Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, my former colleagues in the North Carolina General Assembly reached an agreement to pass a new State budget with the expansion of Medicaid.

More than a decade after the Affordable Care Act became law, 95,000 eastern North Carolinians trapped in the Medicaid coverage gap have been waiting or, in some cases, dying without access to lifesaving healthcare.

Since entering Congress, healthcare has been my top legislative priority, having led, co-led, or cosponsored more than 50 bipartisan pieces of legislation. My very first acts in Congress included introducing a resolution to affirm support for Medicaid expansion and restarting the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus.

To the people of eastern North Carolina, know that I stand ready to fulfill my commitment to Medicaid expansion by working closely with officials to see this through and tackle the unacceptable healthcare disparities in our community.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak on behalf of the many residents of eastern North Carolina who have expressed their deep concerns to me about a government shutdown.

I have listened, and many are tired of the division and chaos. Families across eastern North Carolina and America deserve better than uncertainty and anxiety. Let us work together to prevent a government shutdown.

To the people of North Carolina's First Congressional District, know that I remain committed to doing everything to avoid a shutdown.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an extraordinary individual whose legacy has left an unforgettable mark on eastern North Carolina and the Nation--Dr. Nicholas F. Roberts, Sr.

Recently, we unveiled a historical marker, a testament to the remarkable life of Dr. Roberts, a man of significant influence. Dr. Roberts, a Shaw University alumnus, pastor, editor, and public servant, hailed from the town of Seaboard in Northampton County, North Carolina.

His dedication to education, faith, and community service set a standard that still inspires us today. I am glad to add that Dr. Roberts is also the great-grandfather of my esteemed colleague, the gentleman from Virginia, Representative Bobby Scott.

As we commemorate Dr. Roberts, let us reflect on the tremendous impact one individual can have on the community and a nation. His contributions are a guiding light, reminding us that our community is only as strong as its people and our future is shaped by those who came before us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give a big shout- out to some truly exceptional workers, among many, who are the heartbeat of our community: the United States postal workers, firefighters, and TSA workers.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. postal workers who ensure packages get delivered even in some of our most rural communities. Indeed, our U.S. postal workers deserve protection.

I also visited with firefighters in Greenville and TSA agents at the Pitt-Greenville Airport who are doing incredible work, and that is why we must ensure pay equity.

I extend my deepest gratitude for the exceptional service and the work that is getting done each day for the American people. Let us never forget our essential workers who strengthen the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I have spoken to farmers in my district and I have heard from many across the country. No matter where I go or who I speak with, there is a common topic on everyone's mind and that is labor.

The changes coming down from the Department of Labor are causing a scramble, and many are left scratching their heads, trying to figure out what is going on and, above all, if they can afford to continue operating their farms.

Mr. Speaker, it would be great to hear from someone, anyone, to share their thoughts, to share the rationale and to explain the timing.

It is unacceptable for individuals with contracts to feel at their wit's end. It is unacceptable for individuals with contracts to believe they are being pushed to the brink and to hear nothing.

Many believe wage enforcement officers may target them if they ask too many questions, ask what is going on, or speak up.

Mr. Speaker, this must be addressed. All people are asking for is information. They want transparency. They want to know what is going on. They want respect.

Mr. Speaker, we are putting our money where our mouth is. The dedicated team at Franklin-Vance-Warren Opportunity, Incorporated is shaping our future by ensuring young people in northeastern North Carolina are getting off to a good start.

At the Henderson Head Start Center, I attended Ms. Kearney's class and read the first book to first-time students on the first day of school. The book was ``First Day Jitters.'' However, there were no jitters in her classroom.

Federal investments such as Head Start and Early Head Start make a huge difference. We are preparing young minds for a brighter future, to live the American Dream.

Many thanks to Abdul Sm Rasheed, the executive director; Naima Mosley, the Head Start director; Ms. Kearney; and all early childhood educators for their unwavering commitment. I also thank Sheriff Curtis Brame for letting the kids hold his badge and letting them know that they can do anything by putting their minds to it.

Ms. Mosley, indeed, Head Start rocks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a visionary, dynamic, and God-fearing Pastor who has served Halifax County, North Carolina, for 50 years.

Since 1973, when he was licensed to preach, Rev. Dr. Charles Edward McCollum has immersed himself in teaching and preaching the powerful word of God to countless individuals.

For nearly 50 years, Rev. Dr. McCollum has been the Senior Pastor of Oak Grove PromiseLand Ministries in Littleton and Piney Grove Baptist Church in Halifax. During his pastorate, these churches have grown spiritually and numerically.

Beyond church leadership, Rev. Dr. McCollum's impact on the greater community has been significant. He served as Executive Director of the Halifax County Black Caucus. Under his guidance, the Caucus achieved substantial milestones in education and civic engagement.

In addition, his dedication to education has been exemplary, evidenced by his unselfish service on the Halifax County Board of Education, 2 earned doctorate degrees, and the establishment in 1991 of Eastern Carolina Christian College in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Rev. Dr. McCollum's decades of service in adult corrections. He made a lasting difference as an educator in the Virginia Department of Corrections, helping inmates improve their literacy skills and prepare for re-entry into society. While serving as a transition specialist for the Department, he wrote many project plans that are now part of the correctional program, notably the Straight Project.

In 1984, Rev. Dr. McCollum's advocacy led to changes in employment practices at courthouse offices in Halifax County, where the offices employed a more diverse workforce. That same year, he and 18 other plaintiffs prevailed in a lawsuit that changed the method of electing county commissioners from an at-large voting system to a district system, thus enabling African Americans to elect commissioners of their choice.

In 2016, Rev. Dr. McCollum led the effort to get the supplemental tax on the ballot in Halifax County, which later passed, and the revenue reinvested into the community. The additional funding from it bridged the gap between state funding and what was needed for the Halifax County Schools to operate efficiently. Some outcomes included hiring teachers and support staff and purchasing new curriculum materials, activity buses, athletic uniforms and supplies, playground equipment, and technology upgrades. His advocacy also led to the recognition of Sarah Keys Evans as a civil rights trailblazer and the creation of the Sarah Keys Evans Plaza in Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Rev. Dr. McCollum has aired a weekly radio show called Real Talk on WMCY in Roanoke Rapids. The show exposed police brutality, the drug epidemic, environmental justice, and the existence of coal ash in Halifax County.

Rev. Dr. Charles Edward McCollum's life has been 1 of selflessness, leadership, and profound impact. I join the chorus of others in celebrating him for his outstanding contributions to the citizens of Halifax County, the First Congressional District of North Carolina, and the Nation. I eagerly anticipate his continued positive influence in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, on National Intern Day, I rise to shine a spotlight on North Carolina's First Congressional District's amazing interns.

First, let's give a big shout-out to Andrea Knight who holds down the fort in Greenville, North Carolina, at our district office.

Here at our Nation's Capital we have Cierra Gilliam, Alice Chatterjee, and Saahil Rao. These dynamic interns and their hard work have tremendously impacted our legislative efforts, and I thank them. Our future is in good hands.

Recognizing Joyce Hamlett, Keeper of the Mace, on Her Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I also rise to recognize Joyce Hamlett, keeper of the mace. She grew up in the tobacco fields of North Carolina to become the bearer of the historic House mace.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Joyce for being fair and getting on me just like she got on everyone else. She has fulfilled her duties, and she hasn't dropped the mace.

Congratulations on her retirement, and I look forward to seeing her in North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, last week, a tornado ripped through Rocky Mount, North Carolina, severely damaging one of Pfizer's key facilities. We are grateful there were no fatalities, and we thank God for the first responders who ensured our community's safety.

Even during times of adversity, Pfizer's CEO, Dr. Albert Bourla, made an extraordinary commitment to continue operations in Rocky Mount, the heart of North Carolina's First Congressional District, guaranteeing job security for the employees at this site and contributing to our local economy.

The decision to stay and invest in Rocky Mount preserves the livelihoods of thousands of employees and sends a powerful message.

As the recovery process continues, I genuinely appreciate the vital role Pfizer plays not only in the Rocky Mount community but across the East, America, and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I say to the businesses and residents affected by this natural disaster, please know I will stand with you.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the passage of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This achievement is the result of bipartisan efforts representing a significant step forward in transforming our Nation's aviation industry while addressing the issues and delays that flyers have faced over the last year.

I am particularly delighted by provisions in the bill which specifically focus on upgrading airport infrastructure and addressing workforce shortages in the aviation sector.

With increased funding for airport infrastructure upgrades, we are supporting nonhub airports like Pitt-Greenville Airport, enabling them to modernize their facilities. Additionally, large airports will expand capacity, enhancing safety measures and fostering economic growth.

I am committed to ensuring the effective implementation of these policies as we continue to advocate for measures that promote safety, economic viability, and a bright future for aviation in eastern North Carolina and beyond.

Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 4637.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 331, the motion on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 597; and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 332, H. Res. 597--rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3941 (Schools Not Shelters Act) and H.R. 3935 (Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act).

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes today due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 333, H.J. Res. 68--Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on October 27, 2006, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 334, H.J. Res. 70--Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 25, 2011, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 335, H.J. Res. 74--Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 16, 2012, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 336, H.J. Res. 71--Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 22, 2003, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 337, H.J. Res. 79--Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 11, 2004, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 338, H. Con. Res. 57--Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I missed votes due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 329, S. 111--Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 330, H.R. 813--Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to spotlight James Bond, a native of Halifax County and the first African American from the North Carolina Army National Guard Aviation Branch to become a lieutenant colonel.

Lieutenant Colonel Bond has held many assignments in aviation, including two company commands, and was selected as the battalion commander of the 130th Attack Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Bond is a graduate of Halifax County Community College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was commissioned through the Reserves Officers Training Corps and Branched Aviation.

He understands the next generation of eastern North Carolinians must get involved to achieve the American Dream, particularly through public service.

Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Bond's service to our country and dedication to the next generation does not go unnoticed. We salute him for his continued loyalty and commitment to the American people.