW they were lying - to try to keep this charade going on, that there was fraud in Georgia..."

When Tucker Carlson said, "this is not a conspiracy theory," and when Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity and the rest of the entertainment sycophants still at FOX echoed and continue to echo those same kinds of statements, then you can take it to YOUR deathbed that it IS all a lie, that they're ALL liars - from top to bottom - that they're ALL very KNOWINGLY liars, and don't deserve to be trusted to tell one iota of the truth. Ever!

Just like Donald Trump. And just like Rudy Giuliani. And just like every other christofascist MAGA supporter. Knowingly liars. Full stop!

Write all of their names down, and never forgive, and never forget. They are ALL very KNOWINGLY deceiving everyone that isn't one of them, and will look YOU or anyone or EVERYONE in the eye without a care at all...

Too many names. I ran out of tags...

[mariacallous]

They haven't finished updating the various webpages for the House committees, so the membership for them, the chairs etc. aren't yet available.

I don't even know that the GOP is finished with selecting who all is on which committee, even.