With Russia's invasion of Ukraine escalating, China continuing to threaten Taiwan while bolstering their military infrastructure, as well as Iran and Hamas directly attacking our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel, our world faces the gravest challenges since World War II. 

This is why I joined my colleagues in supporting several bills to aid Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine as they each face threats to their existence.  All three are great freedom fighters.  Supporting our allies now is far less expensive than if they fall to our adversaries.  For if our enemies are not defeated abroad, the cost for all of us will be far greater in both funding and the lives of our men and women in uniform. 

H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

America should always stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East.  An attack on Israel is an attack on America.  From the threat posed by Iran to our fight against radical Islam in all of its forms, our partnership and cooperation with Israel is central to defeating and keeping enemy states in check. H.R. 8034:

• Replenishes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, critical resources proven to protect civilians.
• Procures defensive weapons, artillery, and munitions.
• Backs U.S. military operations responding to recent Iranian-backed terror attacks.
• Restocks U.S. defense articles and services provided to Israel.

H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

After the fall of the wall, America (the Clinton Administration) required Ukraine to give up their nuclear weapons and in exchange we would defend them against any Russian incursion. 

While much has been done to help Ukraine since Russia invaded, they now have few weapons and supplies left.  Should Ukraine fall, do not expect Putin to stop there.  He has said as much.  We should take him at his word.
   

America must demonstrate to the world that we will stand firm with our allies and do what is necessary to enable freedom to survive. H.R. 8035:

• Requires cost-matching requirements from other U.S. allies and implements a repayment agreement from the government of Ukraine.
• Provides weapons and lethal assistance to Ukraine to support their fight against Putin’s forcible invasion and attack of a sovereign nation.
• Procures advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.
• Strengthens transparency, monitoring, and oversight of all aid provided.

H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act:

Taiwan is a great champion of freedom, self-government and a steadfast ally of the United States.  Currently, they face the threat of invasion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is growing more aggressive in their tactics and bullying of their neighbors by the day.  Ensuring Taiwan gets the assistance it needs is critical for us to combat the CCP and protect American security interests in the region.  H.R. 8036:

• Strengthens deterrence over China's growing military provocations around Taiwan.
• Invests in submarine infrastructure, dry dock construction, and production of artillery and critical munitions.
• Curbs the Chinese Communist Party’s strategy to acquire control over the Indo-Pacific region.
• Enhances security cooperation with regional partners and supports U.S. military operations.

Commitment to a Strong Farm Bill

North Carolina is blessed to be one of the most agriculturally diverse states in our country.  Contributing more than $103 billion to our state’s economy, agriculture has always been North Carolina’s number one industry.

Today, our farm families are struggling just like every other American feeling the inflation pinch.  Because of record high input and labor costs driven by a bureaucratic regulatory assault on the industry, as well as stagnant or declining prices for both crops and livestock eliminating any profit margin, you have an unfolding crisis in farm country — and this is at the same time every American household is paying more for food than they ever have before.  This is why a strong Farm Bill is so critically important for both farmers and consumers.  Click here or on the image below to view my Floor speech as my colleagues and I work towards a Farm Bill that addresses the challenges of our farm families who provide our food and fiber.

Recognizing National Lineman Appreciation Day

When natural disasters hit Southeastern North Carolina, it’s the brave lineworkers who operate in dangerous conditions to safely restore power and build our communities back as quickly as possible.  These hard-working men and women deserve our thanks for navigating any obstacle with skill and determination to keep the lights on in communities across the country.

To honor these skilled professionals, I led a group of twenty-six lawmakers in  introducing a Congressional resolution to designate April 18, 2024 as National Lineman Appreciation Day.  The legislation recognizes the more than 115,000 hardworking men and women maintaining America’s electrical infrastructure, keeping the public safe, and protecting our nation’s power supply every day since the first transmission line was constructed in 1889!