Senate Democrats continue to hold the government hostage. As you know, the House passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) back in September to keep the government operating under the Biden spending levels the country has been operating under the past two fiscal years. The Senate has consistently fallen short (13 times now!) of the 60 votes needed to pass the clean CR in that chamber. Seven Democrats are needed to get to 60 votes and break the logjam.
Senate Democrats are asking for $1.5 trillion dollars for a Continuing Resolution that goes far beyond just funding the government. They want failed liberal policies put back in place in exchange for their votes, which is a non-starter. Furthermore, they want a continuation of COVID level subsidies for Obamacare premiums paid directly to insurance companies.
Meanwhile, I've been traveling the district meeting with constituents. I've also been working on legislation in Washington, such as my Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act. Keep reading for the latest updates!
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.
|
We’re now in the fifth week of the Democrat-led federal government shutdown. Senate Democrats voted against passing a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) for the thirteenth time. I know how deeply frustrating and damaging this is for many. This kind of hostage-style tactic serves no one and creates unnecessary stress and headaches that get worse with each passing day. From delayed services for our veterans to stalled support for our farm families, the effects ripple through our communities. Federal workers, who simply want to do their jobs, are being used as pawns in a political standoff that never should have happened in the first place. This is not how the federal government should operate.
|
|
Although no one knows for sure when the government will reopen, when it does I will push for a return to responsible governing, passing individual spending bills on time, reining in wasteful spending, and setting priorities that reflect common sense and fiscal discipline.
I remain hopeful Democrats will change their minds and put Americans first. We must restore operations and refocus on what really matters: strengthening our economy, securing our nation, and serving the hardworking taxpayers who make this country great.
My offices will remain open no matter how long the Democrat-led Shutdown lasts. My staff and I will continue to assist you with any questions you may have. You can contact my office here.
|
|
I joined Nick Craig on The Nick Craig Show to discuss the specifics on the government shutdown. Click the photo above to watch.
The effects of the Democrat-led Shutdown on North Carolina: - State GDP declines by $442 million each week ($1.9 billion per month)
- 79,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay
- 1,378,000 SNAP enrollees-- including 535,000 children-- impacted by program disruptions after 30 days
- Consumer spending declines by $681 million each month
Statistics courtesy of House Committee on Budget |
As I've written in my previous newsletters, I introduced H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, to protect Americans’ safety, support American workers, and restore order to our commercial trucking licensing system. Breitbart News published my op-ed on the importance of H.R. 5688 recently.
Below is an excerpt:
"As a conservative, I believe in the rule of law, national security, and the safety of the American people, which is why I introduced the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act. This bill will remove foreign truck drivers (nearly 97 percent of them) from our roadways — drivers that have no business being behind the wheel. Many of these drivers cannot even speak or read English, a necessity for any driver to safely operate a big rig. It is hardly believable this could be the case, but unfortunately it is true.
These non-English speaking, untrained, and unfit drivers who put Americans on the road at risk, are being enabled by negligent state enforcement. In a nationwide-audit conducted by the Department of Transportation, at least six states were found to be out of compliance with Federal non-domiciled commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards, which are intended to keep our nation’s roads safe and protect American trucking jobs."
You can read the full op-ed here.
|
This past week, I met with a number of the mayors in Cumberland County. It was both productive and helpful to hear from them firsthand. The main topic of discussion centered on the critical need for additional infrastructure, particularly water and sewer, to support ongoing and future growth across the region. Water and sewer upgrades are essential not only for improving quality of life, but also for attracting new businesses and jobs. I appreciated hearing firsthand the challenges our local leaders face in ensuring their communities have the resources necessary to meet increasing demand.
In addition to water and sewer infrastructure, the community leaders emphasized the need for better internet access to connect residents and businesses in every corner of the county. Continued highway improvements also remain a top priority, with particular focus on improving accessibility to I-95. I will continue working with federal, state, and local partners to help make these critical infrastructure upgrades a reality.
|
For this week's good news story, I'm highlighting the Sew Crafty Club at Cape Fear Community College. They have made more than 50 blankets for NICU babies at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. The idea came from a member who works at the hospital, and students quickly embraced the project.
“What I love most is seeing the joy it brings the students,” said Saba. “Not only are they learning to sew, but they're while giving back to the community [...] Many of them juggle classes and jobs, yet they’re taking time out of their week to make these blankets. It brings tears to my eyes."
The blankets will be donated to provide warmth and comfort to NICU babies and their families. You can get the complete story here.
|
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
|
