Dear Friend,
For the first time since 1932, North Carolina unveiled a new statue to represent our great state in the United States Capitol this past Thursday. Following almost a decade in the making, Reverend Billy Graham's statue now stands in the U.S. Capitol with an open Bible in his hand. Additionally, Congress honored our men and women of law enforcement for National Police Week. I’m also highlighting members of our Armed Forces during National Military Appreciation Month. Keep reading below for more details!
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The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by Congress in 1864 to allow each state to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The statue's subject must meet certain criteria, including they must be a deceased person, they must have the blessing of the state Legislature and governor, and the statue must be made of marble or bronze.
On October 2, 2015, the North Carolina General Assembly approved a request to replace the statue of Charles Brantley Aycock with the Reverend William Franklin “Billy” Graham, Jr. A statue of Reverend Graham became eligible for placement after his death in 2018. The late Reverend William Franklin ‘‘Billy’’ Graham, Jr. was a very cherished Christian leader and an exemplary North Carolinian. I was proud to join my colleagues in the NC Delegation to welcome him into the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection. Known as ‘America’s Pastor,’ Reverend Graham is one of the few private citizens to receive three of the highest honors bestowed by Congress: the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996, lying in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in 2018, and now his statue placed in the U.S. Capitol building. Created by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan, the statue depicts Reverend Graham pointing to an open Bible. Inscribed on the pedestal of the 7-foot statue will be the verse so foundational – John 3:16. This well-known Scripture (NIV) tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” At a time when America needs a spiritual revival like never before, how refreshing and great it is we are enshrining this verse and Reverend Graham’s legacy of faith within the halls of Congress.
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Highlights from Reverend Graham's statue unveiling ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.
Born on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina, Reverend Graham came from humble beginnings. He grew up learning the value of hard work and developed an unwavering commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through his ministry, he would go on to reach more than 200 million people in 185 countries, and many of those who heard his message accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I have no doubt he led millions to Christ, securing their salvation. Before Congress welcomed Reverend Graham's statue into the U.S. Capitol, I delivered a speech on the House Floor to commemorate this historic occasion and to emphasize the impact of his ministry. Click here or on the image below to view my remarks.
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During National Police Week, we honor our nation’s law enforcement officers for their service to our communities. Additionally, I joined my colleagues in co-sponsoring legislation honoring the 282 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2023. The bill also expresses our unwavering support for those who wear the badge and put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe. I proudly stand with America’s law enforcement officers, as well as their family members, and remain committed to support them in every way as they carry out their heroic duties! Thank you for your service!!
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Each year, National Military Appreciation Month is observed during the month of May. I’m proud to express my appreciation to all the brave men and women who protect our country and defend our freedom. Recently, I was honored to join my colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to see first-hand the needs of our military and veterans in the Indo-Pacific. During this trip, we met with local government officials to discuss America's strong commitment to our allies in the region, visited transportation and infrastructure sites critical to the deterrence of Chinese aggression as well as the care of our troops. We also toured the US veterans’ hospital in Guam to learn more about veterans' issues unique to the region. Throughout our travels, we had the opportunity to witness the hard work of our brave US servicemembers stationed abroad, whose service keeps the region and entire world more secure. Please join me in thanking not only these heroes who are serving overseas, but all men and women of the US Armed Forces. Because of their sacrifice and heroism, we live free in the United States.
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For this week's good news story, I'm highlighting Columbus County Sheriff’s Office new “unstoppable force” added to their canine ranks. According to The News Reporter, on May 8, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office welcomed Rex, a “three-year old Belgian Malinois–German Shepherd mix with an impressive pedigree and a heart full of dedication to service. Rex comes to the sheriff’s office after serving as a single-purpose K9 in explosives detection for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. ‘We're deeply grateful to the Pentagon Police for entrusting Rex to our care, free of charge,’ read the CCSO announcement. ‘His expertise in explosives detection will play a crucial role in keeping our community, especially our schools, safe from bomb threats.’” Please join me in welcoming Rex to our community as he helps protect citizens with his specialized skills and dedication to service!
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"We all live under grace and do the best we can." — Reverend Billy Graham |
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