Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to simply ask my colleagues to vote against a resolution of censure. I rise to ask this House to do something more fundamental: Judge me on the facts, not on the inference, insinuation, or headlines.

First, sincerely, I want to say something directly and publicly to the two women who have been at the center of all of this: I am sorry. I am sorry that my actions, my judgment, or the way that I expressed a friendship ever put either of you in an uncomfortable position. My intentions were only grounded in what I understood our friendship to be and in genuine admiration and respect that I had for each of you, not only as professionals but as people--people who were willing to share so much of your stories and your backgrounds with me.

I recognize now that my understanding of those relationships may not have always matched yours. You didn't ask to have your names, friendships, work, or private lives subjected to public speculation. You deserve better than to be caught in the middle of a controversy involving me.

You are both talented, intelligent, strong women who served the people of western North Carolina with dedication. Nothing about this episode should diminish that service or your accomplishments.

Most importantly, I want to apologize to my wife, Teresa, and to my family. You are the people that I love most in this world, and yet, you are the ones who have had to carry a burden that you did not create and did not deserve.

Teresa, you stood beside me through a lifetime of challenges, sacrifices, successes, and disappointments. You supported my public service and endured the demands that came with it. I am deeply sorry that my judgment and my actions put you in a position where you had to endure embarrassment, hurt, public scrutiny, and questions that no wife should ever have to face.

Mr. Speaker, regret is not an admission of sexual harassment. I can acknowledge poor judgment, regret the discomfort that some of my actions may have caused, and apologize to those who were hurt by this episode, while still disputing a conclusion that the evidence just simply does not support.

I have detailed most of that in a letter to my colleagues. Some will read it, some have, and some will simply cast judgment. I am going to spare this body the time to review all of those details, but a few points bear discussing.

The committee concluded that I engaged in no sexual activity. The committee concluded that I did not explicitly proposition any staff member. The committee concluded that the allegations in this matter do not implicate quid pro quo sexual harassment, and the committee concluded that I did not violate Federal sexual harassment law. That law, by the way, was very specifically defined by Congress.

Those findings matter. Yet, despite those findings, the committee bridged a substantial evidentiary gap, called that gap sexual harassment. My colleagues should ask themselves whether the evidence truly supports that conclusion and whether it justifies one of the most serious punishments that this House can impose on one of its Members.

I provided the committee approximately 186,000 emails, text messages, voicemails, and other documents. That enormous record told the story of a long-standing relationship with those women that began years before we entered Congress. The two coworkers at issue and I worked together in my North Carolina Senate office. We worked on campaigns together. We came to Congress together. We traveled together on official business. We exchanged gifts reciprocally. We helped one another professionally and personally.

These were not one-sided relationships manufactured after the fact as a defense. The committee had evidence of that history, and they ignored it. Even the communications selected by the committee showed reciprocity: staff initiating dinners and activities, expressing affection, complimenting me, making future plans, and maintaining relationships after their employment ended.

That context matters, because selective totality is not totality at all, as the committee itself would have you believe. I am not asking anyone in this Chamber to approve of every interaction that I had, every compliment that I gave, or every gift that I purchased. Looking back, I don't approve of all of them either.

I am asking you to distinguish between conduct that you might personally have handled differently and conduct that warrants the solemn judgment of censure by the United States House of Representatives.

Friendship doesn't excuse misconduct, but neither can friendship be erased from the analysis when the committee asks what conduct meant. Context cannot matter only when it supports an accusation and then disappear when it points the other way.

Generosity is not sexual harassment. Caring deeply about the people with whom you have worked for years is not sexual harassment, and conduct that is otherwise permissible does not automatically become misconduct simply because enough individual moments are assembled together and viewed through the darkest possible lens.

Possibility is not proof. Inference is not evidence, and selective context is not totality.

There is another principle at stake here that extends far beyond me. Censure should not be imposed because Members believe they might have exercised better judgment. It should not be imposed because conduct can be interpreted unfavorably after the fact, and it certainly should not be imposed merely because voting against censure may be politically uncomfortable.

A censure by this House carries the weight of history. Once imposed, the nuance disappears. The qualifications disappear. The committee's findings that there was no sexual activity, no explicit proposition, no quid pro quo harassment, and no violation of Federal sexual harassment law will disappear. What will remain is one word attached permanently to my name: Censured.

This committee's report is loaded with contextual and testimonial omissions, and there are two claims that I find particularly interesting.

First, it claims what a reasonable observer might interpret. If the committee invokes a reasonable observer, then that observer should be given the whole context, not selected episodes stripped from years of relationships, as has been the case here. It should provide all relative context and view the circumstances as a whole, not merely what one particular person felt or what was isolated as a fact that might suggest. This report fails in those requirements.

Then it goes on to say how that same reasonable person could interpret my actions. Mr. Speaker, we spend a lot of time here in D.C. working to eliminate our coulds and shoulds, to avoid the vagueness of our laws and standards. Yet, this report chooses to invoke that same hypothetical that we work so hard to avoid.

So I ask each of you, Republican and Democrat alike, to look beyond the headlines and examine what the committee actually found. I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for fair treatment. I am asking you to decide whether the punishment before you is supported by the evidence, proportional to the conduct actually established, and consistent with the standards that this House should apply to every Member, regardless of party or circumstance.

I have spent my public life trying to serve the people who entrusted me with

this office. I am imperfect. I have made mistakes, but I do not believe I committed sexual harassment. The factual findings of this investigation do not justify branding me as though I did.

Members of this House are not required to agree with every choice I made in order to vote against this censure. You need only conclude that the evidence does not justify the punishment.

I respectfully ask my colleagues to vote ``no,'' not as a favor to me. Vote ``no'' because censure should require more than inference. Vote ``no'' because fairness demands that the whole record matter, and vote ``no'' because the judgment of this House should rest on what was proven, not on what can merely be presumed.

I close by reminding you: The committee concluded that I engaged in no sexual activity. The committee concluded that I did not explicitly proposition any staff member. The committee concluded that the allegations in this matter do not implicate quid pro quo sexual harassment, and the committee concluded that I did not violate Federal sexual harassment law.

Those are not my characterizations of this report. I will say again, those are not my characterizations of this report. Those are the committee's own conclusions.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan on his retirement after over twenty years of exceptional and steadfast service to the people of McDowell County.

Sheriff Buchanan has devoted his life to public service, demonstrating integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community. He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement. He became the first person from McDowell County to be selected as a full- time Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration before moving onto the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau, where he advanced to Assistant District Supervisor in both the Charlotte and Asheville Districts.

Over the course of his career, Sheriff Buchanan distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication to justice, and ability to lead with strength and compassion. His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina.

Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties. He is a committed partner in community health, substance abuse prevention, and local philanthropy, offering steady leadership on numerous boards and initiatives that strengthen McDowell County and improve lives. Today, he continues to serve as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, a testament to the trust and admiration he has earned statewide.

Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Buchanan's career reflects a rare combination of service, sacrifice, and heart. His legacy is one of honor, devotion, and deep love for the community he has protected for decades. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sheriff Buchanan and offer my best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, our national debt has now surpassed $39 trillion, and every second that we fail to address it, that number continues to grow, placing an even greater burden on future generations.

Families across western North Carolina understand just a simple truth: You can't spend money that you don't have. They balance their budgets, make difficult decisions, and expect their government to do the same. Unfortunately, Washington has spent far too long doing just the opposite.

Decades of unchecked spending have left us with rising interest payments, growing deficits, and fewer resources available for the priorities that really matter.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that we are good stewards of every taxpayer dollar. That means supporting our national defense, strengthening border security, helping communities recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene, and funding the essential functions of government while still looking for every opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.

Through the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, House Republicans continued efforts to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by identifying several savings, reducing unnecessary spending, eliminating wasteful programs, and ensuring funding is focused on the Federal Government's core responsibilities.

We didn't create a $39 trillion debt overnight, and we are not going to solve it overnight, but every responsible spending decision moves us in the right direction.

The American people deserve a government that lives within its means, just as they do every day. It is time to restore fiscal responsibility, reduce the deficit, and leave the next generation with a far stronger financial future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. McCray Benson as he concludes his distinguished tenure as President

and CEO of the Community Foundation of Henderson County, marking more than two decades of extraordinary and selfless service to the people of Hendersonville.

Mr. Benson earned his master's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has devoted his life's work to public and nonprofit service since 1977. His commitment to strengthening communities led him to Henderson County through his role with the Foundation for the Carolinas, where he served as Senior Vice President of Community Affiliates, supporting a broad region stretching from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

During his remarkable tenure at CFHC, Mr. Benson helped triple the foundation's core assets and ensured those resources were invested directly back into the community. He built an exceptional professional staff and sustained a board of directors whose leadership has been central to the foundation's success. Under his guidance, new nonprofit organizations were launched, key mergers strengthened collaboration across Western North Carolina, and the foundation emerged as a driving force in empowering and uplifting the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Benson's career defined by vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people of Henderson County and the State of North Carolina. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to McCray and offer my heartfelt best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chance to speak on this bill and I certainly appreciate Chairman Bost's leadership on this important matter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1041, the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act.

This bill is about basic fairness and restoring a standard that respects both our veterans and the Constitution. Under current practice, a veteran who simply needs help managing their VA benefits can be reported to the FBI's background check system and lose their Second Amendment rights without ever appearing before a judge.

That is an extraordinary outcome for something as routine as appointing a fiduciary. No other American loses a constitutional right because of an administrative decision about their finances, and our veterans should not be that exception.

H.R. 1041 corrects that imbalance. It restores the principle that should have guided this process from the beginning: Only a court of law can determine whether someone poses a danger to themselves or others. That is the due process standard our system is built on, and it is the only standard appropriate when a constitutional right is at stake.

It safeguards both due process and the constitutional freedoms our veterans fought to defend. By reaffirming

that these determinations must be made through proper legal channels, the bill ensures veterans are treated with the same fairness and dignity as every other American.

It also brings clarity and consistency to a process that has too often been confusing, unevenly applied, and out of step with the protections guaranteed to all citizens. Our veterans stood in defense of the Constitution and they deserve nothing less than its full protection in return. H.R. 1041 honors that commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, as we recognize those who serve in law enforcement during Police Week, we must also pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, their dedication, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten.

Today, we honor North Carolina's fallen officers whose names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Arthur D. Ramsey of the Asheville Police Department, Frank J. Hagan of the Asheville Police Department, Francisco P. Flattes II of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Mark D. Laskowski of the OAJ Ellis Airport Police Department, and Roger L. Smith of the WakeMed Campus Police and Public Safety Department.

Each of these officers answered the call to protect and serve, and they represent the very best of our communities. We honor their service. We honor their sacrifice, and we stand with the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Harris for bringing this important legislation forward.

Mr. Speaker, public safety should never take a back seat to politics. That is why I rise today in support of the Cashless Bail Reporting Act.

This legislation brings transparency and accountability to jurisdictions that release individuals who are charged with serious violent crimes without requiring bail.

The American people deserve to know where dangerous offenders who are accused of crimes like murder, rape, robbery, carjacking, rioting, and assault are being released back into communities before trial on unsecured bond or personal recognizance.

We have seen the devastating consequences of these failed policies. In Charlotte, Iryna Zarutska was tragically murdered by an individual who had been released on a cashless bail despite a violent criminal history.

I joined my colleagues for a hearing in Charlotte to meet with families who have lost loved ones at the hands of repeat offenders. Their stories are truly heartbreaking, and their message was clear: Enough is enough.

We must stand with victims, support law enforcement, and put public safety first.

Mr. Speaker, western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Families are rebuilding homes; small businesses are getting back on their feet; and communities are working every day to repair critical infrastructure.

Now, Mr. Speaker, because some Members of Congress have chosen to protect their political interests over serving the folks of America, including those in western North Carolina, the Disaster Recovery Fund is about to run out of money, putting our recovery in serious jeopardy.

This fund supports debris removal, infrastructure repair, and emergency response already underway. Once it is depleted, Federal recovery operations will come to a halt, stopping reimbursements, delaying projects, and leaving local governments to shoulder costs that they cannot afford.

We cannot allow Washington to continue this dysfunction and derail disaster recovery or let the Disaster Relief Fund run dry.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to act immediately, end the political games, reopen the Department of Homeland Security operations, and fully replenish the Disaster Relief Fund so that western North Carolina can continue rebuilding without interruption.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Sean Gerry, a resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, whose quick thinking and selfless actions helped save the life of a young woman in Buncombe County.

On the morning of December 23, 2025, Ms. Brittany Teeters suffered a devastating head-on collision when an impaired driver, traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour, struck her vehicle. In the moments leading up to the crash, Mr. Gerry observed the driver's reckless behavior and immediately contacted 911 to report the danger. His awareness and initiative ensured that emergency responders received critical, realtime information even before the accident occurred.

When Mr. Gerry arrived at the scene, his unwavering composure and clear direction helped reduce response time by first responders significantly. As other bystanders gathered and attempted to assist, Mr. Gerry prevented anyone from moving Ms. Teeters in her vehicle until trained emergency personnel could safely remove her from the wreckage. This decision proved critical. Due to the severity of her injuries, including trauma caused by her seatbelt, premature movement could have resulted in fatal damage to her vital organs.

Mr. Gerry's actions reflect the very best of our North Carolina values: courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the well- being of others. His calm judgment in a moment of crisis made a life- saving difference and stands as another example of how Western North Carolinians can perform extraordinary acts of service.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Sean Gerry for his heroism and in expressing our gratitude for his actions, which helped save a life and positively impact his community. May we all strive to serve others with the same sense of responsibility and care.

Mr. Speaker, western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Families are rebuilding homes, small businesses are getting back on their feet, and our communities are repairing critical infrastructure.

A Department of Homeland Security shutdown threatens critical disaster recovery efforts in my district. Each day that the Department of Homeland Security goes unfunded, funding in the Disaster Relief Fund is drained, putting recovery efforts at risk. Once that money is gone, recovery comes to a halt, leaving families and communities waiting even longer just as they are trying to get back on their feet.

We can't let politics get in the way of disaster recovery. Every day that DHS is shut down is another day that families, schools, and roads in western North Carolina are left waiting.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, please, fund DHS now. Let's help ensure western North Carolina communities can continue to rebuild. We simply cannot wait.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Debbie LeCroy upon her retirement from the Asheville Police Department, following twenty years of distinguished, honorable service to the people of Western North Carolina.

Officer LeCroy began her career in law enforcement with the APD, answering the call to protect and serve her community with integrity and courage. She later continued her service with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office before returning to Asheville to complete her career where it first began. Showing testament to her deep-rooted commitment to her hometown and the people she proudly served.

Throughout her career, Officer LeCroy distinguished herself in a wide array of critical roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Forensics Investigator, and Community Resource Officer. She also served as a member of the Peer Support Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, and Long-Term Drug Investigations Unit. In each assignment, Officer LeCroy demonstrated exceptional professionalism, steady leadership, and an unwavering dedication to justice and public safety. Her versatility and willingness to serve reflects a career defined by excellence and selflessness.

Officer LeCroy is perhaps best known throughout the community as the handler of therapy K-9 Kora. Together, they provided comfort and reassurance to citizens during times of crisis, tragedy, and hardship. Through their work in schools and community events, Officer LeCroy and Kora strengthened trust between law enforcement and the public, offering compassion in moments when it was needed most. Their partnership stands as a powerful example of how service and empathy can foster relationships and healing.

Over the course two decades, Officer LeCroy has mentored fellow officers, supported colleagues through challenging circumstances, and helped shape programs that will continue to benefit the community for years to come. Her legacy is one of dedication, integrity, and service above self.

Today, we honor Officer Debbie LeCroy not only for her years of faithful service, but for the lasting impact she has made on the lives of countless individuals across Western North Carolina. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to and I congratulate Officer LeCroy and wish her every success and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phillip Barrier for his 27 years of dedicated public service to Avery County, North Carolina, as County Manager.

Phillip's career reflects a lifetime commitment to serving his community with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. He began his career as Avery County's Tax Administrator, a role he held for 19 years, earning the respect of colleagues and residents alike through his steady leadership and deep knowledge of county operations. In March 2017, Phillip was appointed Avery County Manager, where he continued to demonstrate exceptional dedication to the people he served.

Most notably, Phillip's leadership during and after Hurricane Helene stands as a defining chapter of his tenure. At a time of immense pressure and uncertainty, he played a critical role in coordinating local response efforts and guiding recovery planning. His ability to bring people together, communicate clearly, and keep the public informed helped Avery County navigate hardship with resilience and unity.

Phillip's service has been widely recognized for his leadership and impact. In 2017, he was named Mayland Community College's Distinguished Citizen of the Year for Avery County, and in 2021, he was honored as Businessperson of the Year by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond his professional career, Phillip has devoted countless hours to his community through volunteer service. He has served as Treasurer of the Avery County Education Foundation, Chairman of Avery County Impact, a member of the First Baptist Church Crossnore Youth Team, Chair of the Ingalls Precinct Republican Party, and an active member of the Avery County Schools Improvement Team. These roles reflect his deep commitment to education, civic engagement, faith, and the future of Avery County's youth.

On behalf of the people of North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, I extend my sincere gratitude to Phillip Barrier for his decades of service and leadership. Avery County is stronger because of his dedication, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. I wish Phillip and his family the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule. The appropriations bills need to be passed for fiscal year 2026 Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.

For the first time in years, Congress is approaching the finish line of passing all 12 appropriations bills in a transparent and timely manner, reclaiming our constitutional power of the purse.

As we approach our Nation's 250th anniversary, this body can take pride in governing as our Founders intended and building a future that is more secure, resilient, and prosperous.

Last November, the American people sent us here with a clear mandate to put America first. This package delivers through critical investments in border security, national infrastructure, and stronger support for our servicemembers and their families.

In North Carolina's 11th District, these funds support essential water and public safety projects including a new EMS base in Swannanoa, water and sewer upgrades at Swain Middle School, an emergency services hub in Madison County, upgraded water lines in Robbinsville, and a new taxiway on the west side at Asheville Regional Airport.

Following Hurricane Helene, these investments aid recovery, eliminate the uncertainty of short-term extensions, and give local leaders the confidence to plan ahead. This is a return to responsible governance, and I am proud to support it. I ask Members to please support this rule.

Mr. Chair, I ask the chairman of the committee to please accept my compliments for all he has done to help make appropriations great again. I have certainly enjoyed watching the statesmanship, the bipartisanship, and the bringing of the appropriations process back to its relevancy.

Mr. Chairman, turning to the NSRP bill, I would like to say that this bill reflects a clear understanding that putting America first also means leading abroad with strength, accountability, and purpose. It strengthens our diplomatic and security tools. It reinforces our alliances, and it counters adversaries who seek to exploit instability around the world.

It sends an important message that strong alliances require shared responsibility. Our partners must contribute to their own defense if they expect continued support from the United States, protecting American taxpayers while keeping our alliances credible. It also

reinforces accountability in our own hemisphere by standing up for American companies and the rule of law.

Just as important, this bill cuts off funding pathways that could benefit the Taliban and other terrorist organizations, and it continues to shine a light on Russian atrocities in Ukraine, including the abduction of Ukrainian children. This legislation reflects American leadership, strength, and moral clarity, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Chairman, while the FSGG bill contains many important provisions, I would like to touch base on one key provision that is important to the folks back in North Carolina.

This bill is about accountability, and nowhere is that clearer than in how it addresses the United States Postal Service's failure in western North Carolina. Nearly 1 year after Hurricane Helene, five post offices in my district remain closed, forcing families, seniors, and small businesses to drive 30 minutes or more just to access basic mail service.

Mr. Chair, that is why I fought to include two provisions that bring real oversight and real answers. First, the United States Postal Service is now directed to report to Congress within 90 days with a concrete plan to reopen and restore service, including in western North Carolina. Second, the Postal Service's Inspector General must submit a specific reopening plan for facilities closed due to Hurricane Helene.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5184, the Affordable HOMES Act. I thank Representative Houchin for her leadership in advancing this important piece of legislation.

Housing affordability is one of the top issues that I hear about in western North Carolina. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, first responders, and young people are often priced out of the communities where they live and work because housing supply just hasn't kept up with demand. This bill will help change that.

It cuts the unnecessary red tape that slows construction and increases costs. It modernized outdated regulations and gives local communities greater flexibility to build the housing that they need.

For western North Carolina, that means more workforce housing, attainable options for seniors, and fewer workers forced into long commutes.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation focuses on solutions and not bureaucracy, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5184.