Dear Friend,
On Wednesday, January 14, I joined 70 House Democrats in introducing articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for her unconstitutional actions and abuse of power while heading the department.
Under Sec. Noem’s tenure, DHS, CBP, and ICE have systemically violated the rights of Americans and the U.S. Constitution.
Border Patrol’s operation in Charlotte saw American citizens assaulted and unlawfully arrested for practicing their Constitutional rights, while the agency’s refusal to coordinate with local law enforcement threatened the safety of every person in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. At the same time, Sec. Noem’s willful withholding of Congressionally appropriated FEMA funds has impeded North Carolina’s ability to recover from the worst natural disaster in state history.
I do not take Articles of Impeachment lightly—I even served with the secretary for two terms in Congress—but it is clear that Sec. Noem has violated federal law and her oath of office, and, for the safety of our district, our state, and our country, she must be removed from office.
You can read my full statement here. |
Rep. Adams speaks at an event for the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act on January 14, 2026. |
On Wednesday, January 14, I spoke to a group of education and food security leaders about Congresswoman Velázquez’s and my bill aimed at making school lunches healthier and more accessible: the Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act.
The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act establishes a grant to help schools expand cafeteria options to include 100% plant-based entrees, making school meals more accessible to all students.
This bill is personal to me because prior to serving in Congress, I had the privilege of serving as an educator for 40 years. I know firsthand how important it is that schools can nourish the minds, bodies, and souls of their students, but far too often, our bright, young students are unable to reach their potential because they are forced to deal with hunger and food insecurity at home.
For many food insecure students, school lunches are the only reliable way they can get a hot, nutritious meal during the day. Now, we need to make sure those meals are accessible to every student who needs them.
The Plant Powered School Meals Pilot Act will expand entrée options in school cafeterias, not only providing healthier choices but also more options that help meet our students’ dietary needs.
Students should always be able to find healthy food in the cafeteria that will allow them to be successful in the classroom and throughout their day.
You can learn more about the bill here. |
Rep. Adams speaks on the House floor on January 13, 2026. |
On Tuesday, January 13, I spoke on the House floor defending the Department of Education and the benefits it provides for North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District.
In North Carolina, more than 60% of students rely on Pell Grants and federal aid to afford college. Nearly 1.5 million K–12 students depend on Title I, IDEA, school nutrition, and other federal supports. In Charlotte-Mecklenburg, over 70% of students benefit directly from programs administered through the Department.
These are programs that our students can’t afford to lose.
When the Department is gutted—when staff are fired, grants are frozen, and financial aid systems break—it is our most vulnerable young people who feel it first: Low-income students, first-generation students, students with disabilities, and families who cannot afford disruption.
This is not efficiency—it is educational disarmament.
I am proud to defend the Department of Education, because protecting the Department means protecting opportunity.
You can listen to my remarks here.
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Rep. Adams speaks in an Education & Workforce Committee Hearing on January 13, 2026. |
On Thursday, January 15, I introduced a bipartisan bill with my colleagues Representatives Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07), and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) aimed at expanding youth suicide prevention information to students.
The Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide Prevention (RAYS) Act requires all local education agencies that issue student ID cards for middle schools and high schools to include contact information on the ID cards for: - The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline;
- The Crisis Text Line; and,
- A state or local suicide prevention hotline, if available.
Any student suffering from a mental health crisis should be armed with the information they need to get the help they deserve. As our country navigates the ongoing youth suicide crisis, the RAYS Act informs students of the resources available to them and ensures they don’t have to suffer in silence.
I’m proud to join Representatives Carter, Mackenzie, and Moylan in introducing this bill so we can take greater steps to keep our children safe. |
Rep. Adams joins fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha Congresswomen and Congressional staff to celebrate Founders’ Day on January 15, 2026. |
This week, we celebrated 118 years of excellence from the trailblazing, incredible Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
On January 15, 1908, nine young Black women at Howard University came together in Miner Hall to host the first AKA meeting, beginning a 118-year storied history that we continue to this day. The bravery of these nine women broke barriers, created opportunity, and formed a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime.
As a fellow Soror of 48 years, I am proud of what my sorority has accomplished and am proud to serve alongside so many powerful Alpha Kappa Alpha women in the halls of Congress.
To the First, Foremost and Finest, Happy Founders' Day!
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Rep. Adams and members of the NC Congressional delegation meet with Gov. Stein on January 14, 2026. |
On Wednesday, January 14, I, alongside members of the North Carolina Congressional delegation, met with Governor Josh Stein to discuss the ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
As of this week, the federal government has only covered 12% of Hurricane Helene damage costs, significantly less than other major storms over the last several decades. For Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Maria, the federal government covered 73% of damage costs and for Hurricane Sandy, it was 78%.
Red tape created by the Trump administration is delaying aid to our state. It’s impacting economic recovery, city and state budgets, local infrastructure, clean up efforts, and the ability for these communities to move on from this devastating storm.
I am calling on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to release the remaining funds North Carolina needs for our recovery efforts so our residents can finally get the relief they deserve. |
Rep. Adams speaks during the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Hearing on January 13, 2026. |
On Tuesday, January 13, I spoke at the House Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee Hearing on the ongoing affordable childcare crisis our country faces.
During the COVID pandemic, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) made historic investments in our childcare system, but these investments were temporary. Since the expiration of ARPA funding, the childcare crisis has only worsened for both families and childcare workers.
In North Carolina, the average childcare worker makes around 7% less than in 2019. As a result, our state has 6% fewer early educators than in 2019. At the same time, childcare costs have increased by almost 25% in the last three years.
The Trump administration and House Republicans have only exacerbated this crisis by cutting staff at Head Start and weakening our already-insufficient social safety net.
Investing in childcare infrastructure, such as more childcare centers, will improve the economy, reduce the gender and racial wage gap, and lead to better outcomes for American families. It’s time Congress supports critical investments in childcare so we can meet the needs of our country’s parents and children.
You can listen to my full remarks here.
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On Wednesday, January 14, I spoke at the House Education & Workforce Committee Hearing about the rising use of AI in schools and workplaces, and how Congress can act to ensure equitable access to this new technology.
Building an AI-ready America isn’t just about speed. It’s about trust, fairness, and who gets left behind when decisions are automated without guardrails.
When we remove human review from hiring processes, school admissions, promotions, or access to credit, we risk opening people up to discrimination and restricting their access to opportunity. At the same time, use of AI in schools is creating a technology gap, causing many students to fall behind their peers without equitable access to AI as an academic resource.
Congress has an essential role in ensuring equitable access of AI as well as establishing guardrails to prevent discrimination and abuse as it becomes more common in our country.
You can listen to my full remarks here. |
On Wednesday, January 14, I spoke to a group of maternal health advocates at Bobbie for Change’s Capitol Hill briefing discussing how Congress can act to protect the health of our moms and children amid the ongoing maternal health crisis.
The United States continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation in the world, and while many of those countries have improved their maternal health outcomes over the last two decades, America’s maternal mortality rate has remained nearly the same.
At the same time, 80% of maternal deaths in the United States are preventable. We need to invest in resources that protect the health of our mothers.
We’ve made some progress in North Carolina. Medicaid access was expanded to over 700,000 people since 2023, and Medicaid coverage for new moms was extended to 12 months postpartum. That number includes over 255,000 Black North Carolinians who now have health coverage. With over 65% of Black births being covered by Medicaid—these wins have made a major impact on our community.
Unfortunately, $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Ugly Bill last year will only worsen the maternal health crisis, especially for women of color. Now is the time to go forward, not back.
That’s why this year, I am reintroducing my Momnibus—a package of 13 bills that would comprehensively address this crisis before, during, and after childbirth. There is no one solution to solve our country’s maternal health crisis. We must approach it holistically.
It’s time for Congress to act and bring an end to this crisis so we can finally protect our moms. |
You are cordially invited to join me for my 2026 State of the District on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Johnson C. Smith University’s Truist Auditorium in the New Science Center.
The State of the District is an opportunity to discuss our work and achievements in 2025, share my vision for the 12th Congressional District in 2026, and hear our community’s thoughts on the issues impacting our district.
I look forward to seeing you there. |
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened applications for several grants for criminal justice programs and public safety programs that you may be interested in.
The DOJ’s Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) is now accepting grant applications for programs assisting survivors of human trafficking and programs dedicated to human trafficking prevention.
The DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is now accepting grant applications for programs surrounding law enforcement officer safety and wellness, as well as public safety programs for people living with developmental disabilities.
Click the links below to see the list of current grants offered by the DOJ, application criteria and deadlines, and any additional information you may need to apply. |
Student entries for America’s Field Trip are now open.
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide student contest inviting students to become a part of next year’s 250th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Students in grades 3–12 can submit their entries by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn a once-in-a-lifetime field trip experience at one of 16 different iconic American landmarks or cultural sites, including Mount Rushmore, the National Archives Museum, Kennedy Space Center, and Yellowstone National Park.
Entries can be submitted from now until March 30, 2026.
To learn more and apply, click the link below. |
On Monday, January 19, we celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In the words of Dr. King, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” The Reverend Doctor King fought a lifelong battle in the Civil Rights Movement, a battle that took his life. Despite constant opposition, he never lost hope and continued to serve his people by fighting for their prosperity. His perseverance in sticking to his principles is a strength we should strive for.
Dr. King once said that “life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” He asks a question that each of us must ask ourselves.
This MLK Day, we are invited to recommit to his ideals of inclusion, compassion, and service, in the hope that we can build a better tomorrow for ourselves and our brothers and sisters.
Happy MLK Day! |
That’s where I’ll lay my hat this week, folks!
Sincerely, |
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Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.
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