Quote of the week

In the spring of 1963, Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover of the U.S. Navy gifted President John F. Kennedy a plaque inscribed with the words: "O, God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small." This old fisherman's prayer kept Kennedy grounded throughout his presidency and continues to inspire our country's leaders as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world.

With President Donald Trump back in the White House, America is on its feet once again. During his first week in office, Trump signed over twenty executive orders addressing issues that the American people care about, including border protection, strengthening our economy, and commonsense governance. Congress is working with the commander-in-chief, and we are finally able to pass legislation into law that has been stalled by Democrats for the past two years.

Last Monday's inauguration was a truly great day, and I am honored to represent you in Congress. We have much work ahead, and I am hopeful about the future of our nation. The concerns of those back home remain my top priority, and it has been a pleasure to meet with constituents and stakeholders from Eastern North Carolina up in Washington, DC over the past two weeks. I look forward to returning home this week during the upcoming district work period.

Ensuring Western North Carolina is taken care of remains a priority for me. On Friday, I traveled there again to survey the devastation, this time with President Trump and my congressional colleagues. I am grateful for Trump's commitment to those affected and am heartened that his first trip back in office was to visit those impacted.

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.

Key Votes

The Laken Riley Act

On February 22nd, 2024, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old UGA nursing student, was brutally murdered by an illegal alien who had previously been cited for shoplifting by the Athens Police Department. Laken’s horrific murder could have been prevented if not for the Biden Administration’s negligence.

The Laken Riley Act will protect American communities by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens charged with theft, burglary, larceny, and shoplifting offenses. It also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over immigration enforcement decisions that harm the state or its residents.

Laken would be here with us today if not for the criminal, illegal immigrant who was released into our country under Biden’s lax immigration policies. I’m proud that the Laken Riley Act is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law to keep our communities safe.

Read the bill text here.

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

Current law does not require medical practitioners to administer lifesaving care to babies born alive after an attempted abortion. In other words, they may be left to die outside the womb.

As a physician of over 35 years, my life’s work has been dedicated to saving lives. We are taught to do everything in our capacity to help our patients and allowing innocent lives to perish in front of us is an affront to the oath that we take as professionals. It’s time we pass commonsense legislation that protects the sanctity of life.

I voted YES on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act!

Read the bill text here and watch my remarks on the floor here.

Fix Our Forests Act

Over 117 million acres of our forests are overgrown and fire-prone because of regulatory burdens that block sensible land management.

Fires have become more devastating and frequent, burning more than twice as much tree cover today as they did 20 years ago. The tragedy that we have witnessed in Los Angeles, California should illustrate our need to aggressively improve how we prepare for wildfires.

I voted YES on the Fix Our Forests Act to advance forest management technologies, cut burdensome regulations, enhance transparency around wildfire mitigation investments, and ensure communities are equipped for recovery.

Read the bill text here.

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

Forcing female athletes to compete against biological males is unfair, unsafe, and simply absurd. There are unconverted differences between the mitochondrial DNA between XX muscle cells and XY muscle cells. Saying they are not is pure fiction. Men have a competitive advantage over women when it comes to strength, speed, and endurance. Period.

Last year, the Biden Administration amended Title IX to define sex to include “gender identity.” It should not have to be said that women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, and competitions should be limited to biological females only.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act ensures women and girls’ fair competition in sporting events, defines gender based on reproductive biology and genetics under Title IX, and prohibits males identifying as women from competing in women’s sports with federal funding. I voted YES on this legislation to make sure women and girls have the opportunity to compete on a fair playing field.

Read the bill text here.

United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act

I voted YES on the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act, which eases the burden of double taxation on American and Taiwanese companies.

Currently, American companies operating in Taiwan are denied the reciprocal tax treaty benefits available to companies that have tax treaties with Taiwan. The consequences of this for our economy and competitiveness against China are significant: American businesses are burdened by an outdated tax code that discourages U.S.-based semiconductor and chip manufacturers from expanding in the United States, an industry that is heavily dominated by China.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act will support our democratic and free market partners around the world, reducing our dependence on China dramatically.

Read the bill text here.

Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

Communities across America suffer the tragic consequences of the border crisis daily. The Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act creates grounds for inadmissibility and removability for aliens convicted of, or admitting to, a second offense under the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act of 2006, and closes a loophole in immigration law by adding inadmissibility for specific domestic violence-related offenses. This is a step in the right direction to make our country safe again.

I voted YES on the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act to prevent illegals who commit sex offenses or domestic violence from being allowed to stay or admissible into our country. We will stand up for public safety, the rule of law, and the women in this country targeted by these individuals.

Read the bill text here.

Statement on Inauguration of President Donald Trump

Congratulations to President Donald Trump on being inaugurated as our 47th president and returning to the White House to lead the United States in this pivotal moment in history. Our country needs bold and fearless leadership to take on the challenges we face, both domestically and globally. We must build an economy that uplifts all Americans, secure our borders and keep our communities safe, and deliver peace through strength around the world. President Trump was given a mandate in his reelection, and I look forward to supporting his vision for our nation. It is time to restore common sense in Washington and put Americans first once again.

Visit to Western North Carolina with President Trump

I am grateful to President Trump for making his first trip back in the White House to Western North Carolina to see firsthand the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene and the long road to recovery. The good people in our mountain communities had their lives destroyed and rebuilding has been extremely difficult.

It could take at least a decade to fully restore what was lost, but we must start moving fast. Eastern North Carolina uniquely understands the tragedy of natural disasters and continues to step up to help our neighbors out west. I proudly supported robust aid to help these folks make a full recovery and am heartened to know that Western North Carolina will not be forgotten by this administration.

House Republicans Working Through the Upcoming Tax Package in Reconciliation

As Congress works through budget reconciliation, we must ensure that the Death Tax does not return for our family farmers and small businesses.

No family should have to sell their farm or business due to the loss of a loved one.

Watch me explain here or by clicking the video below.

Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing with Testimony from Constituent, Sergeant Major Paul McKenna

In 2009, Sergeant Major Paul McKenna, was almost killed in a vehicle rollover accident while serving overseas in Afghanistan. As a result of the accident, he suffered traumatic spinal injuries and has since sought medical treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

During this week's Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, SgtMaj McKenna testified on the challenges he has faced with the VA’s Community Care Program in our district. Despite his best efforts to advocate for his care, he has been waiting for over nine months for referrals to the specialists he needs. This experience is completely unacceptable, yet, unfortunately, happens all too often to veterans seeking care across the nation.

Our veterans deserve timely and affordable access to care, which they have rightfully earned as warfighters for our country. We must improve the VA’s Community Care Program and ensure our veterans like Sergeant Major Paul McKenna are taken care of.

 Meeting with Constituents Ahead of Inauguration 

Although the inauguration had to unfortunately be moved inside due to the weather, it was so great to meet constituents in town to celebrate!

Thank you to everyone from NC-03 that stopped by the office.

Meeting with Former Rep. Davis to Discuss Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

I had a great time catching up with my friend and former Representative Rodney Davis!

We had a very productive discussion on the importance of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and putting American workers and businesses first.

Ways and Means Committee Hearing on the Impact of the Trump Tax Cuts on Working Families

The Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on extending the 2017 tax cuts for hard-working Americans. Under the TCJA, take-home wages and family incomes grew at unprecedented levels, unemployment reached a 50-year low, and millions were lifted out of poverty.

During the hearing, I heard from several business owners and everyday Americans about the challenges they will face if the Trump Tax Cuts expire. In North Carolina, we will lose 184,000 jobs, $16.7 billion in wages, and $33.2 billion in GDP.

Congress must work to extend President Trump’s successful tax cuts to put American workers and businesses first.

Watch my remarks here. 

Ensuring Western North Carolina Continues to Receive the Support They Need

We cannot and will not let FEMA forget about Western North Carolina and those who are still suffering from the destruction of Helene.

I joined Congressman Chuck Edwards in urging President Biden and FEMA Administrator Criswell to maintain its presence in the mountains to ensure the well-being of residents while we embark on a long road of recovery. Eastern North Carolina will continue to be with Western North Carolina every step of the way as they rebuild with dignity.

Read the letter here.

Meeting with New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States

It was great sitting down with New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, Rosemary Banks. We discussed the importance of our mutual interests, specifically on trade and China’s influence in the region.

As a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I regularly meet with foreign dignitaries to discuss mutually beneficial ways to collaborate. I appreciate our strong relationship with New Zealand and our strong security partnership that ensures peace in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Floor Remarks on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

Babies who survive abortion attempts should be taken care of like any other life.

As a physician, I am called to do no harm. Neglect is harm, and we must protect those who cannot defend themselves.

Watch my remarks here or by clicking the video below. Read my press release on the bill's passage here.

Meeting with Lowes on the Importance of Putting American Businesses First

I enjoyed meeting with representatives from Lowes to discuss how we can strengthen our trade policies and secure our supply chains.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I am committed to ensuring that American companies and their employees thrive at home and around the world.

Championing Effort to Ban Stock Trading by

Members of Congress 

As members of Congress, we are elected to serve our constituents with integrity and not for self-benefit. Members and their families should not use the office for financial gain. We must root out perceptions of corruption to preserve faith in our federal government, and even the appearance of impropriety stands in the way of that pursuit. This commonsense reform is overdue, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for it to become law.

Read my press release here.

Meeting with Constituent and White House Fellow Michael Kennedy

It was wonderful having Michael Kennedy, a White House Fellow and a constituent of NC-03, stop by my office to discuss the challenges facing American health care.

As a nurse practitioner, Michael has served the district with her outstanding patient care and has helped improve access to health services in our rural communities. I am grateful for her service to our district and country and look forward to the accomplishments Michael will achieve in her career serving others!

Update on Camp Lejeune's Chinese Batteries Replacements

I had the opportunity to talk virtually with ESS Tech, Inc. CEO, Eric Dresselhuys, to discuss their progress in replacing the Chinese-manufactured batteries at Camp Lejeune.

The decommissioning process started after Congress approached Duke Energy in 2023 regarding its use of the Chinese CATL batteries and network-equipped systems, which posed a significant security risk at the base. I was grateful for Duke Energy’s willing cooperation with our concerns, and I am happy to see ESS move the project along.

Protecting our military installations and critical infrastructure against cyber threats is essential to our nation’s security. The world is in a period of heightened aggression, and the removal of the CATL batteries is imperative to our efforts to remain vigilant of all potential threats.

Received an A+ Pro-Life Score for the 118th

I am proud to have earned an A+ on Susan B. Anthony List’s scorecard for my voting record in the 118th Congress. As a physician and lawmaker, I understand the preciousness of life and will never stop defending those who cannot fight for themselves.

Children are a gift from God, and every baby is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Click here to see all the bills I supported in the 118th Congress to continue the fight for the right to life in Washington. 

Meeting with the Committee for Economic Development on Medicare Reform

I met virtually with the Committee for Economic Development to discuss the urgent need to address the rising costs of Medicare and other health programs.

Patients deserve access to affordable, high-quality care.

Celebrating NOAA's Withdrawal of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule

For over two years, I fought vigorously against the Biden Administration’s unscientific and ridiculously burdensome North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. With their statement of retraction, I welcome its long overdue withdrawal. The Biden Administration pushed this rule even though it knew that the vessels it targeted were not responsible for the death of Right Whales. Regardless they pushed it on to the bitter end.

Eastern North Carolina understands the importance of being good stewards of our environment while utilizing our God-given resources to help grow our economy and provide for our families. This is a tremendous victory for our fishermen, boaters, and countless businesses in our coastal economy who would have been devastated if this rule went into effect.

Read my press release here.

Meeting with North America for Hanwha Q Cells on Restricting Chinese Economic Growth

I met with the North America for Hanwha Q Cells to discuss the importance of ensuring tax incentives do not give our foreign adversaries an economic advantage.

If we are going to compete with countries like China, we need to buy into American businesses.

Please Consider Blood Donation 

I normally try to give blood regularly but had to hold off since my surgery last spring. Given the devastation that has happened in the western part of the state and now is happening in California, many blood centers are not getting the donations that they need. So please, I urge you to consider blood donation. It truly saves lives.

I joined NewsNation's NewsNation Now to discuss Biden's foreign policy legacy. Watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined Newsmax's Wake Up America to discuss President Trump's inauguration and his first slate of executive orders. Watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined Bloomberg's Balance of Power to discuss disaster relief, budget reconciliation, and DEI. Watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined Fox Business's Mornings with Maria to discuss my visit with Trump to Western North Carolina, disaster aid, and his message on lowering costs at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.

I joined Spectrum News to discuss how Trump's first executive actions could impact North Carolina. Watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.

Read my latest OpEd in the Washington Daily News on the national debt, tax debates, and other upcoming challenges before Congress. Read the OpEd by clicking here or on the image above. 

As we end this month's awareness of cervical cancer, I want to share the best ways to avoid a diagnosis. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths yearly. It is caused by persistent HPV infection, but it can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.