Rep. Rouzer talks sexual misconduct allegations in Congress, tax reform as legislators head back

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)  –  Congressional leaders want a reform of the nation’s tax code before the year is out. New accusations of sexual misconduct and legislation addressing it could become a priority as well for leads on the Hill. We welcomed Rep. David Rouzer (R) of North Carolina’s 7th District to talk about the issues.

The Congressman says if the misconduct accusations are not addressed before December recess, they will be come 2018.

“I think you’re going to see the Ethics Committee take a good look at all of this,” said the Congressman.

Rouzer referred to the committee looking into the accusations weighed against Minnesota Senator Al Franken as well as Michigan House Representative and nor former Judiciary committee Chairman John Conyers. The second term Congressman was also open to addressing the controversy surrounding Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore. Moore has had several women come out claiming he made unwanted advances towards them when they were in their teens and he was in his 30’s.

“If you know in his mind and heart he knows that he is, or that those allegations are true then he should step aside,” said Rouzer.

What also concerns Rouzer about all of this is also the reports that Congressman Conyers settled with his accusers with thousands of dollars that was provided through the Congressional Office of Compliance.

“I think you’ll see Congress take a look at all of that and probably reform a little bit of it,” Rouzer said.

Legislation is now cycling through the house to hold leaders more liable. That may not overlap the importance of tax reform though, Rouzer says it is essential to pass it before the year is out.

“You’ve got to get rid of the many deductions and credits and lower the rates so that you have really equal opportunity for everyone.”

Locally the plan has caught criticism from historic preservation groups. Rouzer says he believes the Senate version – the one he thinks will make it to the president’s desk – will calm their concerns because it keeps the tax credit in a modified form.

“There are a lot of House members including myself that would like to see some parts of the historic tax credit remain,” said Rouzer.

A vote in the Senate is scheduled for this week. Something else critical to consumers in coming weeks will be when the FCC meets to repeal net neutrality.

The Congressman has made rural broadband a focus of his work on the Congressional Agricultural Committee. We asked if he was concerned about the repeal.

“I don’t see, in fact I’m in favor of that rollback. Cause I think it hinders, it hinders competition in the long term,” said Rouzer making the case that if infrastructure reform can be passed and more water, sewer as well as industry can be incentivized to rural areas, that will solve the problem of minimal Internet access in those regions.

Rouzer added that DACA, immigration policy that addresses the enfranchisement of children from illegal immigrants, as well as final year budget decisions will also be on the to-do list as House members return to Congress. Rouzer also believes Congressional Republicans will meet Wednesday and talk over the issues of the sexual misconduct accusations as well as the settlements in some cases.

“I think it’s been a very productive year. It certainly has been a very interesting and historic year,” said the Congressman.

Rouzer gives the President high marks on his legislative focus – not so much on his Twitter style, but overall he says he’s pleased.