It's been a busy time in Washington over the past couple of weeks, with significant progress on key issues impacting Eastern North Carolina. From supporting our law enforcement to improving health care access for rural communities, my focus has been on advocating for policies that make a tangible difference in the lives of folks back home.
During National Police Week, the House passed several pieces of legislation to support our law enforcement departments and allow them to perform their dangerous jobs safely and effectively. I am so grateful for our law enforcement officers, and their families, who work and sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe.
Additionally, the House Ways and Means Committee passed several bills aimed at expanding access to rural healthcare. With over 30 years of experience as a physician in Eastern North Carolina, I understand the challenges rural communities face to access affordable and high-quality care.
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.
Key Votes
Israel Security Assistance Support Act
President Biden is withholding weapons from Israel, which are critically necessary for its ability to defend itself and root out the terrorist killers who wish to eradicate the state.
Israel has faced relentless attacks from terrorist militant groups since the devastating incursion by Hamas on Oct. 7th. The United States must continue to stand by our ally, the only flourishing democracy in the Middle East.
In an act of cowardice, Biden has withheld weapons and munitions to appease the pro-Hamas faction growing in the Democrat Party.
I voted to condemn Biden’s cowardice, force him to reverse course, and stand with our ally by swiftly providing Israel with the necessary weapons it needs.
Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act
Did you know there are currently over 615,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records who are freely roaming our communities?
In January, we watched illegal immigrants savagely assault NYPD officers who were simply doing their duty to enforce the law and protect the city. All but one of the six illegal immigrants arrested were released without bail, while the remaining one was released on bail.
This is the result of the border crisis President Biden created and is completely unacceptable. I voted to require that illegals who assault law enforcement be arrested and detained by ICE until removal from the US.
Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act
Biden continues to push unpopular and burdensome household appliance regulations that strip Americans of their freedom to choose what they want to use in their homes.
Unrealistic and stringent electric appliance standards have not proven to be sustainable or significantly more energy efficient. Yet, the Department of Energy continues to disregard the consequences it may have on consumers.
I voted to protect consumer choice and let families and homeowners decide what they believe is best.
Legislation to Expand Critical Rural Healthcare Access Passed Through Committee
Protecting high-quality, accessible, and affordable health care for rural communities is one of my top priorities. As a physician of over 35 years, serving 29 counties in Eastern North Carolina, I uniquely understand the challenges rural America faces in accessing care. We must address the critical physician workforce shortage our non-metro communities experience and preserve the opportunity for all patients to utilize telehealth services.
It is well known that if a medical student comes from, or a resident rotates into, a rural area they will be much more inclined to come practice there after their studies. I'm grateful for the support of Chairman Smith and my colleagues for these bills critical to Eastern North Carolinians.
Honoring William "Billy" Graham Jr. Through Statue Unveiling Ceremony
I had the incredible opportunity to attend the unveiling of the William “Billy” Graham Jr. statue on display inside the U.S. Capitol representing North Carolina. Despite immense hardship, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and his legacy will forever inspire me.
Hosting ECU's Chamber Singers in the Capitol
It was a privilege to have ECU's Chamber Singers visit my office in Washington, DC, and sing in the Cannon Rotunda down the hall. Their talent is incredible and the power of music was evident with how many people were drawn from their offices to listen.
Watch them sing here.
A Conversation with Global Business Leaders
Our powerful economy would not be possible if not for American workers and business leaders who dare to defy the odds. I had the opportunity to speak to the Society of International Business Fellows to update them on what Congress is doing to help drive growth.
Honoring Our Heroes: National Police Week Celebration
Happy National Police Week! Our dedicated law enforcement officers courageously step into the line of duty each day, risking their lives to ensure the safety of our communities.
Thank you to our nation's brave police officers. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to protect us.
Meeting with Canadian Parliamentary Partners
I appreciate the Canadian Inter-Parliamentary group for visiting my office today to discuss the strong relationship between our nations. I look forward to continuing working together to protect North American interests and regional security.
Meeting with the American Road and Transportation Builders Association
Thank you to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association for stopping by to discuss investments in transportation infrastructure and road safety.
Congratulations to Andrew from Chocowinity on being named a 2024 honoree of the Industry Leaders Development Program.
Meeting with the National Association of Realtors
I enjoyed seeing the National Association of Realtors group up in Washington to discuss the challenges facing the housing industry. I'm pleased my letter regarding insurance rate hikes was considered by the NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and led to adjustments.
Meeting with the American College of Physicians
It was great to meet with my colleagues, representatives from the American College of Physicians, to discuss efforts to address workforce shortages, access for rural communities, and physician pay.
Thank you for stopping by my office and keep up the good work!
Speaking with the American Boating Congress
I was honored to speak to the American Boating Congress and leaders from the recreational marine manufacturing and boating industry.
As you may know, there are a number of significant challenges facing the boating industry right now. I’m fighting to stop Washington bureaucrats from imposing burdensome regulations that hurt our mariners and fishermen.
I’m proud to represent those who enjoy life on the water and those whose livelihoods depend upon our marine, fishing, and tourism industries.
