Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, take me out to the ball game. Greene County residents gathered at the James R. Fulghum Athletic Complex Baseball Field, a place dear to us and forever linked to legendary Hall of Fame Coach James ``Rabbit'' Fulghum, to honor his remarkable life.

He earned the nickname ``Rabbit'' for his incredible speed on and off the field. As the baseball coach of Greene Central High School, he led the team to five State championships, served as AD for 38 years, and founded our American Legion team.

I will always cherish the memory of our 2024 State championship, standing by the coach, with the players waving him onto the field. He joined them in a moment of pure joy.

It was deeply moving to see his family, former players, including ECU Coach Godwin, and the community at his funeral service held at this very baseball field, a place that has witnessed so many inspiring athletes and life lessons.

As a community servant and man of faith, he rested at home plate. He scored his final run. The crowd sang ``Take Me Out to the Ball Game.''

Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Janette, and his family.

Mr. Speaker, founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University celebrated its 135th anniversary.

As the community gathered to celebrate a convocation, Chancellor Hargrove announced MacKenzie Scott's generous $42 million contribution to the university, the largest dollar per student enrolled gift of any HBCU of her recent gifts.

Our HBCUs are game changers. They are transforming regions and lives in northeastern North Carolina.

We are reclaiming our future and keeping the American Dream within reach.

Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful that MacKenzie Scott sees the value of educational institutions like Elizabeth City State University. Viking pride, Viking pride, Viking pride.

Mr. Speaker, for those who may not follow my work closely, they may ask: What have you done for eastern North Carolina?

The answer is straightforward. Because of my work in Congress and, most importantly, my vote on key appropriations bills, I have secured 15 projects, totaling nearly $54 million.

Traveling across the region and meeting and connecting with local leaders and community members, I have seen firsthand that Federal investments are delivering real results.

In rural communities where resources are already stretched thin, investments such as a new fire truck in Williamston, a sewer infrastructure project in Sharpsburg, and a public safety project in Ahoskie are making real differences by addressing longstanding needs.

I am putting all political divisions aside to make a difference for our families. These are not Democratic or Republican issues. They are eastern North Carolina issues.

It is always good to be back home. To be clear, I come to Washington, D.C., to fight for eastern North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, the Greenville, North Carolina, United States Army recruiters and those across the country are working hard to get the job done every single day.

My son Justin has arrived now at Fort Benning, Georgia, to become an infantryman. He went from carrying our Nation's flag to now answering the call to protect it. He was inspired as a child and from his 4 years in JROTC with the Ram Battalion at Greene Central High School in Snow Hill.

I recall a few months back, he called me and said that he wanted to talk to me about something, and I said: ``Son, what is it?''

He said: ``Dad, I want to join the Army.'' I said: ``Well, son, you know I was in the Air Force, right?'' He said: ``Yes, I do, Dad.'' He said: ``But I want to join the Army, and you are not changing my mind.''

I said: ``Well, son, what is it that you want to do?'' He said: ``I want to be an infantryman.'' I said: ``Son, do you understand the risk?'' He said: ``Yes, Dad, I understand the risk.'' He went on to say something very moving and profound. He said: ``Dad, I listed my brothers as my beneficiaries.''

Later, he shared that, after praying, he went in and took the oath of office with his Bible in his pocket. By the way, I saw that Bible later. It was a camouflage Bible, but the words were the same.

As his father, I said to him: ``Son, I love you. Serve us well.'' I found it in me to say: ``Hooah.''

Mr. Speaker, I pause to give a special shout-out in recognition to Major Morales and Sergeant Penhollow, his JROTC instructors; Sergeant Head, who was really instrumental in sharing with Justin about the Army; and Sergeant First Class Young, who reminded all of us that you don't just recruit soldiers, but you recruit families.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I must admit that I am a proud father. I am a proud father.

Decisions that I make serving on the House Armed Services Committee have become just so personal that I want everyone to also understand I can't be willing to ask any parent across this country to send their son or daughter without giving mine.

The last words that Justin shared with me before he was leaving, he said: ``Dad, I am going to make you proud.'' I would say to my colleagues, O God, he has more than made me proud.

To all the recruits who are shipping out to serve our country, and especially right now during these challenging times--I was taking him to MEPS in Raleigh just over the weekend. During these challenging times, I

thank every single recruit with all of my heart. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your willingness to serve our country. Thank you for your love for America.

To every recruit, I share the same words that I shared with my son: Be strong. Be of good courage. Be all that you can be.

Mr. Speaker, eastern North Carolina is on the rise. Exciting investments are transforming our communities and creating new opportunities for young people and hardworking families.

U.S. Forged Rings is investing $875 million in Hertford County, creating 625 new jobs and revitalizing our economy. In Edgecombe County, Amazon is bringing good-paying jobs. LS Cable & System USA is fortifying our manufacturing sector with an investment of $50 million and 85 new jobs.

Mr. Speaker, clearly, the momentum is undeniable. These are more than just investments. These represent real opportunities. Together, we are reshaping our future.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with deep gratitude and respect for our dedicated first responders who exemplify the true spirit of commitment to their oaths to protect and serve.

When this past weekend's explosion rocked Perdue's feed mill in Cofield, North Carolina, it was our first responders who rushed toward danger, demonstrating an unwavering sense of duty without hesitation.

I thank Captain Kendail Swain, Sergeant Tymesha Cherry, Deputy Holden Brickhouse, along with firefighters Alex and Robert Ward, who put their lives on the line, and to all of our first responders who remind us of the importance of selflessness.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt prayers to the families affected in the Hertford County community. I also recognize Sheriff Hayes and Chief Askew. I truly am honored to recognize these remarkable first responders as the heroes that they are.

Mr. Speaker, an exceptional young leader from eastern North Carolina, 17-year-old Nathanael Simmons, is joining us as my guest for the State of the Union.

Nathanael is a senior at Mattamuskeet High School, an eighth- generation farmer from Hyde County, and the son of Benjamin and Tonya Simmons.

Since the tender age of 9, he has passionately helped on the farm with his family, carrying on a legacy spanning generations. With about 15,000 farms closing this past year alone, we must support young, next- generation farmers like Nathanael. If we are to ensure our national security, we must recognize and invest in the hands that feed, clothe, and fuel our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, Nathanael is a true inspiration and a shining example of America's future. I am honored to welcome him to our Nation's Capital.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Yarbrough Williams, Jr., who was born on March 24, 1950, in Warren County, North Carolina to the late Yarbrough Williams, Sr. and Mildred R. Fields. He was called by God to eternal rest on January 13, 2026, at the age of 75, following a brief illness at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

Yarbrough was the oldest of eight children and proudly lived in Warrenton his whole life. He graduated from John R. Hawkins High School in 1968. Yarbrough started building his own house at the age of 19, despite resistance from bankers and others who told him he was too young. While building the house, he took courses at Vance Granville Community College. He went on to attend North Carolina State University and became certified to teach Vocational Education. He then received further education at North Carolina A&T State University, Appalachian State University, and South Carolina State University.

After helping his family in the tobacco and cucumber fields, the decision to work in masonry was an easy one. Yarbrough became known as one of ``Exum's Boys'', having learned the skilled, specialized trade of bricklaying from Wilford Exum in high school. Back then, Warren County was the capital of bricklaying.

Yarbrough worked as a mason by day and went to school at night. He was a foreman for a construction company. In 1970, he was offered a teaching job to help integrate the Franklin County Schools. After much prayer and thought, as well as a sizable reduction in pay, Yarbrough went to work at Franklinton High School, where he started the brick- laying program teaching masonry, blueprint reading and drafting. Teaching was his calling, but he taught much more than bricklaying. He instilled in his students respect, self-discipline, and common sense, giving them life lessons in every way possible. He felt strongly that being a father figure and advocate meant setting up his students for success, often ensuring that they had jobs before graduating from high school.

Yarbrough's students scored in the top of their region and district for 25 years. They won three state championships, many regional, district, and national championships and several other masonry awards. In the early years, he visited students' homes to learn more about them and sometimes even helped them get to school. He supervised school clubs, led fundraising drives to take students on field trips across the country; he also took his own children and frequently his mom. In 33 years as a school teacher, Yarbrough Williams loved his students and they loved him back. He was that beloved teacher who encouraged and organized both parents and teachers when the need arose. The masonry program started with only seven students, but it grew so much that new facilities were needed to meet the demand. An entrepreneur from an early age, he was the first Black business owner that his students encountered. Many followed his lead working for themselves.

While teaching school, Yarbrough also built and ran a 3,000 head hog farm, a trucking company and a construction company. He retired in Yarbrough touched and taught thousands of students, reaching future generations. Even after his retirement, Yarbrough continued encouraging former students, giving advice when requested.

Throughout his life, starting as a young man, Yarbrough became involved and active in his church and community. In church, Yarbrough had many roles from deacon and trustee to Bible Study teacher at both Shocco Chapel Baptist Church and Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church. It was his strong faith that propelled him into community and political organizing.

In those early years, he caught the attention of many of the African American men who were pioneers and giants in Warren County, learning all he could from them. Politics became a passion. Yarbrough served on the PTA, Board of Education, helped start and served as chair of the Warren County Political Action Council. He was instrumental in getting Black men and women elected to office to represent the majority of the population. He was named Teacher of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and received numerous other awards and honors throughout his life, including being listed in Who's Who Among Black Americans for a decade. Yarbrough worked to get people registered to vote, and for 10 years was Chair of the Warren County Democratic Party.

In 2008, Yarbrough joined the Board of Trustees of the Warren County Community Center. Taking a lesson from his years as a teacher, Yarbrough paved the way to start Race to the Top A's Fund Program, a way to encourage high school students to get better grades. He also supervised the total building rehabilitation of the historic Warren County Community Center.

His love for the land led him to purchase property and create two farms, places that brought him peace, purpose and pride throughout his life. With his commanding presence, warm smile and gift of gab, Yarbrough never met a stranger. He loved fishing, deer hunting, traveling and spending time with his family. He always had an encouraging word, never tolerated foolishness or laziness. His tireless work and dedication to the students and citizens of Warren and Franklin Counties leave an indelible mark not to be soon forgotten. Brick by brick, he built a legacy of enduring love to be cherished for generations to come.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two younger brothers Carl Erskin and Roscoe Williams and his wife the mother of his three oldest children Carolyn M. Williams.

Yarbrough leaves to cherish his memories his wife: Shauna Singletary Alami Williams; five children, Consherto Vernette Williams, Yarbrough Williams, III aka ``Champ'' (LaSandra), Juarod Williams, Jamal Alami (Leah), and Aisha Alami Georges Jacques); seven grandsons, Adonis, Jaelen, Juarod Williams, Jr., Jeremiah, Josiah, Aiden Georges, Phoenix Alami; five granddaughters, Tiara A. London, Aleyah and Rakaya Williams, Jada and Ava Shauna Georges; three great grandchildren, Ashtyn Williams, Brayden McNeal,

Inara Ella Cornelius; three sisters, lvoria Terry (Robert), Carrie Windbush (Sylvester), Fannie Williams Bacon; two brothers, Morgan (Minda) and Don Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Speaker, Frank Scott, a ninth- generation farmer, was proudly honored as our State's Young Farmer of the Year. His family takes great pride in producing tobacco, sweet potatoes, cotton, soybeans, and sweet onions.

Together with his dedicated wife, Rebecca, and two children, Elijah and Lizzie, Frank tirelessly manages their family farm, exemplifying resilience and unwavering dedication.

Recently, Frank shared with me the enormous weight on his shoulders of holding on to his family's farm and one day turning it over to his children, our next generation.

I had the pleasure of speaking with his lively son, Elijah. He can hardly wait to assist his dad on the farm, and I am prayerful that, one day, I am able to call him a 10th-generation farmer.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Frank and his entire family on this well- deserved recognition. Their story not only uplifts their family, but also is an inspiration for all people across America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a son of eastern North Carolina, Aron Johnson. At just 30 years old, Aron was more than an organizer. He was a bridge builder who believed that our rural communities deserved a seat at every table.

He was a dreamer of big dreams and a fighter of hard fights who proved that we don't need a long life to make a big difference. While he left us far too soon, his legacy of empowerment lives on in many communities across our State.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his mother, Mary, and his family as we celebrate a young leader who gave his all to so many.

Mr. Speaker, let me tell you something that is a real ``big dill.'' Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mount Olive, North Carolina, is celebrating 100 years.

With more than 230 million jars of pickles, peppers, and relishes flying off the shelves every year, Mt. Olive has been a cherished favorite in kitchens around the globe. Pickles on your sandwiches, relish on hot dogs, mm-mm-good.

Founded in 1926 by Shikrey Baddour, George Moore, and a group of dedicated local leaders, the company was created with the spirit of community in mind, believing that their success meant success for their hometown.

Let's raise our jars and toast a century of tasty impact and a legacy that continues to enhance dinner tables.

Mr. Speaker, eastern North Carolinians deserve a thriving economy where hard work is truly rewarded. Sadly, too many residents face rising costs, housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials.

However, I believe we can change this situation. By investing in local businesses, we can create good-paying jobs. Picture, if you would, a future where no one has to choose between paying their rent or mortgage and buying groceries. Imagine a future where healthcare is accessible and where our seniors can live with dignity.

No matter our political affiliations, we must come together to strengthen eastern North Carolina's economy. We must advocate for policies that support sustainable jobs and growth. It is time to reclaim our future.

Mr. Speaker, 2026 marks 125 years since Congressman George Henry White of North Carolina delivered his historic farewell, or Phoenix address.

He was the fourth African American to represent North Carolina's Second Congressional District during the late 19th century, elected in 1896 and again in 1898, after moving to Tarboro, North Carolina, and at the time the only African-American Member of Congress.

He chose not to seek a third term of office, as new laws were enacted and due to other factors. In his farewell address, he spoke with remarkable hope, declaring that African Americans would one day return to Congress, rising again ``Phoenix-like.''

Though it took 28 years, his words call us to remember his service, especially during Black History Month. Let us prove worthy of the faith he placed in this incredible institution by ensuring that no voice is ever again forced to leave this Chamber unheard.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano for their leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1458, the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025. As a proud United States Air Force veteran and voice for over 56,000 veterans and their families in North Carolina's First Congressional District, it was an honor to join and work with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Ciscomani) in introducing this bipartisan legislation.

For too many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life comes with uncertainty about how to build a new career and support their families. By expanding in-person and hybrid training options for skilled trade programs, we are bridging skills gaps across the country, empowering our veterans, and contributing to our local economies.

Madam Speaker, I believe it is time to equip eastern North Carolina's veterans and beyond with the training and skills they so need. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, Americans expect us to address the alarming behavior of the ICE and CBP agents who have operated beyond acceptable boundaries of law enforcement.

While we must stand with our law enforcement community and enforce our immigration laws, it is crucial that Federal agencies operate within the framework of public trust.

We must uphold the rights of Americans to exercise their First and Second Amendment freedoms, and we also expect our Federal immigration officers to adhere to reasonable standards of conduct without interference.

During Secretary Noem's tenure, trust has eroded. Secretary Noem, who has so far refused to take responsibility, must be held accountable.

Therefore, on the floor of the people's House, I call for the resignation of Secretary Kristi Noem, the public face of Homeland Security.