{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"NC\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/21/budd-votes-to-support-wnc-disaster-aid/", "Budd Votes to Support WNC Disaster Aid", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after voting to support government funding legislation that provides tens of billions of dollars in disaster relief for the people of Western North Carolina.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cAt long last, the people of Western North Carolina will begin to receive the disaster aid they so desperately need and deserve. It is going to take years to fully recover after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the resilient citizens of the western mountains as they undertake the difficult job of rebuilding. They will never be forgotten as long as I have anything to say about it.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts:\n\nOn September 28, 2024, Senator Ted Budd received his first operational briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), North Carolina Emergency Management, National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross.\n\nOn September 30, 2024, Senator Budd took an air tour of the storm damage alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and received an in-person operational review of the recovery effort.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging that the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) be operationalized to assist in Western North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senators Budd, Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Tim Scott, Bill Cassidy, M.D., and Rick Scott, announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis, and Congressman Chuck Edwards led a bipartisan group of members of the Senate and House to send a letter to President Biden requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), \u201cimmediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\u201d\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis led a coalition of 18 U.S. Senators to send an oversight letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell demanding answers over recent reports that a FEMA employee advised disaster assistance teams in Florida responding to Hurricane Milton to avoid homes that had yard signs supporting President-Elect Donald Trump.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Budd spoke passionately on the Senate floor to honor the heroic individuals in Western North Carolina who helped others during Hurricane Helene. Senator Budd also renewed his call for Congress to act on the supplemental funding bill for long-term recovery for the region.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senators Ted Budd, Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, and Marsha Blackburn introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public.\n\nOn November 22, 2024, Senator Ted Budd, Senator Thom Tillis, Rep. Virginia Foxx and Rep. Chuck Edwards sent a letter to President Biden urging him to \u201c immediately direct the FEMA to deploy FEMA temporary housing resources \u2013 including travel trailers and manufactured homes\u201d to Western North Carolina. As temperatures drop in the region, \u201cthis would give homeowners the ability to remain on their own property while repairs and reconstruction continue.\u201d\n\nOn November 27, 2024, Senators Ted Budd, Thom Tillis, Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine sent a letter to Senate leadership urging both the Senate and House \u201cto bring a robust supplemental appropriations bill to the floor\u201d.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis published an opinion piece for the Carolina Journal laying out the road ahead for Western North Carolina as they rebuild and recover from Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 13, 2024, Senator Budd introduced two bills to cut government regulation and deliver relief to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nThe Disaster Assistance Fairness Act would provide relief to North Carolina homeowners who are still desperately trying to dig out from the storms by making it clear that debris removal from private roads is in the public interest and therefore eligible for reimbursement under the Stafford Act.\n\nThe Flexible Compliance for Emergencies and Natural Disasters (FinCEN) Act would help businesses in North Carolina who are currently facing operational challenges and have limited resources in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nOn December 19, 2024, Senator Budd spoke at a press conference and laid out his demand that he would not support any continuing resolution to fund the government unless disaster aid for Western North Carolina is passed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-votes-to-pass-helene-recovery-funding-for-north-carolina", "Tillis Votes to Pass Helene Recovery Funding For North Carolina", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Senate passed a bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene.\n\n\u201cI'm proud to have worked alongside my Senate colleagues to secure this critical funding for Western North Carolina,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI remain committed to working with the outgoing Biden Administration and the incoming Trump Administration to ensure these resources reach Western North Carolina as expeditiously as possible. This is a significant downpayment to help make Western North Carolina whole again.\u201d\n\nFor months, Senator Tillis has worked with Congressional leaders and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation. Senator Tillis also successfully secured a number of key provisions in the legislation, including mandates to deliver federal assistance to Western North Carolina sooner.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Tillis include:\n\nRequiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a Federal Register notice by January 15, 2025, of enactment for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) so funding can flow to North Carolina more quickly. Federal Register notices have often taken 12-24 months after previous authorizations.\n\nReplenishing funding for the SBA\u2019s disaster loan program to help homeowners and small business owners rebuild, which Tillis has been pushing since funding expired. There are currently 2,338 applicants waiting for their application to be processed, totaling $172 million.\n\nNorth Carolina is expected to receive at least $9 billion in assistance, and that does not include FEMA assistance, which is likely to be an additional billions of dollars. Assistance coming to North Carolina will include:\n\nCDBG-DR funding to help local communities recover and rebuild.\n\nEconomic assistance and disaster payments and economic assistance for farmers affected by Helene.\n\nA significant investment to repair and rebuild the roads, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Helene.\n\nMajor investments in North Carolina\u2019s drinking water infrastructure.\n\nWhile specific funding levels for states will be based on need, the legislation provides the following funding at the national level:\n\nDepartment of Agriculture \u2013 $33.5 billion, including:\n\n$21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$10 billion for economic assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$7.5 million for the Office of the Inspector General to provide funding oversight.\n\n$42.5 million for the Agriculture Research Service to repair or replace facilities damaged by hurricanes.\n\n$828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address farmland impacted by natural disasters.\n\n$920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address impaired watersheds posing a risk to life or property.\n\n$356.5 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to assist private forest owners restore forests damaged by natural disasters.\n\n$362.5 million for the Rural Development Disaster Assistance Fund to provide assistance to rural communities affected by natural disasters.\n\n$25 million for the Commodity Assistance Program to address facilities damaged by natural disasters.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, Economic Development Administration\n\n$1.5 billion for economic development assistance for areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u2013 $1.04 billion, including:\n\n$244 million for repair and replacement of observing assets, real property, and equipment, including rebuilding the Beaufort, NC laboratory.\n\n$399 million for hurricane hunter aircraft and related expenses.\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security \u2013 $30.83 billion, including:\n\n$29 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, including $4 million for the Office of Inspector General to carry out oversight.\n\nDepartment of the Interior \u2013 $3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in and prior to calendar year 2024, including:\n\n$2.3 billion for the National Park Service, which includes $50 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $1.7 billion to rebuild the Blue Ridge Parkway.\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency \u2013 $3.3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Helene, Hilary, and Milton, and Hawaii wildfires, including:\n\n$3.25 billion for State and Tribal Assistance Grants, of which $1.2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, $1.8 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, $85 million for decentralized water systems, $60 million to address water emergencies, $10 million for Clean Air Act Section 103 grants, and $95 million for hazardous waste financial assistance grants.\n\nForest Service\n\n$6.4 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, including $208 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families \u2013 $500 million for Child Care, including:\n\n$250 million for renovation and repairs of child care facilities that were damaged by natural disasters, as well as temporary services for children in affected areas.\n\nDepartment of Transportation\n\n$8 billion for Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states and territories for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System.\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n$12 billion for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to assist with the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs for areas most impacted and distressed by a natural disaster.\n\nBackground\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-helps-secure-helene-recovery-funding-for-north-carolina", "Tillis Helps Secure Helene Recovery Funding For North Carolina", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Tillis issued the following statement on the bipartisan government funding bill that includes more than $100 billion in disaster relief for states and communities hit by natural disasters, including North Carolina during Hurricane Helene:\n\n\u201cWestern North Carolina will need significant resources to be made whole again, and I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in both parties to secure this critical funding. As soon as Congress passes this legislation, the long-term rebuilding process can begin.\u201d\n\nFor months, Senator Tillis has worked with Congressional leaders and appropriators to deliver on the $100 billion appropriation. Senator Tillis also successfully secured a number of key provisions in the legislation, including mandates to deliver federal assistance to Western North Carolina sooner.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Tillis include:\n\nRequiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a Federal Register notice by January 15, 2025, of enactment for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) so funding can flow to North Carolina more quickly. Federal Register notices have often taken 12-24 months after previous authorizations.\n\nReplenishing funding for the SBA\u2019s disaster loan program to help homeowners and small business owners rebuild, which Tillis has been pushing since funding expired. There are currently 2,338 North Carolina applicants waiting for their application to be processed, totaling $172 million.\n\nNorth Carolina is expected to receive at least $9 billion in assistance, and that does not include FEMA assistance, which is likely to be billion of dollars. Assistance coming to North Carolina will include:\n\nCDBG-DR funding to help local communities recover and rebuild.\n\nEconomic assistance payments and disaster payments for farmers affected by Helene.\n\nA significant investment to repair and rebuild the roads, highways, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Helene.\n\nMajor investments in North Carolina\u2019s drinking water infrastructure.\n\nWhile specific funding levels for states will be based on need, the legislation provides the following funding at the national level:\n\nDepartment of Agriculture \u2013 $33.5 billion, including:\n\n$21 billion for disaster assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$10 billion for economic assistance to farmers and producers.\n\n$7.5 million for the Office of the Inspector General to provide funding oversight.\n\n$42.5 million for the Agriculture Research Service to repair or replace facilities damaged by hurricanes.\n\n$828 million for the Emergency Conservation Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address farmland impacted by natural disasters.\n\n$920 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to provide financial and technical assistance to address impaired watersheds posing a risk to life or property.\n\n$356.5 million for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to assist private forest owners restore forests damaged by natural disasters.\n\n$362.5 million for the Rural Development Disaster Assistance Fund to provide assistance to rural communities affected by natural disasters.\n\n$25 million for the Commodity Assistance Program to address facilities damaged by natural disasters.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, Economic Development Administration\n\n$1.5 billion for economic development assistance for areas impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.\n\nDepartment of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration \u2013 $1.04 billion, including:\n\n$244 million for repair and replacement of observing assets, real property, and equipment, including rebuilding the Beaufort, NC laboratory.\n\n$399 million for hurricane hunter aircraft and related expenses.\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security \u2013 $30.83 billion, including:\n\n$29 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, including $4 million for the Office of Inspector General to carry out oversight.\n\nDepartment of the Interior \u2013 $3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in and prior to calendar year 2024, including:\n\n$2.3 billion for the National Park Service, which includes $50 million for the Historic Preservation Fund and $1.7 billion to rebuild the Blue Ridge Parkway.\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency \u2013 $3.3 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Helene, Hilary, and Milton, and Hawaii wildfires, including:\n\n$3.25 billion for State and Tribal Assistance Grants, of which $1.2 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, $1.8 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, $85 million for decentralized water systems, $60 million to address water emergencies, $10 million for Clean Air Act Section 103 grants, and $95 million for hazardous waste financial assistance grants.\n\nForest Service\n\n$6.4 billion, for expenses related to the consequences of disasters occurring in calendar years 2022, 2023, and 2024, including $208 million for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry.\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families \u2013 $500 million for Child Care, including:\n\n$250 million for renovation and repairs of child care facilities that were damaged by natural disasters, as well as temporary services for children in affected areas.\n\nDepartment of Transportation\n\n$8 billion for Federal Highways Administration emergency relief to reimburse states and territories for damage from natural disasters to roads and bridges in the National Highway System.\n\nDepartment of Housing and Urban Development\n\n$12 billion for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to assist with the long-term housing, infrastructure and economic recovery needs for areas most impacted and distressed by a natural disaster.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024, Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024, Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 10, 2024, Senator Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\nOn December 18, 2024, Senator Tillis committed to filibustering any continuing resolution that did not include disaster aid for Western North Carolina.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/19/budd-demands-wnc-disaster-relief-before-congress-leaves-for-christmas/", "Video: Budd Demands WNC Disaster Relief Before Congress Leaves for Christmas", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) spoke at a press conference and laid out his demand that he would not support any continuing resolution to fund the government unless disaster aid for Western North Carolina is passed.\n\nWATCH:\n\nKEY QUOTES:\n\n\u201cThe fact that WNC has had to wait 83 days for disaster aid is just ridiculous and it\u2019s a disgrace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got people living in tents. We have delayed FEMA trailers. It\u2019s time to get beyond these political games.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe initial CR \u2013 which is now dead \u2013 was a mess. It was a 1,500 page insult to taxpayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor anything to pass, it has to have disaster aid for Western North Carolina to get my support.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/18/budd-protects-f-15es-at-seymour-johnson-and-prohibits-dangerous-transgender-procedures-in-defense-bill/", "Budd Protects F-15Es at Seymour Johnson and Prohibits Dangerous Transgender Procedures in Defense Bill", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to pass the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA).\n\nSenator Budd secured a provision that prohibits the Air Force from divesting F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base through 2027.\n\nThe Air Force planned to divest 26 Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson next year, even though aircraft from North Carolina\u2019s 335th Fighter Squadron helped defend Israel by shooting down dozens of drones and missiles from Iran in April. Additionally, these Strike Eagles have more than half their service life remaining and recently received multi-million dollar upgrades.\n\nSeveral top military officials have praised the F-15E after being questioned by Senator Budd in committee hearings. Strike Eagles were called phenomenal, very capable, and critical for scenarios in the Indo-Pacific and Europe.\n\nSenator Budd also secured a provision to prohibit TRICARE from covering dangerous transgender medical procedures that could sterilize children.\n\nIn addition, Senator Budd secured several other significant wins for North Carolina, including a 4.5% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, more than $296 million in military construction projects, accelerating production of Infantry Squad Vehicles, and investing in research and development at North Carolina companies and educational institutions.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina represents the core of what makes our nation strong. The Air Force\u2019s plan to divest F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson would harm our national security and make us weaker. The F-15Es are supremely capable aircraft with unmatched capability in the fleet. I am thrilled that my colleagues agreed with me and prohibited divestment. I will continue to fight to make sure that the future for Seymour Johnson and the Goldsboro community is bright and our military remains strong.\n\n\u201cI was proud to secure nearly $300 million for military installations across North Carolina. These investments support our men and women in uniform by improving their quality of life and ensuring they have the facilities, equipment, and tools necessary to keep our Armed Forces ready and lethal.\u201d\n\nBudd-Secured Wins for North Carolina:\n\nAuthorizes $296 million in military construction, planning, and design funding for North Carolina\u2019s military installations including:\n\nMarine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point ($123.5 million total):\n\nAuthorizes a $114 million Composite Repair Facility, including $20 million in incremental funding for FY 2025.\n\nAuthorizes $50 million for a F-35 Aircraft Sustainment Center at MCAS Cherry Point.\n\nAuthorizes a $213 million Aircraft Maintenance Hangars for MCAS Cherry Point, including $53.5 million in incremental funding for FY 2025.\n\nCamp Lejeune ($84.5 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $27.5 million for a Special Operations Forces (SOF) Armory.\n\nAuthorizes $57 million for Information Maneuver Facilities for Marine Forces Special Operations Command.\n\nFort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($47 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $13 million for a SOF Arms Room Addition.\n\nAuthorizes $34 million for SOF Camp Mackall Company Operations Facilities\n\nSeymour Johnson Air Force Base ($41 million total):\n\nAuthorizes $41 million to construct a Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.\n\nAuthorizes $46.6 million, a $12.2 million increase from the President\u2019s budget request, to accelerate procurement of the Infantry Squad Vehicle, manufactured in Charlotte, for the Army.\n\nAuthorizes $5 million for Airborne Pathfinder, a program at Fort Liberty, to improve soldier readiness and effectiveness.\n\nAuthorizes $4 million for procurement of Army Load Carrying Technology advancements (STEED) to improve the mobility of dismounted forces, STEED is manufactured in Charlotte.\n\nAuthorizes $5 million to research and develop a 360 Helmet Mounted Display for Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).\n\nAuthorizes $15 million for Heavy Dump Trucks for the Army supporting work in Greensboro, North Carolina.\n\nBudd-Secured Wins for National Security:\n\nProtecting the Homeland:\n\nRequires DOD to provide a briefing on the number of service member deaths attributable to drug overdoses caused by fentanyl.\n\nDeterring China:\n\nRequires a plan for the establishment of a joint force headquarters subordinate to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Japan.\n\nUpdates the 1260H list to modify public reporting of Chinese Military Companies operating in the United States.\n\nProhibits DOD from operating, procuring, or contracting for the use of Chinese light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology.\n\nProhibits DOD from contracting with companies that retain lobbying firms that also lobby for Chinese military companies on the 1260H list.\n\nSupport for U.S.-Israel Bilateral Relationship and Countering Terrorism in the Middle East:\n\nCondemns the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, and supports DOD assistance to Israel including:\n\nAuthorizes $110 million for U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation\n\nAuthorizes $30 million for U.S. Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation and expands cooperation with Israel to improve anti-tunneling technologies, increases the limit on amount authorized for such activities and directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing on planned training exercises relating to subterranean and tunnel warfare.\n\nAuthorizes an increase of $47.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging technology.\n\nRequires DOD to brief Congress on efforts to secure the release of United States citizens being held hostage by Hamas and other terrorist organizations around the world.\n\nRequires an assessment and plan of defense equipment provided to Kurdish Peshmerga Forces.\n\nSenator Budd championed the following additional provisions:\n\nAuthorizes funding to support a 4.5 percent pay raise for military members.\n\nIncreases monthly basic pay for junior enlisted service members in the grades of E-1 through E-4, in addition to the force-wide pay raise.\n\nEstablishes a cross-functional team to plan and oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), working to improve the DOD\u2019s budgeting process and make it easier for small businesses to work with the DOD.\n\nEstablishes pilot program to commercially produce munitions.\n\nStrengthens munitions supply chain secondary sources and solid rocket motor production.\n\nAuthorizes a hiring manager of a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense to waiver any General Schedule qualification standards related to work experience for certain nurse or practical nurse applications for a position in Department of Defense medical treatment facilities.\n\nExtends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).\n\nProvides funding for the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hubs, supporting the defense innovation ecosystem.\n\nAuthorizes an additional $10 million to support DOD-Wide Internet Operations Management Capability to support expansion of security orchestration and automation capability within the existing program.\n\nRequires DOD to brief Congress on how it will maximize the success of the Thunderdome program.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to implement a policy of reciprocal software accrediting.\n\nSupports $10 million for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to prevent encroachment and reduce threats to military installation resilience.\n\nReduces the minimum number of students required to establish a unit of the Junior Reserve Officers\u2019 Training Corps (JROTC) to 50 students to prevent closure of at risk JROTC units in North Carolina and across the country.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, to brief Congress on all national security waivers granted by DOD.\n\nHalts hiring at DOD for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for one year.\n\nBans DOD personnel from promoting critical race theory (CRT).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/17/budd-tillis-applaud-house-passage-of-lumbee-fairness-act/", "Budd, Tillis Applaud House Passage of Lumbee Fairness Act", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina long-overdue federal benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has taken an important step to address decades of unfair treatment from the federal government towards the Lumbee people. I am thankful for Senator Tillis\u2019 leadership on the Lumbee Fairness Act and President Trump\u2019s critical support for Lumbee recognition. We will continue to do everything we can to get the Lumbee the full federal recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cI am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise. There is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. I commend the House for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, and I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe in the Eastern United States. In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Three years later, the Tribe began to seek federal recognition. On June 7, 1956, Congress enacted the Lumbee Act at the height of the Indian termination policy era, which provided the Lumbee with federal recognition but included an unfair caveat that terminated their recognition.\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe has received support from over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Governor, and various Native American scholars and organizations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-budd-applaud-house-passage-of-the-lumbee-fairness-act", "Tillis, Budd Applaud House Passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina long-overdue federal benefits that every other federally recognized tribe receives.\n\n\u201cI am dedicated to ensuring that Congress fulfills its six-decade-old promise to grant full federal recognition to the Lumbee people. We are now closer than ever to finally fulfilling that promise,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThere is clearly strong bipartisan support for this effort in Congress, and both President Biden and President-elect Trump firmly back recognition. I commend the House for passing the Lumbee Fairness Act, and I will continue to pursue all options to finally achieve full federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has taken an important step to address decades of unfair treatment from the federal government towards the Lumbee people,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cI am thankful for Senator Tillis\u2019 leadership on the Lumbee Fairness Act and President Trump\u2019s critical support for Lumbee recognition. We will continue to do everything we can to get the Lumbee the full federal recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe is the largest American-Indian tribe in the Eastern United States. In 1885, North Carolina formally recognized the Lumbee Tribe. Three years later, the Tribe began to seek federal recognition. On June 7, 1956, Congress enacted the Lumbee Act at the height of the Indian termination policy era, which provided the Lumbee with federal recognition but included an unfair caveat that terminated their recognition.\n\nThe Lumbee Tribe has received support from over 230 federally recognized tribes, President-elect Trump, Vice President-elect Vance, President Biden, Vice President Harris, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Governor, and various Native American scholars and organizations.\n\nFull text of the Lumbee Fairness Act is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-judge-wynn-honored-following-his-retirement-announcement/de37e518-383e-49c5-8b3f-36335d38619e", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Judge Wynn Honored Following His Retirement Announcement", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In January 2024, Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn announced his retirement, setting off a nomination process for his successor and a series of honors for Wynn, including a retirement party and awards like the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. However, in a blatantly partisan political move, Wynn shockingly reversed his decision because of the election of Donald Trump, violating many decades of precedent and likely igniting a stream of ethics complaints and recusal demands.\n\nJudge Wynn Announces Retirement: \u201cWhite House officials confirmed to McClatchy Tuesday morning that Wynn announced he is taking senior status, meaning he will semi-retire, after 14 years of serving in the 4th Circuit\u2026\u201d [SOURCE: McClatchy]\n\nA Retirement Celebration to Remember: \u201cWhen Judge James A. Wynn Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit announced his semi-retirement, he had no idea that his hometown community had a surprise celebration in store for him. More than 100 people gathered at Providence Baptist Church in Robersonville on March 10 to honor Wynn for his accomplishments and contributions \u2014 and to celebrate his 70th birthday.\u201d[SOURCE: Greenville Daily Reflector]\n\nAwarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine: \u201cThe top secret of the day was the Brown\u2019s presentation of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award to Wynn, being presented on behalf of Governor Roy Cooper. The award is the highest honor awarded to civilians in North Carolina.\u201d [SOURCE: Rocky Mountain Telegram]\n\nCommunity Proclaims \u201cJim Wynn Day\u201d: \u201cOne of Robersonville\u2019s commissioners read a proclamation declaring March 10 as Jim Wynn Day. The Rocky Mount chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity presented Wynn with an award as well.\u201d [SOURCE: Greenville Daily Reflector]\n\nCongressman Don Davis: \u201cOn behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1st District, [Congressman Don] Davis bestowed a special Congressional Recognition to Wynn in honor and celebration of his senior status on the federal bench.\u201d [SOURCE: Rocky Mountain Telegram]\n\nPresident Barack Obama: \u201cI hope today is full of warm memories from your friends and loved ones. And I\u2019m sending you and Jaqueline my very best for all that lies ahead.\u201d\n\nGovernor Roy Cooper: \u201cI am grateful for the work you have done, my best wishes for your very happy birthday and much-deserved semi-retirement.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-statement-on-judge-wynn-s-partisan-and-unprecedented-decision-to-rescind-his-retirement", "Tillis Statement on Judge Wynn\u2019s Partisan and Unprecedented Decision to Rescind His Retirement", "2024-12-14", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on U.S. Fourth Circuit Judge James Wynn\u2019s stunning decision to rescind his retirement for political reasons:\n\n\u201cJudge Wynn's brazenly partisan decision to rescind his retirement is an unprecedented move that demonstrates some judges are nothing more than politicians in robes. Judge Wynn clearly takes issue with the fact that Donald Trump was just elected President, and this decision is a slap in the face to the U.S. Senate, which came to a bipartisan agreement to hold off on confirming his replacement until the next Congress is sworn-in in January. The Senate Judiciary Committee should hold a hearing on his blatant attempt to turn the judicial retirement system into a partisan game, and he deserves the ethics complaints and recusal demands from the Department of Justice heading his way.\u201d\n\nIn case you were wondering: Judge Wynn even had his retirement party nine months ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/13/budd-pushes-legislation-to-cut-government-red-tape-and-speed-up-relief-for-western-north-carolina/", "Budd Pushes Legislation to Cut Government Red Tape and Speed up Relief for Western North Carolina", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced two bills to cut government regulation and deliver relief to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nThe Disaster Assistance Fairness Act would provide relief to North Carolina homeowners who are still desperately trying to dig out from the storms by making it clear that debris removal from private roads is in the public interest and therefore eligible for reimbursement under the Stafford Act. Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 3777, which has 12 bipartisan cosponsors.\n\nThe Flexible Compliance for Emergencies and Natural Disasters (FinCEN) Act would help businesses in North Carolina who are currently facing operational challenges and have limited resources in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe scope of the devastation in Western North Carolina is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Folks from the mountains are resilient and tough, but they need their government to work quickly for them in their time of need. These two pieces of legislation will cut through red tape and get needed aid out the door. I will continue to work with my colleagues to get Congress to pass robust assistance that meets the moment.\u201d\n\nStatement from Dawn Bauman, Chief Strategy Officer, Community Associations Institute:\n\n\u201cCommunity associations are vital to the fabric of our communities, and ensuring they have access to federal disaster relief is critical. CAI applauds Senator Budd for his leadership in introducing the Senate companion to H.R. 3777. His commitment to supporting homeowners and strengthening disaster recovery efforts will make a meaningful difference for millions of Americans living in community associations nationwide.\u201d\n\nAdditional background on Senator Budd\u2019s Legislation:\n\nDisaster Assistance Fairness Act\n\nThe bill would require the President to direct FEMA to remove debris from real estate owned by homeowners\u2019 associations and condominiums when a state or local government determines the debris and wreckage constitute a threat to life, public health, or safety, or the economic recovery of the community. The bill would also clarify that FEMA should provide homeowners with financial assistance for the repair of \u201cessential common elements,\u201d such as roofs, heating and cooling equipment, stairwells, and plumbing or electricity.\n\nFinCen Act\n\nThe U.S. Treasury\u2019s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires businesses to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports to combat illicit financial activity. However, natural disasters like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have significantly disrupted the ability of businesses in affected areas to meet these deadlines. The FinCEN Act would address these challenges by providing an extension for businesses affected by federally declared disasters. Specifically, businesses in disaster-affected areas will not be required to submit BOI reports until January 1, 2026. The Treasury Secretary will determine eligibility based on location in a disaster-affected area, as declared under the Stafford Disaster Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-budd-meet-with-nc-general-assembly-leaders-on-hurricane-helene-recovery-efforts", "Tillis, Budd Meet with NC General Assembly Leaders on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\n\u201cWe are fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Congress passes disaster relief as quickly as possible so Western North Carolina can begin the long-term recovery process,\u201d said Senators Tillis and Budd. \u201cNorth Carolina\u2019s Congressional and NCGA leaders have worked closely together since the beginning, and we are all on the same page on the need to pass legislation at the state and federal levels to cut red tape and deliver much-needed assistance to Western North Carolina.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nSenator Tillis has been pushing for federal assistance for Western North Carolina since the moment Helene made landfall.\n\nOn October 1, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nOn October 16, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities could begin to heal. The Senators called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nOn October 23, 2024, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Tillis addressed to members of Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nOn October 29, 2024, Senator Tillis and his colleagues announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program with families and small businesses across WNC unable to get loans approved until then. The Senators outlined their plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returned to session.\n\nOn November 14, 2024, Senator Tillis attempted to pass legislation to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program through a unanimous consent request on the Senate floor, but was blocked by another Senator.\n\nOn November 15, 2024, Senator Tillis led a bipartisan letter to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately send a supplemental appropriation request to Congress to support the communities we represent, which were devastated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The OMB sent the request to Congress a few days later.\n\nOn November 18, 2024, Senator Tillis introduced the standalone RELIEF Act to provide Hurricane relief to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn November 20, 2024, Senator Tillis called on Congress to quickly pass Hurricane Helene relief during his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\nOn November 21, 2024 Senator Tillis met with Governor Cooper, Governor-Elect Stein, members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation and the North Carolina General Assembly, and local leaders from Western North Carolina to discuss efforts to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nOn December 5, 2024 Senator Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis\u2019 legislative efforts the Senator has met with local leaders, residents, and elected officials across Western North Carolina including in: Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone, Burnsville, Canton, Clyde, Fairview, Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Morganton, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Waynesville and Wilkesboro.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/10/tillis-budd-meet-with-nc-general-assembly-leaders-on-hurricane-helene-recovery-efforts/", "Budd, Tillis Meet with NC General Assembly Leaders on Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis hosted N.C. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, N.C. House of Representatives Speaker-elect Destin Hall, State Senators Bill Rabon and Ralph Hise, and State Representative Dudley Greene to discuss efforts to provide immediate assistance to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene\u2019s devastation.\n\n\u201cWe are fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Congress passes disaster relief as quickly as possible so Western North Carolina can begin the long-term recovery process,\u201d said Senators Tillis and Budd. \u201cNorth Carolina\u2019s Congressional and NCGA leaders have worked closely together since the beginning, and we are all on the same page on the need to pass legislation at the state and federal levels to cut red tape and deliver much-needed assistance to Western North Carolina.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-demands-answers-on-leaked-info-regarding-iranian-cyberattack-on-fbi-director-nominee-kash-patel", "Tillis Demands Answers on Leaked Info Regarding Iranian Cyberattack on FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Paul Abbate demanding answers from the FBI concerning leaks about a recent Iranian-backed cyberattack against Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nominee for FBI Director.\n\n\u201cI write to express concern about reports that Kash Patel was targeted in an Iranian-backed cyberattack. For an Iranian-backed group to have targeted the potential next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is extremely alarming. Also alarming is the speed at which sensitive and potentially classified information about this attack spread to the news media,\u201dSenator Tillis wrote.\n\n\u201cNBC News specifically reported that two senior law enforcement officials confirmed information about the cyberattack to their news outlet. Two sources also relayed the information to CNN and CBS who communicated that information to British broadcaster BBC. As you know, it is imperative that the FBI and other intelligence agencies maintain confidentiality to ensure the American people are safe from enemies at home and abroad,\u201d Senator Tillis concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-van-hollen-lead-bipartisan-push-on-tax-relief-for-taiwan", "Tillis, Van Hollen Lead Bipartisan Push on Tax Relief for Taiwan", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led 27 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) highlighting the importance of passing U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year.\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, Taiwan is a significant economic partner to the United States and yet Taiwan is the only one of the United States\u2019 top 10 trading partners without a formal double taxation agreement. Taiwan has also become an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the U.S., with TSMC\u2019s investment in Arizona being the largest greenfield FDI project in U.S. history. However, existing tax barriers\u2014including the double taxation of income, interest, and dividends\u2014add financial burdens for businesses from both nations, making it more expensive for them to expand in each other\u2019s markets,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe 118th Congress has made significant strides in tackling this issue, with the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees working together with the House on Taiwan tax relief legislation. If enacted, this legislation would provide specific relief from double taxation on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investments and authorize the President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the House passed Taiwan-related provisions as part of H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and the Senate Committee on Finance passed Taiwan tax relief legislation out of Committee unanimously,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cBy passing the U.S.-Taiwan double taxation relief measures this year, we can make significant headway in eliminating tax disincentives on cross-border investments between the U.S. and Taiwan. We believe there is strong support for these measures with Taiwan in the Senate, just as there was in the House. We are eager to work with you to see Taiwan tax relief legislation enacted before the 118th Congress comes to a close. U.S. and Taiwanese investors should not have to wait until the next Congress for action,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senators Tillis and Van Hollen, the letter was signed by Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), George Helmy (D-NJ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ted Budd (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/12/tillis-calls-on-congress-to-cast-politics-aside-to-support-helene-relief", "Tillis Calls On Congress To Cast Politics Aside To Support Helene Relief", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis joined Fox News\u2019 Your World with Neil Cavuto where he discussed the urgent need for Congress to provide federal assistance to North Carolinians affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.\n\nWatch the full clip HERE.\n\nSenator Tillis on the Urgent Need for Federal Disaster Assistance:\n\n\u201cI believe that we need that disaster supplemental at about $100 billion there's nearly an estimate of $50 billion in North Carolina alone. Neil, think about that $50 billion in North Carolina alone, the people here in Congress who are opposing getting this out the door and doing the right thing, and conflating what we should be doing on reducing the debt with providing aid to people who are displaced.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on Putting Politics Aside to Help Western North Carolina:\n\n\u201cAsheville went 52 days without drinkable water. They just got it back two and a half weeks ago. It is a dire situation. It's going to take years to recover, and we shouldn't be playing games with people's lives in western North Carolina, in Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, all who were hit by Helene, they were hit by Milton and they were hit by Debbie. We've got to do right by them and put politics aside. And if you enter politics into the room, you'll spend some quality time with me on the floor.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/04/budd-kaine-introduce-bill-to-incentivize-landowners-to-participate-in-military-land-use-program/", "Budd, Kaine Introduce Bill to Incentivize Landowners to Participate in Military Land Use Program", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have introduced the Incentivizing REPI Sales Act. The bipartisan bill provides financial incentives for landowners to sell land for inclusion in a program to maintain military readiness and promote environmental conservation.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program supports cost-sharing agreements between the Military Services, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private conservation organizations to avoid land use conflicts near military installations, address environmental restrictions that limit military activities, and increase resilience to weather events and other environmental concerns.\n\nREPI is a key tool used by DOD and its partners to protect the military\u2019s ability to train, test, and operate. Development of lands and loss of habitat near military installations, ranges, and airspace can lead to restrictions or costly and inadequate training and testing alternatives.\n\nPreserving natural areas is vital for keeping skies dark, which is necessary for night training, protecting habitats off-base for endangered species, and facilitating nature-based approaches to mitigate flooding and severe weather.\n\nREPI successfully protected 27,000 acres around Fort Liberty, NC in order to provide a flight corridor for Grey Eagle drone training and conduct Robin Sage, the final training exercise of Special Forces qualification. This action also helped recover the local population of red-cockaded woodpeckers.\n\nThe Incentivizing REPI Sales Act excludes the appreciated land value from federal capital gains tax for landowners who sell land or easements near military installations specifically for REPI purposes.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cAs global threats continue to grow and adapt, our military must maintain its readiness and lethality through realistic training at home installations. The REPI program has been used successfully to conserve land around military installations while promoting environmental protection. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Kaine to provide financial incentives to landowners so that REPI participation grows and military readiness is strengthened.\u201d\n\nSenator Kaine said:\n\n\u201cBuilding and maintaining resilient bases is crucial to our national security. I\u2019ve long supported the Department of Defense\u2019s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, which helps us do that while also promoting conservation of public lands and critical habitat. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Budd in introducing this legislation to incentivize participation in the REPI program and will continue to do all that I can as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to support our military installations.\u201d\n\nJennifer Morris, CEO of the Nature Conservancy:\n\n\u201cFor decades, the Readiness Environmental Protection Integration, or REPI, program has successfully facilitated partnerships to preserve landscapes for both conservation value and their contributions to national security. These land protection projects help support the military community while also preserving off-base habitats for threatened and endangered species. As the demands of development increase and intensify amongst the remaining available landscapes around these installations, these REPI agreements will be a win for both conservation and national security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/04/budd-sponsored-bill-to-stop-online-sexual-exploitation-passes-senate/", "Budd, Cruz, Klobuchar-Sponsored Bill to Stop Online Sexual Exploitation Passes Senate", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The Senate has passed S. 4569, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII, and require social media and similar websites to implement procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim.\n\nThe bill now moves to the House for consideration.\n\nThe bill was led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Amy Klobachar (D-MN).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe distressing growth in online sexual exploitation requires a robust national response. The Take it Down Act builds on existing federal law and establishes a requirement for websites to respond to victims and take down explicit material. I have been proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect Americans from these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. I urge the House to approve this legislation and urge the president to sign it into law.\u201d\n\nSenator Cruz said:\n\n\u201cOver the past several months, courageous victims of AI-deepfake \u2018revenge porn\u2019 have shared their stories to raise awareness and inform lawmakers\u2019 efforts to stop this despicable behavior. Passage of our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act will give innocent victims \u2014 many of whom are teenage girls \u2014the opportunity to seek justice against deviants who publish these abusive images. It will also hold Big Tech accountable by making sure websites remove these disgusting fake videos and pictures immediately.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor young victims and their parents, these deepfakes are a matter requiring urgent attention and protection in law. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to move this common-sense bipartisan legislation quickly through the House and to the President\u2019s desk so it can be signed into law.\u201d\n\nSenator Klobachar said:\n\n\u201cWe must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse. This bipartisan legislation builds on my work to ensure that victims can have this material removed from social media platforms and will ensure law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/budd-receives-answers-from-u-s-northern-command-on-helene-response/", "Budd Receives Answers from U.S. Northern Command on Helene Response", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, received answers to his October 8, 2024 oversight letter to General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command regarding the response to Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe response contains a detailed timeline for requests for active-duty troops from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of North Carolina, their mobilization, and deployment to Western North Carolina.\n\nThe full response to Senator Budd\u2019s questions is HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/budd-statement-on-murder-of-american-hostage-omer-neutra/", "Budd Statement on Murder of American Hostage Omer Neutra", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that U.S.-Israeli citizen Omer Neutra was killed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7, 2023 attacks. His body remains in Gaza.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cWe are deeply saddened by the confirmation of Omer Neutra\u2019s death. Since October 7th, we have gotten to know Omer\u2019s parents and are devastated for them. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Omer\u2019s friends and loved ones. This news is further proof of the true evil of Hamas terrorists. The U.S. government must not relent until all those responsible for Omer\u2019s murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts since October 7, 2023:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas\u2019s political leader was killed, saying that it \u201csends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.\u201d\n\nOn September 1, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement condemning the Hamas murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin along with five other Israeli hostages, saying, \u201cThis is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh\u2019s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nOn October 7, 2024, Senator Budd disclosed that the Biden administration had ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Budd and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn October 17, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying, \u201c[Sinwar] was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting an immediate freeze on the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar, the extradition of several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar, and that Qatar end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership.\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after the State of Qatar decided to expel the remaining Hamas terrorist leadership from Doha, calling the move, \u201cwelcome, but long overdue.\u201d\n\nOn November 22, 2024, Senator Budd, along with Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker and Senator Joni Ernst, released a statement calling on Turkey to extradite the Hamas terrorist leaders who fled there after being expelled from Qatar.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/12/02/senator-budd-presents-service-medals-to-nc-veterans-families/", "Senator Budd Presents Service Medals to NC Veterans\u2019 Families", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Advance, N.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) presented service medals to the families of two deceased North Carolina veterans whose families live in Kernersville and Graham.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe men and women of our Armed Forces are the best of America and served with valor and distinction. It was my honor to help their families receive the overdue recognition that they deserve for their meritorious service to our great nation.\u201d\n\nPercy Warren Jr. (family pictured above) enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1939, fought in World War II, and served for over 22 years. Today, his family received the following medals:\n\nSilver Star\n\nPurple Heart\n\nMid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.\n\nGood Conduct Medal & Clasp Bronze 4 Loops\n\nAmerican Defense Service Medal\n\nEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Bronze Star Attachment & Arrowhead\n\nWorld War II Victory Medal\n\nArmy of Occupation Medal & Germany Clasp\n\nNational Defense Service Medal\n\nExpert Badge & Carbine Bar & Rifle Bar\n\nParachutist Badge \u2013 Senior\n\nPresidential Unit Citation\n\nBelgian Fourragere\n\nHonorable Service Lapel Button WWII\n\nGlider Badge & Bronze Star Attachment & Arrowhead\n\nLinwood Barrett (family pictured above) enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, fought in Vietnam, and served from October 1969 \u2013 July 1973. Today, his family received the following medals:\n\nBronze Star Medal\n\nArmy Commendation Medal\n\nGood Conduct Medal\n\nNational Defense Service Medal\n\nVietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment\n\nRepublic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device\n\nSharpshooter Badge & Pistol Bar & Rifle Bar\n\nParachutist Badge\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/11/08/budd-joins-wicker-risch-letter-calling-on-biden-administration-to-change-policy-towards-qatar/", "Budd Joins Wicker/Risch Letter Calling on Biden Administration to Change Policy Towards Qatar", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting a series of actions, including:\n\nImmediately freeze the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar.\n\nExtradite several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar and elsewhere, including Khaled Meshal whom the Department of Justice has already indicted, and Khalil Al-Hayya.\n\nAsk Qatar to end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership, as Hamas has exploited its safe haven in Qatar to confer with Iranian officials and reject reasonable negotiations in international media.\n\nThe letter was led by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\n\nIt was co-signed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nThe Israel Defense Forces\u2019 killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presents a critical opportunity for the United States to compel Hamas\u2019 surrender. This would end the war that Hamas started with its brutal terrorist massacre on October 7, 2023, in which it killed nearly 1200 people, including 46 Americans, and took 250 hostages, including twelve Americans. We therefore urge you to act quickly against Hamas\u2019 remaining leadership, so that the organization is destroyed and defeated.\n\nFirst, we urge you to reverse the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s policy toward the State of Qatar, whereby the administration has permitted Qatar to facilitate negotiations by hosting Hamas\u2019 leadership. Hamas\u2019 Doha-based leaders have exploited this arrangement, and used the relative freedom that Qatar has afforded them to oppose ceasefire negotiations in international media, host Iranian officials at Hamas\u2019 Doha headquarters, and travel abroad. Qatari officials have said repeatedly that they would change their policy towards Hamas if the Biden-Harris administration asked it to do so, and we believe that it is long past time the administration ask Qatar to freeze Hamas leaders\u2019 assets, shut their access to international media, end their ability to host foreign visitors, and prevent them from traveling abroad.\n\nSecond, we urge you to seek the extradition to the United States of Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, who currently resides in Qatar. The Department of Justice unsealed indictments pertaining to multiple Hamas leaders, including Mr. Meshal, on September 3, 2024, and he should face justice for his leadership of a terrorist group that has American blood and hostages on its hands.\n\nThird, we urge you to seek indictments for Hamas\u2019 other senior officials abroad, foremost among them Khalil Al-Hayya, who resides in Qatar. According to The New York Times, during the year prior to Hamas\u2019 October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre, Mr. Al-Hayya sought Iranian and Hezbollah support for Hamas\u2019 brutal attack, with the goal of assaulting Israel on multiple fronts.2 Mr. Al-Hayya should no longer be permitted to live risk-free in Doha. He should be indicted immediately for his role in killing Americans and taking Americans hostage, and then extradited to the United States to face justice.\n\nThe defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it. We urge you to act expediently so this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023 and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/11/08/budd-statement-after-qatar-moves-to-expel-hamas-leadership/", "Budd Statement After Qatar Moves to Expel Hamas Leadership", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement regarding the State of Qatar\u2019s decision to expel the remaining Hamas terrorist leadership from Doha after pressure from the United States. Senator Budd has been calling for this expulsion or extradition since January 15, 2024.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cThis news is welcome, but long overdue. For months, I led a bipartisan group of Senators to state unequivocally that Qatar should expel Hamas leaders from Doha after refusing reasonable negotiations to release hostages. More than 400 days since October 7th, the Qatari government has finally changed course and done so. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to institute a new policy that projects strength and exerts maximum pressure on Hamas, and any nation or organization that supports them, until they release each and every hostage, including North Carolinian, Keith Siegel.\u201d\n\nBackground on Senator Budd\u2019s efforts since October 7, 2023:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas\u2019s political leader was killed, saying that it \u201csends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.\u201d\n\nOn September 1, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement condemning the Hamas murder of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin along with five other Israeli hostages, saying, \u201cThis is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh\u2019s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nOn October 7, 2024, Senator Budd disclosed that the Biden administration had ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Budd and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn October 17, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying, \u201c[Sinwar] was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\nOn November 8, 2024, Senator Budd joined a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of State requesting an immediate freeze on the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar, the extradition of several senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar, and that Qatar end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/29/budd-tillis-colleagues-to-propose-bill-to-replenish-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-helene-and-milton/", "Budd, Tillis, Colleagues to Propose Bill to Replenish SBA Disaster Loan Program", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), alongside Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program.\n\nOn October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country. As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cThe SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track. That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.\u201d\n\nSenator Cassidy said:\n\n\u201cHurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient. This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.\u201d\n\nSenator Rick Scott said:\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S. I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won\u2019t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/29/budd-wicker-visit-fort-liberty-seymour-johnson-air-force-base/", "Budd & Wicker Visit Fort Liberty, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) member Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) have completed visits to Fort Liberty in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.\n\nDuring the visits, they received updates on U.S. Air Force programs, special operations work, and Hurricane Helene response efforts.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cI want to thank Ranking Member Wicker for taking time to visit Fort Liberty and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base this week. During our visit, we thanked troops from the 18th Airborne Corps for their rescue and relief efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, met with leaders from USASOC and JSOC, and dined with servicemembers from North Carolina and Mississippi. At Seymour Johnson, it was my honor to showcase F-15E Strike Eagles and their importance to America\u2019s national security. The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military. That\u2019s why my top priority will always be to make sure the men and women and their families at North Carolina\u2019s military bases have the resources necessary to keep our nation strong and safe.\u201d\n\nSenator Wicker said:\n\n\u201cSome of the most important national defense work is happening in North Carolina. It was an honor to meet with some of our country\u2019s best and brightest who are helping their fellow citizens in the wake of Hurricane Helene. During our work on this year\u2019s NDAA, Senator Budd has been a vital legislative contributor by directing the right investments to deter China\u2019s growing aerospace threat. He has used the bill to keep his state\u2019s role central in advancing our country\u2019s fighting force. I am excited to continue collaborating with Senator Budd on our shared goal of restoring America\u2019s military might and defense industrial base.\u201d\n\nPhoto:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-to-lead-legislation-to-replenish-the-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-helene-and-milton", "Tillis to Lead Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL), announced plans to introduce legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The Senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session.\n\nOn October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. Senator Tillis previously wrote an op-ed in The Hill urging Congress to return and quickly pass a disaster recovery package to replenish the fund, writing in part: \u201c\u2026Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA\u2019s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThat is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cAs they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cHurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven\u2019t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cCommunities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.\u201d\n\n\u201cHurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S.,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott. \u201cI continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won\u2019t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.\u201d\n\nThe Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.\n\nRead text of the bill HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-colleagues-call-out-doj-for-failing-to-investigate-and-prosecute-illegal-immigrants-registering-to-vote", "Tillis, Colleagues Call Out DOJ for Failing to Investigate and Prosecute Illegal Immigrants Registering to Vote", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) demanding answers about the DOJ\u2019s apparent failure to investigate and prosecute cases of illegal immigrants registering to vote in American elections despite state-level evidence of illegal immigrants unlawfully registering to vote.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections. As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cSince the initial letter, several more concerning reports have been released by state officials indicating that a large number of non-citizens appear on their voter rolls. For example, the Virginia Attorney General recently announced that 6,303 non-citizens were identified on and removed from Virginia\u2019s voter rolls in 2022 and 2023. In another troubling report released in August, over 6,500 non-citizens registered to vote in Texas were identified and removed from voter rolls. Of the 6,500 non-citizens identified, 1,930 had a voter history,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cClearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans\u2019 trust and confidence in election results. Accordingly, we respectfully reiterate the July 12 request for information on your Department\u2019s enforcement efforts,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-statement-on-cooper-s-mishandling-of-disaster-recovery-funding", "Tillis Statement On Cooper\u2019s Mishandling of Disaster Recovery Funding", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis responded to Governor Roy Cooper\u2019s request for the N.C. General Assembly to cover a $175 million shortfall in the budget of the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) on recovery efforts for Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018). These funds were originally provided to the State of North Carolina by the federal government as part of disaster assistance packages funded and passed by Congress.\n\nFor the last six years, Tillis has pressed the Cooper Administration on the slow pace of spending on recovery and rebuilding efforts for Matthew and Florence. As recently as May of this year, Senator Tillis once again pressed NCORR Director Laura Hogshead for answers on the rebuilding process.\n\nNowhere in Hogshead\u2019s response from June 2024 did she indicate that NCORR was facing such a massive shortfall of the funding originally allocated by Congress. Instead, she stated: \u201cNCORR stands prepared to complete the homes of its current applicants and to respond quickly to any future disasters.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, the Office of Inspector General released a report finding that NCORR could not provide reasonable assurance that $2.5 million of the $5.4 million of federal assistance reviewed by the Inspector General was spent properly.\n\nIn response to the NCORR\u2019s fiscal mismanagement, Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor the last six years, I have been warning that Governor Cooper and NCORR were dropping the ball on distributing disaster relief to victims. NCORR's last-second announcement of a staggering $175 million shortfall for Matthew and Florence recovery confirms those concerns were justified. It is scandalous that the Cooper Administration has failed thousands of North Carolina families, many of whom are still living in hotel rooms and still have no relief from storms that hit our state as long as eight years ago. Instead of working to actually fix this problem, it seems the Governor's office has always been more focused on attacking anyone who drops a hint of criticism over their failure to get assistance to disaster victims.\n\n\u201cAll this makes it much more difficult for North Carolina's Congressional leaders to secure needed federal assistance for Helene victims when our colleagues look at the Cooper Administration\u2019s failure to get federal assistance in the hands of Matthew and Florence victims.\n\n\u201cThe next Governor must turn the page on the systemic incompetence and mismanagement of North Carolina's disaster rebuilding efforts: the thousands of families who lost their homes to Helene certainly deserve better. While the NCGA is right to provide NCORR with some funding to keep operations running, state and federal leaders need to hear directly from Director Hogshead and Governor Cooper on how this appalling failure occurred on their watch, and there must be serious systematic changes to ensure North Carolina has a disaster office that is able to properly take care of disaster victims.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-urges-congress-to-quickly-pass-a-disaster-recovery-package", "Tillis Urges Congress to Quickly Pass a Disaster Recovery Package", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, The Hill published an op-ed by Senator Thom Tillis on the importance for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive with long-term disaster recovery assistance.\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE.\n\nTillis on North Carolina\u2019s recovery from Helene:\n\n\u201cThe recovery process will be long and difficult and will require years and billions of dollars of assistance. That is why it is so important for elected officials in Congress to step up and be proactive \u2014 not reactive \u2014 with long-term disaster recovery assistance. This is why I have led a bipartisan group of senators in disaster-hit states calling on Congress to end its seven-week recess and come back to Washington to pass a disaster funding package that initiates the long-term recovery process for victims and communities ravaged by Helene and Milton.\u201d\n\nTillis on the need to replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Fund and FEMA Disaster Relief Fund:\n\n\u201cThe most pressing need is to replenish the Small Business Administration\u2019s disaster loan fund, which has already run out of money. Few Helene victims have flood insurance, so the SBA\u2019s various disaster recovery programs are key to long-term recovery. By utilizing these programs, victims can access low-interest loans to replace lost property or repair or rebuild their homes or small businesses. The loans can also be used to provide a financial cushion for small businesses that face an economic loss in the months ahead due to the storm. Now that funding for the SBA disaster loan program has run out, it risks delays in processing storm victims\u2019 loans and their ability to get their lives back together. We cannot let this continue to go on.\n\n\u201cFEMA is also in danger of running out of money in its Disaster Relief Fund. The hurricane season isn\u2019t over until November and the National Hurricane Center is already monitoring tropical disturbances that could turn into more full-blown storms. It may only get worse.\u201d\n\nTillis on the broken disaster response and recovery process:\n\n\u201cThe fact is, the federal disaster response and recovery process is broken and many Americans understandably have concerns. First, there are questions about prioritization. It was telling that in a 24-hour period in the wake of Helene, the Biden-Harris administration bragged about sending $100 million in transportation funding to rebuild roads in Western North Carolina as it also pledged $157 million in assistance to Lebanon. That is reflective of an administration that can\u2019t read a room and doesn\u2019t have its priorities in order. Wrong message, wrong time. Additionally, there has been a big political dust-up over FEMA money being used for illegal immigrants. This confusion could have been avoided if FEMA had been laser-focused on its mission to respond to natural disasters. FEMA should never have become a funding conduit for responding to the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s border security crisis.\n\n\u201cSecondly, and most important, is the question about competency. The federal government is already too slow and bureaucratic, but the disaster recovery process takes it to another level. The long-term funding for recovery is, shockingly, neither permanent nor predictable and requires constant reauthorization from Congress. I have worked across the aisle to introduce legislation that would help fix this problem by establishing a permanent and predictable funding process for long-term recovery and getting assistance to families and business owners sooner.\n\n\u201cThere also needs to be a drastic improvement in how FEMA assists victims who suffer property damage. I recently introduced a bipartisan bill to end the \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many individuals and communities from accessing the relief they desperately need when they need it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-announces-27-million-for-improvements-to-clt-and-rdu-airports", "Tillis Announces $27 Million for Improvements to CLT and RDU Airports", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $27 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to go towards improvements at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport and Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport.\n\nCLT will receive $15 million for the replacement of up to 16 passenger boarding bridges and RDU will receive $12 million to fund a portion of the Terminal 2 Landside Expansion Program, which expands the ticketing check-in/lobby, baggage claim areas, security checkpoint and international arrival processing area.\n\n\u201cCLT and RDU are cornerstones of North Carolina\u2019s transportation system, and we must continue to invest in both to support their growth,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis award will improve the experience passengers have at CLT and play an important role in RDU\u2019s expansion, two important projects that I will continue to support.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-warnock-lead-bipartisan-push-for-president-biden-to-kickstart-disaster-funding-effort", "Tillis, Warnock Lead Bipartisan Push for President Biden to Kickstart Disaster Funding Effort", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led a bipartisan group of senators in urging the White House to rapidly submit a government funding request to Congress that will fully cover costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton so that affected communities can begin to heal. The Senators have previously called for Congress to return to Washington from the October in-state work period to approve federal disaster relief legislation.\n\nIn a new bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Senators Tillis and Warnock, joined by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ted Budd (R-NC), highlighted the heartbreak facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these hurricanes, and requested the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that considers the full cost of recovering from these storms so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families.\n\n\u201cWe urgently request the White House\u2019s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cGiven the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/17/budd-statement-on-death-of-hamas-leader-sinwar/", "Budd Statement on Death of Hamas Leader Sinwar", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the Israeli Defense Forces killed Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cIsrael has killed Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the massacre that took place last year on October 7th. He was a terrorist leader who had American blood on his hands. To the remaining Hamas leaders: release the hostages, renounce terrorism, and recognize Israel\u2019s right to exist. There is no future for Hamas or its ideology.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-tillis-peters-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-fema-individual-assistance-programs", "Sens. Tillis, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform FEMA Individual Assistance Programs", "2024-10-14", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013?Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Gary Peters (D-MI)?introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Individual Assistance program. This bill would improve how FEMA provides assistance to individuals to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a disaster. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020, and with a price tag of at least $92.9 billion in recovery costs.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we end the \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach to disaster relief and cut the red tape that prevents many communities from accessing the relief they desperately need,\u201d said Senator Tillis.\u201cThis common-sense legislation provides greater flexibility for communities in need, saves tax-payer dollars, and helps communities recover faster.\u201d\n\n\u201cSevere weather and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, more catastrophic and more costly, leaving people across the country in need of swift federal resources to help assist their recovery,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cMy commonsense bipartisan legislation would reform the FEMA disaster assistance process and improve how the agency provides assistance to individuals for home repairs, disaster housing, and mitigation activities.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe bipartisan Disaster Survivors Fairness Act would reform individual federal disaster assistance programs to best support survivors. The bill would provide FEMA with new authorities to increase its ability to fund disaster mitigation projects and expand support to homeowners. The bill would also enable FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions and bolster development of post-disaster solutions for renters. The bill requires FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/08/budd-joins-tillis-hudson-letter-urging-hhs-fema-to-operationalize-greensboro-migrant-facility-to-support-wnc-recovery/", "Budd Joins Tillis, Hudson Letter Urging HHS & FEMA to Operationalize Greensboro Migrant Facility to Support WNC Recovery", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging that the Greensboro Influx Care Facility (ICF) be operationalized to assist in Western North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Thom Tillis and Rep. Richard Hudson and co-signed by Reps. Virginia Foxx, Chuck Edwards, David Rouzer, Dan Bishop, Greg Murphy, and Patrick McHenry.\n\nThe letter reads, in part:\n\n\u201cAs you may know, Health and Human Services (HHS) currently operates GCC as an Influx Care Facility (ICF) meant to house and support unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in the case of an emergency. However, in June 2024, HHS\u2019s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) announced that GCC has \u201cramped down its operations to facility upkeep.\u201d\n\n\u201cBased on our understanding of this facility, we think that it could be incredibly useful in supporting the people of western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene. For example, GCC could be used to temporarily house those displaced by the storm or to serve as a staging area for aid workers stationed in the state.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur delegation is grateful for the work that has been done by your agencies so far to assist the people of North Carolina. However, much more can and should be done to expediently aid those whose lives have been upended by this storm. We believe operationalizing GCC for the purposes of aid and recovery is an effective way to do so.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/08/budd-sends-oversight-letter-on-helene-response-to-u-s-northern-command/", "Budd Sends Oversight Letter on Helene Response to U.S. Northern Command", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent an oversight letter on the response to Hurricane Helene to General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.\n\nThe letter asks why active duty forces were deployed and operationalized so slowly in response to Hurricane Helene. These responses will inform Senator Budd\u2019s priorities on the Armed Services Committee to improve homeland defense and domestic disaster response.\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nWestern North Carolina is facing unprecedented devastation due to the high winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. North Carolinians are grateful for the active-duty forces that have deployed from the XVIII Airborne Corps and others to provide search and rescue, route clearance, commodity distribution, and other vital support necessary to the recovery of our state. Understandably, there are questions about the speed that forces assigned to U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) were deployed and operationalized in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and under the command and control (C2) of the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Dual Status Commander (DSC).\n\nHurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday, September 26th and dumped rain in North Carolina through Friday, September 27th, causing massive flooding. On Wednesday, October 2nd, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration and \u201cdirected the Department of Defense [DoD] to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to support the delivery of food, water, and other critical commodities to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.\u201d\n\nMy staff was made aware that units from XVIII Airborne Corps may have been issued \u201cprepare to deploy orders\u201d (PTDO) as early as the day prior, Tuesday, October 1st. By the evening of Friday, October 4th, however, less than half of the 1,000 troops were deployed to Western North Carolina and conducting operations. On Sunday, October 6th, the remainder of the 1,000 troops were finally operationalized and President Biden ordered an additional 500 active-duty troops to deploy to impacted areas.\n\nWhile these deployments are very much necessary and welcome, they were far too slow. That\u2019s why Senator Tillis and I made the difficult decision on the evening of Friday, October 4th to issue a joint statement calling for \u201can active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.\u201d3 Given the \u201cunprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations,\u201d we were concerned that the DSC required additional active-duty support including planning staff, information collection analysts, and advanced technological assets to provide greater situational awareness and improve C2 of operations. Many of these assets and resources are not normally available to the NCNG or other state Joint Force Headquarters day-to-day. Such resources have now been provided and the pace and scale of rescue and recovery operations seems to have drastically improved.\n\nNORTHCOM\u2019s responsibility to provide C2 of DoD homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities (DSCA) will increasingly become important as severe weather events are becoming more frequent, and we can no longer assume the continental United States is safe from conventional attack from adversaries such as China.\n\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, it is my duty to conduct oversight and ensure that NORTHCOM has the authorities and resources necessary to respond to threats to the homeland\u2014whether natural or manmade\u2014and to capture lessons learned that may require congressional action, including passage of new policies or reporting requirements in the National Defense Authorization Act. To better assess NORTHCOM\u2019s ability to successfully fulfill its missions of homeland defense and DSCA moving forward, please provide detailed responses to the following questions not later than December 1, 2024:\n\nWhat dates and times were requests for assistance (RFAs) made by FEMA, the Governor of North Carolina, and/or NCNG and what were the specific requests?\n\nWhat dates and times were PTDOs issued to XVIII Airborne Corps, or any other active-duty units or personnel, assigned for Hurricane Helene response? Please provide a copy of such orders or official correspondence related to such PTDOs.\n\nWhat military services have provided active-duty forces to NORTHCOM for Hurricane Helene response and what types of units or personnel were activated?\n\nWhat dates and times were such forces assigned to NORTHCOM for Hurricane Helene response?\n\nWhat time on October 2nd was Brigadier General Charles Morrison officially assigned as the DSC for North Carolina?\n\nWhat dates and times were active-duty forces assigned by NORTHCOM to the DSC and/or in support of FEMA?\n\nWhat date and time was the advanced echelon of ground forces ordered to initiate movement from Fort Liberty and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat date and time was Task Force Castle ordered to initiate movement from Fort Liberty and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat dates and times were the remainder of the previously authorized 1,000 active- duty forces ordered to initiate movement and conduct operations, by who, to where, and what for?\n\nWhat dates and times were additional active-duty planning staff, information collection analysts, and advanced technological assets provided by NORTHCOM or assigned forces to improve the DSC\u2019s situational awareness and C2 capabilities? What specific advanced technological assets were provided?\n\nPlease provide a copy of all mission assignments issued for active-duty forces to support FEMA and/or the NCNG.\n\nWhat authorities does NORTHCOM have to immediately provide disaster response when civilian authorities are unavailable or incapable of providing RFAs?\n\nIn the event a Governor or Dual Status Commander is unavailable, incapable, or slow to provide command and control (C2) of assigned active-duty forces following an RFA, what legal authorities does the NORTHCOM Commander have to deploy or provide C2 of active-duty forces in the continental United States for disaster response?\n\nIn the event of a conventional attack on the United States by a nation state, what legal authorities and capabilities does the NORTHCOM Commander have to deploy aerial and ground forces and provide C2 of those forces in homeland defense efforts, including the protection of military installations and critical infrastructure?\n\nWhat legal, policy, or practical limitations exist on the assignment, mobilization, deployment, and/or employment of forces by NORTHCOM, whether for homeland defense or DSCA?\n\nIn the event any of your responses, particularly those that may implicate homeland defense, require classified responses, I request that those responses be sent separately so that as much information as possible can be made available for the public record.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/07/biden-harris-administration-ignores-bipartisan-budd-request-to-establish-bounty-for-hamas-leaders/", "Biden-Harris Administration Ignores Bipartisan Budd Request to Establish Bounty for Hamas Leaders", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 The Biden administration has ignored a bipartisan request from Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) and 11 other Senators to authorize a reward of up to $25 million for information that brings Hamas leaders to justice.\n\nOn September 26, 2024, Senator Budd led a dozen Senators to request that the State Department establish \u201ca reward of up to $25 million under the State Department\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program for information that leads to the arrest of, locates, or disrupts the financial support for Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders or operatives responsible for the murder and kidnapping of Americans on October 7, 2023.\u201d\n\nThe deadline to respond was today, the one year anniversary of the October 7th attacks, and the senators have not received a response and no reward has been issued, as of this release.\n\nThe letter was co-signed by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, Hamas terrorists murdered and kidnapped dozens of American citizens. After 365 days, the State Department has failed to issue a bounty that would help bring these terrorists to justice. The fact that the Biden-Harris administration continues to leave tools unused shows a complete disregard for the safety and security of American citizens around the world.\u201d\n\nSenate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker said:\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration should have posted the reward for these monsters\u2019 capture months ago. They are not using every tool at their disposal to defeat Hamas.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken:\n\nWe write requesting the immediate authorization of a reward of up to $25 million under the State Department\u2019s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program for information that leads to the arrest of, locates, or disrupts the financial support for Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders or operatives responsible for the murder and kidnapping of Americans on October 7, 2023. The United States must use every tool and resource at its disposal as leverage to secure the release of hostages, including seven Americans, still being held in Gaza and to bring those terrorists responsible to justice.\n\nAs you know, Congress established the RFJ program when it passed the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism. We can think of no better way to fulfill congressional intent than to offer rewards for those Hamas leaders identified in the recently unsealed federal criminal complaint charging Yahya Sinwar, Mohammad Al-Masri, Khaled Meshaal, Ali Baraka, and others with terrorism, murder conspiracy, and sanctions-evasion charges related to October 7th.\n\nWe respectfully request a response to this letter no later than October 7, 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/07/budd-senate-gop-condemn-hamas-terrorists-on-october-7th-anniversary/", "Budd, Senate GOP Condemn Hamas Terrorists on October 7th Anniversary", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) joined all 48 of his Senate Republican colleagues to condemn Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, including the October 7th massacre that killed over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans. The resolution also demands immediate release of the hostages currently held by Hamas.\n\nThe statement was led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).\n\nRead the full text of the resolution HERE\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked and deceitful series of terrorist acts inside Israel. The level of barbarism that we saw was nothing short of evil. These crimes against humanity were also visited upon American citizens as well. More than 40 were murdered by Hamas, and dozens were taken hostage. One year later, seven American citizens remain held by terrorists. We must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the State of Israel. We must provide them with everything they need to secure the safety of their nation, eliminate the threat of terrorism, and apply maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.\u201d\n\nSenator Ernst said:\n\n\u201cThis time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage. I immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation\u2019s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington, or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its \u2018ironclad\u2019 commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-discusses-helene-recovery-efforts-on-face-the-nation", "Tillis Discusses Helene Recovery Efforts on Face the Nation", "2024-10-06", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "CHARLOTTE, N.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis appeared on CBS\u2019 Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss North Carolina\u2019s recovery efforts from Helene.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nSenator Tillis on the state and federal disaster response:\n\n\u201cResources are beginning to move. I think they're moving a little bit more slowly than I hoped, but that is why we're working on the ground. I want to thank all of the local, state, federal responders out there. They're doing extraordinary work, but we've got to plus up the resources out there into some of the hardest hit areas, areas that we haven't reached yet. I think that could be done through the leadership of active-duty DOD personnel working with the state and with the National Guard. We just need to surge more resources.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on calling for a military leader to take charge of recovery efforts:\n\n\u201cWe've got to clear roads, most roads are closed in Western North Carolina. I've been out there twice last week and [will be out] every day this week. Just the basics of debris removal, rescue operations, things that the Department of Defense, the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne are accustomed to doing in battle situations are exactly what we need in Western North Carolina\u2026It has to be a coordinated response and FEMA knows how to do this well. They've done it in other major disaster events. The American people and people in North Carolina need to understand the scope of this storm is more like Katrina. It may look like a flood to the observer, but again, this is a land mass roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts with damage distributed throughout. We have to get the maximum resources on the ground immediately to finish rescue operations and then sadly be there for recovery and rebuilding.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on the spread of misinformation during recovery efforts:\n\n\u201cI've been involved in a number of storm responses and this is when I believe discipline is absolutely essential\u2026Many of the observations are not even from people on the ground. I believe that we have to stay focused on rescue operations, recovery operations, clearing operations, and we don't need any of these distractions on the ground. It is at the expense of the hard-working first responders and people that are just trying to recover their lives\u2026If there are any challenges, call my office and we'll track them down if there are real issues, but most of what I\u2019ve seen is a distraction and not helping the core of the effort right here which is to save lives and start rebuilding.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on North Carolina protecting voting access for residents affected by Helene:\n\n\u201cNorth Carolina is doing a great job. I've spoken with state leaders and they're coming back and taking lessons from Louisiana and a number of other states that have had to provide ballot and voting access in difficult situations like this. They'll be passing legislative matters this week to address it and I think that North Carolina will be prepared to make sure that everybody who wants to vote will have access to the ballot and vote before election day or on election day.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/04/budd-tillis-joint-statement-on-helene-response-operations/", "Budd & Tillis Joint Statement on Helene Response Operations", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued the following statement on Helene Response Operations:\n\n\u201cOur National Guard and local, state, and federal first responders on the ground have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster with the resources they have. Given the unprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations, it would be helpful to assign an active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/tillis-and-budd-issue-joint-statement-on-helene-response-operations", "Tillis and Budd Issue Joint Statement on Helene Response Operations", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd issued the following joint statement:\n\nOur National Guard and local, state, and federal first responders on the ground have been working tirelessly to respond to this disaster with the resources they have. Given the unprecedented extent of the devastation and complexity of search and rescue operations, it would be helpful to assign an active-duty military leader who has extensive experience with operations of this magnitude to lead moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/10/01/budd-tillis-colleagues-make-bipartisan-push-for-quick-passage-of-disaster-relief-legislation/", "Budd, Tillis, Colleagues Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and co-signed by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).\n\nThe Senators said:\n\n\u201cThe devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable\u2026Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster.\u201d\n\n\u201cEven preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlthough the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/10/senators-make-bipartisan-push-for-quick-passage-of-disaster-relief-legislation", "Senators Make Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.\n\n\u201cThe devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable\u2026Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cEven preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cAlthough the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/30/budd-tillis-to-tour-western-nc-storm-damage-with-state-officials/", "Budd, Tillis to Tour Western NC Storm Damage with State Officials", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Advance, N.C. \u2014 Tomorrow, Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, along with Reps. David Rouzer and Dr. Greg Murphy will take an air tour of Tropical Storm Helene storm damage in Western North Carolina alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler.\n\nAfter the tour, the officials will be joined by Rep. Chuck Edwards for an operational review of the recovery effort.\n\nSenator Budd also released a statement, saying:\n\n\u201cThe people of Western North Carolina are facing one of the worst disasters in our state\u2019s history, and more needs to be done to help those in need. My team and I are continuing to coordinate efforts with local, state, and federal authorities, including connecting people who are in need of rescue and resources.\n\n\u201cI want to again thank the National Guard, the Red Cross, state and local emergency personnel, charitable organizations, private sector partners, and countless others for their tireless work on behalf of our state. These heroes are saving lives every day.\n\n\u201cMy offices continue to be ready and able to help anyone who needs assistance. Please visit ReadyNC.gov for the most up-to-date emergency information or Budd.Senate.gov to contact us.\n\n\u201cIf folks would like to make a donation to help with needs in Western North Carolina, visit nc.gov/donate. If you would like to Apply for FEMA Assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cThe situation in Western North Carolina is dire and there is unfathomable devastation. We need an all-hands-on-deck response from the federal and state governments, ensuring every resource is utilized to save lives. My team and I continue to assist North Carolinians in need and work with federal, state, and local officials. I encourage any North Carolinian in need of assistance to contact my office at (704) 509-9087 or tillis.senate.gov.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/28/budd-statement-on-western-nc-recovery-efforts/", "Budd Statement on Western NC Recovery Efforts", "2024-09-28", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Advance, N.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after receiving an operational briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), North Carolina Emergency Management, National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross on the damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cMy team and I just got off a call with FEMA, North Carolina Emergency Management, National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross.\n\n\u201cIt is clear that the damage in Western North Carolina is catastrophic. There is no doubt that the road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we will marshal all available resources to assist the region, including public, private, and charitable. We are all in this together.\n\n\u201cI want to thank the National Guard, the Red Cross, state and local emergency personnel, and countless others for their swift assistance in helping the people of Western NC.\n\n\u201cMy offices in Asheville, and across the state, are ready and able to help anyone who needs assistance. Please visit ReadyNC.gov for the most up-to-date emergency information or Budd.Senate.gov to contact my team.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/27/budd-honors-heroic-north-carolinians-who-risked-their-lives-to-save-others/", "Budd Honors Heroic North Carolinians Who Risked Their Lives to Save Others", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Raleigh, N.C. \u2014 This week, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) met with the families of North Carolinians who were awarded the Carnegie Medal, an honor bestowed by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission on \u201cindividuals in the United States and Canada who risk death or serious physical injury to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others.\u201d\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe Carnegie Medal is inscribed with the Holy Words of John 15:13, \u2018Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.\u2019 Those words perfectly describe the North Carolina citizens I met. It was nothing short of inspiring to hear their stories, hear their love for others, and their act of courage that brought them this honor. North Carolina is a special state to have produced such heroes. It was my absolute honor to spend time with them and thank them on behalf of our state.\u201d\n\nBelow are stories of the two honorees with photos of their meeting with Senator Budd:\n\nDaniel L. Weiss \u2013 Stokesdale, NC\n\nDaniel L. Weiss saved a woman from burning, Greensboro, North Carolina, May 17, 2022. The woman, 29, was unconscious in her two-door coupe after an accident in which the car left a rural road and continued down an embankment for about 25 feet, where it struck two trees and caught fire. Weiss, 59, facility technician, was working on a utility pole nearby and responded. He reached the driver\u2019s door and saw the woman in the driver\u2019s seat, unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel. He reached in through the window opening and shook her in an attempt to wake her, but she did not respond. Weiss felt for a pulse, then noticed flames burning at the hood and spreading inside through the dashboard and air vents. He called to his co-worker for a fire extinguisher, which the man provided. Weiss emptied the extinguisher, but the flames at the hood continued to burn. He pulled on the handle of the driver\u2019s door, but the door would not open. He then ran to the passenger side and fully entered the car, knelt on the front passenger seat, and turned the woman so she faced away from him. From behind, Weiss reached his arms around her front, clasped his hands together, and lifted her over the center console onto the passenger seat. Flames again burned through the air vents and spread toward the passenger side, coming within a foot of them. Weiss backed through the passenger door opening and fell with the woman to the ground. Two men responded and, with Weiss, carried her to a point about 20 feet away after seeing fire envelop the front seats. Flames grew to engulf the vehicle\u2019s entire cab. The woman was not burned but was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the accident. Weiss suffered minor smoke inhalation and recovered.\n\nAntwaun M. Jackson \u2013 Jacksonville, NC\n\nAntwaun M. Jackson died helping to save two women and two children from drowning, North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, July 9, 2022. In the afternoon, several relatives, including two women, 33 and 24, and two girls, 7 and 6, were in the New River Inlet near its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean as the group of four reached a location where they no longer could touch the bottom. Suddenly struggling in a strong current after helping the girls use a bodyboard in shallow water, the women called out for help, alarming their relatives at the nearby beach, including Jackson, 40, production worker. A cousin of the two women and two girls, Jackson waded into the water, first moving toward other children closer to shore, then he swam to the area of the women, along with another female cousin, who helped the girls onto a bodyboard. The women recalled Jackson, who had moved beyond them, trying to push them from behind toward shore. Seeing a cluster of distressed swimmers, including Jackson, other men from separate groups also entered the water and helped to aid the women, girls, and female cousin back to safety in wadable water. All recovered without injury. Jackson remained stranded in the rough current and beyond the reach of some men and responding police officers, who took a rescue disc attached to a rope into the water which was thrown in Jackson\u2019s direction to no effect. Ultimately, Jackson submerged, did not resurface, and could not be found by rescue crews that afternoon or in the days afterward. Jackson\u2019s body has yet to be recovered.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/26/budd-tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-eliminate-barriers-and-streamline-claims-for-camp-lejeune-victims/", "Budd, Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Eliminate Barriers and Streamline Claims for Camp Lejeune Victims", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has helped introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act alongside Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).\n\nThe bipartisan legislation makes technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials, capping attorneys\u2019 fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cVictims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve justice. But instead, DOJ bureaucrats are throwing up roadblocks and making it harder for veterans to get their day in court. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Senator Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to remove regulatory hurdles and see that Camp Lejeune victims get the compensation, care, and benefits they deserve.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis said:\n\n\u201cCurrently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered. Since coming to office, I have worked alongside those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune that were unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals to finally give them the health care and benefits they deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for victims and provide a path forward so they have timely access to courts and the judicial system like they would in any other state or territory.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act:\n\nPermits cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit.\n\nExplicitly provides for jury trials.\n\nExpressly states that victims must only show general causation, including for latent or potential harm.\n\nCaps attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.\n\nEnsures there is no room for interpreting Congress\u2019 intent to provide complete and swift relief to victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-eliminate-barriers-to-justice-for-camp-lejeune-victims", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Eliminate Barriers to Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis, along with Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), recently introduced the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, bipartisan legislation that makes technical corrections to the original Camp Lejeune Justice Act by clarifying the right to jury trials and the appropriate causation standard, capping attorneys\u2019 fees, and expanding jurisdiction to alleviate the backlog of toxic water claims.\n\n\u201cCurrently, veterans and other victims exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are running into roadblocks that are denying them their day in court before a jury for the often-crippling and deadly medical conditions they have suffered,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cSince coming to office, I have worked alongside those who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune that were unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals to finally give them the health care and benefits they deserve. I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to bring justice for victims and provide a path forward for justice after decades of delay.\u201d\n\n\u201cVictims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune deserve justice. But instead, DOJ bureaucrats are throwing up roadblocks and making it harder for veterans to get their day in court,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Senator Tillis to introduce a bipartisan bill to remove regulatory hurdles and see that Camp Lejeune victims get the compensation, care, and benefits they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cVictims of Camp Lejeune\u2019s contaminated water deserve recompense and accountability,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal. \u201cWith this essential legislation, we eliminate roadblocks and provide a pathway to seeking justice for our veterans and their families affected by toxic exposure, ensuring access to well-deserved benefits and relief.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need to make it as easy as possible for veterans exposed to harmful chemicals to get the benefits they deserve,\u201d said Senator Braun.\n\n\u201cAfter selflessly answering the call to serve our nation, too many brave servicemembers were exposed to toxic chemicals from Camp Lejeune\u2019s drinking water\u2014but could not receive the justice and care they deserve due to unnecessary roadblocks,\u201d said Senator Duckworth. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would help make it easier for impacted servicemembers and Veterans to access the care and benefits they\u2019ve earned through their service. It\u2019s the least we could do after all they sacrifice for us.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s unacceptable that individuals impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination continue to experience bureaucratic roadblocks,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cCompensation for veterans and other victims impacted, including thousands of individuals in Florida, is long overdue. Senator Tillis and I are eternally grateful for their service and are working to rectify this situation.\u201d\n\n\u201cCamp Lejeune veterans and their families deserve justice,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to cosponsor the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act, which will improve and clarify the legislation Congress passed two years ago to give these families a path to justice.\u201d\n\nThe following Veteran Service Organizations have endorsed the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act: the Special Operations Association of America, the American Legion, the National Military Family Association, the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Reserve Association, the Military Chaplains Association, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Moral Compass Federation, the Blinded Veterans Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, and the Association of the US Navy.\n\n\u201cTwo years ago, Mike Partain and I sat in the Senate Gallery and witnessed the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act,\u201d said Jerry Ensminger, father of Janey Ensminger, a Camp Lejeune water contamination victim. \u201cWe thought our decades-long fight for justice at Camp Lejeune was nearing an end. Instead, we have seen yet more roadblocks and delays, which was not the intent of Congress and the original bill. This new legislation will help remedy this issue and help our service personnel and their families achieve their justice for the toxic tragedy at Camp Lejeune.\u201d\n\n\u201cSOAA is glad to see this bi-partisan effort to achieve justice for veterans who have waited so long,\u201d said David Cook, Executive Director, Special Operations Association of America. \u201cThis is also a win for veterans\u2019 choice in pursuing action. Helping Camp Lejeune veterans and families has been a long-time priority for SOAA and the many victims of the contaminated water who are critically ill. We urge Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n\"On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members, The American Legion is proud to support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act of 2024,\u201d said James A. LaCoursiere, National Commander, The American Legion. \u201cThis bill enhances previous Camp Lejeune water legislation by expanding judicial jurisdiction to any of the five states of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit \u2014 Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina \u2014 rather than just in North Carolina\u2019s federal courts. In addition, this bill codifies caps on attorney's fees for administrative claims and for lawsuits filed in court based on Department of Justice recommendations. We applaud Senator Tillis and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership in expanding court access and protecting our veterans and their families from predatory actors.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have a special responsibility to protect those charged with protecting our freedoms,\u201d said Besa Pinchotti, CEO, National Military Family Association. \u201cBut the veterans and military families affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have been waiting for help for decades. This bill rights the technical wrongs in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, ensuring that the families who have served us and suffered since finally get the justice they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith exposure to toxic chemicals during military service also having emerged somewhat recently as a factor in diseases causing loss of sight, we as blind and low vision veterans feel that we can relate to the plight of service members and family members of Camp Lejeune who continue to be victimized by the lack of a fair and timely path to judicial relief,\u201d said Donald D. Overton, Jr., Executive Director of the Blinded Veterans Association. \u201cWe support the Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act as a means of correcting this injustice and encouraging action on the incomprehensible 360,000 claims for which only 114 have currently received a settlement.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page summary is available HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nWith passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, Congress intended to create a jury trial right with a lower causation standard to ensure a compensation process that would be fair and proportionate to the level of harm and injuries caused by exposure. However, the Department of Justice has fought the law and successfully challenged both the jury trial and causation standards intended by Congress.\n\nSpecifically, The Ensuring Justice for Camp Lejeune Victims Act:\n\nPermits cases to be heard in any district court in the 4th Circuit.\n\nExplicitly provides for jury trials.\n\nExpressly states that victims must only show general causation, including for latent or potential harm.\n\nCaps attorney fees at 20% for settlements and 25% for trials.\n\nEnsures there is no room for interpreting Congress\u2019 intent to provide complete and swift relief to victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.\n\nSenator Tillis has been fighting for the victims of Camp Lejeune toxic contamination for over a decade, working to successfully advance bipartisan legislation. In 2014, as Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Tillis was successful in amending North Carolina\u2019s statute of repose that previously prevented toxic contamination victims from bringing lawsuits more than 10 years after a pollution event took place. In September 2015, Senator Tillis pressed the Department at a Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing on Camp Lejeune for answers about granting Lejeune veterans disability status. Bureaucratic red tape and internal resistance at the VA delayed a final decision for years. Finally, the VA announced in December 2015 that the victims of Camp Lejeune\u2019s poisoned water diagnosed with certain illness would be granted disability status.\n\nIn 2019, he co-introduced the Janey Ensminger Act to ensure individuals with diseases scientifically linked to toxic chemical exposure at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina receive proper medical care from the Veterans Administration (VA). The bill was named in honor of Master Sergeant Jerry Ensminger\u2019s daughter Janey, who was only nine-years-old when she died from a rare form of leukemia after being exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Unfortunately, while the VA allowed veterans exposed to contaminated water to pursue VA benefits, most of the claims were denied. In 2019 alone, the U.S. Navy denied nearly 5,000 claims filed by Navy veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune. During this timeframe, three in four Camp Lejeune veterans had their requests for VA benefits denied.\n\nIn September 2020, Senator Tillis introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, legislation that provided veterans and their families who are suffering due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune long-overdue judicial relief. The legislation corrected unintended injuries unique to Marine families stationed at Camp Lejeune due to an anomaly in the application of North Carolina law in the federal court system. Senator Tillis reintroduced the bipartisan Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2021, which was codified into law in 2022.\n\nIn May 2023, Senators Tillis and Budd led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Secretary of the Navy and Attorney General Garland expressing concerns over the Navy\u2019s failure to adjudicate claims submitted since August 2022 for Camp Lejeune water contamination.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/25/video-budd-calls-out-biden-harris-for-using-federal-agencies-for-partisan-politics/", "VIDEO: Budd Calls Out Biden & Harris For Using Federal Agencies for Partisan Politics", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) pushed the chamber to pass the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act.\n\nThe bill would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities.\n\nThe legislation was blocked by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).\n\nSenator Budd said in his speech:\n\n\u201cI do not believe that the federal government should be using official taxpayer resources to advance partisan politics.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress has attempted to conduct oversight on this order. And citizens have filed Freedom of Information Act lawsuits. The Biden-Harris administration has released only a tiny fraction of these agency plans. In at least one instance, the administration redacted every single paragraph of an agency plan leaving only vague headers. So that begs the question\u2026 What does the Biden-Harris administration have to hide?\u201d\n\nWATCH VIDEO OF THE EXCHANGE\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-applauds-new-9-8-8-geo-routing-implementation", "Tillis Applauds New 9-8-8 Geo-Routing Implementation", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Tillis, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, applauded the recent announcement by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to begin implementing geo-routing for incoming calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Network.\n\n\u201cFrom the creation of the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to historic mental health investments included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made substantial progress in recent years in expanding access to quality mental health care,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis new geo-routing policy furthers that goal by ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis receive rapid and localized care when calling the Lifeline.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrently, calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are routed by area code rather than by the caller\u2019s location. This system leads to callers oftentimes being connected to centers that cannot connect them with local mental health resources. Geo-routing allows callers to be connected to crisis call centers and resources closest to their physical location, improving the effectiveness of the crisis care continuum and ensuring more timely, appropriate, and equitable access to crisis services. Importantly, geo-routing does not provide a precise location of the caller and allows callers to maintain their location privacy. Studies have shown that after speaking with a trained crisis counselor, most callers feel more hopeful and less depressed, suicidal and overwhelmed.\n\nIn North Carolina, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received over 112,000 calls, texts, and chats over the last 12 months, with an average response time of 14.2 seconds and a 98% answer rate. 90% of North Carolinians who contacted the hotline with thoughts of suicide reported improvement in how they were feeling by the end of the call.\n\nIn December 2023, Senator Tillis introduced the Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023, legislation would expedite the process of connecting callers with their nearest call center so they can receive appropriate care from mental health professionals as quickly and as safely as possible, while still protecting user privacy.\n\nIn March 2024, Senator Tillis joined Senator Padilla, Health and Human Services Secretary Xaiver Becerra, and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to announce that the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) address the discrepancies and inefficiencies of the current system by proposing the adoption of a rule that would require a geo-routing solution to be implemented for all wireless calls to the 9-8-8 Lifeline while balancing the privacy needs of individuals in crisis. The FCC is expected to vote on final rules to codify geo-routing on October 17.\n\nThese new rules, if adopted next month, would build on SAMHSA\u2019s announcement, requiring all U.S. wireless carriers to implement geo-routing. In addition, the rules will also establish an implementation timeline for geo-routing calls to the 988 Lifeline of 30 days following the effective date of the rule for nationwide wireless providers and 24 months after the effective date of the rule for smaller, non-nationwide providers.\n\nA one-page summary of the bill is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-applauds-290-million-commitment-for-charlotte-douglas-international-airport", "Tillis Applauds $290 Million Commitment for Charlotte Douglas International Airport", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded a $290 millioncommitment from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fund the Fourth Parallel Runway project at the Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) Airport.\n\n\u201cThis investment will not only enhance Charlotte Douglas International Airport's capacity to meet future air traffic demand but also will provide a better experience for both pilots and passengers,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud to have worked with airport officials and local leaders to secure this critical funding to expand the airport, allowing them to meet growing passenger needs.\u201d\n\nThe 10,000-foot-long by 150-foot-wide runway, is positioned west of Runway 18C/36C. The construction also includes north and south end-around taxiways, which will allow aircraft arriving on the existing western runway to bypass the new runway and the center runway. This enhancement will notably reduce aircraft operating time, fuel consumption, and emissions, while also decreasing long wait times for passengers. CLT has the highest share of connecting passengers at any airport in the U.S.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/23/budd-hagerty-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-american-assets-from-unlawful-seizure-by-amlos-mexico/", "Budd, Hagerty, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect American Assets From Unlawful Seizure by AMLO\u2019s Mexico", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) helped introduce the Defending American Property Abroad Act alongside Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).\n\nThe bipartisan legislation would impose retaliatory prohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that unlawfully seizes American assets. The bill responds to ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to seize a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company, which is a flagrant violation of the United Sates-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\nThe bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cThe United States and Mexico have an important trade and economic relationship. The illegal seizure of American property and infrastructure in Mexico is unacceptable and undermines that relationship. I am proud to partner with Senator Hagerty to stand up for American\u2019s right to engage in international commerce without being extorted.\u201d\n\nSenator Hagerty said:\n\n\u201cI strongly condemn AMLO\u2019s threats against Vulcan Materials Company and am pleased to see this bipartisan rebuke from the United States Senate. No nation or president, and especially one of our largest trade partners, should be allowed to bully an American firm without consequences. Our legislation will help to undermine any attempt by AMLO to profit from his illegal actions and, in the event of a seizure, would strengthen our nation\u2019s position in trade negotiations with Mexico.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/icymi-tillis-discusses-state-travel-bipartisanship-on-spectrum-news-in-focus-with-loretta-boniti", "ICYMI: Tillis Discusses State Travel, Bipartisanship on Spectrum News\u2019 In Focus with Loretta Boniti", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis recently appeared on Spectrum News\u2019 In Focus with Loretta Boniti to discuss his state travel and recent bipartisan legislative achievements, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and theBipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that Senator Tillis helped write, negotiate, and pass into law.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nSenator Tillis on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:\n\n\u201cWe are approaching $13 billion coming to North Carolina. I was just in Wilmington yesterday, where we were celebrating a $250 million grant, about half of what it's going to take to upfit the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a $100 million grant for the Alligator River Bridge. Every county in the state is benefitting from this bill. This bill includes a billion dollars in connectivity for broadband, and it\u2019s proving to have the impact that I thought it would. That\u2019s why I was willing to take the hits to get it done.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the single largest investment in mental health in the history of this country\u2026 I\u2019m working very hard to make sure that everyone understands a full implementation of this bill is transformational. And I think North Carolina is on pace to be one of the most successful states to implement it. It\u2019s coming at a perfect time. We are making progress on a challenge that still exists, and it\u2019s the stigma of mental health.\u201d\n\nSenator Tillis on the Bipartisanship:\n\n\u201cThe reason why being bipartisan is so difficult today is that people can spread what I think are blatant lies in some cases about what we are trying to accomplish, and it causes people to be very careful and not take risks. I think that the American people suffer when we do that. We\u2019re in D.C. to make changes, we\u2019re not up there to get re-elected.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-repeal-covid-era-employee-retention-tax-credit", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Repeal COVID-Era Employee Retention Tax Credit", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis, alongside Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (I-WV), recently introduced the Employee Retention Tax Credit Repeal Act, bipartisan legislation that would disallow the processing of Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims filed after January 31, 2024, and increase penalties for fraud.\n\n\u201cRepealing the ERTC is a critical step towards addressing America\u2019s debt crisis,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cIt\u2019s past time to eliminate this fraud-ridden pandemic-era policy so we can concentrate on getting our fiscal house in order.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)\u2014created by the CARES Act and furthered expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan\u2014is a refundable credit available to qualifying businesses who paid wages to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nIn October 2021, the IRS issued a notice warning employers of \u201cthird parties promoting improper Employee Retention claims.\u201d These \u201cpromoters\u201d often use aggressive and deceptive marketing tactics to convince businesses to allow them to file ERTC claims on their behalf. According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), \u201cpromoters typically charge a large upfront fee, sometimes upwards of 30-40% of the expected credit amount\u201d as payment for their services. The program has seen a high volume of fraudulent claims.\n\nEstimates suggest the credit has added $230 billion to the deficit through Fiscal Year 2023 and could eventually cost up to $550 billion. Further, in June 2024, the IRS announced that between 10% and 20% of claims showed \u201cclear signs of being erroneous\u201d while another 60% to 70% showed an \u201cunacceptable risk\u201d of being improper. Unless Congress acts, applications for the credit are available until April 15, 2025.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/19/budd-supports-restoring-veterans-benefits-after-va-mismanagement/", "Budd Supports Restoring Veterans Benefits After VA Mismanagement", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after supporting legislation that covers the short-term funding gap in veterans benefits created by the VA\u2019s failure to properly estimate how many dollars were necessary to cover benefits through the fiscal year.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that the Biden-Harris administration failed our veterans by jeopardizing their benefits. Congress has solved the immediate issue, but we must also make sure this never happens again. That\u2019s why I\u2019m cosponsoring Senator Dan Sullivan\u2019s Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act, which requires the VA to submit quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress. If another budget shortfall occurs, this bill would require VA bureaucrats to forfeit their taxpayer-funded bonuses. I will continue to hold the VA accountable in its duty to provide care for those who served and sacrificed for this nation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-gop-colleagues-bill-to-make-catch-and-release-data-public-passes-senate", "Tillis, GOP Colleagues\u2019 Bill to Make Catch-and-Release Data Public Passes Senate", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation co-introduced by Senator Thom Tillis that would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accurately report how it is handling migrants encountered at the border and ensure the American people have a full accounting of the number of migrants being released into the United States by the Biden-Harris Administration.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s disastrous policy decisions have led to 10.2 million encounters at our Southern border since taking office, and it is clear they would prefer to keep the American people in the dark about their failures,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud the Senate unanimously passed this legislation that will require real transparency about President Biden and Vice President Harris\u2019 failure to stop the flow of illegal immigration at our Southern border.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s strategy for handling the influx ofmigrants at the border has been to funnel them into so-called \u201cparole\u201d or unlawful release programs, including the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program, an expanded Central American Minors program that now includes adults, and the likely widespread use of parole at Ports of Entry (POEs). These migrants are eligible for work authorization, and there is limited visibility into whether they ultimately depart the United States.\n\nRight now, there are currently only limited public data available on the total number of people who have been released into the U.S. under these programs, whether they are even making asylum claims before they are released, what screenings are taking place, or whether these migrantsever depart the United States. The Southern Border Transparency Act would require DHS to fully report on how it is handling migrantsencountered at the border, including:\n\nThe number of migrants paroled at each POE and in each Border Patrol sector;\n\nThe number of migrants apprehended at each POE and in each Border Patrol sector and how many were granted voluntary departure, placed into expedited removal, or simply released into the interior;\n\nThe number of petitions for parole received and granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);\n\nAnd the total number of migrants paroled into the United States each fiscal year, whether they are granted work authorization, and whether they ultimately depart the United States when their parole expires.\n\nLast year, the Biden-Harris Administration acted without Congress\u2019 consent to create programs that allow for hundreds of thousands ofmigrants to be paroled and released into the United States annually. One allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally remain in the U.S. for two years and offers work authorizations to up to 360,000 people a year. The administration has also released hundreds of thousands of migrants who scheduled immigration appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the CBP One app, including individuals from Iran, China, and Russia.\n\nThese practices result in decreased apprehensions, but do not decrease the number of migrants with unrealistic asylum claims who are entering and remaining in the United States. Separately, the administration is releasing an unknown number of individuals under the label of \u201chumanitarian release,\u201d although it is unclear who qualifies. Although some migrants are placed into expedited removal proceedings, most are released into the interior of the U.S. before DHS even determines whether they will make asylum claims, let alone whether those claims are even credible on their face.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-padilla-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-find-missing-persons-on-federal-land-passes-senate", "Tillis, Padilla Bipartisan Legislation to Help Find Missing Persons on Federal Land Passes Senate", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate recently passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include an additional category to the existing National Missing and Unidentified Persons Systems (NamUs) database so the public and law enforcement partners can denote cases where the person went missing or was identified on federal land\u2014including by providing specific location details.\n\nThe TRACE Act also requires the DOJ to submit an annual report to Congress on the number of cases of persons missing on public lands or suspected of going missing on public lands from the previous year. With this new feature, family and friends of people who have gone missing on public lands could more easily find and include this information in NamUs, while law enforcement agencies can simultaneously work to improve the national records of individuals missing on public lands.\n\n\u201cEvery year, thousands of people go missing on public lands without being recorded in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis oversight is impeding law enforcement from keeping track of those who go missing to help search and rescue efforts. I applaud the Senate for passing this bipartisan legislation so these cases can be added to the database and potentially save hundreds of lives in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of people go missing on public lands in the United States every year, but without an effective system to track them, law enforcement\u2019s ability to help bring them home is that much more limited,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m glad to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan TRACE Act to provide more accurate and readily accessible data, help equip law enforcement to resolve more cases, and help bring peace of mind to affected families.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAccording to a NamUs report, over 600,000 people go missing in the United States annually. While the majority of these cases are resolved, tens of thousands of people remain missing every year.\n\nThere are approximately 640 million acres of federal land which include national parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Estimates suggest that at least 1,600 people have gone missing on public lands, though the number is likely much higher, as isolated or rugged terrain on public lands can make it especially difficult to find or identify people who go missing. Despite this, there is no functional system to report people who have gone missing on public lands. Having accurate data on how many people go missing on our public lands every year is crucial to aid search and rescue efforts and resolve cases.\n\nNamUs is the main system used by law enforcement, families and friends of missing persons, medical examiners, and coroners to report unidentified remains and missing persons, and is also used by the public.\n\nThe TRACE Act is endorsed by the American Rescue Project, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Outdoor Industry Association, Public Lands Solution, Trust for Public Land, Major City Sheriffs Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, National District Attorneys Association, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Raven, and Conservation Colorado.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/18/budd-joins-letter-calling-out-harris-mismanagement-of-broadband-funds/", "Budd Joins Letter Calling Out Harris Mismanagement of Broadband Funds", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives.\n\nIn 2021, President Biden specifically tasked the vice president to lead the administration\u2019s effort to expand broadband services to rural, unserved communities. During Vice President Harris\u2019s tenure, the administration\u2019s $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has failed to connect a single person to the internet.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator John Thune (R-SD) and co-signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nDear Vice President Harris:\n\nWe are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s \u201cbroadband czar\u201d and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as \u201cbroadband czar\u201d has mirrored your performance as \u201cborder czar,\u201d marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.\n\nAs you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $42.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These funds are intended to provide broadband access to unserved communities, particularly those in rural areas.\n\nIn 2021, you were specifically tasked by President Biden to lead the administration\u2019s efforts to expand broadband services to unserved Americans. And at the time, you stated, \u201cwe can bring broadband to rural America today.\u201d Despite your assurances over three years ago, rural and unserved communities continue to wait for the connectivity they were promised. Under your leadership, not a single person has been connected to the internet using the $42.45 billion allocated for the BEAD program. Indeed, Politico recently reported on \u201cthe messy, delayed rollout of\u201d this program.\n\nInstead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment. By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.\n\nThe administration\u2019s lack of focus on truly connecting the unconnected has failed the American people and represents a gross misuse of limited taxpayer dollars. The American public deserves better.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-announces-17-6-million-in-grants-to-support-law-enforcement-across-nc", "Tillis Announces $17.6 Million in Grants to Support Law Enforcement Across NC", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $17.6 million in grants from the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to support law enforcement and improve public safety across North Carolina.\n\nThe COPS 2024 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) is partially funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have supported more funding for law enforcement and partner with local leaders across North Carolina to ensure law enforcement has the resources and tools to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis funding will empower communities to recruit and hire law enforcement officers, improve school safety, and utilize new technology to create safer communities for North Carolinians.\u201d\n\n2024 COPS Hiring Program: $8,637,792\n\nCity of Greensboro - $3,750,000\n\nCity of Charlotte - $1,875,000\n\nTown of Boone - $500,000\n\nCity of Lincolnton - $500,000\n\nTown of Haw River - $250,000\n\nCity of King\u2019s Mountain - $250,000\n\nCity of Lumberton - $250,000\n\nCity of Monroe - $250,000\n\nTown of Pembroke - $250,000\n\nTown of Waynesville - $250,000\n\nTown of Kenly - $137,792\n\nCity of Jacksonville - $125,000\n\nCounty of Perquimans - $125,000\n\nTown of Ramseur - $125,000\n\n2024 COPS Technology and Equipment Program (TEP): $6,626,000\n\nCounty of Transylvania - $1,000,000\n\nCity of Burlington - $963,000\n\nCity of Gastonia - $963,000\n\nCity of Kannapolis - $963,000\n\nCity of Madison - $963,000\n\nCity of Reidsville - $963,000\n\nCity of Raleigh - $629,000\n\nApex Police Department - $182,000\n\n2024 COPS Community Policing Development (CPD) Program: $1,459,519\n\nResearch Triangle Institute - $499,630\n\nCounty of Buncombe - $400,000\n\nCity of Durham - $175,000\n\nCity of Fayetteville \u2013 $166,185\n\nCity of Brevard - $131,524\n\nTown of Catawba - $87,180\n\n2024 COPS School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP): $936,572\n\nEdgecombe County Public Schools - $469,985\n\nLincoln Charter School - $352,962\n\nPerquimans County School District - $140,625\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/17/budd-joins-joint-statement-condemning-anti-israel-un-resolution/", "Budd Joins Joint Statement Condemning Anti-Israel UN Resolution", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) joined dozens of his Senate colleagues to issue a joint statement condemning the Palestinian Mission to the UN after it submitted a disgraceful and flagrant resolution targeting the Jewish State of Israel and its rightful control over its historic homeland.\n\nThe statement was led by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).\n\nSenators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY),Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), J.D. Vance (R-OH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL) also joined the statement.\n\nFull Statement:\n\n\u201cThis proposal introduced by the Palestinian delegation, ahead of the United Nations\u2019 General Assembly, is an absolute disgrace that rewards terrorism. It is a clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we approach the one-year anniversary of the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas and affiliated Palestinian terrorist groups against innocent Israeli civilians, which involved murder, mutilation, and sexual violence, the international community must unequivocally unite against this evil, one-sided effort to delegitimize Israel. Instead of proposing biased and counter-productive initiatives, which will do nothing to advance a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the international community must focus its energy and resources on ensuring Hamas and other terrorist groups are completely destroyed. We must remain firm to ensure every single hostage held by these terrorists is safely returned to their loved ones.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/16/budd-joins-bipartisan-push-for-dod-to-prioritize-trade-jobs-for-veterans-that-boost-defense-industry/", "Budd Joins Bipartisan Push for DOD to Prioritize Trade Jobs for Veterans that Boost Defense Industry", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a bipartisan letter to the Department of Defense suggesting new ways to improve transition assistance that better support the needs of the men and women who ensure our military has the tools and weapons needed to succeed.\n\n\u201cService members and veterans are uniquely positioned to fill skilled labor needs due to their distinctive military skills and experiences. Upskilling and educating service members is a vital effort, but so is matching service members who already possess a valuable skill with job openings in the defense industrial base,\u201d the Senators said, \u201cIt is crucial that the DoD explore how current transition programs can be better utilized to guide service members and veterans towards careers that fill critical gaps in the defense industrial base.\u201d\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and co-signed by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Boozman (R-AR), Mark Kelly (D-AR), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nWe write with regard to U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) efforts to leverage transition programs for military service members and veterans to address critical gaps in the defense industrial base workforce. As you are aware, a robust defense industrial base is vital to America\u2019s national security and essential to military readiness. However, the U.S. faces challenges meeting skilled workforce needs, which limits manufacturers\u2019 ability to produce everything from basic goods to the complex weapons systems and munitions needed in a potential armed conflict. Service members and veterans are uniquely positioned to fill skilled labor needs due to their distinctive military skills and experiences. Upskilling and educating service members is a vital effort, but so is matching service members who already possess a valuable skill with job openings in the defense industrial base.\n\nIt is crucial that the DoD explore how current transition programs can be better utilized to guide service members and veterans towards careers that fill critical gaps in the defense industrial base. It is no secret that the U.S. shipbuilding industry is in a precarious position with some analysts stating U.S. ship production has reached its \u201cworst state\u201d in decades. Even a cursory view of the skilled labor needed for a thriving shipbuilding industry reveals that shortfalls in production often stem from workforce challenges. The welding workforce, for example, will face a nation-wide shortage of about 330,000 welders by 2028. Similarly, the Navy will face a shortage of about 100,000 skilled trade workers in the submarine industrial base by 2034. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that transition programs match skilled veterans and transitioning service members with civilian jobs in industries that support U.S. military readiness.\n\nSpecifically, the DoD should examine programs\u2019 unused capacity, as identified in recent studies, which can be used to support transitioning service members\u2019 move to the defense industrial base. For example, the DoD should investigate additional opportunities to provide on-the-job training prior to the end of an individual\u2019s time in service that could prepare him or her for an in-demand civilian role. The DoD should also devote more resources to its oversight of these programs in order to maximize the value to transitioning service members while eliminating redundancy. Additionally, the DoD should increase the transparency of its process for identifying gaps within the defense industrial base that could benefit from service members\u2019 and veterans\u2019 unique skillsets, and promote such opportunities as part of current transition programs.\n\nTransitioning service members and veterans must be provided with the necessary resources to move directly from their service into skilled trade jobs that are vital to our national defense. In 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that nearly 25 percent of service members did not attend transition assistance classes and the DoD has not utilized data to improve participation in these programs. Several employment assistance programs, such as the DoD\u2019s SkillBridge and Credentialing Opportunities Online, help equip service members with the skills needed for success after their service. Improved data collection on the use of transition assistance programs should not only aid marketing efforts to increase participation in these programs, but also support timely job placement for transitioning service members and veterans placement into immediate employment.\n\nGiven the significant federal investment in transition assistance programs\u2014particularly those focused on education\u2014we must identify whether current funding and resource levels are sufficient to support program objectives and ensure these programs support other national security objectives where possible. While education-focused programs like the GI Bill are invaluable, only 10 percent of the federal expenditures for military-to-civilian transition programs are dedicated to employment-specific assistance programs, with many programs lacking consistent and reliable funding. Given the need to fill critical workforce gaps across the industrial base, additional investment towards job-focused support could better enhance our service members\u2019 transition to the civilian labor market, and in turn, meet the needs of our industrial base.\n\nTherefore, we request information on the issues identified, as well as answers to the following questions:\n\nWhat specific transition programs currently guide service members towards careers that support the defense industrial base?\n\nHow successful have these programs been in attracting service members and helping participants acquire defense industrial base jobs?\n\nWhat steps is the DoD taking to identify and address critical gaps within the defense industrial base that transitioning service members could fill?\n\nWhat adjustments or enhancements to current transition programs does the DoD recommend to better align them with the needs of the defense industrial base?\n\nHow does the DoD assess the current allocation of resources between education-focused programs and employment assistance programs for transitioning service members?\n\nAre current resources adequate to support the needs of transitioning service-members, as well as national security objectives?\n\nHow does the DoD coordinate with the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to ensure proper implementation and oversight of current programs, in order to reduce redundancy and red tape?\n\nHow does the DoD currently promote civilian occupations critical to the defense industrial base to service members and veterans?\n\nWhat additional legislative or budgetary support does the DoD require from Congress to enhance transition programs that bolster the defense industrial base?\n\nPlease provide an update on implementation of the recommendations in GAO\u2019s report titled \u201cServicemembers Transitioning to Civilian Life: DOD Can Better Leverage Performance Information to Improve Participation in Counseling Pathways.\u201d\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this important issue and look forward to your response.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/13/budd-helps-introduce-bill-to-jail-eco-terrorists-who-attack-pipelines/", "Budd Helps Introduce Bill to Jail Eco-Terrorists Who Attack Pipelines", "2024-09-13", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has helped introduce the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act, a bill led by Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\nThe legislation would deter domestic eco-terrorists from targeting pipelines for transporting oil and gas in the U.S. by expanding the current criminal penalties to cover vandalism, tampering with, or disrupting the operations or construction of a pipeline.\n\nCurrent federal law does allow for criminal charges against individuals who damage or destroy operating pipelines. However, it does not clearly apply these penalties to those who vandalize, tamper with, or disrupt the operation or construction of a pipeline.\n\nThe bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Todd Young (R-IN), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cWe need more energy infrastructure in our state and our country. Individuals who destroy, vandalize, or damage pipelines or try to violently disrupt the construction of new ones must be prosecuted. I am proud to partner with Senator Cruz to introduce the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act, which will make sure these criminals are held accountable.\u201d\n\nSenator Cruz said:\n\n\u201cThe number of targeted, disruptive activities against vital oil and gas pipelines is growing. These disruptions, whether during construction or operation, are not just inconveniences\u2014they put people\u2019s lives at risk and are direct assaults on our economy and American energy independence. I am proud to spearhead legislation to jail eco-terrorists who try to shut down pipelines and prevent the movement of American energy. It is particularly needed given Hollywood radicals celebrate and encourage eco-terrorism through films like \u2018How to Blow Up a Pipeline.\u2019 Ironically, when eco-terrorists take extreme measures like valve-turning, they actually risk damaging the environment, which is exactly what pipeline operators are working to avoid. This legislation would ensure these highly disruptive acts now meet the thresholds for criminal penalties.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-announces-4-9-million-grant-for-piedmont-triad-international-airport-improvements", "Tillis Announces $4.9 Million Grant for Piedmont Triad International Airport Improvements", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $4.9 million grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to rehabilitate existing lighting on a taxiway at Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport.\n\n\u201cI am proud to have partnered with local leaders in the Triad to secure this crucial funding, which will facilitate essential upgrades to PTI,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis investment will enhance taxiway lighting capabilities ensuring that both pilots and passengers are kept safe.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-announces-10-million-for-raleigh-durham-international-airport-improvements", "Tillis Announces $10 Million for Raleigh-Durham International Airport Improvements", "2024-09-09", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $10 million grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to shift an existing runway at Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) Airport by 523 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. The grant funds the grading and drainage of the project.\n\n\"This funding will ensure that RDU not only meets national standards but also continues to provide an exceptional experience for passengers,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cAs the Triangle region continues to grow, it is vital that we invest in our public transportation and infrastructure, including our airports. I am proud to have worked alongside local leaders to secure this critical funding.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/04/senator-budd-highlights-100-county-tour/", "Senator Budd Highlights 100 County Tour", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Davie County, NC \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a new video highlighting his recently completed 100 County Tour across North Carolina. In the video, Senator Budd discusses the importance of visiting all 100 counties and what he has heard from North Carolinians.\n\n\u201cNothing tells you more than traveling around 100 counties and hearing it directly from the people here in North Carolina,\u201d Budd said.\n\nThis was his first 100 county tour since taking office last year. Senator Budd previously visited all 100 counties during his Senate campaign in 2022.\n\nWATCH VIDEO:\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/9/tillis-announces-5-2-million-in-grants-to-improve-infrastructure-across-nc", "Tillis Announces $5.2 Million in Grants to Improve Infrastructure Across NC", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $5.2 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve transportation safety and infrastructure across North Carolina.\n\n\u201cThis $5.2 million in grant funding will positively impact the daily lives of North Carolinians across our state by making our communities safer and travel easier,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI\u2019m proud these investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.\u201d\n\nThe following communities received funds through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program:\n\n$3,150,000 to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization to develop a comprehensive safety action plan for the 21 municipalities and 3 counties in the Charlotte urban area.\n\n$800,000 to the Town of Chapel Hill to rewrite their traffic impact analysis process, expand their Safe Routes to School Action plan, and conduct a road diet on a street in the central business district with no bike lanes.\n\n$483,000 to the town of Boiling Springs to conduct demonstration projects on roads in the downtown core, improve road signage, paint crosswalks, and reinforce parking areas.\n\n$280,000 to the City of Winston-Salem to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n$240,000 to the Town of Huntersville to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n$96,000 to the Town of Hope Mills to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n$76,800 to the Town of Winterville to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n$57,600 to the Village of Marvin to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n$48,000 to the Town of McAdenville to develop a comprehensive safety action plan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/09/01/budd-statement-on-murder-of-american-hostage-by-hamas/", "Budd Statement on Murder of American Hostage by Hamas", "2024-09-01", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old American citizen who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, was murdered by Hamas terrorists in Gaza along with five other Israeli hostages.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cWe are devastated by news of Hersh Goldberg-Polin\u2019s death. Having gotten to know Hersh\u2019s parents, Jon and Rachel, over the last agonizing 330 days, we cannot imagine the pain and grief they are experiencing. We are praying for God to comfort them and all of Hersh\u2019s loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is yet another act of cold-blooded barbarism from Hamas terrorists. It must not be excused or downplayed. The U.S. government must leave no stone unturned until all those responsible for Hersh\u2019s kidnapping and murder are brought to justice, and until we bring every American hostage home.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn July 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Hamas\u2019s political leader was killed, saying that it \u201csends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/08/28/budd-joins-letter-calling-out-biden-harris-va-for-pact-act-mismanagement/", "Budd Joins Letter Calling Out Biden-Harris VA for PACT Act Mismanagement", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) expressing strong disappointment of the VA\u2019s mismanagement leading to an unacceptable budget shortfall stemming from its failure to correctly implement the \u201cPACT Act.\u201d\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and co-signed by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NB), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nWe write today again disappointed by the clear failure in leadership at all levels of the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) to adhere to congressional intent, effectively implement the PACT Act, and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. A failure that has culminated in 3.5 years of severe deterioration in your department\u2019s ability to adequately serve the American men and women across this country who selflessly stepped forward in service to the United States.\n\nYour leadership of the VA has been characterized by a lack of accountability\u2014made possible in part by the lack of sufficient oversight from the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee\u2014a willingness to ignore congressional intent. Under your leadership, veterans have witnessed improper bonuses being awarded to executives while their quality of care suffers, a $15 billion combined budget shortfall which is larger than any shortfall ever experienced by any administration, and a blatant willingness by the VA to mislead the American public and Congress.\n\nThere are numerous examples of ignoring Congressional intent, but perhaps the most illustrative is the implementation of the PACT Act. In January 2023, the VA announced it would begin processing PACT Act benefits claims for all veterans and survivors, completely ignoring statutory requirements that benefits be phased in over an 8-year period. What resulted was a $15 billion combined budget shortfall that you only recently notified Congress about. As mentioned previously, this shortfall is the largest for the VA under any administration and flies in the face of the FY25 budget request that this administration requested barely four months ago. Your active disregard for the law directly impacts veterans and threatens to put their promised benefits for exposure to toxic substances while serving their country benefits at risk.\n\nSadly, while the blame for this manufactured crisis rests at your feet, it is the American veteran\u2014men and women united across generations by their willingness and desire to answer the call to service with an understanding that their government would be there for them when the time comes\u2014who suffers most from your failures.\n\nThis pattern of brazen willingness to mislead the American people and Congress and circumvent federal law whenever it is politically expedient is unacceptable. The Department of Veterans Affairs is not a tool to be wielded for political benefit, but a mechanism to protect and care for the brave servicemembers of this great nation. Enough is enough, and our veterans deserve better. You and your leadership team should immediately reverse course and prioritize the well-being of our nation\u2019s veterans.\n\nI look forward to your prompt response to this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-introduce-the-ensuring-continuity-in-veteran-s-health-act", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce the Ensuring Continuity in Veteran\u2019s Health Act", "2024-08-22", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Ensuring Continuity in Veteran\u2019s Health Act, legislation that requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consider continuity of healthcare when deciding whether seeing a provider in the community is in a veteran\u2019s best medical interest.\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserver the best care possible,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis commonsense legislation allows veterans to continue care with their own trusted providers and cuts harmful red tape that prevents veterans from accessing the care they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opens new facilities, many veterans are losing access to the VA\u2019s Community Care Program and, consequently, their long-term healthcare providers. Veterans throughout the country have reported a loss of care, including North Carolina veterans.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-legislation-to-prevent-maternal-deaths-improve-health-services-and-outcomes-for-mothers-signed-into-law", "Tillis Legislation to Prevent Maternal Deaths, Improve Health Services and Outcomes for Mothers Signed into Law", "2024-08-21", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded the recent enactment of the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, legislation that will help curb infant mortality by enabling evidence-based stillbirth efforts to qualify for federal funding.\n\n\u201cMaternal health is a serious issue in North Carolina and across the country with an alarming rise in pregnancy-related deaths,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cWe must work to improve maternal health outcomes and support mothers throughout pregnancy and beyond. I am proud to see this legislation that will increase access to maternal health care, address disparities, and improve outcomes for mothers signed into law.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nRecent reports and data suggest that further reduction in the incidence of stillbirth is possible, highlighting that nearly 25% of stillbirths are potentially preventable. Alarmingly, in our nation, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn every year. This is greater than the number of babies that die during the first year of life and more than ten times the number of babies that die annually due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Data comparing the United States to other countries shows that our nation can and must do more to prevent stillbirth. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent, and, in a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries.\n\nThe Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023 amends Title V, the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant of the Social Security Act, to clarify that stillbirth prevention activities and research are an allowable use of funds. This clarification will support stillbirth prevention activities, thereby helping to save the lives of mothers and babies.\n\nThe Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act is endorsed by Healthy Birth Day, 1st Breath, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health (formerly 2020 Mom), 2 Degrees Foundation, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP), March of Dimes, Measure the Placenta, Mom Congress, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, \u201cReproductive and Placental Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine\u201d, Return to Zero: H.O.P.E., Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Every Mother Counts, Association of Women\u2019s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Start Healing Together, M.E.N.D. (Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death), Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), What to Expect Project, Postpartum Support International, Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation, National Education Association (NEA), Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women\u2019s Health (NPWH), Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, SUDC Foundation, and RH Impact.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/08/16/u-s-senator-ted-budd-completes-100-county-tour/", "U.S. Senator Ted Budd Completes 100 County Tour", "2024-08-16", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Tyrrell County, NC \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) completed a tour of all of North Carolina\u2019s 100 counties. This was his first 100 county tour since taking office last year. Senator Budd previously visited all 100 counties during his Senate campaign in 2022.\n\nWATCH VIDEO:\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cWe just finished up 100 counties in North Carolina, and the clock resets and we\u2019re going to go back and do it again. I\u2019ve met some amazing people: law enforcement, agricultural, manufacturing, and just great citizens of this wonderful state. It\u2019s so important to me to learn what\u2019s going on in people\u2019s lives so when I\u2019m in Washington, DC I can be an even better representative, and I can reflect the values that come from right here in North Carolina.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-expand-working-families-access-to-quality-child-care", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Working Families\u2019 Access to Quality Child Care", "2024-08-14", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis, alongside five of his Republican Senate colleagues, recently introduced The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024, legislation that strengthens child care services, increases the supply of child care providers, and improves the program to support families and providers in the pursuit of quality, affordable child care.\n\n\u201cI am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThe CCDBG Reauthorization Act is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success, and is a critical step forward in ensuring that every family has the quality child care they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the First Five Years Fund, Save the Children, First Five Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Early Care and Education Consortium, and Buffett Early Childhood Institute.\n\nThe CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on the historically bipartisan CCDBG program which has assisted working families with their child care needs for over 30 years.\n\nSpecifically, the reauthorization:\n\nEnsures parental choice by supporting working parents as they choose the child care services that best suit their family\u2019s needs.\n\nStrengthens child care services by moving states to a statistically valid and reliable cost estimation model for setting provider rates.\n\nProvides funding to states to expand the supply and capacity of child care providers, as well as to ensure that child care facilities are designed and equipped to keep children healthy and safe.\n\nAssists in-home and rural child care providers by providing them with technical assistance, while also directing the Department of Agriculture to remove regulatory burdens that restrict the presence of home-based child care providers.\n\nBroadens community input in state child care plan development.\n\nReduces duplicative regulatory burdens on child care providers.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-demand-doj-investigation-into-schools-with-ccp-ties", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand DOJ Investigation Into Schools With CCP Ties", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and seven of his Republican Senate colleagues recently sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to investigate cases of American institutions of higher education having ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).\n\n\u201cWe write regarding reports that American institutions of higher education (IHEs) are failing to disclose financial ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Efforts to conceal CCP attempts to influence American students and steal intellectual property threaten our national security,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Justice (DOJ) has disclosed multiple cases where U.S. universities collaborated illegally with the CCP. On July 16, 2024, the U.S. Attorney\u2019s office for the District of Maryland announced that the University of Maryland paid $500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to disclose funding from Chinese companies, including Alibaba. On October 2, 2023, the same office announced that Stanford University paid $1.9 million to resolve allegations related to faculty\u2019s ties with the CCP. In both cases, the universities knowingly defrauded federal agencies critical to national security,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cUndisclosed and unmonitored financial relationships between U.S. academia and the CCP are glaring national security risks. Such relationships leave the U.S. vulnerable to intellectual property theft, improper influence, and even espionage. It is imperative that DOJ take additional steps to swiftly address this concern,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-demand-biden-harris-administration-end-israel-arms-embargo", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand Biden-Harris Administration End Israel Arms Embargo", "2024-08-12", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and 47 of his Republican Senate colleagues recently sent a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris protesting the Administration\u2019s partial arms embargo against Israel.\n\n\u201cWe write once again to protest your administration\u2019s partial arms embargo against Israel. The actions of the Biden-Harris administration run counter to our long history of robust military cooperation with Israel and cast doubt upon the reliability of the United States as a long-term security partner. Your actions also violate the will of Congress as expressed in the recent supplemental that funded emergency military support to Israel,\u201dthe senatorswrote.\n\n\u201cWhen Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly raised the weapons hold in June, your administration adamantly denied the accusation. You ignored Congressional inquiries, including a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Marshall, a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Ernst, a May 14, 2024, letter from Senator Risch and a June 20, 2024, letter from Senator Cotton. All the while, you were deliberately delaying the delivery of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Israel. These include 120 mm tank ammunition, 120 mm mortar ammunition, light tactical vehicles, air-to-air missiles, F-15s, F-35 engines, joint direct attack munition kits, 2,000 pound bombs, rifles, and guided missile systems,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cWhile your administration delays, Hamas continues to wage war against Israel, the Houthis continue to attack in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah continues its onslaught in northern Israel. Your stalling tactics are endangering our greatest ally in the Middle East and jeopardizing the lives of our American servicemembers stationed in the region. We urge you to use every available emergency authority to expedite the physical delivery of all weapons and ammunition to Israel that have been approved by Congress. Your administration must stop accommodating Iran and its terrorist allies now,\u201dthe senators concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-statement-on-lee-robert-s-election-as-chancellor-of-unc-chapel-hill", "Tillis Statement on Lee Robert\u2019s Election as Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill", "2024-08-09", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on the UNC System Board of Governors approval of Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts to serve as the 13th Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:\n\n\u201cLee Roberts is a phenomenal choice for chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill. He has already proven remarkable leadership and integrity during his tenure as interim chancellor, and I am excited to see him build on UNC-Chapel Hill\u2019s well-earned reputation as one of our nation\u2019s finest public universities in the years ahead.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-demand-ncaa-keep-biological-men-out-of-women-s-sports", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand NCAA Keep Biological Men Out of Women\u2019s Sports", "2024-08-06", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Charlie Baker demanding he update the NCAA student-athlete policy to ensure only biologically female students can participate in women\u2019s sports.\n\n\u201cAmid the Biden\u2014Harris administration\u2019s unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women\u2019s sports. The 2024 Summer Olympics are upon us, and the NCAA has boasted about its athletes\u2019 participation. Yet the NCAA has still taken no steps to protecting a critical portion of these athletes. Several organizations\u2014including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport\u2014in addition to more than 20 states, have acted recently to protect women\u2019s sports. We urge the NCAA to follow suit and take similar action to promote fair play,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe science is clear. Males have inherent athletic advantages over females due to their anatomy and biology\u2014including through having larger hearts, higher red blood count, greater lung capacity, longer endurance, larger muscle mass, differences in bone density and geometry, and lower body fat. Consistently, when adult males\u2019 athletic performance is contrasted with adult females\u2019 athletic performance in sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males dominate, outperforming females by 10 to 30 percent\u2026 there is an understanding that male hormones give athletes a material and competitive advantage in sports. To allow biological men to compete in women\u2019s sports, while considering testosterone a performance enhancer, is intellectually dishonest. These facts cannot continue to be ignored by the NCAA,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cIn April of this year, the NAIA Council of Presidents unanimously approved a new policy prohibiting the participation of males in women\u2019s sports. Similarly, in June of this year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Lia Thomas lacked standing to challenge World Aquatic\u2019s policy barring Thomas from competing in the women\u2019s category for the Olympics. These decisions are rooted in the fundamental knowledge that\u2014while each individual should have access to sports\u2014men and women have biological differences that must be respected\u2026 The very bedrock of sport is the exhibition of a commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and fair play among competitors\u2014all of which is threatened absent an even playing field. Women deserve that even playing field and chance to compete, one that can only be achieved by ensuring that only females compete in women\u2019s sports. We urge you to follow the lead of the NAIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport and adopt policies that protect women\u2019s sports,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nBackground:\n\nRiley Gaines, Concerned Women for America, Heritage Action, the Independent Council on Women\u2019s Sports, Independent Women's Forum, the Independent Women's Law Center, Champion Women, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the Our Bodies, Our Sports Coalition have endorsed this letter.\n\n\u201cIn conjunction with the Biden-Harris administration, the NCAA has turned their back on women by disregarding Title IX and its original intent. It's unfair, it's unsafe, and it's discriminatory. I\u2019m grateful to Senator Blackburn and every Senator who has joined this effort to fight for our rights to equal opportunity, privacy, and safety. This is the civil rights issue of our time.\u201d \u2013 Riley Gaines, 12x NCAA All-American swimmer\n\n\u201cMen and women are different. Period. Title IX was implemented because of that reality, in order to give women the same opportunities in sports as their male counterparts. But now those opportunities are being ripped away from them because of men who are identifying as female and organizations like the NCAA who are allowing them to compete against women. The NCAA says it supports its female athletes - it's time that those words were followed by actions.\u201d \u2013 Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America\n\n\u201cMen do not belong in women\u2019s sports. This obvious truth is based in science and backed by the vast majority of Americans. By giving men access to women\u2019s spaces and teams, the NCAA is violating its responsibility to protect student athletes from unsafe, unfair competition. The integrity of college sports hinges on the NCAA\u2019s resolve to do the right thing and put the rights of female athletes above political pandering.\u201d \u2013 Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action\n\n\u201cThe infiltration of men in women\u2019s sports is an attack on the fundamental principles of fair and ethical competition. ICONS stands fully behind Senator Blackburn\u2019s letter and calls on the NCAA to follow the lead of the NAIA by taking immediate and decisive action to protect the rights of female athletes.\u201d \u2013 Marshi Smith & Kim Jones, Co-Founders, Independent Council on Women\u2019s Sports (ICONS)\n\n\u201cThe NCAA touts its Emerging Sports For Women Program and other programs meant to encourage female athletes' achievements, all while embracing policies that continue to erase them. The NCAA has rejected pleas from more than 7,000 NCAA athletes, and demands from women\u2019s rights organizations, feminist organizations, sports organizations, female Olympians and lawyers urging the NCAA to take immediate action to repeal its discriminatory policy that allows male athletes to compete in women\u2019s sports \u2014 taking trophies, roster sports, playing time, resources, and opportunities to compete from women and girls. Independent Women's Forum and Independent Women's Law Center are grateful for members of Congress who know this is unjust and are asking the NCAA to do the right thing.\u201d \u2013 Carrie Lukas, President/Independent Women's Forum and May Mailman, Director/Independent Women's Law Center\n\n\u201cI was at the NCAA meeting when Pat Griffin and Helen Carroll presented their transgender inclusion policy for adoption. We were told that one year of cross-sex hormones would remove male-advantage from men who wanted to compete with women. We were assured that the science was conclusive. Years later, we now know that the science that the NCAA relied on was wrong, and that newer research shows that no amount of hormones or surgery can roll back male athletic advantage. The NCAA should recognize the now well-established science and change their policy to protect women\u2019s sports.\u201d \u2013 Nancy Hogshead, J.D., OLY, Founder and CEO, Champion Women\n\nText of the full letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-demand-answers-on-potential-hatch-act-violation-by-education-secretary-cardona", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand Answers on Potential Hatch Act Violation by Education Secretary Cardona", "2024-08-05", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) recently sent a letter to Department of Education Inspector General Sandra D. Bruce calling on her to investigate Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona over a potential violation of theHatch Act and other federal laws. Secretary Cardona recently sent a letter to student loan borrowers regarding the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s student loan bailout scheme which included partisan attacks against Republicans.\n\n\u201cIn July, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona sent an official letter to student loan borrowers regarding the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The letter, which was sent from an official Department email account, displayed the Secretary\u2019s name in the \u2018from\u2019 line, and contained his handwritten signature, was overtly political and may violate Department policy and various federal laws,\u201dthe senators wrote.\n\n\u201cAs you know, theHatch Act prohibits federal employees from \u2018us[ing] [their] official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election.\u2019 According to OSC guidance, this limitation on political activity includes \u201cactivity directed at the success or failure of a political party. \u2018Likewise, theAnti-Lobbying Act prohibits the unauthorized use of taxpayer funds \u2018to influence in any manner . . . an official of any government\u2019 to favor or oppose any law or policy. The Purpose Statute prohibits the use of appropriated funds on any object other than those \u2018for which the appropriations were made except as otherwise provided by law.\u2019 Finally, theAnti-Deficiency Act prohibits the expenditure of unappropriated taxpayer dollars,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration should not use taxpayer dollars for transparently political attacks on Republicans. As we are now in the midst of a presidential election, we appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and request interim updates on the status of your investigation,\u201dthe senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/08/02/budd-joins-letter-calling-out-biden-harris-for-partial-arms-embargo-against-israel/", "Budd Joins Letter Calling Out Biden-Harris for Partial Arms Embargo Against Israel", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined an oversight letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris calling out their partial arms embargo against Israel.\n\nThe letter was led by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and co-signed by a total of 47 Senators.\n\nFull text of the letter:\n\nThis weekend, Hezbollah fired Iranian-made missiles into northern Israel, murdering 12 children and injuring dozens in the single deadliest attack on that part of the country since October 7. The ultimate responsibility for this attack rests with Hezbollah and the ayatollahs in Iran. However, while Tehran financed the attack and Hezbollah conducted it, your fear of escalation has left Israel exposed and our enemies emboldened.\n\nWe write once again to protest your administration\u2019s partial arms embargo against Israel. The actions of the Biden-Harris administration run counter to our long history of robust military cooperation with Israel and cast doubt upon the reliability of the United States as a long-term security partner. Your actions also violate the will of Congress as expressed in the recent supplemental that funded emergency military support to Israel.\n\nWhen Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly raised the weapons hold in June, your administration adamantly denied the accusation. You ignored Congressional inquiries, including a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Marshall, a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Ernst, a May 14, 2024, letter from Senator Risch and a June 20, 2024, letter from Senator Cotton. All the while, you were deliberately delaying the delivery of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Israel. These include 120 mm tank ammunition, 120 mm mortar ammunition, light tactical vehicles, air-to-air missiles, F-15s, F-35 engines, joint direct attack munition kits, 2,000 pound bombs, rifles, and guided missile systems.\n\nWhile your administration delays, Hamas continues to wage war against Israel, the Houthis continue to attack in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah continues its onslaught in northern Israel. Your stalling tactics are endangering our greatest ally in the Middle East and jeopardizing the lives of our American servicemembers stationed in the region. We urge you to use every available emergency authority to expedite the physical delivery of all weapons and ammunition to Israel that have been approved by Congress.\n\nYour administration must stop accommodating Iran and its terrorist allies now.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/illis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-stabilize-and-reform-medicare-reimbursement", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stabilize and Reform Medicare Reimbursement", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced thePhysician Fee Stabilization Act, legislation that would protect access to Medicare services by reforming the program\u2019s physician fee schedule.\n\n\u201cThe nearly two million Medicare beneficiaries in North Carolina expect timely access to quality care,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cYear after year, we\u2019ve seen consistent Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians that adversely impact access to care and patient outcomes \u2013 and just last month, Medicare proposed yet another three percent cut to physician reimbursement. This bipartisan legislation makes long-overdue changes to outdated policies to ensure physicians are adequately reimbursed, and seniors have uninterrupted access to care.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThePhysician Fee Stabilization Act would increase the budget neutrality threshold to $53 million with an increase every five years to keep pace with the Medicare Economic Index. This is a critical step forward to ensure greater flexibility in determining pricing adjustments for services without triggering harmful annual payment cuts to Medicare-serving physicians. The budget neutrality threshold was last updated in 1992.\n\nThePhysician Fee Stabilization Act has support from nationwide health organizations including the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), American Optometric Association (AOA), Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), American College of Surgeons (ACS), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), National Rural Health Association (NRHA), American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), American College of Radiology (ACR), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), Alliance of Specialty Medicine (ASM), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American Urological Association (AUA), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AOA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), American College of Physicians (ACF), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and American College of Cardiology (ACC).\n\nSenator Tillis has been a long-time advocate of protecting access to Medicare services. In February, Senator Tillis joined a bipartisan effort to ensure providers who treat Medicare patients are adequately compensated.\n\nFull text of the bill is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-announces-8-8-million-for-asheville-regional-airport-expansion", "Tillis Announces $8.8 Million for Asheville Regional Airport Expansion", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $8,856,174 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct 2,110 square feet of the north concourse expansion that will expand the existing terminal and accommodate more passengers at Asheville Regional Airport. All funding comes directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.\n\n\u201cThis funding will be used to continue the much-needed expansion at AVL to accommodate more passengers coming to Western North Carolina,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud to have helped author and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made this project and other critical infrastructure projects like it possible.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/8/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-president-biden-from-cancelling-student-loan-debt", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop President Biden from Cancelling Student Loan Debt", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently re-introduced the Student Loan Accountability Act, legislation prohibiting the Biden Administration from canceling student loan debt at the expense of millions of Americans who chose not to go to college or worked diligently to pay off any student debt. 87% of North Carolinians do not have student loan debt according to the Education Data Initiative.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s illegal student loan cancellation plan is grossly unfair for the millions of people who have worked hard and sacrificed to pay off their student loans. Additionally, hardworking North Carolinians, many of whom do not have student loans themselves, should not have to pay for someone else\u2019s degree,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cInstead, we must address the root causes of the rising cost of higher education, and I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues to hold President Biden accountable and prevent him from causing more irreparable damage.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Biden Administration has already implemented $620 billion of debt cancellation, and combined with newer cancellation plans, all of the White House\u2019s recent student debt cancellation policies will add up to $1.4 trillion to the national debt. For comparison, the Biden Administration has spent more on these policies than the federal government has spent on higher education throughout our nation\u2019s history. These reckless decisions further fuel inflation for hardworking Americans and unfairly penalize individuals who weighed financial considerations, such as affordability, when making higher education decisions.\n\nSpecifically, the Student Loan Accountability Act:\n\nProhibits the Department of Education, Department of Justice, and the Department of Treasury from taking any action to cancel or forgive the outstanding balances, or portions of balances, of covered loans.\n\nIncludes exemptions for existing targeted federal student loan forgiveness, cancellation, or repayment programs currently in effect under the Higher Education Act, such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:36:13Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/07/31/budd-lujan-bill-to-help-children-of-substance-abuse-victims-passes-committee/", "Budd, Lujan Bill to Help Children of Substance Abuse Victims Passes Committee", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n\u2019s (D-NM) Families Care Act passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee \u2013 a key step towards it becoming law.\n\nThe bill was included and passed as part of the Older Americans Act.\n\nThe Families Care Act directs the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to provide\n\npeer support services for grandparents and caregivers caring for children affected by the opioid crisis.\n\nSen. Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cOver 107,000 Americans died of an overdose last year. In North Carolina, nearly 12 people die each day of a drug overdose. More must be done to care for the children and loved ones left behind after an overdose. That\u2019s why I joined Senator Lujan to introduce the Families Care Act. This is an important step to make sure that families hurt by addiction and overdose are not left behind. No family in pain should be isolated in their time of need. Our bill will provide the opportunity for those who have walked this road before to share their experiences with others.\u201d\n\nSen. Luj\u00e1n said:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce the Families Care Act with Senator Budd to support grandparent caregivers. As substance use disorders continue to impact American families, many grandparents and other family members are assuming more caregiving for children. This legislation provides more support for caregivers affected by familial substance use disorders with more peer support and best practices. This initiative can help relieve caregiver stress and isolation by providing practical advice and fostering a supportive community. By equipping caregivers with essential resources and connections, we can enhance their well-being and improve the quality of care they provide.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/07/31/budd-statement-on-death-of-hamas-political-leader/", "Budd Statement on Death of Hamas Political Leader", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released a statement after the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran:\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cThe death of Hamas\u2019 political leader sends a clear and resounding message to terrorists that those who kill and kidnap Americans will ultimately face justice. Terrorists with American blood on their hands should be mourned by no one, especially by a major non-NATO ally like Qatar. Maximum pressure on Hamas terrorists is the best way to secure the release of hostages.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn October 25, 2023, Senator Budd first spoke about the hostage situation in Gaza on the Senate floor, where he announced his intention \u201cto hold all humanitarian aid to Gaza until each and every American hostage is home and is safe.\u201d\n\nOn November 6, 2023, Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani in Senator Budd\u2019s Washington, D.C. office. In that meeting, he strongly urged the Qatari government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.\n\nOn November 26, 2023, Senator Budd reacted to the release of Keith Siegel\u2019s wife, Aviva, saying, \u201cWhile we are encouraged by the government of Qatar\u2019s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.\u201d\n\nOn November 28, 2023, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and called out Qatar for its continued hosting of Hamas terrorist leaders, saying, \u201cWe need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.\u201d\n\nOn December 13, 2023, Senator Budd sent a holiday message of support to the hostages and their families in a speech on the Senate floor, saying, \u201cI want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.\u201d\n\nOn January 10, 2024, Senator Budd returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. The focus of the delegation\u2019s meetings across the region was on securing the release of hostages.\n\nOn the trip, Senator Budd and his colleagues toured one of the communities devastated by the October 7th massacre by Hamas terrorists. He personally spoke with former hostage Aviva Siegel, and met with top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director David Barnea.\n\nSenator Budd then met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Prime Minister of Qatar, to whom Senator Budd sent a strong message that Qatar must do more to secure the immediate and safe release of all of the hostages.\n\nOn January 15, 2024, Senators Budd and Joni Ernst (R-IA) published an op-ed marking the 100th day of captivity for the hostages, writing, \u201cAs long as Americans remain captive to these barbaric thugs, the latter is the victor. Allowing Americans to suffer under the yoke of terrorists is a win for evil around the world and a boon for Iran\u2019s proxies.\u201d\n\nOn January 25, 2024, Senator Budd spoke on the Senate floor and delivered a sharp message to the government of Qatar: \u201cOur patience has run out. Time is up. Either pressure Hamas leaders to release the hostages now, or expel them from your land. It\u2019s that simple. The United States of America will be watching.\u201d\n\nOn March 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Tillis invited the family of Keith Siegel to be their guests at the president\u2019s State of the Union Address. Keith\u2019s sister Lucy and niece Hanna have accepted the Senators\u2019 invitation.\n\nOn March 15, 2024, Senator Budd joined a joint statement from Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as five other Senators stating, \u201cIf Hamas refuses reasonable negotiations, there is no reason for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas\u2019 political office or any of its members in Doha.\u201d\n\nOn March 26, 2024, Senator Budd and Senator Ernst issued a joint statement calling on the State of Qatar to immediately expel all members of Hamas\u2019 political office currently residing in Doha.\n\nOn April 9, 2024, Senator Budd introduced the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, which would require the Secretary of State to formally certify that Qatar has expelled or agreed to extradite to the United States any individuals bearing responsibility for the terror attack on October 7, 2023. If the Secretary of State cannot make this certification in good faith, then the President is required to immediately terminate the designation of the State of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally.\n\nOn April 10, 2024, Senator Budd attempted to invoke unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the \u2018Reviewing Qatar\u2019s Major Non- NATO Ally Status Act\u2019, but was blocked. He said, \u201cThe time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don\u2019t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.\u201d\n\nOn May 7, 2024, Senators Budd and Ernst returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Iraq, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).\n\nOn the trip, Senators Budd and Ernst received first-hand updates on the state of the hostage negotiations from top U.S. and Israeli officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They also hosted the families of American hostages, including the family of North Carolina native, Keith Siegel.\n\nOn May 31, 2024, Senator Budd released a statement after Israeli officials announced a proposal that would free the remaining hostages, saying, \u201cThe terms of their proposal demonstrate once again that Israel is operating in good faith and should not be pressured to accept more than is reasonable given the atrocities of October 7th and their continued, real security concerns.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-colleagues-demand-immediate-oversight-hearing-on-15-billion-va-budget-shortfall", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand Immediate Oversight Hearing on $15 Billion VA Budget Shortfall", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Jon Tester, demanding an immediate hearing on the recently announced Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget shortfall of nearly $15 billion.\n\n\u201cThe sudden nature of the issue, and the sheer financial volume of the request, are both cause for concern and call into question the information previously reported by VA. As members of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, we have an obligation to conduct oversight of the Department. If the problem is not identified and addressed, it is perpetuated. VA must be held to the highest standard in delivering quality, transparent, and efficient care, benefits, and services to our veterans, while acting as exemplary stewards of taxpayer dollars,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cOur Committee is directly responsible for conducting rigorous oversight and this budget shortfall proves that VA is in desperate need of scrutiny and accountability. Our obligation is not absolved because the Senate is departing for a five-week recess. The VA Secretary needs to immediately testify in-person before the Committee to answer the nearly $15 billion question before a supplemental is considered. The American people, and especially our veterans, deserve a government operating with full transparency and integrity. They expect results, not a blank check to further bureaucratic mismanagement,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cThe answers and accountability owed to our veterans cannot wait until the Senate returns on September 9, just days before the VA says that benefits payments will be disrupted. As such, we urge you to immediately schedule a hearing so we can conduct proper oversight and get to the bottom of this concerning report. Once we get these critical answers, then we can quickly take appropriate action to ensure payments continue to our veterans and ensure this unacceptable financial mismanagement does not jeopardize veterans again,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis $15 billion shortfall is the largest budget shortfall the VA has experienced, and is a clear departure from the FY 2025 budget request the Biden-Harris administration presented to Congress just four months ago. The projected VHA deficit alone is greater than the entire annual budget of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-senate-banking-republicans-demand-withdrawal-of-fdic-s-new-corporate-governance-guidelines", "Tillis, Senate Banking Republicans Demand Withdrawal of FDIC\u2019s New Corporate Governance Guidelines", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis, alongside all of his Republican Senate Banking Committee colleagues, recently sent a letter to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Martin Gruenberg exposing the many flaws in the agency's new corporate governance and risk management guidelines that would harm the safety and soundness of the U.S. financial system.\n\n\u201cWe write to you today regarding the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)\u2019s notice of proposed rulemaking and issuance of guidelines entitled \u201cGuidelines Establishing Standards for Corporate Governance and Risk Management for Covered Institutions with Total Consolidated Assets of $10 Billion or More\u201d (the Proposal). Specifically, we are concerned that the rulemaking contains a multitude of issues and flaws that collectively will hinder, not improve, safety and soundness within the U.S. financial system,\u201dthe senators wrote.\n\n\u201cSafety and soundness is the cornerstone regulatory principle of the U.S. banking system. To maintain this principle, financial institutions and financial regulators alike must operate under clear and well-defined regulatory frameworks. As the banking failures of 2023 showed, ineffective risk management by financial institutions paired with ineffective risk supervision by financial regulators are key areas from which potential hazards may arise. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in particular, where bank management\u2019s perilous concentration and interest-rate strategies were met with sluggish and lackluster responses by financial regulators, underscores the necessity for regulatory constructs to emphasize clear and direct accountability standards for both bank management and regulators. Unfortunately, the Proposal, as drafted, indicates the FDIC is preparing to move in the opposite direction,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cWhile we agree that sound corporate governance is a necessity, the Proposal represents a significantly flawed approach to prudential regulation that seeks to micromanage Board affairs in a manner that will inject unnecessary uncertainty in key bank management activities. It will unduly burden banks that serve and operate in small and rural communities. And, perhaps most concerningly, the Proposal lacks consensus support among FDIC leadership, is out of step with other prudential regulators, and actively opposed by state supervisors. For these reasons, we respectfully request the FDIC withdraw the Proposal,\u201dthe senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senator Tillis, the letter was signed by Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Kennedy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Katie Britt (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Steve Daines (R-MT).\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the FDIC Corporate Governance Proposal:\n\nSeeks to impose a litany of requirements on bank Board of Directors that functionally remove the distinction between senior management and bank Boards.\n\nWould require bank Boards \u201censure\u201d and \u201cconfirm\u201d bank safety and soundness, effective risk governance, and legal compliance.\n\nWould require Banks to abide by Board composition standards that are out-of-touch and unrealistic, especially for smaller institutions.\n\nEffectively micro-manages bank activities and blurs the lines between Board matters and duties of senior management.\n\nContradicts numerous state corporate governance laws, creating regulatory imbalance or even regulatory arbitrage.\n\nRule is actively opposed by numerous stakeholders and other financial regulators, such as the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and several state banking commissioners.\n\nAnalysis of feedback received during the Proposal\u2019s Notice and Comment period indicates that 92% of posted comments either opposed the Proposal entirely or raised substantial concerns.\n\nFull text of the letter is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/senate-passes-tillis-co-sponsored-legislation-to-keep-kids-safe-online", "Senate Passes Tillis Co-Sponsored Legislation to Keep Kids Safe Online", "2024-07-30", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Kid\u2019s Online Safety Act,bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis that protects children online and holds Big Tech accountable.\n\n\u201cOur kids deserve to be safe when they go online, and parents must have access to the tools and resources to protect their children from online harm,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis commonsense legislation protects our children from harm online by ensuring social media companies promote a safe and transparent environment. I\u2019m glad the Senate came together to pass this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Kids Online Safety Act provides young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms. The bill requires social media platforms to put the well-being of children first, ensuring an environment that is safe by default. The legislation requires independent audits by experts and academic researchers to ensure that social media platforms are taking meaningful steps to address risks to kids.\n\nSpecifically, The Kids Online Safety Act:\n\nRequires that social media platforms provide minors with options to protect their information, disable addictive product features, and opt out of algorithmic recommendations. Platforms would be required to enable the strongest settings by default.\n\nGives parents new controls to help support their children and identify harmful behaviors, and provides parents and children with a dedicated channel to report harms to kids to the platform.\n\nCreates a responsibility for social media platforms to prevent and mitigate harms to minors, such as promotion of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and unlawful products for minors (e.g. gambling and alcohol).\n\nRequires social media platforms to perform an annual independent audit that assesses the risks to minors, their compliance with this legislation, and whether the platform is taking meaningful steps to prevent those harms.\n\nProvides academic and public interest organizations with access to critical datasets from social media platforms to foster research regarding harms to the safety and well-being of minors\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/07/29/budd-lummis-introduce-bill-to-adopt-permit-by-rule-to-federal-permitting/", "Budd, Lummis Introduce Bill to Adopt \u2018Permit By Rule\u2019 to Federal Permitting", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) have introduced the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act.\n\nThe legislation would introduce a \u2018permit by rule\u2019 system to the federal permitting process, which would allow an applicant to certify compliance with pre-established criteria to obtain a permit.\n\nThis approach allows permits to be automatically approved unless the agency identifies that an applicant had not made proper certifications within a specified period of time.\n\nSenator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) cosponsored the legislation and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nSenator Budd said in a statement:\n\n\u201cAll too often, the federal permitting process moves at the snail\u2019s pace of government. This slow, expensive, and confusing system is not acceptable and reduces economic growth. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Lummis to introduce a \u2018permit by rule\u2019 system to federal permitting. This approach will reduce bureaucratic delays, reduce compliance costs, and create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment. Responsible applicants should not be subject to the damaging and unpredictable delays of the current case-by-case approval process. I thank Senator Lummis for her partnership on this and look forward to advocating for the FREE Act to receive Senate approval.\u201d\n\nSenator Lummis said:\n\n\u201cThis administration has a well-documented history of mucking up our nation\u2019s permitting process with unnecessary red tape, awarding unnecessary authority to D.C. bureaucrats while Wyoming businesses suffer. If we want to get serious about addressing widespread infrastructure concerns and empowering American industry, we need to establish a clear and transparent permitting process that delivers timely decisions based on objective criteria, not subject to the whims of left-wing bureaucrats.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe FREE Act:\n\nRequires each agency to evaluate their current permitting systems and consider the feasibility of replacing them with a permit by rule system.\n\nMandates agencies to submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days, outlining each permit issued, the requirements for obtaining them, and an evaluation of whether a permit by rule could replace the current system.\n\nEstablishes a permit by rule application process within 12 months of submitting the report, specifying written requirements and substantive standards for permits.\n\nAutomatically approves permits if the application meets all required certifications and no objections are raised within 30 days.\n\nAllows agencies to audit applications and enforce compliance with substantive standards, including denying or halting permits if standards are not met.\n\nEnables applicants to appeal denied or halted permits in district court, with provisions favoring applicants who made a good faith effort to comply.\n\nProhibits agencies from entering settlement agreements that would undermine the enforcement of the FREE Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-deport-non-citizens-convicted-of-crimes-while-protesting", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Deport Non-Citizens Convicted of Crimes While Protesting", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the No Visas for Violent Criminals Act, legislation that would terminate any visa and require deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of a criminal offense during a protest.\n\n\u201cThe United States should have a zero-tolerance policy for non-citizens who intentionally break the law during violent protests,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis legislation makes clear that simply having a green card doesn\u2019t give anyone the right to engage in violent demonstrations that break our laws.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe No Visas for Violent Criminals Act would immediately terminate any visa and require deportation within 60 days of any non-citizen convicted of:\n\nAny offense involving the obstruction of highways, roads, bridges, or tunnels.\n\nAny offense related to the individual\u2019s conduct at and during the course of a protest that takes place at an institution of higher education or religious institution in the United States.\n\nAny offense involving the defacement or destruction of federal property (including but not limited to monuments and memorials). This also applies to any aggravated felony (as defined in 8 U.S.C. \u00a7 1101 (43)).\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/senate-passes-tillis-resolution-to-combat-children-s-mental-health-crisis", "Senate Passes Tillis Resolution to Combat Children\u2019s Mental Health Crisis", "2024-07-26", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, highlighting the mental healthcare crisis American children face and the urgent need to increase our investment in mental health care for children and adolescents.\n\n\u201cWe owe it to the next generation to prioritize mental health care and ensure that quality mental health services are both widely available and easily accessible,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThe mental health challenges faced by our youth today are staggering, but together, we can equip them with the necessary resources and support services to thrive now and in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States is in the midst of a youth mental health and addiction crisis. More than 40% of teenagers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and youth suicide attempts, self-injury, and drug overdoses are rising. While no single factor is to blame, the acute lack of mental health and substance use treatment options for youth, the rise in social and online media, and pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic have played significant roles. We applaud the leadership of Sens. Padilla (D-CA) and Tillis (R-NC) for recognizing the importance of this issue and raising awareness and support for the mental health of America\u2019s youth. The Bipartisan Policy Center and BPC Action look forward to working with Congress to identify and advance bipartisan policy solutions to the youth mental health and substance use crisis,\u201d said Michele Stockwell, President, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Action.\n\nBackground:\n\nOver the past few decades, mental health disorders have steadily risen among children and adolescents, with nearly half of adolescents in the United States facing a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Youth mental health has become a major public health concern: suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds in the United States. Furthermore, many children and adolescents in rural or underserved areas lack appropriate mental health care infrastructure to meet their needs.\n\nFull text of the resolution is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-kaine-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-national-trails", "Tillis, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect National Trails", "2024-07-25", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage national trails across the country.\n\nThe legislation marks the upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which has set the standard for partnering with the federal government to help protect a national trail since its founding.\n\n\u201cThe Appalachian Trail (AT) is one of the most iconic hiking trails anywhere in the world, connecting millions of people every year with the rich natural resources of Appalachia and serving as the bedrock of the local economy for gateway communities throughout North Carolina,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cAs we approach the 100th anniversary of the Trail, I am proud to work with Senator Kaine to introduce this bipartisan legislation to recognize the important role of volunteer trail clubs and improve the management of the National Trails System to preserve the AT for the next 100 years.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor nearly 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been the standard bearer for trail management,\u201d said Sandra Marra, President and CEO of the ATC. \u201cThe Appalachian Trail Centennial Act recognizes what the ATC has learned over the decades \u2014 no single entity can manage a National Trail on its own. Instead, organizations need strong partnership agreements with the federal government that will enable them to forever protect the places we love. The ATC thanks Senators Kaine and Tillis and Representatives Lawler and Beyer for their leadership on this legislation, and are grateful to our agency partners at the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service for their support for trail management and protection.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act would:\n\nEstablish \u201cDesignated Operational Partners\u201d (DOP) for National Scenic and Historic Trails and recognize ATC as the first. A DOP must have demonstrated experience in the management, maintenance, and preservation of the trail.\n\nAllow a DOP to enter into agreements of up to 20 years with the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service to care for National Scenic and Historic Trails.\n\nRequire a DOP to work with federal, state, and local entities to coordinate and advance efforts related to land and resource conservation.\n\nDirect federal agencies to partner with states and other local stakeholders to study and monitor visitor levels, usage patterns, and local economic benefits of National Scenic and Historic Trails.\n\nCreate a streamlined process for agencies to donate surplus tools and equipment to trail maintaining volunteer groups to use for the betterment of trails.\n\nRecognize the decades of dedicated service by the Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs and their volunteers.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.budd.senate.gov/2024/07/24/video-budd-slams-harris-snub-of-netanyahu-speech/", "VIDEO: Budd Slams Harris Snub of Netanyahu Speech", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "www.budd.senate.gov", "budd", "https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) spoke at a press conference organized by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and slammed Vice President Kamala Harris for skipping Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu\u2019s address to a Joint Session of Congress.\n\nSenator Budd also called on Vice President Harris to support Prime Minister Netanyahu\u2019s application of maximum pressure on Hamas terrorists to release hostages, including Americans like North Carolina-native Keith Siegel.\n\nSenator Budd said:\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t think that snubbing our Middle East ally does what we need to do to stop the Hamas terrorists.\u201d\n\n\u201cI think it\u2019s time to regain our moral compass, and it\u2019s time for officials like Vice President Harris to show up and fully support Prime Minister Netanyahu.\u201d\n\nWATCH SENATOR BUDD\u2019S FULL REMARKS HERE\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-announces-27-million-for-charlotte-douglas-international-airport-improvements", "Tillis Announces $27 Million for Charlotte Douglas International Airport Improvements", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $27 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to go towards the replacement of up to 16 passenger boarding bridges at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). All funding comes directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.\n\n\u201cCharlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and this award to replace aging passenger boarding bridges is a much-needed upgrade to continuing improving this important transportation hub,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that I\u2019m proud to have helped author and pass into law. It\u2019s already provided more than $10 billion to rebuild North Carolina\u2019s infrastructure, and this award to CLT is the latest project that will benefit our great state.\u201d\n\nRead the letter Senator Tillis sent requesting funding for the project HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-announces-4-million-for-wilmington-international-airport-improvements", "Tillis Announces $4 Million for Wilmington International Airport Improvements", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to construct a new terminal access road and curb expansion at Wilmington International Airport. All funding comes directly from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.\n\n\u201cThis funding will be used to replace the existing terminal access road and realign the curb outside the terminal, making access to the airport facilities easier and more convenient for passengers,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud to have helped author and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made this project and other critical infrastructure projects like it possible.\u201d\n\nRead the letter Senator Tillis sent requesting funding for the project HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-kelly-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-increase-access-to-plasma-based-medicines", "Tillis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Plasma-Based Medicines", "2024-07-24", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the bipartisan Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act, legislation to ensure individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to necessary plasma-based medicines.\n\n\u201cIt is critical patients with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have uninterrupted access to the life-saving plasma-based medicines they need,\u201dsaid Senator Tillis. \u201cThis commonsense legislation increases access to these innovative medications and ensures they remain affordable for the thousands of Americas who rely on them.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring that individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to life-saving plasma-based medicines is not just a health care issue, it's a matter of life and death,\" said Senator Kelly. \u201cThePLASMA Act is crucial to keep treatments accessible and affordable for thousands of Americans. I will continue working across the aisle to support plasma donation and guarantee that no patient faces a disruption in their treatment.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Alpha-1 Foundation is proud to endorse The PLASMA Act in support of patients with rare diseases, like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and immunodeficiencies to have access to necessary plasma-based medicines. It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis,\u201d said Scott Santarella, President & CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation.\n\n\u201cThe GBS/CIDP Foundation International proudly supports thePLASMA Act and all policies that promote patient access to plasma medicines,\u201d said Lisa Butler, Executive Director, GBS/CIDP Foundation International \u201cMany patients with rare and chronic conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) require reliable access to plasma medicines multiple times per month and any disruption can have devastating effects. Introducing thePLASMA Act is a significant step forward toward ensuring continued access to life-saving plasma medicines into the future.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nNorth Carolina is home to one of the world\u2019s largest plasma production facilities and more than 30 plasma donor centers across the state, which provide life-saving measures for thousands of Americans.\n\nThe PLASMA Act would include plasma-derived medicines in a phase-in process for the Part D redesign the Inflation Reduction Act already has in place for other drugs Congress recognized as unique. Beginning in 2031, manufacturers would pay the full rebate amount following annual rebate increases, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries\u2019 supply of plasma-derived medicines and avoiding skyrocketing costs for patients.\n\nIn the United States, over 125,000 patients living with rare and life-threatening diseases rely on sustained access to plasma derived medicinal products to treat their lifelong health conditions. These rare and chronic diseases include Primary Immunodeficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; for most patients there are no effective, alternative therapies available.\n\nThe PLASMA Act is endorsed by top national and international health organizations, including the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, Alpha-1 Foundation, and GBS | CIDP Foundation International.\n\nFull text of the legislation is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-casey-introduce-bipartisan-secure-family-futures-act-of-2024", "Tillis, Casey Introduce Bipartisan Secure Family Futures Act of 2024", "2024-07-23", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Secure Family Futures Act, bipartisan legislation that would repeal the outdated capital tax treatment of debt investments held by life insurers, such as bonds, and apply ordinary tax treatment to them.\n\n\u201cThis commonsense legislation ensures debt investments made by insurance companies are treated equally under our tax code,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cBy making these critical changes, insurance companies will be able to promote economic growth and investment in communities in North Carolina and across our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will always fight to protect Pennsylvanians\u2019 hard-earned dollars,\u201d said Senator Casey. \u201cThis bipartisan tax bill is a commonsense way to reduce life insurance costs and protect a service that so many Pennsylvania families depend on.\u201d\n\n\u201cPrincipal Financial Group, a leading financial institution with a workforce of nearly 1,000 dedicated employees across the state of North Carolina, wholeheartedly supports the efforts of Senators Tillis and Casey to bring about pragmatic and much-needed change to the U.S. Tax Code,\u201d said Rachel Nguyen, Assistant Vice President of Federal Government Relations of Principal Financial Group. \u201cThe proposal to assign ordinary treatment to debt investments, such as bonds, is a pivotal step towards rectifying the existing tax mismatch within the Code. It will pave the way for insurers like us to excel in our primary mission: creating opportunities for families and small businesses to achieve financial security.\u201d\n\n\u201cMetLife applauds the bipartisan introduction of the Secure Family Futures Act. We believe this bill would improve the financial resilience of families and remove a barrier to more investments in the U.S. economy,\u201d said Kenneth LaGuardia, Global Tax Director of Metlife. \u201cThe Secure Family Futures Act fixes an inconsistency in the current tax code impacting the tax treatment of insurers\u2019 debt investments and their role in the operations of insurance companies. Similar to other financial institutions, we believe these debt investments should be considered as inventory and part of an insurer\u2019s ordinary course of business. The Secure Family Futures Act would fix this outdated tax treatment and apply equal tax treatment to insurance companies.\u201d\n\n\u201cLincoln Financial applauds the introduction of the Secure Family Futures Act by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Life insurers, including Lincoln, currently invest $587 million daily in the U.S. economy. These investments support the financial security we provide to our customers and their families,\u201d said Ellen Cooper, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Financial Group. \u201cThis important bipartisan legislation will enable our industry to continue to make long-term investments in growing communities across the nation, including those in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. We look forward to continuing to partner with Senators Casey and Tillis on enactment of this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout the adjustment proposed in the legislation, the ability of life insurers to continue their distinctive, long-term investments in communities throughout America would lessen substantially,\u201d said Susan Neely, President and CEO of ACLI. \u201cClosing the financial protection coverage gap for families and communities most in need could be hampered due to higher costs on consumers if Congress fails to enact the legislation.\u201d\n\nFull text of the legislation is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-ensure-diverse-secure-supply-of-critical-minerals", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Diverse, Secure Supply of Critical Minerals", "2024-07-22", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Global Strategy for Securing Critical Minerals Act, bipartisan legislation to develop a strategy and global approach to ensure that the U.S., its allies and global partners can count on a diverse and secure end-to-end supply of critical minerals.\n\n\u201cAs the demand for critical minerals continues to grow, the U.S. must ensure we have the necessary diplomatic and financial tools to push back against the Chinese Communist Party and secure America\u2019s role in the minerals economy,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis commonsense legislation safeguards our national security by protecting the production and procurement of these critical minerals.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCritical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are necessary inputs for technologies that play critical roles in our national security, including military equipment and defense systems, as well as emerging technologies such as electric vehicles and storage for our power grid. However, the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) currently dominates the mining, processing, and manufacturing of the majority of these minerals. U.S. dependence on the PRC for the procurement of these critical minerals raises substantial economic and national security concerns. To combat the dominance of the PRC, this legislation would ensure a secure supply of these minerals.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would enhance diplomatic and financial tools to support public and private sectors in securing and processing these minerals by:\n\nStreamlining diplomatic efforts for securing minerals;\n\nEstablishing diplomatic support for private sector investments abroad;\n\nEnhancing financial tools of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM);\n\nCreating a fund to assist investments in critical minerals;\n\nEnhancing public-private information sharing on manipulative adversary practices;\n\nCreating a public website to assist private sector companies in navigating government resources and financial support; and\n\nExpanding allied partnerships to secure critical minerals.\n\nThe legislation would also work to increase U.S. procurement of critical minerals in order to offset China\u2019s ability to manipulate and monopolize the market, including by:\n\nRequiring a report on the use of and need for new or expanded authorities to increase domestic production and procurement;\n\nRequiring an assessment on imposing duties on imported minerals, in particular from China; and\n\nRequiring a whole-of-government effort to develop workforce training programs to advance end-to-end critical mineral capabilities.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-colleagues-demand-answers-from-doj-on-efforts-to-prevent-illegal-aliens-from-registering-to-vote", "Tillis, Colleagues Demand Answers from DOJ on Efforts to Prevent Illegal Aliens from Registering to Vote", "2024-07-19", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) efforts to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections.\n\n\u201cAs you are likely aware, the United States has experienced a record number of border encounters since President Biden took office\u2014nearly 10 million\u2014many of whom have been released into, or evaded apprehension while entering, the U.S. I\u2019m writing to inquire regarding the efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce the law that prohibits non-citizens from voting in our elections,\u201dthe senators wrote.\n\n\u201cPlainly, there are opportunities for and instances of non-citizen voter registration, and so the critical question is whether the laws against doing so are being enforced by your Department. There appear to have been few prosecutions by your Department under these laws, and there is no indication that you have been pursuing cases in places like Georgia and Ohio where aliens have been caught registering or voting. Nor is there any indication that you have taken steps to obtain information from the Department of Homeland Security regarding aliens who admit that they have registered or voted in U.S. elections when completing the N-400, \u2018Application for Naturalization.\u2019 Part 9 of that form specifically asks applicants that question,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, there is no evidence that your U.S. Attorneys are using information obtained from jury lists in their cases to investigate aliens who may have violated federal law. It is our understanding that potential jurors for federal cases are obtained from state voter registration lists in many federal districts. This begs the question: Has an individual ever been excused from federal jury duty because they are not a U.S. citizen, and if so, does the Department address the fact that they are a registered voter? Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt reply,\u201dthe senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-clamp-down-on-unemployment-insurance-fraud", "Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Clamp Down on Unemployment Insurance Fraud", "2024-07-18", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Thom Tillis and 10 of his Senate colleagues recently introduced the bipartisan Unemployment Insurance Integrity and Accessibility Act, legislation that would make critical improvements to the nation\u2019s unemployment insurance system.\n\n\u201cCOVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in our unemployment insurance system that must be addressed,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThis commonsense legislation protects taxpayer dollars by stopping fraud in our unemployment insurance system while ensuring it is available for those who need it.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSpecifically, the Unemployment Insurance and Integrity Accessibility Act:\n\nExtends the federal statute of limitations for pandemic unemployment insurance fraud to 10 years (from 5 years under current law).\n\nAllows states to waive overpayments of pandemic unemployment insurance that have not been recovered as of date of enactment in non-fraud cases where repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. States are required to waive these non-fraud overpayments if no overpayment is established by December 31, 2025.\n\nRequires states to crossmatch unemployment compensation claims against the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) to prevent claimants from collecting UI if they are working.\n\nImplements new access and technology requirements for online claim filing systems and in-person alternatives.\n\nProvides for oversight of federal investments into the administration of UI programs.\n\nFull text of the bill is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-statement-on-nc-state-chancellor-woodson-announcing-retirement", "Tillis Statement on NC State Chancellor Woodson Announcing Retirement", "2024-07-18", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on North Carolina State University Chancellor Randy Woodson announcing his retirement:\n\n\u201cUnder Chancellor Woodson\u2019s visionary leadership, North Carolina State University has transformed into one of our nation\u2019s preeminent public research universities. Chancellor Woodson will leave a lasting legacy of innovation and success, and I want to thank him for his steadfast dedication to advancing knowledge and enriching the lives of countless individuals in North Carolina and beyond through his service to the NC State community.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-statement-on-cape-fear-memorial-bridge-replacement", "Tillis Statement on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement", "2024-07-17", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement regarding the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which was made possible by a $242 million grant from the from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which Senator Tillis helped negotiate, write, and pass into law:\n\n\u201cThe replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is a critical investment in Wilmington\u2019s infrastructure and a shining example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is benefitting North Carolina. I\u2019m grateful to city and county officials, including Mayor Saffo, the New Hanover County Commissioners, and other local officials, for their partnership in pushing for the bridge replacement. I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I\u2019m grateful to the Members of Congress, especially my Republican colleagues, who worked together and cast partisan politics aside to pass this historic legislation. This investment is only possible because of bipartisan leadership at the federal, state, and local level focused on delivering results for North Carolina.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-bill-to-reduce-rape-kit-backlog-to-be-signed-into-law", "Tillis Bill to Reduce Rape Kit Backlog to be Signed Into Law", "2024-07-16", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate recently passed theDebbie Smith Act, legislation that would provide state and local law enforcement agencies with resources to complete forensic analyses of crime scenes and untested rape kits. The legislation now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cVictims of these heinous crimes deserve justice and Congress should do everything we can to put the perpetrators behind bars,\u201dsaid Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud the Debbie Smith Act passed the Senate and look forward to the bill being signed into law.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Debbie Smith Act was originally signed into law in 2004 to provide local and state crime laboratories resources to end the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved crimes, analyze DNA samples, and increase the capacity to process DNA in order to guard against future backlogs. Since it became law, more than 860,000 DNA cases have been processed.\n\nIn addition to crime scene evidence, Debbie Smith funds are also utilized to process offender DNA samples to ensure evidence from unsolved crimes can be matched against a database of known offenders, similar to the criminal fingerprint databases.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Debbie Smith, the Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs, Major County Sheriffs of America, National District Attorneys Association, Consortium of Forensic Science Organizations, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), and Joyful Heart Foundation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2024/7/tillis-calls-for-senate-judiciary-committee-to-investigate-trump-assassination-attempt", "Tillis Calls for Senate Judiciary Committee to Investigate Trump Assassination Attempt", "2024-07-15", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", "tillis", "https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Thom Tillis, alongside nine of his Republican Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues, sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) requesting the committee hold a hearing on the circumstances that led to the attempted assassination of President Trump.\n\nThe Senate Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction and oversight authority over the United States Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.\n\n\u201cIn light of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and the murder and injury of other attendees at a peaceful political event, we urgently request that you hold a hearing into the circumstances that led to this tragedy. We further request that you invite Director Kimberly Cheatle of the United States Secret Service, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security, and Director Christopher Wray of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as witnesses,\u201dthe senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThere is much unknown about this attempted assassination, but its occurrence raises alarming questions and concerns. We are grateful for the bravery and selflessness of the Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers on the scene, but we must get to the bottom of how the would be assassin was able to access a nearby rooftop with a rifle and a line of sight to President Trump,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cOur hearts are broken, and our prayers are with those murdered and injured by this senseless violence. Chair Durbin, we hope to work with you to investigate this matter publicly, and to bring answers and confidence in our system to the American people,\u201dthe senators concluded.\n\nText of the full letter is availableHERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:24:45Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 289, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "NC", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-07-15,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Etillis~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2024~2F7~2Ftillis-calls-for-senate-judiciary-committee-to-investigate-trump-assassination-attempt", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NC&year=2024&_next=2024-07-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Etillis~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2024~2F7~2Ftillis-calls-for-senate-judiciary-committee-to-investigate-trump-assassination-attempt&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 227.34426497481763, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}