T&I Committee Approves My Legislation to Reject Biden WOTUS Rule and Streamline Energy Projects

This past week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved two pieces of legislation I introduced, including a resolution to overturn the Biden Administration’s new waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and a bill to promote the development of energy infrastructure and ensure water quality.

The first bill, H.J. Res. 27, would overturn President Biden's WOTUS rule  – an action necessary to help ensure Americans across the country are protected from subjective regulatory overreach and bureaucrats in Washington who are making it harder to farm, build, and generate economic prosperity.  Regulations that are ambiguous and subjective lead to unnecessary complication and litigation for hard-working Americans, our farm families, and property owners.

The second bill, H.R. 1152, promotes the development of the nation’s energy infrastructure by streamlining the permitting process under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and clarifying Section 401’s focus is actually on water quality.  The water quality certification process has been — and continues to be — weaponized by certain states to stifle important energy projects they oppose, particularly pipelines, for political reasons completely unrelated to water quality and the Clean Water Act.  Providing clarity to the water quality certification process is sorely needed to put an end to this tortured abuse of the law.  At a time when American families are facing skyrocketing energy costs, we shouldn’t inhibit domestic energy production and its transport.  This only makes America further dependent on foreign adversaries for our energy sources.

Requesting Expedited Approval of the Billy Graham Statue in the U.S. Capitol

I recently joined my NC colleagues in Congress to introduce a bipartisan resolution to expedite the installation of a statue of the Reverend William Franklin ‘‘Billy’’ Graham, Jr. into the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall Collection.  Three steps remain in the process of placing the statue in the Capitol, and this resolution would force the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress (JCL) to complete those steps without further delay.

Known as “America’s Pastor”, Reverend Billy Graham dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel throughout the world to all who would listen.  I have no doubt he saved the souls of millions.  I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution to ensure a more timely placement of his statue in the U.S. Capitol where countless visitors and lawmakers from other countries (as well as our own!) will be able to view it and honor his legacy for generations to come.

Supporting Legislation to Rein in Inflation

Americans can’t afford Joe Biden’s inflationary policies, but we are certainly paying for them.  This past week, with my support, Congress passed the REIN IN Inflation Act to shed light on how the Biden Administration's costly executive orders are impacting your wallet.  Specifically, the bill requires the Biden Administration to publish the inflationary impact of executive orders before enacting them.  The White House would then have to report these findings to Congress each year bringing more transparency and accountability for executive actions.

It’s an honor to nominate some of the best and brightest students of Southeastern North Carolina to attend a United States Service Academy where they will receive a first-rate undergraduate education and have the opportunity to give back to our nation through their military service.

I recently hosted a reception for students from NC-07 who received one of my nominations to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies.  It was an honor to join them and recognize their hard work and dedication.  Please join me in congratulating these students and wish them the best of luck as they move forward with the application process!

The Lumbee Tribe consists of 55,000 members, making it the largest American-Indian tribe east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest tribe in the nation.  Members of the Lumbee Tribe reside primarily in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland Counties.  In 1885, the State of North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe.  In 1956, Congress recognized the Lumbee as an Indian Tribe when they enacted the Lumbee Act, but the bill unfairly denied the Lumbee any federal services and benefits associated with such recognition.

I recently led members of the North Carolina delegation in introducing legislation to provide full recognition and associated federal protections to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.  I’m proud to champion the Lumbee Fairness Act in the 118th Congress and will continue working to help the Tribe receive the federal protections they are due, including access to the same resources as every other federally recognized tribe.

For this week's good news story, I'm recognizing the New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriff's Offices for teaming up to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.  According to WWAY, "the competition was held in New Hanover County at Wilmington Christian Academy. There were scores of fans and the event raised over $1,500 for Brandon’s Battle Foundation. The foundation creates goody bags and physical therapy tools for children going through cancer at UNC Medical and Duke Children’s.  The game ended in a victory for NHSO, but both sides say everyone is winning when you are supporting pediatric cancer."

“Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people.” — George W. Bush