Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a dear friend of mine and so many others, William Harold Prestage, a true gentleman whom we all loved and knew as Bill.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marsha; his three sons, Scott, John, and Ron; and multiple grandchildren, who were his greatest joy and with whom he had his most cherished days.

I first met Bill Prestage when I was a staffer for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms. After that first encounter, I would see and talk with him many times over the years at more community, agriculture, and political events than one could ever imagine. He was always a delight. He would cut to the chase in a very charming and direct way, and there was never any question of what he liked or what he didn't like. You always knew right where he stood on a matter. He was a lion of a man with a heart of gold.

He was well known as a devout family man and an exceptional member of his community, one who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Starting from very humble beginnings in the 1960s and with no agriculture experience, Bill pioneered what is now one of the country's largest family-owned and family-operated animal protein production companies.

The foundation of this family enterprise was laid when Bill joined his good friend Otis Carroll, whom he met upon moving to North Carolina. These two great entrepreneurs joined together and helped transform pork and turkey production, bringing significant economic development to southeastern North Carolina.

In 1983, Bill, along with his wife, Marsha, and his sons, established what is known today as Prestage Farms. Today, with each generation of the family involved in the business, the Prestage Farms and Prestage Foods companies have five divisions across seven States, with three processing plants collectively employing more than 2,300 people and contracting with more than 450 farm families.

The company's multigenerational success is a true testament to Bill's entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, as well as his devotion to his family and his employees. He was truly beloved by his family and friends, the agriculture community, and the hardworking employees and growers who make up the Prestage family of companies.

His people were his passion, and they loved their leader tremendously. Those outside of the family business loved Bill, too. Though he was far too humble to think it, Bill was, in fact, a very well-known and very well-liked celebrity wherever he went, not just in Sampson County but throughout the State and country, particularly in agriculture, wildlife, and conservation circles.

Beyond Bill's impact on the agriculture community, he is well known for his love of nature and the outdoors. As a result, he was an avid conservationist. Upland bird hunting, boating, and fishing were among his greatest joys, especially when his family would join him.

There is no doubt that Bill not only made a name for himself as a pioneer in agriculture, but he also made our State and country a better place to live. He leaves behind a great legacy that will have an everlasting impact, as well as many great memories. Everyone who knew Bill loved Bill, and that, in and of itself, is arguably one of the greatest legacies one can have.

I know I speak for countless others when I say Bill is deeply missed. His was a life of a great American and patriot, well lived, and an example of the best of humanity.

Congratulating Nicola ``Niki'' Dennis Upon Her Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the career of Niki Dennis, who recently retired as Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court following 43 years of distinguished public service.

Niki is a proud lifelong resident of Bladen County, and in 1979, she started her career at the Bladen County Courthouse, working as a deputy clerk.

Thanks to Niki's hard work, determination, professionalism, and kindness, she advanced quickly through the ranks and became an integral team member in the clerk's office. In 2006, Niki was elected high clerk and served in this capacity until her retirement recently.

Over the years, Niki has been a mentor and friend to so many. She managed multiple clerks while navigating the everyday challenges of the clerk's office with respect, grace, and professionalism, setting an example for public service that all should strive to emulate.

On behalf of the citizens of Bladen County and the entire Seventh Congressional District, I thank Niki for her many years of service to Bladen County. I wish her great health and joy as she embarks on this next chapter of life. May God continue to bless her path.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and join my colleagues in support of H. Res. 1156, expressing the commitment of the House of Representatives to building on 20 years of success of the George McGovern-Robert Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

During the past two decades, McGovern-Dole has provided more than 5.5 billion school meals, benefiting more than 31 million school-age children and their communities.

I have seen this program in action, up close and firsthand, and it is a special sight to see.

Having traveled with then-chairman of the Committee on Agriculture Mike Conaway several years ago to some Third World countries where food is scarce and extreme poverty, like most have never seen, is the norm, it is easy to understand how imperative this program is for so many children who would likely never have a nutritious meal.

Just as important and because of how the program was crafted, the McGovern-Dole Program provides an opportunity to learn, laying the foundation for an improved life through knowledge and then achievement. For many of these children who come from very poor means, this meal provided at school is, quite frankly, the only good meal of the day.

It is also important to recognize the support of the American agricultural producers who make this program possible. America's farm families have produced more than 1.3 million metric tons of agricultural commodities for donation, doing their part in reducing hunger and improving primary education in countries around the globe.

Congress must continue to lead by example in tackling hunger and poverty around the world for years to come. These efforts not only help feed those who cannot help themselves, but it builds good will and provides so many hope and a future. Many laws have been passed by this Chamber, but none have been more impactful to the lives of so many children who desperately need the help around the world.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this resolution expressing Congress' commitment to carrying on the success of this program along with the great legacies of Ambassador McGovern and my great friend, Senator Bob Dole. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not just to support the NDAA but some other provisions that are contained therein, one of which is very important to this country, as well, and that is the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, or WRDA, as we know it.

Continuing the bipartisan, biennial tradition, in May, WRDA 2022 passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a voice vote. Later in June, it passed this Chamber with an overwhelming vote of 384- 37. Since then, of course, we have been working with our Senate colleagues to finalize this very important piece of legislation.

WRDA came together with input from Members from all across the country and is an example of what can happen when Congress works together to find solutions for their constituents and the American public.

This year's WRDA authorizes several Chief's reports, studies, and environmental infrastructure projects. It brings focus and priority to many important projects in my home State of North Carolina and throughout the country to better protect our communities from flooding.

The legislation also supports fundamental Corps missions, such as navigation and storm damage reduction,

which in turn support our economy and help keep the supply chain moving, literally.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to help craft this important bill, with critical input from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I especially want to thank Chairman DeFazio and Chair Napolitano, as well as Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito, for their leadership and work on this vital, very commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I appreciate their doing so.

Madam Speaker, on September 4 of this year Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, will celebrate 172 years, a major historical milestone by any measure. Established prior to the American Civil War, the church is one of the oldest active historical African-American churches in the Southeast Region of the United States and is the mother church of several churches in the local area.

In the year 1850, a group of devoted Christians assembled together and organized the church. A bush shelter was constructed on property purchased in Hickory Hall, now known as Calabash, North Carolina. The group agreed to the name Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church. The first pastor was Reverend Bateman. The first ordained deacon was Deacon Sam Satchel.

For the past ten years, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist has been under the leadership of Pastor Nathan Vereen, who continues the church's legacy of great evangelical outreach, worship and service to the community. While many churches were no longer meeting in person during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Pastor Vereen continued worship in person while implementing and maintaining critical safety measures. Pastor Vereen continues to lead the church by prioritizing youth ministry, community outreach, and serving others.

Since its founding, Pleasant View Missionary Baptist has stood the test of time because of the church's adherence to the Word of God and work to spread the Gospel. The church's foundational roots are held firm by her commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am proud to represent this dedicated congregation and the leadership of Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in the U.S. House of Representatives. One hundred seventy-two years of Godly worship, instruction and service is a notable achievement in our country's history. May God continue to bless this church, her members, and outreach for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1156-- Expressing the commitment of the House of Representatives to building on 20 years of success of the George McGovern-Robert Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

During the past two decades, McGovern-Dole has provided more than 5 and a half billion school meals benefitting over 31 million school-age children and their communities.

I have seen this program in action--and it is a special sight to see. When I joined the then Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Mike Conaway several years ago overseas in third world countries where food is scarce and extreme poverty like you cannot believe is plentiful, it is obvious to see how imperative a nutritious meal is to a child's survival. Just as important, the McGovern-Dole program also provides an opportunity to learn, laying the foundation for an improved life and achievement. For many of these children from very poor means, the meal provided through this program at school is their only good meal of the day.

It is also important to recognize the support of American agricultural producers who make this program possible. America's farm families have produced more than 1.3 million metric tons of U.S. commodities for donation, doing their part in reducing hunger and improving primary education in countries around the globe.

Congress must continue to lead by example in tackling hunger and poverty around the world for years to come. These efforts not only help feed those who cannot help themselves, but it builds good-will and provides hope for the future for so many searching for it. Many laws have been passed by this chamber, but none have been more impactful to the lives of so many children who desperately need the help.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud to support this resolution expressing Congress' commitment to carrying on the success of this program along with the great legacies of Ambassador McGovern and Senator Bob Dole.

Madam Speaker, after hearing from my constituent whose veteran spouse tragically died by suicide, and learning of the obstacles they faced when trying to receive critical mental health support for themselves and their children following his death, I introduced a bill to ensure veteran families struggling from such a loss have access to the support they need and deserve.

My legislative language, included in this bill before us today, the STRONG Veterans Act, expands Vet Center eligibility for counseling and mental health services to families of servicemembers or veterans who died by suicide. This expansion of services is necessary so that these families can receive the critical mental health support needed to help them heal and move forward.

We all know that grief can be extremely isolating, and the families of servicemembers and veterans who have died by suicide should not have to worry about enduring this difficult journey alone.

Our military families who support a loved one who is serving, or has served, make a tremendous sacrifice for our country, as well. We must ensure they have access to the care that they deserve and the help that they need when trying to move forward after a suicide has devastated them and their family.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for working with me to include this very important piece of legislation in this package, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, listening to the debate this morning reminds me of something President Ronald Reagan once said. He said: Our friends on the other side of the aisle, they know so much that just isn't so.

How interesting it is that the title of this package is the exact opposite of what this legislation is going to do. It will do nothing to bring down the cost of food and energy. Instead, it is making excuses for the crises caused by the Biden administration's attacks on American agriculture and energy.

Now, there are a few good pieces of bipartisan legislation in this package, but our friends on the other side of the aisle refuse to allow these bills to receive their individual votes. Instead, they are using the good provisions here as pawns in their political messaging.

One of the really harmful bills in this package, as has been discussed, the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, creates a duplicative office within the USDA that will only add to the regulatory burden of our food processors across the country, and that is going to increase costs.

The investigator would be granted independent litigation authority, allowing for civil suits against packers at the whim of the Secretary without even consulting with the DOJ. It should be noted, the DOJ already launched an investigation into the ``Big Four'' for anticompetitive practices in May of 2020 and has declined to provide Congress with an update even 2 years into that investigation.

The bottom line is increasing regulation will raise food prices, not make them more affordable. Our farm families need inputs at a fair price. They need diesel prices to come down. They need to be able to produce the food to feed this country and the world without the government making it harder and harder day in and day out. That is why this package must be defeated.

Rather than more regulation, we must unleash the full ability of American production. We must work for our farm families and do what is right and defeat this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio, Chair Napolitano, and Ranking Member Graves for their leadership and work to ensure the Water Resources Development Act, also known as WRDA for short, continues to be both bipartisan and biennial.

Because of this commitment, before the House today is H.R. 7776, the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. I am pleased to be a part of this continuing bipartisan tradition of passing a WRDA every 2 years. Just 3 weeks ago this bill passed out of the committee by voice vote.

The legislation is a product resulting from the input of many Members of Congress. It is an example of what can be achieved when Congress comes together to find solutions for their constituents and the American public.

WRDA bills provide congressional direction to the Army Corps of Engineers on the allocations of dollars for water

resource projects and policy across the Nation. This legislation authorizes a number of Chief's Reports and studies, as well as new environmental infrastructure projects for the first time since 2007.

In my home State of North Carolina, we rely on a significant amount of coastal and inland waterway infrastructure and resources. These bring us many benefits, but our communities can also face devastating consequences from flooding of inland waterways as a result.

WRDA 2022 will help our communities address these risks by directing the Corps to improve management of our Nation's coastal mapping projects which provide information to States and local communities so they can better respond to extreme weather events. This program and other provisions in this year's legislation will provide improved flood control and storm damage reduction for constituents and stakeholders all across the country.

I am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan effort, and, again, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Chair Napolitano for working across the aisle with us on this critical commonsense legislation.

I also want to take a quick moment to thank Paul Sass, staff director for the minority of the committee who will soon be leaving for other opportunities. He has provided many years of service and hard work for the people of Missouri, Ranking Member Graves, myself, and all the members of the T & I Committee. I thank Paul for his great counsel and all the work he has done.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Day of Prayer next week on May 5.

The United States has always been a Nation of prayer. From our very first settlers to our Founding Fathers, our leaders have understood the power of prayer and have consistently called the Nation to prayer during times of consequence, adversity, conflict, and crisis.

Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonists to pray for wisdom as they worked to form a Nation, the call to prayer has continued throughout our history.

First officially established by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our country's heritage, and prayers remain very important in strengthening the fabric of our society today.

I would venture to say that 90 percent of our country's challenges-- everything from drug addiction, to suicides, to infidelity, to the breakdown of the family, to fraud, to the coarseness and vulgarity of the language we see every day on television and witness in our communities, and even political divisiveness--all are a direct result of a moral and spiritual decline that can only be reversed by our willingness to come before God, acknowledge our sinful nature, and turn our hearts back to Him.

Only then will healing begin and divisions subside. For the hubris of sin distorts our views of truth and creates divisions even among those with whom we agree most of the time.

Our Founding Fathers understood the sinful nature of man. That is, in fact, why they devised a government designed to disperse power by creating three equal branches. Even the U.S. Congress--which is one of those branches--the legislative branch, has two very different bodies with different rules and different aims to help ensure that the minority voice is not trampled, and that it is at least heard if it cannot be accommodated.

Now, many ask me when we are going to fix Washington. My reply is always this: When we fix our home life; when we fix our churches; when we fix our communities, Washington will fix itself.

Those of us who have the honor of serving in Congress are, after all, a reflection of our constituency, as designed by our Founders. And, therefore, the two bodies of Congress are no more and no less than a microcosm of society.

So, on the National Day of Prayer, let us all join in prayer for our families, our communities, our State, and our Nation. May we pray for forgiveness, to seek the face of God and to turn from our inherently sinful ways. For when we do, we will hear, we will learn, we will communicate, and unhealthy traps of division of all stripes will fall away.

Through the power of prayer, we will achieve a renewing of our mind, a renewing of our commitment to that which is honorable and virtuous, a renewing of the family, our societal structure, and a renewing of this great Nation we call the United States of America, the greatest lamp of liberty and beacon of freedom, prosperity, and generosity ever known to mankind

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Cumberland County's longtime former Sheriff, Earl Butler. Following a battle with leukemia, Sheriff Butler passed away while surrounded by his family at the age of 84 years old.

Butler served as sheriff of Cumberland County for 22 years before retiring in 2016. He was beloved by his community, his family and friends, and his law enforcement colleagues. He believed in his work, and he was passionate about giving back to his community and keeping its citizens safe.

He helped make the Sheriff's office a fully accredited law enforcement agency, increasing their ability to fight crime and protect the community. He also led the building and development of a new detention center, and he was the founder of the Shop with A Sheriff Program which helps provide a memorable Christmas to less fortunate children within Cumberland County. Sheriff Butler and his wife, Julia, were dedicated members of Massey Hill Baptist Church where they attended every Sunday and he taught Sunday school.

The contributions Sheriff Butler made to Cumberland County were numerous. He made Cumberland County a better place to live leaving behind a great legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Sheriff Butler's was a life very well-lived, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be long remembered and cherished in the hearts of all who knew him and those for whom his influence touched.

Mr. Speaker, it is so fitting that today we are passing the Coast Guard reauthorization bill, a very good bipartisan piece of legislation, naming it in honor of our dear friend and colleague, Don Young of Alaska, who did so much during his time here for the Coast Guard.

A fixture in the House for 49 years, Don Young took care of the needs of Alaskans like no other could. So it was a natural fit for him to serve as chairman of both the Natural Resources Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee during his time here. His accomplishments for Alaska and throughout the course of his life are well known and numerous.

He was certainly a throw-back to the old days on Capitol Hill. He fought hard for his constituents, for Alaska, for America. He had the force of a lion, but great compassion. And, boy did he know how to live life to the fullest. He was the perfect public servant for he had two attributes one must have to survive and serve the public well: A tough hide but a tender heart. That is the gentleman from Alaska that I got to know. That is the man who, with his dear wife, Anne, by his side, told me at my birthday party last month that he wanted to get the show on the road, go up to the stage and sing happy birthday. I simply said, ``Yes, sir,'' and what a memorable night he made it.

Sometimes words cannot properly describe a man, for the emotions that stir the heart are so powerful, words cannot possibly reflect them. That is how it feels for me, anyway.

But let it be said many times over: Don Young was a force, a legend in his own time. And America is better and greater because of him.

Let's pass this Coast Guard reauthorization bill in honor of our great friend, Don Young.

Madam Speaker, what has been taking place in Ukraine is pure genocide and evil. President Putin's invasion of Ukraine is no different than when Germany invaded Poland. Just as Hitler did not stop with Poland, we should not expect that Putin will stop with Ukraine, unless he is resoundingly defeated.

While much has been done to help Ukraine's defenses since Russia invaded and much has been donated in humanitarian assistance, it is not enough. We must do more. We must send more weapons, more planes, more missiles, whatever is needed.

The Ukrainians are going to fight to the very end. We must provide them every resource they need to win this war in whatever way that we possibly can. For if freedom is defeated in Ukraine, where her people fight eagerly and will to the very end, it will surely have no safe harbor elsewhere.

Unleash American Energy Dominance

Madam Speaker, President Biden's decision to ban the importation of Russian oil is a good step, albeit late and only after mounting bipartisan pressure to do so. There was no good reason for the United States to ever subsidize the Russian economy and President Putin's military by buying oil from Russia, a source of Putin's leverage with the West for years. Now, he wages an unprovoked and violent assault on Ukraine.

On a separate issue, nor is it a good idea for the U.S. to be sitting alongside Russia negotiating with Iran on a deal that paves Iran's path to a nuclear weapon, another pot of trouble brewing for the world, as evidenced by their missiles launched at Israelis and Americans in Iraq this past weekend.

Given all the challenges we face in the world today, we must immediately unleash American energy production so that we in the United States and our allies around the world can have access to affordable and reliable energy.

We should be authorizing new leases and permits for oil and gas projects, expediting the approval of all pipelines, and stopping the self-inflicted regulatory assault on American energy development and financing. In short, President Biden must reverse, with the

stroke of a pen, every anti-fossil fuel policy he has put in place during the past year.

If the President wants to lower gas prices at the pump and protect the environment, he is the one person who can do it, who can unleash American energy dominance. The world is going to meet its energy needs with oil and gas one way or the other. It is just a question of from where it comes. We can do it better and cleaner than anyone else, so why not do it here and serve the call of freedom.

Honoring Deborah Johnson

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Deborah Johnson, who recently received the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award from the National Pork Producers Council and the National Pork Board.

Deborah received the award for relentless advocacy on behalf of pork producers in North Carolina and across the country. As one of many who count her as a friend, I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.

Deborah grew up on her family's multi-generation farm in Johnston County. It is no exaggeration to say she has been involved in agriculture her entire lifetime, including as CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council.

In addition to serving in that post for 11 years, Deborah has been an influential leader in the North Carolina agriculture industry throughout her career. Additionally, she has also been involved in several organizations that contribute to the betterment of southeastern North Carolina's rural communities, many of which are the backbone of our State and Nation's pork industry.

Words cannot properly express all that Deborah Johnson has accomplished, but suffice it to say she is one of the most influential women in agriculture. She cares deeply about the State of North Carolina, about producing the world's best food and fiber, and about protecting the livelihoods of the many farm families who feed and clothe us all. Her dedication and leadership are unmatched, and I congratulate her on receiving this well-deserved award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa Murphy, my chief of staff, who recently moved on to a great opportunity working for Duke Energy of South Carolina.

After a decade and a half of service here in our Nation's capital, Melissa decided it was time to leave her work here in the U.S. House and head back home. Melissa started her career on Capitol Hill working for her home State of South Carolina in Congressman Joe Wilson's office. There, she worked her way up to deputy chief of staff before joining my team when I was elected to Congress in 2014. As my first hire and chief of staff, she helped me assemble an outstanding team, and she helped me build a culture for an office that has accomplished much.

Melissa has always been a trusted advisor and a great friend to many. Throughout her career on Capitol Hill, she served as a mentor and friend to many staffers far beyond my office. She is always there for her colleagues or anyone else searching for advice or assistance.

As every Member of Congress knows, nothing would get done in this place without the dedicated service of our staff who are always working behind the scenes. Melissa's advice, experience, and hard work have all played a large role in helping me to represent the 7th Congressional District in North Carolina to the very best of my ability.

I congratulate and thank Melissa for her many years of congressional service and for leading our team during my first three-and-a-half terms. May God always bless her path.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I had not originally planned to speak on this bill, but I think there are several things that need to be underscored. And before I get into those, let me say we have all had our moments with the Postal Service; I certainly have. But this is one agency that is specifically prescribed by the Constitution. Major reforms are always hard, and when we have the opportunity to make these reforms, we need to take that opportunity.

Part of the reason why I am so strongly in support of this bill is my friend Louis DeJoy, who is the Postmaster General. There is no one more capable and qualified to serve in that capacity. This is a gentleman who is one in a million.

Now is the best time to get these reforms passed and get them implemented. If we don't do it now, it may never happen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Eileen Langdon of Johnston County, North Carolina. Following more than 30 years working as a distinguished veterinarian at Willowrun Veterinary Hospital in Smithfield, Dr. Langdon is retiring.

In the words of Dr. Langdon, she ``felt called to serve the ones in our world who seemingly have no voice. The ones who need an advocate.'' As a devoted Christian, God's plan led her to Auburn University where she received her degree in veterinary medicine in 1986.

She joined the Willowrun Veterinary family and healthcare team as an associate veterinarian in 1990 and became a partner at the practice in 2007. Dr. Langdon is cherished by her colleagues. Her many years of hard work and expertise, without a doubt, have built a lasting legacy of exceptional service, as well as mentorship to other women in the profession that will provide a lasting influence.

Though she will be retiring from Willowrun with a tremendous record of achievement, she will be moving on to do what she loves, working full-time on the family farm with her husband and three children. The Langdon family farm is a third generation farm in the McGees Crossroads community--a family I know quite well--not all that far from my own family's farm. Like all of our wonderful farm families, preserving natural resources is always their top priority as they grow crops and livestock.

In addition to her veterinarian career and working on the family farm, Dr. Langdon served for 10 years as a member of the Johnston County Board of Health. She has been an active church member, and she has received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow through the Rotary Club of Central Johnston County for her years of service to the community. Dr. Langdon and her husband are also inducted members of the Johnston County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

I commend and thank Dr. Langdon for her many years of service to our community, State, and country. May God continue to bless her path and that of the Langdon family.

Tribute To The Honorable Craig Olive

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to my friend, Craig Olive, who has served as Johnston County Register of Deeds since December 2002.

Craig found a love for politics at an early age, and he assisted many local and statewide candidates by putting up signs as a young boy. During his involvement as a volunteer for the Johnston County Republican Party, he helped bring rise to the Republican Party in Johnston County in eastern North Carolina.

Beyond politics and his own service as register of deeds, he has served his community in a variety of ways and he continues to do so. He is a past member of the Board of Advisors for the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium and Johnston Community College, a past member of the Capital Campaign for the Johnston County Heritage Center Community, and a past member of the Johnston County Tourism Board--just to name a few.

He also helped spearhead an annual ceremony remembering those who have lost their lives to dementia and honoring those currently living with dementia as well as their caregivers. Even long before these contributions and his election to office, Craig was awarded the Long Leaf Pine, an award that is bestowed on North Carolinians, the highest civilian honor the State bestows.

During his tenure as Johnston County Register of Deeds, Craig has had tremendous accomplishments implementing major improvements in automation, technology, and customer service. His office was the first Register of Deeds office in North Carolina to electronically record documents, and the first office in the Nation to electronically record a survey map.

He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the county's history is preserved and secure within his office while performing the duties of his office under budget. He has returned $4.1 million to the county, which is a tremendous savings to Johnston County taxpayers.

Mr. Olive also worked with me during my time in the North Carolina Senate to introduce a bill to improve identity theft protection. This bill became law in 2009 and was a direct result of his great efforts.

In 2016, Craig implemented a Thank A Vet program to assist veterans by providing them with an ID. An added benefit of this program is that it allows for better safekeeping of veterans' military discharge papers.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, his office has faced many challenges, yet he has been determined to remain open to assist our citizens. He continues to lead the way in providing the highest level of efficiency, productivity, innovation, and service to the people of Johnston County in North Carolina.

Thank you, Craig, for your commitment to your family, your neighbors, and to the citizens of Johnston County and beyond.