Key Votes
H.J.Res.60, H.J.Res.87, H.J.Res.88, H.J.Res.89, H.J.Res.78
For the past four years, hardworking Americans have paid the price of the Biden Administration’s nonsensical regulations and substantial government overreach.
I voted YES to reverse another series of harmful Biden-era rules and restore common sense to our federal government.
Learn more about this week’s votes here.
Week in Review
Introduced Legislation to Deliver Coastal Homeowners Relief
Since 2020, 11 homes in Rodanthe, NC, have been swept away by the sea due to beach erosion, including seven last year. These disasters could be prevented, but homeowners cannot receive compensation from the National Flood Insurance Program until after their home is destroyed.
I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Preventing Environmental Hazards Act, which will give homeowners greater flexibility to manage natural disasters and preserve North Carolina’s beautiful coastline.
Learn more about the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act here.
Read my oped here.
Introduced Legislation to Eliminate Tax Deduction for Drug Advertising
Direct-to-consumer drug advertising can promote inappropriate prescribing practices, undermine the doctor-patient relationship, and increase unneeded spending on medications. America is one of only two nations in the world that allows pharmaceuticals to be marketed directly to consumers. Patients should trust their doctor for medical guidance, not 30-second TV ads. This legislation ensures that resources are directed towards lowering drug costs and investing in the research and development of new, life-saving treatments. If this bill gets enacted as law, it is estimated it will bring in $19 billion in savings.
Learn more about the No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act here.
End the Wait Roundtable
I was honored to join Congresswoman Carol Miller in a roundtable discussion to raise awareness about the barriers to live kidney donation. As a former kidney transplant surgeon, I have seen the life-changing benefits a kidney transplant can deliver.
Right now, over 37 million people in the U.S. live with chronic kidney disease, and of those, more than 785,000 need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. At present, close to 90,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant. We need more kidney donors.
Thank you to the End the Wait Foundation for inviting me to speak and learn from those who have donated, received, or are waiting for a live kidney transplant. Their stories are remarkable and a powerful reminder of the gift of life.
Meeting with Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission
Across the country, the Outer Banks is known for its gorgeous beaches and clear waters. Having spent my life enjoying the natural beauty of Eastern North Carolina, it is an honor to serve as a voice for our coastal communities.
I welcomed the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission to Washington, where we discussed how we can preserve our coasts for generations to come. Our conversation specifically focused on how Congress can support initiatives that protect our shorelines, including beach nourishment and disaster recovery efforts.
I appreciate TISPC for making the trip along with Mayor Frank Braxton of Topsail Beach, Mayor Pro Tem Tom Leonard of North Topsail Beach, and Mayor Teresa Batts of Surf City!
Speaking to S&PAA and CAHC about Small Molecule Drug Innovation
Small-molecule medicines are critical in the fight against the chronic disease epidemic impacting millions of patients across the nation. However, under the Inflation Reduction Act’s small molecule “pill penalty,” research and development for life-saving breakthroughs are heavily disincentivized.
As a physician, I understand the vital role R&D plays in delivering affordable, life-saving treatments to those who need them most. That’s why I introduced the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act to correct the IRA’s harmful policy.
I was honored to share more about my bill with the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance and the Council for Affordable Health Coverage!
Learn more about the EPIC Act here.
Meeting with the National Community Pharmacists Association
In Eastern North Carolina, patients in our rural communities are suffering from rising drug costs caused by unfair pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) practices. As the “middlemen” in our health care industry, PBMs have prioritized profits over patients by encouraging higher-cost drugs, limiting consumer access to medication, monopolizing market control, and reimbursing independent pharmacies with unsustainable rates.
I spoke with the National Community Pharmacists Association about how Congress can take action to hold PBMs accountable and help lower health care costs. No one in America should have to choose between filling a prescription and putting food on the table.
Meeting with Passenger Vessel Association and NC Ferry Division
It was a pleasure meeting with Jed Dixton, Director of the NC Ferry Division, and the Passenger Vessel Association.
North Carolina’s ferry system serves 2 million passengers along the coast and is a critical driver in our state’s economy. I am grateful for Jed’s leadership in ensuring that the industry serves its customers and employees at the highest level.
During our conversation, we also discussed the Coast Guard’s critical role in keeping our waters safe. Whether it’s patrolling the coastline, conducting search and rescue operations, or responding to natural disasters, their service requires incredible bravery and dedication. A strong, modern military is essential for national security, and we must ensure it has the resources necessary to continue safeguarding our coasts.
or working to improve road safety and help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Meeting with the College of American Pathologists
Without action from Congress, the future of American health care will be in shambles.
I recently met with representatives from the College of American Pathologists to share the work I am doing to protect America’s doctors and patients from rising practice costs and increased cuts to Medicare. As a practicing physician, I share their frustrations with the broken system.
As barriers to care persist, America continues to get sicker. My Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act will help get us back on track to preserve access to high-quality, affordable care for the millions of Medicare patients who rely on the program.
Learn more about the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act here.
Meeting with NC Internal Medicine Physicians and Medical Students
It was a pleasure to meet with North Carolina internal medicine physicians and medical students to discuss Medicare reimbursements and prior authorization reform.
I will continue working to fix the challenges facing the profession and protect patients’ access to care.
Meeting with New Bern Officials
It was good to meet with officials from New Bern to discuss improving accessible and affordable housing.
I am working in Congress to lower the cost of living, address our housing crisis, and create a strong economy, so everyone can take part in the American Dream.
I appreciate welcoming those who serve our communities in Eastern North Carolina to Washington!
Meeting with Big “I”
It was a pleasure to meet with independent insurance agents and brokers from the Association for Independent Agents to discuss how our communities can be supported after a natural disaster.
With hurricane season around the corner, we must ensure those back home have access to affordable and adequate coverage.
