Sep 18

Sep 18 Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D.: Updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

Kristy D. Kelly

Local News, Politics

Thank you for taking the time to read my most recent updates from Eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C. As always, it remains a true honor and a privilege to represent you in Congress! If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe to my e-newsletter here.

Quote of the Week

On September 11, 2001, our nation was attacked in a series of horrific acts of terrorism that claimed thousands of innocent lives and changed America forever.

“None of us will ever forget this day.” – President George W. Bush

Addressing the nation that evening, President Bush reflected the shock and grief Americans felt across the country. Yet, in the face of unimaginable tragedy, Americans came together with courage, compassion, and an unwavering resolve to protect our country and defend the freedoms we hold dear.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives, the first responders who ran toward danger, the members of our Armed Forces who answered the call, and the countless families and communities forever changed by that day.

September 11 reminds us of the strength of the American people. We saw strangers help one another, first responders put their lives on the line, and communities come together in a moment of national tragedy. As President Bush said that evening, “We go forward to defend freedom, and all that is good and just in our world.”

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, we honor those we lost, remember the bravery of those who responded, and remain grateful for all who have worked to keep our nation safe. We must never forget.

Over the past two weeks, I have continued working to deliver results for Eastern North Carolina, from supporting our farmers and manufacturers to securing federal investments in our communities. I led a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Sarajevo Security Conference to strengthen our engagement with partners in the Balkans and Europe and discuss shared security challenges. I also continued advocating for our veterans, including efforts to expand access to care and support for those who have served our country. I remained focused on constituent services and making sure the needs of families, farmers, veterans, and communities across the Third District are represented in Washington.

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 social media accounts linked above or here: Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Working Families Tax Cut

No tax on tips, no tax on overtime pay, and no tax on Social Security for 88% of seniors.

Thanks to the savings from the Working Families Tax Cut, we are protecting your hard-earned dollars. We are implementing pro-worker policies to deliver the largest wage growth while ensuring savings for our seniors.

Providing real relief for you is my top priority!

Casework Win of the Week

Obtaining A Passport

A Pitt County constituent reached out to my office after becoming concerned that her passport was still showing as "processing" just days before her scheduled trip to Thailand, despite paying for expedited service and overnight shipping. My office worked directly with the Philadelphia Passport Agency, and within three days, we secured an update and a tracking number for her passport so she could prepare for her upcoming travel. Team Murphy stands ready to help cut through bureaucracy and assist constituents in navigating the federal government when they need it most.

In Washington

Ways and Means Full Committee Hearing: Strategic Partnerships to Secure Critical Resources

I joined my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee for a hearing focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and securing the critical resources and supply chains our country depends on.

From American manufacturing to national security, reliable access to critical resources is essential to keeping our economy strong and ensuring our country is prepared for the challenges ahead. We must continue working with trusted partners and finding ways to strengthen our supply chains while reducing our dependence on unreliable foreign sources.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue working to advance policies that support American workers, strengthen our economy, and protect our national security.

White House Support for Buying American Cotton Act

The Trump Administration has officially endorsed the Buying American Cotton Act, a bill I introduced in the House to strengthen demand for American-grown cotton and support American farmers, workers, and manufacturers.

American cotton growers, especially those in Eastern North Carolina, play an important role in our farm economy and supply chain. BACA would create a tax credit to encourage the use of U.S.-grown cotton and help strengthen domestic textile manufacturing.

This support from the Administration is an important step forward for the legislation. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to advance the Buying American Cotton Act and support the farmers and communities that keep American agriculture strong.

Led Bipartisan Delegation to Sarajevo Security Conference

It was an honor to lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to the Sarajevo Security Conference as a member of the Helsinki Commission.

We discussed the importance of stronger U.S. engagement with our partners in the Balkans and across Europe on defense and security, as well as the need to support the democratic process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The security challenges facing the United States and our allies require a strong and coordinated response. We must also never forget the horrific genocide at Srebrenica and remain committed to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.

Led Colleagues in Urging CMS to Expand Access to Healthy Food for MA Beneficiaries

I’m proud to lead my colleagues in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make healthy, nutritious food more accessible for seniors managing chronic illnesses through Medicare Advantage.

As a physician, I know what we eat can significantly affect our health. For seniors managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, access to nutritious food can be an important part of managing their health and preventing more serious complications.

Of the 35 million Americans insured by Medicare Advantage, more than 85% have at least two chronic diseases. The majority are diet-related and can be improved with nutrition-based clinical interventions.

We should use existing resources to help seniors stay healthy and avoid hospitalization, rather than waiting until their conditions worsen. Making healthy food more accessible can help patients, support physicians, and potentially reduce unnecessary healthcare costs.

I’m proud to support this effort and will continue working to put patients first and ensure seniors have the tools they need to live healthier lives.

In the Disctrict

Celebrated $25 million HUD Grant to Support New Bern

New Bern is making history with more than $25 million in Choice Neighborhoods Implementation funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

I was proud to celebrate this major investment, which will help transform Trent Court and the Greater Five Points community. Hurricane Florence caused more than $100 million in residential and commercial damage across New Bern, and recovery has continued for years.

This funding will help replace lost and uninhabitable housing with 218 new units and create a vibrant, mixed-income community with better housing, parks, small business opportunities, and stronger infrastructure. Most importantly, the people of New Bern shaped this transformation plan, and this investment will help turn their vision into reality.

New Bern is the smallest city ever to receive a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. I’m proud to have helped advocate for this funding and look forward to seeing this community continue to rebuild, grow, and thrive

Visited Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC in New Bern

I was proud to visit the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina in New Bern and join community leaders, food pantries, and organizations working together to serve families across Eastern North Carolina.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, events like this remind us what makes our communities strong. When neighbors, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and public servants come together, we can make a real difference for families who need a helping hand.

Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina in New Bern helps connect individuals and families to healthy food to ensure families and children have proper nutrition. For 45 years, it has served as the central hub of a hunger relief network that has grown to over 700 partner programs across 34 counties.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time and resources to help our neighbors. Serving together is one of the best ways we can strengthen our communities and carry the spirit of America forward.

Visited Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department

It was great visiting the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department in Greenville and meeting with Chief Danny Coward and local firefighters.

Our volunteer fire departments play an essential role in keeping Eastern North Carolina communities safe, often with limited resources. I’m proud to work with our local departments to help secure federal funding and make sure our firefighters have the equipment and resources they need to protect their neighbors.

Thank you to Chief Coward and everyone at Red Oak VFD for their service and commitment to the community.

Tour of Grady-White Boats in Greenville

I enjoyed visiting Grady-White Boats in Greenville to tour their facility and meet with employees.

Grady-White is a great example of the skilled workforce and manufacturing excellence we have right here in Eastern North Carolina. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from employees, provide a legislative update, and discuss the issues that matter to them and their families.

Thank you to the team for welcoming me and for continuing to build high-quality boats right here in our backyard.

Attended HBOT 4 Heroes Event

I was proud to join veterans, their families, and advocates at HBOT 4 Heroes to highlight the importance of expanding access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy for our nation’s veterans.

Our veterans have sacrificed so much to defend our country, and when they return home, they deserve access to the best care and treatments available. For veterans dealing with the lasting effects of service, including traumatic brain injuries and other wounds, innovative treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide another avenue for healing and recovery.

America tragically loses 17 or more veterans to suicide each day for a total of over 6,000 veterans per year. My bill, the Veterans’ National Traumatic Injury Treatment Act, 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). The historic progress we have made in moving this legislation would not be possible without the support we have had along the way since I first introduced similar legislation in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Thank you to everyone involved with HBOT 4 Heroes for continuing to advocate for our veterans and for giving veterans and their families a voice. We owe it to those who served to make sure they have the support, resources, and care they need long after their service ends.

In the Media

Making Sense of Congress with Dr. Murphy Episode 8

I was joined by Congressman Ryan Zinke to take a peek behind the curtain in Washington! We discussed his work advocating for peace through strength.

Click here or on the image below to watch.

Remembering 9/11

September 11 is an opportunity to remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attacks of 2001 and reflect on the courage, resilience, and unity our nation demonstrated in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Across Eastern North Carolina and throughout our nation, we honor the victims, their families, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who answered the call to defend our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our nation have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us today.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, we are reminded that the American story is one of resilience, strength, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. In the aftermath of that terrible day, Americans came together to support one another, defend our nation, and demonstrate that the spirit of the American people cannot be broken.

As we remember September 11, let us take time to honor those we lost, remember the families who continue to carry their absence, and recognize the first responders, service members, and ordinary Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage. Their example reminds us of what it means to stand together as Americans and ensures that we will never forget.

May God bless the United States of America