Introduced Bicameral Legislation to Restore Conscience Protections for Medical Residents
I introduced the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act alongside Senator James Lankford to prohibit residency programs from compelling medical residents to participate in abortion training and discriminating against individuals who do not complete the optional training.
Medical residents should not be compelled to participate in abortion training if it violates their conscience. Opting out of such training enables potential retaliation by faculty who have enormous power over residents and their future success. Pursuing an elective abortion is not the same as receiving lifesaving care, such as for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, and training should reflect that. This issue is about restoring a non-ideological educational environment where individuals do not fear expressing moral or religious objections.
Vote to Release the Epstein Files
The American people deserve transparency and accountability with respect to Jeffrey Epstein and any accomplices to his heinous and depraved crimes. While this issue has become egregiously political, we cannot lose sight of the purpose of this vote - to deliver justice for the victims and their continued protection as information is declassified. In the age of social media, perverse incentives fuel the spread of misinformation and malicious targeting. Those responsible for the abuse of young women must be brought to justice under the full weight of the law; however, my concerns were, and still are, that some innocent individuals become guilty by proxy or just by simply being named in these voluminous articles. This issue is a grave matter and must be treated as such.
I believe integrity is the most important quality of an individual in elected office. When I first came to Congress, I promised to be an objective, transparent, and accessible representative. I will never waver from that commitment and will always stand up for the truth and do what is right.
Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Hearing on Modernizing Care Coordination
The Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss how we can best protect vulnerable patients and prevent chronic diseases. One of the main factors in these efforts is through healthcare collaboration and delivery.
Through working in the field of medicine for decades, I understand how essential coordination and collaboration amongst hospitals, doctors, and medical professionals can be for identifying diseases, identifying causes, treatment, and prevention for patients, all in a timely and efficient manner.
To continue advancements in medicine and provide the best care possible for all patients, we must improve delivery between healthcare providers and take proactive measures for our most vulnerable patients.
Committee on House Administration Hearing on Congressional Stock Trading
The Committee on House Administration held a hearing to take stock of the STOCK Act. In 2012, the STOCK Act was signed into law to combat insider trading by members of Congress and other government employees by prohibiting the use of non-public information for private profit. It also increased transparency requirements by requiring members of Congress and federal officials to disclose their financial transactions within 45 days.
However, despite these requirements, the STOCK Act has not been effective enough. As members of Congress, we are elected to serve our constituents with integrity and not for self-benefit. We are elected to serve our constituents with integrity and not for self-benefit.
I support a ban on members of Congress and their families from trading stocks.
Helsinki Commission Hearing on NATO Cooperation & Russian Belligerence
The Helsinki Commission held a hearing regarding Russia’s recent incursions into Estonian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Romanian airspace. This activity may be a probe for weaknesses in the territories of NATO’s eastern flank. Russia is aiming to gather updated intelligence on Western capabilities, test response time, and fracture trust and confidence in our shared commitment to security.
Along with its unjust war in Ukraine, Moscow continues to test the West’s security and resolve. We must continue to work with our NATO allies to improve readiness and our collective efforts to deter Russian aggression.
Meeting with the President of the American College of Emergency Physicians
I had a great time meeting Dr. Tony Cirillo, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). We were able to discuss pressing issues in emergency medicine and patient care, policy ideas to aid in these pressing issues, and how I can best support the college’s needs.
More than one in three people in the US will visit the emergency department of a hospital each year, totaling more than 145 million visits annually. Regardless of an individual's ability to pay, emergency physicians will treat those who visit an emergency department.
Emergency physicians save lives and provide quality care to their patients through unique training and certification, allowing them to use their expertise to help people in some of their hardest moments. The ACEP aids 40,000 emergency physician members through education, research, and advocacy.
As a fellow physician, I am grateful for the hard work of emergency physicians and ACEP for advancing the field of emergency care for patients.
Meeting with McDonald’s Franchise Owners
I enjoyed meeting with several McDonald’s franchisees to discuss employment and economic growth that restaurants provide to Eastern North Carolina. I appreciate its investments in its employees and in helping them succeed in their lives and careers.
McDonald's has implemented the Archways to Opportunity program to provide education and training opportunities for its employees. This initiative offers a range of programs that help employees grow and learn through scholarship programs, access to a high school or college education, a career navigation app, and English language skills.
I am grateful for the ways that McDonald’s has poured back into our community and looks out for its employees.
Addressing American Healthcare: Greedy Insurance Companies
American healthcare spending has increased steadily for decades. The ACA was written by health insurers to enrich themselves, not improve access to high-quality, affordable care.
We need real reform that puts patients before greedy health-insurer profits.
Click here to watch my video.
