The last two weeks have been incredibly consequential for the nation and North Carolina. Front and center is Western North Carolina's recovery from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene. Currently, robust efforts from the federal government down to the local level are underway to rescue folks and ensure the safety of everyone in impacted areas. I will continue to update everyone on these efforts to keep you informed with accurate information on the latest developments.
In Washington, the House passed meaningful legislation, and I participated in several discussions related to the state of health care for America's veterans and citizens. I also had the opportunity to meet with many wonderful constituents who are doing tremendous work back in North Carolina. It is a privilege to be your voice in our nation's capital and to bring much-needed commonsense to the table.
Back in the district, most of my time has been spent monitoring recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Eastern North Carolina has a long history of dealing with natural disasters and Western North Carolina has always been there to support our communities. We will do the same for them in this time of need. In addition to this work, I have had the pleasure of meeting with constituents to discuss a variety of the top issues facing our country and participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's with many wonderful advocates.
I will continue fighting for the values of North Carolina's Third Congressional District. If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina
Hurricane Helene has devastated Western North Carolina, and it has been an all-hands-on-deck effort to mobilize recovery efforts in the region. Every day, I and my office participate in briefings and receive updates from federal, state, and local authorities regarding recovery efforts. Right now, there are a lot of moving parts as personnel from many different departments, specializations, and states organize and execute their missions.
I will keep you updated with accurate information on the latest news. The individuals on the ground right now are heroically working day and night, and this will be a three-stage process of recovery. In the immediate term, rescues and identification of individuals will continue. Once this is accomplished, we must stabilize communities in the region that are suffering immense losses and begin preparations to repair and rebuild. This process will not be easy or done quickly, but we must ensure that it is done promptly and adequately. Our neighbors in Western North Carolina need us more than ever right now, and I will fight to make sure they have the resources they need.
House Votes in Review
Week of September 23rd
House Republicans passed several bills on several issues important to folks across the country. These bills focused on ensuring accountability for the horrific Afghanistan withdrawal, confronting China’s human rights abuses, protecting our communities, and restoring our forests.
The American people work hard and expect the government to do the same. I came to Washington to enact policies that hold our leaders accountable for their actions, protect our nation's security, and allow our communities to thrive.
Watch me explain further here.
Speaking to the American Association of Clinical Urologists
It was a pleasure to address the American Association of Clinical Urologists at their annual meeting here in Washington. As a urologist for over 30 years, it is an honor to be a voice for all the doctors doing tremendous work in our field.
Rising drug costs, declining Medicare reimbursements, physician workforce burnout, and industry consolidation are changing the landscape of American health care rapidly.
Congress must act boldly to improve access to high quality and affordable care for patients across the country.
Participating in Emerging Therapies for Veterans Roundtable
We lose 22 veterans to suicide each day in the United States. This is completely unacceptable.
I’m grateful to have participated with my House VA Committee colleagues in a roundtable exploring emerging therapies for our veterans. Politics don’t matter in this fight, and it was great to have individuals from both the Department of the VA and heroic outside groups in attendance.
During the roundtable, I advocated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT. This promising treatment has given so many a new lease on life. To prohibit our vets from utilizing it under the care of the VA is medical malpractice.
GOP Doctors Caucus Meeting with House Republican Conference
The GOP Doctors Caucus advocates for commonsense policies that improve access to high-quality and affordable care and enable Americans to live long and healthy lives.
We want to make it easier for Americans to understand, access, and pay for preventative health care screenings and services; cut red tape to allow rural hospitals and independent physicians to stay open so they can serve patients; and focus on fully enforcing existing transparency rules – putting the patient in the driver’s seat of one’s health care decisions.
It was a pleasure to discuss our priorities with the House Republican Conference.
Meeting with the General Contractors of America
I had a productive meeting with the General Contractors of America discussing workforce development programs, visa issues, and on-the-job hazards. Contractors play a critical role in building just about everything we rely on including housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure.
Right now, our country is facing a housing shortage that can be alleviated by increasing supply. America relies on the contributions of contractors, and I'm grateful they stopped by to keep me informed on the challenges facing the industry.
Meeting with North Carolina Orthopaedic Association
It was a pleasure to meet with members of the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association to discuss Medicare reimbursements, prior authorization, and physician-owned hospitals.
Our state is home to many of the country’s best physicians, and it's wonderful to meet with so many of them here in Washington. I appreciate their advocacy and commitment to improving American health care.
VA Committee Hearing on Veteran Caretakers
Caregivers play an invaluable role in supporting veterans’ health and well-being. Unfortunately, they too face challenges that lead to stress and burnout, and more serious challenges.
It’s important to remember that families, friends, and caretakers of our veterans also make many sacrifices. We must remember these folks and ensure they have adequate support and resources to take care of themselves too.
It’s a privilege to be on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and work on dynamic proposals to address this issue.
