Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a pivotal chapter in our great Nation's history, a moment that forever altered the course of our destiny. It was 248 years ago that the seeds of liberty were sown in Halifax, North Carolina.

On April 12, 1776, a group of visionary delegates took a stand that would define the character and direction of a country yet to be born. The Halifax Resolves were not simply words on paper. They were a proclamation and a declaration of a dream for freedom that was bigger than themselves and bigger than any one of us.

That dream became North Carolina's loud call for American independence. The Halifax Resolves were born from a year of passionate debate, from a people united not by what they could see, but what they could imagine, a people who believed that a just world was possible.

We gathered over the weekend to commemorate the 248th anniversary of this momentous occasion, not only to reflect on the bravery and wisdom of our predecessors, but to recommit ourselves to the timeless principles embodied in the Halifax Resolves.

Madam Speaker, I stand on the shoulders of giants, and we must always remember that it is through the courage of those who came before us that we enjoy the freedoms that we hold dear today, a story of courage, a story of hope, a story that tells us that the path to freedom and independence may be long, but it is well worth it in the end.

Happy anniversary to the Halifax Resolves. May the legacy of freedom and bravery and independence continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize history and a momentous occasion that shaped the very fabric of our Nation. Two hundred and forty-eight years ago, on April 12, 1776, in the politically eminent town of Halifax, North Carolina, a gathering of visionary leaders took an audacious step toward freedom and self- determination.

Imagine the scene: 83 delegates assembled, their hearts filled with determination and their minds resolute in purpose. These courageous men, representing the people of North Carolina, dared to challenge the oppressive grip of tyranny imposed by the King of England. In bold defiance, they authorized their delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence. But it was more than just a vote; it was an affirmation of our unyielding resolve to break free from the chains of colonial subjugation.

The Halifax Resolves were not merely a symbolic gesture but a beacon of hope for all who yearned for liberty and justice. The words echoed the sentiments of a nation yearning to breathe free. They laid bare the injustices inflicted upon a young country by a distant monarch and enumerated the usurpations and acts of violence perpetrated against the people and land.

However, the significance of the Halifax Resolves extends far beyond the borders of North Carolina. It catalyzed the cause of independence, igniting a flame of rebellion that spread like wildfire throughout the colonies. Inspired by the courage and determination of our forebears, other colonies followed suit, echoing the call for freedom and self- governance.

The Halifax Resolves were not crafted in isolation. They culminated a year of vigorous discussions and deliberations at the grassroots level, reflecting the will of the people who had long suffered under British oppression. The legacy of the Halifax Resolves endures to this day, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American people. It reminds us that sometimes freedom is earned through sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the principles of liberty and justice for all.

As the community commemorates the 248th anniversary of this historic event, let us not only celebrate the bravery and foresight of those who came before us but also reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals enshrined in the Halifax Resolves. May we always cherish the precious gift of freedom and never forget the sacrifices made by those who dared to defy tyranny.

In the words of the Resolves, let us remember one of the first calls for American freedom: ``Resolved that the delegates for this Colony in the Continental Congress be impowered to concur with the delegates of the other Colonies in declaring Independency . . .''

I look forward to the next two years of events and preparations for what I know will be the magnificent Semiquincentennial in 2026. Happy anniversary to the Halifax Resolves.

Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly stand in full support of the $14.3 billion aid package to our ally, Israel.

Let me be clear. I stand firmly with Israel, and we must take swift and decisive action against Hamas.

It is heartbreaking that innocent people are caught in the crossfire, but we must honor the laws of armed conflict. We must never waver.

It is essential that we continue our efforts to defeat Hamas extremists and get all hostages back with their loved ones, hostages like Keith Siegel from North Carolina, who was known as a quiet and kind man. We must bring him home to his wife, Aviva, and his family.

Bring them home now. We must never ever lose focus here.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Reverend Dr. Donald Ribeiro from Ormondsville, North Carolina, on his well-earned retirement.

Reverend Ribeiro, with his wife, Karen, has fiercely led as pastor of Ormondsville Original Free Will Baptist Church. For more than 40 years, Dr. Ribeiro has kept his promise to

God to give back to the community, and I know he will continue to serve even in his retirement.

For every call Dr. Ribeiro has taken, for every person he has counseled, just trying to help them get through the difficult times in life, for every person he has reached out to to bring them closer to God, we are grateful. His dedication to saving lives, both physically and spiritually, has touched many families in eastern North Carolina and around the world.

Indeed, life is about relationships, and the most important relationship, as Dr. Ribeiro reminds us, is with the Lord.

Recognizing Dr. Jack Bagwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Jack Bagwell, who was named North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges President of the Year.

Over his past 5 years as president of the College of Albermarle, Dr. Bagwell has prioritized fostering deep connections and community among students and faculty alike.

Dr. Bagwell received this award for his exceptional leadership qualities, steadfast commitment to the community college mission, and achievements in furthering higher education within North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, we are extremely proud of Dr. Bagwell's accomplishments. I couldn't be more thrilled, and it is fantastic to see others across the State are taking notice.

Congratulations to Dr. Bagwell for making northeastern North Carolina extremely proud.

Recognizing Zamareya Jones

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize North Carolina Player of the Year, Zam Jones, who is living proof that you can never underestimate the power of eastern North Carolina.

Jones is one of only four North Carolina players to make the ESPN Top 60 and is ranked number 17 in the country.

Five-star guard Zam Jones will play college basketball in the ACC at North Carolina State University.

Jones led North Pitt High School to victory in the 2024 North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A Women's Basketball Championship.

Recently, she helped the East clinch a tight victory over the West in the McDonald's All-American game.

Mr. Speaker, Zam is a shining example of excellence in the East.

Mr. Speaker, every day, more than 200 Americans lose their lives due to fentanyl drug overdose.

The overdose rate among the American population has reached an unprecedented high. The truth is that, last year, United States Customs and Border Protection personnel seized 51.4 million fentanyl pills at the Tucson sector alone.

Unfortunately, fentanyl pills and counterfeit drugs still manage to make their way into American communities. During my recent visit to Nogales, Arizona, it was made clear that we urgently need more scanning technology, bandwidth, and personnel.

Congress must take immediate action to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl that includes securing the border and passing the MAP Act.

Mr. Speaker, there are increasing national security threats to America's critical infrastructure.

A warning went out nationwide that China and Iran are targeting our critical infrastructure systems, including our drinking water.

These cyber threats pose an extreme risk to our rural water systems.

Any cyberattack that shuts down our rural water systems for days could impact our farms, families, schools, and even emergency services.

I introduced H.R. 3809, the Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act for this very reason.

The bill would provide cybersecurity assistance to those communities with limited resources.

The bill is crucial in the fight to protect the United States from foreign cyberattacks.

I urge Congress to advance this key legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the engineers of tomorrow coming from our very own Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Wilson County.

Under the guidance of Ms. Katherine Taylor, the school's media specialist, these talented students are learning to code, building LEGO robots, and completing challenges using visual arts and technology. All the hard work has paid off, as they won first place in Best Robotics Design and Overall Champion in the multicounty FIRST LEGO League Challenge.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Taylor for using technology to prepare the next generation of leaders and I thank the Wilson County Schools for investing in North Carolina's future.

Greene County All-Stars Win Eastern Athletic Championship

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the young team of the Greene County all-star basketball program. These promising basketball stars of tomorrow just won the 2024 Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in the 10-12 age co-ed group. Greene County defeated Currituck County in a 55-45 victory.

Mr. Speaker, recreation sports are an excellent way to expose young athletes to the fundamentals of the game. These young basketball players experienced the wonders of competition, tested their skills and teamwork, and came out on top.

Hats off to the players, Coach Barry, and Coach LaVette for a fantastic season. Congratulations to our recreation departments across eastern North Carolina for making friendly competitions like this a reality. I particularly give a big shout-out to the Greene County Recreation Department and to the recreation director, Mike Anderson, for hosting this year's tournament.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a hometown university and HBCU making a gigantic impact in northeastern North

Carolina, Elizabeth City State University.

We are getting it done because of the distinguished faculty, such as Thorpe Endowed Professor and Dean, Dr. Kuldeep Rawat.

Dr. Rawat received the Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service.

He is making a profound impact through his dedication to education and community engagement, as well.

Dr. Rawat has excelled in academia and has also significantly contributed to public service, particularly through initiatives like NASA Aerospace Academy and the Mobile STEM Lab, which have enriched the lives of thousands in our underserved and rural region.

His commitment extends well beyond the classroom. He works to ensure that students in the surrounding region can envision a brighter future.

We celebrate his well-deserved award, and I say: Viking Pride.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the incredible Lady Panthers of North Pitt High School, who won the 2024 North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A women's basketball championship.

North Pitt High School squared off against the undefeated Lady Cavaliers of East Burke and came out victorious, 76-66.

Senior Zamareya ``Zam'' Jones was crowned the most outstanding player, adding to her many achievements: 2,000 career points, 1 of just 17 players from the State to be a McDonald's all American, and finally leading her team to victory with 21 points against East Burke.

Next year, Jones is going to North Carolina State, but she will be leaving the North Pitt High School basketball team in great hands with freshman Jordan Speller, who scored an impressive 31 points and was the game's MVP.

Mr. Speaker, without any doubt, there is incredible talent and exciting basketball north of the river. I congratulate Coach Pittman, Principal Harris, and the entire North Pitt High School family.

To all of the Lady Panthers, your Congressman is mighty proud of you.

Mr. Speaker, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is an economic engine for Wayne County and the surrounding community. Even so, there is discussion the Air Force may dissolve an entire fighter squadron at the base, consisting of 26 F-15E aircraft.

Doing so would rip away about 520 jobs from Wayne County, one of the most economically distressed counties in our State, in a congressional district that ranks 422 of 441 in median income. Adding insult to injury is the potential job loss of another 6,000 jobs from a menthol ban with no plans to replace them.

As a former Air Force officer who grew up working in the fields, I must admit I am left scratching my head right now. These decisions will hamper us, a part of the State that is already struggling. I urge the administration to reconsider these positions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on National Agriculture Day to honor all farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, and agriculture workers, all who feed and clothe the American people and those beyond. Our Nation counts on you, and you deliver every single day.

Mr. Speaker, may I add that there is nothing more exciting than seeing the iconic blue jacket and FFA emblem and, of course, a young person wearing it who is interested in agriculture. I can attest firsthand to the talent, passion, and dedication of our young agriculture leaders, who are indeed the lifeline.

In North Carolina, agriculture is our leading industry and, in the east, a big part of our heritage and way of life. Agriculture plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our region.

There is no better time than now to recognize the significance of our agriculture community as we continue cultivating our agriculture leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, today, I honor a milestone that marks the passage of time and the rich tapestry of history and community woven into the fabric of Martin County. As the county's residents commemorate its Semiquincentennial, let us reflect upon 250 years of resilience, progress, and unity that have shaped the county.

The county's history begins with the Tuscarora, who first inhabited the region that became Martin County. They referred to the area as ``Squhawky.'' The Tuscarora lived off the lush forest of present-day Martin County and used the Roanoke River as an important trade route with other tribes in the coastal plain region. The Tuscarora migrated to other North Carolina and Virginia sites when the first English settlers began inhabiting the area in the early 1770s.

In the anxious year of 1774, Martin County emerged from annexes of Halifax and Tyrrell Counties, born from the tireless efforts of residents who sought a closer seat of county government. The county was named for the last Royal Governor of North Carolina, Josiah Martin. The county's name would later be used to honor Alexander Martin, a prominent Federalist of the Old North State. Incorporated in 1779, Williamston, the cherished county seat, earned the moniker of ``Tar Landing,'' a testament to its pivotal role along the Roanoke River.

Throughout history, the county and Williamston have served as transportation centers for naval stores such as tar, pitch, turpentine, and other resources. The railroads of the 1800s and the highways of the 1900s continued to allow trade in the region to flourish.

The Roanoke River, a lifeline coursing through the county, has witnessed triumphs and tribulations, from its days as the ``Moratuck'' to the modern era where it beckons adventurers and anglers alike. Let us remember the floods of 1940, a catalyst for change that birthed the Roanoke River Basin Association and paved the way for progress in flood mitigation and environmental stewardship.

From the bustling heart of Williamston to the tranquil hamlets of Oak City, Hamilton, and beyond, our communities and municipalities stand as testaments to the resilience and ingenuity of generations past and present.

At Martin County's 250th anniversary, let us celebrate our past achievements and recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, resilience, and progress that have defined the county. Together, let us continue to write the next chapter of the county's story, guided by the enduring spirit of those who came before us.

I wish a happy Semiquincentennial to Martin County. Here's to another 250 years of heritage, community, and boundless possibility.

Mr. Speaker, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is a vital part of our national security and a major economic engine for eastern North Carolina, with an economic impact of over $700 million annually.

As a United States Air Force veteran and House Armed Services Committee member, I visited the base in November to better understand its challenges, including possibly losing F-15E Strike Eagles without any replacement.

Since then, the Air Force has announced plans to eliminate at least one of four squadrons at Seymour Johnson as early as October.

Many in the community have expressed deep concerns about this, and I share their concerns as well. I look forward to meeting with the Air Force to explore alternatives.

Madam Speaker, on the morning of October 7, 2023, Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva, were abducted from their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the Hamas terrorist attacks.

Aviva was later released, but Keith, a native of North Carolina, remains in Hamas captivity as one of six Americans still being held hostage.

Siegel family members attended this year's State of the Union Address at the invitation of North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. I gladly join in to advocate for Keith's release.

As a nation, we must stand united in our resolve to defeat Hamas and ensure the safe release of all hostages.

We will not rest until Keith and all hostages are reunited with their families.

Madam Speaker, Briana Landis is a Greenville, North Carolina, native and a remarkable researcher living with multiple sclerosis.

Briana was diagnosed with MS at the age of 4 but has never let the disease define her. Instead, she is an MS advocate and uses her diagnosis to help others.

Congress must support individuals like Briana by increasing research funding through initiatives like the Multiple Sclerosis Research Program. Additionally, we must work towards expanding telehealth services for those who rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs.

In honor of MS Awareness Week, I proudly wear orange for my dear friend, Briana, and all those fighting against MS.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to funding research, improving treatment

options, and ensuring access to healthcare for our most vulnerable patients.

Madam Speaker, I admire Briana's enormous strengths.