The past two weeks marked the end of a productive August District Work Period. During this time back in the district, I enjoyed having valuable conversations with constituents, small businesses, and community leaders. I also had the opportunity to visit some of our breathtaking landmarks on the Outer Banks and see firsthand the incredible coastal research our state’s universities are doing in the area. It’s a pleasure to participate in meaningful policy discussions to better understand what I can do in Congress to make a positive impact on the lives of those here in Eastern North Carolina.
Spending time back in our beautiful district always re-energizes me. We’ve got a lot of great work to accomplish the rest of the year, and I am eager to return to Washington. As always, it is a privilege to be your voice and fight for our values in Congress.
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Touring Dare Challenge Substance Abuse Centers
Dare Challenge Men’s and Women’s Substance Abuse Centers’ mission is to guide individuals battling addiction toward a clean and fulfilling life through the power of the Gospel!
Currently, they are expanding with the construction of an additional site to accommodate more individuals seeking help. They recently completed a new women's center in just 30 days.
Dustin and his extraordinary team dedicate their success to both the blessings they’ve received and the unwavering support of the community.
Thank you for your commitment to protecting and uplifting vulnerable members of our communities. It is truly inspiring - keep up the great work!
Visiting Jockey's Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head attracts more than 1 million visitors every year.
This park not only offers incredible views but is the perfect place to enjoy unique outdoor activities like hang gliding, flying kites, paddle boarding, and scenic walking trails.
If you visit, don’t forget to check out the tallest living sand dune on the East Coast!
North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District is home to an abundance of natural beauty and breathtaking state parks. I highly recommend visiting one of them before summer’s end!
Meeting with Constituents to Discuss VA Challenges
I met with constituents regarding difficulties that they are having with ChampVA. Among their concerns is that ChampVA still uses paper and fax for their communications and have no online portal for communications.
In this day and age, this is absolutely unacceptable. I will be working with my DC VA staff and the Veterans Affairs Committee to push ChampVA to update their systems and provide more efficient and reliable care for our Veterans and their families.
Visit to Athletico Physical Therapy
I visited Athletico Physical Therapy in Greenville to discuss strategies to improve patient outcomes and ensure practitioners can continue to keep their doors open. Physical therapists play a critical role in various ways, including injury recovery and prevention.
Access to physical therapy is critical to the quality of life for millions of Americans. I’m grateful for the tour of the wonderful facility and am committed to protecting Medicare reimbursement.
Opioid Crisis Roundtable in Carteret County
I participated in a roundtable in Carteret County with NC leaders to discuss the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and strategies to protect our communities. I appreciate the leadership of Carteret Health Care in tackling this issue and providing a blueprint for other healthcare providers to replicate.
In 2023, 112,000 fatal overdoses occurred in America. Fueling this crisis is the flow of synthetic opioids into our country. China, Mexican drug cartels and Harris’s open border are killing Americans every day. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, with the number killed by the drug up 94 percent since 2019.
We cannot allow this to continue and must take vigorous action to reverse this horrific issue. We need to sanction China, eliminate Mexican cartels and CLOSE THE BORDER.
Honoring Staff Sergeant Robert L. Ferris Jr.
It was my privilege to honor Staff Sergeant Robert L. Ferris Jr., a WWII Army Air Corps airman who was recently returned home from France to be laid.
Sergeant Ferris was a ball turret gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. A true warfighter killed in defense of freedom.
Thank you to his wonderful niece, Barbara, for accepting this EOR on his behalf.
Visiting the Coastal Studies Institute
The Coastal Studies Institute, located in Wanchese, partners with schools statewide to offer students hands-on opportunities to learn, conduct research, and engage on coastal issues.
By attracting students from across the country to participate in competitive programs, the institute fosters immersive learning experiences that connect students directly with the local community.
They're doing awesome work and play a vital role in protecting our way of life here in Eastern North Carolina!
Visiting Wright National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills proudly highlights our district's significant role in shaping national history. On Dec. 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made their groundbreaking flight here, achieving the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air machine.
Their passion for flight led them to the Outer Banks where they could study the science of wind, sand, and isolation to develop safe aircraft mechanics. They leaned on the support of the Outer Banks community to turn their dream of flight into a reality.
I appreciate this park for celebrating and preserving our district’s history! It’s a must-see park if you’re in the Kill Devil Hills area.
