In the closing days of 2024, we reflect on a year that brought forth both significant challenges and remarkable achievements. From the devastation of Hurricane Helene and our ongoing recovery efforts, to Team USA's outstanding performance at the Paris Summer Olympics, this year has been a testament to the strength and resilience of our country.
It is an honor to represent you in Congress and I am incredibly grateful for your unwavering support. This year, my office proudly responded to 4,728 unique constituent emails and phone calls, helped 1,290 individuals with federal casework, and helped return $1.6 million to taxpayers. I also sponsored 34 pieces of legislation addressing a variety of our district's concerns, including expanding care for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBIs, enabling coastal homeowners to receive flood insurance payouts before properties are swept out to sea, closing a trade loophole exploited by the Chinese Communist Party, and combatting woke ideology in our medical schools.
As we say farewell to 2024, I am grateful for another year of being entrusted by you to be a strong, conservative fighter for our beautiful district. I wish you and your family a wonderful 2025 with blessings and good health. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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
A little over three months ago, Hurricane Helene made landfall in our mountain communities, disrupting the livelihoods of families and leaving neighborhoods unrecognizable. In October, I had the opportunity to visit Western North Carolina to hear from local leaders and emergency personnel on the ongoing recovery efforts. Since then, I have remained dedicated to the rebuilding process and consistently communicate with federal, state, and local authorities, making it a priority in Washington to ensure our neighbors receive the federal assistance they need.
Throughout the holidays, Eastern North Carolina has continued to keep those recovering in our thoughts, prayers, and outreach. This past week, volunteers assembled horse blankets, propane tanks, cots, sleeping bags, coats, hats, scarves, shoes, toys, wrapping paper, and other items to ensure families not only stay warm during Christmas but can celebrate it as well. The stories that have continued to come out of this unfortunate time represent the very best of North Carolina's Third Congressional District and I am immensely grateful for the difference being made out west.
As the hundreds of dump trucks haul away the remaining debris and the state continues to rebuild the transportation routes and restore remaining power outages, FEMA and NC Emergency Management continue to assist folks on the ground. The State Emergency Response Team in Raleigh, the Joint Field Office in Hickory, and the Joint Field Branch Offices in Asheville, Wilkesboro, and Charlotte also continue to support those affected and federal assistance services remain available. During Christmas, the staffing and contractor support was adjusted at multiple field locations for support during the holiday. Additionally, Multi-agency Shelter Transition Teams are actively working in affected counties to assist those displaced, and nonprofits and volunteer groups have been essential in supporting survivors and ensuring there are no unmet needs. In Washington, I remain committed to delivering the support Western North Carolina needs so they can rebuild and heal in dignity.
Merry Christmas Eve from Washington
On Christmas Eve, the most wonderful night of the year, I wanted to take a moment to wish peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
I hope the peace of Christ filled your hearts this Christmas season and may God bless you and your family in the year ahead.
Click here to watch or on the video below.
Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee: Fighting for the Improved Healthcare of Our Veterans
As a representative of more than 76,000 veterans, it is my duty and honor to ensure those who have put their lives on the line to defend our nation receive the benefits and care they earned.
In the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee hearing, we discussed a number of bills aimed at improving health care for our veterans and questioned the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs leadership on their opinion of proposed legislation.
We must do better to serve the men and women who have dedicated their lives in service to our country. I look forward to advancing some of these proposals next Congress to address the many issues veterans continue to face.
Meeting with President Hicks on the Future of Davidson College
It was wonderful meeting with Davidson President Doug Hicks to discuss his aspirations for the future of the institution.
We discussed Davidson’s Commitment to Freedom of Expression, an affirmation that President Hicks secured in August that preserves students’ right to free speech regardless of political affiliation. In today’s educational environment, often warped by progressive political ideologies and administrators’ personal agendas, it is encouraging to see schools value ALL students’ right to freedom of speech.
As an alumnus, I look forward to seeing Davidson protect freedom of expression and President Hicks implement his vision to foster a healthy learning environment that challenges students to grow.
Introduced the Emergency Vehicle Responsiveness Act
I am proud to have introduced the Emergency Vehicle Responsiveness Act, which will relieve emergency vehicles from burdensome EPA requirements that hinder our first responders' life-saving efforts.
Our first responders should focus on saving lives, not dealing with excessive maintenance and high repair costs. I am immensely grateful for all our first responders who risk their lives daily to protect our communities across Eastern North Carolina.
Click here to read the press release.
Statement on Proposed New Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic
I am proud to announce that the Department of Veterans Affairs has selected a location for a new outpatient clinic in Jacksonville, NC. I am grateful to have worked alongside Senator Tillis last Congress to establish the necessary funding for this facility and thank him for his leadership on this issue.
As the representative of over 76,000 veterans, it is my honor to fight on their behalf in Washington to ensure they receive the care they earned. I look forward to following the progress of this project!
Read press release here.
