Over the past two weeks, House Republicans have been vigorously advocating for conservative principles here in Washington. We've achieved significant legislative wins, including passing a bill mandating TikTok divest from the Chinese Communist Party in order to remain in the United States market. We also passed several bills during Energy Week to fortify America's energy independence and decrease our reliance on adversaries.
This week, I introduced the EDUCATE Act which strips funding from medical schools that embrace discriminatory, divisive, and harmful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While diversity enriches the fabric of medicine, it must not be achieved through exclusionary practices. Patients care about a doctor’s ability to perform their job well, not the amount of melanin in their skin. DEI initiatives are divisive and even have the potential to jeopardize patient safety in the operating room.
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.
Key Votes
Second FY24 Government Funding Package
As a conservative Republican, I believe engaging in a good-faith effort in budget negotiations is requisite to standing up for our values and delivering on our promises. Despite operating with a slim majority and a divided Congress, Speaker Johnson worked diligently to meet that standard.
However, the second government funding package contains many non-negotiable elements of which I disapprove. It lacks meaningful provisions to secure our open border, end DEI initiatives corrosive to our military, and cut federal funding for the woke social agenda Democrats are pushing on our institutions. Washington badly needs more bipartisanship and less division, but I must draw a line in the sand. I voted against the bill.
Denouncing Biden's anti-American Energy Policies
President Biden’s destructive energy agenda risks long-term stability and forces Americans to pay higher costs needlessly.
Climate extremists would rather offshore production, and increase our reliance on hostile nations than produce cleaner energy here at home.
House Republicans understand the importance of prioritizing our energy security.
Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act
The Chinese Communist Party uses TikTok to spy on Americans.
We cannot allow companies controlled by foreign adversaries to access our markets, collect data, and use it against us. If TikTok wants to continue thriving in America, it must divest from the CCP.
I voted YES to bipartisan legislation that ensures the digital safety and security of all Americans
Condemning Biden's Disastrous Open Border
On Biden’s first day in office, he revoked successful immigration policies implemented by the Trump Administration and welcomed the invasion of our southern border.
He could end the crisis today with the stroke of a pen but is putting politics over the safety of our country and communities.
I voted YES to condemning President Biden and his disastrous open border policies.
Protecting American Energy Production Act
The Left wants to end fracking on American soil despite it propelling our country to energy independence and giving us a competitive edge in global trade.
Biden’s war on American energy destabilizes our national security and forces Americans to pay higher costs for just about everything.
I voted YES to protect American energy production and fight to ensure lower energy prices.
Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act
The Clean Water Act was enacted to protect our waterways and ensure communities have access to clean drinking water.
However, the CWA continues to be used by radical environmental groups to block permits for projects critical to our energy infrastructure.
I voted YES to clarify water quality regulations so that businesses can better utilize our natural resources while protecting the health of the environment around us.
H. Con. Res. 86
A carbon tax would increase the costs of essential goods folks rely on daily and devastate working and middle-class Americans trying to make ends meet.
It’s hard to imagine the most unpopular administration in modern American history would think about doing something this foolish.
I voted YES to condemn a carbon tax from being imposed.
EDUCATE Act Press Conference
Inserting identity politics and disregarding academic merit in medical school applications is a dangerous trend that is destroying the integrity of our institutions.
Medical schools in the United States are thought to be the best and attract talent from every corner of the world. The focus of graduate medical education is to produce the finest physicians who are ready to save lives. We cannot allow politics to drive a wedge into objective science and the colorblind foundation of patient care.
Patients deserve to feel whole-heartedly safe and reassured that their doctor can treat them.
I am proud to have introduced the EDUCATE Act, which roots out DEI initiatives from medical school admissions processes and curricula.
Introduced Bill to Eliminate ESG from Retirement Investment Plans
Recent trends show retirement plans favoring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors over traditional investments, despite poorer performance.
This raises concerns about fund managers’ priorities and focus on maximizing return on investments.
I introduced the Safeguarding Investment Options for Retirement Act to prohibit tax-advantaged retirement plan trustees from considering factors other than financial risk and return when making investment decisions on behalf of workers, retirees, and their beneficiaries.
Click here to read more about my bill.
Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act.
Nearly 18 veterans commit suicide every single day. This harrowing statistic is not only unacceptable, it’s a reminder we need to be doing more.
My bipartisan bill, the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act, authorizes the VA to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury.
Our veterans made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for our freedoms, and we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being.
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Ways and Means Field Hearing in Texas on Emergency Services
Rural communities are in desperate need of access to emergency care. Everyone deserves to be reassured of their safety in case of an emergency.
At the field hearing in Texas, Ways and Means Republicans addressed the Biden Administration’s lack of initiative to provide adequate resources to rural communities in the FY25 budget.
- Nearly 4.5 million Americans live in counties without an acute care hospital.
- 77% of urban counties and 84% of rural counties have “ambulance deserts” where access to an ambulance station is more than 25 minutes away.
- Rural patients may wait up to 30 minutes for emergency medical services (EMS) after dialing 911.
House Administration Committee Hearing on
DC Crime Surge
Crime is soaring in DC and the lives of members of Congress, staff, and visitors are all at risk. In the last calendar year, two of my colleagues were attacked, and countless staff members who serve in the Capitol have had their cars stolen.
Just blocks from the most powerful legislature in the world exists rampant crime not seen in the city in over 20 years.
House Administration Committee Republicans held a hearing examining this troubling issue.
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Ways and Means Committee Hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra
American health care has a critical staffing shortage, patients continue to be crushed by surprise bills, insurance companies are protected and Medicare is headed for a cliff.
We need leadership that is in touch with what patients face.
Not sure HHS gets this.
Watch my full line of questioning here.
Meeting with UNC Chapel-Hill Interim Chancellor
It was a pleasure to meet with UNC-Chapel Hill’s interim chancellor, Lee Roberts, to discuss his vision for the institution's future. I’m grateful for his dedication and vision to cultivate the vibrancy of the academic community.
Congratulations Chancellor Roberts, and I look forward to seeing the success you achieve.
Veterans History Project in the Library of Congress
I had the honor of visiting the Veterans History Project on display in the Library of Congress and submitting 17 new history files. As the representative of over 76,000 veterans, I’ve hosted VHP events in Jacksonville, Corolla, and New Bern to record the stories of veterans in our district.
This invaluable initiative enables future generations to understand the brave efforts and personal sacrifices that were made to protect our freedom.
I’m excited to continue hosting these events across NC-03!
Floor Speech on Cuts to Doctors Medicare Reimbursements
America's shortage of doctors is alarming and set to worsen as Baby Boomers retire. Worse yet, 63% of medical students have no intention of practicing for any significant amount of time. Doctors are experiencing accelerated burnout while working overtime to provide quality care to their patients, only to face annual decreases in Medicare reimbursements.
This is not a partisan issue, we must prioritize finding solutions to resolve this crisis in the medical field.
You can watch the full floor speech here.
