Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in eastern North Carolina, the spirit of strong, resilient women flows through the fabric of our communities.

From Vance County to Pasquotank County, Northampton County to Greene County, and everywhere in between, women have played essential roles in shaping our history.

However, we cannot talk about women and history in eastern North Carolina without recognizing the Honorable Eva Clayton. Ms. Clayton was the first African-American Congresswoman from North Carolina.

During Women's History Month, we celebrate all the women of eastern North Carolina and beyond. Let us honor their many contributions, recognize their strength, and support their endeavors.

Together, we can ensure that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, at the young age of 109, Cassie Smith voted on the first day of this year's primary and was among the first in North Carolina to do so.

Ms. Cassie, also known as Ma Cassie by neighbors and friends in her Battleboro community, is a living and walking symbol of our democracy. I am honored to welcome her to Washington, D.C., as my special guest to the State of the Union.

When I visited the Smith home to invite her, in response, Ma Cassie smiled brightly and said: I am blessed. I thank God every day.

Her faith drives her, and she wholeheartedly believes in the importance of fulfilling her civic duty. What a reminder as we commemorate Bloody Sunday.

Ms. Cassie traveled by airplane, which was the first time she has flown, and she said this was an item on her bucket list. At 109, why not?

I am glad to let eastern North Carolina and the American people know that Delta flight 5310 has landed, and Ms. Cassie is here in Washington, D.C., safe and sound with her son, Frank, and caretaker, Faye. Ms. Cassie can check that one off her bucket list.

From working on the farm, turned maid, and now special guest at 109 years old, what an American story and inspiration. Her presence at our Nation's Capitol embodies the very essence of why we have the opportunity to assemble and our democratic values.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed with great honor I share Ms. Cassie Smith's story.

Mr. Speaker, Bridgestone, one of the largest industrial employers in Wilson County, North Carolina, is celebrating 50 years.

The facility manufactures passenger and light-truck tires. There are 1,900 employees at this site. The facility is rated number one globally in 19-inch tire production. It has received several certifications and awards, including the Rising Star in the North Carolina Department of Labor's Carolina Star Program and the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS.

Eastern North Carolina is most grateful to each of the hardworking team members at this essential facility.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Bridgestone on a job well done in reaching this remarkable milestone. I wish them a happy 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, as students sat crisscross apple sauce intently listening, I began reading ``The Very Hungry Caterpillar'' by Eric Carle.

The book was about a caterpillar that continued eating and eventually built a cocoon.

He pushed his way out as a beautiful butterfly.

Read Across America encourages educators and parents to highlight the significance and fun of reading.

March is National Reading Month.

Madam Speaker, Ms. Sarah Joyner, a former student of mine is the teacher of this fantastic class. Ms. Sarah's class is as beautiful as a butterfly. I am so proud of Ms. Sarah for devoting herself to her students and transforming their lives for over 30 years.

I congratulate Sarah on a successful teaching career and her upcoming retirement.

Madam Speaker, breaking news: An East Carolina University baseball player was involved in a boating accident.

Communities across eastern North Carolina watched, cheering on Parker Byrd through 22 surgeries over 45 days. He survived, but Parker lost his right leg.

Our community not only cheered for Parker, but we have joined his family in praying for him, and yes, the Lord answers prayers.

Madam Speaker, on February 16, another news flash: Parker Byrd, No. 16, returned to the baseball field. As he stood in the batter's box at the season opener, he became the first-ever Division 1 baseball player to play with a prosthetic leg.

Parker is a testament to the resilience of eastern North Carolina and the miracles of God.

America loves Parker. We are cheering for him, Coach Cliff Goodwin, and the entire Pirate baseball team.

Mr. Speaker, as a result of intense fighting on the front line, a Ukrainian soldier's leg was blown off. However, he lived to share his story with me. He now uses a prosthetic leg to stand.

February 24 marked 2 years that Ukraine has successfully resisted Russia's unprovoked invasion.

During my recent visit to war-torn Ukraine, I witnessed the undeniable resilience of its people. While Ukrainian soldiers have given so much, including life and limbs, much like this soldier, we must not ignore their urgent plea for assistance to finish the fight.

Democracies around the world look to us, and the eyes of the world are on

us, including Putin's. Ukrainians are fighting tirelessly on the front lines, not just for their nation, but for democracy.

Mr. Speaker, in the face of these threats, the time to act is now.

Mr. Speaker, listening to constituents is the most important thing we can do.

On a recent visit to Warren County, North Carolina, constituents discussed the essential role of agriculture and education. Congresswoman Eva Clayton emphasized the vital link between agriculture and STEM funding. Afterwards, we visited the Green Blue Marketplace, which is now using hydroponics.

We must inspire the next generation to engage in agriculture. We must also showcase farming as a viable career, demonstrating its potential for a good living, family support, and community benefits.

Mr. Speaker, with a heavy heart, I rise to honor the memory of Dr. Dolly Patel Skeete, who left this world way too early, on January 29, 2024, at the age of 49.

Dolly's journey, from an injured leg at 11 to becoming an all- American runner at the United States Air Force Academy in the class of 1996, truly embodies the essence of the American Dream.

As an orthopedic surgeon, wife, and mother of three, Dolly shattered stereotypes, radiating positivity. From running cross-country to deploying to Afghanistan, she illuminated the lives of those around her.

Dolly leaves a legacy challenging us to live life fearlessly, uplift others, and relentlessly pursue our dreams. May her story inspire generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, eastern North Carolina's resilience and potential have drawn national leaders' attention.

Recently, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. We are grateful for her presence and the announcement of $1.4 million for the Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk renovation.

This investment reflects our collective efforts toward a vibrant future for eastern North Carolina. Let's continue working together to ensure the voices and needs of Tyrrell County and the East are heard and addressed nationally.

Madam Speaker, community colleges are the lifeline for eastern North Carolina, rural America, and beyond.

North Carolina's First Congressional District is the home to 11 community colleges that are committed to building a stronger future for families across the East.

Recently, I was glad to speak with Pitt Community College President Dr. Lawrence Rouse at a legislative breakfast in D.C., Edgecombe Community College President Dr. Greg McLeod here in D.C., Halifax Community College President Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott on her campus, and College of Albemarle President Dr. Jack Bagwell in my D.C. office.

I met with these dynamic presidents, members of the board of trustees, faculty, and students to learn more about how they are working to address industry's needs. We must invest in our community colleges to economically empower rural communities across America.

Madam Speaker, I am also glad to share a special congratulations for Dr. Rouse on his dedicated service and retirement.

Madam Speaker, listening to constituents is the most important thing we can do, and they are telling me back home about the burden of high costs.

One constituent shared: ``I have to continue working even after retirement. My husband cannot afford to retire due to rising costs. I also have to assist my mom with her bills, which puts further strain on our finances.''

Too many find it challenging to make ends meet while caring for an elderly parent.

Another constituent shared: ``My income doesn't cover common life. I can't afford decent housing, meats at the grocery store, or basic life necessities. It is harder now.''

Madam Speaker, Congress must take every possible measure to ensure that residents of eastern North Carolina, rural America, and those across America do not feel the financial strain in their pocketbooks and wallets.

Mr. Speaker, there is no greater way to learn how to help those who have fought for our country than to talk to a veteran and those who fight for them every day.

I was glad to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our veterans and their families in eastern North Carolina at a Veteran Service Officers roundtable. Participants shared the barriers for veterans who live in rural communities and their legislative priorities.

Consequently, I signed onto H.R. 196, the Expediting Temporary Ratings for Veterans Act, and H.R. 522, the Deliver for Veterans Act.

Our VSOs are vital in assisting veterans with claims, identifying State benefits, and facilitating their transition from Active Duty. VSOs are heroes.

Mr. Speaker, as the President is heading to North Carolina to talk about jobs, there is contemplation of finalizing a rule to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

I want to make clear: I came to Congress to be a champion for jobs, not get rid of them. If finalized, this rule would rip jobs away from eastern North Carolina and our State. We must be concerned about health and economic wellness. It is about the 27,000 jobs in North Carolina that hang in the balance.

Menthol cigarettes support over 6,000 jobs, with 2,000 in manufacturing alone. These jobs aren't just numbers; they represent people, families, homes, and the American Dream. It is about how we put food on the table and send our kids to school.

Wiping out these jobs is unacceptable. I will stay in this fight today, tomorrow, and into the future for eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, holding tightly to her stuffed animal as long as she could, Hila, an innocent 13-year-old young Israeli girl, was taken hostage and endured a horrible experience in Hamas captivity. As the father of three boys, hearing her story and others was heart-wrenching.

Hila Rotem Shoshani spent 50 days in captivity after being kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Be'eri, along with her mother and friend Emily, who was at a sleepover.

Young Hila saw and experienced things that no child should ever have to. It has been over 100 days, and the families left behind direly want their loved ones home. No family should

have to endure the anguish and separation and the uncertainty that Hila, her mother, and other families have experienced.

Bring them home now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the strikes on the Houthi rebels inside Yemen.

Last night, the U.S. and coalition partners conducted strikes against numerous targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger U.S. and international shipping vessels.

For months, Iranian-backed fighters have attempted to disrupt global commerce and wreak havoc in the Red Sea. These unprovoked attacks not only risk the lives of our servicemembers and innocent civilians; they threaten to disrupt the international economy.

When the circumstances demand it, we must rise to the occasion and act.

As a member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I will always support swift action to defend our national security interests.