Thanking Our Community's First Responders

On Tuesday, it was great to visit the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop F Headquarters in Newton to show my appreciation for these women and men who serve our community. From those patrolling our roads, to those in the communications center and maintenance facilities, we are thankful for all you do.

Thanks to Hickory Fire Chief Matt Hutchinson and his team for giving me a tour of the newly finished fire training facility in Hickory. The structure, which includes a four-story tower, can create artificial smoke, and will include two burn areas. Firefighters will be able to practice skills such as rappelling buildings and breaching rooftops. The structure will allow the department to simulate conditions from basement fires to balcony rescues. I appreciate the brave firefighters who serve our entire area and grateful they will be able to train right here in Catawba County.

A Busy Week in the Tenth District

One of the best parts of my job is meeting with the people and organizations who help make the Tenth District such a wonderful place to call home. I enjoyed visiting the Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley on Tuesday. The staff and volunteers provide a wide array of services supporting women, men, and families in our area. As a staunch pro-life advocate, I am so thankful for all who—like the Pregnancy Care Center of Catawba Valley—stand resolutely in the face of ongoing and unprecedented attacks.

This week, I had the honor to present a flag flown over the US Capitol to Catawba County high school student Liam Smith in honor of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Liam worked with the Hickory Soup Kitchen to revamp its raised garden which needed repair. The Soup Kitchen uses this garden to raise fruits and vegetables for the local homeless population. He replaced the entire garden with new boxes and concrete creating a more functional workspace. Congratulations, Liam, on this wonderful achievement, and thank you for serving our community.

Families Can't Afford Back-to-School Shopping Thanks to Skyrocketing Inflation

Right now children all across the country are getting ready for another school year. Unfortunately, skyrocketing inflation is making much-needed school supplies unaffordable, with families being forced to spend an average of over $600 more per student this year on back-to-school shopping. That is on top of the over $600 a month Democrat-caused inflation is costing North Carolina families. We need solutions, not more spending.

What I've Been Reading

U.S. Rep Jackie Walorski, three others killed in Elkhart County crash

South Bend Tribune

I am absolutely heartbroken by the death of my friend and colleague Jackie Walorski. She was a truly wonderful person that was liked by all who had the honor of knowing her. Giulia and I extend our prayers to her husband Dean and their entire family. We also extend our prayers to the families of her staffers, Zach Potts and Emma Thomson who passed in this horrific accident. Like Congresswoman Walorski, they were dedicated to serving the people of Indiana’s 2nd District. This is a devastating loss for our entire Congressional community.