The past 10 days have brought about major developments at home and abroad. In the Middle East, facilities in Iran necessary to produce nuclear weapons were destroyed. Closer to home, I’ve been working hard to defend North Carolina’s vital tobacco industry. I’m also proud to report critical bills I introduced advanced out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. All the details below!
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As you already know, President Trump made the decisive and resolute action to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The President and those in our great military responsible for successfully carrying out this difficult mission have provided a meaningful opportunity for lasting peace in the Middle East and safety to the United States and our allies.
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For more than two centuries tobacco has been the bedrock of North Carolina’s agriculture and manufacturing economy, and much of our state’s history revolves around its cultivation and marketing. In more recent years, the ability to export the product around the world has become critical to keeping our growers in business. For many farmers, it is the reliability of tobacco revenue that enables them to grow the many other crops we produce. Few know that NC is the third most agriculturally diverse state in the country. This past week, in addition to many offline conversations during the course of the past few months, I joined my colleagues from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia in sending a letter to the Senate Finance Committee asking the Senate to protect the full utilization of the duty drawback for tobacco product exports. (The original House version of the Big Beautiful Bill had language inserted that would modify this provision in such a way that it would reduce tobacco product exports.)
Duty drawback is a provision of law aimed at incentivizing foreign-owned tobacco companies to manufacture their products in America, which has been of benefit to our state’s tobacco economy while also benefiting thousands of North Carolina farm families that produce tobacco.
You can read the full letter here.
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On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced commonsense and targeted permitting reform legislation to cut red tape, streamline review procedures, and enhance regulatory clarity under the Clean Water Act (CWA). H.R. 3898, the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act included three bills I introduced. These commonsense reforms are designed to increase permitting efficiency by providing more predictable guidance for applicants and clearer standards for permitting agencies. I am pleased to see the PERMIT Act advancing in the 119th Congress. Our job creators should not be burdened by unnecessary red tape and uncertainty while trying to grow their business and contribute to our economy. This legislation will have a significant, positive impact for our communities, farm families and small businesses in North Carolina.
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Details on my legislation included:
Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act(H.R. 3928): Clarifies process and scope of Section 401 CWA approvals by states are limited to only impacts to water quality to end the weaponization of the water quality certification process to stall critical infrastructure and energy projects. Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act (H.R. 3824): Eliminates a duplicative regulatory process at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the use of pesticides while maintaining public health and environmental protections. Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act (H.R. 3927): Codifies longstanding, historical interpretation and practice around the Nationwide Permit (NWP) process and provides clarity regarding several areas where challenges have risen against the well-established process.
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The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14 to 24-year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Participants may register at 13 1/2-years-old and are eligible to submit for the award at age 14. Gold Medals are presented at an annual ceremony every summer in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Award focus on four areas: - Voluntary public service;
- Personal development;
- Physical fitness; and
- Expedition/exploration activities.
Involvement in activities like 4-H, aerobics, school and community sports, outdoor activities, high school clubs and activities, and other extracurricular activities can help you achieve medal status in the Congressional Award.
Start your journey today! Prospective participants may learn more about the Congressional Award here. Click here to register for the award.
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My offices in Brunswick, Cumberland, and New Hanover counties will be holding an American flag recycling drive. With Memorial Day last month and the Fourth of July just around the corner, many have older American flags they are looking to replace. Disposing of an American flag should be done in a respectful manner. Just as there's etiquette for displaying your flag, there's also etiquette for disposing of flags. If you bring your American flag to one of my offices, we will properly dispose of it in a respectful manner.
You can find my office locations here.
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For this week's good news story, I'm highlighting the Salvation Army as they just opened their new Center of Hope. An idea a decade in the making, and just a field a year ago, the facility is now open. “This building represents more than brick and mortar — it embodies hope,” said Major Ken Morris. The facility includes 75 beds for men, women, and children, a full kitchen, laundry room, and support programs. It replaces the older, crowded shelter sold in 2023 to help fund the new space. It will also serve as an emergency shelter, with plans for future expansion. “We hope it meets community needs for the next 30 to 50 years,” Morris said. Watch the full story here.
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"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." — Colin Powell |
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