Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, after voting on Thursday, May 14, I traveled to Fort Benning, Georgia, to participate in Family Day as my son, Justin, completed U.S. Army basic training. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 174 and YEA on Roll Call No. 175.

Mr. Speaker, dreams are taking flight in Martin County, North Carolina.

The Wright Flight Fly Day rewards sixth graders from across the county for academic success, leadership, and positive choices by giving them an opportunity to see their home community in an airplane from the skies above.

Through a powerful partnership between the local schools, sheriff's office, and airport commission, students are connected to real-world opportunities in aviation, engineering, science, technology, and public service.

We are working to keep the American Dream within reach.

Wright Flight reminds young people across eastern North Carolina that their hopes and dreams are achievable and their future can soar even higher.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the brave law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting our communities.

Dedicated officers put their lives on the line every single day. Their selflessness and determination to keep us safe serve as a powerful reminder of the risk they face in the line of duty.

We remember their names and the legacy they leave behind, and their memories will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

Let us stand united in gratitude ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to celebrate 250 years of our Nation's freedom, let us pause and ask: Who really made our freedom possible?

It was those who made the ultimate sacrifice, stories of courage, bravery, and yet heartache.

Gold Star families carry pain every single day. They never stop grieving, but they never stop loving, either. They are left remembering the birthday that will never be celebrated, a chair that sits empty, a voice they will never hear again.

For years, these families have poured their hearts into advocating for the passage of the Honor and Remember Flag, a powerful symbol that ensures their sacrifice is never forgotten.

I call on the President and Congress to stand with these families. Let us remember freedom is not free.

Mr. Speaker, the lives of Brent Wilson of Nash County and many others just like him were forever changed by exposure to toxins at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Brent grew up on the base as the son of a career marine. At 39, he was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He fought through surgery, radiation, and cutting-edge treatments that extended his life but left him with permanent brain damage.

Even with programs in place, families like Brent's are still forced to navigate a system that too often works against them.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, many are running out of time, confined to a narrow, 2-year filing window, even as the science makes clear these illnesses can take decades to surface.

As many families have served our great country, Congress must now deliver for them.

Mr. Speaker, these incredible young minds from Martin County High School earned top honors at the Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina's First District with their app, Positive Pathways, designed to support mental health through interactive tools that help manage anxiety, depression, and OCD.

Aaron Snyder, Ava Edmonds, and Layla Salem turned an idea into a working app using technology to make a real difference in helping people.

Their success was made possible with the guidance of Libby Grimes, their media coordinator and mentor. I was so glad to welcome them to our Nation's Capital.

Their creativity and dedication highlight the bright future of STEM in eastern North Carolina.

Positive Pathways is an inspiring example of how young innovators can work together to use technology for the greater good.

Mr. Speaker, at the heart of northeastern North Carolina, the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe exemplifies a vibrant heritage and traditions that deserve to be celebrated and recognized, as evident at the 61st Blooming of the Dogwood Powwow.

For years, the Haliwa-Saponi have enriched our communities with their history, resilience, and culture. Yet, they still await the Federal recognition that is rightfully theirs. It is time for us to stand firm and stand with the Haliwa-Saponi, as we have stood with the Lumbee Tribe.

Congress must pass H.R. 2929, the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act. It is time to prioritize their rightful place in history, not only for today but for the next generation.

Madam Speaker, out on the water in eastern North Carolina, workers are putting in long hours and long days, doing honest work to feed their neighbors and keep our coastal economy alive.

Their way of life is under threat. Rising costs are squeezing businesses and families. Unfair competition from imported shrimp is making it harder to get a fair price for a hard day's work.

Concerns about mislabeling on imported seafood only make matters worse. Families think they are buying local seafood, but they are not. It only undermines consumer trust.

Spending time with commercial fishermen and shrimpers in eastern North Carolina made one thing clear: Reducing barriers for our seafood industry and bringing costs down will, indeed, make eastern North Carolina stronger.

Mr. Speaker, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, I have seen firsthand what makes eastern North Carolina strong: our marines, our civilian workers, and our community and their commitment to being mission ready.

As the Air Station of the Year, with a 24/7 airfield operation, Cherry Point isn't just about national defense. It is about jobs, families, and the future of Havelock and our region.

The STARBASE program provides students with hands-on STEM experiences and real opportunities to learn and succeed. I am so proud to support $40 million for the F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center, strengthening our national security.

I thank our marines, their families, the Allies for Cherry Point's Tomorrow, and Mayor Will Lewis for an incredible visit. When we stand with our marines, we are also standing for eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, homes are falling into the ocean along North Carolina's Outer Banks and in communities like Buxton.

Over 30 homes have collapsed since 2020, and coastal erosion is only getting worse.

Nothing truly captures the scale of this devastation other than witnessing it for yourself firsthand.

The Buxton Civic Association and the local community have been speaking up and standing up for coastal and inland communities across eastern North Carolina because doing nothing is not an option.

I urge Congress to pass H.R. 3161, the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act. We must not continue watching livelihoods get washed away now only to pay the higher price of cleanup later.

Mr. Speaker, the energy was extremely high at the annual U.S. Coast Guard marathon with around 2,000 dedicated runners and chair athletes in Elizabeth City. The streets were filled with excitement and determination.

It was an honor to celebrate the vital bond between our U.S. Coast Guard and the Elizabeth City community, recognizing the sacrifices of our Active Duty personnel, resilient civilians, dedicated volunteers, and the incredible Coast Guard Foundation.

Before ringing the bell, we paid special tribute to the selfless service of individuals like Petty Officer Tyler Jaggers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the commandant for ensuring this year's marathon took place. It was so uplifting, and it provided everyone in the community with the boost we all needed and strengthened our sense of unity.

Mr. Speaker, Vance Charter School won its first-ever North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A boys' basketball State championship defeating Thomas Jefferson 79-54.

Senior Gary Wilkins led the victory with the double-double, 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Knights secured the title with an incredible second-half performance.

Hats off to Coach Downey, the Conference Coach of the Year, to his entire coaching staff, the team, fans, and community for making school history.

Mr. Speaker, March indeed has been maddening for eastern North Carolina.

We have had exciting basketball and incredible powerhouse teams who have brought back the State championship title to eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, Kinston High School clinched its 12th 3A State basketball championship with a dominant 80-54 victory over Walkertown.

MVP Jamarion Washington and Keyshawn Herring, who each scored an impressive 21 points, propelled the team to victory.

A heartfelt congratulations to Coach Tyndall and the entire team for their remarkable performance.

Recognizing Goldsboro High School

Mr. Speaker, the Goldsboro High School Cougars won the 3A girls' title with a 54-46 victory over East Surry.

MVP Aziyah Boyer shone brightly with 11 rebounds, carrying on her grandmother's legacy.

Kudos to the team, Coach Bryant, and to all the amazing coaches and the community for this outstanding win.

Congratulating Northern Nash High School

Mr. Speaker, what a super exciting game.

The Northern Nash High School Knights came out on top, claiming the 2026 North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 6A boys' basketball State championship in a heart-pounding overtime thriller.

They edged Kings Mountain with a nail-biting score of 61-60, and we are incredibly proud to congratulate Coach Drake, the Knights, and such dedicated fans, who were there to bring home this honor for the first time since 1968.

Wilson Prep Makes History

Mr. Speaker, Wilson Prep has made history. The talented and dynamic Tiger girls' basketball team won the 1A State championship. It was their first-ever State title, as they beat Robbinsville 58-44.

Congratulations to Coach Ward and the Tigers.

To all of our athletes: Thank you for making eastern North Carolina so proud and representing our communities on and off the court with excellence.

Mr. Speaker, there is no clear end in sight as Democrats and Republicans struggle to find common ground, leaving TSA workers and their families in distress.

Airport delays are rising, and TSA employees are expected to show up for work without pay. Some have called in sick, while others have left their positions entirely.

I commend those who continue to show up to serve communities across our Nation, despite the length of the line they face. Frustration is building among the hardworking people of eastern North Carolina who are rightfully demanding reasonable oversight of law enforcement and to pay our TSA workers.

We must put aside all political differences and prioritize putting people first.

Together, we can keep our Nation safe.

Mr. Speaker, on National Agriculture Day, I proudly recognize our hardworking eastern North Carolina farmers.

The First Congressional District leads in tobacco, America's first major cash crop, and sweet potato production, with farm families playing a central role in shaping our economy, heritage, and growth.

We must also acknowledge the economic hardships they continue to face. With almost 15,000 farms shutting down this past year, trade instability and rising costs are putting the American Dream further out of reach. Keeping farm families at the forefront is essential, as their work sustains our rural communities.

I am committed to advocating on their behalf, helping maintain and expand key export markets, supporting fair trade policies, and ensuring farmers have the resources needed to compete and succeed globally for generations to come.