Dear John,
Lately, the House has been focused on several major legislative priorities, including advancing government funding legislation and passing the annual authorization for our nation's defense known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Also included in this newsletter is a letter I wrote for the ENGAGE Fayetteville Business Journal's summer edition, along with several additional resources I hope you'll find informative. As always, keep reading below to learn more about the work we're doing on your behalf.
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.
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Our servicemembers deserve our unwavering support. Last week on the House Floor, I was proud to support this year’s NDAA, which advances the Peace Through Strength agenda, providing North Carolina servicemembers with higher pay, housing and benefit improvements for military families, and ensuring our military has the tools they need to meet today's threats.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 27 NDAA rebuilds the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthens the industrial base that underpins American deterrence. It equips our warfighters with the capabilities needed to succeed, supports our military families, and reinforces our commitment to a strong national defense. At a time of growing global threats, this legislation bolsters our military readiness and strengthens our defense communities across North Carolina.
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Keeping the federal government running while addressing our nation's most pressing priorities remains essential. The House passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) through December 4 to do just that. It is now up to the Senate to decide if they will pass this CR or some other version. Regardless, September 30 is the last day of the federal government’s fiscal year, and the Senate must get 60 votes to end debate on a CR, which means it can’t pass without Democrat votes. Long government shutdowns serve the interest of no one, politically or otherwise, so I anticipate some kind of deal will get worked out to keep the federal government operational past September 30.
The CR passed by the House provides stability for essential government operations and ensures critical programs including disaster response, small business lending, and support for low-income families, continue without interruption.
Additionally, and not to be confused with a CR or the annual appropriation bills, we passed another Budget Resolution (our 3rd version), which is the first step toward a reconciliation 3.0 that includes instructions to beef up the military, funding to better support our farm families and American agriculture during the worst farm crisis since the 1980s, and to protect the integrity of our elections (provisions from what is known as the SAVE America Act). The significance of a reconciliation bill: it only requires a majority vote — not the typical 60 votes needed to end debate.
This budget resolution lays the groundwork to replenish critical military stockpiles, meet immediate battlefield requirements, and strengthen our nation's defense readiness. While this budget resolution does not enact these policies on its own, it is the first step toward advancing a package to address these important national priorities. We will see how the Senate decides to handle this budget resolution — if they do anything at all. Under their rules, amendments are open-ended causing a lot of consternation among those in vulnerable seats that would have to take politically charged votes on amendments designed to be used for campaign ads against them.
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I was honored to contribute a letter celebrating America 250 to the summer edition of ENGAGE Magazine, published by the Fayetteville Business Journal. In the letter, I discuss the importance of strengthening our region's economy, supporting local businesses, and advancing policies that create opportunities for everyone across southeastern North Carolina.
You can find my letter on page 15 of the magazine. I hope you'll take a moment to read it! |
The White House is now accepting applications for volunteer Christmas decorators and holiday performers for the 2026 Christmas season.
This is a unique opportunity for talented individuals and groups to be part of the White House Christmas celebrations. Elementary, middle, and high school music programs, community arts organizations, and volunteers are encouraged to apply. Applications and additional information are available through the official White House website.
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REGISTER NOW: 2026 Congressional App Challenge
Every year, middle and high school students participate in the Congressional App Challenge. This nationwide competition encourages students to learn to code by creating their own apps, allowing students to showcase their skills in programming and computer science while supporting the next generation of STEM leaders.
The winner will be eligible to have their app showcased in the U.S. Capitol, will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and invited to attend the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill reception.
Students in North Carolina's 7th Congressional District can register TODAY for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge and start coding their apps now! The competition deadline is October 26, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST. Please use this link to register, and visit my website to learn more.
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Navigating the federal government can be frustrating. If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency such as the IRS, VA, or Social Security Administration, and unable to visit one of my district offices, please stop by one of the nearby mobile office hours in August and see how my office can assist.
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For this week's good news story, I'd like to spotlight Leland Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12196 for earning the prestigious All-American designation for the fifth consecutive year.
Chartered in 2019, VFW Post 12196 proudly serves veterans, active-duty service members, and military families throughout the Leland and Belville communities. This recognition reflects the dedication, service, and hard work of the post's volunteers and members, who continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our nation. I am grateful for the commitment of the VFW members in supporting our veterans and military families, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement. Read more about this story in WWAY News.
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Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” – Alexander Graham Bell |
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