My Statement on Voting to Reopen the Federal Government and End the Democrat-Forced Shutdown

After a ridiculous and uncalled-for shutdown of 43 days, I am proud to have voted once again to fund the federal government. Democrats finally relented their obstruction of the work of the American people, and Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels, along with three full-year appropriations bills. The damage done by Democrats to the American people was not necessary and should never have happened in the first place.

No one should ever hold the federal government and the American people hostage over partisan demands. Too many individuals and families suffered during this period of selfish behavior. Federal employees were without timely paychecks, pay for our military service members was uncertain, flights were canceled and delayed, SNAP payments were impacted, and many other benefits were put in limbo. This was all done to protect Senator Chuck Schumer’s political career and push the egregious demands of the Progressive Left. They failed. At last, we can put this nightmare behind us, and I look forward to getting back to the people’s business.

Introduced Bipartisan Veteran Heroin Overdose Prevention (HOPE) Act

I am proud to have reintroduced the bipartisan Veteran Heroin Overdose Prevention (HOPE) Act alongside Congressman Joe Courtney. This would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a review of veteran deaths from opioid overdoses in the past five years and examine other related factors and details that are key to understanding lethal overdoses from non-prescribed sources.

Veterans sacrifice so much to protect this nation and our freedom. They deserve to be fought for by Congress in return. North Carolina’s Third District is home to over 76,000 veterans and some of our nation's finest warfighters, including those serving at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. As a practicing physician and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am passionate about finding solutions to address the veteran's opioid epidemic, as many of my constituents have been impacted by this tragic crisis.

The intent of the HOPE Act is to conduct a comprehensive examination of veterans who have been affected by opioids and non-prescribed substance addictions. This research would provide an understanding of the underlying causes and develop effective strategies to mitigate those risk factors. Hope is crucial for our veterans and their families when they’ve given their lives to service. This bill helps us take the necessary measures to ensure we can provide them with that hope.

Fourth Annual WATERS Summit

This week, in a continued effort to address waterway issues and flood risk mitigation across North Carolina, hundreds from across the state and country came together for my fourth annual nonpartisan Water Adaptations to Ensure Regional Success (WATERS) Summit. 

Protecting our cities, communities, and businesses, as well as the ecological beauty of our state, benefits all of North Carolina. The purpose of the WATERS Summit is to do just that – to collaborate on dynamic solutions and foster legislative and agency plans to address the challenges we face over the next five, 25, and 100 years. 

Last year, Western North Carolina was tragically devastated by Hurricane Helene, a historic disaster that no one could have predicted when we planned to host this event. Our efforts and attention were immediately drawn to helping our mountain neighbors. While the full restoration of the region will take years, the ongoing recovery effort provided a valuable opportunity to examine how we can better prepare our communities for catastrophic weather systems, including managing intense and abrupt flooding.

In a time of robust ideological competition, this summit demonstrates how individuals from all walks of life can put politics aside to work together to make a difference. No one person can solve the challenges we face alone. Our collaboration is critical to the continued prosperity of North Carolina, and as a team, we can preserve our beautiful state for future generations to come.

Visit to Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina

I had the opportunity to visit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, where I was able to meet with constituents who were volunteering and tour the great facility. I was also able to hear from leaders of several partner pantries who pick up their regular orders from the Food Bank. I learned all about their operations, their perspective on feeding Eastern North Carolina, and how I can further help.

Food insecurity affects nearly 11% of the North Carolina population, including one in six children, with rates generally higher in rural areas than in urban or suburban areas. Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting our state. I am grateful for CENC Food Bank and its partners for the selfless work they do to provide for families struggling with this important issue. 

Ben F. Massey Jr. Public Service Award

What an incredible honor it was to receive the Ben F. Massey Jr. Public Service Award. Ben Massey is a Physical Therapist and a great public servant. He served as the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association of North Carolina and of the APTA national association. This award, established in his name, recognizes individuals who have provided distinctive support for the field of physical therapy.

As a physician, I understand the grueling hours of dedicated work of fellow healthcare professionals. These providers work tirelessly, serving their patients by attending to their injuries to get them back on the road to recovery. Whether from a stroke, heart attack, or other type of injury, physical therapy is critical in helping patients regain function and their lives. They are beloved by so many for helping them on the road to recovery. I am honored to support them by being an advocate during my time in Congress.

Mr. Houston Salter’s 105th Birthday

I want to wish an incredible hero, Mr. Houston Salter, a happy 105th birthday! What a major accomplishment to have lived such a long and wonderful life.

Mr. Salter is the oldest living former member of the US Coast Guard. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942 during a critical time. While stationed at Ellis Island from 1942 to 1945, he played an important role in unloading bombs from Coast Guard and merchant ships while also providing port security. He then returned to North Carolina, where he worked at Cherry Point for another 28 years before retiring.

During his time in service, he bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices for our country and Carteret County. I am grateful for his selfless dedication!

7,500+ Constituent Cases Closed

Constituent services remain at the core of what my team does. Since coming to Congress in 2019, my office has closed over 7,500 cases, helping constituents navigate issues with the federal government. This includes assisting in delivering VA benefits to veterans, tax refunds, swift passport renewals, and much more.

The people of North Carolina’s Third Congressional District deserve accessible and dedicated representation in Congress. It is an honor to be your voice in Washington and serve you diligently. If you or your family need help with a federal agency, please contact any of my district offices. I am here to help!

Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, we expressed gratitude for the many sacrifices made by the men and women who have bravely served our country and their families. North Carolina’s Third District is home to over 76,000 veterans. America’s security and prosperity rely on the service of our heroes in uniform, and we must never forget that freedom is not free.

Without our veterans, we would not be able to enjoy the freedom and prosperity we are afforded as Americans. It is my honor to be a strong voice for our veteran community and their families in Washington, and I will never stop fighting on their behalf.

U.S. Marine Corps 250th Birthday

Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps! On November 10th, 1775, the Continental Marines were formed to serve on land and sea.

I proudly represent Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River, and I will always fight to put our troops first. The men and women in uniform, and their families, serving our great nation, sacrifice so much in defense of the freedom and prosperity we enjoy.

Thank you to the countless Marines who serve and the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

I joined Newsmax to discuss reopening the government and healthcare affordability solutions. Watch the interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined Newsmax to discuss the government shutdown and healthcare affordability solutions. Watch the interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined NewsNation to discuss the government shutdown and enhanced premium tax credits. Watch the interview by clicking here or on the image above.

Read my latest OpEd in the Daily Reflector about my Fourth Annual WATERS Summit. Read it by clicking here or on the image above.  

Read my latest OpEd in The Sampson Independent about Veterans Day. Read it by clicking here or on the image above.