Key Votes
H.R.2240, H.R.2243, H.R.2255
Happy National Police Week! Our brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to protect our communities. Their commitment to our safety do not go unnoticed.
In Congress, we passed several pieces of legislation that support our law enforcement departments and the officers who serve them. We must ensure the brave men and women in blue have the tools they need to perform their dangerous jobs safely and effectively.
I'm deeply grateful for the Third Congressional District of North Carolina’s outstanding police officers - thank you for your service!
Learn more about this week’s votes here.
DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act
American colleges and universities need to do a better job of protecting our campuses from attempts by China to undermine our students. Confucius Institutes are a gateway to the CCP’s soft war on America. We cannot allow Beijing to spread propaganda in our colleges and universities.
I voted YES on the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, which prevents the Chinese Government from infiltrating and influencing American universities by:
- Prohibits DHS funds from flowing to American universities that host a Confucius Institute or maintain a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern.
- Holds American universities accountable and ensures they prioritize their students’ education above partnerships with Confucius Institutes or other Chinese entities of concern.
Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act
Last week, the House passed the bipartisan Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act. As an original co-sponsor, I was proud to support legislation that removes red tape that prevents defrauded veterans from receiving the reimbursement they deserve.
Learn more about the bill here.
Budget Reconciliation Proposals Pass in House Ways and Means Committee
After 17 hours of deliberation, the House Ways and Means Committee passed our portion of the 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill' budget reconciliation package. Our efforts were inspired by President Trump's vision to build an economy that uplifts all Americans, and the culmination of two years of soliciting feedback from farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and hardworking folks from across the country to deliver meaningful tax reform.
This package preserves and expands tax cuts, enacts pro-growth policies that allow businesses to thrive, and helps children and young families take part in the American Dream. Further, it achieves these goals while reducing the growth of our fiscal deficit, which is driving this country to the brink of a sovereign debt crisis. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and look forward to passing it into law as part of the greater budget reconciliation package.
Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act Passes House VA Committee
Every day, at least 17 veterans lose their lives to suicide – a tragic reminder of the challenges our service members experience beyond the battlefield. PTSD and traumatic brain injuries are silent killers, far more prevalent among the veteran community than most understand.
Despite tremendous efforts to prevent suicide, we continue to lose far too many veterans each year. As a physician of over 30 years and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to advocating for new treatment pathways in Congress to combat this crisis. I have firsthand experience using hyperbaric oxygen therapy with patients who needed help healing their wounds, and I believe this therapy can be a valuable tool to prevent veteran suicide.
I am grateful my bipartisan bill, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, passed through the committee, and I look forward to advocating for its passage on the House floor.
Learn more about the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act here.
Introduced Resolution to Recognize May as Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
As a urologist with three decades of experience treating bladder cancer, I am proud to introduce the Bladder Cancer Awareness Bill.
Every day, more than 230 Americans are diagnosed with bladder cancer, and this year alone, it will claim the lives of over 17,420 individuals. When caught early, bladder cancer is highly treatable, but survival rates drop dramatically with later-stage diagnoses.
By raising awareness, supporting patients, and advancing research, we can work toward finding a cure.
Learn more about the resolution here.
Participated in Axios’s Future of Health Summit
I participated in Axios’ Future of Health Summit to discuss protecting access to affordable, high-quality care and lowering drug costs. America is the greatest country in the world, and our health care system should reflect that.
I’ve introduced commonsense legislation to address Medicare cuts and protect those who need access to care most, improve R&D of life-saving drugs, and expand access to innovative treatments for veterans suffering from TBIs and PTSD.
We must put patients first!
Listen to my remarks here.
Launched the Congressional Austria Caucus
What a wonderful kick-off event for the bipartisan Congressional Austria Caucus! The U.S. and Austria have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship that supports America’s economy and national security.
I am looking forward to the work ahead with Co-Chair, Congressman Rick Larsen.
Partnering with North Carolina’s Congressional Leaders on Economic Growth
The North Carolina congressional delegation recently joined Rep. Richard Hudson and Sen. Thom Tillis in a panel discussion with business leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
It was a pleasure to discuss strategies to improve economic development and job growth in our state. In Washington, I am committed to preserving tax cuts for hardworking families and enacting pro-growth policies that put North Carolina businesses and workers first.
Received the We Work for Health’s Innovation Leadership Award
I was honored to receive the We Work For Health's Innovation Leadership Award for introducing the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act. This legislation protects continued R&D investments in small-molecule medicines, which are crucial for treating life-threatening diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
Unfortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act's price-fixing scheme drastically stifles R&D efforts. American innovation leads the world in breakthroughs and life-saving advancements toward eradicating disease and cancer. However, proposals like the "pill penalty" undermine progress, making it harder to lower drug costs and ultimately reducing access to essential therapies for those who need them most.
As a physician for over 30 years, I want patients to have access to the most modern and groundbreaking therapies. Research and development play an incredible role in providing affordable, life-saving treatments to those who need them most.
I will always use my voice in Congress to fight on behalf of patients!
Learn more about the EPIC Act here.
Meeting with the Haitian Ambassador to the U.S., Lionel Delatour
It was great sitting down with Haiti’s Ambassador to the United States, Lionel Delatour!
We had a productive discussion about how America can support restoring peace through mutually beneficial trade partnerships. Having visited Haiti many times as a medical missionary, it has been heartbreaking to witness the violence consuming the nation. Legislation like my HELP Extension Act, which would extend the HOPE/HELP Trade programs with Haiti, is vital for improving stability in the Caribbean and strengthening America’s nearshore supply chains.
As a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I am looking forward to working with Ambassador Lionel Delatour on policies that expand economic opportunity and foster lasting prosperity throughout the region.
Learn more about the HELP Extension Act here.
Meeting with North Carolina’s Physician Anesthesiologists
Our nation’s warfighters sacrifice so much for our country, and they deserve nothing less than the highest standard of medical care.
It was wonderful meeting with a group of physician anesthesiologists from North Carolina to discuss how Congress can help make sure that veterans receive the most qualified and experienced care available at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a representative of over 76,000 veterans, it is my honor to serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and use my medical expertise to ensure that when our men and women in uniform return home, they receive the exceptional care they’ve earned through their selfless service!
