Quote of the Week
In honor of President George Washington's birthday this past week, I would like to share a quote from our nation's first president:
“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
This past week, I returned to beautiful Eastern North Carolina for our February District Work Period. Despite the below-freezing temperatures and snow flurries brought by the recent winter storm, I was able to meet with constituents, community leaders, small business owners, and advocacy groups. I always strive to be an accessible representative and look forward to taking your concerns and priorities with me back to Congress.
In Washington, the House is working to aggressively pass President Trump’s agenda into law, including through an annual process called budget reconciliation. We are working to deliver meaningful solutions to the numerous challenges facing our nation, including on border security, energy independence, and building an economy that uplifts all Americans. This comes at a pivotal time in our history and we have a chance to enact transformational change that will impact generations to come. The American people deserve a federal government that is transparent and a good steward of taxpayer dollars.
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
Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act
Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez was tragically killed in the line of duty during a high-speed chase with an illegal immigrant while trying to protect our southern border.
CBP agents put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from criminals attempting to cross our borders. Congress must do its part in protecting our courageous law enforcement officers and enact stronger penalties for illegals evading police.
I voted YES on the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. Read the bill's text here.
Midnight Rules Relief Act
Congress is responsible for writing and enacting laws, not unelected bureaucrats in the last hours of a departing administration. Last-minute regulations, known as “midnight rules,” are a blatant attempt to constrain incoming administrations from implementing their agenda. Republicans are restoring the integrity of our system of checks and balances by ensuring elected officials retain the power to legislate our agencies efficiently.
I voted YES on the Midnight Rules Relief Act to allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules through one joint resolution if they were issued during the last year of a president’s term in office. Read the bill’s text here.
Introduced Bipartisan Legislation to Offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans
America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day. Post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be effectively treated using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. As a surgeon, I have used HBOT for years on patients who needed help healing their wounds.
Since entering office, advocating for new treatment pathways for our veterans has been one of my top priorities. I am proud to re-introduce the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, which builds on legislation I sponsored and got passed while serving in the North Carolina State Assembly to make HBOT accessible for veterans in North Carolina.
We must do more for our veterans who have made so many sacrifices for the safety and well-being of our nation.
Read my press release here.
Read my OpEd in the Daily Reflector here.
Introduced Legislation to Establish a National Plan for Epilepsy Research and Treatment
It is a privilege to co-lead the re-introduction of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to improve patient outcomes and prioritize effective treatments.
One in 26 people will develop a form of epilepsy in their lifetime and 3.4 million Americans currently live with epilepsy. As a physician of over 35 years, I have taken care of countless patients who deal with epilepsy every day. This medical challenge faces so many individuals and families.
As Co-Chair of the Epilepsy Caucus, I am proud of the awareness we are raising about epilepsy and the meaningful action we are taking to create a brighter future!
Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Hearing on Modernizing American Health Care
An unhealthy America doesn’t just affect our health care industry; it has costly effects on our economy. Six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity, which are among the leading causes of death in the U.S. Furthermore, Medicare and Medicaid spend a whopping $384 billion annually to treat such diseases.
The Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing examining how healthier options and better incentives can bend the cost curves from our nation’s declining health. For instance, employers can incentivize employees to take charge of their health and wellness, which reduces health care costs and increases labor productivity.
Watch my remarks here.
House Administration Committee Hearing Reviewing House Committees' Budgets
The House Administration Committee is responsible for overseeing the operations of the House of Representatives, including our committees’ budgets. Last week, we hosted the Chairman and Ranking Member of each committee to review their budget requests for the 119th Congress.
We must ensure that your taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and efficiently to conduct the People’s business.
Received an Update on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts from NC National Guard
Ensuring that Western North Carolina receives the necessary support for recovery from Hurricane Helene has remained a top priority of mine. I appreciate the visit from North Carolina National Guard’s Major General Todd Hunt, who shared an update with me on the guard’s ongoing response.
I will continue to support the folks out west and I am extremely grateful for our dedicated National Guardsmen who have been on the ground throughout the past four months. Please join me in praying for our National Guard and those they are serving in the mountains.
Welcoming Craven County Educators to Washington
Craven County is lucky to have Elizabeth Hodge and Nardi Routten, two outstanding educators!
It was also a pleasure to formally congratulate Nardi on receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. It is the highest award K-12 teachers can receive for instruction in those two subjects by the federal government.
Meeting with Jewish Federations of North America on our Fight Against Antisemitism
It was an honor to meet with representatives from the Jewish Federations of North America. We discussed the rise in antisemitism in the health care industry and medical education.
The United States must stand with our ally Israel. Antisemitism has no place in ANY institution.
Meeting with NC Healthcare Professionals on the Challenges Facing American Physicians
Physicians across the state are experiencing massive Medicare reimbursement cuts, making it harder for patients to receive high-quality, affordable care.
NC healthcare professionals stopped by my office to talk about how the rising costs and declining pay from Medicare are affecting their practices. In our discussion, I brought up my Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which supports physicians and protects access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
In Congress, I will continue to advocate strongly for our physicians who dedicate themselves to building a healthier America every day.
