Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of a true champion of the people, Dr. James West, a revered Wake County Commissioner and a beacon of hope for many in our community. It's with deep sorrow that we mark his passing, but with immense gratitude that we celebrate his legacy.

Dr. James West dedicated his life to public service, always striving to uplift those in need. From his early days as a college student in the 1960s, peacefully protesting segregation in Greensboro alongside Jesse Jackson, to his extensive service as a Raleigh City Councilman and Wake County Commissioner, his journey was marked by a relentless commitment to justice and equality.

His academic achievements, including a doctorate in education, and a three-decade-long career at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at NC State University laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the issues facing our community. Dr. West was proud to be the first black person in the U.S. to become Director of County Operations for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, with the responsibility of supervising over 1,000 faculty and staff members.

Dr. West's tenure on the Raleigh City Council, including his time as Mayor Pro Tem, was characterized by his visionary leadership and his ability to forge meaningful partnerships. His work with the Southeast Raleigh Alliance, which he co-founded, exemplified his commitment to economic empowerment and community development.

In his role as a County Commissioner, Dr. West was instrumental in the creation of the Live Well Wake initiative, aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community. His efforts to expand affordable housing and his leadership in the Health and Human Services Committee highlight his holistic approach to public service and his belief that every individual deserves dignity and stability.

Dr. West's legacy is not just in the programs he initiated or the policies he championed, but in the countless lives he touched, the community leaders he inspired, and the unquantifiable impact of his compassion and leadership.

We remember Dr. West for his ``Dr. West-isms,'' his wisdom, and his unwavering faith in the power of community. He taught us the importance of strengthening our ``spiritual infrastructure,'' and he believed deeply in the potential of every individual.

As we mourn Dr. James West's passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life--a life dedicated to service, equality, and the betterment of Wake County and its people. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Madam Speaker, last week Moody's changed its rating outlook on the United States Government from stable to negative. This was a direct consequence of partisan gridlock, continued political polarization, and the chaos and confusion that we see playing out here on the House floor with 19 votes for Speaker already.

That is why it was so important that we passed a short-term government funding bill to keep the Federal Government open through January. Avoiding a government shutdown will help restore trust in the United States economy and ensure that working families aren't affected by the chaos and confusion that we, again, see playing out here in Washington.

As we look ahead, we must continue to put people over politics and deliver a real budget that funds critical services, secures our border, and supports our allies in Israel and Ukraine.

I remain ready to work in a bipartisan way to deliver results for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, we need to make it easier, not harder, for eligible voters to make their voices heard in our elections. We need to make sure that voting is accessible to everyone, whether they want to go to the polls, vote early, or vote by mail.

In Congress, there is so much we can do to make it easier for people to vote and participate in our democracy. It starts with passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. These commonsense bills would end partisan gerrymandering, expand voting by mail, protect early voting, help get big money out of our elections, combat dark money, support election integrity, and make additional reforms to improve ballot access.

It is time to put politics aside and get these commonsense bills across the finish line. I will continue to do everything I can to protect the right to vote and work to make it easier for people to vote and to participate in our democracy.

Congratulating Mayor Ken Marshburn on His Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the exemplary service of Mayor Ken Marshburn, a distinguished leader and devoted public servant to the town of Garner.

During his time in office, Mayor Marshburn has worked tirelessly alongside council members, town staff, and community leaders to enhance the quality of life in Garner. He has an unwavering belief in Garner's potential and has always worked to make Garner a place where people can not only live but also thrive.

Mayor Marshburn's leadership is coming to an end today with our elections in Garner. He has steered Garner toward a positive and prosperous future. His commitment to fiscal responsibility has laid a solid foundation for the town's growth, attracting new businesses that enrich our economic diversity. His legacy is one of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to our community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Mayor Ken Marshburn for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the town of Garner and extending our best wishes to him and his family as they embark on this well-deserved retirement.

Our community is richer and brighter due to his leadership and service. I again thank Mayor Marshburn for his service.

Fighting Hatred in All Forms

Mr. Speaker, in North Carolina last year, anti-Semitic incidents increased by 30 percent. The ongoing conflict in Israel has led to even more anti-Semitic attacks both in the U.S. and around the world.

Just this week, the ADL's Center on Extremism reported a nearly 400 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents compared to the same period last year. The situation has been even worse since Hamas launched a brutal and calculated attack against Jewish people and the State of Israel on October 7.

In New York, Jewish students at Cooper Union College were forced to shelter inside the school library on Wednesday for their own safety during a campus protest. In Indianapolis, a woman deliberately crashed her car into the building of what she believed was a pro-Jewish organization.

Mr. Speaker, we have an obligation to remain vigilant against anti- Semitism, discrimination, and prejudice. Let's work to fight hatred in all forms and ensure that the scourge of anti-Semitism does not rear its ugly head both at home and abroad.

Avoiding a Government Shutdown

Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss our core job here in Congress, funding the Federal Government. We have 10 days until a government shutdown. Mr. Speaker, I will say that again, 10 days, just over a week until the government runs out of money.

A government shutdown would hurt the economy, risk our national security, and would be a disaster for North Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of people would be put on temporary leave without pay or be forced to work without pay. Essential staff--like our TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and many others--would be required to work without pay through the duration of any shutdown.

Mr. Speaker, there is only one path forward, and that is bipartisanship. Republicans have a very narrow majority in the House. Democrats have a very narrow majority in the Senate. We have the White House, but we have to work together.

Right now there is no plan to fund our government, and we have to do it next week. This needs to be a priority for this body, for this institution, and we have to do our job. The American people expect us to fund the government, and right now there is no plan to do that.

A shutdown will cost taxpayers money. It will hit our economy hard. My constituents are hit hard right now with the rising cost of inflation, the high cost of mortgages, and the continuing costs that hit hard, whether it is childcare or healthcare. A shutdown would be an incredible unforced error at this time.

Mr. Speaker, we need to fund the government.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I cast a ``no'' vote for a highly partisan supplemental appropriations bill providing security aid to Israel.

Let me be clear: I stand with Israel. Israel isn't just any ally. It is a cornerstone of democracy in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Security

assistance should never be tethered to a hyperpartisan, domestic financial concession.

The offset in this bill, slashing IRS staff, actually adds to the deficit and would allow billionaires to get away with cheating on their taxes.

In matters of foreign policy, especially with crucial allies like Israel, we must rise above partisan politics.

When a bipartisan supplemental appropriations bill containing aid for Israel comes back from the Senate without poison pills, I will wholeheartedly support it. That is the clear path forward here and the best way to support our friend and ally, Israel.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and celebrate the exemplary service of Mayor Ken Marshburn, a distinguished leader, and devoted public servant to the Town of Garner. I'm privileged to recognize his remarkable contributions to our community and express our collective gratitude.

Before Ken Marshburn was elected as Garner's mayor in 2019, he served on the Town Council for twelve years. He was also on the board of the Garner Economic Development Corporation, which led the redevelopment of

the former ConAgra site into a bustling Amazon fulfillment center, further solidifying Garner's role in the economic prosperity of our region.

Beyond his civic leadership, Mayor Marshburn has exhibited a life of dedication to public service, retiring as the Chief of U.S. Pretrial Services for the Eastern District of North Carolina, after a laudable 26-year career. He and his wife, the equally esteemed Ms. Faye Marshburn, who served the Wake County Public School System, have been pillars of the Garner community for over three decades.

It's impossible to miss the philanthropic spirit of the Marshburns. Both Mayor Marshburn and Mrs. Marshburn have been steadfast volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Wake County as well as active members of Garner First Baptist Church.

Furthermore, Mayor Marshburn's passion for education and youth empowerment is evident from his fourteen-year service as guardian ad litem for Wake County, his fifteen-year tenure as a reading tutor in Garner schools, and his unwavering commitment to the Garner Morning Rotary Club for nearly two decades.

Mayor Marshburn's leadership has steered Garner towards a positive and prosperous future. His commitment to fiscal responsibility has laid a solid foundation for the town's growth, attractIng new businesses that enrich our economic diversity. His legacy is one of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to our community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Mayor Ken Marshburn for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to Garner and extending our best wishes to him and his family as they embark on this well-deserved retirement.

Our community is undeniably richer and brighter due to his leadership and service.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to pass an extreme, partisan gerrymander of our State's congressional map.

To be clear, this is Republican legislators trying to handpick their own voters and predetermine the outcome of elections before they ever happen.

This is not a new practice. In nearly every State, partisan gerrymandering has been used as a tool by politicians to manipulate electoral outcomes with surgical precision.

It doesn't matter who is doing it--Democrats or Republicans-- gerrymandering is bad for democracy. It is time to end gerrymandering and implement a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission in every State.

We need to pass the Freedom to Vote Act now.

By taking politicians out of the redistricting process, we can restore fairness and ensure that voters are the ones choosing their politicians, not the other way around.

No matter what happens, I am going to keep fighting for North Carolina. It is time to restore faith in our government, end gerrymandering, and protect the right to vote for every single North Carolinian.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, it's with great reverence that I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mayor Koka Booth, Jr., a cherished leader who dedicated his life to the town of Cary, North Carolina. Koka Booth's enduring impact on our community is immeasurable, and I'm honored to pay tribute to his memory.

Koka Booth was born on August 12, 1932, in Kenova, West Virginia. His journey through life was filled with remarkable achievements and selfless service to others. After graduating from Kenova High School in 1950, Koka's path led him to Rocky Mount where he met his beloved wife, Blanche W. Booth. The two were wed in 1954, embarking on a lifelong journey together.

Koka later made his home in Cary, North Carolina, and rejoined Aeroglide Corporation before he devoted his talents to the SAS Institute, until his retirement in 2007. Koka Booth held an unwavering love for the town of Cary, often saying that he may not have been from Cary, but he got there as swiftly as he could.

This love for his community led him to serve on the Cary town council from 1977 to 1987, followed by a distinguished tenure as the town's Mayor until 1999. Koka's visionary leadership played a pivotal role in shaping Cary from a town of 18,000 residents to a thriving, family- friendly community of 94,000 by the 1990's. His groundwork paved the way for Cary to become North Carolina's seventh largest city.

In addition to his political and business accomplishments, Koka Booth was a man of exceptional character and a dedicated mentor. He shared his wealth of experience with the youth of his community as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts.

In 2001, Cary honored Koka Booth's dedication and passion by naming the iconic Koka Booth Amphitheater in his honor. This gesture encapsulates the town's profound gratitude for his unwavering commitment to its betterment and his profound love for music. Koka Booth saw his life's mission as one of community service, and he fulfilled that mission with an unwavering dedication to the town of Cary and its cherished residents.

As we mourn the loss of a true Cary luminary, we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Koka Booth's impact on our community is undeniable, and we are fortunate to have been touched by his enthusiastic efforts and innovative leadership.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Koka Booth, Jr. and to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire community of Cary, North Carolina.

May his memory inspire us to continue his work in building and nurturing the wonderful town he loved so dearly.

Mr. Speaker, it is Monday morning, and the Federal Government is open for business. We came just hours away from a shutdown this weekend, with 209 House Democrats and 125 House Republicans voting to put people over politics.

A government shutdown would have been a disaster for the American people, and I am glad Democrats and reasonable Republicans were able to come together to get a short-term funding package through the House, the Senate, and onto the President's desk with just hours to spare.

This short-term funding package includes an extension of FAA authorization, funding for flood insurance programs, and $16 billion for disaster relief. Most importantly, it will keep the lights on for the over 6,500 Federal employees in North Carolina's 13th District.

Looking ahead, this short-term funding package gives us more time to come together, find common ground, and pass bipartisan spending bills for the full year.

For Democrats, that means funding for Ukraine. Our support for Ukraine cannot waver. I wish we didn't have to spend any money in Ukraine, but if Vladimir Putin wins, we will have to spend a thousand times more trying to contain an aggressive and emboldened Russia around the globe. If we abandon Ukraine, Russia will win. Putin will win. Support for Ukraine is in our national interest, Mr. Speaker.

For Republicans, that means securing the border and taking up immigration reform. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus and a member of the New Democrat Coalition's Immigration and Border Security Task Force, I remain focused and committed to working across the aisle to secure our border and advance comprehensive immigration reform.

I believe that the best path forward is through the Bipartisan Keep America Open Act that I have cosponsored and is being led by the Problem Solvers Caucus. This legislation upholds the top-line numbers agreed to in the bipartisan budget agreement. It includes funding for Ukraine, which is desperately needed. It includes title 42 reform legislation that I helped introduce with a bipartisan group of Members earlier this year that will help secure the southern border while giving us more time to enact meaningful, long-term reforms to our overburdened immigration system. It also includes bipartisan reforms to increase transparency and address long-term spending, an area where I agree with my Republican colleagues.

The path to 218 votes on the budget won't come from the far left or the far right. It comes from the center, with proposals just like this one. The reality is that we have only 44 days to get this done, or we are right back to where we started over the weekend.

We never should have been in this situation in the first place. A short-term CR is a Band-Aid on a long-term problem. That is why I have introduced the bipartisan No Budget, No Pay Act. My bill would withhold Members' pay if both Houses don't agree to a concurrent budget resolution by April 15 for the fiscal year starting October 1, or if

both Houses haven't passed all the regular appropriations bills by September 30 for the fiscal year starting October 1.

We could have been in a situation this morning where our entire Federal Government workforce was getting no pay, but Members of Congress still would have been getting their paychecks, and that is wrong. This bill will incentivize Congress to get it done and prevent future government shutdowns. This brinkmanship is no good for our economy.

I came to Congress to get things done. I will continue to set aside the noise, find common ground wherever it exists, and deliver for the people of North Carolina's 13th District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable life and contributions of Mr. Ted B. Silver, who marked his centennial milestone on September 23, 2023. It's a profound honor to recognize a man whose legacy embodies the very essence of service, dedication, and community spirit.

Ted Silver's journey began in Mitchell County, and from there, he embarked on a lifetime of service to his country, community, and fellow citizens. Mr. Silver honorably served in the U.S. Merchant Marine, demonstrating his commitment to safeguarding our nation's interests during a pivotal period in history.

Following his military service, he spent over four decades working for Standard Oil, where he ascended to the role of district manager for the LP gas division before retiring in 1988.

However, it's Mr. Silver's unwavering dedication to the Garner community that truly sets him apart. He served as the first president of the Garner Civitan Club, an organization of volunteer service clubs dedicated to helping people in their communities.

Throughout his years as a Civitan, Ted Silver has been a tireless advocate for the youth of Garner. He championed initiatives supporting organizations such as the Boys and Girls Homes, the Tammy Lynn Center, and the Caswell Center.

Ted Silver's involvement extended to the Civitan Club's Pop Warner Football program, where he volunteered his time and expertise. Additionally, he administered the Civitan scholarship program for students at Garner Senior High, embodying the spirit of giving back to the next generation. He worked hand in hand with the Junior Civitan Club at the high school, imparting wisdom and instilling the values of community service.

Mr. Silver's dedication and selflessness have not gone unnoticed within the Civitan community. He received numerous accolades, including the Garner Civitan of the Year Award in 1977, the Latt Wall Memorial Award in 1986, the Club Honor Key Award in 1991, and the esteemed Life Membership, Civitan's highest honor, in 1998.

Beyond the Civitan Club, Ted Silver has made a meaningful impact on Garner and its residents. He's participated in programs aimed at assisting people with mental and physical disabilities. He also dedicated himself to working with children with developmental disabilities in Garner schools.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Ted B. Silver as he celebrates his remarkable 100th birthday. His lifetime of service, dedication, and tireless advocacy for the betterment of Garner and its youth exemplify the very essence of what it means to be a true community leader. May his legacy continue to inspire us all for generations to come.

Happy 100th birthday to Mr. Silver.

Mr. Speaker, right now, we are on the path to a government shutdown caused by extremist Members who are unwilling to put politics aside, to do what is right for the country.

A government shutdown would be a disaster for North Carolina. It would leave 6,574 Federal workers in my district without a paycheck, it would jeopardize benefits for over 49,000 veterans in my district, and it would hurt our economy.

The last shutdown permanently cost our country $3 billion. That was only a partial shutdown. We can't afford to do that again.

That is why I have introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act. This bill has a simple idea: Members of Congress shouldn't get paid if we don't do our jobs.

I am proud to say this bill now has bipartisan support in the House. I came to Congress to get things done, and I will continue to work in a bipartisan way to avoid a government shutdown and do what is right for North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to pay tribute to the distinguished career of Wake County Public School System Superintendent Catty Moore. It's my privilege to recognize her invaluable contributions to the families and students of Wake County and to wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.

Superintendent Moore received her bachelor's degree at North Carolina State University before earning her master's degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She's currently pursuing a doctoral degree at East Carolina University.

She began her career as a high school French teacher in the Nash- Rocky Mount Public School system, before moving to teach in Wake County at Enloe High School. She then became the assistant principal of Enloe before moving to Apex High School and finally working as the principal of Sanderson High School. During her time at Sanderson High School, she was awarded Principal of the Year by the Wake County Public Schools and was awarded Regional Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

She became Wake County Public School System's Superintendent in 2018 and is the first woman and first Latina to serve in the role. She was awarded the Superintendent of the Year by the North Carolina PTA in 2021 for her ``steady and focused leadership'' throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and was awarded National Superintendent of the Year by Magnet Schools of America in 2022.

Under Superintendent Moore's leadership, Wake County has made significant strides toward ensuring the safety and well-being of its students by conducting a comprehensive school-by-school safety audit, writing the district's first equity policy, and pioneering covid safety protocols in a time of great uncertainty.

I'd like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Wake County Public School System's Superintendent Catty Moore for her years of service to North Carolina and wish her all the best in her retirement from the Wake County Public School System.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Superintendent Catty Moore.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the chance to travel with a bipartisan group of Members of the House of Representatives to Brazil, Colombia, and Panama.

During our trip, we discussed important issues like immigration, counterterrorism, trade, and national security.

In Brazil, I learned about the increasing presence of the Chinese Communist Party from local law enforcement officials.

In Colombia, we discussed efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking. We met with leading officials on the longstanding, bilateral relationship between the United States and Colombia.

In Panama, I saw firsthand the challenging conditions faced by migrants attempting to travel to the United States and live their American Dream here. I have empathy for the people I met, and this experience reinforced the importance of addressing immigration with compassion and respect.

Mr. Speaker, the United States is a shining beacon of democracy, and I am not surprised that people from all over the world want to come here. We need to ensure that our borders are secure, that the American people are safe, and migrants are treated with dignity and fairness.

This was an eye-opening experience that affirmed the need for strong, smart, and strategic policies that advance our national interests, our values abroad, and protect our homeland and democracy.

We also must diligently combat the Chinese Communist Party's increasing presence in the region.

I will continue to closely monitor developments in this area and work toward a pragmatic approach to foreign policy that puts America's security first.

Finally, we must take up and pass comprehensive immigration reform. I am eternally optimistic that we can get something done in this Congress.

At the end of the day, addressing the situation at the border and taking up comprehensive immigration reform should not be a Democrat or Republican issue. The American people deserve more than politics as usual, and the time for action is now.

Let's work together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans to secure our border and advance comprehensive immigration reform.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead. Last night, the Dead and Company closed out their final act in San Francisco, and while this marks the end of an era, it also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the immense impact they have had on generations of fans.

Jerry Garcia said it best when he said: ``Maybe we are just one of the last adventures in America,'' and for those of us who are fans who follow the Dead, they truly were an amazing American adventure.

For over five decades, their unique blend of rock, folk, and improvisation transcended boundaries inspiring countless artists and enchanting millions of dedicated fans.

In a world often divided, the Grateful Dead reminds us that music has the power to bridge divides and bring people together. Their music served as a beacon of hope, an escape, and a testament to the power of artistic expression.

Through their music, the Grateful Dead taught us the value of community, compassion, and the beauty of living in the moment. As we celebrate the Grateful Dead, we also pay tribute to the late Jerry Garcia and all the band members who graced the stage with their exceptional talents.

Let's also acknowledge the unwavering dedication of the Deadheads, the devoted fans who traveled far and wide to be part of the Grateful Dead experience. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm nurtured a unique bond between the band and its audience, making each concert totally unique. There was never a concert that was the same as the last.

As we celebrate Dead and Company's final performance last night, let's remember that their music and spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all those that they touched. Their journey may have reached its final destination, but their melodies resonate across time, reminding us of the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and to bring us together.

Madam Speaker, I like people who like the Grateful Dead, and whether in the Halls of Congress or back home in North Carolina, I will always be thankful for the memories they gave us, the music they shared, and the profound impact they had on the lives of everyone in this country.

Mr. Speaker, America's national defense has historically been a source of bipartisan agreement, not a battleground for divisive, extreme partisan politics.

Unfortunately, House Republicans chose to use the NDAA to advance controversial and harmful amendments rather than work in a bipartisan way to bolster our national defense, strengthen our national security interests, and protect our servicemembers.

Through the amendment process, House Republicans inserted extreme anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-DEI amendments that infringe upon the rights of individuals, notably those who serve in our armed forces and their families, threaten their liberties, and undermine their principles of freedom and autonomy that they work every day to defend.

With these poison pills, I could not vote to advance this year's NDAA, as amended.

I will work tirelessly with my Senate counterparts and reasonable Republicans to ensure that damaging anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-DEI amendments are not included in the final text of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in such a closely divided Congress, the only real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can pass the House and get 60 votes in the Senate.

For me, bipartisanship is more than just a buzzword. That is why as a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I am working on advancing commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Since January, I am proud to have advanced three bipartisan bills through committee and one through the floor of the House.

The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, which I co-led with Congressman Mike Flood, recently passed on the House floor with 383 votes and would help cut through government red tape and ensure well- qualified and more diverse individuals are able to invest in our private markets.

The second bill, Improving Disclosures for Investors Act, which I co- led with Congressman Huizenga, is the next step in the decades-long process of modernizing the SEC's electronic delivery rules, while providing strong investor protections.

The China Exchange Rate Transparency Act, which I co-led with Congressman Meuser, would enable us to learn more about China's exchange rate policies to level the playing field for American businesses and promote domestic manufacturing.

As we look ahead, I know that we can reach consensus and find common ground on the issues facing the American people. One of those areas is stablecoin legislation. I am proud of the work we have done this Congress on bipartisan stablecoin legislation.

The most recent draft includes many of my suggestions, like protecting State regulators in North Carolina, adding consumer protections, and ensuring banks can safely hold digital assets in their custody.

I hope that we can continue to come together, put politics aside, and reach a bipartisan agreement that can pass through committee with support from Democrats and Republicans. I stand ready to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions and get things done for the people of North Carolina's 13th District.

Celebrating Distinguished North Carolinians

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and congratulate a distinguished North Carolinian, Dr. Mandy Cohen, on her recent appointment as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr. Cohen's commitment to public health and her exceptional leadership skills.

North Carolina has a rich history of contributing remarkable individuals to our great Nation. Our State has always nurtured talent and fostered innovation. Dr. Cohen's appointment as the head of the CDC exemplifies North Carolina's continued influence on the national stage.

Throughout her tenure as the secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services--where I served in the State senate during her tenure, as well--Dr. Cohen has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to improving the health and well-being of our citizens. In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she led North Carolina's robust response efforts with compassion and expertise.

Today, as we honor Dr. Cohen, we also take pride in recognizing two other North Carolinians appointed to critical national positions.

Michael Regan, a native of North Carolina's 13th Congressional District, serves as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA. Mr. Regan's passion and expertise have propelled us toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Erik Hooks, the deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, also hails from North Carolina. In his role, Mr. Hooks has played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across our Nation.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Mandy Cohen, Michael Regan, and Erik Hooks, we also recognize the collective achievements of North Carolina. I was with our Governor, Roy Cooper, just last week and he made note of these important contributions from these three North Carolinians in this administration.

Our State has consistently produced exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to our Nation.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mandy Cohen on her appointment as the Director of the CDC. I am confident she will bring the same passion and expertise to this new position that she demonstrated throughout her career in North Carolina.

To Michael Regan and Erik Hooks, I express my deepest appreciation for their invaluable contributions to our Nation. North Carolina is proud to call these exceptional individuals our own, and we look forward to the positive impact they will play and continue to have on our country.