Dear Friend,
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent update from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.
|
One Year Later: Murphy Commemorates Tragic Loss of 13 U.S. Servicemembers in Kabul, Afghanistan
This past week, we recognized the first anniversary of the deadly Hamid Karzai International Airport bombing which claimed the lives of 13 brave U.S. servicemembers in Kabul, Afghanistan. Among the fallen heroes was Marine Sgt. Nicole L. Gee of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, who was supporting non-combatant evacuations during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
|
When faced with a near impossible challenge, these 13 dedicated heroes answered the call of duty. Their willingness to stand together and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others is the most selfless act one can commit. Eastern North Carolina remembers these beloved patriots today and every day, and we pray that the families, friends, and fellow servicemembers of these fallen heroes find peace and healing knowing that their loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what they were called to do. God bless our U.S. Marines, Gold Star Families.
I was honored to join the Jacksonville community last Friday night as the keynote speaker for the 7pm candlelight vigil at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens.
We Will Always Remember: - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas
- Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, Calif.
- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City
- Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tenn.
- Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif.
- Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Mass.
- Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind.
- Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Mo.
- Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio
- Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Neb.
|
Camp Lejeune Justice Act Signed into Law
I'm proud to share that my bipartisan legislation, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been signed into law as part of the Honoring our PACT Act. After years of fighting to get this bill across the finish line, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will finally provide long-overdue judicial relief to victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Learn more about the legislation HERE.
|
Murphy Statement on Biden's Student Debt Transfer Scam
The Biden Administration’s recent decision to further extend the student loan payment pause and forgive mass student loan debt is an affront to the families and students who have skimped and saved to responsibly pay off their debts.
I truly empathize with the burden of student loans, but a contract is a contract. This reckless and costly political action teaches our children a terrible lesson about responsibility. President Biden’s executive actions have already cost taxpayers over $530 billion dollars, and this decision will saddle hardworking taxpayers with more than $300 billion in additional handouts to wealthy individuals. Instead of irresponsibly shifting costs onto everyday Americans, we should go after the root causes of higher education costs. Once again, the administration is tone-deaf to priorities of our nation.
|
So-Called Inflation Reduction Act: The Great Medicare Heist
Under the guise of the deceptively named "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022", Congressional Democrats recently conducted the largest heist of Medicare dollars since the program's inception. Although claiming to lower prescription drugs prices and extend affordable health care insurance to low-income families, Democrats' myopic and partisan reconciliation package will stifle competition, significantly hamper the development of new cures, and redirect hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicare to insurance companies and Green New Deal policies.
I published the below Newsweek opinion column earlier this month exposing the Democrats' deceptively named Inflation Reduction Act. Read the full op-ed by clicking the graphic below or click HERE.
|
Murphy Introduces Oregon Inlet Dual Jetty Legislation
Recently, I introduced legislation alongside Virginia Congressman Rep. Rob Wittman to conduct a feasibility study for a dual jetty system at Oregon Inlet, NC.
Learn more by watching our press conference HERE.
While dredging has been somewhat effective in easing the issues at Oregon Inlet, it’s not a permanent solution. It’s clear that a dual jetty system, which requires an act of Congress, is necessary for long-term navigation, commerce, and flood control purposes. I’m glad to introduce this legislation to authorize the Secretary of the Army to conduct a feasibility study for constructing a dual jetty system.
|
Honoring Major Gen. Hugh Robert Overholt
We recently awarded Major General Hugh Robert Overholt of the U.S. Army (Retired) with formal congressional recognition in appreciation of his lifelong service to Eastern North Carolina, and the United States of America. During a private New Bern ceremony, I was privileged to present Gen. Overholt with a Congressional Extension of Remarks (EOR), a speech which has been formally entered into the official Congressional Record in Gen. Overholt’s distinguished honor. A full copy of the EOR can be found HERE.
|
Cherry Point Honors Col. Mikel Huber, Welcomes Col. Brendan Burks
It was a pleasure to be part of the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point whereby Col. Mikel R. Huber relinquished his command and retired after 29 years of dedicated service and Col. Brendan C. Burks assumed command of MCAS Cherry Point.
Our community wishes Col. Mikel R. Huber all the best in his well-earned retirement. I have no doubt that MCAS Cherry Point is in great hands with Col. Brendan C. Burks, and I am looking forward to working with him on a range of military issues on behalf of Eastern North Carolina.
|
Kicking Off Back-to-School Season in Carteret County
Last week, I visited Carteret County Public Schools to meet with Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, Assistant Superintendent Richard Paylor, faculty, county officials, students, and administrators to tour their facilities and discuss school safety improvements.
Parents across our region should know that Carteret County Public Schools have been very forward-thinking about improving school safety measures to keep our children safe when they are in the classroom. I am deeply impressed by the collaborative effort between our administrators, school resource officers, and Carteret County law enforcement who are working so diligently to protect our community.
|
After our meetings at East Carteret High School and Newport Elementary, my staff and I enjoyed a great and productive visit to Carteret Community College. During our campus tour, I was glad to receive a program update from college president Dr. Tracy Mancini and learn more about some of the school’s most impactful services, including workforce development, maritime education, and emergency medical technician training.
|
Carteret Community College is a leading force for good in our district. From an outstanding student government association and innovating classroom instruction to immersive maritime education and workforce training – Carteret Community College plays a big role in preparing our young learners for real world success after graduation. I am very proud of all of our Carteret County administrators and officials who work so hard for our great district, and I look forward to future visits.
|
Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent update. If my office can ever be of service to you or your family, please do not hesitate to reach out! I hope you have a wonderful week.
|
Sincerely,
|
|
|
Greg Murphy Member of Congress
|
|
|
|