Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of my former colleague and State representative Edith Warren, who passed away this past weekend at the age of 86.

Miss Edith's journey from a tobacco farm in Edgecombe County led to a remarkable life of achievements and service. She shattered glass ceilings. Miss Edith became the first woman to serve as a full-time principal in the Pitt County school system, the first woman elected as a Pitt County Commissioner, and the first woman to represent North Carolina House District 8.

I had the privilege of working alongside Miss Edith and enjoyed every bit of it, including her delicious cakes.

It was her 14-year tenure in the North Carolina House of Representatives that further solidified her legacy. She was a champion for eastern North Carolina education, and our beloved East Carolina University.

Miss Edith's legacy will live on through her extraordinary contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to her family.

Mr. Speaker, the Agriculture Labor Working Group has conducted numerous sessions where we engaged with producers, workers, and stakeholders, all to understand the challenges they face within the H-2A program.

As a co-chair of the working group, we released an interim report this past week summarizing the various insights from these sessions. The witnesses we met with provided recommendations on how they believe the program can work better to ensure our growers can continue to feed and clothe the American people and beyond.

I look forward to continuing to work with Co-Chair Crawford and the other dedicated members of the working group to craft a final report that offers bipartisan solutions to address the issues faced by our agriculture community and ensure a stronger and more resilient future for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address a significant issue that would affect the hardworking families and farmers of North Carolina--the FDA's proposed rule to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

Having grown up cropping tobacco to help my family make ends meet, I know firsthand how this industry impacts eastern North Carolina, rural America, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, we must be mindful that this well-intended ban could have an unintended consequence. It might increase the availability of illegal tobacco products and, more concerning, jeopardize the livelihoods of families and farmers by eliminating at least 6,000 menthol cigarette industry jobs in North Carolina. We must always protect our communities and their well-being.

To be clear, we need jobs. That is why I sent a bipartisan letter to the President with my North Carolina colleague, Representative David Rouzer, and asked this administration to thoroughly consider the economic implications of this proposed ban before taking decisive action.

Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to introduce to the American people Lady Pirate Marissa, Pirate Nation's latest sensation.

She is not just any pirate, mind you, Madam Speaker, she is the first female live pirate mascot at East Carolina University.

Pirate Marissa's presence has helped to enhance the game day experience by helping to pump up the crowd and keeping everyone excited. I believe Pirate Marissa will provide Pirate Steve with all our university needs to win every sword fight.

Pirate Marissa not only makes her daughters, Rachel, Raelyn, and Ryliegh proud; she makes us all proud.

A big shout-out to East Carolina University marketing department. I am

grateful they have kept the passion and excitement alive in Pirate Nation and honoring the rich legacy of our official mascot, PeeDee the Pirate.

People love pirates. No quarter. Go Pirates.

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Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for Veterans Day and as it is Military Family Appreciation Month, I wish to highlight work taking place at East Carolina University.

ECU has unveiled a new Military and Veterans Resource Center, a beacon of support for our active military, veterans, and their families, those who have served our Nation with unwavering dedication.

This resource center is more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies our commitment to honor and assist those who have sacrificed so much for our Nation.

The resource center offers many amenities, including study and wellness rooms, academic workshops, and peer advising.

The East Carolina University Military and Veterans Resource Center will help our servicemembers, veterans, and their families create a brighter future in eastern North Carolina.

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

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 15 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the town of Bethel in Pitt County, North Carolina, on its remarkable 150th anniversary.

This past weekend, Mayor Carl and Mrs. Wilson, board members and staff, former Mayor and State Representative Gloristine Brown, Pitt County Board of Commissioners Chair Mary Perkins-Williams, Sheriff Paula Dance, town residents, and others far and near joined to commemorate the significant milestone.

Bethel is not just a town. It is a place of cherished experiences, stories, and enriched traditions that have enhanced countless lives. Indeed, Bethel offers old-time charm and exceptional family-friendly amenities.

Madam Speaker, I wish the town residents many more years filled with joy, unity, and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina, hosted Military Appreciation Day this past weekend.

The Bulldogs brought the community together to honor our veterans and for a good, hard-hitting football game.

We celebrated a true American hero, Brigadier General Norman ``Snap'' Gaddis. General Gaddis is a World War II fighter pilot who turned 100 years old this past September. He flew 72 combat missions before being listed missing in action, a prisoner of war held by the North Vietnamese for nearly 6 years and holds a Purple Heart.

The Bulldogs also recognized marine veteran and State representative Ken Fontenot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Barton president Doug Searcy, first lady Beth Searcy, the board chair Eric Sellers, and the entire Bulldog family for honoring our veterans and their families.

Mr. Speaker, this week, we salute the brave men and women who have served our Nation not only in uniform but also as small business owners.

As we celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week, let's shine a light on a northeastern North Carolina business.

In Roanoke Rapids, the barbershop Super Cut 2 embodies the spirit of precision and camaraderie.

Owned by Ronald Barnes, a disabled veteran who dedicated 7 years to the United States Army, his small business symbolizes an unwavering commitment to service. Barbers uplift the community, making people feel and look good.

Mr. Speaker, let us remember the veteran-owned small businesses like Super Cut 2. They represent the spirit of service and resilience, and these are great contributors to communities across the Nation.

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

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 8 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I honor a remarkable leader, trailblazer, and advocate for the beloved Town of Williamston. It is my distinct privilege to stand before you and pay tribute to a woman whose dedication and unwavering commitment to our community have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history books. Today, I celebrate Mayor Joyce Whichard-Brown, the first African American and first female mayor of Williamston.

Mayor Whichard-Brown's leadership journey began in Williamston, where she was born and graduated from EJ Hayes High School. She then moved to Virginia and worked in the U.S. Patent Office and various private law practices. In 2005, she returned to her hometown, Williamston, North Carolina, and has served as mayor since 2015.

Her accomplishments extend far beyond Williamston. She served on the North Carolina League of Municipalities Board of Directors. She has also taken on the role of vice chair of the Highway 17/64 Commission and initiated the quarterly mayor's meetings, fostering regional partnerships and cooperation. Under her guidance, the Town has seen significant improvements, such as the major upgrade to a fire department building and the transformation of the Stalls Building into a state-of-the-art police department facility. Mayor Whichard-Brown secured approval for the renovation of Gaylord Perry Park, making it more accessible and enjoyable for citizens.

Her tireless efforts also led to a substantial HUD grant of $750,000, dedicated to housing revitalization and downtown renovation. Moreover, she was pivotal in securing over $1 million in grants to complete the Roanoke River Boardwalk.

New businesses have thrived under her leadership, raising property tax-assessed values and breathing new life into the Town. Mayor Whichard-Brown has shown unshakable resolve, a willingness to stand her ground, and a remarkable ability to maintain her sense of humor. She led with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

Retiring from the Town, she can spend more time with her two children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Let's not forget Mayor Whichard-Brown's lesser-known talent, her incredible singing voice, which she generously shares at an annual stampede.

I thank her for her service and look forward to the continued positive impacts in the town.

Mr. Speaker, I am so glad we have reopened the House.

There is much work ahead of us. We are just days away from a government shutdown that could disrupt the essential services that our children, veterans, military families, and seniors rely on.

The American people are counting on us to deliver a bipartisan farm bill that uplifts farmers, producers, and communities across our Nation.

We must also address security at our southern border and our more than $33 trillion national debt. Above all, we must remain committed to the safety and security of the American people.

Our ally, Israel, is engaged in a war against Hamas fighters. Meanwhile, we must stop Putin in his tracks. There is also Iran and China. A threat to democracy anywhere in the world is a threat to democracy here in the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution, which expresses unwavering support for Israel.

This past August, I traveled to Israel. I find it absolutely heart- wrenching as I think of the very place that I visited just days later was attacked by Hamas at the Kfar Aza kibbutz where 58 people in the community were massacred and 17 kidnapped. It is just awful to think of babies being killed, people being slaughtered and gunned down in cold blood. At least 33 Americans have lost their lives. Others are missing.

Let's be clear: A nation must respond, and, yes, we must respond. Let us continue to extend our unwavering support to Israel and ensure that the people of Israel have everything necessary to defend themselves and dismantle these egregious Hamas fighters.

Mr. Speaker, today is the day lifesaving Medicaid expansion takes effect as the State budget of North Carolina becomes law.

After more than a decade of waiting, in some cases, dying, without access to lifesaving healthcare, nearly 95,000 eastern North Carolinians trapped in the Medicaid coverage gap now have a lifeline.

Medicaid expansion will be formally launched in North Carolina on December 1, 2023. As co-chair of the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus, I want to emphasize my unwavering commitment to this cause. I pledge to work closely with my former colleagues in the State legislature to ensure Medicaid expansion is implemented effectively and we address the unacceptable health disparities that have persisted in the East for far too long. Let us stand together and make the delivery of healthcare a reality.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to highlight East Carolina University ROTC Detachment 600's 75th anniversary.

As a former commandant of cadets at this remarkable detachment, it was a privilege to participate in this celebration to see former cadets who are successful with their careers.

During the celebration, a true American hero, our most decorated graduate, retired General Gary North, shared a message that resonated deeply with everyone.

He reminded us that our Air Force stands as the finest in the world today because of the unwavering service of those who came before us and the dedication of those who serve today. His charge to us was simple, but profound: Always remember your oath. This oath is our commitment to protecting our Constitution, our values, our great Nation, and our way of life. May God bless our Air Force and Detachment 600. Go Pirates. May God bless America.