From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Following a legislative update by U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, titled “a Report on Washington,” the congressman fielded questions for about 20 minutes from the pro-business, Asheville-based Council of Independent Business Owners in UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center on April 10 

Regarding a request from an accountant asking to make the tax system simpler, Edwards replied, “It’s a tough time to make it simpler. I’ve been in Congress three years. It’s hard to make a difference and to include the middle class. We put no tax on tips, which truly, truly helps the working class. We put no tax on overtime, which truly, truly helps the working class.

“The top tax bracket was 37 percent back then. And it’s still 37 percent. So we truly took steps to help the working class.”

Next, an identified man noted that last June -— by a vote of 113-1 — the government actually signed it — HB1 was passed, allowing people to rebuild their homes... A lot of my friends and a lot of my clients aren’t interested in government handouts… They want to be able to rebuild now.”

In response, Edwards stated, “The implication is to get FEMA to waive its requirements for one state and one storm — and this is impossible.

“I’d be happy to speak with you to simplify… We’re trying to work through this red tape. 

“But the complication there is that the president has put forth a FEMA Review Council, so once that report is on the president’s desk, we can compare that with another report.”

Further, Edwards said, “FEMA would have to make the same exception in 49 other states. It sounds simple. There are 484 other members of Congress who have to agree with that… We just don’t operate in an environment where that is possible. 

An unidentified man then praised Edwards “for his efforts”... He also thanked the congressman “for everything else you’re doing and hope you will be serving in Congress forever.”

The man’s praise of Edwards triggered enthused applause and a few cheers from the CIBO audience.

Next, CIBO member Mark Delk asked about “the FISA Court.”

Edwards said that “FISA Section 702 — in no way — invades the rights of Americans. It’s designed to monitor the activities of foreign persons on foreign soil.

“We put into place stricter penalties and reporting requirements, so this in no way deals with warrants,.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Nagle, CEO of A-B Emblem and a member of Weaverville Town Council, also highly praised Edwards for his service as a U.S. congressman. 

At that point, John Carroll, the meeting moderator, asked Edwards if he would “like to comment on all of those people coming across the border.”

With a smile, Edwards replied, “We certainly are much safer… and there has not been a single illegal who has come across the border in 11 months.” 

At the end of the Q&A session, Edwards was treated to a CIBO standing ovation.