Richard Hudson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the opening of my alma mater, Myers Park High School, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

From September 22nd through the 26th, Myers Park students, faculty, and alumni celebrated the anniversary. The celebrations included recognition of the milestones and traditions which have shaped Myers Park over the decades. Myers Park also had a special anniversary home football game in Gus Purcell stadium, where the Mustangs went on to defeat Charlotte Country Day School by a score of 32-29.

For three quarters of a century, Myers Park has played a lasting role in shaping the Charlotte community, providing generations of students with the knowledge, opportunities, and foundation to lead and serve with distinction. As a graduate of the Class of 1990, Myers Park High School holds a special place in my heart and helped shape the person I am today.

I also want to recognize the Myers Park Foundation. The Foundation strengthens the educational experience at Myers Park by expanding opportunities for students, meeting critical needs, and supporting innovative initiatives to enrich their education. The Foundation provides graduation coaches, college visits and trade fairs to help students plan for their future. I am incredibly proud of the Myers Park Foundation and all the work they do providing opportunities for America's next generation.

I want to thank Myers Park High School for the opportunities provided to students and the community for the past 75 years. As Myers Park looks toward the future, I am confident its tradition of excellence will continue for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today celebrating the 75th anniversary of Myers Park High School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Alfred Moore Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) for its generous gift of an America 250 Revolutionary War Patriots' Marker to Moore County.

On October 1, 2026, members of the Alfred Moore Chapter, descendants of Revolutionary War patriots, community leaders, and citizens will gather at the Moore County Courthouse in Carthage to dedicate this permanent tribute to the men and women whose courage, sacrifice, and service helped secure the independence of our great Nation.

It is particularly fitting this tribute to our revolutionary generation should stand in a county bearing the name of one of North Carolina's own revolutionary patriots. Both Moore County and the Alfred Moore Chapter, NSDAR, were named in honor of Alfred Moore, a Revolutionary War patriot and distinguished statesman.

Moore served as an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later devoted himself to public service, ultimately serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1800 to 1804. His legacy of patriotism and service provides a meaningful connection between this community and the revolutionary generation honored by this marker.

For more than a century, the Alfred Moore Chapter, NSDAR, has worked to preserve our history, educate future generations, promote patriotism, and serve the people of its community. This marker continues the tradition and establishes a permanent legacy for the 250th anniversary of our country in Moore County.

I am especially proud to recognize the Alfred Moore Chapter for ensuring the legacy of our revolutionary patriots is preserved here in Moore County for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today celebrating the Alfred Moore Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 10159, a bipartisan bill to transfer land from Fort Bragg to the State of North Carolina so that a new State veterans home can be built. I urge the House to pass this bill.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, there is no issue more important to me than taking care of our Active-Duty servicemembers, their families, and our veterans.

North Carolina is home to many important military installations, including what we like to call the center of the universe at Fort Bragg.

North Carolina is also home to the fastest growing veteran population in the Nation. Sadly, our State experiences a gap in veteran services that we must address.

In 2024, the State veterans home in Fayetteville abruptly closed leading to the displacement of 85 veterans, including many with dementia and other disabilities. These heroes have since been dispersed across the State, far from their families, and in some cases without access to proper medical care. H.R. 10159 is the first step in the construction of a new veterans home just outside the gates of Fort Bragg.

This transfer of only 20 acres to the State of North Carolina will allow the State to begin permitting the construction process for this new home in a timely manner. Our veterans cannot and they should not wait any longer.

I am touched by the level of bipartisan support we have for the construction of this VA home both down in the State as well as here in Washington. I thank my fellow members of the North Carolina delegation, both Democrats and Republicans who have all cosponsored this legislation. I thank Mr. Bell for his support today. I also thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their support. I thank our Governor, and I thank our partners in the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, led by our great Secretary Jocelyn Mallette, for their efforts. I thank them for working with us on this vital legislation.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I am proud to lead this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to support its passage.

While we are here, I urge our colleagues on the other side of the Capitol, in the Senate, to please take up this vital legislation as soon as possible.

Again, our veterans have been waiting a long time. This is the first step to end that wait. I thank my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, for working together to make this happen.