The 119th Congress is off to a promising start! This past week brought frigid temperatures and snow to Capitol Hill as we began the new session. Nevertheless, my colleagues and I were able to meet to formally certify Donald Trump as our nation's 47th President. House Republicans understand the stakes of the moment we are in and got to work quickly by passing the Laken Riley Act to crack down on illegal immigrant crime.
On top of our legislative work to make America strong, safe, and prosperous, I have been meeting with different stakeholders and public leaders on issues that directly impact our district. This week, I was able to meet virtually with Colonel Efrati, M.D., of the Israeli Defense Force, to discuss Israel’s success with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in treating PTSD and TBIs. I feel very strongly that our veterans should have access to this life-saving treatment and will not stop fighting until they do. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet with leaders from the Army Corps of Engineers to receive an update on the beach restoration efforts in Buxton. This was a defense site, but the remnats were cuasing harm and I pushed heavily to get it cleaned up so our public can enjoy that beach again.
As the wildfires in California continue to rage, my prayers are with those affected. Eastern North Carolinians understand how devastating natural disasters can be and our heart goes out to those in the Los Angeles area. God bless the first responders who are risking their lives right now, working day and night to protect the beautiful area's residents and animals. I think we do a laudable job in preparing for natural disasters here in the East and in North Carolina.
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.
2024 Election Certification
On Monday, I was proud to participate in the certification of the 2024 election in which President Donald Trump was resoundingly reelected by the American people.
Republicans have been given a mandate to lower the cost of living, secure our borders, replace woke progressivism with common sense, and achieve peace through strength globally.
I look forward to the inauguration on January 20th, and more importantly, getting to work to swiftly deliver President Trump's agenda.
Click here to watch or on the video below. You can also click here to read the press release on the certification.
Key Votes
The Laken Riley Act
On February 22nd, 2024, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old UGA nursing student, was brutally murdered by an illegal alien who had previously been cited for shoplifting by the Athens Police Department. Laken’s death could have been prevented if not for the Biden Administration’s extreme negligence.
The Laken Riley Act will protect American communities by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens charged with theft, burglary, larceny, and shoplifting offenses. It also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over immigration enforcement decisions that harm the state or its residents. Enough of protecting criminals because they are here illegally.
After being blocked by Chuck Schumer in the Democrat Senate last Congress, the House voted on the Laken Riley Act once again. I proudly voted YES so this bill can finally make its way through both chambers and onto President Trump’s desk. We must protect our communities by enacting commonsense immigration policies that keep us safe.
Read the bill text here.
Meeting with Israel Defense Forces on HBOT Treatment for American Veterans
Despite a tremendous amount of effort to prevent veteran suicide, this nation tragically loses more than 22 veterans every day.
We must do more to prevent this national disgrace. As a surgeon of over 35 years, I am fully convinced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can be used to help prevent veteran suicide.
This week, I had an excellent virtual meeting with Colonel Efrati, M.D., of the Israel Defense Forces, to discuss Israel’s approach to PTSD and TBI using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. His clinic treats over 600 patients a day and is achieving excellent results.
We pledged to collaborate further to make this treatment an option for our veterans here in the United States.
Watch a recent CBS Sunday Morning episode on HBOT here.
Serving as Vice Chair of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health in the 119th Congress
As a physician with over 30 years of experience and the representative of more than 76,000 veterans, I understand the unique challenges the VA faces in delivering accessible, high-quality health care. Since coming to Congress, advocating for our veterans and improving their health outcomes has been one of my chief priorities.
As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I have taken on bureaucracy at the VA, secured funding for a new outpatient clinic in our district, and fought tirelessly to make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy available for PTSD and TBI patients.
I am eager to work alongside Chairwoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. as Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee in the 119th Congress to deliver meaningful reform that improves the lives of our veterans.
Buxton Restoration Update
This week, I met virtually with the leaders of the Army Corps of Engineers on the Buxton cleanup project. As a refresher, the area was a FUD site (Formerly Used Defense Site) that was leaking petroleum residue onto the beach and surf.
My office has been engaged with them for several years urging an expeditious clean-up of the site. So far, 4600 cubic yards of contaminated soil, 109,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater, 280,000 pounds of concrete, and 2250 feet of cables/pipes/wires have been removed.
Not only is the Army Corps looking at contaminated soil, but it is also looking to remove any areas of PFAS or lead contamination. In coordination with the National Park Service and Dare County, the area is slowly being reopened to the public.
Further studies will now commence as to what future remedies are needed. My office will continue to stay fully engaged to ensure the area is cleaned up satisfactorily so the public can enjoy the beach safely.
Statement on the Election of Speaker Mike Johnson
Speaker Johnson is the leader House Republicans need to deliver for the American people and swiftly move President Trump's agenda through Congress. The last four years were difficult for this nation. With a very narrow majority, it is paramount that we remain unified as a body. We have a lot of work ahead of us and must fulfill our promises to lower the cost of living, secure our borders, preserve freedom in the United States, and achieve peace through strength globally. As we govern with a mandate on these issues, we must also take action on the crises afflicting American medicine.
I am determined to disrupt the status quo in health care that has led to immense industry consolidation, reduced access to affordable, high-quality care, discriminatory hiring and educational practices, and the overall decline in our nation's health. I look forward to continuing to work with Speaker Johnson to address these critical matters.
