On Tuesday evening, on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, we celebrated the lighting of this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree. Indeed, it is a sight to behold. The 78-foot red spruce named “Ruby” was selected from Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. This magnificent tree did not magically appear at the Capitol – proud members of our state’s trucking industry made this happen.

It is only appropriate that we take the time to recognize these exemplary North Carolinians for their hard work. Ralph, Eddie, and Ryan Hardy of Hardy Brothers Trucking in Siloam, North Carolina, adapted one of their many trucks so that this tree would be fit to travel without a hitch. Harold and Deborah Kingdon, a husband-and-wife duo, were the ones responsible for transporting the tree on its 14-day journey to Washington. This was a tremendous feat, and thanks to their hard work, all Americans will be able to see a shining symbol of North Carolina on display.

Words cannot express how grateful we are for truckers everywhere – from those who proudly work and reside in the 5^th District and in North Carolina, to those who operate in communities, cities, and states across the entire country. Of course, I would be sorely remiss if I did not take a moment to recognize the many dedicated Christmas Tree growers who contribute so much to our economy in western North Carolina, and to the state overall. We can all agree that they are the backbone of the Tar Heel State.

To learn more about the history of the Capitol Christmas Tree, and how this tradition has grown over the course of decades, click here to view an updated chronology courtesy of the Architect of The Capitol.

Local Spotlight

Recently, I took to the House floor to recognize the Retail Solutions Group, a company based in Wilkesboro, that continues to lead the way in merchandising, warehousing, and logistics. In early November, I was pleased to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their fourth, and largest, warehouse in Wilkesboro. In the last few years, the Retail Solutions Group has grown from fewer than eight employees to now over 200. This is a magnificent accomplishment.

To watch my full speech, click here.

ICYMI: My Latest Op-Ed

America has a problem: with more than 10 million unfilled jobs and a monumental skills gap, the United States is approaching dire economic straits. Apprenticeships are a potent remedy to fill the gaps in our workforce and offer Americans work experience, education, and a clear path to a well-paying job. Unfortunately, Democrats are working to unravel apprenticeship opportunities that don’t fit into the left’s one-size-fits-all box. This will not prepare our nation’s workforce to succeed. In my latest op-ed, I lay out how America’s apprenticeship system has been bungled under one party rule, and how job creators are stepping up.

To read my op-ed, click here.

Quote of The Week

“Without labor, nothing prospers.”

­-Sophocles

Have a blessed weekend,