Fourth Annual WATERS Summit
This week, in a continued effort to address waterway issues and flood risk mitigation across North Carolina, hundreds from across the state and country came together for my fourth annual nonpartisan Water Adaptations to Ensure Regional Success (WATERS) Summit.
Protecting our cities, communities, and businesses, as well as the ecological beauty of our state, benefits all of North Carolina. The purpose of the WATERS Summit is to do just that – to collaborate on dynamic solutions and foster legislative and agency plans to address the challenges we face over the next five, 25, and 100 years.
Last year, Western North Carolina was tragically devastated by Hurricane Helene, a historic disaster that no one could have predicted when we planned to host this event. Our efforts and attention were immediately drawn to helping our mountain neighbors. While the full restoration of the region will take years, the ongoing recovery effort provided a valuable opportunity to examine how we can better prepare our communities for catastrophic weather systems, including managing intense and abrupt flooding.
In a time of robust ideological competition, this summit demonstrates how individuals from all walks of life can put politics aside to work together to make a difference. No one person can solve the challenges we face alone. Our collaboration is critical to the continued prosperity of North Carolina, and as a team, we can preserve our beautiful state for future generations to come.
Visit to Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
I had the opportunity to visit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, where I was able to meet with constituents who were volunteering and tour the great facility. I was also able to hear from leaders of several partner pantries who pick up their regular orders from the Food Bank. I learned all about their operations, their perspective on feeding Eastern North Carolina, and how I can further help.
Food insecurity affects nearly 11% of the North Carolina population, including one in six children, with rates generally higher in rural areas than in urban or suburban areas. Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting our state. I am grateful for CENC Food Bank and its partners for the selfless work they do to provide for families struggling with this important issue.
Ben F. Massey Jr. Public Service Award
What an incredible honor it was to receive the Ben F. Massey Jr. Public Service Award. Ben Massey is a Physical Therapist and a great public servant. He served as the past president of the American Physical Therapy Association of North Carolina and of the APTA national association. This award, established in his name, recognizes individuals who have provided distinctive support for the field of physical therapy.
As a physician, I understand the grueling hours of dedicated work of fellow healthcare professionals. These providers work tirelessly, serving their patients by attending to their injuries to get them back on the road to recovery. Whether from a stroke, heart attack, or other type of injury, physical therapy is critical in helping patients regain function and their lives. They are beloved by so many for helping them on the road to recovery. I am honored to support them by being an advocate during my time in Congress.
Mr. Houston Salter’s 105th Birthday
I want to wish an incredible hero, Mr. Houston Salter, a happy 105th birthday! What a major accomplishment to have lived such a long and wonderful life.
Mr. Salter is the oldest living former member of the US Coast Guard. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942 during a critical time. While stationed at Ellis Island from 1942 to 1945, he played an important role in unloading bombs from Coast Guard and merchant ships while also providing port security. He then returned to North Carolina, where he worked at Cherry Point for another 28 years before retiring.
During his time in service, he bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices for our country and Carteret County. I am grateful for his selfless dedication!
7,500+ Constituent Cases Closed
Constituent services remain at the core of what my team does. Since coming to Congress in 2019, my office has closed over 7,500 cases, helping constituents navigate issues with the federal government. This includes assisting in delivering VA benefits to veterans, tax refunds, swift passport renewals, and much more.
The people of North Carolina’s Third Congressional District deserve accessible and dedicated representation in Congress. It is an honor to be your voice in Washington and serve you diligently. If you or your family need help with a federal agency, please contact any of my district offices. I am here to help!
Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, we expressed gratitude for the many sacrifices made by the men and women who have bravely served our country and their families. North Carolina’s Third District is home to over 76,000 veterans. America’s security and prosperity rely on the service of our heroes in uniform, and we must never forget that freedom is not free.
Without our veterans, we would not be able to enjoy the freedom and prosperity we are afforded as Americans. It is my honor to be a strong voice for our veteran community and their families in Washington, and I will never stop fighting on their behalf.
U.S. Marine Corps 250th Birthday
Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Marine Corps! On November 10th, 1775, the Continental Marines were formed to serve on land and sea.
I proudly represent Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River, and I will always fight to put our troops first. The men and women in uniform, and their families, serving our great nation, sacrifice so much in defense of the freedom and prosperity we enjoy.
Thank you to the countless Marines who serve and the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
