Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am excited to take a moment to celebrate Apostle Norbert Simmons. He founded Deeper Life Church Ministries, which recently marked an incredible 41 years of service.

Hailing from Mount Olive, North Carolina, Apostle Simmons graduated from Carver High School, where he served as chaplain for the National Alumni Association. He has done a fantastic job of growing his church from just 9 to 2,000 members.

Apostle Simmons has truly inspired so many in the community, and I had the privilege of presenting him with the Order of the Longleaf Pine on behalf of the Governor.

It is essential to acknowledge that he didn't do it alone. His loving wife, Gwen, along with their family and church, supported him every step of the way.

We are all so grateful for everything that Apostle Simmons and his family have contributed to eastern North Carolina and our State.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the students who are participating in the incredible Gentleman's Agreement program in Wilson County Schools of North Carolina.

Through the program, they engage in mentorship and leadership development.

During a visit to the U.S. Capitol on a tour with former Congressman G. K. Butterfield, I had an opportunity to speak with the group in the rotunda about what we are doing here and the possibilities of their future.

It is moments like these that subtly remind us of how we can help shape the future by inspiring and motivating our young people.

Investing in the next generation of leaders is critical to building a stronger future in eastern North Carolina and across America. I really enjoyed speaking with this group.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Honorable Brandon Johnson, vice chairman of the Greene County Board of Education, as my special guest for the President's address to the joint session of Congress.

Brandon is a Greene County native and has served on the school board since 2020. He was the youngest elected official in our county's history when he was first elected.

Brandon is also a special agent in law enforcement for our State, teaches part time in the basic law enforcement program at Pitt Community College, and serves at his home church of Ormondsville Original Free Will Baptist Church. He is passionate about education and public safety, topics essential for eastern North Carolina and our Nation.

Brandon's father serves on the county board of commissioners, and his greatest inspiration in life comes from his mother, who passed when he was 17.

When my colleagues see Brandon, Members will also see someone driven by his faith and dedicated to shaping the future of Greene County, eastern North Carolina, and America.

I welcome Brandon to our Nation's Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor civil rights trailblazer Sarah Keys Evans.

In 1952, Private First Class Evans, in the Women's Army Corps, courageously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Her refusal took place 3\1/2\ years before Rosa Parks'.

Evans' refusal, leading to her arrest, paved the way for a crucial legal victory in the case of Keys v. Carolina Coach Company.

Sarah Keys Evans' legacy is significant in our country, which is why I filed legislation that would award her with the Congressional Gold Medal, an award that will honor her relentless spirit, reminding us that we must dare to create the world not as it is, but what we believe it should be.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary Oxford community and one of its most outstanding leaders, Mr. Xavier Wortham.

I had the honor of spending a day in Oxford, engaging with local nonprofits, educators, clergy, elected officials, and residents. We also visited the Masonic Home for Children and held a listening session.

Among the many remarkable people we met, Mr. Wortham's impact stands out. For 40 years, he has served as executive director of the Oxford Housing Authority, providing families with crucial education, job training, and opportunities like college tours at Duke University.

Mr. Wortham's tireless commitment and love for those he serves in the community is indeed a beacon of hope. He embodies what makes Oxford and the First Congressional District exceptional.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Wortham for his example and unwavering dedication and passion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Kathy Moore, a Gold Star mother whose son, Ryan Russell, was killed on March 5, 2007. Kathy shared her stories about Ryan's service and why she continues to advocate for the Honor and Remember flag. She spoke about his eagerness to serve as a medic despite his initial fear of blood.

Kathy also shared the thing she missed the most about Ryan: seeing his smile, a simple gesture that brightened her day.

Here was a mother from eastern North Carolina whose child was killed in Iraq by an IED, the most devastating thing that could happen to a parent. Despite her grief, Kathy has become a powerful advocate for the Honor and Remember flag.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to pass this vital legislation and for America to honor and remember our fallen heroes like Ryan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the dedicated schoolbus drivers who ensure our children's safety every day.

During School Bus Driver Appreciation Week, I had the privilege of riding along on Mrs. Pamela Respess' schoolbus at Banks Elementary School in Lenoir County.

There was so much excitement. It was an early morning, and we hopped on the bus after the prechecks. Throughout the route, Mrs. Respess greeted students by name, transforming morning faces into smiles. After parking the schoolbus, the students hugged Mrs. Respess as they hopped off and headed to class.

My experience highlights the vital role of schoolbus drivers who face enormous challenges like bus shortages and overcrowding.

We thank our schoolbus drivers across America like Mrs. Respess not just today but every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise to voice my unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.

As Russia persists in its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, it is crucial that we unite against Putin as defenders of freedom. By coming together, we can safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and the future of democracy.

Ukrainians, demonstrating extraordinary resilience, have displayed unwavering courage on the front lines for nearly 3 years. I remain steadfast in supporting democracy, standing with Ukraine, and opposing all of the enemies of freedom around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my unwavering support for the hardworking farmers of eastern North Carolina who are facing enormous challenges.

Inflation continues to cast a shadow over our agriculture community with input costs such as seeds, fertilizer, and equipment. In our State, many farmers have experienced crop losses resulting from drought conditions and Hurricane Helene.

It is hard to catch a break as labor costs continue rising, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain operations and livelihoods. We cannot overlook the well-known effects that tariffs have on our agriculture communities. They hurt farmers' bottom lines and limit market access.

Congress must pass a farm bill that meets the needs of farmers, consumers, and rural communities. We must respond not just with our words but with deeds.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate a momentous achievement for Camden County, North Carolina. They will soon have emergency medical services operational for the first time in history.

The county has relied on external EMS providers for emergencies, but thanks to the unwavering commitment of local officials and the community, Camden County will now deliver paramedic-level emergency medical services.

Such a transformative step means quicker response times, improved coverage, and, most critically, an enhanced capability to save lives when every second matters. In rural communities, reliable emergency medical services are not just a luxury but an absolute necessity.

Let us congratulate Camden County EMS on this significant achievement. We eagerly anticipate their first call, knowing that they will have a positive impact on the community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, after meeting with sheriffs, prosecutors, and families from across eastern North Carolina, one thing is clear: Fentanyl is devastating our communities. The deadly drug is causing kids to overdose, destroying families, and overwhelming law enforcement.

Congress must take action to address this crisis, which is why I introduced the MAP Act and supported the HALT Fentanyl Act. We must secure our border, hold the cartels accountable, and stop this poison from entering communities across America.

Mr. Speaker, the opioid crisis is not just a border State problem. It is all of ours. Congress must protect our families by properly equipping our law enforcement community and working to decrease the demand for illicit drugs.

Mr. Speaker, the fentanyl epidemic has devastated communities across our Nation for far too long.

In North Carolina's First Congressional District, an estimated three individuals die each week from fentanyl overdose.

Over the past year, law enforcement has seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills nationwide.

During a trip to the southern border, I visited the Tucson Border Patrol sector, the epicenter of the fentanyl crisis. I saw firsthand how deadly drugs make their way into our community.

To combat these lethal and counterfeit pills, I am introducing the Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals Act, or the MAP Act.

The MAP Act would require more advanced tracing technology on controlled substances in our drug supply chain. I urge Congress to pass this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Kenneth Lee Parker, the former mayor of Momeyer, North Carolina.

Kenneth was a dedicated public servant and a true pillar of the Momeyer community. For over 25 years, he selflessly served as mayor, dedicating his time as assistant fire chief and a volunteer EMT.

Kenneth's commitment to his community didn't stop there. For 52 years, he was actively involved in the Ruritan club where he and his wife, Colleen, provided delicious meals and he gracefully embodied its motto: ``fellowship, goodwill, and community service.''

We reflect on Kenneth's remarkable life and contributions, and I extend my prayers to his family and all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy of kindness and service will forever resonate in our hearts. May we all find inspiration in Kenneth's example and strive to make a difference as he did.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the remarkable life of Columbia Mayor James Cahoon.

Mayor Cahoon's dedication to our Nation began with his service to the United States Army. His commitment to education was evident as principal and assistant superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools where he shaped countless young lives.

As the head deacon and beloved Sunday schoolteacher at Soundside Original Free Will Baptist Church, he embodied the spirit of love.

For more than 8 years, Mayor Cahoon devoted himself to serving the residents of Columbia. His unwavering compassion and advocacy for his community left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten.

I feel fortunate to have known Mayor Cahoon and witness the warmth and dedication he brought to those around him.

We will miss him.

My deepest condolences go out to his family and the town of Columbia.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 32 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.