Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.

As Title 42 ended last week, I know many of you were concerned the already exacerbated border would fall into even greater crisis. Every community across the country feels the effects of the border crisis. I recently spoke to Craven County Sheriff Hughes who laid out an unfortunate truth: every town in America is now a border town. Fentanyl poisons the population and crime continues to skyrocket. As Title 42 expired, House Republicans took action to put an end to this preventable crisis. Last week we passed H.R. 2 - the Secure the Border Act - which will continue construction of the border wall, increase the number of Border Patrol agents, end catch and release, and protect unaccompanied minors. Put simply, H.R. 2 is the solution President Biden failed to provide. You can read more on my vote to secure the southern border here. 

In addition to passing legislation, the House has been hard at work with committee hearings. During a recent Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing, we explored some of the barriers the federal government has put up that inhibit innovation and patient access. Tragically, pediatric patients feel the ill-effects of this unnecessary hindrance. Click here or on the image below to listen to my remarks in which I explain why that is and what we can do about it.

This week, the Congressional Epilepsy Caucus welcomed leaders in the epilepsy community for our first ever meeting. We discussed funding priorities that will improve access to care, health outcomes, and awareness. Sadly enough, the millions of Americans suffering from epilepsy have little to no support in Congress. That is why this year Congressman Jim Costa and I founded the bipartisan Congressional Epilepsy Caucus: to empower the epilepsy community - one whose voice is long-overdue in Washington - and raise much-needed education and awareness. As a practicing surgeon for over 30 years, I am committed to heightening education of this very common but often stigmatized malady. Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s meeting and the critical role they play within the epilepsy community.

Earlier this month, my office held the Congressional Art Competition. We had 16 participants from 9 high schools across NC-03 submit artwork centered around this year’s theme: JOY! Kate Keenhold of Arendell Parrott Academy took home first place with her incredible piece, Sunset on the Trent. Kate’s winning piece will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Thank you, Kate, for embracing this year’s theme of JOY and showcasing our district's true talent.

I joined Wake Up America this week to discuss my work on the House Ways and Means Committee. You can watch the full interview by clicking here or on the image above.