Dear Friend,
While in our nation's capital this week, I voted for the Congressional Review Act to overturn the unconstitutional ATF pistol brace rule. I also joined my colleagues in introducing legislation to help North Carolinians make their homes more resilient against future storms and worked with my fellow colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to pass legislation to bolster aviation safety. Keep reading below for more details!
If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
|
Voting to End ATF's Unconstitutional Pistol Brace Rule
Stabilizing braces were first designed and intended to help disabled veterans fire large format pistols. For years the ATF recognized their legitimate function. But earlier this year, President Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a rule requiring its registration with the federal government. This isn’t a rule regarding just future purchases; this rule is retroactive. Anyone who did not register their pistol brace by May 31 and is found to have one, will be charged with a felony. There is no felony charge for registering the brace if you missed the deadline, but there is a $200 tax. The new policy is seriously misguided and is an egregious overreach on multiple levels, including its unconstitutionality. Even if you assume it is constitutional, this type of policy change belongs with Congress — not the Executive branch. Additionally, it is extremely punitive to make possession without registration a felony — and especially so when it is retroactive. Furthermore, it is just a backdoor to gun control. The House passed the Congressional Review Act, of which I was a co-sponsor, to rescind this unconstitutional pistol brace rule. This rule infringes on the Second Amendment rights of millions of law-abiding gun owners, including many disabled combat veterans. I'm proud to support the effort to overturn this rule and will continue fighting to protect Americans’ fundamental right to bear arms. I'll continue to monitor this issue and would like to hear your thoughts. Click here or on the image below to share your opinion.
|
Introducing Legislation to Prepare Homeowners for Natural Disasters
Every year, North Carolinians must prepare for severe weather events. To prevent future damage, many coastal residents utilize state-based disaster mitigation grants to make their homes more resilient against wind, rain, and flooding from storms. These improvements can include removing trees, bushes, and other fire-prone vegetation close to homes that contribute to wildfires, strengthening foundations to protect against earthquakes, and installing fortified roofs to withstand hurricanes. However, unlike other programs (for example, rebates for energy conservation improvements) homeowners are required to pay federal taxes on these state-issued grants. In contrast, rebates for energy conservation improvements are exempt from Federal income taxes. This bill would make state-based disaster mitigation grants federally tax exempt as well. Making the tax treatment of these state programs consistent with federal grants will result in more enrollment and therefore more resilient communities. This saves property owners, insurance companies and taxpayers significantly on the back end after a storm hits. Read more here.
Advancing the Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Bill
This week, with my support, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years. H.R. 3935 makes many improvements to strengthen the long-term stability of the FAA, and includes several provisions I championed to improve aviation operations and passenger safety. Specifically, one of my provisions highlights the need to include opioid overdose reversal medication (NARCAN) into approved emergency medical kits on passenger flights. We also secured an increase in funding for airports serving our small and rural communities so they can make the upgrades and changes necessary to provide service and support local economies well into the future. A timely FAA reauthorization is critical for our global leadership in aviation safety and innovation. I look forward to floor debate and passage of this bill in the House soon.
|
Joining NC-07 Mayors and Local Leaders
North Carolina's 7th Congressional District has many unique cities and towns. It was great to join mayors from all across the district to discuss their priorities and collaborate on ways we can work together at all levels of government to make each community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. We discussed local infrastructure projects, legislation I introduced to improve access to safe drinking water, the strengthening of disaster assistance programs, and more. Thank you to the League of Municipalities for organizing the event and everyone who participated!
|
Meeting with North Carolina Electric Cooperatives
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives are critical for deploying reliable electricity and broadband to our small and rural communities. As Congress looks to draft a successful Farm Bill, we must look at strengthening our broadband programs to help end the digital divide as well as enhance the rural utility programs that are so beneficial to the many communities these electric cooperatives serve. I appreciate everyone from Four County EMC, Brunswick EMC, Lumbee River EMC, South River EMC, and NC Electric Cooperatives for meeting with me in Wilmington to share your priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill as well as your efforts to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service in communities across NC-07.
|
For this week’s good news story, I’m recognizing forty-three graduates from The Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Electrical Lineworker Training Program. Not only did forty-three students successfully complete the program but 47% of the graduates are veterans. According to WWAY, “We are excited to celebrate this remarkable milestone in our Electrical Lineworker Training Program”, said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “We value the contributions of our veterans and are proud to provide them with the tools and knowledge to be successful in their careers.” Our community is extremely fortunate to have a new class of skilled lineworkers who are equipped for success. Please join me in congratulating these young men and applauding them on this grand achievement!
|
"There is no limit to the amount of good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit." — Ronald Reagan |
|
