Dear John,
This past week was a productive one in Washington. We completed two more appropriations bills, the Financial Services and General Government as well as National Security, Department of State. These measures are another major step toward restoring fiscal responsibility, cutting wasteful spending by billions, and ensuring our government operates with the efficiency and accountability you deserve.
This past week, I also participated in two hearings held by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology where we received testimony regarding NOAA’s work supporting our troops and implementing America's AI Action Plan. I also met with NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson to discuss our state’s surface transportation priorities.
I continue to work towards common sense policies that matter most to you. More details on this and Hurricane Helene recovery funding below!
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I am pleased to share an update on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. This past week, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will send an additional $116 million to North Carolina, building off of the more than $1 billion already received by the state. This new funding is strategically split to address both immediate needs and future safety: - $72 Million for critical infrastructure: This includes clearing debris and repairing roads and bridges vital to the region.
- $44.6 Million for hazard mitigation: Funds efforts to prevent damage from future disasters.
As we know in Southeastern North Carolina, the road to full recovery is long, but the continued work is a testament to the strength, dedication and perseverance of our people. I will continue to work to ensure North Carolina doesn't just rebuild, but can emerge stronger from the devastation.
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This past week, I attended two hearings held by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. On Tuesday, we heard from representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Air Force, and the Navy to discuss how NOAA data, including information produced by NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Wilmington, informs and supports military operations. Our discussion focused on ensuring data accuracy and security when working with international partners and exploring how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can strengthen our national security capabilities.
On Wednesday, the Committee heard from Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, regarding the implementation of America’s AI Action Plan. This plan was published by the White House in July 2025 to navigate the United States in a race for global dominance in AI. During our hearing with Director Kratsios, I advocated for stronger federal support for AI workforce development. I also took the opportunity to highlight the impressive work happening within our district to train the next generation of experts. My focus remains on reducing regulatory barriers to ensure American innovation continues to lead the way. This AI Action Plan reflects a coordinated, innovation-friendly approach providing the clarity our researchers and businesses need to maintain U.S. leadership in the global AI landscape.
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This past week, I met with North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Daniel Johnson to discuss our state’s critical surface transportation priorities. Topics included Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and the importance of a timely surface transportation reauthorization for road, bridge, and rail improvements in North Carolina.
We both emphasized the need for the federal Department of Transportation to serve as a strong partner to expedite the delivery of disaster funding to the state. I am encouraged by the collaborative work NCDOT is performing alongside federal partners to rebuild and restore Western North Carolina.
As Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, surface transportation reauthorization (also known as the Highway Bill) is a top legislative priority. I am focused on ensuring formula funding supports our state’s core infrastructure and that states have the flexibility and regulatory reforms they need to maximize the impact of federal dollars. By emphasizing formula-based allocations, we provide North Carolina with greater funding certainty and the necessary discretion to address our state's most pressing transportation needs faster and more effectively. As the old saying goes, “time is money”. Strengthening federal-state partnerships remains essential as we work to improve our infrastructure and support our state's long-term economic and population growth.
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I joined my House colleagues in passing two additional funding bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026: the 1) Financial Services and General Government and 2) the National Security, Department of State appropriations measures. To date, we have cleared eight of the twelve appropriations bills, which is a significant step in returning to regular order and much better governance. Only by passing appropriations bills does Congress regain the power of the purse. We are turning the page on a history of reckless spending and implementing the accountability necessary to restore our nation’s financial strength and security.
This year’s appropriations bills take decisive action to protect American interests. They prohibit the IRS from targeting individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights and maintain "Buy American" provisions to ensure the federal government prioritizes domestic goods and services.
Additionally, we equip the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to scrutinize foreign investments from adversaries like China and provide the district’s law enforcement with the resources necessary to dismantle drug trafficking organizations targeting our region through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
The legislation in these two bills cuts more than $9.3 billion in wasteful spending and advances America First foreign policy by eliminating funding for 'woke' initiatives, climate change mandates, and divisive gender ideologies. The bills also strengthens support for religious freedom programs and implements robust protections for faith-based organizations to ensure they can carry out their missions without government interference.
Prioritizing an orderly and transparent appropriations process rather than passing bloated spending packages is essential to restoring fiscal order to make sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. I will continue to stand firm for appropriations bills and other spending measures that cut wasteful spending, enhance the long-term prosperity of our region and state, and preserve the Founding principles that make our country great.
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As you plan your travel for the year, please let my office know if you will be visiting Washington, DC, this spring or summer. You can request tour tickets for the U.S. Capitol, White House, Pentagon, and other more by filling out the form on my website.
My office receives a high volume of requests, so I encourage you to submit your form as early as possible. This ensures our team has ample time to process your request and confirm your bookings.
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For this week’s good news story, I am highlighting the Cameron Art Museum’s upcoming exhibit and event on January 22, “Art After Helene: From Mountains to Sea.” The artist panel features Western North Carolina artists Julyan Davis, Erika Diamond, and Bill Green as they reflect on the storms impact and discuss how they have transformed the experience of loss into a message of renewal.
Resilience is defined by how we rebuild after a trial, and by holding this exhibit, our community is demonstrating the incredible strength and hope to guide our recovery. Read more on this upcoming exhibit here.
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"We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
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