Dear Friends,

As your Congressman, I am committed to fighting for your family, your freedoms, and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe.

Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, 7-week measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the long-term reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn't raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people.

Here’s what our bill does:

Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents, and air traffic controllers.
Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications.
Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans.
Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy.
Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers.

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion dollar spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets, and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting benefits back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg & NC-09 Wins:

$44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg.
$5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) at Fort Bragg.
$19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course.
$24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.
$80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid.
$6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center.
$7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina.

On a National level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codifies 15 of President Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability, and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.

The NDAA funds President Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation fighters, submarines, warships, and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battlefield faster. And it makes new investments in artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran, and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran, and military family who sacrifices for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are fighting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to fight for you, to protect your tax dollars, and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.