The past two weeks have been very eventful, both in Washington and around the world.
In Congress, I've been working to deliver meaningful solutions for taxpayers and businesses, to stand up for conservative values, and to ensure we continue to be the greatest nation in the world. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to meet with constituents, work with community leaders, and introduce legislation that will make life better for Eastern North Carolina
Last weekend, we witnessed yet another attack on our ally Israel, the only democratic country in the Middle East. Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones intended to harm innocent Israelis. Fortunately, with swift action from Israeli defense systems and American efforts, 99% of the attack was neutralized. I vehemently condemn Iran's bellicose and unjust attack on Israel. Unfortunately, President Biden has made clear his unwillingness to offer his full support to Israel in its fight to defend itself.
I stand with our allies as they fight to defend themselves against Russia, Iran, and China, members of today's axis of evil. America is the greatest and strongest nation in the world. We achieved this status by pursuing peace through strength, not standing down against the face of evil.
I will continue fighting for the values of North Carolina's Third Congressional District. If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
My Support for the House Foreign Aid and National Security Packages
On day one, President Biden invited the greatest invasion that this nation has ever known at the southern border. Closing the border and ending the crisis is my first priority. However, I do not believe, for one minute, that more dead Israelis, Ukrainians, or Palestinians are going to force Senate Democrats and this feckless President to change their course on our border. Our previous passage of H.R. 2 was a clear and reasonable demand for a border package early in this Congress. It is not our leadership's fault that we cannot change the minds of Democrats and the President in a divided Congress. As the leader of the free world, we cannot abdicate our duty to stand for freedom.
That is why I voted in favor of supplying aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, greenlighting the REPO Act to use Russia's frozen assets against them, enacting sanctions against Iran and extremist, militant groups, forcing TikTok to divest, and declaring fentanyl trafficking a national emergency.
Read my Press Release here.
My Bill to Provide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Veterans Passes VA Health Subcommittee
Since entering office, advocating for new treatment pathways for our veterans has been one of my top priorities. During my time in the North Carolina House of Representatives, I successfully led the effort to make hyperbaric oxygen therapy accessible to veterans in our state. I'm proud to announce that the U.S. House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee has passed my Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act which would enact similar reform at the national level. I'm grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of this lifesaving treatment.
Summary
H.R. 3649, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, passed the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health by voice vote. This bipartisan bill would establish a pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Background
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the brain’s healing process by providing the bloodstream with elevated oxygen to reach and repair damaged tissue and restore normal function.
Studies demonstrate that HBOT is an effective treatment for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. Authors of one such study described HBOT as having “one of the greatest reductions in PTSD symptoms in a four-week period with any reported treatment.”
Despite its proven efficacy and requests by Members of Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently does not employ HBOT.
Introduced Bipartisan Tax Relief Legislation for Disaster Victims
Eastern North Carolinians know all too well the impact a natural disaster can have on families. This commonsense legislation gives victims of natural disasters additional time to claim a refund, providing relief to those who must deal with the stress and calamity that comes with a hurricane. I’m grateful for Rep. Jimmy Panetta for co-leading this bipartisan legislation which will positively impact so many.
Background
Under current law, taxpayers who request an extension on filing their taxes are afforded additional time to claim a tax credit or refund. However, this additional time is not extended for those who file their taxes due to a postponed filing date. This legislation creates parity for the lookback period, so victims of natural disasters have additional time to claim a refund, just like the additional time given to those requesting a filing extension. Addressing this issue was listed as one of the top legislative recommendations by the National Taxpayer Advocate.
Introduced Legislation to Improve Enforcement of US Trade Policies on China
China must not be allowed to evade tariffs at the expense of American businesses and workers. President Trump took great strides to rein in China's unfair trade practices and abuses. By updating our De Minimis law, we are ensuring that American businesses have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. The End China’s De Minimis Abuse Act is a critical update necessary to supporting our small business economy.
Background
In 2018, President Trump imposed new tariffs on more than half of Chinese imports pursuant to Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1947. Under current law, goods valued at under $800 are free of duty, and of any tax, if a shipment is imported by one person to another on the same day. Many Chinese firms have avoided paying these tariffs on imports less than $800 in value as a result of the De Minimis privilege.
The legislation ends De Minimis evasion of trade enforcement tariffs, improves transparency and data collection on De Minimis entries into our supply chains, and adds penalties for those who violate U.S. law through De Minimis entries.
Biden's Appeasement Towards Iran
The Biden Administration's appeasement to Iran and Iranian-backed global terror has laid the foundation for the horrific attacks brought against Israel.
Iran is engaged in historic aggression against Israel and funding the operations of extremist, militant groups because there are no consequences.
Weakness allows evil to flourish.
Watch the full video here or by clicking the image below:
Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee Hearing with U.S. Trade Representative Tai
North Carolina fishermen struggle to keep their operations running because of the devastating impact of illegal fishing and unfair trade. Meanwhile, we allow China to dominate the industry despite its unregulated and unsustainable practices.
American food security relies on our ability to produce enough nourishment for the nation. If we fail to address the devastating challenges facing our fishing and seafood industries, we will do lasting damage that will be difficult to recover from.
I questioned U.S. Ambassador Katherine Tai on how she plans to combat unfair trade practices crushing our fishermen.
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Committee on House Administration with D.C. National Guard Whistleblowers
In America, we support the equal application of our laws. Similarly, condemning those who violate the law by trespassing, destroying property, and committing theft should not be partisan.
Why did Nancy Pelosi sweep the riots of 2020 under the rug, but allow the partisan J6 Committee to block key evidence and witness testimony from being considered?
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Accepting the American Academy of Ophthalmology Visionary Award
I am honored to receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology Visionary Award. As a practicing physician for over 35 years, I understand the challenges our ophthalmologists face and will always fight for our doctors and patients.
Meeting with Icelandic Foreign Minister
Thank you Icelandic Foreign Minister, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, for meeting with me. As the Co-Chair of the Iceland Caucus, I understand how important our nations’ cooperation is for our economies and security.
Joint Session of Congress with the Prime Minister of Japan
It was a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, to address Congress. With regional instability provoked by China, Russia, and North Korea, we must stand strong with our ally.
The United States’ relationship with Japan remains ironclad, and we will continue to work together to promote freedom and peace across the globe.
Meeting with the Blue Water Fishermen's Association
It was good to meet with the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association and several owner-operators from Wanchese. We discussed the onslaught of regulations, illegal fishing, and unfair trade crippling the industry.
The Biden Administration has no idea the damage it will cause with its myopic rulemaking. Our fishermen care about conserving the environment, take care of each other, and play an enormous role in American food security.
I will fight tooth and nail to protect our fishermen.
Meeting with the American Optometric Association
It was great to meet with the American Optometric Association to discuss access to vision care for seniors and veterans. In America, no one should be unable to receive the care they need to protect their eyesight.
Meeting with Topsail Beach and Surf City Officials
Thank you to Topsail Beach and Surf City officials for making the trip to Washington to discuss federal flood insurance, beach nourishment, storm resiliency, and disaster recovery.
Meeting with Siemens Healthineers
I had a very productive meeting with Siemens Healthineers discussing the explosive growth of artificial intelligence in health care and removing barriers to innovation.
We’ve got a bright future ahead of us with such incredible technology on the horizon.
Meeting with the Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Impact Movement
Thank you to my longtime friend and fraternity brother Carter Grine, his wife and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement for coming to discuss the importance of investment and research into this disease and other forms of dementia.
With continued support, we can better understand, diagnose, and treat those suffering from the illness as well as take care of those who are caretakers.
Meeting with the National Association for Home Care & Hospice
It was a pleasure to meet with representatives from the National Association for Home Care & Hospice to discuss how Congress can help protect access to home health and hospice care. As a physician, I understand just how critical reliable care is for families and patients.
