Observing the Anniversary of 9/11
On September 11th, 2001, America was changed forever. We remember the innocent lives that were taken, the brave first responders and volunteers who answered the call to help, and those who have sacrificed so much in the Global War on Terrorism.
My heart is with the families who lost loved ones on that tragic day. We also remember the 7,085 U.S. service fatalities and the 53,533 wounded that were a result of the Global War on Terrorism that ensued. May God bless them and their families who have to endure the pain of their loss.
We will never forget.
Key Votes
Passed Government Funding Package
The House has successfully voted to keep the government running and deliver on our agenda to put the American people first. In a perfect world, I do not support funding our government through continuing resolutions. However, Democrat obstruction has prevented Congress from passing appropriations bills under regular order as our Founding Fathers intended. Folks are tired of the partisan games that consume Washington and want our leaders to work together to meaningfully improve the lives of our constituents. Unfortunately, Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wants to shut down the government to appease the far-left voices in his party, even if it hurts the American people. If Schumer and the Progressive Left want to shut down the government, it is solely on them. I supported the clean, bipartisan package to keep the government open and avert a harmful shutdown.
Passed FY26 National Defense Authorization Act
I applaud the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY26, and I am especially proud to share that over $90 million for Camp Lejeune and $200 million for F-35 maintenance at FRC East were secured.
This package robustly modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats and solidifies our national security.
Through this legislation, Congress has restored lethality and the warrior ethos in the military, put in measures to restore security at America’s borders, created reforms to improve the quality of life of servicemembers, supported the Golden Dome, and so much more.
This package robustly funds and modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats abroad and bolsters our national security.
Passed H. Res. 719, Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk
It was a somber day in the House as we passed H. Res. 719, Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk. America, and the world for that matter, lost a great voice for reason and clarity in a time of vast confusion. It is imperative that we, as Americans, look towards peace. It is okay to disagree, but as Charlie always said, "When people stop talking, that's when you get violence."
Charlie was a strong believer in the power of faith, family, and for standing firm in your beliefs. He was a loving husband and father, inspiring many people through his work. He dared to engage with those who disagreed with him, even in hostile environments, with vigor and integrity in the pursuit of truth.
Our nation mourns the loss of a good man who fervently believed in the American experiment and dedicated his life to making a strong case to young individuals for continuing to keep faith in our institutions.
May his death not be in vain; may it evoke a turning point in our nation to engage with one another respectfully and with reverence for the dignity of life.
Passed H.R. 3579, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act
I am excited that H.R. 3579, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act, has passed the House. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I recognize its importance in assisting veterans with service-connected disabilities.
This bill modifies the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides job training and employment-related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. It requires the VA to report to Congress regarding the employment of veterans who participate in a vocational rehabilitation program under the VR&E program, including the annual wages of veterans before and after completion of a program. Additionally, the VA must annually publish the date on which a veteran requests a vocational rehabilitation program under the VR&E program and the date on which they first meet with a counselor as part of the program. Finally, the VA must seek to enter into a contract with a non-VA entity that has expertise in vocational rehabilitation to review, report, and provide recommendations on rehabilitation programs under the VR&E program.
This bipartisan bill will improve the support and opportunities that are available to veterans transitioning back to civilian life. I proudly supported it in the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee as it was being considered.
Introduced the Make America’s Youth Healthy Again Act
President Trump has reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test to promote the well-being of our nation’s youth, promote discipline, and encourage personal growth. That is why I introduced the Make America's Youth Healthy Again Act to codify this executive order into law.
Physical fitness is requisite to combating obesity, a major contributor to our nation’s life expectancy stagnation and mental health crisis. Daily movement improves brain health, lowers risk of disease, and physically active students receive better grades.
Read my OpEd in the Daily Caller here.
Introduced Resolution to Urge UN to End Special Treatment of China
For decades, China’s economy has grown to become the second largest in the world, fueling its ambition for global hegemony. Despite this status, China is still classified as a developing nation under multiple treaties and international organizations, allowing it to receive special privileges.
That is why I introduced a resolution calling on the House of Representatives to reject China’s classification and stand up for common sense.
Read my OpEd in the Daily Reflector here.
Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act Companion Legislation Introduced in Senate
America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are far more prevalent among the veteran community. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment option that offers a lifeline to veterans with PTSD/TBI on whom other treatments have failed.
That is why I introduced H.R. 1336, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, which passed the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.
I am proud to continue my fight, alongside Senator Tuberville, who introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate, to make this therapy accessible to all of America's veterans.
Read the Washington Reporter’s coverage here.
House Committee on Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Hearing
The House Committee on Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing on tax-exempt hospital spending. Many nonprofit hospitals spent significant amounts of money while failing to provide adequate community benefit, as required by law.
While health care costs have increased over the last few years, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have been working to decrease wasteful spending through reducing burdensome regulations and allowing innovation to thrive.
Some institutions of medicine have lost sight of their core mission to provide accessible, quality, and affordable health care through discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It is time for accountability.
House Administration Subcommittee on Elections Hearing
The House Administration Subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on maintaining election operations in the face of natural disasters. North Carolina is no stranger to natural disasters. Time and again, our state has endured the impact of damaging hurricanes and powerful weather systems that test our leaders, institutions, and infrastructure. We understand the risk hurricane season poses each year to our communities, including the disruptions to critical services and functions of society, and we prepare accordingly.
Chief among these responsibilities is maintaining the ability to administer safe and secure elections under the difficult circumstances that natural disasters create. Regardless of the challenges thrown our way, voters deserve to have confidence in the results of our elections. It’s vital that we maintain the operations of our country during all natural disasters that we may face.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there was significant uncertainty about how affected individuals would be able to participate in the 2024 election, including claims that the disaster would be leveraged for political purposes. It is a testament to the outstanding performance of the Board that not only were voters not disenfranchised by the disaster, but Western North Carolina led the state in turnout.
North Carolina continues to be a powerful role model in our country.
North Carolina Delegation Hurricane Helene Update
Nearly one year ago, Western North Carolina experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. It is our job to make sure WNC's ongoing recovery efforts are being funded. I joined members of the NC delegation, Governor Stein and his Staff, NC Emergency Management, and GROW NC to discuss the state of repair efforts and what Congress can do to continue assisting in restoration efforts.
Since the hurricane, we have been advocating as a bipartisan congressional delegation for continued funding and recovery support from the federal government. There is much funding that has been requested and approved by the Governor’s Office. However, due to federal bureaucracy, there have been delays with getting this funding to the local governments. I asked hard questions of our state leaders to uncover the cause of delays and determine how funding can be better distributed. It is essential that the entire North Carolina congressional delegation continue to work together to combat delays and deliver for the state.
Western North Carolina has been there for us in Eastern North Carolina through numerous natural disasters, and we will continue to be there for them now and in the years to come.
Meeting with the Austrian Vice-Chancellor
It was an honor to meet with the Austrian Vice-Chancellor, H.E. Andreas Babler, to discuss how the United States and Austria can cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship. The Central European nation is a democratic ally, friend, and economic partner. Our collaboration helps foster open dialogue and cooperation at an important time.
Meeting with White House Office of Science and Technology
I was able to meet with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to discuss maintaining the United States’ global dominance in biopharmaceutical research and innovation.
During this pivotal time, we must ensure Americans can access safe and reliable medications at home and abroad.
Phone Call with the Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to the US
I had the opportunity to speak with the Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to the US, Lionel Delatour. It is in the interest of America to maintain peace and stability in the Caribbean.
We must reauthorize the HOPE/HELP Program to continue our fruitful partnership with Haiti and further develop our relationships with countries in our hemisphere.
Meeting with North Carolina Dermatologists
It was great to meet with dermatologists from North Carolina to discuss Medicare payment reform, the prior authorization process, and step therapy.
We must ensure insurance bureaucracy does not impede patients from receiving timely care.
Thank you for your vigorous advocacy on behalf of patients in our state!
Meeting with North Carolina Orthopedic Surgeons
I had the pleasure of meeting with several orthopedic surgeons from North Carolina to discuss Medicare payment reform, prior authorization reform, physician-led hospitals, and research funding.
The Trump Administration secured an industry pledge to fix the broken prior authorization system. Major insurance companies, which cover nearly 75% of American patients, have agreed to enact comprehensive reform to the prior authorization process to ensure at least 80% of prior authorization claims are adjudicated in real time by 2027. However, further oversight is needed to ensure progress is being made and other harmful insurer practices don’t arise.
As a physician for over 30 years, I have witnessed the ridiculous and ever-increasing obstructions caused by insurance companies to delay or deny care to patients. These bureaucratic hurdles end up hurting patients and those who care for them. Practices have had to hire many more staff to fight with insurance companies, which takes away from the time physicians should be spending with patients.
I have made reform a top priority of mine since coming to Congress. I am grateful we have so many surgeons advocating for our patients and ensuring bureaucracy does not affect timely care.
Helsinki Commission Hearing
The Helsinki Commission held a hearing regarding the country of Georgia’s government collaborating with U.S. adversaries, such as Russia, China, and Iran. Against the wishes of the Georgian people, the pro-Moscow government has engaged in authoritarian practices such as silencing independent media, jailing opposition leaders, and criminalizing civil society.
Action must be taken to hold the Georgian government accountable and to safeguard American interests.
Meeting with the National Community Pharmacists Association
I had the opportunity to speak with members of the National Community Pharmacists Association to discuss issues facing America’s pharmacies, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) who make drugs more expensive for patients.
NCPA was founded in 1898 and aims to be the voice of independent pharmacists so that they may compete in a free and fair marketplace through the American free enterprise system. They represent over 18,900 pharmacies that employ more than 205,000 individuals nationwide.
Congress must put patients and health care providers before insurers and their middlemen, who siphon precious health dollars off the backs of good folks in need of care.
The Hill: Employment in Healthcare Event
I had the opportunity to participate in a vibrant discussion on employer-sponsored health care. Quality health insurance should put patients first, providing access to timely care with price transparency.
We must protect the doctor-patient relationship, enhance the standard of care for all Americans, and preserve patients' dignity.
Meeting with the Association of Academic Physiatrists
It was great meeting with the Chairman of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at East Carolina University and member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists. The AAP is a group of psychiatry professionals working to improve patient care for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
I appreciate the efforts of the group to expand research and education for numerous conditions affecting patients.
Meeting with Former President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia
Thank you to former President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia for meeting with me to discuss the fight for freedom by the Georgian people who are resisting Russia. The Helsinki Commission held a hearing regarding Georgia’s pro-Putin government collaborating with Moscow.
I am glad to see that former President Zourabichvili is working with the Commission to foster communication and transparency.
Meeting with the Ambassador of Denmark to the USA
I had the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of Denmark to the USA, Jesper Møller Sørensen. As founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United States and Denmark continue to have a strong and lasting friendship. This relationship helps advance U.S. foreign policy and national security initiatives while cultivating the defensive strength of the Nordic Region.
Meeting with Puerto Rico Representatives
Great to meet with leaders from Puerto Rico to discuss various health care issues facing Americans living on the island.
We discussed H.R. 3042, the Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability (MMEDS) Act of 2025, which would incentivize medical manufacturing in economically distressed areas of the US and the effects of this bill on Puerto Rico, if passed.
Additionally, we discussed the Medicaid block grant that is set to expire in 2027 and Medicare Advantage financing. Medicare Advantage benchmark rates in Puerto Rico are significantly lower than in the mainland, leading to lower plan quality, reduced benefits, and provider attrition.
We must stand up for Puerto Rican Americans and ensure they have access to quality care.
Meeting with the Epilepsies Action Network
I enjoyed meeting with Scott Copeland, who co-founded the Epilepsies Action Network with his wife after their son was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age. Scott and his team have been vigorously advocating for the epilepsy community by promoting awareness, funding, and collaborating with various stakeholders to improve the lives of those living with epilepsy.
There are currently 3.4 million individuals living with active epilepsy in the U.S., and 1 in 26 individuals will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. Even with its prevalence, epilepsy is the only common neurological disorder without a National Plan. Once passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, a National Plan would reduce epilepsy-related mortality, improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsies, increase research, and decrease socioeconomic, racial, and geographical disparities in healthcare.
As a physician and an individual with loved ones impacted, I am proud to support federal efforts to help those affected by epilepsy.
