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Friends,
I hope you and your families had a wonderful Summer and back to school. While Congress was in recess, I spent time across our communities meeting with the people and organizations that keep North Carolina strong.
I visited LabCorp in Burlington to see their world-class work up close. Their team operates one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world — performing bloodwork, genetic tests, cancer screenings, and routine health checks that save lives every day. LabCorp employs more than 10,000 North Carolinians, and I’m grateful for their leadership in science, jobs, and community health.
As you know, we are home to Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the world, with a large community of service members, veterans, and military families. I joined Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Rep. David Rouzer at the Fayetteville VA to see the care being delivered to more than 90,000 veterans across our region.
America can never fully repay the men and women who wore the uniform, but we can make sure they receive the care they earned. We heard about challenges, especially wait times and referrals to community care, but also all the improvements we’ve seen over the years. I will keep pressing in Washington to ensure the VA has the resources, staffing, and flexibility to improve access and outcomes for our veterans.
That day, we also met with the team at The Employment Source to hear directly from veterans transitioning to civilian life. I’m thankful for their hands-on work connecting veterans with training and good jobs so our veterans can use their unique and impressive skills to contribute to the civilian world. It’s been a pleasure watching so many groups connect with the community from hospitals to management to cybersecurity to law enforcement and more.
Energy security remains essential to our economy and national security. At the Energizer plant in Asheboro, I met with the hardworking men and women who keep critical manufacturing here at home. Their dedication is a reminder that when we cut red tape, unleash American energy, and support domestic industry, we create jobs and make our nation stronger.
North Carolinians also know the impact of hurricanes and natural disasters. In emergencies, seconds matter. That’s why I was honored to help cut the ribbon on a FirstNet rural coverage expansion to give first responders reliable communications when it counts most. This investment will help 9-1-1 calls connect quickly, allow command centers to share real-time updates, and strengthen telehealth, school safety, and small businesses across rural communities. Thank you to the Elon Fire Department, Alamance County Emergency Management, our law enforcement and EMS partners, and the FirstNet team for getting this done. We’ll keep working to close coverage gaps across rural North Carolina so families can count on a fast, dependable connection in their times of need.
This year’s Working Families Tax Cut is already delivering for working families. I heard from so many small business owners and parents about how it helps them keep more of their paycheck and be able to plan with certainty. Here’s what it means in real life: the typical family can see up to $10,900 more in take-home pay, with worker wages rising up to $7,200, and households under $100,000 getting at least a 12% tax cut, according to House Ways & Means. It also delivers “no tax on tips” for service workers, a promise now in law. For North Carolina, the White House Council of Economic Advisers estimates a family of four will gain about $7,100–$10,100 in higher take-home pay over four years, with wages up $3,500–$6,400.
Independent estimates show average tax cuts above $3,200 statewide. Small businesses benefit from restored 100% immediate expensing and an expanded 23% small-business deduction, helping mom-and-pop shops invest, hire, and raise wages. I’m proud of this commonsense relief and grateful to colleagues who worked tirelessly to get it across the finish line.
On a personal note, I wrapped up the month at my alma mater, UNC Charlotte, for the stadium expansion groundbreaking. It was great to visit with staff, students, and builders. This project will create opportunities for student-athletes from around the country, energize the Charlotte community and entire state, and continue a tradition of growth and success.
The expansion is expected to be completed by spring 2027. Go Niners!
As always, my focus is simple: deliver results for families, farmers, and small businesses; support our troops and veterans; and keep North Carolina safe, strong, and free. I’ll keep fighting for you every day.
Until Next Time,
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