To conclude October's District Work Period, I've had the pleasure of connecting with constituents and businesses across communities in Eastern North Carolina. I value this time back home and the opportunity to directly hear about the issues you care most about. Throughout this time, I have continued to monitor recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The countless volunteer stories coming from our portion of the state have filled my heart with appreciation and I could not be prouder of those who have stepped up.
Over the past two weeks, I have met with business leaders and educators to better understand how Congress can be helpful to them and their success. Further, I had the privilege to attend the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Luncheon, where I spoke on the issues facing our nation, including our economy, border, and international affairs.
I will continue fighting for the values of North Carolina's Third Congressional District. If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Western North Carolina
As ongoing recovery efforts in Western North Carolina continue, I remain in close contact with federal, state, and local authorities to receive frequent updates. FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management, North Carolina Department of Transportation, and our military remain locked in on the task at hand. Over the past couple of weeks, restoration of power and access to impacted communities have been a top priority and only a handful do not have access to state-maintained roads. Emergency roadway reconstruction continues including temporary bridge installation, and slide and shoulder repairs. Currently, assessments for rebuilding are ongoing as countless damage sites, bridges, and culverts have been identified. Thankfully, nearly all water systems that were impacted are now operating under normal conditions and treatment plants are following closely behind.
This effort will take time and plenty of resources to see through. I am committed to supporting the necessary funding needed to help get Western North Carolina back on its feet. As I have said from the beginning, those of us in Eastern North Carolina understand just how devastating storms and flooding can be. Our mountain neighbors have been there for us during difficult times, and we will be there for them now. I will continue to keep you updated throughout this process.
Supporting Physicians and Protecting Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries
America's physicians are at a breaking point and access to high-quality, affordable care is at risk for millions of Medicare patients. When a physician sees a Medicare patient, they do so out of the goodness of their heart, not because it makes financial sense.
Medical inflation is much higher and the cost of seeing patients continues to rise. Unfortunately, reimbursements continue to decline, putting immense pressure on doctors to retire, close their practices, forgo seeing new Medicare patients, or seek a less efficient employment position.
This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to support physicians and protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Read my latest press release here.
Touring Carteret Community College's Health Science Center
Last Wednesday, I had an awesome visit to Carteret Community College’s Health Sciences Simulation Center, which is cultivating the next generation of medical practitioners.
During my visit, the students demonstrated their training to aid childbirth using mannequins and other equipment designed to practice real-life scenarios. Carteret Community College plays an important role in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage in rural areas.
As a physician, I understand the scarcity of access to high-quality, affordable health care. Providers of all types- from physicians to nurse aids to physical therapists- are experiencing shortages, particularly in rural communities. Without a robust workforce, patient care suffers, and some facilities may be forced to shut down, eliminating access to care entirely.
Eastern North Carolina and rural areas need good folks to join the field of medicine and I am grateful this program!
Statement on 41st Anniversary of Beirut Bombing
October 23rd is a solemn day as we remember the 241 service members, the majority deployed from Camp Lejeune, who lost their lives in the Beirut Bombing of 1983. This tragedy is the deadliest single-day attack on the U.S. Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
While nothing will replace the incredible lives that were taken from us, justice has been served to the mastermind of this heinous attack, Fuad Shukr, who was eliminated by Israeli forces on July 30th this summer. As we remember the selfless heroes who sacrificed their lives in service to our nation, I ask you to join me in praying for the continued peace and healing of their families.
Visiting Bayboro Pharmacy
Earlier last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Bayboro Pharmacy for a tour and to discuss legislative solutions to address specific challenges pharmacies face, including reducing drug prices and improving access to care in rural North Carolina.
Bayboro Pharmacy is located in Pamlico County, where veterans represent 14% of the population. Our veterans deserve access to exceptional care and working to ensure that will continue to be one of my top priorities in Congress.
Updates on the Buxton Beach Clean-Up
I continue to receive updates from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the contractors at Buxton Naval Facility regarding the restoration efforts at the Buxton Beach Access.
I am happy to share that significant progress has been made this past week in addressing the areas affected by petroleum-contaminated soil, coastal erosion, and overdue restoration. The USACE has successfully removed visible petroleum-impacted soil and sampled areas along the beach and dunes that showed signs of possible petroleum contamination. Additionally, concrete, pipes, and other debris continue to be removed, and considerable asbestos remediation on an abandoned water line is underway.
I am incredibly grateful for the hard work the USACE has dedicated to these restoration efforts. I will keep everyone updated on the progress. In the meantime, folks can view the ongoing work here.
Raising Awareness for AADC Deficiency
On October 22nd, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate October 23rd, 2024, as AADC Deficiency Awareness Day.
I am proud to bring about greater awareness for AADC Deficiency. Increased recognition of this disease will support patients experiencing symptoms of this disease and guide them toward appropriate care.
Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency is a genetic neurologic rare disease that severely debilitates a patient's development, motor skills, growth, and cognitive and language skills. It affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the United States, limiting patients’ lives intensely.
As a physician of over 30 years, I am honored to amplify awareness of AADC Deficiency in Congress and help inform the public about this rare disease.
Read my latest press release here.
Visiting Pamlico Christian Academy
It was great to tour Pamlico Christian Academy and hear about its capital campaign!
Thank you to the Board of Directors, as well as the wonderful students, for welcoming me on campus.
Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon
I had a fantastic time attending the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce legislative luncheon last Wednesday and had the opportunity to speak about the challenges facing our country.
North Carolinians demand a strong economy, a secure border, and global stability.
Congratulating Greenville Utilities Commission on Grant Reward
I am happy to see Greenville Utilities Commission receive $3,182,650 to replace 3.23 miles of leaking steel and vintage plastic pipes that currently supply natural gas to portions of Greenville.
Currently, the outdated infrastructure threatens the safety of our citizens and creates reliability issues for the industries that depend on natural gas to serve the residents of Greenville, Winterville, Ayden, Simpson, and unincorporated areas of Pitt County.
The grant will fund upgrades to the infrastructure to reduce methane emissions, enhance the safety of our energy delivery system by minimizing pipeline leaks, and improve reliability for our constituents.
I was proud to write a letter of support in July to help make this happen:
