Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026; and further, when the House adjourns on that day, it adjourn to meet on Monday, February 9, 2026, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the remarkable accomplishment of an outstanding young man from my district, Mr. Jacob Lewis, who, after many years of perseverance, will receive his Eagle Scout on February 7, 2026.

Jacob began his scouting journey in the first grade and has risen all the way to the highest rank Eagle Scout, showing his determination to achievement and dedication to the principles of Scouting which include Duty to God, Duty to Others and Duty to Self. Through his experience, he has taken on multiple leadership roles, such as Patrol Leader, where he ran troop meetings, planned activities, and represented the troop. This role required Jacob to utilize the leadership, communication, and organization skills that scouting helps instill in our next generation of young men. Jacob set the example for what a scout should be all the way to his Eagle Scout.

A key requirement Jacob had to fulfil to receive the Eagle Scout rank is to complete a self-directed and self-planned service project. These projects provide an opportunity to demonstrate leadership while benefiting the community. Jacob's service project was designing and building a donation box for his local humane society, to ensure they were able to collect donations in an organized manner. He coordinated with the society to ensure that the donations were picked up on a weekly basis. He went above and beyond to ensure his design was weather-protected and provided information to donors. This project highlights Jacob's caring nature and the values instilled in him through his scouting experience.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Jacob for his outstanding accomplishment. He has shown the attributes that will serve him well as a dedicated citizen and servant leader. He is to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angela Emireth Flores, a constituent of mine and an exceptional student.

Angela is a senior at Ocracoke High School and soon will become the first student enrolled through Hyde Academy, where she will graduate from high school with an associate degree from Beaufort County Community College. This incredible program helps students who wish to accelerate their academic careers get a jump start at the college level.

As a surgeon, I am elated to hear that Angela plans on hitting the books hard to become a nurse anesthetist. I love our nurse anesthetists. Eastern North Carolina needs more dedicated and more diligent individuals in medicine.

Serving patients is one of the most rewarding and meaningful career paths one can pursue, and I am glad that Angela is pursuing medicine. As a physician of 35 years, I derived great joy from treating patients and helping them in times of great difficulty. I know she will also.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Angela on her remarkable achievement, and a special thanks to her parents for nurturing her in her educational journey. I wish her the best as she furthers her studies.

Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote on the following. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 352; YEA on Roll Call No. 353; YEA on Roll Call No. 354; NAY on Roll Call No. 355; YEA on Roll Call No. 356; NAY on Roll Call No. 357; YEA on Roll Call No. 358; NAY on Roll Call No. 359; YEA on Roll Call No. 360; NAY on Roll Call No. 361; and YEA on Roll Call No. 362.

Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote on the following. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 2; YEA on Roll Call No. 3; NAY on Roll Call No. 4; YEA on Roll Call No. 5; YEA on Roll Call No. 6; YEA on Roll Call No. 7; NAY on Roll Call No. 8; NAY on Roll Call No. 9; NAY on Roll Call No. 10; NAY on Roll Call No. 11; and YEA on Roll Call No. 12; YEA on Roll Call No. 13; YEA on Roll Call No. 14; YEA on Roll Call No. 15; YEA on Roll Call No. 16; YEA on Roll Call No. 17; NAY on Roll Call No. 18; YEA on Roll Call No. 19; NAY on Roll Call No. 20; NAY on Roll Call No. 21; NAY on Roll Call No. 22; YEA on Roll Call No. 23; YEA on Roll Call No. 24; and YEA on Roll Call No. 25.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill H.R. 6504, the HELP Extension Act. My legislation provides a three-year extension of the HOPE/HELP programs. These are trade preference programs which in the past has helped deliver meaningful economic opportunities to thousands of people in Haiti who desperately need stability, hope, and a path forward.

I first traveled to Haiti doing medical mission work following the devastating earthquake in 2010, and I have returned many times since. Through those visits, I have come to know the people of Haiti well. They are good, hard-working people who are resilient and strive for stability and dignity in the midst of chaos and profound suffering caused by political unrest.

Today, Haiti is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises. Rampant gang violence, political uncertainty, and the near-total collapse of basic institutions have devastated daily life and pushed an already fragile nation to the brink of disaster. In this environment, economic stability is not a luxury. It is a necessity to give the people an opportunity to have some semblance of a normal life. Jobs mean food on the table, children in school, and communities that are less vulnerable to criminal influence, corruption and violence.

The HOPE/HELP programs remain among the few functioning lifelines that provide lawful employment and economic stability in Haiti, and it is imperative that the U.S. play a role in these endeavors. Extending these programs will not by any means solve all of Haiti's challenges, but it will preserve jobs, provide employers with certainty, and allow them to continue employing hardworking Haitians during an extraordinarily difficult time. Stability in Haiti matters deeply to the United States. Haiti is in our own backyard. What happens there affects the broader stability of our hemisphere. When nations in our hemisphere collapse, the consequences inevitably reach our shores. Malign influences such as Islamic radicals or dictatorial regimes such as Russia and China see an avenue to gain a foothold against the U.S. in our region.

Ensuring stability, opportunity, and lawful economic activity in Haiti as a defensive measure, if for not other reasons, is squarely in the national security interest of the United States. If these jobs were to disappear, it would fuel further instability and risk creating a vacuum that could be filled by gangs, transnational criminal organizations, or these hostile foreign actors. Without legitimate employment opportunities, many Haitians are left with impossible choices. Either submit to criminal networks, migrate to another country, or starve. So please understand that the HOPE/HELP program is a win-win for all parties involved. It is good for Haiti, good for America, and good for the security of the Western Hemisphere.

I would also like to mention a dear friend of mine, Father Rick Frechette, a Catholic priest from Connecticut who has served the poorest of the poor in Haiti for more than 40 years. He has regularly tended to their spiritual and medical needs. Yet at the same time, he has, at his own personal peril, rescued hundreds of kidnapped individuals held ransom by these murderous bandits that control much of Port au Prince. I converse with him regularly, and he provides firsthand insight into the worsening conditions on the ground. The picture he describes is heart breaking and appalling. Several hospital guards have been killed, many hospitals workers forced to leave the country, and the threat of criminal gangs continues to be an ever- present danger. These are the real human consequences of instability.

We have a moral and national responsibility to act where we can and to support policies that prevent further collapse. I urge all of my colleagues to support this critical life and nation saving legislation.

Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to vote on the following. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 335; YEA on Roll Call No. 336; YEA on Roll Call No. 337; YEA on Roll Call No. 338; NAY on Roll Call No. 339; YEA on Roll Call No. 340; NAY on Roll Call No. 341; YEA on Roll Call No. 342; YEA on Roll Call No. 343; YEA on Roll Call No. 344; NAY on Roll Call No. 345; NAY on Roll Call No. 346; YEA on Roll Call No. 347; NAY on Roll Call No. 348; YEA on Roll Call No. 349; NAY on Roll Call No. 350; and YEA on Roll Call No. 351.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Officer James ``XY'' Brown of the Jacksonville Police Department. A well-recognized icon in Onslow County, Mr. Brown, after 68 years of selfless service and dedication to the City of Jacksonville, is retiring this December.

Prior to his service to Jacksonville, he served our country in the Army during WWII. Following that, he began volunteering in 1957 with the Jacksonville Police and officially joined the force in 1971. In his devoted and generous fashion, he currently serves as a crossing guard and public service officer, helping ensure the safety of the residents and children of Onslow County. He is well known for his positive demeanor and professionalism.

Mr. Brown is currently the oldest serving police officer in the Jacksonville Police Department at a resounding 98 years old. In 2022, he was recognized by the NC Lead Project, a statewide organization whose mission is to bridge socioeconomic gaps and strengthen the community through leadership and education with a lifetime achievement award, highlighting his leadership and service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing and congratulating Mr. Brown and his service to Jacksonville and the country. I thank Mr. Brown for his commitment, and wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in remembrance of American Hero, Retired Army Sergeant Michael Verardo. After a heroic fifteen- year battle with catastrophic injuries from his deployment to Afghanistan, Sergeant Verardo tragically lost his life this past August. He will be laid to rest on November 19, 2025, in Arlington National Cemetery.

Sergeant Verardo enlisted in the Army in 2001, joining the distinguished 82nd Airborne Division as an infantryman and serving multiple tours between Iraq and Afghanistan. During his deployments, he received numerous well-deserved awards and decorations for his service, including two Purple Hearts for deeds in April 2010. He received the second award as the result of life altering injuries from an improvised explosive device detonation.

He underwent extensive speech, visual, physical, and occupational therapy to recover from his injuries. During his fight, he sought to help other veterans by selflessly dedicating time to their needs and struggles. Through the Wounded Warrior Project and countless other initiatives, he worked alongside his wife, Sarah, to make meaningful changes not just in individual lives but through legislation at the state and federal levels.

His wife, Sarah, continues his work as the CEO of the Independence Fund, where she supports service members, combat Veterans, their Caregivers, and families. Michael inspired many of the Independence Fund's programs, and his legacy will live on in all those they continue to help.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the life and legacy of American Hero, Sergeant Michael Verardo, who will continue to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mr. David ``Dave'' Fowler, who dedicated much of his life to serving the people of North Carolina. Dave was raised in Greenville and after his graduation from Western Carolina University, stayed in Jackson County to work in the local community.

Dave started his career as an educator in Jackson County in the public school system, where his efforts inspired the next generation of learners. His desire to serve the public good took him to work for the Jackson County Government. He also assumed numerous volunteer roles including acting as the Chair of the County Board of Elections and Chairman of the Jackson County Republican Party.

After Dave and his wife, Wanda, resettled in Eastern North Carolina, and in his role as a servant leader, he represented his community as a dedicated member of the Noon Rotary Club. Given his dedication and civic minded competence, he was appointed to the Coastal Regional Solid Waste Authority and the Carteret County Board of Equalization and Review. Given his desire to also lead in the political arena, he was later elected as Chairman of the Carteret County Republican Party. His election as a Carteret County Commissioner further paved the way for his later roles as Town Commissioner and, ultimately, Mayor of Cape Carteret. Dave's commitment and service to his communities is remembered for his selfless desire to better his community and serve all his constituents. His service has led many Eastern North Carolinians to live a better life with a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker please join me in remembering Mr. David ``Dave'' Fowler's life and legacy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and deep respect that I honor Mr. Darrell McNary Collins. Mr. Collins was a national treasure and has cemented himself as an Outer Banks icon though his work as a Historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial where he shared the magnificent story of the ``Miracle at Kitty Hawk''.

A faithful student to the history of the Wright Brothers, his over 40 years of learning and research led to him becoming one of the top 3 Wright Brothers historians in the world. He shared the stories of the rich history of the Outer Banks, including that of his family legacy as part of the Freedmen's Colony and the African American history on Roanoke Island.

But Mr. Collins was much more than a historian. He cared deeply about his hometown of Manteo and its residents. He was appointed to his late mother's Town of Manteo Commissioner seat upon her death in 2006, serving for the next 18 years. The town honored his dedication by officially declaring December 17th as the ``Honorable Darrell Collins Day'' to coincide with the Anniversary of Flight.

Mr. Collins also served on the Town's Planning Board and was a past President of Dare Home Health and Hospice End of Life Coalition, as well as the founder and President of the Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc.

In 2003, Mr. Collins was personally presented with ``The Order of the Long Leaf Pine'' from then Governor Mike Easley, earning the state's highest honor for those who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities.

For his whole life Mr. Darrell McNary Collins has dedicated himself to the Outer Banks's history, its people, and its future. His contributions are immeasurable, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on the people of Dare County. May we remember all of the contributions Mr. Collins has made to the Outer Banks, Dare County, and the great state of North Carolina.

Mr. Chair, today I rise in grateful support of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026.

As a proud Representative of over 76,000 veterans, as well as Camp Lejeune and Military Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River, it is my honor to advocate for Federal funding on their behalf.

I proudly support FY 2026 appropriations to increase the VA's budget by 10

percent to ensure that our servicemembers and veterans receive the resources that they need and, more importantly, that they deserve.

North Carolina is proud to be called home by hundreds of thousands of Active-Duty members of our military and those retired from our Armed Services. I am grateful the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act was included in this package, as well as supporting language for the F- 35 sustainment center and utilities upgrade for future F-35 squadrons. I wholeheartedly support this legislation.

We live in a dangerous world now. We had an administration before that wanted to make things about social justice in our military. Military is about defending the rights and freedoms of this country. I am proud that this administration and this Congress are going to support the military in keeping us safe and free.

Mr. Speaker, due to obligations, I was unable to vote on June 9, 2025 on H. Res. 481, H. Res. 488, and H.R. 2035. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 157; YEA on Roll Call No. 158; and YEA on Roll Call No. 159.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act.

I am blessed to live in eastern North Carolina, which is all too familiar with the devastation caused by natural disasters. For coastal Carolina, it is not a question of if but rather a question of when a hurricane will hit my district. We stick out far in the ocean and have a big bull's-eye target on us.

We are still recovering from Hurricane Florence, which occurred in 2018. Despite being 7 years ago, there are still homes and businesses shuttered from the damage of that powerful hurricane.

It has now been 6 months since the Nation observed the decimation that Hurricane Helene wreaked upon western North Carolina. It has been one of the most devastating disasters in our Nation's history.

This historic storm led to catastrophic loss of life and property to our neighbors in the west. In just 18 hours, over 30 inches of rain came down in some areas, which surged downhill into rivers and valleys, causing close to $80 billion in damage and resulting in over 100 deaths. Entire towns and communities were completely destroyed and washed away.

It will take years, if not a decade, for western North Carolina to fully recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. Since that time, while we have come a long way, western North Carolina is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene and will continue to feel the effects of that storm for years to come.

It is important that Congress provide as much relief as soon as possible to these victims.

H.R. 1491, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, has two important provisions that would not only help those impacted by Hurricane Helene but all disaster victims nationwide.

The first provision amends the lookback period to ensure victims of disasters have additional time to claim funds or credits that they previously missed out upon.

Additionally, H.R. 1491 contains another provision that would prevent disaster victims from receiving collection notices indicating that they owe the IRS funds despite a postponement of tax filing.

When someone suffers from a natural disaster, the last thing on their minds is their tax liability. They are trying to put a roof over their head and find food for their family and clothing for their children.

I cannot begin to describe the sheer physical and emotional damage that these people suffer.

In the case of Hurricane Helene, we saw thousands of homes and businesses literally washed out and wiped out overnight. Victims are still and will continue to process the trauma from that occurrence.

North Carolinians are resilient. It has been heartening to see the entire North Carolina delegation come together and provide support for those in the western part of the State.

Furthermore, the contributions of first responders, nonprofits, and concerned private citizens from all across the State have greatly improved response efforts. It may take years, but our neighbors in the west know they have the full backing of everyone in North Carolina as they continue to recover.

This is not a Republican issue nor a Democratic issue. It is an American issue. All of us are at risk of suffering from natural disasters. In these difficult times, we must come together as Americans to pass commonsense legislation like H.R. 1491 to ensure that victims of natural disasters are not burdened by our tax code.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, for his partnership on this critical issue, and I thank Chairman Smith for his support and efforts to help provide relief to disaster victims.

I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill so we can offer relief to all disaster victims, especially those in western North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, due to obligations, I was unable to submit a vote for the Motion to Recommit, Roll Call No. 69, on HR 1968. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 69.