My Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act Passes Congress
Under current law, taxpayers are afforded a “lookback period” of up to three years to claim credits or refunds. Unfortunately, the lookback period does not take into account filers who may have postponed their filing due to a disaster declaration.
Separately, the IRS issues a "notice and demand" to inform filers of any payments they may owe by the original deadline, but wait until the postponed deadline to make a payment. This creates unnecessary confusion and stress for disaster victims.
Disaster survivors face remarkable difficulties as they recover and rebuild their lives. The last thing they should worry about is confusing IRS filing requirements. My bill, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, which ensures impacted individuals have the time they need to claim refunds or credits and requires clear IRS guidance to avoid unnecessary penalties or interest, passed through Congress and will soon be signed into law!
Watch my previous remarks in support of my bill before it passed through the House of Representatives here.
Passed the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026
I was pleased to vote in favor of this year's National Defense Authorization Act. Through enhancing peace through strength, improving service members’ quality of life, and boosting American deterrence, we can best protect our country, keep the world safe, and safeguard taxpayers' dollars.
North Carolina is home to some of our nation's finest warfighters, including those serving at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River. I am proud to share that $244,689,000 has been allocated to our bases.
It is my honor to fight for the necessary resources for our military and their families, who sacrifice so much for our freedom and prosperity.
Hosted my 5th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable
It was a pleasure hosting my 5th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable to bring together lawmakers, stakeholders, and students to discuss challenges and solutions to support the First Amendment on university and college campuses.
Congress plays a vital role in shaping higher education and must be attentive to the rapidly changing dynamics on campuses across the country. We shared our legislative outlooks for Congress, the status of free speech and civil rights at American colleges and universities, and outside efforts to promote free speech and highlight First Amendment abuses. No student should fear for their safety, their grades, or experience retribution for publicly sharing their beliefs.
As a former member of the Board of Trustees at my alma mater, I understand how important administration leadership is in protecting students. I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to make our voices heard that institutions of higher education should welcome diverse perspectives.
Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their valuable perspectives! I am especially grateful to my colleagues, Representatives Burgess Owens, Bob Onder, M.D., J.D., and Randy Fine, for joining me.
Free speech at American colleges and universities is critical to cultivating tolerant learning environments and well-rounded individuals.
Passed My Haiti Economic Extension Act in the Ways & Means Committee
At our Ways and Means Committee markup, my bill, the Haiti Economic Extension Act, was unanimously passed. This bill extends the HOPE/HELP programs that allow Haiti to export certain items to the U.S. duty-free.
I have worked in Haiti for years doing medical work and developed a deep love and appreciation for the Haitian people and the challenges they face. The HOPE/HELP program expired on September 30th, which caused uncertainty for both U.S. businesses and Haitian workers. This bill renews and extends the program for 3 years, providing much-needed certainty for businesses that employ the hardworking people of Haiti.
Not only is this about economics, but it is also about national and regional security. Haiti has been overrun by barbarous gangs and is susceptible to outside malign influences such as the CCP and Islamic Terrorists. By helping the country establish economic stability, we help keep people out of the grips of these horrible gangs. I hope a functional and democratically elected government can arise out of these very challenging circumstances.
I am grateful my bill was supported and passed out of committee to re-establish this mutually beneficial relationship.
Reintroduced Legislation to Protect Campus Free Speech
Free speech on university and college campuses across America is fundamental to the constitutional rights and success of students. Sadly, in recent years, this right has been attacked by liberal administrations and professors. No student should fear for their safety, their grades, or experience retribution for publicly sharing their beliefs. Universities that do not protect the First Amendment rights of their students, or compel certain speech to succeed academically, undermine the spirit of the Constitution and forsake their responsibility to mold tolerant and open-minded individuals.
Since coming to Congress, advocating for campus free speech protections has been a priority of mine. As a former member of the Board of Trustees at my alma mater, I understand the role institutions of higher education play in shaping young minds. Students should be taught how to think critically, not what to think. It is unbelievable that we have to even discuss this. Open dialogue - allowing ideas to be debated publicly - is the key to building a society capable of overcoming division and finding common ground.
I reintroduced the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act and a resolution denouncing compelled speech to ensure we protect First Amendment rights at American colleges and universities.
Introduced Legislation to Increase Efficiency in DoW and VA Healthcare Delivery
Efficiently aligning the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs' complementary healthcare missions will enhance patient care and provider readiness while saving taxpayer dollars. By streamlining oversight, increasing accountability, and improving coordination, millions of military and veteran beneficiaries will receive high-quality care that safely meets their medical needs.
I introduced the bipartisan DoD and VA Medical Credentialing Integration Act to direct the Secretary of War and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly select and implement a uniform credentialing and privileging system for medical providers. This legislation is a strategic opportunity for the advancement of healthcare priorities throughout the federal sector healthcare system that strengthens workforce recruitment and retention, refines effective government health agency practices, and provides for service members and veterans, all while safeguarding and better utilizing Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars.
Introduced Legislation to Improve VA Research & Care Delivery
I introduced the VA Research Reform Act to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research ecosystem to improve the efficiency and transparency of care delivery.
The Department of Veterans Affairs conducts vital research in the federal government, but lacks centralized coordination, efficient review and oversight, and dependable timelines. Our veterans deserve to receive swift attention to their healthcare needs, not suffer through the bureaucratic process that often forces veterans to wait to receive care.
This piece of legislation will modernize research funding, streamline processes, and prioritize the well-being of veterans, ensuring they receive timely care.
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing on Veteran Survivor Benefits
We held a Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to discuss various bills, including H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025.
SGT Eric Edmundson, USA (Ret.), is one of the namesakes of H.R. 6047, and he and his family are constituents of mine. I have met with the Edmundsons to learn firsthand the hardships they have had to overcome daily. SGT Edmundson was severely wounded on October 2nd, 2005, in Iraq by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He suffered from an anoxic brain injury, which has ended his ability to speak or walk by himself and requires round-the-clock caregiving support. Unfortunately, there are over 7,000 severely disabled veterans like SGT Edmundson.
H.R. 6047 will increase survivor benefits for more than half a million military families, known as the Dependency and Indemnity benefits program, as well as the Special Monthly Compensation benefits program from which SGT Edmundson receives financial assistance, and over 7,000 other military heroes who suffer from awful injuries incurred in the line of duty.
I am grateful SGT Eric Edmundson and his father were able to join us today at the hearing. Mr. Edmundson shared his son’s story and expressed the need for this bill. Our veterans sacrifice so much for our nation. We must provide for them when they come home, especially with such horrendous injuries.
Advocated for my National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act at Natural Resources Committee Hearing
I was able to speak on my bill, H.R. 4931, the National Park System Long-Term Lease Investment Act, as it was being considered during a Natural Resources Committee hearing and introduce the Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, Robert Woodard, as a witness. My bill would grant the National Park Service (NPS) the authority to provide a lease extension if it is in its best interest.
The NPS manages more than 400 units across the country, many of which rely on public-private partnerships, often through leases, to enhance visitor services and conserve historic structures. Frequently, leases have successfully revitalized park units, attracted new tourism, and shifted maintenance burdens away from the taxpayer.
Within Dare County, we have a model public-private partnership at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. I am grateful for the positive impact that these partnerships have had and for Chairman Woodard for joining me in DC to discuss the need for this bill.
Participated in Healthcare Nutrition Council Hill Event
I was grateful for the opportunity to provide welcoming remarks to the Healthcare Nutrition Council (HNC). HNC unites diverse health organizations to advocate for patient health policy and improve access to high-quality care.
I was able to highlight the essential role of the Ways and Means Committee on healthcare in conjunction with the Council’s efforts to ensure access to medically necessary nutrition. I was also able to discuss with the group the importance of personal responsibility in healthcare and the positive health impacts a healthy diet can provide.
As a physician, I greatly appreciate the work of this group to advocate for patients and keep them at the center of their work. Thank you for allowing me to speak!
Participated in Part B Access for Seniors and Physicians Coalition Hill Event
I had the opportunity to answer questions and facilitate a discussion regarding the importance of my Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act at the Part B Access for Seniors and Physicians Coalition meeting.
The ASP Coalition is a national coalition committed to protecting critical therapies and physician-administered treatments under Medicare Part B. Millions of Medicare beneficiaries depend on physician-administered treatments for conditions like cancer. My bill aims to ensure fair reimbursement for healthcare providers and maintain patient access to essential cancer treatments and complex therapies.
I am grateful for this group’s advocacy to ensure these treatments remain affordable, accessible, and physician-guided and for their support of my bill.
Meeting with Medical Apparel Made for America Coalition
I met with the Medical Apparel Made for America Coalition, a group of companies that manufacture medical apparel products in Haiti, to discuss the HELP Extension Act of 2025.
In 2006, the HOPE Act eliminated duties on Haitian apparel exports to the United States. Following the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Congress passed the HELP Act to expand duty-free status to Haitian exports; however, these programs have now expired.
The HOPE and HELP programs have proven to be mutually beneficial to the United States and Haiti. Shifting our supply chains away from China to neighboring nations provides stability for American consumers and businesses. Our trade relationship with Haiti has given the nation much-needed economic opportunity, providing a pathway to future peace and stability.
We must continue to build upon our partnership with Haiti and work to extend the HOPE/HELP program.
Meeting with Cubby Beds
I enjoyed meeting with Calleb Polley, CEO of Cubby Beds. Cubby Beds manufactures pediatric safety beds used by children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and other complex conditions who face elevated risks of wandering, falls, and unsafe sleep behaviors.
This company has helped numerous children in North Carolina. There are more than 13,000 children with Level 3 autism and more than 200 users of Cubby Beds who need safe and medically supported sleep solutions.
As a physician, I appreciate this company's efforts to provide medical solutions to patients in need.
Meeting with Dr. Jean Paleme Mathurin
It was great to meet with Dr. Jean Paleme Mathurin, one of the original negotiators and implementers of the Haiti HOPE/HELP Act. We discussed our vision for a viable transition in Haiti and emphasized the need for creating jobs through trade.
Our relationship with Haiti has been pivotal for the country and mutually beneficial for our needs. We must continue conversations to find solutions to foster a stable and secure Haitian country.
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me to discuss this very important topic.
Meeting with Poettker Construction Company
I enjoyed meeting with Keith Poettker, CEO of Poettker Construction Company. His family business was founded in 1980 and has built schools, hospitals, fire stations, libraries, banks, gyms, shopping centers, manufacturing plants, warehouses, distribution centers, and utility stations across 28 states.
Keith has recently become a North Carolina resident and has completed several projects at Camp Lejeune, delivering great results for the US military.
Thank you to Keith Poettker Construction Company for servicing our base and for looking for opportunities to fulfill the needs of North Carolina and impact the state.
Meeting with the North Carolina Healthcare Association
I had the opportunity to meet with Josh Dobson, President and CEO of North Carolina Healthcare Association. We discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program, the cost of health insurance, and the positive impacts of the Working Families Tax Cut Act.
NCHA brings together hospitals, health systems, and care providers to foster healthier communities in North Carolina that collaborate, innovate, and find solutions to provide high-quality healthcare for the state. Through the individual and multi-hospital systems that NCHA represents, such as teaching, rural, small community, suburban, specialty, and community care, NCHA can provide for residents and advocate on their behalf.
I am grateful for the leadership of Josh Dobson and the work of NCHA to provide essential healthcare for the people of North Carolina.
Meeting with the Chairman of the National Cotton Council
I enjoyed meeting with Patrick Johnson, Chairman of the National Cotton Council, where we were able to discuss issues impacting the agricultural economy and the cotton industry.
The National Cotton Council serves as the central organization for the U.S. cotton industry, with a mission to ensure all U.S. cotton industry segments have the ability to compete effectively at home and abroad. Eastern North Carolina has a rich agricultural history, leading us to be one of the top producers in the country.
Cotton production contributes significantly to our economy in NC. I am glad to meet with individuals like Patrick to continue working on how we can best support our farmers and the cotton industry.
Meeting with North Carolina State’s Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation
It was great to meet with North Carolina State’s Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Krista Walton. We discussed the importance of federally funded research and the impacts of research on our state and national economic growth.
As a physician, I support the advancement of science and lifesaving breakthroughs that research can provide. America’s higher education system is the global leader and must be supported in an economically responsible and adequate manner.
NC State has world-class researchers who work to solve the most pressing issues we face in society. The innovation, creativity, and knowledge fostered through university research can be felt on a local, national, and global level. It is great to have such a great institution working hard for the betterment of our world in North Carolina!
Meeting with CarolinaEast Health System
I had the chance to meet with Michael Smith, CEO of CarolinaEast Health System. We were able to discuss the 340B program and the health systems included and excluded from this program. We also had a meaningful discussion regarding issues facing independent rural healthcare systems.
Rural communities face unique health challenges and require innovative solutions and resources to address these issues. CarolinaEast has grown tremendously since first opening in 1962 and now serves more than 400,000 healthcare cases each year.
As a practicing physician, our nation’s healthcare issues, especially expanding access to high-quality and affordable care, are a top priority of mine. I would like to thank Michael and his colleagues for the work they are doing to provide healthcare in Eastern North Carolina, especially in rural communities.
Answering Your Questions
Continuing our Q&A series! As your voice in Congress, I'm committed to listening to the diverse opinions of constituents from across our district.
I enjoy sharing unfiltered feedback on what is happening in Washington and answering any questions you may have.
Watch by clicking here or on the image below.
My Congress Wrapped 2025
My Congress wrapped for 2025! It is both an honor and a privilege to be your voice in Congress as I advocate for the needs of Eastern North Carolina.
My top priority is to serve you and continue delivering wins for NC-3!!
