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Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. — Neuse News

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Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. — Neuse News


It is a pleasure to be back in Washington to finish out the year strong and gear up for next year. As the 118th Congress wraps up, I have been busy meeting with folks to continue discussing how we can improve access to affordable, high-quality health care. This week, I met Union Chimique Belge to hear about the newest developments in Epilepsy treatment as well as a representative from the American Physical Therapy Association to discuss my Provider Reimbursement Stability Act.

With Republicans taking control of the White House and Congress, I am excited to get to work delivering on President Trump’s agenda. Conservative ideas and common sense will be restored, and we will work to rebuild a powerful economy that uplifts all Americans, enact sane immigration policies that incentivize the legal process and keep our communities safe, unleash American energy dominance, and protect our national security.

I will continue fighting for the values of North Carolina’s Third Congressional District. If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. 

Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina

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As Hurricane Helene’s recovery efforts progress, I want to keep you all updated on the latest in Western North Carolina as well as what we are doing on Capitol Hill. During my discussions with federal, state, and local authorities, I have been informed that FEMA, NC Emergency Management, NC Department of Transportation, and our National Guard remain on the ground working tirelessly. 

There has been major progress in restoring access to state-maintained roads and power in affected areas. Damage sites, bridges, and culverts are being addressed as more become identified. Hundreds of dump trucks, backhoes, and other heavy equipment are actively assisting with debris cleanup. Additionally, disaster recovery shelters remain open for affected residences with numerous federal assistance services available as well. 

In Washington, I remain dedicated to ensuring Western North Carolina receives the support it needs. This week, I joined Congressman Edwards in urging President Biden to order the Office of Management and Budget to request additional funds to support our communities devastated by this disaster. Our communities need this assistance now, not later. The road to recovery will be long, but I am dedicated to supporting the necessary disaster relief funding so the good people of WNC can rebuild and heal.

House Week in Review

Week of November 11th

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We have been given a mandate by the American people to secure our border, rebuild a powerful economy, unleash American energy dominance, and restore common sense. 

I am looking forward to the 119th Congress implementing President Trump’s agenda.

Watch me discuss further here.

Meeting with UCB on Epilepsy Care 

I met with Union Chimique Belge, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing cutting-edge treatments for epilepsy.

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This condition hits close to home for me, and as the Epilepsy Caucus Co-chair, it was a pleasure to hear about the latest therapy advancements that give hope to those impacted.

Advocating for our Military Installations’ Barracks Habitability 

I’m proud to represent three military installations which are home to thousands of active-duty service members living in barracks. These brave men and women deserve adequate living quarters, yet the poor state of barracks habitability remains an ongoing issue. In September of 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report on the state of 10 installations, indicating recommendations for the Department of Defense to implement by the end of 2024.

I joined a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues in urging the Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to inquire about the status of the recommendations made in the GAO report.

On Veterans Day, we honor and recognize the men and women who served our nation and defended our freedom.

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It is a privilege to represent over 76,000 veterans in our district. I am proud to join Congressman Michael Guest and my colleagues in acknowledging the bravery of our heroes, ensuring they have the services they deserve.

Please join me in thanking our veterans – their bravery, dedication, and courage allow us to enjoy the privilege of freedom.

God bless America and our troops. 

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

Meeting with American Physical Therapy Association Rep on Healthcare Financial Stability 

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It was a pleasure to meet with a representative from the American Physical Therapy Association to discuss looming Medicare reimbursement cuts.

During our meeting, we discussed my Provider Reimbursement Stability Act, which protects access to affordable, high-quality care. I appreciate hearing his concerns on how the decline in Medicare reimbursement will affect physicians and the patients they serve.

Political discrimination has no place in our federal agencies. It is unconscionable that Trump supporters would be left without help in a time of crisis. 

FEMA leadership should not instruct staff to avoid assisting storm victims with certain political ideologies.

I joined my colleague Congressman Vern Buchanan in urging Administrator Criswell to provide ALL families affected by hurricane destruction with the assistance they deserve and to ensure this injustice will not happen again. 

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Read the full letter here.





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11 hurt after work vehicle collides with Silver Line train at Metro Center

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11 hurt after work vehicle collides with Silver Line train at Metro Center


An early Wednesday morning incident at D.C.’s Metro Center left multiple riders injured after a work vehicle made contact with a Silver Line train just before the end of service.

According to Metro officials, the train was holding at the station when the work vehicle struck the rear car shortly after midnight. Officials said there were 27 customers on board at the time.

Officials say 11 people reported non-life-threatening injuries and that Metro personnel were not seriously injured.

SEE ALSO | Metro’s board to vote on budget that calls for fully automated trains on the Red Line

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Passengers who did not report injuries were transferred to another train and continued toward Downtown Largo.

The train involved was the final Silver Line run of the night.

Metro said the incident remains under investigation as crews work to determine the cause.

As of 3:30 a.m., it’s not clear what the potential impacts to the morning service may be.

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How much you need to earn to be middle class in DC, MD and Virginia

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How much you need to earn to be middle class in DC, MD and Virginia


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Earning enough to be considered middle class has gotten more expensive, with rising housing and everyday costs pushing the income bar higher, according to a recent report from GOBankingRates.

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The median range for middle-class income across the country is between $59,000 and $104,000 in 2026, depending on which state you live in. GOBanking Rates used Pew Research Center’s definition of middle class — income ranging from two-thirds to twice a state’s median household income — and added data from the U.S. Census Bureau to report lowest middle-income, highest middle-class income and median income for each state, including Maryland and Virginia, and Washington D.C.

The current national middle-class minimum of $59,000 would have declared you middle class a decade ago in the U.S. In 2016, earning $39,000 placed a household at the lower edge of the middle class — and in regions like DC, MD and VA, median incomes were already far higher than the national median, so the “middle-class floor” was much higher than $39,000 even then.

In the DC region, the income required to be considered middle class is significantly higher than nationally, with the threshold starting around $61,000 in Virginia and nearly $69,000 in Maryland — compared with about $47,000 nationwide, GOBankingRates data shows. To be considered middle class in Washington DC, you’d have to earn at least $70,200. GoBankingRates omitted DC from their report; however, using the same formula and same US Census data cited, USA TODAY Network was able to calculate the low, high and median middle class income ranges. Here’s what the report shows and what we found for middle-class consideration in 2026.

What is middle class in Washington DC?

The middle class is a socioeconomic group in the U.S. that falls between the working class and upper class, earning around the middle of the income distribution for where they live. Middle class households often are able to cover their bills, rely on loans to buy homes or cars, and occasionally eat out or vacation, but not without careful budgeting, according to Investopedia.

Washington DC’s middle-class income in 2024 (the most recent year available from Census data) was between $70,200 and $209,600. GoBankingRates omitted DC middle-class data; however, USA TODAY Network used the same calculation, using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the Pew Research Center’s benchmark definition of middle class. Here is the breakdown for middle-class in Washington DC:

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  • Median household income: $104,800
  • Lowest end of middle-class income: $70,200
  • Highest end of middle-class income: $209,600

Due to the region’s high cost of living, Washington DC’s middle-class median income surpasses not only the U.S. median, but it’s neighbors in Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. It also slightly surpasses the median middle-class income of New Jersey.

What is middle class in Virginia?

In Virginia, the income needed to be considered middle class starts at about $61,400 and can range up to roughly $184,200, according to GOBankingRates. That is based on Pew Research Center’s definition — two-thirds to twice the median household income. Here’s the breakdown of Virginia’s middle-class income as reported in 2026 using the latest Census data available from 2024:

  • Median household income: $92,090
  • Lowest end of middle-class income: $61,393
  • Highest end of middle-class income: $184,180

What is middle class in Maryland?

To be considered middle-class in Maryland, the income required starts at about $68,600 and can extend up to roughly $205,800, according to GOBankingRates, which used the latest 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data available in their 2026 report.

For many Maryland households, especially in the DC suburbs, earning what sounds like a solid income does not always translate into financial comfort once housing, childcare and community costs are factored in: Maryland housing costs (rent and home prices) are well above national averages, according to Zillow market trends, and commuting costs for DC-area workers are among the longest and costliest, Census data shows. Maryland also consistently ranks among the most expensive states for childcare, often surpassing $15,000 per year per child, according to a Care.com 2024 Cost of Care report.

Highest middle-class incomes in the US

  1. Massachusetts income range: $69,885 to $209,656
  2. Maryland income range: $68,603 to $205,810
  3. New Jersey income range: $69,529 to $208,588
  4. Hawaii income range: $67,163 to $201,490
  5. California income range: $66,766 to $200,298
  6. New Hampshire income range: $66,521 to $199,564
  7. Washington income range: $66,259 to $198,778
  8. Colorado income range: $64,742 to $194,226
  9. Connecticut income range: $64,033 to $192,098
  10. Virginia income range: $61,393 to $184,180

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect TeamShe covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.



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US industry leaders take sport fishing issues to Washington DC – Angling International

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US industry leaders take sport fishing issues to Washington DC – Angling International


The impact of tariffs on the US fishing tackle industry and the need for sound fisheries management were among the topics discussed by attendees of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA)’s first ever Keep America Fishing in DC Fly-In.

It included industry leaders who last week joined together in Washington DC and all walked hundreds of miles across the US Capital Complex to advocate for the interests of the US trade and the entire recreational fishing community.

The group also enjoyed conversations with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Director, Dr Neil Jacobs, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Brian Nesvik, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Representative Blake Moore (R-UT).

ASA President and CEO, Glenn Hughes, said: “We look forward to continuing the conversation with legislators throughout the rest of this Congress and to an even bigger Keep America Fishing Fly-In in 2027.”

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Above: From left: ASA President Glenn Hughes and Vice President of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, with Senator Martin Heinrich (centre).





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