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

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

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.

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.

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 

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. 

Read the full letter here.