Dear Friend,
This past week in Washington, I advocated for North Carolina’s rural communities, including our cotton and forestry industries, which are vital to the strength and long-term success of our state. On the House Floor, I voted to support American farmers and protect taxpayers by rooting out waste and ensuring government resources are used responsibly.
Additionally, I met with representatives from North Carolina’s RV industry to discuss the economic benefits that travel, tourism, and campgrounds bring to communities across our state.
There is an important event coming up that may be helpful to you: my office is partnering with the U.S. Department of State to host a Passport Fair on June 16 and 17, providing constituents with a convenient opportunity to apply for a first-time passport or passport renewal.
Please read on to learn more about my work this past week in Washington and these upcoming opportunities for our community.
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Putting American Farmers First
America should never depend on foreign adversaries to feed our families, supply our farms with critical inputs, or safeguard our food system. This past week, I was proud to support legislation that strengthens American agriculture, supports our farmers and ranchers, and protects rural communities.
The bill protects the original intent of nutrition assistance programs, such as SNAP, by supporting those the programs were designed to help while promoting accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The legislation also provides funding for agricultural research, rural development programs, and food safety initiatives.
These investments support farmers, producers, and rural communities across North Carolina and the nation, while helping ensure America remains the most productive and reliable provider of food and fiber in the world.
Stopping Fraud, Restoring Trust
Fraud is more than a misuse of taxpayer dollars; it is stealing. Fraud diverts resources from parents seeking affordable child care, families working to regain financial stability, and responsible taxpayers. President Trump and Vice President Vance are utilizing all the tools available to root out waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. To initiate a comprehensive effort to do this, they recently launched the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Meanwhile, I supported House action this week to strengthen accountability and crack down on fraud in government programs. By passing the Stop Child Care Scams Act (H.R. 7726), we are working to improve oversight, prevent abuse, and help ensure taxpayer-funded programs serve the individuals and families they were designed to support.
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To make getting a passport more convenient, my office is partnering with the U.S. Department of State to host a Passport Fair on Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17, at the Brunswick Energy & Education Center. Please note, appointments are required. Once you book your appointment, you will receive instructions on what documents are needed.
Use the link below to secure your spot at the Passport Fair, and visit Travel.State.Gov/Passports for additional passport information and application requirements. If you have any questions about the Passport Fair event, please contact my office at (910) 253-6111.
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At this past week’s House Agriculture Committee hearing with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, I took the opportunity to highlight the critical role North Carolina’s cotton and textile industries play in clothing Americans and consumers around the world.
The Secretary recently announced the Great American Cotton Plan, an initiative to strengthen the global competitiveness of American cotton. As a top cotton-producing state and the nation’s #1 textile manufacturer, North Carolina is uniquely positioned to benefit from policies that expand demand for American-grown cotton and American-made textiles. Our cotton and textile industries contribute more than $300 million annually to the state’s economy and support jobs in communities across North Carolina. Strengthening these industries helps our farm families, manufacturers, and rural communities while reinforcing America’s leadership in the global textile market.
Watch the video above or here to listen to my remarks at the hearing.
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Global Cellulose Fibers plays a vital role in North Carolina’s forestry and manufacturing economy, with more than 400 employees at its Riegelwood facility and supports hundreds of forestry and logging jobs.
Southeastern North Carolina’s forestry sector is a key driver of this success with the Riegelwood facility providing economic stability and funding certainty for landowners, loggers, and industry partners throughout the region. During my remarks I talked about the importance of passing a new surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, to enhance supply chain reliability and provide the long-term infrastructure enhancements businesses need to invest, grow, and move products and services efficiently.
By strengthening our transportation infrastructure, the BUILD America 250 Act will ensure manufacturers like Global Cellulose Fibers can continue producing and delivering essential goods to the communities and customers who depend on them.
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This past week, I met with representatives from the RV Industry Association, including Travis Creech of Rex & Sons, a local RV Dealer located in Castle Hayne right off I-40, to discuss the economic impact of the recreational vehicle industry. In addition to providing families with a unique way to travel and explore the country, the RV industry is a major economic driver, generating more than $140 billion annually and supporting jobs in communities nationwide. Nearly ninety percent of RVs are made in the United States, making the industry an important part of American manufacturing.
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As Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, I am proud to have helped shape the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, the BUILD America 250 Act, which includes historic investments to strengthen North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure. As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, North Carolina depends on safe, reliable roads and bridges to keep people and goods moving efficiently, support economic growth, and connect communities across our state.
I recently joined The David Webb Show on SiriusXM Patriot to discuss how the BUILD America 250 Act provides states and local communities with the funding certainty needed for long-term planning and to keep critical transportation projects on schedule. If you would like to listen to the interview, you can find it here.
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Cumberland County’s Headquarters Library recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary. For four decades, it has served as a place where stories are shared, connections are built, and opportunities flourish. To mark the occasion, the library previewed a new mural on the building’s exterior by North Carolina artist Max Dowdle, reflecting its ongoing commitment to preserving local history and sharing stories that connect the community.
My office was proud to present the Headquarters Library with a certificate recognizing 40 years of service to Cumberland County. We thank the library for its continued role as a cornerstone of learning, connection, and community.
You can learn more about this celebration on the Cumberland County website here.
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In remembrance of President Ronald Reagan’s passing 22 years ago...
“My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding your steps and opportunity's arm steadying your way.” - President Ronald Reagan |
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