Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, during the first year of the 118th Congress, my focus was clear: ensuring the people of eastern North

Carolina were seen and heard in Washington, D.C., and not forgotten.

It was essential to champion healthcare, and I am glad North Carolina expanded Medicaid, securing over 3,000 jobs, making healthcare accessible for 95,000 residents, and saving rural hospitals in eastern North Carolina.

I voted to support our community health centers and twice to keep the government open, realizing the devastating impact a shutdown would have on eastern North Carolinians.

I am proud to say our office resolved over 970 constituent cases. We held over 1,000 meetings, returned over $3 million to families, distributed over $260 million in grants, and submitted more than $16 million in community project funding. I crisscrossed our district and visited all 19 counties multiple times hearing from constituents.

We are working to create a brighter future in eastern North Carolina by empowering young leaders, and that is why I visited schools in all 19 counties to talk to students as a part of our Live the Dream Down East Tour.

We honored Sarah Keys Evans, an American hero, highlighted the aviation sciences program at Elizabeth City State University, and Lady Pirate Marissa, the first live female pirate mascot at East Carolina University.

We stood staunchly with our farmers, servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

Mr. Speaker, we must secure the border, so it was essential to travel to the southern border and speak with Border Patrol agents within my first 4 months of office to hear from those on the ground about their challenges.

I made it clear that we must always stand with our ally, Israel, in their fight against Hamas terrorists and keep our F-15 Strike Eagles at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

I have proudly sponsored 17 bills, 12 bipartisan, and cosponsored over 350 bipartisan pieces of legislation.

As we now forge ahead in 2024, I will continue to provide hope and keep the American Dream within reach for Eastern North Carolinians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to shed light on a pressing issue weighing heavily on residents of eastern North Carolina: the burden of high costs.

One constituent shared: ``On a retired educator's budget and as a part-time employee, it is impossible to keep up with rising costs. I can't win for losing. I find myself borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.''

Many are finding it extremely difficult to put food on the table. Another constituent shared: ``Groceries are extremely expensive. We are just a family of two and have to budget so much of our paychecks for groceries.''

In North Carolina, approximately 10 percent of the population is battling food insecurity. The need for good-paying jobs in eastern North Carolina is more critical now than ever.

I strongly encourage Congress to prioritize the Southeastern Crescent Economic Empowerment Act and broader access to healthy, safe, and affordable foods.

Mr. Speaker, my second trip to the southern border as a Member of Congress was to Eagle Pass, hosted by the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Tony Gonzalez.

While there, we met with local border community elected officials who expressed how an influx of migrant crossings overwhelmed their communities. We toured the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, where I saw firsthand field operations and the economic impact of the international rail bridge closure: a daily revenue loss of about $50 million.

Del Rio Sector statistics reveal over 90,000 encounters, 39,000 known got-aways, 250 criminal arrests, and 30 migrants on the terror watch list.

There is only one way to address this evolving situation: bipartisanship.

Our southern border situation is not a Democratic or a Republican issue, but an American issue. We must find common ground for Eastern North Carolinians and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I met with families of Israeli hostages because it was important to hear their stories. While listening, there was deep pain and even moments of tears. These families continue carrying burdens no one should have to bear.

It has been over 2 months. These families are missing their loved ones and expressed a strong desire that we continue prioritizing their return. There are significant concerns about the rapidly deteriorating conditions of those who are still held captive. While life seems to continue for so many right now, empty seats remain at their tables.

Personally, I take this moment to thank those working around the clock for their safe return. Your tireless work provides unwavering hope.

The resilience of the families is a testament to the human spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Steve Tripp for his 30 years of service to the residents of the town of Ayden, North Carolina, including the past 20 years as mayor.

Mayor Tripp has been instrumental in addressing critical housing needs and growth while reducing the town's utility rates. He is also known for his faith.

Mayor Tripp's dedication has set up the town of Ayden for decades and decades of success, and we are so grateful for him and his many contributions to eastern North Carolina.

I extend my most profound blessings to him and his wife, Susan.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with the Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Following the British departure in 1948, the unification of these kingdoms under a Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lanka led to the marginalization of the Tamil people.

This process disregarded the Tamils' right to self-determination. State-sponsored discrimination and violence against Tamils sparked a tragic 30-year ethnic conflict, resulting in the 2009 Tamil genocide.

Despite the United Nations Human Rights Council's efforts for accountability, Sri Lanka, with China's support, withdrew in 2020, further blocking justice for the Tamil community.

The recent arrest of Tamils for participating in peaceful events under the Prevention of Terrorism Act are deeply troubling.

Therefore, I call upon my colleagues in Congress to recognize and address the ongoing oppression of the Tamil people. We must support a permanent solution that ensures stability and peace in this vital part of the Indo-Pacific. We must honor our commitment to human rights, and we must honor democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the retirement of an incredible human being and leader, Fred Yates, who served as the mayor of Winfall, North Carolina, for more than 30 years.

He was the first African American to hold this position. His leadership brought transformative projects, including a new town hall, a sewer system, and public safety for the town residents.

I congratulate Mayor Yates on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his commitment to making eastern North Carolina better. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Ms. Sarah Keys Evans. Her courage left an unforgettable mark on our Nation's history.

On August 1, 1952, 3 years before Rosa Parks, Ms. Keys, who was a private in the Women's Army Corps, refused to give up her seat on a bus in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, leading to the landmark case of Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company.

Her stand against discrimination helped ignite the civil rights movement.

This past November, at the age of 94, Ms. Sarah Keys Evans passed, leaving us reflecting on her enduring impact on humanity.

Let us honor Ms. Sarah Keys Evans by continuously striving for a nation where opportunity for all flourishes.

Mr. Speaker, there she is: Miss Eastern

North Carolina Teen, Ms. Alyson Sharp.

Alyson's platform promotes agriculture and, more specifically, the advancement of women in agriculture--girls farm, too.

Her love for agriculture has been inspired by one of eastern North Carolina's legendary farmers, Pender Sharp of Sharp Farms in Wilson, North Carolina. Pender is Alyson's grandfather. She refers to him as her ``Big.''

As Miss Eastern North Carolina Teen, Alyson remains dedicated to community service. She collected and donated food for a food drive to ensure homeless individuals had a good Thanksgiving Day meal.

Currently, she is working with the Wilson Police Department to make Christmas special and to fulfill the wishes of kids across the city. During her pastime, she enjoys hunting and fishing.

Miss Eastern North Carolina Teen is a crown most special to me as Alyson brings hope for a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, to help bring families closure, Honor and Remember, Incorporated, strives to provide personalized flags to surviving loved ones.

North Carolina's chapter of Honor and Remember recently paid special tribute to the families of Captain Jeb Franklin Seagle, Corporal Loren Melton, Specialist Jose Melendez, Jr., and Specialist Austin Monk. These names are of brave souls who loved our country.

The presentation of the Honor and Remember flag represents the profound sacrifices made by those killed while serving our country and the enduring pain their families bear.

That is why I introduced the bipartisan H.R. 4109, the Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act of 2023, legislation already adopted in 27 States, demonstrating deep appreciation for our servicemembers who have died in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, a call for the passage of H.R. 4109. Let us honor and remember.

Mr. Speaker, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is getting it done for the American people.

As a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and member of the House Committee on Armed Services, I toured the base recently to better understand its challenges, including the possibility of losing F-15E Strike Eagles without any replacement. That is why I led a bipartisan letter encouraging House Members not to strike the Strike Eagle provision from the NDAA.

During my visit, I saw a deteriorating child development center, and this is unacceptable. While at the facility, a 4-year-old came up to the window and waved, smiling, which touched my heart.

Mr. Speaker, we must advance military construction projects like this and join in the work of the bipartisan Quality of Life panel, because this 4-year-old, her friends, and her family deserve nothing less. This is the best way that we can wave back to the children of our military families.

Madam Speaker, I am glad to join the residents back home in honoring the service of Milton ``Russ'' Bullock.

Milton Bullock, born in Princeville, North Carolina, is widely known for his tenor voice as a singer in the legendary group The Platters, with Billboard hits like ``(You've Got) The Magic Touch'' and ``Only You.''

While he has captivated many worldwide, it is his impact in his hometown that I wish to applaud.

After touring with The Platters, Milton Bullock returned to eastern North Carolina, where he ran for office and has been a dedicated community leader. As a commissioner on the Princeville Town Council, he has served as a role model for youth, helped with disaster assistance, and preserved the rich history of Princeville, which is the first African-American settlement in the Nation.

Milton Bullock has been on many stages. However, we are glad he didn't forget home.

Milton, ``Only You.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the grand opening and dedication of the youth center at the First Baptist Church of Weldon, North Carolina.

Faced with determining the best use of the church's parsonage, Pastor T.J. Walker and church leaders, who could have done many things with it, decided to renovate the parsonage and turn it into a youth center. The youth center includes game, pool, reading, and study rooms.

The First Baptist Church of Weldon realizes that children in small rural communities need opportunities. The youth center will be a safe haven for young minds, a place for them to flourish and to prepare them to live the American Dream.

Indeed, the First Baptist Church of Weldon has demonstrated through their actions that we must train up children the way they should go so they don't depart.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman and our co-chairs for leading this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of eastern North Carolina to address my highest legislative priority: improving access to healthcare in rural America.

In honor of National Rural Health month, I join my colleagues here to speak about how we can fund commonsense bipartisan solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our healthcare system.

Since taking office in January, healthcare has been my number one legislative priority, having led, co-led, or cosponsored more than 60 bills in this space.

As we are here today, the people of eastern North Carolina are hurting, and at the root of this pain is the lack of access to healthcare.

To tackle these health disparities, I joined two colleagues in restarting the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus to demonstrate the overwhelming public support for basic access to healthcare.

After more than a decade of waiting, or in some cases dying, over 95,000 eastern North Carolinians will gain access to lifesaving healthcare starting this Friday, December 1.

As co-chair of the State Medicare Expansion Caucus, I will continue leading the charge in Congress to expand Medicaid across the country.

Beyond Medicaid expansion, I have championed the cause of rural hospitals. In the past decade, four rural hospitals in eastern North Carolina stopped operations, creating significant barriers to lifesaving medical care.

Martin General is the most recent example of suspending operations in the East.

While we have limited tools at our disposal, especially in communities where the payer mix skews toward Medicare and Medicaid, the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Authority is a critical part of the solution.

As eastern North Carolinians grapple with limited access to care, the opioid epidemic continues to plague the region.

To combat this crisis, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Congressman John Rutherford to stem the flow of counterfeit substances, including fentanyl, that have flooded the drug market.

H.R. 4988, the Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals Act, will come down hard on counterfeit controlled substances by requiring on- dose identifiers to guarantee the legitimacy of pharmaceuticals. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and put a dent in the fentanyl crisis.

While eastern North Carolinians and Americans across the country suffer from opioid addiction, patients recovering from injuries face their own barriers to treatment.

To ensure our most vulnerable patients get the care they require and deserve, I will soon introduce legislation to cut red tape for physical and occupational therapists, streamlining the delivery of care for patients recovering from debilitating injuries.

If passed, the legislation would ease the burdensome plan of care requirements that currently prevent payment for physical therapy services until the therapy provider receives a physician-signed plan of care within 30 days of a first evaluation. No patient should ever have to wait unnecessarily for vital healthcare services, including outpatient services.

As a member of the Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus, you can count on me to champion the causes of patients, healthcare workers, and providers alike.

We all have a responsibility in the greatest Nation on Earth to deliver a standard of healthcare befitting this greatness.

Madam Speaker, imagine at the age of 3 being taking out of the arms of your dying father by terrorists, and having a birthday, turning 4 years old as a hostage.

Indeed, this was the case for Abigail Edan, who was taken at the hands of Hamas terrorists.

The story doesn't stop here. Not only did they kill her father, but they also killed her mother.

Abigail, I remind you, Madam Speaker, is an American citizen. Her young life has been forever scarred by this unspeakable tragedy.

At the calls for the release of hostages, Abigail's return brings us relief, but also highlights the urgent need for Hamas terrorists to free all citizens still held captive immediately. As Abigail returns to her brother and sister, it is time for all hostages to embrace their loved ones.