My Statement on U.S. Military Action in Iran

Decades of appeasement of the radical, Islamic terrorist regime of Iran are over. Ayatollah Khamenei and his terrorist rulers, if allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, would never hesitate to use it against Israel, the United States, or any other country.

They have proven that life means nothing to them by recently killing thousands of their own people. President Trump and his administration have given Tehran every opportunity to negotiate peace, but, just like they have always done before, they have delayed and refused to cooperate to buy time to become a nuclear power. 

America cannot allow the cancerous threat of Islamic jihadi ideology to have such a devastating weapon to threaten the stability and security of our allies and the global community. These sentiments have been said previously by both Democrat and Republican Presidents. This should not be a partisan issue. 

I support this overdue action by President Trump and commend his strong record of delivering peace through strength. May God bless our troops and keep them safe.

Ways and Means Full Committee Hearing with IRS CEO

This week, the House Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing with IRS CEO Frank Bisignano to discuss the 2026 filing season, agency modernization efforts, and implementation of recent tax relief measures.

During the hearing, I emphasized how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can help reduce the 7.1 billion hours Americans spend each year on tax compliance. While ensuring enforcement efforts are focused on sophisticated, high-dollar tax cheats, not working families and small businesses. Modernization must improve efficiency while protecting taxpayer rights.

We also discussed disaster-related tax relief. That’s why it was important that the House and Senate unanimously passed my bill, H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in December. This legislation ensures taxpayers impacted by natural disasters like those in the Outer Banks and Western North Carolina receive automatic, accurate extensions and relief when deadlines are moved.

Taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and a filing season that runs smoothly. I will continue working to ensure the IRS serves the American people fairly and effectively.

Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Traumatic Brain Injuries

The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on ways to effectively support veterans with TBI.

As a physician, I understand the profound impact traumatic brain injuries can have on our veterans’ lives. This hearing examined how the VA is diagnosing, treating, coordinating care, and tracking outcomes to ensure veterans receive the support they need.

I am also committed to advocating for making accessible hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBIs. My Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act passed the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and I look forward to advancing it to the House floor for a vote!

Our men and women in uniform have sacrificed so much and deserve care that matches their service and dedication. We must continue working to make sure no veteran is left behind.

Meeting with Medical Alley Network

It was a pleasure to speak at the Medical Alley Network about the future of healthcare and the policies shaping innovation across our country.

As a practicing physician and Co-Chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, I shared my perspective on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing medicine from drug discovery and administrative efficiency to empowering patients with their own health data. While these advances are exciting, we must ensure that doctors and patients remain in charge and that ethical guardrails are firmly in place.

Congress recently extended telehealth flexibilities through 2027, and I support making them permanent with strong protections to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Telehealth has been especially important for rural communities like those I represent in Eastern North Carolina.

In addition, I highlighted our efforts to speed Medicare coverage for breakthrough medical devices, restore immediate R&D expensing to keep America competitive with adversaries like China, and strengthen domestic medical supply chains in a smart, targeted way that protects American jobs.

America leads the world in medical innovation. I will continue working to ensure we foster groundbreaking advancements while always putting patients first.

Meeting with Duke Nursing Leadership

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Dr. Michael Relf, Dean of the Duke University School of Nursing, and Dr. Terry McDonnell, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Duke Health, to discuss policies impacting the nursing workforce and nursing education.

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. From hospitals to rural clinics across Eastern North Carolina, they play a critical role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients every day.

We had a thoughtful conversation about strengthening the nursing pipeline, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing workforce shortages to ensure communities, especially in rural and underserved areasv have access to the care they need.

As a physician, I know firsthand how essential nurses are to patient outcomes. I look forward to continuing to work with healthcare leaders to support policies that empower our nursing workforce and strengthen our healthcare system.

Meeting with Jones and Pitt County Officials

It was a privilege to meet with officials from Jones and Pitt counties to discuss their funding priorities for FY2026.

These conversations are an important part of the appropriations process, and I will continue working to advocate for responsible funding that strengthens our rural communities and delivers meaningful change in the lives of our neighbors.

Thank you to our partners in Jones and Pitt counties for your leadership and your commitment to serving the good people of Eastern North Carolina.

Strong communities start with strong leadership.

I appreciate the opportunity to help support the projects and investments that matter most to families, small businesses, and first responders back home.

Meeting with North Carolina Sweetpotato Farmers

It was a pleasure to meet with North Carolina sweetpotato farmers and agriculture leaders who traveled to Washington to discuss long-overdue reforms to the H-2A program.

Representatives from farms and agricultural organizations across our state, including members of the NC Sweetpotato Commission, NC Farm Bureau, and other commodity groups, shared how recent program updates are helping provide greater clarity and stability for growers who depend on a reliable seasonal workforce. After nearly 20 years of effort to modernize the system, there is a strong interest in codifying these changes to ensure long-term certainty for producers.

Sweetpotatoes are one of North Carolina’s top agricultural commodities, and our farmers feed families across the country and around the world. Agriculture remains the backbone of Eastern North Carolina’s economy.

I appreciate these producers taking the time to come to Capitol Hill and share their firsthand experience. Hearing directly from the men and women who work the land every day is essential as we consider policies that impact American agriculture.

Meeting with ECU Neurology

It was great to meet with Dr. Robert Frere of ECU Neurology to discuss Medicare affordability for our seniors and the importance of congressional support for brain research.

Medicare must remain strong and sustainable for the seniors who rely on it. As Congress looks ahead, we have a responsibility to ensure the program is preserved for current beneficiaries while putting it on a stable footing for future generations.

We also discussed the value of sustained investment in brain research. Advancing research supports medical innovation and benefits families here in eastern North Carolina and across the country.

I appreciate Dr. Frere’s leadership and the important work he’s doing at ECU to serve our community!

Meeting with Wounded Warrior Project

It was an honor to meet with North Carolina veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project.

These heroes traveled to Washington to share their firsthand experiences and discuss ways we can improve support for veterans in our communities and across the country. I especially appreciated speaking with USMC veteran Paul Chambers of Sneads Ferry about strengthening mental health resources, expanding economic opportunity for veterans, and the importance of passing the Major Richard Star Act, which I have supported since coming to Congress in 2019.

North Carolina is home to one of the strongest veteran populations in the nation. As the representative of over 76,000 veterans, I am proud to be a strong voice for them. We owe these men and women more than our gratitude; we must deliver on our promises to care for them after their service to our country.

I’m grateful to these veterans for taking the time to share their stories and advocate for their fellow warriors.

Team Murphy Attends Legislative Breakfast at The Food Bank of the Albemarle 

Team Murphy was proud to attend the 2026 Legislative Breakfast at the Food Bank of the Albemarle.

The Food Bank of the Albemarle plays a vital role in fostering community collaboration, connecting individuals and families to healthy food while helping build a brighter future for the region. During the event, community leaders and partners gathered to highlight the ongoing work being done to address food insecurity across northeastern North Carolina.

Counties across Eastern North Carolina, including Beaufort, Hyde, and Dare, are served by this important organization. Their commitment to ensuring families have reliable access to nutritious food strengthens communities and supports the well-being of countless residents.

We are grateful for the dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners who make this mission possible and continue working every day to fight hunger across our region.

Team Murphy Attends Unveiling of Shipcom Innovation Lab 

Team Murphy was grateful to attend the official unveiling of the Shipcom.AI Innovation Lab in Havelock.

This purpose-built facility, located near the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center, highlights how next-generation AI and IoT-enabled technologies can support government and defense modernization. During the immersive walkthrough, we saw firsthand how interactive technology stations demonstrate real-world applications for asset tracking, inventory and supply chain visibility, environmental monitoring, and secure data platforms.

These innovations are designed to strengthen operational readiness, accountability, and mission execution, critical priorities for Eastern North Carolina and our military community.

Eastern North Carolina continues to lead the way in defense innovation, and we are grateful for partners like Shipcom AI that are investing in our region and supporting those who serve.

Ceremony to Honor 2026 Service Academy Nominees

It was a privilege to celebrate the Third District’s 2025 service academy nominees and their

families. Congratulations to these outstanding young men and women, and thank you for

your willingness to serve our nation. Your dedication, discipline, and character make

Eastern North Carolina incredibly proud.

Each year, the Third District’s Service Academy Nomination Board carefully reviews

applications and selects exceptional students to be nominated to our nation’s prestigious

service academies, including the United States Naval Academy, United States Military

Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy,

and the United States Coast Guard Academy. I am grateful for the Board’s hard work and

commitment to ensuring a fair and thorough process.

Serving the United States in uniform is one of the highest callings, and these nominees

represent the very best of our communities. We look forward to seeing all they will

accomplish in the years ahead.

Team Murphy Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony for HealthPlex 

Team Murphy was proud to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Carteret Health Care’s new $50 million HealthPlex in Cedar Point.

This 50,000-square-foot facility will bring the region’s first freestanding emergency department, operating 24 hours a day, to better serve families across Carteret County and surrounding communities. County officials, city leaders, members of the Board of Directors, and residents gathered to celebrate this major investment in our community’s future.

Projects like this are about more than brick and mortar; they are about ensuring that families have access to timely, high-quality emergency care close to home. As our region continues to grow, expanding healthcare infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe, strong, and thriving.

The HealthPlex is expected to open by fall 2027, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come across Eastern North Carolina.