Following the August District Work Period, the last two weeks back in Washington have been productive. House Republicans worked diligently to pass critical legislation to counter the Chinese Communist Party's threat to our nation and the Harris-Biden Adminstration’s out-of-touch agenda that makes America more woke and less safe.
I also had the opportunity to engage with folks back home doing tremendous work in our communities. Our dynamic economy in Eastern North Carolina would not be possible without their contributions. I am grateful to personally express my appreciation for them, listen to their stories, and find ways for Congress to make a difference in their lives. It is such an honor to be your voice in the House of Representatives.
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.
Statement on Passage of Supplemental Funding to Address VA Budget Shortfall
I supported the passage of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act to ensure our veterans are taken care of, not because the Department of Veterans Affairs is deserving. Gross mismanagement, such as millions of dollars of unjustified bonuses and delayed adjudication of sexual harassment scandals, have put the VA in the position that it is in today.
Our veterans deserve to be treated with dignity and receive the care they are entitled to. I will not let this agency crumble, but I also will not ignore the rampant abuses and mismanagement that have occurred under its roof.
Introduced Legislation to Improve Enforcement of No Surprises Act
In 2020, the bipartisan No Surprises Act was signed into law to put an end to surprise medical billing once and for all. Unfortunately, its implementation has been rife with unnecessary challenges.
This legislation will reinforce the intent of the law and ensure the bipartisan process Congress established to protect patients from financial harm is effectuated. I'm grateful for my colleagues who have joined me in this bipartisan effort to prevent burdensome medical debt from crushing unexpecting patients.
Read the press release here.
Urged Treasury Secretary Yellen to Add U.S. Coast Guard Installations to CFIUS Jurisdiction
Today, our adversaries are doing everything they can to undermine American sovereignty and security. This includes purchasing land on our soil to use for espionage and other belligerent purposes. While CFIUS coverage includes many military bases and other sensitive areas, U.S. Coast Guard facilities, National Laboratories, some maritime ports, and critical telecommunications and energy infrastructure are not included. This leaves the United States vulnerable to hostile nations and malicious actors.
We cannot allow bad actors to purchase land in America to harm us. I'm grateful for the support of Chairman Moolenaar in recognizing our current security shortcomings and urge Secretary Yellen to consider these recommendations as the Department of the Treasury finalizes its proposed rule to expand CFIUS coverage.
Read the press release here.
Read the Free Beacon’s coverage here.
House Votes in Review
Week of September 9th
House Republicans passed a series of bills to combat the increasing threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to our security and independence.
These bills focused on prioritizing American supply chains, enhancing the protection of sensitive information and technologies, countering the CCP’s attempt to malignantly influence Americans, and ensuring our national security here at home and abroad.
Beijing is actively working to undermine the United States, and we must put our foot down. I am proud of our work to bolster American independence and counter the Chinese threat.
Watch me explain it further here.
Week of September 16th
The Biden-Harris Administration has put fealty to the woke agenda above commonsense.
Under their leadership:
- Illegal immigrants with criminal records are roaming free throughout our communities and committing violent crimes.
- Our institutions force DEI mandates onto students and threaten their First Amendment rights.
- Radical regulators are crushing businesses by weaponizing government agencies to force far-left Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.
Our country is the land of opportunity, and we must protect equality, tolerance, and merit.
House Republicans took a stand and passed meaningful legislation to do just that.
Watch me explain it further here.
Committee on House Administration's Hearing on Election Integrity
Democrats, who reject commonsense voter ID laws, are using federal resources to register voters in liberal areas across the country.
Election security should not be a partisan issue, yet we have no choice but to host hearings to hold them accountable.
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Meeting with the UNC Students who Defended the American Flag
It was great to meet with the brave UNC students, Daniel Jones and Guillermo Estrada, who protected the American Flag during anti-Semitic protests on their campus.
Across the nation, our college campuses have witnessed disgraceful attacks and protests against Jewish students. These young men bravely resisted bending a knee to these anti-American threats.
They showed their support for their Jewish classmates and refused to tolerate the vandalism of their campus and our sacred flag.
These students' patriotic actions give me hope for America’s next generation of leaders.
Meeting with the North Carolina Dermatology Association
I met with the North Carolina Dermatology Association to discuss the challenges currently facing the profession and legislative solutions to mitigate its impact.
They expressed concerns similar to those of many other physicians, worrying about their ability to keep their doors open. We must address the unbalanced costs associated with running medical practices and the decline in Medicare reimbursement.
I appreciate hearing from them and will continue working to protect patient’s access to care.
Examining VA Leadership Under the Biden-Harris Administration
The VA has failed to correct its mistake of using a flawed database for the past 10 years, causing veterans to jump through hoops to receive quality and timely care.
I understand the frustration our veterans have with the VA and am actively working to remedy the issues they face. At the end of July, I met with Secretary McDonough to do just that.
Guaranteeing veterans get the care they need and deserve should not be a partisan issue.
Meeting with the General Manager of Kenly 95
Ernie Brame, General Manager of Kenly 95, recently stopped by my office to discuss the challenges that the transportation industry is facing throughout North Carolina.
During our meeting, we discussed a tax credit for biodiesel fuel, which serves as a more affordable and cleaner alternative for the trucking industry. Since fuel represents the largest expense for trucking companies, a biodiesel tax credit would allow for self-preservation for all parties.
I appreciate Ernie's service to the communities of Eastern North Carolina and look forward to continuing our partnership.
Participating in the Johns Hopkins Health Policy Conference
I had the opportunity to join the Johns Hopkins Health Policy Conference as a panelist to discuss free speech in medicine. It was a pleasure to be alongside some brilliant minds who are doing great work to advance common sense in the field.
I discussed my bill, the EDUCATE Act, which bans race-based mandates and protects our colorblind society.
Medicine is about treating patients and providing excellent care for those in need, not advancing political ideologies.
Participating as a Panelist for the Ripon Society
It was a privilege to join my friends Congressmen Buddy Carter and John Joyce, M.D. to speak to the Ripon Society about the state of American health care. The GOP Doctors Caucus is leading the charge to lower drug costs and increase access to affordable and high-quality care.
I spoke about the threat DEI poses to medical schools and equality in America, as well as the important work we are doing to ensure the Biden-Harris Administration implements the bipartisan, bicameral No Surprises Act. It’s time to end surprise medical billing for good.
GOP Doctors Caucus Press Conference
I’m proud to lead my colleagues in the GOP Doctors Caucus in our efforts to improve access to affordable and high quality health care for all Americans.
Rising drug costs, declining Medicare reimbursements, physician workforce burnout, and industry consolidation are challenges we’re working on every day in Congress.
Meeting with Butterball and the National Turkey Federation
I had a productive meeting with Butterball and the National Turkey Federation to discuss how Congress can help turkey producers in the Farm Bill.
Turkey production in North Carolina contributes to our state’s vibrant economy. As the top producer of turkey meat and total poultry production, the industry produces nearly 150,000 jobs for the state.
I am committed to protecting North Carolina farmers and appreciate the hard work they do to feed America.
I look forward to our continued partnership to ensure the industry is capable of thriving for generations to come.
