{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"NC\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=574BF67B-6DA7-4E6E-9DFA-12C2E377CC5B", "Senators Tillis & Coons Issue Joint Statement On Protests In Iran", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tSenators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Human Rights Caucus, today issued the following joint statement on the continued protests in Iran:The Iranian people are bravely and peacefully taking to the streets to voice their rejection of a regime that has oppressed them and denied their basic human rights. The bipartisan Senate Human Rights Caucus stands in solidarity with the demands of the Iranian protestors and urges the Administration and Congress to continue supporting human rights in Iran.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t185 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-6342\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 228-2563\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9300 Harris Corners Pkwy \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 170 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharlotte, NC  28269 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (704) 509-9087 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (704) 509-9162\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1694 E. Arlington Blvd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite B\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreenville, NC 27858\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (252) 329-0371\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (252) 329-0290\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (828) 693-8750\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (828) 693-9724\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1840 Eastchester Drive, Suite 200\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh Point, NC  27265\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (336) 885-0685\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (336) 885-0692\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t310 New Bern Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 122\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRaleigh, NC 27601\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (919) 856-4630\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (919) 856-4053", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F98BD6DF-0EF0-4D2C-8988-74A8237FA9B4", "Thom Tillis: A Republican In Need Of Outcomes", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Senator Tillis on why being an effective Senator and producing results means being willing to reach across the aisle.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Im tired of talking heads and pundits and people who have never produced a conservative outcome trying to tell me how to get a result. Ive got a strong conservative record in North Carolina, whether its Second Amendment, property rights, life, I can go down a very long list. But that way Ive accomplished that is by not being mad about being conservative. Its by being productive and convincing Democrats to join with us on bills that make sense.    You have RINOs [Republicans In Need Of Outcomes] and DINOs [Democrats In Need Of Outcomes]. Ive told people I want HIPPOs: Highly Independent People Producing Outcomes. Weve got to be willing to turn to the people in both conferences who hold extreme views and say youre clearly not here to produce an outcome, youre here to make a point. Well, Im here to make a difference, and Im looking for other people who want to make a difference.    Senator Tillis has worked across the aisle to tackle problems and produce outcomes.   \r\nTillis, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, has worked across the aisle to support North Carolina military families and military installations:\r\n \r\nSenator Tillis secured provisions in the FY2018 NDAA to make much-needed improvements to the living quarters and other essential facilities at Camp Lejeune, including over $100 million for the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters and a Water Treatment Plan Replacement.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecured $40 million in the FY2018 NDAA for supplemental impact aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children and $10 million in impact aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities and $1 million for a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities to facilitate spousal employment on military installations outside the United States.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecured over $25 million that paves the way for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base so home a squadron of KC-46 Air Force Tankers.\r\n \r\n \r\nSecured $15 million for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point that guarantees the construction of the Vertical Lift Fan Test Facility and ensures the future home of F-35B Joint Strike Fighters in North Carolina.\r\n \r\n \r\nSenators Tillis and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced bipartisan legislation that is awaiting signature by the President that streamlines and eases the burden on the process whereby active-duty military, reservists and veterans apply for their commercial drivers license.\r\n \r\nTillis is leading on solutions to reform our nations broken immigration system:\r\n \r\nTillis introduced the SUCCEED Act, a fair and merit-based solution that allows the DACA-eligible population to earn and keep legal status as long as they work hard, give back to society, pay their taxes, and follow the law.\r\n \r\n \r\nSenators Tillis and John Cornyn (R-TX), introduced the Building Americas Trust Act, legislation that increases resources at our borders, boosts trade through ports of entry, and strengthens enforcement of existing immigration laws.\r\n \r\n \r\nTillis has followed through on his calls for bipartisanship and is currently engaged in a working group with both Democrat and Republican senators to reach a deal that would pair extensive border security and interior enforcement measures with a long-term solution for the DACA-eligible population.\r\n \r\nTillis has worked across the aisle to improve educational benefits and job opportunities for veterans. In 2017, Senator Tillis had several bipartisan bills he co-introduced incorporated into law:\r\n \r\nTheVeterans Education Experience Improvement Act of 2017,bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) improves veterans experience when using GI Bill education benefits and provide resources and training for the officials at educational institutions who serve student veterans, helping them achieve positive education outcomes.\r\n \r\n \r\nTheVeterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which reinstates lost benefits to veterans whose Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits are affected by the permanent closure of certain educational institutions.\r\n \r\n \r\nTheVeterans Education Priority Enrollment Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) ensures that veterans, servicemembers, and surviving spouses and children of servicemembers who have died in the line of duty can take full advantage of their education benefits.\r\n \r\n \r\nTheYellow Ribbon Improvement Act of 2017,bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) extends Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to Fry scholarship recipients.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen he dies, he said, he wants his epitaph to read: Thom Tillis. Former speaker, former senator, RINO.\r\nNervous laughter went up from the crowd. RINO is a dirty word in GOP circles; it means Republican In Name Only and suggests someone who is too moderate to be a true member of the party.\r\nBut Tillis, who has been on the receiving end of such criticism before, said he invented a new meaning for the term. To him it means Republican In Need of Outcomes.\r\nIf a debate between Republicans comes down to choosing between an idea that is unrealistic but will sound good to the party base and one that needs a compromise but has an actual chance at creating change, he said its politically courageous to support the latter.\r\nWhat we need to do is be the party of results, Tillis said. (Raleigh News & Observer, 5/12/17)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=81DEB4C5-B96B-4612-ACB3-E3155DAC267A", "Senator Thom Tillis Spends Christmas With New Granddaughter", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "North Carolina's junior Senator is experiencing the joy of being a granddad.    Senator Thom Tillisshared a Christmas photo with his new graddaughter, Sawyer Marie on Instagram.Tillis captioned the picture saying, \"Beyond blessed to be Sawyer's Papa Rollie.\"    The Republican is serving his first term in the U.S Senate. The voters of North Carolina elected Tillisin 2014. Tillis announced the birth of his first grandchild back in November.\r\n  Tillis also tweeted the following holiday message to the voters of the state. The Senator wrote, \"Susan and I want to wish you and your family a #MerryChristmas and #HappyHolidays. While you enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, remember the men & women of our nations military and first responders for their service & sacrifice to keep us safe. Merry Christmas & God bless.\"\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-calls-action-va-illegally-hiring-docs-revoked-licenses", "JONES CALLS FOR ACTION ON VA ILLEGALLY HIRING DOCS WITH REVOKED LICENSES", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  This week Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) and 30 congressional colleagues called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to quickly address recent reports that the VA knowingly hired doctors who lost their licenses for malpractice and providing poor care to patients. A follow-up report found that the VA has allowed hospitals to hire health care providers with revoked licenses for at least 15 years. In doing so, the VA is in violation of a federal law passed in 1999 which prohibited the agency from employing any health care worker whose license has been revoked by any state. In one case, the VA hired a neurosurgeon who racked up over a dozen malpractice claims in two states for surgical mistakes that left patients maimed, paralyzed or dead.\nWe need to ensure our nations veterans receive the highest quality care from the best providers possible, said Congressman Jones. For the VA to be illegally hiring doctors who failed to meet that standard in their previous jobs is very troubling and absolutely unacceptable.\nIn a letter sent to VA Secretary David Shulkin earlier this week, Congressman Jones and his colleagues urged the agency to take quick action to address the issue. The Secretary responded promptly. In an interview published yesterday, Secretary Shulkin said he had ordered a re-writing of the hiring guidelines and launched a nationwide review to identify and remove any health care workers with revoked licenses. \nI would like to thank Secretary Shulkin and the administration for jumping on this issue, said Congressman Jones. Veterans deserve the best care we can give them. When problems like this are identified, it is very important that they be rectified immediately so that no veterans health is jeopardized. \nThe following members of Congress joined Congressman Jones in signing the letter to Secretary Shulkin: John Rutherford, Jack Bergman, Mark Meadows, Barbara Comstock, Madeleine Bordallo, Ralph Norman, Ann McLane Kuster, Doug Collins, Tom OHalleran, Beto ORourke, Mimi Walters, Mike Bost, Mike Johnson, Darrell Issa, Thomas Rooney, Jim Banks, Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Yoder, David Valadao, Roger Marshall, Ted Yoho, Andy Biggs, Neal Dunn, Steve King, Daniel Donovan, Jr., Charlie Crist, Peter DeFazio, Steve Pearce and Ron DeSantis. The text of the letter is below:\nDecember 18, 2017\nThe Honorable David J. Shulkin, M.D.\nSecretary\nU. S. Department of Veterans Affairs\n810 Vermont Avenue, NW\nWashington, D.C. 20420\nDear Secretary Shulkin:\nWe write today to express extreme concern regarding recent reports that the VA has hired medical providers, including surgeons, who have histories of malpractice and disciplinary actions taken against them. These reports include the hiring of providers who have previously lost their medical licenses, providers who have a history of sexual misconduct, and providers who have a record of disciplinary actions that would preclude them from employment in the private sector.\nWe recognize and share your commitment to ensuring that our nations veterans receive the highest quality care from the best providers possible. Therefore, recent reports of these bad hires, along with the recent Government Accountability Office report that found VA failed to conduct appropriate reviews and report doctors who received adverse privileging actions to state medical boards and other databases, are of great concern to us as we conduct oversight of the Department.\nThe hiring of doctors who have had their medical licenses revoked in any state is already prohibited, and clinical hires must be cleared through professional standards boards. However, it appears the laws and regulations establishing that prohibition are not being followed by VA medical facilities.\nAs you are aware, the President signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act into law in June. This was a result of Congresss and the American peoples outrage at the lack of appropriate disciplinary action within the VA. We are encouraged by your exercise of these new authorities; however, these recent reports lead us to question if further action by Congress may be necessary.\nIn order to help us learn more about the VAs response to these reports, we request the following:\n Actions taken to terminate the employment of those listed in recent reports who should not have been hired by the VA;\n Actions taken to discipline the professional standards boards who cleared the hiring of those providers with histories of misconduct and malpractice;\n Any Department-wide guidance on how medical facilities review and conduct their hiring processes to prevent current hiring laws from being broken;\n Actions taken to identify other current providers within the VA who have had disciplinary actions taken against them.\nWe thank you in advance for your prompt response to our concerns. We appreciate your dedication to our veterans and look forward to working together to ensure they receive the highest quality medical care available. Please contact us with any further questions.\n                                    Sincerely,\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones' office at allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F21DC2AB-6B24-4BAB-9E76-9B453AA85F52", "Tillis Leads on Immigration Reform Solutions", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has quickly established himself as a bipartisan leader on immigration reform, working on commonsense solutions to secure our borders, provide long-term certainty for undocumented children, and reform temporary worker visa programs that small businesses across the nation depend on to survive and support American jobs. Senator Tillis on why immigration reform is important to him.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis on why he introduced the SUCCEED Act, a solution for the DACA-eligible population.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis on why border security is critical.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis on why the H-2B Visa Program is needed to help support American jobs and businesses.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video. Senator Tillis is laying the groundwork for broad immigration overhaul.  Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Tillis is laying the groundwork for a methodical, step-by-step approach immigration reform that pairs immigration solutions supported by both parties.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA Republican senator is trying to break years of congressional gridlock over immigration with a new plan that would pair changes sought by Democrats with those pushed by his own party. At a time when President Donald Trumps promise to build a wall along the southern border is dominating the immigration discussion, Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) has been talking with a handful of Democrats and Republicans to build support for a broader overhaul. His plan would aim to tighten border security and toughen enforcement of immigration lawsgoals often cited by Republicanswhile addressing the fate of the roughly 11 million immigrants currently in the U.S. illegally, a Democratic priority. (Kristina Peterson & Laura Meckler, GOP Senator Lays Groundwork for Broad Immigration Overhaul,Wall Street Journal, 1/24/17)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSenator Tillis has led efforts to reform the temporary working program.\r\nSenator Tillis has also been at the forefront of efforts to reform temporary worker programs, including the H-2B visa program, which is vital to small and seasonal small employers in North Carolina and across the country who depend on temporary workers to sustain their businesses. Senators Tillis and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation that provides more long-term certainty for seasonal employers. Tillis also successfully urged the Department of Homeland Security to provide 15,000 additional H-2B visas to assist seasonal small businesses facing labor shortages this year.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTillis has shown deep interest in immigration policy. He placed a hold on one of Trumps nominees for the Department of Homeland Security in July in an effort to pressure the department to approve more visas for guest workers. He removed the hold on Lee Francis Cissna to be director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after DHS and then-Sec. John Kelly approved an additional 15,000 visas for workers who aid North Carolinas landscaping, tourismandseafood-production industries. (Franco Ordonez, N.C. senator tosses Trump a conservative life raft for Dreamers,McClatchy, 8/31/17)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  Senator Tillis is committed to finding a solution for the DACA population.  Senator Tillis has been a national leader in finding a solution to provide long-term certainty for undocumented children who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own. Following President Trumps announcement in September that he was phasing out the DACA program in six months, Tillis introduced the SUCCEED Act, a fair and merit-based solution that allows the DACA-eligible population to earn and keep legal status as long as they work hard, give back to society, pay their taxes, and follow the law.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs Donald Trump was pressing his hard-line immigration platform en route to the GOP nomination last year, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis decided to go in a different direction entirelyThe freshman senator from North Carolina is now making his biggest immigration play yet, unveiling a plan to provide permanent relief to the undocumented immigrants who came here as minors.If a deal can be done to win over the warring parties and a president who has swung back and forth on the issue, it might start with Tillis, who has methodically carved out a profile as a pro-immigration Republican at a time when the GOP has swerved sharply to the right. (Seung Min Kim, Meet the Republican who might cut a Dreamers deal,Politico, 10/10/17)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  Tillis has also been an outspoken advocate for securing our nations borders.   Following a week-long visit to the Texas-Mexico border earlier this year, Tillis, along with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), introduced the Building Americas Trust Act, legislation that increases resources at our borders, boosts trade through ports of entry, and strengthens enforcement of existing immigration laws. Tillis has warned about the continued consequences of insecure borders  including humanitarian risks to adults and children and the rise of narcoterrorist organizations that have contributed to the Americas opioid addiction crisis. Tillis has called on Republicans and Democrats to seek common ground and work on solutions.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI believe that a practical and effective approach to border security can gain the support of the Trump administration and both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Moving forward, border security should initiate the first phase of a methodical, step by step process to immigration reform that will also strengthen interior enforcement, reform our legal immigration system, and address the undocumented population in the United States in a fair and compassionate way. Securing our border and reforming our broken immigration system will require all sides to demonstrate a willingness to work together and refuse to allow the perfect to become the enemy of good solutions. (Thom Tillis, Securing our border must befirststep in immigration reform,The Hill, 4/18/17).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  Senator Tillis has followed through on his calls for bipartisanship and is currently engaged in negotiations with both Democrat and Republican senators to reach a deal that would pair extensive border security and interior enforcement measures with a long-term solution for the DACA-eligible population.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe North Carolina senator has emerged as one of the key lawmakers working across the aisle to compromise on immigration legislation. A key issue Tillis is trying to find consensus between Democrats and Republicans on providing legal protections to the nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.Tillis is trying to find the sweet spot. The North Carolina Republican is part of a group of lawmakers who have been negotiating on how to pair legal protections for the Dreamers with enough increased border security to satisfy Republicans, but not be too extreme as to turn off Democrats. (Eliza Collins, On DACA, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis wants to find middle-ground,USA Today, 12/13/17)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=14538582-B860-4F22-90A6-6D5507DB022E", "Sen. Thom Tillis celebrates 2017 successes for service members and veterans", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As many prepare to toast to Auld Lang Syne, elected officials are taking the end of the year to celebrate successes and plan for 2018.    North Carolinas U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis is no exception.    In a series of emailssent since Tuesday, Tillis has discussed his 2017 accomplishments as a senator as well as his legislative goals for the new year.    On Tuesday and Wednesday, Tillis focused on his work on two of the five Senate committees on which he serves, Armed Services and Veterans Affairs. He cited these successes for veterans and service personnel:    He co-sponsored the bipartisan Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which included provisionsto improve veterans experience when using GI Bill education benefits; reinstated lost benefits; and ensured education benefits for veterans, service members and surviving spouses and children.    Tillis said he also secured supplemental impact aid to local education agenciesfor military dependent children.    He co-sponsored the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, which protects whistleblowers and allows the VA secretary to fire employees.    Tillis said he fought for medical coverage and compensation for Camp Lejeune Marine Corps veterans suffering from medical conditions caused by exposure to contaminated water.    His efforts and those of other officials led to theVA allocating $2.2 billion for compensation payments for exposed veterans. Tillis team also sought compensation for exposed family members and contractors.    Tillis said he also secured money or much-needed improvements to Lejeune living quarters.    A provisionin bipartisan legislation co-introduced by Tillis was included in the Department of Defense budget for 2018.Itcreated a center of excellencein the Department of Veterans Affairs to better understand health effects of burn pits and treat those affected by them.    Tillis also announced plans to improve trauma care at Camp Lejeune early this year and held a hearing about researching, diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury and concussions among service members.    Tillis co-sponsored the Veteran Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity Reform Act that was signed into law in November. The bill increases veterans access to apprenticeship programs by streamlining the certification process for nonfederal apprenticeships based in more than one state.    Similarly, Tillis co-introduced legislation that could streamline the processin which service members and veterans can apply fora commercial drivers license.    The senator held a hearingon service member and military family readiness programs, investigating the need to improve military child care services and expand employment opportunities for military spouses.    He secured $1 million for a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities on military installations outside the United States, enabling spousal employment.    Tillis looks to the future    In 2018, Tillis said, hewill seeek toprovide military men and women with support services as they move from active duty to reserve and onward.Support services include job training and acquisition as well medical and psychological care.    Thats something thats missing, Tillis said. Theres a big gap between your active service and your veteran service, and I want to work on bridging that gap.    Tillis said the first step is evaluating current programs.    Its really taking a look at programs that were well-intentioned but not working and getting more funding and more authorities for programs that are working, he said.    For the Armed Services Committee, Tillis saidthe evaluation of programs needs to occur nationwide, not just in North Carolina.    Some current shortcomings, he said, are caused by two factors: layered and inefficient policies in the Department of Defense and congressional impediments.    Tillis cited near-peer competitors to the U.S., China and Russia and their ability to develop next-generation capabilities much faster than the U.S.    There are a lot of inefficiencies  that the (Department of Defense) deals with because it was a good idea and a bad implementation, he said. Weve got to recognize weve got to act to free up the Department of Defense to have its full potential.\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1D80685B-9068-475F-B601-590FA530E4EC", "Sen. Tillis comes to the defense of Bojangles biscuits after baking soda slam", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Washington Post struck a nerve with Carolinians on Tuesday when a story appeared to take a swipe at Bojangles biscuits.    Taste testers at the Post recently did ablind taste testof various fast-food biscuits, and they werent too fond of Bojangles.    In fact, someone in the taste test  in which Bojangles ranked only ahead of Burger King  stated the restaurants biscuit is simply not a good biscuit.    I can taste leavening in this; it tastes like baking soda, a taster in the rankings said.    The story didnt sit well with many people, including Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who took to Twitter to voice his opinion of the rankings.    With all due respect to the @washingtonpost, their food tasters need to get their tastebuds checked out. @Bojangles1977 makes the best fast food biscuits, period, the senatortweeted, lightheartedly.    Tillis nod of approval was praised by Bojangles, which responded with gratitude to the senator.    Thank you, Senator! If ethics rules didnt prevent it, your next biscuit would be on us! Bojanglestweetedback.\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=CE53B558-ECFB-4BD7-9121-0C7C304717C1", "Sen. Thom Tillis on why he expects his staffers to apply for other jobs", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Thom Tillis(R.N.C.) was a management consultant before entering elective politics, and has used this background to help inform his decision-making as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel and to manage his Senate staff. In a conversation with Tom Fox, Tillis talked about how he promotes professional development of his employees and the approach he takes to ensure staff accountability.Fox is a guest writer forOn Leadershipand the vice president for leadership and innovation at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.\r\n\r\nTell me about your approach to managing your Senate staff.\r\nWe get our staff members to think about how they want to grow in terms of knowledge and skills. We have certain expectations about developing new skills, networking and seeking out professional development opportunities. I also have a requirement that every member of my staff interview for at least one job a year.\r\nWhy do you ask them to interview for other jobs? Do you want to encourage turnover?\r\nMost of the staff members are relatively young and early in their careers. People move a fair amount. You probably have 25 percent attrition in most offices. So if you know that people are going to leave, you want to have a relationship with them that is trusting so that they can talk with you about the next opportunity and you can be a part of the process. They can do that if they know that we encourage people to look for other jobs and have those discussions as a natural part of their professional development. In some offices, its like the kiss of death if it is discovered that that one of the staff members is interviewing for a job. They should recognize that it is one of the single greatest ways to gain trust and actually retain your highest performing staff.\r\nWhat are some other aspects of your management philosophy?\r\nI am going to add another componentproviding educational opportunities for the staff that would be nontraditional for a Capitol Hill office. I want them to think about completing either certificate work or advance studies. I want them to study Six Sigma, a methodology used to improve business processes.\r\nThe military invests heavily in professional development and training, but that is not the case for the federal civilian workforce. Can the military model be applied to the federal civilian workforce?\r\nThere is a perception among some that the way you progress in the federal workforce is just dont die and longevity will secure advancement. I dont think the vast majority of the civilian workforce wants to just put in their time and as people retire, move up. We have to have a high-performing workforce culture that provides extraordinary civilian employees the opportunity to advance at a faster pace. We have to do a better job of figuring out who are the true leaders and extraordinary performers, who are the above average performers, who are the average performers and who are below expectation performers. We need to let that drive all advancement polices, compensation and other things. I think that would provide a much more enriching environment for the civilian workforce.\r\nWhat is the primary demand that you require from your staff?\r\nPeyton Manning, one of my favorite football players, has said that pressure is something you feel when you dont know what you are doing. I tell my staff I want them to know what they are doing. I tell them I dont ever want a question answered starting with the words, I think. If you think, then by definition you dont know. So tell me you dont know or tell me youre looking for the answer. I want specific answers or I want to know that you dont know. I dont want to form an opinion on what you think, I want to form an opinion on what you know. Most of my staff actually realizes that I am pretty forgiving of people who are aggressive, work hard and maybe make mistakes. I am not the least bit forgiving when people dont invest the time to get the right answers and actually know what they are talking about.\r\nI understand you hosted a bipartisan Halloween dog costume contest in the Hart Senate Office Building this year. Did you do this just for fun or was there a larger purpose?\r\nWe need to build relationships with people who are not likely or 90 percent of the time not likely to support our political positions. The way you do that is connect at a personal level. The idea of having the dog costume contest was fun way for people to get together. If you become insular and if you only hang out with people who fundamentally have the same views, you are not going to grow or get things done. The staff needs to do that as well. The way that I was able to make it to partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers on a fairly short cycle is because I had a reputation for consensus building and working together and working as a team, not as an individual.\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58883425-0045-4A73-8B28-94AB51CFBC17", "Tillis Champions North Carolinas Military Families and Installations", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2017, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) was selected to serve as the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, where he has worked on a bipartisan basis to oversee Department of Defense (DOD) personnel policies, including compensation, benefits, education and healthcare for servicemembers, their families, and DOD civilian employees.    In addition, he has used his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee over the last three years to champion North Carolinas military installations  including Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, and Seymour Johnson  and has advanced initiatives that reaffirm North Carolinas status as the nations tip of the spear.    Senator Tillis top priorities on the Armed Services Committee.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis bipartisan focus as chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis on the impact the 2018 NDAA will have for servicemembers.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis has worked to improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families at Camp Lejeune.   Senator Tillis secured provisions in the FY2018 NDAA to make much-needed improvements to the living quarters and other essential facilities at Camp Lejeune, including over $100 million for the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters and a Water Treatment Plan Replacement.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTillis said his visits to North Carolinas military installations helped shape the direction of the NDAA. The visits and discussions with military leaders helped set priorities for the bill, he said.\r\nAt Camp Lejeune, Tillis said there was a clear case of haves and have-nots in on-base housing and other facilities. He said he heard stories of Marines coming into work on their days off to repair roofs and covering desks to protect working spaces from the elements.Quite frankly, theyre unacceptable, Tillis said of the conditions at some on-post facilities.Tillis said that while not as flashy as new planes or ships, the provisions he fought for in the NDAA could have a lasting impact on the nations military. He said hes confident most of those key provisions will remain in the final version of the bill. (Fayetteville Observer, 7/29/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  Senator Tillis has been dedicated to providing proper medical care to our men and women in uniform.  Earlier this year, Senator Tillis visited Camp Lejeune and announced a plan to improve trauma care at Camp Lejeune that could benefit both the Marine Corps and Eastern North Carolina residents and will change Camp Lejeune base hospital from Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune to Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nU.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., announced a plan Wednesday to improve trauma care at Camp Lejeune, a tweak that could benefit both the Marine Corps and Eastern North Carolinaresidents.While the trauma plan will likely take at least five months to come to fruition, the senator also immediately announced the change of the base hospital from Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune to Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune.As soon as later this year, the medical center could be prepared to offer trauma care to civilians -- an effort Tillis and military professionals believe will give Marine medical personnel hands-on experience effectively preparing them for combat. The hospital would then partner with local healthcare providers, highlighted by Onslow Memorial Hospital, to offer rehabilitation.When we think about readiness, we generally think about the soldier on the battlefield, said Tillis, who visited Camp Lejeune Wednesday. We dont think about everything else that has to happen to ensure the soldier returns home as safe and healthy as possible.(Jacksonville Daily News, 6/1/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committees Subcommittee on Personnel, Senator Tillis has held hearings on Military Family Readiness Programs and Concussions.    In February, Senator Tillis held a hearing to receive testimony on the Department of Defense single servicemember and military family readiness programs. Senator Tillis questioned military leaders about the need to improve childcare services for military families, as well as military initiatives to expand employment opportunities for military spouses. Click HERE to watch Senator Tillis Remarks.    Senator Tillis also held a hearing to bring attention to the importance of research, diagnosis, and treatment for traumatic brain injury/concussion in servicemembers. ClickHEREto watch Senator Tillis Opening Statement. ClickHEREto watch the full hearing.    Senator Tillis has worked to grow Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.  Senator Tillis secured $15 million for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point that guarantees the construction of the Vertical Lift Fan Test Facility and ensures the future home of F-35B Joint Strike Fighters in North Carolina. Senator Tillis also secured over $25 million that paves the way for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base so home a squadron of KC-46 Air Force Tankers. Earlier this year, the United States Air Force selected Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as the Main Operating Base for a KC-46A Pegasus Air Refueling Squadron\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Carolina will house a new generation of Air Force tankers designed formidflight refueling of aircraft.\r\nIts beentwo years sincethe Air Force picked Seymour Johnson Air Force Base as its preferred location for a KC-46A Pegasus Air Refueling Squadron.\r\nNow its official. The bases environmental assessment has been completed and, pending delivery by Boeing, the 12 tanker aircraft could be at Seymour Johnson by 2020, the Air Force confirmed Wednesday.(Raleigh N&O, 9/13/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  Senator Tillis has advocated on behalf of military families.  Another provision secured by Senator Tillis in the FY2018 NDAA authorizes $40 million in supplemental impact aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children and $10 million in impact aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities and $1 million for a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities to facilitate spousal employment on military installations outside the United States. Senator Tillis has been creating opportunities for servicemembers to find jobs.  In September, Senator Tillis co-introduced legislation that is awaiting signature by the President that streamlines and eases the burden on the process whereby active-duty military, reservists and veterans apply for their commercial drivers license. The new law will allow the experience they gained serving our nation in a civilian capacity and not force them to go through a duplicative credentialing process to obtain a commercial drivers license.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Thom Tillis has joined with senators from Texas and Massachusetts to introduce a bill that would simplify the process for troops and veterans to apply for a commercial drivers license.\r\nTillis, a North Carolina Republican, and Sens. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, and Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, introduced The Jobs for our Heroes Act of 2017.\r\nAccording to officials, the legislation streamlines and eases the burden on the process whereby active-duty military, reservistsand veterans apply for their commercial drivers license.\r\nThe Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act of 2015 provided similar benefits for veterans applying for a CDL, according to Tillis office. The Jobs for our Heroes Act of 2017 would permanently extend those same benefits to those still in uniform. (Fayetteville Observer, 6/25/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=AD80C283-2523-4F4E-A472-99F0291107A6", "Congress working to protect veterans from risky loans", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Federal agencies want to make it tougher for bad lenders to target veterans. One Senatoris among other members of Congress working on ways to protect service members from risky loans.    \"There are some bad actors out there and we are going to go after them\"    Senator Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, wants to crack down on lender pushing bad loans on veterans.    \"They are sending a mailer to someone's home who's financially stressed. Their spouse may be deployed. They are trying to figure out how to pay the bills; this looks like it is going to save them money or not cost them anything, when in fact it is providing little to no value. Those are the sorts of practices we need to get rid of.\"  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says in 2016, it received more than 12,500 mortgage complaints from service members and their dependents. Officials say concerns included churning an illegal practice where loans are refinanced over and over again with no benefit to the borrower. This year, officials are increasing efforts to prevent veterans from being targets    The federal government created a task force to examine abusive lending practices. Task force members say potential solutions include stronger requirements for lenders who are targeting veterans.    Members of Congress are also working on legislation to protect service members.    \"We've spent time with the industry and the VA. We crafted a baseline bill that. I think we are going to get bipartisan support,\" said Sen. Tillis.    That support that could help eliminate lending practices that hurt veterans.\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=C9C1B93E-4F00-4B0E-A64D-D91CD6D44E03", "Local farmers tell Sen. Tillis of need for farm labor", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Standing in a cold warehouse, their gloved hands working in a tub of cold water, immigrant workers at Danny McConnells farm are doing the tedious job of cleaning ginger root, a specialty crop McConnell grows.\r\nIf American workers apply, McConnell is happy to give them a shot.\r\nWe have people that come to us, Give me a job, I need a job. And then when it comes time they never show up, he said. Either (they) dont show up or theyll come work a little bit and thats it.\r\nWith the ginger-root cleaning task as a backdrop, McConnell greeted U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis on Friday and offered first-hand testimony on why farmers want Congress to pass an immigration reform bill that will ensure an adequate supply of labor.\r\nWe need employees, McConnell said a few minutes before the senator arrived. We want employees that are not afraid that theyre going to be deported if the paperworks not all right or whatever. Even if you do have legal documentation, when it gets in Washington, sometimes the numbers dont match up and you have to verify that and thats very very hard to do.\r\nTillis has made headlines in recent weeks as a leading sponsor of a bill that would allow the children of illegal immigrants to stay as long as they as theyre employed, in school or serving in the military.\r\nTillis traveled to Hendersonville Friday to hear about farm labor concerns, first on McConnells farm and later in a room filled with farmers, agribusiness leaders and others interested in the issue, including state Sen. Chuck Edwards and Rep. Chuck McGrady.\r\nFarmers, agribusiness leaders and elected officials urged U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis to protect farm labor in immigration reform legislation.Ive been listening to the farmers since I was in the state Legislature, Tillis said. Part of what Im trying to do is go back and tell stories to other members who arent listening to the farmers and recognizing the issue they have with farm labor. Last week I was with about 30 or 40 dairy farmers near Statesville. The week before that I was with four or five hundred farmers at their annual meeting in the Greensboro area and theres one consistent theme. If we dont get labor inputs right then they are going to go out of business.\r\nTillis, the state House speaker elected in 2014 in the most expensive Senate race ever, acknowledged that hes working to bring his fellow Republicans around on immigration. But he added that Democrats, too, are part of the blockade.\r\nOne (aspect) is the so-called dreamers, he said. But when you get to the work visa program you have as many Democrats opposed to fixing the problem as you do Republicans. The Republicans oppose it because they falsely believe theres enough American workers to do the job at a price that we can remain competitive globally. The Democrats are opposed to it because labor unions want to increase the price (of labor) to a point that you get to the same outcome. When America starts relying on other nations to feed us, its hard to gin these things back up once we lose that base.\r\nTillis said when he goes back to Washington after visiting North Carolina farmers, he tries to convey the urgency of what hes heard.\r\nYou have a lot of people that dont understand that the people who put food on our table are competing against international competition, he said. Even when you raise the hourly rate, for whatever reason we do not have enough American workers willing to fill the need, and if you raise the rate too far then youre not going to have a viable business.\r\nSadly, what Im doing more than anything else is reporting very specific stories of farmers who are on the brink of no longer being able to do what theyve been doing for generations, he said.\r\nMcConnell provided more testimony to support that.\r\nHe grows 20 acres of strawberries, 50 acres of apples and 60 acres of vegetables plus specialty crops. McConnell needs 25 farmworkers at peak season, although he had only half that many this past summer.\r\nWe just got along the best we could, he said. I did not plant as much anticipating that this might happen. We left some stuff in the field. We did not leave any apples. Our apples were a little bit on the light side.\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A2F03A10-230B-43BA-BEF6-59558E064005", "Tillis Works Across the Aisle for Veterans", "2017-12-26", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During his first three years as a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Tillis has worked across the aisle to expand education and job opportunities for veterans and has worked to reform the VA to assure they are getting the healthcare they need and deserve.    Senator Tillis priorities for the VA Committee in 2018.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis on what a veteran should do if they're having issues with the VA.    CLICK HERE to watch the video.    CLICK HERE to download the video.    Senator Tillis has improved educational benefits for veterans.   Senator Tillis co-introduced the bipartisan TheHarry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 that was signed into law. The comprehensive G.I. Bill reform package included the following legislation originally introduced by Senator Tillis as standalone legislation:  \r\n \r\nTheVeterans Education Experience Improvement Act of 2017,bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) improves veterans experience when using GI Bill education benefits and provide resources and training for the officials at educational institutions who serve student veterans, helping them achieve positive education outcomes.\r\nTheVeterans Education Relief and Reinstatement Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reinstates lost benefits to veterans whose Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits are affected by the permanent closure of certain educational institutions.\r\nTheVeterans Education Priority Enrollment Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) ensures that veterans, servicemembers, and surviving spouses and children of servicemembers who have died in the line of duty can take full advantage of their education benefits.\r\nTheYellow Ribbon Improvement Act of 2017,bipartisan legislation Tillis introduced with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) extends Yellow Ribbon Program benefits to Fry scholarship recipients.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCongress has sent to the president a bill to revise and expand the G.I. Bill, a program that provides college money to military personnel, veterans and their dependents.\r\n\r\nLawmakers who represent Fort Bragg, including U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, are celebrating the legislation.\r\n\r\nThe Senate approved the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act Of 2017 on Wednesday.\r\n\r\nAccording to Tillis office, the bill would eliminate the 15-year period within which a veteran is required to use the G.I. Bill. (Fayetteville Observer, 8/3/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSenator Tillis has strengthened VA Accountability.\r\nSenator Tillis co-sponsored the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act that was signedinto law. The bipartisan legislation reforms the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by allowing the secretary to dismiss bad employees and ensure appropriate due process protections for whistleblowers.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLast week, the President signed a bill that enables the Department of Veteran Affairs to more easily fire problem employees, and the move drew praise from two of Rowan Countys members of Congress.On Friday, President Donald Trump signed the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. As its name suggests, the measure provides protections for whistleblowers and gives greater authority to the VA secretary to remove, demote or suspend any employee for poor performance or misconduct.Tillis, who co-sponsored the measure in the Senate, said the bill gives the VA long-overdue authority to remove bad actors. (Salisbury Post, 6/26/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSenator Tillis has continued to fight on behalf of Camp Lejeune affected by tainted water.  After years of work, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a regulation in March announcing compensation payments to Marines suffering from health problems caused by tainted water at Camp Lejeune.Senator Tillis has worked with Senator Burr since being elected to fight for medical coverage and compensation for Lejeune veterans suffering from medical conditions including multiple kinds of cancer and Parkinsons disease.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA $2.2 billion promise from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is just the beginning, according to members of Congress.For U.S. Rep. Walter Jones and Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, all Republicans from North Carolina, the compensation can be applauded but shouldnt overshadow the work that needs to continue to be done to provide compensation for family members and contractors also affected by the contaminated water.\r\n Tillis said his team is going to focus on helping those veterans who may have started the claim process more than a year ago, then shift to the family members and contractors next, keeping in mind the mechanics of the process are going to be helpful. (JD News, 3/26/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSenator Tillis has helped veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.\r\nLanguage from theHelping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act,bipartisan legislationintroduced by Senators Tillis and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), was included in the FY2018 NDAA. This provision creates a center of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better understand the health effects associated with burn pits and treat veterans who become sick after exposure.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLegislation introduced last week would compel the Department of Veterans Affairs to look more closely at the affectstoxic burn pits have had on the nation's veterans.\r\n\r\nSen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, introduced the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act on Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe legislation, if approved, would create a center of excellence within the VA to better understand the health effects associated with burn pits and treat veterans who become sick after exposure. (Fayetteville Observer, 2/11/2017)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSenator Tillis has worked to modernize the DoD & VA healthcare collaboration.\r\nEarlier this year, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin announced that the VA will adopt the same Electronic Health Record (EHR) system as the Department of Defense for veterans medical records.    Senator Tillis secured a provision in the FY2018 NDAA that lays the groundwork for military treatment facilities to provide health care to servicemembers, dependents, veterans and civilians. The services will be able to maintain critical wartime medical readiness skills while also providing state of the art specialty care to medically underserved communities. Senator Tillis provisions would require a Comptroller General report of Department of Defense measures to maintain critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers.    Senator Tillis has worked to increase job opportunities for veterans.  Senator Tillis co-introduced The Veteran Apprenticeship and Labor Opportunity Reform (VALOR) Act that was signed into law. The legislation increases access to apprenticeship-training programs for veterans by streamlining the certification process for non-federal apprenticeship programs based in more than one state.    This year, Senator Tillis also co-introduced the Boosting Rates of American Veterans Employment (BRAVE) Act, bipartisan legislation that would support job creation for Americas veterans.\r\n  Senator Tillis has advocated to extend newborn care for veterans.  In April, Senator Tillis co-introduced The Newborn Care Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that woulddouble the number of days veterans receive care for their newborns from seven to 14.\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rouzer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/potus-signs-historic-tax-cuts-and-reform-legislation-law", "POTUS signs historic tax cuts and reform legislation into law", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "David Rouzer", "R000603", "rouzer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman David Rouzer released the statement below following President Donald Trump signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) into law:\n\n\tToday is truly historic. For far too long, individuals, families and businesses have been burdened by an outdated and unfair tax code that has been a drag on our economy and has penalized hard work,said Rep. David Rouzer.I applaud President Trump for signing this tax relief and reform bill into law so that hardworking taxpayers will finally have a tax code that respects the challenges they face and will deliver the relief they so richly deserve. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will lower taxes and encourage investments that will lead to the wealth creation necessary to boost wages and create even more new jobs. The recent announcements of pay raises and bonuses by major corporations are already proving this. \n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-walker-gives-speech-house-floor-congratulating-nc-football-team", "ICYMI: Walker Gives Speech on the House Floor Congratulating the NC A&T Football Team on Winning the HBCU National Championship", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) this week gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to congratulate the North Carolina A&T State University football team on winning the 2017 Celebration Bowl and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) National Championship. The video, posted yesterday on his Facebook page, has been shared more than 2,000 times and has reached more than 200,000 people in less than 24 hours.\n\n\nYou can watch the videoabove andread the full transcript below: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the North Carolina A&T State University Aggies football team, winner of the 2017 Celebration Bowl and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Championship. This win capped off a historic year for the undefeated Aggies, a first in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history, and marks their second championship in three years. In the final minutes, the Aggies marched 56 yards in seven plays. The drive was capped off with a fake spike, and a quarterback sneak on the goal line for the game winning touchdown by Lamar Raynard.  \n\tMVP Marquell Cartwright, who followed the great Tarik Cohen, rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns.  With the guidance of Coach Rod Broadway on the field, and the vision of Chancellor Harold Martin in the classroom, North Carolina A&T is leading the way in showing the great value and importance of our nations HBCUs. I am proud to represent this distinguished school of academic and athletic excellence. Leaving only one question remaining, Mr. Speaker. Can I get an AGGIE PRIDE? I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senate-passes-bill-to-assist-in-locating-missing-autism-alzheimers-patients", "Senate Passes Bill to Assist in Locating Missing Autism, Alzheimer\u2019s Patients", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.17\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bill to Assist in Locating Missing Autism, Alzheimers Patients \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Last night, the Senate passed Kevin and Avonte's Law of 2017 (S.2070) by unanimous consent. Kevin and Avontes Law of 2017 helps families locate missing relatives with Autism, Alzheimers disease and other related conditions. The bill reauthorizes the Missing Alzheimers Disease Patient Alert Program and authorizes funding also to be used for the purchase of tracking technology that helps the families of a child with developmental disabilities recover their child in the event they become separated.\r\nToday, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), a co-sponsor of the legislation, made the following statement on the passage:\r\nKevin and Avontes Law can make a significant difference for families faced with frightening scenarios where their loved ones stray from their homes. Sadly, there have been tragic cases of special needs children and adults wandering away from their caregivers. This law will give law enforcement the tools they need to help families reunite and help prevent new tragedies from occurring.\r\nKevin and Avontes Law has been endorsed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Alzheimers Association, American Society on Aging, Autism Speaks, The Arc, National Autism Association, Safe Minds, and other organizations.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletter?ContentRecord_id=B0BD31D2-D13B-4C25-8021-6E57E62B6811", "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More\r\nMoney\r\nIn\r\nYour\r\nPaycheck \n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCLICK\r\nHERE\r\nto\r\nwatch\r\nthe\r\nvideo.\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis\r\nweek,\r\nCongress\r\npassed\r\na\r\ntax\r\nreform\r\npackage\r\nthat\r\nfulfills\r\na\r\nlong-standing\r\npromise\r\nto\r\ndeliver\r\ntax\r\nrelief\r\nthat\r\nbenefits\r\nhard-working\r\nAmericans\r\nacross\r\nour\r\nnation.\r\nStarting\r\nearly\r\nnext\r\nyear,\r\nmost\r\nNorth\r\nCarolina\r\nfamilies\r\nwill\r\nnotice\r\nbigger\r\npaychecks\r\nas\r\nthe\r\nfederal\r\ngovernment\r\nwithholds\r\nless\r\nof\r\ntheir\r\nhard-earned\r\nmoney\r\nbecause\r\nof\r\nnewly\r\nlowered\r\ntax\r\nrates\r\nand\r\na\r\nsignificantly\r\nlarger\r\nstandard\r\ndeduction.\r\nThis\r\nhistoric\r\nlegislation\r\nalso\r\nprovides\r\na\r\nmajor\r\nboost\r\nto\r\nAmerican\r\nbusinesses\r\nand\r\nmakes\r\nour\r\nprivate\r\nsector\r\neven\r\nmore\r\ncompetitive\r\nat\r\nthe\r\nglobal\r\nlevel,\r\nwhich\r\nin\r\nturn\r\nwill\r\nlead\r\nmore\r\njobs,\r\nhigher\r\nwages\r\nfor\r\nworkers,\r\nand\r\nstronger\r\neconomic\r\ngrowth.\r\nThis\r\nis\r\na\r\nbig\r\nwin\r\nfor\r\nAmerican\r\nfamilies\r\nand\r\nthe\r\nAmerican\r\neconomy.\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCLICK\r\nHERE\r\nto\r\nenlarge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8114CC1C-1038-47C9-82B0-D8C9147321DE", "Senate Unanimously Passes Tillis & Heinrich Bill To Help American Consumers By Modifying Product Regulations", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, the Senate unanimously passed the Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) that modifies the implementation of two upcoming regulations that would have passed on new costs to millions of American consumers if left unchanged.\r\nThere are currently two efficiency requirement regulations on ceiling fans that will begin enforcement one year apart from each other: light bulbs in January 2019 and motors in January 2020. These misaligned dates could create a significant problem for the industry when multiplied over thousands of stores, supply chain lead times, redundant employee work hours, and the transition of inventory.\r\nThe separate timing of the regulations could result in wasted time and cost tens of millions of dollars in total resources, including duplicative labor, labeling, testing, and reversing and replacing product models. This would ultimately harm affordability and availability for American consumers. The Tillis-Heinrich legislation makes a simple change to streamline the enforcement of both regulations to the 2020 date, avoiding wasteful costs that could have been passed onto Americans families.\r\nThe residential ceiling fan market is roughly $1.8 billion, with 15 million units moved annually.\r\nThe House companion version of the Ceiling Fan Energy Conservation Harmonization Act was introduced by Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC-8) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-1). The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power included the bill in a hearing last month.\r\nIm pleased that the Senate came together to pass our legislation that makes one simple change to upcoming regulations that will help save millions of American consumers from a price increase on a product they need and depend on,said Senator Tillis.This represents a commonsense, bipartisan approach to addressing regulations, and I look forward to working with Senator Heinrich and Representatives Hudson and Butterfield to get the bill on the Presidents desk.\r\nEnergy efficiency standards for ceiling fans and other appliances are a proven way to help consumers save money on their utility bills, while also lowering emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants,said Senator Heinrich.Im glad this bipartisan legislation passed the Senate. This is a smart approach to streamline compliance with the standards and avoid passing along unnecessary costs associated with implementation to American families.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B7E38447-DDD5-499E-9203-0C34D64BF035", "Tillis, Grassley, Klobuchar Bill to Aid Families of Missing Autism, Alzheimers Patients Passes Senate", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to help families locate missing loved ones with Alzheimers disease, autism and related conditions unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.Kevin and Avontes Law(S. 2070), named in honor of two boys with autism who perished after wandering from safety, would also support training for caregivers to prevent and respond to instances of wandering and is now pending approval in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nIm pleased to see the Senate unanimously passKevin and Avontes Law, which will support training for caregivers to prevent and respond to missing individuals with Alzheimers disease, autism, and related conditions,said Senator Tillis. This legislation has a deep personal meaning for me, as I was a caregiver for my grandmother during her battle with Alzheimers disease. We should be moving heaven and earth to help families and caregivers reunite with loved ones who wander and disappear, andKevin and Avontes Lawcan truly make a difference in preventing tragedies and give families across America a greater peace of mind.\r\nThe feeling of dread and helplessness families must experience when a loved one with Alzheimers or autism goes missing is unimaginable. But when communities are empowered to lend a hand, these terrifying situations can have happy endings. Kevin and Avontes Law, named for a boy from Jefferson, Iowa and a boy from New York City, makes resources available for technologies that advance the search for missing children, along with specialized training for caregivers and first responders to help prevent wandering by vulnerable individuals,Grassley said.I look forward to its swift passage in the House of Representatives.\r\nWe need to do everything we can to make sure that kids like Hamza Elmi from St. Cloud  and all people with a developmental disability or a form of dementia  make it home safely,Klobuchar said.Passing this bipartisan bill into law will mean first responders, law enforcement officers, caregivers, and Minnesota families will have access to the technology, resources, and training they need to prevent wandering and find missing people.\r\nInformation on the introduction of this legislation is availableHERE, a bill summary can be foundHEREand full text of the legislation can be foundHERE.\r\nIn addition to Senators Tillis, Grassley, and Klobuchar, the bill is also sponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=190", "Budd Sends Letter Opposing Removal of Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Second Amendment helps protect our other liberties as Americans, and I believe that it should be protected.  This letter makes a strong statement--gun laws will not be expanded in the House without protecting the national concealed carry rights of law-abiding gun owners. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd and39 co-signers sent aletterto House Republican leadership expressing opposition to bringing the Fix NICs act up for a vote without attaching national concealed carry reciprocity. Conservatives have expressed concerns that the bill will come back to the House without national concealed carry. The Second Amendment helps protect our other liberties as Americans, and I believe that it should be protected. This letter makes a strong statement--gun laws will not be expanded in the House without protecting the national concealed carry rights of law-abiding gun owners. There is no need for a Republican Congress to pass a bill to expand the NICS system without getting something in return. This letter will help ensure that we do. Im grateful to Gun Owners of America, and Grassroots North Carolina for their efforts on our behalf, and I hope that the Senate will hold a vote on national concealed carry reciprocity soon.  Additional signatures to the letter include Reps. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Sam Johnson (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Jim Jordan (R-OH), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Phil Roe (R-TN), Jody Hice (R-GA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Robert Wittman (R-VA), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Keith Rothfus (R-PA), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Robert Pittenger (R-NC), Scott Perry (R-PA), Brian Babin (R-TX), Joe Barton (R-TX), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Dave Brat (R-VA), John Carter (R-TX), Andy Harris (R-MD), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Raul Labrador (R-ID), Roger Williams (R-TX), Randy Weber (R-TX), Steve Pearce (R-NM), Jim Banks (R-IN), Todd Rokita (R- IN), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Robert Latta (R-OH), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Tom Graves (R-GA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=800", "Rep. Meadows' Statement on Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Meadows' Statement on Continuing Resolution\r\nWashington, D.C. -Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement on the House's passage of a continuing resolution to fund the governmentthrough January 19th, 2018.\r\nWhile I wish Congress had addressed the governments spending deadline far earlier than this Holiday-deadline, passing this bill allows Congress to help President Trump keep his promise to the American people to ensure tax cuts are delivered in time for Christmas. It also provides much-needed funding to Community Health Centers and the Child Health Insurance Program, making sure health care services like routine doctors visits will be taken care of for those most in need. Furthermore, it provides resources to address an unanticipated funding shortfall in the Veterans Choice Program so that veterans may continue to receive the healthcare within their community that they choose. Theres still more to be done, and I look forward to returning to these other important issues in January and working to secure the financial future of the country for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=802", "Rep. Meadows Votes to Support CHIP Program in Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Meadows Votes to Support CHIP Program in Continuing Resolution\r\nWashington, D.C.- On Thursday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) voted in favor of a continuing resolution to fund the government through January 19th, 2018, and extending funding for CHIP.\r\nAmong several important priorities, the bill reauthorizes funding for Community Health Centers and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a health insurance program for low-income children, for five years. CHIP covers children in low-income families under Medicaid, even if their parents dont qualify for the state-federal health insurance program themselves. It has enjoyed largely bipartisan support since it was enacted in 1997 and covers about 8 million U.S. children, according to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.\r\nThis is the second time in the 115th Congress in which Rep. Meadows supported a reauthorization of funding for CHIPthe other being his vote on November 3, 2017, when he support H.R.3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. More information on that vote is available here.\r\nRep. Meadows released the following statement on his continuing resolution vote, also found here.\r\nWhile I wish Congress had addressed the governments spending deadline far earlier than this Holiday-deadline, passing this bill allows Congress to help President Trump keep his promise to the American people to ensure tax cuts are delivered in time for Christmas. It also provides much-needed funding to Community Health Centers and the Child Health Insurance Program, making sure health care services like routine doctors visits will be taken care of for those most in need. Furthermore, it provides resources to address an unanticipated funding shortfall in the Veterans Choice Program so that veterans may continue to receive the healthcare within their community that they choose. Theres still more to be done, and I look forward to returning to these other important issues in January and working to secure the financial future of the country for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-announces-2017-service-academy-nominations-sixth-district", "Walker Announces 2017 Service Academy Nominations for the Sixth District", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREENSBORO,N.C.U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today announced that he has nominated 13 North Carolina High School students for appointment to one of the United States' service academies the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academyfor the Class of 2022. The Sixth Districts Service Academy Nomination Board (pictured below), appointed by Walker, conducted interviews with each of the applicants and made recommendations based on their qualifications.\n\n\nIts my honor to recommend each of thesestudents from North Carolina to our nations prestigious service academies,\" Walker said.\"Each of these young men and women are exceptional and have a heart of service and love of country. I know they will make our community and our state proud as they represent us in theU.S. Service Academy application process. Next, the students will seek to meet the admission requirements of their service academy, where the academy will make the final decision on admission in the early months of 2018. Each student who attends a service academy will make a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. A full list of the service academy nominees, their schools, and their hometowns are below: United States Air Force Academy  Carlie Hicks | Dalton L. McMichael High School | Stoneville,N.C.  Kadin Rascoe | Western Alamance High School | Burlington, N.C.  Ian Russo | Northwest Guilford High School | Oak Ridge, N.C.  Ryder Twilla | John Motley Morehead High School | Eden, N.C. United States Merchant Marine AcademyIan Russo | Northwest Guilford High School | Oak Ridge, N.C. United States Military Academy  Steven Diniz | Alamance Christian School | Liberty, N.C.  Dylan Harvel | Southwestern Randolph High School | Asheboro, N.C.  Alexander Marin | N.C. School of Science and Mathematics | Sanford, N.C.  Taylor Marriott | Lee County High School | Sanford, N.C.  Samuel Millikan | Cardinal Gibbons High School | Chapel Hill, N.C.  Owen States | Northern Guilford High School | Greensboro, N.C.  Sydney Willis | Southeast Guilford High School | Liberty, N.C. United States Naval Academy  Nehemiah Baker | Northwest Guilford High School | Oak Ridge, N.C.  William Groce | Greensboro Day School | Greensboro, N.C.  Kadin Rascoe | Western Alamance High School | Burlington,N.C.  Sydney Willis | Southeast Guilford High School | Liberty, N.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-calls-more-transparency-use-taxpayer-money-afghanistan", "JONES CALLS FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY ON USE OF TAXPAYER MONEY IN AFGHANISTAN", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) is calling for more transparency on the use of American taxpayer money in Afghanistan. His calls come after Defense Department personnel recently decided to classify important information related to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), which are funded by American taxpayers. In most cases, the information in question has been unclassified, and available to the public, for years. Classifying the information limits the ability of American taxpayers to see how their hard-earned money is being spent. Congressman Jones is asking Secretary of Defense James Mattis to review the classification decisions. In a letter sent on November 29, Congressman Jones asked for the declassification of a Special Inspector General on Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) report on the reportedly widespread practice of bacha bazi, or pedophilia, among high-ranking Afghan military and police leaders.\nThe American people deserve to know the extent of sexual abuse of children committed by Afghanistan leaders, who are ultimately funded by the American taxpayers, Congressman Jones wrote in his letter. After 16 years and over $1 trillion dollars spent in Afghanistan, how can we not allow the taxpayers to know the truth about how their money is being spent?\nIn his December 18 letter, Congressman Jones asked for the declassification of 33 measures detailing the performance (i.e. end strength, force composition, attrition, casualties, etc.) of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).\nAmerica has already spent $70 billion to prop up the Afghan defense and security forces. Billions more are dedicated to that effort every year, Jones reiterated in his second letter. Without information on progress and performance, there is no way for taxpayers to judge what kind of return theyre getting on their investment. That is unacceptable.\nI respectfully urge you to promptly reconsider the departments treatment of this information, Jones continued. DOD should not expect taxpayers, or their representatives, to continue spending billions to stand up the Afghan military and police with no oversight or accountability in return.\nFor years, Congressman Jones has combatted the overseas waste, fraud, and abuse of U.S. taxpayer dollars.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-reintroduces-bill-help-north-topsail-beach", "JONES REINTRODUCES BILL TO HELP NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) reintroduced H.R. 4692, legislation that would correct a 30-year old federal mapping error that incorrectly prohibited a substantial portion of North Topsail Beach from accessing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and other disaster assistance. In 1982, the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA)  enacted to discourage development of previously undeveloped U.S. coastal areas  incorrectly classified North Topsail Beach as undeveloped, thus making the area ineligible to access the NFIP. H.R. 4692 would direct the Secretary of Interior to correct the CBRA map for North Topsail Beach.\nNorth Topsail Beach has provided extensive documentation to show that in 1982, the area was already under development, said Congressman Jones. As a matter of fairness, it is time to correct this error.\nThe bill has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee for further action. A similar bill  S. 1745  has been introduced in the Senate by North Carolina senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-obama-let-terror-group-off-the-hook", "Pittenger: Obama let terror group off the hook", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER: INFURIATING THAT OBAMA ADMINISTRATION LET TERROR GROUP OFF THE HOOK \n\nWASHINGTON  This weekend, POLITICO reported bombshell allegations that the Obama Administration obstructed a major investigation into terror-group Hezbollah as part of securing the Iran Nuclear Deal.\nCongressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09), who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, on Monday wrote House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Trey Gowdy (SC-04) requesting an immediate investigation.\nToday, Congressman Pittenger addressed the U.S. House of Representatives on the shocking and infuriating allegations.\nClick here for full video of Congressman Pittengers speech on alleged Obama Administration interference of a major investigation into terror group Hezbollah.\nI rise to express my outrage at a detailed report by POLITICO which included testimony that President Obama and his Administration obstructed a major DEA investigation into Hezbollah because they wanted to secure the Iran deal.\nThese revelations are shocking, infuriating, but regrettably, not surprising. This is the same Administration that sent $1.7 billion dollars in cash ransom to Iran.\nAccording to the DEA, Hezbollah was operating a global criminal enterprise worth over $1 billion annually. They were selling drugs and running arms as a means of funding their terrorist activities. A major DEA-led task force called Cassandra had procured mounting, incriminating evidence against them.\nYet according to senior Treasury and Defense officials, the Obama Administration consistently obstructed and stonewalled the investigation in order to protect the Iran deal. In essence, it seems President Obama and his Administration were so focused on striking a deal with Iran that they let a major global terror group off the hook. Even though the terror group was involved in global drug trafficking that sent massive amounts of cocaine and other drugs into American communities.\nI have sent a letter to Chairman Gowdy urging an immediate investigation into this matter.\nClick here to read Congressman Pittengers letter to Chairman Gowdy.\nClick here to watch Congressman Pittengers interview with Fox Business Network on these bombshell allegations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/sen-burr-on-historic-tax-reform-lets-get-the-government-out-of-your-pockets", "Sen. Burr on Historic Tax Reform: Let\u2019s Get the Government out of Your Pockets", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Burr on Historic Tax Reform: Lets Get the Government out of Your Pockets \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) made the following statement on the Senates passage of historic tax reform legislation:\r\nToday, we voted to jump-start our economy and save the average American family thousands each year. For far too long, our tax system has been a burden to the millions of middle-class class citizens that make up a majority of this country. This tax overhaul starts to get the government out of your pockets, and puts Main Street in the drivers seat of the economy, not Washington. Included in the final bill are a doubling of the standard deduction, the child tax credit, and a repeal of Obamacares Individual Mandate tax that was crippling the lower- and middle-class. These historic tax cutsalso include a number of provisions that I fought hard for, including the ABLE to Work Act, which allows individuals with disabilities to work and save their hard earned money in an ABLE account without risking the loss of their benefits. For most Americans, it also repeals the Individual Alternative Minimum Tax, a parallel tax system that adds layers of complexity to the current code. This reform is long overdue, and I look forward to the President signing the tax reform legislationand getting our economy moving again.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4C81B79E-78BB-4AC4-8C0A-B5B3E8E51881", "Tillis Supports Senate Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) voted in favor tax reform legislation that passed the Senate and now heads to House of Representative to be voted on before going to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. The House is expected to vote on the legislation Wednesday.\r\nThe tax reform legislation fulfills a long-standing promise to deliver tax relief that benefits hard-working Americans across our nation. Starting early next year, most North Carolina families will notice bigger paychecks as the federal government withholds less of their hard-earned money because of newly lowered tax rates and a significantly larger standard deduction. This historic legislation also provides a major boost to American businesses and makes our private sector even more competitive at the global level, which in turn will lead more jobs, higher wages for workers, and stronger economic growth. Today is a big win for American families and the American economy.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1761", "Hudson Votes for Historic Tax Cuts", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \r\n\r\n\tDecember 19, 2017 \r\n\r\n\tContact: Tatum Gibson (202) 225-3715\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tHudson Votes for Historic Tax Cuts\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Today U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after the House passed the conference report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1):\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tHistory shows us pro-growth tax cuts give us tremendous job growth, more opportunities and increased wages for working families, said Rep. Hudson. This is our generations chance. With this historic tax cut, low- and middle-income individuals and families will have more take-home pay and more opportunity to achieve the American dream. \r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the most sweeping, pro-growth tax reform in more than 30 years. The bill would overhaul Americas tax code to lower taxes on families, workers and small businesses. By lowering taxes across the board, eliminating special-interest loopholes, and simplifying our tax system, the bill will deliver more jobs, bigger paychecks, a simpler and fairer tax code, and economic growth for all Americans.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\tWith this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income in America will receive a tax cut of $2,059. For policy highlights, click here. For the joint explanatory statement of the Committee on Conference, click here and for the full report, click here.\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mchenry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398784", "McHenry on Passage of the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Patrick McHenry", "M001156", "mchenry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "McHenry on Passage of the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 19, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, Chief Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on House passage of theConference Report to AccompanyH.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:  \r\n\r\nToday the House voted to fix our nations broken tax code with passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This vote fulfills our commitment to cut taxes on American families and provide American businesses with much-needed tax relief.\r\nThis bill gives a $2,000 tax cut to an average family of four making $73,000 annually. It helps grow the American economy, which means more and better jobs. Small businesses will benefit from lower rates, while larger companies will be more competitive globally.Im proud to support the passage of this bill and look forward to seeing President Trump sign this massive tax cut in to law.\" NOTE:The Senate is expected to take up and pass the conference report on the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Tuesday evening.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=188", "Budd Votes To Deliver Tax Relief For Hardworking Americans", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Budd Votes To Deliver Tax Relief For Hardworking Americans \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 19, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        For too long, Congress has promised but failed to close loopholes and fend off special interest groups, until now. Todays vote moved us one step closer to delivering hard working American families the tax relief we promised. \r\n\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON -- Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement regarding the House passage of the tax bill conference report:\r\nFor too long, Congress has promised but failed to close loopholes and fend off special interest groups, until now. Todays vote moved us one step closer to delivering hard working American families the tax relief we promised.\r\nI am proud to have supported this legislation, which puts more money in the pockets of American families, creates more American jobs and makes our businesses competitive in the global economy. I look forward to seeing this historic tax reform bill on the presidents desk before Christmas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399162", "Foxx Supports Tax Relief for American Families", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Virginia Foxx", "F000450", "foxx.house.gov", "foxx", "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., today voted in support of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This final tax plan agreed upon by the United States House and Senate reduces tax rates for all income levels, spurs economic and job growth, and repeals Obamacare\u2019s individual mandate for health insurance. Foxx issued the following statement in support of H.R. 1:\n\n\u201cFor the last three decades, hardworking American taxpayers have been weighed down by an unfair, complicated, and burdensome tax code. With today\u2019s passage of H.R. 1, that cumbersome tax code is now a thing of the past. Simply put, Congress made a promise to the American people to provide tax relief and we have delivered on that promise by reducing rates for individuals at all income levels and roughly doubling the standard deduction. The reduction in tax rates for businesses and job creators \u2013 whether big or small \u2013 will unleash more opportunities and bigger paychecks for employees.\n\nWith Christmas right around the corner, repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate will be a great gift for hardworking Americans. This will enable families to choose a health care plan that\u2019s right for them, without fear of incurring a tax penalty. Shortly, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will be sent to the President\u2019s desk for signature and the American people will begin the New Year with the assurance of more jobs and bigger paychecks.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-%E2%80%9Ci%E2%80%99m-all-tax-reform-we-can%E2%80%99t-do-it-adding-trillions-debt%E2%80%9D-0", "JONES: IM ALL FOR TAX REFORM, BUT WE CANT DO IT BY ADDING TRILLIONS TO THE DEBT", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  This afternoon, the U.S. House of Representatives debated final passage of H.R. 1  legislation that will make sweeping changes to Americas tax laws. Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3)  a leading fiscal conservative  reluctantly voted against the bill, primarily due to the trillions of dollars that it is projected to add to the national debt. His statement follows:\nIm all for tax reform, but it must grow the economy, not the debt. Unfortunately, the tax bill voted on today will be financed not by cutting spending elsewhere in the budget, but by adding $2 trillion to Americas debt. Much of that will be borrowed from potential foreign adversaries like China, and then put on the backs of American taxpayers. Thats an additional $20,000 debt burden on every household in America. With federal debt already at $20 trillion, and deficit spending adding $666 billion to that debt just this past year alone, this is the wrong way to deliver the tax relief that the American people need.\nFor years, I have constantly sounded the alarm about the need to cut wasteful spending, balance the budget, and eliminate the massive debt that is bankrupting our nation. This is not just an economic issue, its a national security issue. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, has testified that the biggest threat to our national security is Americas rising debt. Our current Secretary of Defense, Marine Corps General James Mattis, has affirmed that principle. When Admiral Mullen made his statement seven years ago, our debt was $13 trillion. It is now 50% larger. Were going the wrong way fast, and unfortunately, this bill will quicken the pace.\nI am also concerned that this bill will result in millions of middle class Americans, and thousands of Eastern North Carolinians, paying more in taxes, not less. It is estimated that 5 percent of taxpayers will pay more tax in 2018, 9 percent in 2025, and 53 percent in 2027. That is the last thing struggling families need.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-statement-on-tax-reform-vote", "Meadows Statement on Tax Reform Vote", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows Statement on Tax Reform Vote\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows released the following statement on the Houses passage of the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\nToday is a momentous day for America. The forgotten men and women of our country voted to elect President Trump and a Republican Congress to fix the broken tax code that taxes American people too highly, ships their jobs overseas, and directly undermines the fundamental principles that make America great. Passage of this bill is a monumental step toward doing just that. We're giving the American people their money back. We're making the country more competitive for job creation and wage growth. And were igniting the kind of economic growth that every American deserves. \nTonight, as the Senate passes tax reform and sends the bill to President Trumps desk, the American people will finally begin to see the results they voted for on November 8, 2016. Hopefully, were just getting started.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=756", "Meadows' Statement on Tax Reform Vote", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows Statement on Tax Reform Vote\r\n\r\n\r\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows released the following statement on the Houses passage of the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\nToday is a momentous day for America. The forgotten men and women of our country voted to elect President Trump and a Republican Congress to fix the broken tax code that taxes American people too highly, ships their jobs overseas, and directly undermines the fundamental principles that make America great. Passage of this bill is a monumental step toward doing just that. We're giving the American people their money back. We're making the country more competitive for job creation and wage growth. And were igniting the kind of economic growth that every American deserves. \r\nTonight, as the Senate passes tax reform and sends the bill to President Trumps desk, the American people will finally begin to see the results they voted for on November 8, 2016. Hopefully, were just getting started.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-calls-for-investigation-into-obama-admin-interference-with", "Pittenger Calls for Investigation into Obama Admin interference with Hezbollah Investigation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\n PITTENGER CALLS FOR PROBE INTO OBAMA ADMINISTRATION INTERFERENCE IN HEZBOLLAH INVESTIGATION \n\nWASHINGTON Today, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) sent a letter to Chairman Trey Gowdy of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform urging an investigation into the Obama Administrations alleged interference in a multi-agency investigation into Hezbollahs illegal drug dealing, money laundering and arms running.\nNow, it appears in order to secure his deeply flawed Iran Deal, President Obama and his administration shielded the Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah from a major US multi-agency investigation targeting Hezbollahs global criminal operation which included drug dealing, money laundering and arms running,said Congressman Pittenger.\nThese revelations are shocking and infuriating.\nWhile American soldiers were bravely fighting ISIS terrorists, with some paying the ultimate price, the Obama administration reportedly was protecting Hezbollah terrorists who were funding themselves by trafficking illegal drugs. No wonder President Obama couldnt bring himself to call them Radical Islamist Terrorists,said Congressman Pittenger.\nThis is the same administration that sent $1.7 billion in cash ransom to Iran.\nThe growing nexus between terrorist organizations and Latin American drug cartels poses a grave threat to our national security, especially considering the porous state of our southern border. Last month, I hosted a forum in Buenos Aires for 220 Members of Parliament and government officials from 15 South American countries with government and private sector experts to address the critical challenge of intercepting drug related funding of terrorism.\nA copy of the letter can be foundhere.\nCongressman Pittenger serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, and Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rouzer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-historic-tax-reform-conference-report-heads-senate-final", "House passes historic tax reform conference report, heads to Senate for final vote", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "David Rouzer", "R000603", "rouzer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, with the support of Congressman David Rouzer, the House of Representatives passed arguably the biggest tax cut and reform package in history. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) overhauls the tax code to bring back jobs from overseas, improve Americas competitiveness in the global economy, and create a much more dynamic economy that will naturally generate increased wages. This legislation provides historic tax relief for American workers, families, and job creators.\nFor far too long, individuals, families and businesses have been forced to comply with an outdated and burdensome tax code that penalizes their effort and hard work and has been a drag on our economy,said Rep. David Rouzer.This tax relief and reform bill respects hardworking taxpayers and the challenges they face by lowering taxes, by making tax-filing much simpler, and by creating an environment that will lead to the wealth creation necessary to drive job growth and increase wages. This is truly a historic day in the House of Representatives, and I look forward to the bills passage in the Senate tomorrow.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%\n\tSignificantly increases the standard deduction from $6,500 to $12,000 for individual filers and $13,000 to 24,000 for joint filers\n\tExpands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000\n\tPreserves the mortgage interest deduction up to $750,000\n\tExpands the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income and then rises to 10% beginning in 2019\n\tContinues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions\n\tEliminates Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax starting in 2019\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Credit\n\tExempts tuition waivers for graduate students from being taxed\n\tRetains popular retirement saving options such as 401 (k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future\n\tDoubles the amount of the current Death Tax exemption\n\tLowers the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018)  down from 35%, which is the highest in the industrialized world\n\tOffers a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and sole proprietorships\n\tAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment\n\tProtects the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans\n\tRetains the low-income housing tax credit\n\tPreserves the Research and Development Tax Credit\n\tEliminates incentives that reward companies for shifting jobs, profits and manufacturing plants abroad\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-votes-lower-taxes-families-and-businesses-north-carolina-passes", "Walker Votes to Lower Taxes for Families and Businesses of North Carolina; Passes Final Version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (NC-06) today voted in favor of the Conference Report to Accompany ofH.R. 1, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act  keeping an important promise to overhaul our broken tax code and deliver on tax relief to thefamilies and businesses of North Carolina. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a 227-203 vote. \"Here is what this historic vote means: At the beginning of next year, hardworking families of North Carolina will finally see more money in their pockets,\" Walker said. With this critical promise kept, we can proclaim that the worker deserves his wages, and that middle income families  not the government  are best equipped to make their own financial decisions. The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helps us turn on the engines of economic growth in our communities, stop the government from overtaxing North Carolinians to prop up failed economic policies, and frees people from Obamacares erroneous individual mandate tax that punishes lower and middle income families for not buying health insurance they dont want or cannot afford.\" The legislation is expected to be taken up and approved by the Senate on the evening of Tuesday, December 19th, and then sent to the President's desk to be signed into law. RELATED: Walker Delivers on Promise to Reform the Tax Code, Supports the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act TheConference Report to Accompany of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, can beread in full here,and apolicy summary of the bill can be read here.\n\n\nAccording to the House Ways and Means Committee, \"with this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059.\" The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will:\n Lower individual taxes and set the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\tSignificantly increase the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes  from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively.\n\tExpand the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children.\n\tEliminate Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax  providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them if they choose.\n\t\t\n\tLower the corporate tax rate to 21% (beginning Jan. 1, 2018)  down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world  the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history.\n\tFor small businesses, offer a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint income earned by all businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships. For Main Street job creators with income above this level, the bill generally provides a deduction for up to 20% on business profits  reducing their effective marginal tax rate to no more than 29.6%.\n\tModernizeour international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators.\n\tand Makeit easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities.\n \n\nRecently, Walker gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to speak in support of the legislation.You can watch the video here and aboveandread the transcript below: \"Thank you Mr. Speaker. Today is not just about tax reform. Today is also about what we fundamentally believe as a nation. Today, we say working class families, not the government, are best equipped to make financial decisions. Did we hear anything from our Democrat friends for nearly eight years about lowering taxes on lower and middle income? We did not. \"For the first time since 1986, we are going to overhaul our broken tax code. Here is what that means for families in North Carolina: Middle income families will see more than a $2,300 increase in their take home pay. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means more than 30,000 new jobs in North Carolina.  \n\t  \n\t\"I am encouraged that our Senate colleagues have also decided to include the Obamacare individual mandate repeal, and would urge our House conference to consider it as well.  \n\t  \n\t\"Last, I would like to thank Chairman Brady. There is no greater servant in the United States House. Thank you to his work and to his team.  \n\t  \n\t\"Today, we keep our promise. Its time to move forward.  \n\t  \n\t\"I yield back.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/sen-burr-on-house-passage-of-tax-reform_including-able-act-enhancements", "Sen. Burr on House Passage of Tax Reform,  Including ABLE Act Enhancements", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.17\n\t\t\t Sen. Burr on House Passage of Tax Reform,  Including ABLE Act Enhancements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Senior Member of the Finance Committee, made the following statement on the House passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which included the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act:\r\nIt has been three years to the day since the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was signed into law and Im incredibly proud that the ABLE to Work Act and the ABLE Financial Planning Act are included in the historic, soon-to-be passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These provisions will enhance the immensely popular ABLE Act by allowing disabled Americans the opportunity to work and save more money tax-free, without losing their needed benefits. They will also allow for savings in 529 college savings plans to be rolled over into ABLE accounts tax-free if an individual becomes disabled after a family has already started saving for college. Families and individuals with disabilities across the country will benefit tremendously from these provisions, and Im pleased to see them included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed the House earlier today, and will soon pass the Senate.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/marks-weekly-update-12-18-17", "Mark's Weekly Update - 12-18-17", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Supporting Israel\n\t\t\t\tAs you may have read by now, PresidentDonald Trumprecently announced that the United States recognizesJerusalemas the true, undivided Capital ofIsrael. The United States will also be relocating the USembassy to Jerusalem.\n\t\t\t\tThere are times throughout the United States' history when our Presidents have sent the rest of the world a clear, powerful message of leadership and conviction. I believe this historic moment will be remembered as one of those times.\n\t\t\t\tAfter 8 years of damage, constant undermining, and broken promises, the world will once again know that the United States stands, unwaveringly, alongside our ally Israel.\n\t\t\t\tThe photo below from AP really says it all.\n\t\t\t\tThe Israeli flag alongside the U.S. flag in Jerusalem (from AP)\n\t\t\t\tInvestigate the Investigators?\n\t\t\t\tThere is a growing body of questions surrounding the FBI that several House Freedom Caucus members are demanding answers on. Lets outline a couple of them:\n\t\t\t\tFirst, you may remember my op-ed from November in which I asked a simple question: why was President Obamas FBI involved in the creation of and payments for the infamous fake Russian dossier, started by the DNC and Clinton campaign? Did the FBI dress up the Russian dossier as intelligence and use it to get a warrant for spying on political opponents in the Trump campaign? I encourage you to watch this video here where Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) questions FBI Director Chris Wray and outlines why it looks like thats exactly what happened.\n\t\t\t\tSecond, there is an increasing amount of evidence that the FBI treated the Hillary Clinton investigation as a special case, and effectively gave her a pass. If that happened, it would be as wrong as it gets. Lady Justice wears a blindfold--and no American, regardless of wealth or political status, should be given a free pass under the law.\n\t\t\t\tThe notion that the FBI may be biased, that they potentially gave a prominent political figure a pass, or that they may have been involved in a political project at all, is concerning enough. But its even more concerning that theyre refusing transparency on these issues. These questions, among others, deserve and demand answers.\n\t\t\t\tIts time to investigate the investigators. Federal law enforcement officials deserve to be respected, but they are not above transparency and accountability when questions arise. Its time for Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Justice Department to appoint a second special counsel to investigate.\n\t\t\t\tI joined several fellow conservative members, including Jim Jordan (R-OH), Scott Perry (R-PA), Jody Hice (R-GA), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) in a press conference on this issueyou can watch the full video here. I also appeared with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) on Hannity to discuss the issue, which you can see here.\n\t\t\t\tJim Jordan (R-OH) questions FBI director Wray in the Judiciary Committee\n\t\t\t\t  Speaking at a press conference on investigating the investigators\n\t\t\t\t  With Rep. Matt Gaetz on Hannity\n\t\t\t\tObamacare Bill with Senator Ron Johnson\n\t\t\t\tI introduced a bill with Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) to abolish theObamacareMulti-State Plan program--a program that wastes over $10 million a year, crowds out competition in the healthcare market, drives up premiums, and creates a path toward a single payer system.\n\t\t\t\tSection 1334 of the Affordable Care Act requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with at least two national health plans, one of which must be a non-profit plan, to compete directly with private plans in every state. These plans are called Multi-State Plans, or MSPs  and under current law, they are required to be available in all 50 states, as of 2017.\n\t\t\t\tHowever, the program has failed to meet the Obama administrations 750,000 enrollment projection or the 50-state statutory requirement. Only one state, Arkansas, has agreed to offer a MSP option in 2018, and it is likely that fewer than 2,000 Arkansans will participate. But the federal government is still funding the program at $10 million per year.\n\t\t\t\tOur bill abolishes these plans, which were a poorly conceived portion of a poorly conceived bill. Its the very definition of government waste. You can read more here.\n\t\t\t\tSpeech  Conservative Womens Network\n\t\t\t\tThis week I had the honor of speaking at the Heritage Foundations Conservative Womens Network. It was a pleasure to interact with themyou can watch the full speech here.\n\t\t\t\tIf I had to highlight one principle of the speech, it would be this: Members of Congress need to hold their jobs in Washington, D.C. loosely, because the minute you start holding onto your title, job, or position too tightly as a politician, you don't make decisions in the best interests of your constituents.\n\t\t\t\tCongress is not a career. It's a calling. If we all looked at it that way, wed be a whole lot better off in the end.\n\t\t\t\tSpeaking to the Conservative Womens Network\n\t\t\t\tNC-11 Christmas Tree at the USDA\n\t\t\t\tWhat an exciting moment for Western NC: theU.S. Department of Agriculture, led by USDA SecretarySonny Perdue, is using a North CarolinaChristmastree this year--grown right in our district! The tree was delivered this morning from Bucks Tree Farm in Mitchell County, owned by our very own Rodney Buchanan.\n\t\t\t\tThanks to Secretary Perdue for hosting us at the delivery!\n\t\t\t\tWith Secretary Sonny Perdue, delivering the Christmas tree from Rodney Buchanan\n\t\t\t\tTeam Meadows  Operation Christmas Child\n\t\t\t\tSeveral members of Team Meadows were honored to serve withSamaritan's Pursethis week, packing shoe-boxes forOperation Christmas Child! Thankful for the great work of my staff in our community.\n\t\t\t\tTeam Meadows working with Samaritans Purse\n\t\t\t\tTeam Meadows working with Samaritans Purse\n\t\t\t\t  Team Meadows working with Samaritans Purse\n\t\t\t\tCongratulations, Cherokee and Hibriten High Schools\n\t\t\t\tWhat a championship weekend it was for NC-11 football! Congratulations to the men of Cherokee High School and Hibriten High School on winning their State title games! What a run--we are all so proud of your hard work and outstanding performance this season. Well done!\n\t\t\t\tRead about Cherokee HSs win here and Hibriten HSs win here.\n\t\t\t\tCherokee High School\n\t\t\t\tHibriten High School\n\t\t\t\tFighting the Opioid Epidemic\n\t\t\t\tIf you missed it, this article in theSmoky Mountain Newsdiscusses my new bill withCongressman Jim Renacci (R-OH)to combat theOpioid Crisis.\n\t\t\t\tFar too many families and communities have been devastated by this terrible epidemic--it's one of the main things brought up to me when I visit our great law enforcement teams back home. This bill doesn't contain all the solutions, but it's a start--and a direct result of constituents' input.\n\t\t\t\tWe can do better. We have to.\n\t\t\t\tCongratulations to Lt. Daryl Cornett\n\t\t\t\tTeam Meadows was honored to present Lt. Daryl Cornett, of the Lenoir Police Department, with a Congressional Record honoring his service and congratulating him on his retirement from the force.\n\t\t\t\tThank you, Lt. Cornett, for all that youve done for our community!\n\t\t\t\tHonoring Lt. Daryl Cornett\n\t\t\t\tHappy Hanukkah from Team Meadows\n\t\t\t\tDebbie and I would like to wish a healthy andhappy Hanukkahto all those who began celebrating this week. May you and your family be blessed in the days and weeks to come.\n\t\t\t\tHappy Hanukkah from Team Meadows", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-applauds-us-veto-of-anti-israel-resolution", "Meadows Applauds U.S. Veto of Anti-Israel Resolution", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows Applauds U.S. Veto of Anti-Israel Resolution\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement applauding the United States veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have required the President to rescind the Trump Administrations declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital:\nToday, it was reaffirmed: when it comes to the United States leadership on the world stage, there is a new sheriff in town. President Trump gave his word throughout his campaign and the first year of his presidency that he would be an unwavering supporter of our ally, Israeland once again, hes delivered. The United Nations' constant attempts to delegitimize Israel in the Middle East while undermining the United States' sovereignty are shameful. By vetoing todays resolution, America is sending a crystal clear message that we will no longer tolerate the UN's blatant anti-Israel bias that does far more damage than assistance toward peace efforts in the region.\nI applaud President Trump and Ambassador Haley for their willingness to lead. America stands with Israel, once again.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=772", "Meadows Applauds U.S. Veto of Anti-Israel Resolution", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows Applauds U.S. Veto of Anti-Israel Resolution\r\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement applauding the United States veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have required the President to rescind the Trump Administrations declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital:\r\nToday, it was reaffirmed: when it comes to the United States leadership on the world stage, there is a new sheriff in town. President Trump gave his word throughout his campaign and the first year of his presidency that he would be an unwavering supporter of our ally, Israeland once again, hes delivered. The United Nations' constant attempts to delegitimize Israel in the Middle East while undermining the United States' sovereignty are shameful. By vetoing todays resolution, America is sending a crystal clear message that we will no longer tolerate the UN's blatant anti-Israel bias that does far more damage than assistance toward peace efforts in the region.\r\nI applaud President Trump and Ambassador Haley for their willingness to lead. America stands with Israel, once again. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-china-targeting-our-tech-we-must-react", "Pittenger:  China targeting our tech, we must react", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n  \n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER: CHINA IS TARGETING OUR TECHNOLOGY  PRESIDENT TRUMP UNDERSTANDS THREAT \n Pittenger legislation endorsed by Treasury Secretary, Defense Secretary, and Attorney General as President Trump prioritizes IP Theft in National Security Strategy \n\nWASHINGTON  Today, President Donald Trump announced an America First national security strategy which specifically targets the theft or strategic acquisition of intellectual property and sensitive technology by China and other adversarial foreign powers.\nNew legislation from Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) would address that issue by modernizing and enhancing the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which hasnt been substantially reformed since the Ford Administration.\nChinese investment in the United States has grown from $4.5 billion in 2010 to $46 billion last year. They are targeting our military and security-related technology. Since late 2014, the Chinese have acquired 43 semiconductor companies, 20 of which are based in the United States. This technology has critical military applications and these acquisitions challenge our defense supply chain. This is actually part of President Xis five-year plan explained Congressman Pittenger. President Trump is restoring American leadership with todays national security strategy, which includes steps to address malicious Chinese investment. Already, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, Defense Secretary Mattis, and Attorney General Sessions have endorsed our legislation to reform CFIUS, strengthening the review of foreign investments.\nDefense Secretary James Mattis, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have officially endorsed Congressman Pittengers CFIUS reform legislation, the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act. \nIn addition, the National Security Strategy specifically supports efforts to reform CFIUS: While maintaining an investor-friendly climate, this Administration will work with the Congress to strengthen the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to ensure it addresses current and future national security risks.\nTREASURY SECRETARY MNUCHIN:I support the goals of FIRRMA, which will help to ensure that CFIUS has the tools necessary to protect the national security of the United States, while simultaneously maintaining our open investment environment. I stand ready to work with Senators Cornyn, Feinstein, and Burr, Congressman Pittenger, the committees of jurisdiction, and other Members of Congress as this important legislation advances,said U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. (12/14/2017)\nATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS:I am particularly supportive of the goals of several aspects of your proposed legislation, including but not limited to (1) the expansion of CFIUSs authority to review certain transactions that may pose national security concerns; (2) an expanded list of national security factors that CFIUS should consider; and (3) mandatory disclosures of certain investments by state-owned enterprises,said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (12/13/2017)\nDEFENSE SECRETARY MATTIS: As the national security landscape changes, the existing process and authorities must be updated. DoD depends on critical, foundational, and emerging technologies to maintain military readiness and preserve our technological advantage over potential adversaries. FIRRMA would help close related gaps that exist in both the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and export control processes, which are not presently keeping pace with todays rapid technological changes. (12/15/17)\nBACKGROUND\nThe Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is the only government mechanism to ensure potential foreign investments do not harm our national security. However, CFIUS has not been substantially updated since the Ford Administration.\nThe Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, introduced on November 8th, 2017 by Congressman Pittenger and Senator Cornyn:\n Expands CFIUS jurisdiction to include joint ventures, minority position investments, and real estate transactions near military bases and other sensitive national security facilities.\n\tUpdates CFIUS definition of critical technologies to include emerging technologies that could be essential for maintaining the U.S. technological advantage over countries that pose threats.\n\tAdds new national security factors to the review process.\n\tStrengthens the governments ability to protect American critical infrastructure from foreign government disruption.\n Click here for video of Congressman Pittengers interview with Fox News on efforts to block foreign investments which threaten Americas national security.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-obama-admin-let-hezbollah-off-the-hook", "Pittenger: Obama Admin Let Hezbollah Off The Hook", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\n PITTENGER: OBAMA ADMINISTRATION LET DRUG DEALING HEZBOLLAH TERROR GROUP OFF THE HOOK \n\nWASHINGTON Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) released the following statement after learning of the Obama Administration's interference of a DEA operation targeting Hezbollah and their illicit drug dealing activities.\nThe nexus between terrorists organizations, including Hezbollah, and Latin American drug cartels is a subversive alliance which provides hundreds of millions of dollars to global jihad. The witnesses providing account of the Obama administration derailing and stonewalling the prosecution of this illicit funding investigation has resulted in the most serious consequences of the misguided and injudicious actions of President Obama and his team,said Congressman Pittenger.\nLast month, I hosted a forum in Buenos Aires for 220 Members of Parliament and government officials from 15 South American countries to address this enormous challenge to intercept drug related funding of terrorism.\nSunday afternoon Politico reported that the Obama administration undermined a DEA led task force targeting Hezbollah in order to help secure the Iran Nuclear deal.https://www.politico.com/interactives/2017/obama-hezbollah-drug-trafficking-investigation\nCongressman Pittenger serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, and Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Committee Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/treasury-secretary-attorney-general-other-experts-endorse-pittenger-bill", "Treasury Secretary, Attorney General, Other Experts Endorse Pittenger Bill", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\n TREASURY SECRETARY, ATTORNEY GENERAL, OTHER EXPERTS ENDORSE PITTENGERS NATIONAL SECURITY LEGISLATION \n\nWASHINGTON  Two Trump Administration Cabinet officials, a former senior level intelligence official, an influential Chinese watchdog and a major industry stakeholder have announced their support for Congressman Robert Pittengers Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA). \nTREASURY SECRETARY MNUCHIN:I support the goals of FIRRMA, which will help to ensure that CFIUS has the tools necessary to protect the national security of the United States, while simultaneously maintaining our open investment environment. I stand ready to work with Senators Cornyn, Feinstein, and Burr, Congressman Pittenger, the committees of jurisdiction, and other Members of Congress as this important legislation advances,said U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. (Secretary Steven Mnuchin, 12/14/2017)\nATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS:I am particularly supportive of the goals of several aspects of your proposed legislation, including but not limited to (1) the expansion of CFIUSs authority to review certain transactions that may pose national security concerns; (2) an expanded list of national security factors that CFIUS should consider; and (3) mandatory disclosures of certain investments by state-owned enterprises,said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. (Attorney General Jeff Sessions,Letter to Senator Cornyn, 12/13/2017)\nFORMER DNI ADM. BLAIR:By expanding the scope of CFIUS reviews, FIRRMA provides better tools to analyze foreign investments and thus will strengthen the protection of America intellectual property from theft by foreign actors,said Admiral Dennis C. Blair. (Admiral Dennis C. Blair, former Director of National Intelligence and Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, 11/21/17)\nORACLE CORP:Critically FIRRMA strikes a balance of protecting national security while not chilling the benefits of foreign investment in the United States.(Oracle,Letter to Sen. Cornyn, 11/8/17)\nUS-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION:Senator CornynsForeign Investment Risk Review Modernization Acthelps prepare the United States to meet these new challenges and mitigate risks posed by current and emerging security threats,said Dr. Larry Wortzel. (Dr. Larry M. Wortzel, U.S.-China Economic Security and Review Commission, 10/25/17)\nCongressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) issued this statement on the FIRRMA endorsements:\nWe must crack down on Chinese investments that threaten Americas national security, and I am thankful to Secretary Mnuchin, Admiral Blair, and Attorney General Sessions for their support and assistance on this important matter. We have been working on this critical piece of national security legislation for over two years. In the coming weeks, I look forward to working with Senator Cornyn and the Trump Administration to move this legislation through Congress in a timely manner. \nBACKGROUND\nThe Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is the only government mechanism to ensure potential foreign investments do not harm our national security. However, CFIUS has not been substantially updated since the Ford Administration.\nThe Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, introduced on November 8th, 2017 by Congressman Pittenger and Senator Cornyn:\n Expands CFIUS jurisdiction to include joint ventures, minority position investments, and real estate transactions near military bases and other sensitive national security facilities.\n\tUpdates CFIUS definition of critical technologies to include emerging technologies that could be essential for maintaining the U.S. technological advantage over countries that pose threats.\n\tAdds new national security factors to the review process.\n\tStrengthens the governments ability to protect American critical infrastructure from foreign government disruption.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senate-intel-chairman-burrs-statement-on-presidents-national-security-speech-", "Senate Intel Chairman Burr\u2019s Statement on President\u2019s National Security Speech", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.17\n\t\t\t Senate Intel Chairman Burrs Statement on Presidents National Security Speech  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Today, Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, made the following statement on President Trumps national security speech:\r\nToday, President Trump spoke to the threats facing the United States, including a growing extremist threat and ongoing competition from Russia and China. The threats against our country and our citizens include not only acts of violence but also insidious cyber-attacks that undermine our democracy and ongoing economic espionage that damages our economy. The President today committed to maintaining America as the worlds only superpower and reassured our allies that the previous administrations lead from behind era of American leadership is over.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-honors-wade-harvey-and-mike-lapierre-wreaths-across-greensboro", "Walker Honors Wade Harvey and Mike Lapierre of Wreaths Across Greensboro as December Community Heroes of the Month", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREENSBORO, N.C. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (NC-06) honored Wade Harvey (pictured left)and Mike Lapeirre(pictured right) as the Sixth District Community Heroes of the Month for December 2017. Each month, Congressman Walker honors a constituent, business, or organization in his district for displaying extraordinary acts of service and for making a difference in their community. Inspired by the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Wade Harvey and Mike Lapeirre worked to organize a similar event in the Greensboro area. The two fathers hoped to use the ceremony to educate their own children about freedom and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Wade and Mike contacted Wreaths Across America and selected Forest Lawn Cemetery in Greensboro. With help from friends, family, and volunteers from the community, the pair have laid 1,100 wreaths in the veterans section of the cemetery every December since 2013. During this season, it is vital to remember the servicemen and servicewomen who have sacrificed so that we may know the blessings of freedom, Walker said. Seeing an opportunity to make a difference in our community, Wade and Mike took action and organized a powerful ceremony to show gratitude to our veterans. Because of their efforts, generations of heroes now know that we are thankful for their service and that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.\n\n\nWalker presented Wade and Mike with a certificate and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of their service. This years honor ceremony will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. You can learn more about Wade and Mike and the Wreaths Across Greensboro ceremony here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletter?ContentRecord_id=005AD67E-3D40-4EF1-8A7F-EA6A581F7BF0", "Passing Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Contact\r\nMy\r\nOffice \nThank\r\nyou\r\nfor\r\nreading\r\nmy\r\ne-newsletter,\r\nI\r\nwill\r\ncontinue\r\nto\r\nwork\r\nhard\r\nto\r\nrepresent\r\nall\r\nNorth\r\nCarolinians\r\nin\r\nthe\r\nSenate\r\nand\r\ndeliver\r\nresults.\r\nAs\r\nalways,\r\nplease\r\ndon't\r\nhesitate\r\ntocontact\r\nmy\r\nofficeif\r\nwe\r\ncan\r\nassist\r\nyou\r\nin\r\nany\r\nmatter\r\nregarding\r\na\r\ngovernment\r\nagency.\r\nIf\r\nyou\r\nwould\r\nlike\r\nto\r\nunsubscribe\r\nfrom\r\nmy\r\ne-newsletter,\r\nplease\r\nclickhereand\r\nplease\r\nfollow\r\nme\r\nonFacebook,Twitter,Instagram,\r\nandYouTubefor\r\ndaily\r\nupdates\r\non\r\nmy\r\nwork\r\nin\r\nNorth\r\nCarolina\r\nand\r\nWashington!\nAll\r\nthe\r\nbest,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D82DC383-017D-4888-9E39-0DE2437B1B48", "Tillis & Coons Statement on Reuters Journalists Arrested in Burma", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, released the following statement about the Reuters journalists who were arrested in Burma on Tuesday.    As co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, we are gravely concerned about the arrests of two Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo,in Burma who werewritingstories about the crisis in Rakhine State following the militarys brutal crackdown on the Rohingya. We join the U.S. Embassy in Burma in calling for the Burmese government to explain the arrests and allow access to the journalists. Freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic value and critical to ensuring accountability for violence against the Rohingya. We urge the Burmese government torespect press freedom and protectall journalistsinstead of preventing them from accurately reporting facts on the ground andbringing atrocities to light.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-applauds-president-trump-s-regulatory-reform", "Meadows Applauds President Trumps Regulatory Reform", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows Applauds President Trump\u2019s Regulatory Reform \nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement on President Trump\u2019s speech today at the White House, recapping the Trump administration\u2019s progress in rolling back the regulatory state:\n\u201cToday\u2019s speech from President\u00a0Donald Trump represents the exact kind of culture change Washington, D.C. has desperately needed for so long. The American people are fed up with our government\u2019s out-of-control regulatory state that puts the interests of insiders and bureaucrats ahead of everyday Americans on Main Street. They sent President Trump here to lead the charge in fixing it\u2014and the President is delivering. As OMB Director Mick Mulvaney said, the administration has cut 22 old regulations for every new regulation issued. Business as usual is over.\nPresident Trump is right: \u2018Unchecked regulation undermines our freedom.\u2019 That\u2019s why, in May, I introduced a bill in the House to codify the Presidents directive to eliminate two out of date, unnecessary regulations for every new regulation enacted. This measure would go a long way toward jumpstarting the economy, reforming our government\u2019s approach to regulating, and changing the culture of Washington, D.C. \nThis is what the forgotten men and women voted for. This is draining the swamp. I give the President a standing ovation for this initiative, and I wholeheartedly join him in his effort to \u2018cut the red tape.\u2019\"\nTo read more about Rep. Meadows\u2019 bill H.R. 2623, the Lessening Regulatory Costs and Establishing a Federal Regulatory Budget Act of 2017, click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=773", "Meadows Applauds President Trumps Regulatory Reform", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows Applauds President Trumps Regulatory Reform \r\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement on President Trumps speech today at the White House, recapping the Trump administrations progress in rolling back the regulatory state:\r\nTodays speech from President Donald Trump represents the exact kind of culture change Washington, D.C. has desperately needed for so long. The American people are fed up with our governments out-of-control regulatory state that puts the interests of insiders and bureaucrats ahead of everyday Americans on Main Street. They sent President Trump here to lead the charge in fixing itand the President is delivering. As OMB Director Mick Mulvaney said, the administration has cut 22 old regulations for every new regulation issued. Business as usual is over.\r\nPresident Trump is right: Unchecked regulation undermines our freedom. Thats why, in May, I introduced a bill in the House to codify the Presidents directive to eliminate two out of date, unnecessary regulations for every new regulation enacted. This measure would go a long way toward jumpstarting the economy, reforming our governments approach to regulating, and changing the culture of Washington, D.C. \r\nThis is what the forgotten men and women voted for. This is draining the swamp. I give the President a standing ovation for this initiative, and I wholeheartedly join him in his effort to cut the red tape.\"\r\nTo read more about Rep. Meadows bill H.R. 2623, the Lessening Regulatory Costs and Establishing a Federal Regulatory Budget Act of 2017, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rouzer.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/case-you-missed-it", "12/14/2017 eNewsletter - In case you missed it...", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "David Rouzer", "R000603", "rouzer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "310 Government Center Drive\nUnit 1\nBolivia, NC 28422\nPhone: (910) 253-6111  \n\tFax: (910) 253-6114", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senators-burr-tillis-introduce-blue-ridge-national-heritage-area-reauthorization-act", "Senators Burr, Tillis Introduce Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.17\n\t\t\t Senators Burr, Tillis Introduce Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis released the following statements regarding the introduction of S. 2225, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act of 2017:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m excited today to take a critical step forward in extending the authorization for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area,\u201d said Senator Burr. \u201cThis program has boosted the tourism economy in our state by billions with only a fraction of that coming from federal coffers. By extending this authorization for an additional four years, millions more will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and culture of western North Carolina for a long time to come.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe Blue Ridge National Heritage Area plays a vital role in the Western North Carolina tourism industry, creating thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars to the local economy\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud to partner with Senator Burr to introduce legislation extending this important program so we can continue to preserve the unique culture and natural beauty of our great state.\u201d\r\nBackground Information:\r\nThe Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) was established in 2003 to preserve and develop the distinctive culture of Western North Carolina and South Appalachia.\u00a0 It spans 25 counties across the western portion of North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, two of the most visited National Parks in the country. In the last 15 years, this National Heritage Area (NHA) has provided more than 154 grants totaling $2.1 million, with more than double that leveraged in local and private investment. In all, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area supports more than 30,000 jobs and boasts an annual economic impact of $2.39 billion. The BRNHA also provides support to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville, NC, which hosts more than 100,000 annual visitors.\r\n\r\nBlue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC\r\n\r\nNewfound Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC\r\n\r\nMount Mitchell, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AFDEA8CE-BC47-47B6-9206-0132A2AA4E4D", "Tillis & Burr Support Armys Decision to Place Security Force Assistance Brigade at Fort Bragg", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0North Carolina\u00a0Senators Thom Tillis\u00a0and Richard Burr applauded the Department of the Army\u2019s recent announcement that the second of six Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB) will be activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in January 2018. SFABs are specialized units whose core mission is to conduct advise-and-assist operations with allies and partners.\u00a0\r\nThe Army stated the decision to station the second SFAB at Fort Bragg was based on strategic considerations including projected time to activate and train an SFAB, presence of senior grade personnel to man the unit, and required facility costs.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFort Bragg is the tip of the spear for the U.S. military and continues to be one of the most important military installations in the world,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Thom Tillis.\u00a0\u201cThe Army\u2019s decision to place the second Security Force Assistance Brigade at Ft. Bragg is a testament of its role in protecting our nation and its allies, and I\u2019m proud that 800 senior officers will join the ranks of the brave men and women already stationed there.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased the U.S. Army has chosen Fort Bragg as the home of the second of six new Security Force Assistance Brigades,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Richard Burr.\u00a0\u201cThe installation has the existing resources and expertise to facilitate the Brigade\u2019s future success in its mission. North Carolina is home to over a million active duty service members and veterans. Some of the best and bravest serve our country at Fort Bragg, and we're proud they call North Carolina home.\u201d\r\nBackground:\r\nSFABs are designed on the brigade combat team (BCT) model and consist of approximately 800 senior and noncommissioned officers who have proven expertise in training and advising foreign security forces.\u00a0 Soldiers in the SFAB are screened based on qualifications and experience. The unit will receive the best, most advanced military equipment available. SFAB soldiers receive special training through the Military Advisor Training Academy to include language, foreign weapons and the Joint Fires Observer course.\u00a0 Commanders and leaders in the SFAB will have previously commanded and led similar BCT units at the same echelon. Enlisted advisors will hold the rank of sergeant and above. The Army is starting to formalize policies and regulations that will help SFAB soldiers with promotion rates and boards, selection boards, and special pay.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=180", "Budd Votes To Disrupt And Expose the Iranian Terror Networks", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Disrupt And Expose the Iranian Terror Networks  \r\nCongressman Budd voted for Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act to publicize the assets associated with Iran\u2019s government and military leadership\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON -- US Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) voted to pass H.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. The bill will bring transparency to those profiting at the top of the corrupt Iranian regime by helping to shine a light on their illicit activities. It does this by requiring the Treasury Department to provide a report to Congress on the financial assets of senior Iranian officials involved in corruption. It would show the Iranian people as well how their government truly operates. See below for full remarks. \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s not uncommon these days to see Iranian fingerprints all over the instability and unrest that plagues the Middle East. In order to shed light on Iranian terror activities and let the Iranian people know how their leaders actually operate, we must expose the financial assets of the senior Iranian officials involved in corruption and illicit finance. This legislation aims to take the necessary steps toward disrupting the Iranian terror network.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThis bill passed the House Financial Services Committee with bipartisan support on November 14, 2017 by a vote of 43-16. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nCongressman Ted Budd (R-NC) delivered the following remarks marks on the house floor speaking in favor of H.R. 1638 Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act: \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of Mr. Poliquin\u2019s bill, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, and I thank him for his leadership on this issue.  It\u2019s not uncommon these days to see Iranian fingerprints all over the instability and unrest that plagues the Middle East. That\u2019s why our own State Department classifies Iran as a country of \u201cprimary concern\u201d for money laundering and international terror financing.  And just this weekend, Mr. Speaker, we saw their handiwork yet again. This time it was Lebanon, where the now largely Iranian-backed, Hezbollah influenced government called for economic sanctions on the United States. Why? Simply for recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.  A few at the top in this corrupt Iranian regime are flush with cash, supporting illicit causes and terror in the Middle East, all this while the average Iranian gets by on an average salary of just $15,000 a year.  Accountability for those profiting at the top at the expense of those suffering at the bottom, is long overdue. Luckily, Mr. Poliquin\u2019s bill helps us achieve this goal, by requiring the Treasury Department to provide a report to Congress on the financial assets of these senior Iranian officials involved in corruption and illicit finance. Also, if enacted, this bill will shed light on Iranian terror activities and let the Iranian people know how their leaders actually operate.  And this is a key aspect of the bill, since most news in Iran is disseminated through government controlled outlets. True information for those in the country can be hard to come by. \u00a0 The bottom line is this.  This is an important piece of legislation that I believe will help disrupt the Iranian terror network, and I urge all my Democrat colleagues to support this measure. Let\u2019s send a message to the regime that this body, the People\u2019s House, is united on this front. And let\u2019s send a message to the Iranian people, that we are with them as well.  I want to once again thank Mr. Poliquin for his leadership on this issue and I urge adoption of his legislation. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-works-protect-veterans-predatory-profit-colleges", "JONES WORKS TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM PREDATORY FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 This week, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) joined Representatives Jackie Speier (CA-14) and Mark Takano (CA-41) and reintroduced the bipartisan Military and Veterans Education Protection Act. This legislation would close the \u201890/10 loophole\u2019 that continues to allow for-profit colleges to aggressively target veterans and servicemembers while wasting billions of dollars in taxpayer funds.\n\u201cOur veterans sacrifice so much and put their lives on the line to defend this country,\u201d said Congressman Jones. \u201cFor-profit educational institutions that take advantage of our veterans and Defense Department education funds are guilty of a double wrong: robbing veterans of a chance at a true education, and taking advantage of taxpayers.\u00a0 For the benefit of veterans and taxpayers, it\u2019s time for Congress to close the \u201890/10 loophole.\u2019\u201d\n\u201cFor these schools it\u2019s all about the money, not the quality of education or bettering the lives of those who have put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms,\u201d Congresswoman Speier said. \u201cITT Tech and Corinthian Colleges, who together received over $1 billion in taxpayer funds, suddenly went bankrupt and closed after years of substandard performance. Their students were left in the lurch, with their only recourse an onerous and uncertain loan forgiveness process. The Military and Veterans Education Protection Act will require these colleges to receive 10 percent of their funds from non-federal sources, which will finally put a stop to predatory for-profit colleges that squander taxpayer money and prey on veterans, servicemembers, and their families.\u201d\n\u201cBad actors in the for-profit education industry have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to seek profits at the expense of veterans and taxpayers,\u201d said Congressman Takano. \u201cGiven the recent expansion of the GI Bill benefits available to those who serve, our responsibility to protect veterans from deceptive and fraudulent schools is greater than ever. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that student veterans attend institutions that deliver on the promise of quality instruction and meaningful job opportunities.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cStudent Veterans of America (SVA) has been committed to closing the 90/10 loophole since 2011,\u201d said William Hubbard, VP of Government Affairs for the Student Veterans of America. \u201cProspective and current student veterans remain the target of predatory programs that deliver a low-quality education. We remain committed to transparency in higher education and helping student veterans become informed consumers. SVA supports closing this loophole and is pleased to be working with Congress to make that a reality.\u201d\n\u201cHigher education provides the opportunity for military-connected students to gain the training necessary for a seamless transition into the civilian workforce and improve the socioeconomic standing of their families. With 67% of military-connected students being first-generation, low income, minority, and other underserved student populations, the GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, and other military education benefits reduce barriers that might otherwise keep them from attaining their education and career goals,\u201d said Tanya Ang, Director of Policy and Outreach for Veterans Education Success. \u201cWhile we believe it is imperative military-connected students are empowered to make well informed decisions prior to them starting their pursuit of higher education, VES also believes certain accountability measures must be in place to protect them from predatory institutions. That is why we support this bipartisan bill that protects military-connected students and tax payer money.\u201d\n\u201cJust as the Military Order of the Purple Heart fights to expand veterans' educational opportunities as we did with the recently passed Forever GI Bill, we must also make sure that those opportunities are of the highest quality possible,\u201d said Neil Van Ess, National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. \u201cClosing the 90/10 loophole would be a big step toward achieving that goal, and we thank Senator Carper for introducing this important legislation.\u201d\n\u201cThe 90/10 loophole allows predatory schools to take advantage of the benefits survivors\u2019 loved ones served and died for,\u201d said Ashlynne Haycock, Manager for Education Services for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). \u201cJust like veterans, surviving family members have been taken advantage of by institutions of higher learning that want access to their educational benefits, only to be left with useless degrees and nontransferable credits. If a school is not doing anything morally wrong, they should not object to the closure of the loophole. We must close the loophole to help ensure that surviving families and veterans have access to the highest quality education. These families have already sacrificed so much for this country, they should never be taken advantage of, and should be given every opportunity to pursue their dreams.\u201d\nThe following organizations are supporting the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America , Veterans Education Success, VetsFirst, VetJobs, Blue Star Families, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Officers Association of America, Military Child Education Coalition, Veterans for Common Sense, Non Commissioned Officers Association, High Ground Veterans Advocacy, AMVETS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Wounded Warrior Project, The Retired Enlisted Association, Got Your Six, National Guard Association of the United States, Association of the United States Navy, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, National Military Family Association, Swords to Plowshares, Air Force Association, Air Force Sergeants Association.\nBackground:  \n\t\u2022 The 90/10 rule was passed more than 20 years ago, under President George H.W. Bush, to limit the amount of federal funding for-profit schools could receive from taxpayer funds. It requires for-profit schools to obtain at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. However, a loophole in the law excludes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) education funds, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA), from being counted as federal funds.\n\u2022 For-profit colleges should demonstrate their quality by securing at least 10 percent of their revenues from non-federal sources. By properly counting VA and DOD educational benefits as federal dollars, the Military and Veterans Education Protection Act restores the bipartisan intent of Congress that no for-profit school should receive 100 percent of their revenues from taxpayers.\nServing America\u2019s veterans is one of Congressman Jones\u2019 highest priorities.\u00a0 Over the past 12 years, Congressman Jones has cosponsored more bills to help veterans than any other member of Congress.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones\u2019 office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/unanimous-pittenger-legislation-to-help-those-with-littleno-credit", "UNANIMOUS:  Pittenger legislation to help those with little/no credit approved by key House committee", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n UNANIMOUS DECISION:\u00a0 HOUSE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE APPROVES PITTENGER LEGISLATION TO INCREASE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CREDIT \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 The House Financial Services Committee today gave unanimous approval to Congressman Robert Pittenger\u2019s legislation designed to give hardworking Americans more opportunities to build good credit on their own merit.\nThe bipartisan Credit Access and Inclusion Act (H.R. 435) was introduced by Congressman Pittenger (R-NC) and Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) in January.\n\u201cThis truly bipartisan effort could end credit invisibility, providing tens of millions of hardworking Americans more affordable credit and insurance,\u201d explained Congressman Pittenger to his colleagues on the Financial Services Committee.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill will also greatly expand lending, enabling small businesses to expand, increasing household wealth and generating economic growth.\u00a0 This legislation would allow those Americans with credit invisibility to establish a credit score, or raise their existing score, on their own merit and without federal mandates.\u201d\nCLICK HERE for full video of Congressman Pittenger\u2019s statement to the House Financial Services Committee.\nThe bipartisan Credit Access and Inclusion Act (H.R. 435) would allow utilities, telecom companies, and landlords to report on-time payment data to credit reporting agencies, enabling families with little or no credit to build credit scores based on a full and more appropriate picture of their payment history.\nThose with little or no credit history are considered high risk and can be rejected when they apply for credit, and also pay higher rates for car and homeowner\u2019s insurance.\u00a0 Congressmen Pittenger and Ellison\u2019s bipartisan legislation would enable 50 million Americans to establish a credit score, and help over 50 million more Americans improve their existing score.\nThe bipartisan Credit Access and Inclusion Act was approved 60-0 by the House Financial Services Committee and is expected to be considered by the full House early next year.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-gives-opening-statement-oversight-hearing-criminal-justice-reform", "Walker Gives Opening Statement at Oversight Hearing on Criminal Justice Reform", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Representative\u00a0Mark\u00a0Walker (R-N.C.) today gave the opening statement for a\u00a0Committee on Oversight and Government Reform\u00a0hearing on \"Oversight of the Bureau of Prisons and Inmate Reentry.\" Walker has made criminal justice reform a legislative\u00a0priority, calling for Congress to act swiftly on the issue, and forging coalitions across the aisle, including with the Congressional Black Caucus.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cFamilies are the building blocks of communities,\u201d Walker said at the hearing. \u201cIt is hard to imagine anything more disruptive to a family than losing a parent or spouse to incarceration.\" \u201cRedemption has always been an American ideal,\u201d Walker added. \u201cWe need former prisoners to integrate back into society, restore stability to their families, and contribute to their communities.\"\nFollowing Walker's opening statement,\u00a0U.S. Representative\u00a0Elijah Cummings\u00a0(D-Md.) praised Walker for his work on criminal justice reform.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cCongressman Walker, I want to applaud you for what you said and what you do in this area,\u201d Cummings said. \u201cYou said some very important words. You said whatever we do with regard to these folks, it has to be real and it has to be effective.\"\nYou can watch Walker's remarks above and read the full transcript below: \"Families are the building blocks of communities.\u00a0It is hard to imagine anything more disruptive to a family than losing a parent or spouse to incarceration. To have a parent removed from your life and sent to prison must be an overwhelmingly difficult experience for both the inmate and the family. \"I can still remember as a young child, being the son of a pastor who was also a prison chaplain, still sitting on the bunks of those inmates, in many cases hearing the sad stories. \"Now, make no mistake, I firmly believe that when people break the law there must be consequences, and incarceration is often times the appropriate consequence. However, the Justice System and the Bureau of Prisons also have a responsibility to help rehabilitate that person and help that inmate have a successful reentry back into our communities. This makes sense from both a public safety perspective and one out of compassion for our fellow citizens. Because what is clear is that virtually all of the inmates in federal prison are going back to return to their communities and their families. \"When they are released, the question should be asked, will they be better, or will they be worse? You see, redemption has always been an American ideal. We need former prisoners to integrate back into society, restore stability to their families, and contribute to their communities. \"Inmate release preparation and programming is essential to developing and restoring hope.\u00a0 Hope that they will never return to prison. Hope that they will find a job. Hope that they will be able to support their family. Hope that they will build a good life after prison.\u00a0For that reason, rehabilitation and reentry efforts must be real and they must be effective. \"Three weeks ago, I spoke in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at a wonderful nonprofit organization, the Winston-Salem Prison Ministry, doing a great job. But, the Bureau of Prisons must also make successful inmate rehabilitation and reentry a priority. \"The Bureau must also evaluate its programs and reentry decisions so that their effectiveness can be measured based on evidence of success. We have got to figure out what reentry and rehabilitation strategies work best. \"Does release to a halfway house improve an inmates\u2019 chances at successful reentry? Are some Halfway houses more effective than others at assisting inmates to succeed?\u00a0Would placing more inmates directly into home confinement reduce recidivism?\u00a0Do certain education or life skills programs tend to lead to a more successful inmate reentry?\u00a0 \"These are all questions I look forward to discussing today. I believe that evidence based assessments are essential to determine what programs work well at reducing recidivism and what programs simply do not work well.\u00a0 \"I am grateful for all the witnesses here today. I appreciate your expertise. Reducing recidivism and improving inmate reentry services is a challenge, but it is one we must all be committed to achieving.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A324EAB2-FD18-4FCF-A957-65A9D58DA5E1", "Tillis Chairs Hearing on Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussions in Servicemembers", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tToday, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Personnel, held a hearing to receive testimony updating the subcommittee on research, diagnosis, and treatment for traumatic brain injury/concussion in servicemembers.\u00a0Click HERE to watch Senator Tillis\u2019 Opening Statement.\u00a0Click HERE to watch the full hearing.\u00a0\u201cSince 2000, the Department of Defense diagnosed over 370,000 service members with traumatic brain injury, with the majority of them diagnosed in non-deployment settings. This is not a unique problem within the Department of Defense however\u2013 it is a national problem,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cLast year alone, there were about 2.5 million emergency room visits related to concussions in the United States, and medical experts believe there were many more concussed individuals who did not seek medical care. Congress must pursue multiple approaches to understand better the chronic effects of traumatic brain injury, including the long-term neurodegenerative problems associated with multiple concussive injuries.\u201d\u00a0The subcommittee members heard testimony from 2 panels that included the following witnesses:\u00a0Panel 1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\r\nDr.\u00a0David W. Dodick - Sports Neurology And Concussion Program Director, Mayo Clinic\r\nDr.\u00a0Steven D. Devick - Chief Executive Officer King-Devick Technologies, Inc\r\nDr.\u00a0Christopher M. Miles - Associate Director, Sports Medicine Fellowship, Wake Forest University\r\n\r\n\u00a0Panel 2\r\n\r\nDr.\u00a0Joel D. Scholten - Associate Chief Of Staff For Rehabilitation Services For The Veterans\u2019 Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC\r\nDr.\u00a0David X. Cifu - Principal Investigator, Chronic Effects Of Neurotrauma Consortium, Department Of Veterans\u2019 Affairs\r\nCaptain (Dr.)\u00a0Michael J. Colston, USN - Director, Military Health Policy And Oversight For The Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Health Affairs\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t185 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-6342\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 228-2563\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9300 Harris Corners Pkwy \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 170 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharlotte, NC  28269 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (704) 509-9087 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (704) 509-9162\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1694 E. Arlington Blvd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite B\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreenville, NC 27858\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (252) 329-0371\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (252) 329-0290\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (828) 693-8750\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (828) 693-9724\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1840 Eastchester Drive, Suite 200\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh Point, NC  27265\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (336) 885-0685\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (336) 885-0692\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t310 New Bern Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 122\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRaleigh, NC 27601\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (919) 856-4630\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (919) 856-4053", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=E848484E-BEB5-4B97-BDD1-064BAA131E90", "On DACA, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis wants to find middle-ground", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On many policy issues, GOP Sen. Thom Tillis is a reliable red vote. But onimmigration, Tillis is trying to find purple.    Despite voting with President Trumps agenda 96% of the time,according to the political tracking website FiveThirtyEight, the North Carolina senator has emerged as one of the key lawmakers working across the aisle to compromise on immigration legislation.    A key issue Tillis is trying to find consensus on between Democrats and Republicans is providing legal protections to the nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.    Former President Obama issued an executive order that shielded them from deportation throughthe Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. President Trump reversed the order in September but gave Congress six months to find a solution.There is bipartisan agreement that protections need to continue for DACA recipients, also known as DREAMers, but the details arestill being debated.    Tillis is trying to find the sweet spot. The North Carolina Republican is part of a group of lawmakers who have been negotiating on how to pair legal protections for the Dreamers with enough increased border security to satisfy Republicans, but not be too extreme as to turn off Democrats.    Democratic votes will be needed to pass any bill in the Senate where most legislation requires 60 votes and Republicans hold a narrow 52-48 majority. That margin will narrow even more when newly elected Democrat Doug Jones of Alabama takes his Senate seat sometime in January.    You need to have that balance between what I think is a compassionate, sustainable solution for the DACA population but also address the legitimate concerns about border security and about interior enforcement that will make it less likely that well be having to have another DACA solution, 10 years from now or 12 years from now, Tillis told USA TODAY at an interview in his office last week.In the past year, illegal border crossings have declined.    He said that hes willing to block out demands from the far rightof his party as long as Democrats are willing to do the same for the far left.    The far-right who think anything less than mass deportation is unacceptable, were not looking for their support,\" Tillis said. And the far-leftanybody who thinks anything other than open borders and, you know, just a pathway (into the U.S.) without any sense of securing our borders, those are two voices that are really not productive voices.    What's always struck me about Sen Tillis is that he is a principled pragmatic, and what I mean by that is he's going to adhere to his conservative principles but he wants to get things done, said Ali Noorani, who heads the National Immigration Forum, a group which had Tillis as their keynote speaker this fall. National Immigration Forumtries to convince conservatives that being pro-immigration is beneficial and the group sees Tillis as a positive spokesman in that effort. The group is advocating strongly for legal protections for DREAMers before the end of the year.\r\n\r\n    Read the full story HERE.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-sessions-and-buck-make-innovative-treatment-reality-veterans", "JONES, SESSIONS, AND BUCK MAKE INNOVATIVE TREATMENT A REALITY FOR VETERANS", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 Congressmen Walter B.\u00a0 Jones (R-NC), Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Ken Buck (R-CO) are applauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following last month\u2019s announcement that two of its facilities will partner with local providers to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for veterans with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms resistant to standard options.\u00a0 Jones, Sessions, and Buck have diligently worked with the VA for years urging them to offer HBOT as a treatment option for our nation\u2019s heroes. In addition, the VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) are planning a multisite research study to examine more fully the use of HBOT for patients diagnosed with PTSD or TBI.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s courageous veterans deserve our complete help and support when healing from PTSD or a TBI. That is why for years, my colleagues and I have worked with the VA and DoD to find further treatments to help those men and women on the road to recovery,\u201d said Congressman Jones. \u201cIt gives me great joy to announce that two VA facilities will now offer HBOT treatment to our heroes suffering from those invisible injuries. I want to thank Secretary David Shulkin for his leadership on this pilot program and my colleagues for their persistent support of HBOT research and treatment.\u201d\n\u201cThousands of brave men and women in uniform are returning from duty with severe physical and mental injuries causing many to be unable to find a job and in many cases resulting in suicide,\u201d said Congressman Sessions. \u201cOur nation\u2019s veterans deserve our unwavering support and that is why I have been working with my colleagues for more than a decade to research, study, and better understand how hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help treat injuries. I am delighted with the VA\u2019s decision to offer this life saving treatment to our nation\u2019s heroes and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this important issue.\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as another option in treating the physical and mental injuries that so many veterans acquire while defending our freedom,\u201d said Congressman Buck. \u201cAfter talking to veterans and providers, I\u2019m convinced that America\u2019s heroes deserve HBOT therapy as an option in treating their injuries. I look forward to continuing our work with the VA and Congress to ensure that this important therapy is utilized to its full capacity.\u201d\nServing America\u2019s veterans is one of Congressman Jones\u2019 highest priorities.\u00a0 Over the past 12 years, Congressman Jones has cosponsored more bills to help veterans than any other member of Congress.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones\u2019 office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-johnson-introduce-bill-to-eliminate-failed-obamacare-program", "Meadows, Johnson Introduce Bill to Eliminate Failed Obamacare Program", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows, Johnson Introduce Bill to Eliminate Failed Obamacare Program\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Repeal Insurance Plans of the Multi-State Program Act (RIP MSP Act) on Tuesday \u2014 an effort to terminate Obamacare\u2019s failing Multi-State Plan program.\nSection 1334 of the Affordable Care Act requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with at least two national health plans, one of which must be a non-profit plan, to compete directly with private plans in every state. These plans are called Multi-State Plans, or MSPs \u2014 and under current law, they are required to be available in all 50 states, as of 2017.\nMulti-state plans were intended to drive competition on the health care exchanges.\u00a0 However, the program has failed to meet the Obama administration\u2019s 750,000 enrollment projection or the 50-state statutory requirement.\u00a0\u00a0 Only one state, Arkansas, has agreed to offer a MSP option in 2018, and it is likely that fewer than 2,000 Arkansans will participate.\u00a0 But the federal government is still funding the program at $10 million per year.\n\u201cThis mandate is the definition of government waste. The program has failed to meet statutory requirements and is diverting necessary resources from what should be the OPM\u2019s priorities, such as retirement and security backlogs. Congress needs to let the OPM focus on its job, eliminate this failed program and work to ensure health care is more affordable for all Americans,\u201d said Sen. Ron Johnson.\n\u201cMulti-state plans were a poorly conceived provision of an even more poorly conceived bill, Obamacare,\u201d Rep. Meadows said, \u201cand repealing these plans would be a good step toward getting our health care system back on track. It makes no sense for the OPM to dedicate its finite resources toward the creation of government plans that clearly do little, other than stifling the competition our health insurance market so desperately needs. The OPM should not be in the business of contracting health insurance plans. I\u2019m grateful to work with Senator Johnson on this bill as we seek to restore common sense, market-based principles to our health care industry that will bring premiums and overall costs down and help make quality care affordable for all Americans.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=771", "Meadows, Johnson Introduce Bill to Eliminate Failed Obamacare Program", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows, Johnson Introduce Bill to Eliminate Failed Obamacare Program\r\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the Repeal Insurance Plans of the Multi-State Program Act (RIP MSP Act) on Tuesday  an effort to terminate Obamacares failing Multi-State Plan program.\r\nSection 1334 of the Affordable Care Act requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to contract with at least two national health plans, one of which must be a non-profit plan, to compete directly with private plans in every state. These plans are called Multi-State Plans, or MSPs  and under current law, they are required to be available in all 50 states, as of 2017.\r\nMulti-state plans were intended to drive competition on the health care exchanges.  However, the program has failed to meet the Obama administrations 750,000 enrollment projection or the 50-state statutory requirement.   Only one state, Arkansas, has agreed to offer a MSP option in 2018, and it is likely that fewer than 2,000 Arkansans will participate.  But the federal government is still funding the program at $10 million per year.\r\nThis mandate is the definition of government waste. The program has failed to meet statutory requirements and is diverting necessary resources from what should be the OPMs priorities, such as retirement and security backlogs. Congress needs to let the OPM focus on its job, eliminate this failed program and work to ensure health care is more affordable for all Americans, said Sen. Ron Johnson.\r\nMulti-state plans were a poorly conceived provision of an even more poorly conceived bill, Obamacare, Rep. Meadows said, and repealing these plans would be a good step toward getting our health care system back on track. It makes no sense for the OPM to dedicate its finite resources toward the creation of government plans that clearly do little, other than stifling the competition our health insurance market so desperately needs. The OPM should not be in the business of contracting health insurance plans. Im grateful to work with Senator Johnson on this bill as we seek to restore common sense, market-based principles to our health care industry that will bring premiums and overall costs down and help make quality care affordable for all Americans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/big-honor-for-local-student", "Big honor for local student", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC STUDENT RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS APPOINTMENT TO U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY \n\u00a0\nCHARLOTTE \u2013 Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is honored to announce that Carmen Adamson, a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School, has received a prestigious appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.\nMs. Adamson is a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol, sings in the Charlotte Catholic Honor Women\u2019s Choir, and coaches tennis for local children.\n\u201cAs I combed through various schools, I found that the average college life of sororities, parties, and internships seemed pointless to me.\u00a0 On the other hand, everything in the military serves a purpose and has a meaning,\u201d explained Ms. Adamson.\u00a0 \u201cI yearned to do the important work that only the military and its academies could offer in order to actually affect and protect the people around me using my love of science as an engineer, doctor, or even a pilot.\u201d\nMs. Adamson is the daughter of Deana and Mark Adamson and lives in south Charlotte.\n\u201cHow talented is Carmen?\u00a0 The Merchant Marine Academy accepted her on the same day I submitted her nomination,\u201d said Congressman Pittenger.\u00a0 \u201cCarmen fully understands the obligations of military service, but has an incredible passion for serving others and serving her country.\u201d\nGraduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy receive an officer\u2019s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces, a U.S. Coast Guard license, and a highly-regarded Bachelor of Science degree.\nMs. Adamson is the first student from the Ninth Congressional District to receive a prestigious U.S. Service Academy appointment for the 2017-2018 academic year.\u00a0 Local students interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy should contact Congressman Pittenger\u2019s Charlotte office at 704-362-1060 to learn about the rigorous nomination process.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-upgrade-us-74-to-boost-economy", "Pittenger:  Upgrade U.S. 74 to boost economy", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER:\u00a0 UPGRADING HIGHWAY 74 TO INTERSTATE WOULD SPARK MAJOR ECONOMIC GROWTH \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is leading bipartisan efforts to upgrade Highway 74 into a modern interstate connecting Charlotte, Wilmington, and the challenged communities of southeastern North Carolina.\n\u201cHighway 74 connects the economic and transportation assets in Charlotte with the port in Wilmington.\u00a0 In between are many challenged rural communities hit hard by international trade agreements and the loss of traditional industries,\u201d explained Congressman Pittenger.\u00a0 \u201cBy upgrading Highway 74 to an interstate, we can attract new businesses to these rural communities who would benefit from North Carolina\u2019s pro-business policies, dedicated workforce, and the easy access to both Charlotte and Wilmington.\u201d\nRecently, Congressman Pittenger sent letters to over 400 local communities and community leaders asking for their thoughts on the \u201cInterstate 74\u201d concept.\u00a0 Response has been positive.\n\u201cFor Scotland County to become competitive, we need Highway 74 to become interstate quality,\u201d said Scotland County Economic Development Director Mark Ward.\u00a0 \u201cEvery Request for Information I have completed asks how close the site is to an interstate.\u00a0 Companies are going to locate where their costs are low, and having to drive to another county to get to an interstate drives up their costs.\u201d\nSupport from hardworking North Carolinians has also been strong.\u00a0 In an \u201cinstant poll\u201d conducted by WSOC-TV on November 17th, nearly 80 percent of respondents indicated support for the Interstate 74 concept (http://bit.ly/Interstate74).\n\u201cThis idea is still in the conceptual stage.\u00a0 My goal is to work with local leaders on building support to move from idea to reality,\u201d said Congressman Pittenger.\u00a0 \u201cCharlotte-Douglas is building out a major intermodal transportation facility that will be key to creating new jobs in the region.\u00a0 Connecting Charlotte\u2019s intermodal, Wilmington\u2019s port, and the workforce in Monroe, Wadesboro, Rockingham, Laurinburg, and many southeastern North Carolina communities would spark major economic growth.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=69F3C091-7D9E-41C5-9E1D-7BCD0BE87669", "NDAA Signed Into Law; Includes Upgrades to NC Military Installations and Quality of Life Improvements for Servicemembers and Military Families", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) applauded the President for signing the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The legislation included several key provisions introduced by Senator Tillis that make critical improvements to Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, provide an across the board pay raise for servicemembers, and implement important reforms that will make life easier for military families. Senator Tillis chairs the Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, which has oversight over half of the Pentagon\u2019s budget. On a bipartisan basis, Senator Tillis and his subcommittee colleagues secured an across the board 2.4% pay raise for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.  \u00a0  \u201cI applaud the President for signing the NDAA into law that reaffirms our nation\u2019s commitment to supporting the brave men and women in uniform and reestablishes America\u2019s commitment to a strong national defense and protecting its interest abroad,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cI am proud that my provisions to upgrade to Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, improve military family readiness, and direct the DoD & VA to collaborate closely on establishing interoperability with the new Electronic Health Record were included. I want to thank my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee for their bipartisan effort that will positively affect our North Carolina installations, servicemembers, and military families.\u201d  \u00a0  The FY2018 NDAA contained the following provisions that were secured by Senator Tillis:  \u00a0  Helping veterans exposed to toxic burn pits  Language from the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) earlier this year that would create a center of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better understand the health effects associated with burn pits and treat veterans who become sick after exposure.  \u00a0  Requiring DOD Report on Cyber Security Risks to National Electric Grid  Language from the Securing the Electric Grid to Protect Military Readiness Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) earlier this year that would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue a one-time report on significant security risks to the national electric grid and the effects of those risks on military readiness.  \u00a0  Modernizing the DoD & VA healthcare collaboration  Earlier this year, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin announced that the VA will adopt the same Electronic Health Record (EHR) system as the Department of Defense for veterans\u2019 medical records.  \u00a0  Tillis\u2019 provisions lay the groundwork for military treatment facilities to provide health care to servicemembers, dependents, veterans and civilians. The services will be able to maintain critical wartime medical readiness skills while also providing state of the art specialty care to medically underserved communities. Tillis\u2019 provisions would require a Comptroller General report of Department of Defense measures to maintain critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers.  \u00a0  Military Family Readiness  Tillis\u2019 provisions authorizes $40 million in supplemental impact aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children and $10 million in impact aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities and $1 million for a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities to facilitate spousal employment on military installations outside the United States.  \u00a0  FY18 Military Construction Budget for North Carolina  \u00a0  Camp Lejeune  \u00a0  Tillis\u2019 provisions allow Camp Lejeune to make much needed improvements to the living quarters and other essential facilities.   \r\n$37.983M \u2013 Bachelor Enlisted Quarters\r\n$65.784M \u2013 Water Treatment Plant Replacement Hadnot Point\r\n$15.3M \u2013 Ambulatory Care Center Addition (Defense Health Agency)\r\n$21.4M \u2013 Ambulatory Care Center/Dental Clinic (Defense Health Agency)\r\n$22.0M \u2013 Ambulatory Care Center/Dental Clinic (Defense Health Agency)\r\n$10.8M \u2013 SOF Human Performance Training Center (SOCOM)\r\n$20.539M \u2013 SOF Motor Transport Maintenance Facility (SOCOM)\r\n $193.80M \u2013 Total  \u00a0  Cherry Point  \u00a0  Tillis\u2019 provisions for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point guarantees the construction of the Vertical Lift Fan Test Facility and secures the future home of F-35B Joint Strike Fighters in North Carolina.  \u00a0 \r\n$15.671M \u2013 F-35B Vertical Lift Fan Test Facility\r\n $15.671M \u2013 Total  \u00a0  Seymour Johnson   \u00a0  Tillis\u2019 provisions pave the way for a squadron of KC-46 Air Force Tankers.  \u00a0 \r\n$6.4M \u2013 KC-46A ADAL for Alt Mission Storage\r\n$20.0M \u2013 Tanker Truck Delivery System (Defense Logistics Agency)\r\n $26.4M \u2013 Total  \u00a0  Fort Bragg   \r\n$20.26M \u2013 SOF Human Performance Training Center (SOCOM)\r\n$13.518M \u2013 SOF Support Battalion Admin Facility (SOCOM)\r\n$20.0M \u2013 SOF Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (SOCOM)\r\n$4.0M \u2013 SOF Telecom Reliability Improvements (SOCOM)\r\n \r\n$57.778M \u2013 Total  \u00a0  North Carolina Total  $293,657,000  \r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=89814127-747D-4701-B9A2-979A20204657", "Tillis Names New State Director, Deputy State Director", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced that Kim Canady Barnes will serve as his next State Director and Luke Blanchat will serve as his Deputy State Director.\u00a0  \u00a0  Barnes will be replacing current State Director Jordan Shaw, who was recently named as Executive Vice President for the consulting firm OnMessage Inc.  \u00a0  Barnes has served as Senator Tillis\u2019 Deputy State Director since he took office in 2015, and has managed the Senator\u2019s regional office in Raleigh, responsible for overseeing casework and correspondence with federal agencies to assist North Carolinians.  \u00a0  Blanchat has served as Senator Tillis\u2019 Director of Economic Development, based out of the Senator\u2019s regional office in Charlotte. Blanchat previously served as Senator Tillis\u2019 special adviser in his Washington, D.C. office.  \u00a0  Since Tillis took office in 2015, he has made constituent services among his top priorities, hiring a dedicated and experienced staff. His regional field offices across the state have closed more than 10,000 cases for North Carolinians in less than three years. Tillis\u2019 constituent advocates have expertise in specialized areas and provide assistance to North Carolinians dealing with a wide range of federal agencies, including the VA, the Social Security Administration, the IRS, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Citizenship and Immigration Services, among others.  \u00a0  Regarding the personnel announcement, Senator Tillis said:  \u00a0  \u201cJordan Shaw has been a top advisor to me for many years, including at the capitol in Raleigh and in my Senate office, where he has been instrumental in building one of Congress\u2019 best constituent services teams. He is smart and quick, down to earth, and above all else a good person. I\u2019m proud to consider him a friend, and I know he will succeed in his next endeavor.\u201d  \u00a0  \u201cKim Barnes has led an outstanding constituent services operation in my Raleigh office, and as State Director I know she will work with Luke Blanchat and the rest of our dedicated team to ensure that all North Carolinians continue to receive unparalleled service when they contact my office in need of help with a federal agency.\u201d  \u00a0  Senator Tillis\u2019 Constituent Services  Any North Carolinian who is experiencing issues with a federal agency or department is encouraged to contact Senator Tillis and his staff by calling one of his regional offices or by emailing him through his website.  \u00a0  Charlotte Office: (704) 509-9087  \u00a0  Greenville Office: (252) 329-0371  \u00a0  Hendersonville Office: (828) 693-8750  \u00a0  High Point Office: (336) 885-0685  \u00a0  Raleigh Office: (919) 856-4630\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B208A5BA-75D8-4B9A-9964-1136CA5773CA", "Senator Tillis and Burr Tele-Townhall", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tillis Statement on the Nomination of Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chairman\n\nPress Releases\n\nLumbee Recognition Legislation Signed into Law\n\nThe Lumbee Fairness Act grants full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=7BAEF10E-7B75-4E5C-882D-83009553C000", "Trump signs act meant to improve N.C. military bases", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PresidentDonaldTrumpsigned the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law on Tuesday.\r\n  The legislation included changes to Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, providing an across the board pay raise for service members, and implements reforms that could make life easier for military families.\r\n  NorthCarolina Senator Thom Tillis is the chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, which has oversight over half of the Pentagons budget.\r\n  I applaud the President for signing the NDAA into law that reaffirms our nations commitment to supporting the brave men and women in uniform and reestablishes Americas commitment to a strong national defense and protecting its interest abroad, said Senator Tillis. I am proud that my provisions to upgrade to Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, improve military family readiness, and direct the DoD & VA to collaborate closely on establishing interoperability with the new Electronic Health Record were included.\r\n  The FY2018 NDAA contained updates to the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act, the Securing the Electric Grid to Protect Military Readiness Act of 2017, the modernization to the DOD & VA healthcare collaboration, and provisions to military family readiness.\r\n  In total, the North Carolina military bases will receive $293,657,000 in the act.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/meadows-crafts-potential-opioid-legislation", "Meadows crafts potential opioid legislation", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The stakes in the opioid crisis are sky-high high and rising, its tentacles leaving few areas untouched.\nAccording to a recent story on\u00a0Bloomberg.com\u00a0citing a Columbia University study, over half of all people who died from an overdose between\u00a02001 to\u00a02007 were chronic pain sufferers who filled an opioid prescription with some having doctor visits shortly before their death. In addition, the story said that\u00a0in the second quarter of 2017, a staggering one out of every six emergency room visits in the U.S. was opioid-related.\nAs the highly addictive drugs continue to drive premature deaths from both acute and chronic misuse, local and state officials have already begun taking serious action. Although building up enough steam to move the hulking federal government to act takes a bit more oomph, North Carolina Congressman Mark Meadows, along with Congressman Jim Renacci of Ohio \u2014 the state hardest hit by the opioid crisis \u2014 has introduced legislation to limit prescribers\u2019 ability to give people more opioid-based pain killers than needed.\nMeadows and Renacci outlined the legislation, called the Opioid Abuse Deterrence, Research, and Recovery Act, in an op-ed which appeared in the Mountaineer. If passed, first-time opioid prescriptions would be limited to seven days, with the following exceptions: traumatic injury, chronic conditions, cancer care, end of life care, palliative care, based on a physician\u2019s recommendation.\nThe bill\nIn an interview with The Mountaineer, Meadows spoke at length about the legislation.\n\u201cIt tries to direct some of the prescribing issues that we have with opioids and the abuse that comes with overprescribing without hamstringing the doctor-patient relationship,\u201d he said.\nMeadows said that, after speaking with numerous people in his district and Washington, D.C., it was clear that prescriptions longer than seven days carry a far greater risk for abuse. Beyond the fact that more pills mean more opportunities to become addicted, it can also lead to improper self-medication, even when the user feels it is appropriate.\n\u201cThere\u2019s also the potential for saying, \u2018I had a surgery that this was appropriate for,\u2019\u201d he said, noting that there may be excess pills left in the medicine cabinet. \u201cBut now maybe I\u2019ve fallen and I\u2019ll take a couple of those pills that were left in my medicine cabinet to alleviate the pain when IB or something else might do the trick.\u201d\nThere are also other aspects to the bill. Meadows said that there will be an investigation into opioid alternatives that can quell pain without the high risk for addiction. And along with requiring the Government Accountability Office to review policies that worsened the opioid epidemic, the bill also directs the FDA to determine measures to prevent people from obtaining the prescription drugs from neighboring states, which is a major issue in Western North Carolina, where anyone can travel to Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, or Alabama within a few hours.\n\u201cWe look to the FDA to provide some other clear standards on prescribing but also on medical records so we don\u2019t have individuals doctor shopping across state lines,\u201d he said, adding that he also wants to see greater recording and analysis of data.\nInput \u2014 and support \u2014 from all sides\nAlthough many pharmaceutical companies are known for pouring money into lobbying efforts, Meadows said they never worked their agenda into this legislation.\n\u201cI think some of them wanted to weigh in, but we went with what I would say the nontraditional lobbyists,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t say whether they have a lobbying firm, but the North Carolina Society of Medicine was one ... But big pharma and some of the other lobbyists in terms of pharmacies played a very diminished role if any at all.\u201d\nHowever, that doesn\u2019t mean those pharmaceutical lobbies don\u2019t have their fingers in a few pies. Meadows said he thinks part of the reason he didn\u2019t face much opposition on his bill is because those groups are gearing up for a bigger fight when it comes to fair pricing of prescription medications.\nAlthough the pharmaceutical lobby may have been preoccupied, Meadows said he still took some flak from other groups.\n\u201cOriginally, this was a lot more defined,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we started getting pushback from some of our medical societies that say you may actually be hurting the ability or proper pain management versus those that are looking at it in a less than critical manner in their prescription methods.\u201d\nMeadows also met with numerous prescribers and law enforcement department heads \u2014 including Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher and Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed \u2014before crafting his legislation.\n\u201cThis particular bill was actually the result of meeting with law enforcement officers and medical personnel in the district, and that\u2019s where it started,\u201d Meadows said. \u201cIt was probably six months in the working. We worked with the North Carolina medical society, we worked with Duke University, we worked with The Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Enterprise Institute, and Law enforcement officers.\u201d\nIn addition, Meadows has tried to keep President Trump \u2014 who has spoken about this issue at length, and even formed an opioid taskforce that includes North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper \u2014 in the loop.\n\u201cThey\u2019re aware that we\u2019re working on this legislation and this legislation came out about the same time Kellyanne Conway was named as the drug czar,\u201d he said. \u201cKellyanne Conway and I have a very good working relationship and we\u2019re forwarding the bill to her so they can look at either modifications or whether they want to move that forward.\u201d\nMeadows said the bill has received solid bipartisan support thus far, and some have reached across the aisle to address the issue.\n\u201cI talked to (Democratic Maryland Congressman) Elijah Cummings briefly yesterday,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had just had an opioid hearing in his district this week. They\u2019re passing that along to some of my Democrat colleagues to look at that.\u201d\nJust the beginning\nSome elements of this bill mirror the STOP act, which was sponsored in North Carolina Senate by Jim Davis, who represents Haywood County. Although the STOP Act goes much farther than Meadows\u2019 proposed legislation, state lawmakers ran into an issue when they couldn\u2019t apply the law to federal prescribers, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Meadows\u2019 legislation will apply to these organizations.\n\u201cThis sets a federal standard,\u201d Meadows said.\nThe legislation put forth by Meadows and Renacci is a sure step in the right direction, but it\u2019s one that Meadows admitted is a bit of a baby step. In fact, some in congress have already started floating more ideas.\n\u201cAnother idea that would cost additional money would be reimbursement for Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance gets reimbursed for pain killers that may not have the same addictive nature,\u201d he said. \u201cRight now, Medicare and Medicaid will preclude some of thsoe either based on cost or based on a patients age. We\u2019re working with the FDA on that.\u201d\nAlthough Meadows is notorious for being a fiscal conservative not fond of shelling out taxpayer dollars for government programs, he admitted that, when it comes to combatting the opioid crisis, there should be an allocation of some serious funds.\n\u201cI\u2019ve been one that\u2019s been a proponent of that,\u201d he said. \u201cBefore I was in congress, I put some of my own personal money into some ventures. One was education program for kids from elementary to middle school. In addition, I\u2019ve put money forward for scholarships for people willing to work with us on drug prevention aspects. It\u2019s not widely reported, but I had done that prior to being a member of congress, and I\u2019d seen value in not only the educational side of that but also from the treatment point of view. So yes, additional dollars for that would be appropriate.\u201d\nHe added that there are opportunities to wisely use any additional funding.\n\u201cAs we introduce this bill, several other ideas came up,\u201d he said. \u201cI was having a conversation yesterday with a senator where we were talking about NIH funding. They believed that the federal government would match private industry and have each pharma company put up several hundred million dollars, and have a matching fund through the NIH funding.\u201d\nWhile this bill may be small in terms of scope, Meadows said it will further the greater conversation and pave the way for more effective legislation.\n\u201cThe real message needs to be this: if this is all we do, we have not done enough,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is a start on what we do, then we can applaud and realize we\u2019re all moving in the right direction.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-hosts-major-multi-national-counter-terrorism-forum", "Pittenger Hosts Major Multi-National Counter Terrorism Forum", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER HOSTS MAJOR MULTI-NATIONAL FORUM ON TERRORISM FINANCE AND CYBER SECURITY \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Thursday, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) hosted over 160 Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Intelligence officials and industry experts from 53 countries for the 10th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum. The high level multi-national gathering featured expert discussion on issues relating to terrorism financing and cybersecurity issues.\n\u201cThe United States and the nations of the free world share the bond of a common enemy, one that seeks our destruction. Previous freedom loving generations came together to fight the Nazis and defeat the forces of evil. Now we must do the same. The threat of terrorism is unlike anything we\u2019ve seen. The ruthless brutality of modern day terrorism is unfathomable. They want nothing more than to bring their Jihad to our streets and our communities. They target innocent civilians -- peaceful men, women and children going about their daily life. \n\u201cWhile America is the primary target of radical Islamist jihadists, recent attacks in Europe serve as reminder that war on terror is global. Our approach to fighting it must reflect that reality. \n\u201cThat is why close collaboration with our freedom loving allies is vital to our efforts. Yesterday, we addressed specific threats and identified critical areas for improving coordination on efforts to cut terrorists off from the financing they rely on to launch attacks.\u201d \nSpeaker Paul Ryan, Majority Whip Steve Scalise and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy addressed the forum participants with a call to dedicate ourselves to cooperation and vigilance to prevent future attacks on our countries.\nSpeakers included:\n Devin Nunes, Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\n\tJeb Hensarling, Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Financial Services\n\tMariano Federici, President of Argentina\u2019s Financial Intelligence Unit\n\tMichael McCaul, Chairman, U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security\n\tSigal Mandelker, Under Secretary, US Treasury\n\tMike Wessel, Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission\n\tBarry MacKillop, Acting head of the Canadian Financial Intelligence Unit, FINTRAC\n As well as other Members of Congress and experts on terrorism financing, civil liberties, and cyber security.\nThis was the 10th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum organized by Congressman Pittenger, who serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare and Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Committee Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-proctor-and-gamble-plant-managers-tax-bill-will-level-field", "ICYMI: Procter and Gamble Plant Managers: \"Tax Bill Will Level the Field for Greensboro, Too\"", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Walker", "W000819", "walker.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREENSBORO, N.C.\u00a0\u2013 Kevin Hazel and John Sorjonen, plant managers of the Procter & Gamble manufacturing facilities in Greensboro,\u00a0on Sunday\u00a0penned a piece for theGreensboro News and Record\u00a0highlighting the impact the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0and the efforts of tax reform by U.S. Representative Mark Walker and the United States Congress will have on Greensboro's economy. As Hazel and Sorjonen write, \"a tax system with a 20 percent corporate tax rate and a modern territorial tax system will boost economic growth here at home and level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers \u2014 including P&G\u2019s U.S. employees here in Greensboro.\" Read the op-ed in its entirety\u00a0here\u00a0and below: Congress is in the midst of moving a tax bill that is essential to the United States\u2019 economic future. Allow us an opportunity to introduce some facts on why it is so important to our company, our workers and our community. Procter & Gamble sells consumer products in more than 180 countries and territories. We have 25 manufacturing sites located in 19 U.S. states and territories, as well as nearly 90 manufacturing sites in foreign countries, where we manufacture products close to the consumers we serve worldwide. Here in Greensboro, we proudly employ nearly 1,200 people between two manufacturing facilities. Within North Carolina, P&G purchases about $995 million of products and services from more than 495 suppliers. At P&G, we believe tax reform is crucial for both our company and our country. Why? The U.S. tax system puts American companies at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace. P&G has been a global company for more than 100 of our 180 years. In fact, one in five of P&G\u2019s U.S.-based jobs support our international business, in areas such as manufacturing, marketing, innovation and supply chain management. So, when P&G succeeds in international markets, it means we succeed here at home, too. However, the U.S. corporate tax rate is among the highest in the developed world at 35 percent. The current global average for developed countries is about 24 percent, and countries are lowering their rates further, creating a downward trend. This makes it harder for P&G and other U.S.-headquartered businesses \u2014 small and large \u2014 to compete with peer companies headquartered overseas. It also reduces the competitiveness of the U.S. economy as a place to do business and create jobs. The Congress is currently considering legislation that would lower the corporate tax rate to 20 percent. Congress is also considering legislation that would move the U.S. tax code from a worldwide corporate income tax system to what is known as a territorial tax system. This would help American companies, including P&G, compete on a level playing field. Unlike P&G, our competitors headquartered outside the United States \u2014 who already operate under a territorial system \u2014 do not pay additional tax to their home countries when they sell products outside their home countries. Because 60 percent of P&G\u2019s sales are global, the current U.S. tax code puts us at a competitive disadvantage. Other American companies are in a similar position. As members of Congress debate whether or not to pass tax reform in the coming weeks, it is important to remember that economic growth and jobs in our community depend on having a competitive U.S. tax system. The details will matter, but a tax system with a 20 percent corporate tax rate and a modern territorial tax system will boost economic growth here at home and level the playing field for U.S. businesses and workers \u2014 including P&G\u2019s U.S. employees here in Greensboro.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=2716B97E-9F71-4E7F-A1B5-D3670C480EEF", "Sen. Thom Tillis talks immigration with Iredell farmers", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Thom Tillis made a stop at Rocky Creek Dairy farm Monday morning to address concerns about a primary source of labor in the agriculture industry -- immigrants.  \u00a0  Tillis, dressed in a suit and tie, joked that he would have worn more casual clothes to the North Iredell farm if he didn\u2019t have a meeting in D.C. after his visit.  \u00a0  The first-term senator told Dr. Ben Shelton, owner of Rocky Creek, and others that getting congressional support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) legislation is a priority.  \u00a0  DACA, a federal program enacted by the Obama administration in 2012 and partially rescinded by the Trump administration in September, allows people who were brought to the United States illegally as children -- known as \"Dreamers\" -- the right to live and work here with a permit. Several DACA-like bills are now in Congress.  \u00a0  According to the National Agricultural Workers Survey and the Washington Post, 77 percent of farm workers are foreign born or crossed a border to work in the United States.  \u00a0  Tillis, a Republican, toured Rocky Creek's facilities before meeting with about 30 area farmers and N.C. Farm Bureau employees to discuss issues. A Tillis representative told a Record & Landmark reporter that members of the media were not allowed to sit in on the meeting to allow farmers to have \"candid conversations\" with the senator.  \u00a0  Afterward, Tillis told the newspaper that the farmers voiced common concerns about immigration reform.  \u00a0  \u201cTheir future survival really depends on whether or not we get it right,\" Tillis said. \"There are millions of positions that can only be filled by guest workers because first off we are at a high rate of employment, but we simply do not have people at these farm operations lining up. If we don\u2019t start recognizing this industry and our ability to grow food ... we (will) rely on other countries to provide. That is not a place the United States wants to be.\u201d  \u00a0  It's simply difficult to find people to work on a farm, said Doug Holland, president of the farm bureau.  \u00a0  \u201cYou have to have that desire and that ability to work and I think we\u2019ve lost that in Americans today,\u201d Holland said. \u201cYou talk to kids coming out of school today and they are looking for that job making a pile of money. They don\u2019t realize you got to start out somewhere here and work your way up. It is not starting out at the top.\u201d  \u00a0  Meeting with the senator gave Holland some hope, he said.  \u00a0  \u201cI think he gets it and if we can educate him then we can educate those around him,\" Holland said. \"It goes out from here and he\u2019s told the guys in there today, \u2018I need your help educating North Carolina\u2019s congressional district.' If we can get our representatives across the state ... to understand this, it makes his job a lot easier.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  \u00a0  John Allen, Shiloh Nursery owner, said he appreciates the attention Tillis has paid to the labor problem farmers are facing.  \u00a0  \u201cI think Senator Tillis' intentions are awesome and I really appreciate the investment he\u2019s put in it,\u201d Allen said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been trying to get a fix for this for a long time. It\u2019s a significant problem and the thing about it is these people contribute to our community, they contribute with tax money, they are renting property and a lot of people don\u2019t realize they are paying taxes.\u201d  \u00a0  Creating a more accessible way for immigrants to register for a visa or participate in a work program could be a key solution to the problem, Allen said.  \u00a0  \u201cI\u2019ve heard a lot of people say, \u2018Why don\u2019t they just go and get legal?\u2019 It is not just hard, it is not possible. It does not exist,\u201d Allen said. \u201cAt least give them a way to get legal so they can live a reasonable life.\u201d\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1755", "Hudson Receives Support of Concealed Carry Bill from Vegas Survivor", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \r\n\r\n\tDecember 7, 2017\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHudson Receives Support of Concealed Carry Bill from Vegas Survivor \r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 This morning, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of the bipartisan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), released the following statement after joining \u201cFox & Friends\u201d with Dan Watkins, a heroic survivor of the Las Vegas shooting who contacted Rep. Hudson on Facebook\u00a0to share his support of concealed carry reciprocity:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLiberal elites will continue to spread misinformation and irresponsibly use the Las Vegas tragedy as a reason to oppose concealed carry reciprocity. I urge everyone to read the message\u00a0I got from Dan, a heroic father who risked his life to save others and survived the country music festival attack in Las Vegas,\u201d said Rep. Hudson. \u201cMy bill will ensure law-abiding citizens who are qualified to carry concealed aren\u2019t disarmed or turned into criminals when they cross state lines. And most importantly, it will ensure people like Dan can protect themselves and their families from dangerous criminals. I want to thank Dan for sharing his story with all of us. My wife Renee and I will keep him, his wife Susan and their three kids in our prayers while they continue to move on and rebuild from what they experienced. The heroism and strength they have shown is nothing short of incredible.\u201d \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tOn Monday, December, 4, 2017, Dan Watkins posted a message on Rep. Hudson\u2019s Facebook page supporting Rep. Hudson\u2019s concealed carry reciprocity bill. He and his family attended the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas and survived the tragic attack.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe American people understand H.R. 38 is simply about preventing law-abiding citizens who are legally qualified to carry a concealed gun from becoming criminals when they cross state lines. That\u2019s why 73% of Americans support concealed carry reciprocity. House Republicans continue to be focused on common sense policies that not only strengthen the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, but also crack down on criminals and deal with the mental health crisis in America that may be fueling violence. Americans welcome a rational debate on constitutional rights and public safety, but many reject this straw man argument that we can't have both.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe violent attack in Las Vegas was a question of culture and mental health as much as anything, which is why Congress has worked and will continue to work to reform our nation\u2019s mental health system. Just last year, the House Energy and Commerce Committee led the way to get the most transformational mental health reform in 50 years signed into law. Not only did they provide resources and update laws to expand access to care, but they also improved the National Violent Death Reporting System at the CDC to help track violent deaths and illuminate ways to prevent gun violence. Additionally, the House passed legislation yesterday to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and report criminal history records to NICS.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=171", "BUDD REACTS TO KATE STEINLE VERDICT", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Any country where the Kate Steinle tragedy can happen is not a country with a sane immigration policy.  Kate Steinle proves that we are not there yet.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON -- US Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) delivered the following remarks in response to the Kate Steinle case. See Congressman Ted Budd\u2019s remarks here and below:\r\nMr. Speaker, on July 1st 2015, Kate Steinle was walking with her father on a pier in San Francisco. \u00a0While she was on the pier, she was shot to death by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times. \u00a0He had been convicted of seven felonies. \u00a0Before he murdered Kate Steinle, the federal government had asked the city to turn him over so he could be deported again. \u00a0The city, following its policy of not cooperating with federal immigration officials, released him from jail. \u00a0He murdered Kate Steinle three months later.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nA few days ago her killer was declared \u201cnot guilty\u201d by a San Francisco jury. \u00a0For now, there is no justice for Kate Steinle.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThere is a question in this, though for all of us. \u00a0It\u2019s a question we should ask whenever we\u2019re confronted by a terrorist attack conducted by asylees, like the Boston Bombing, or the San Bernardino massacre where one of the attackers, was in the United States on a K-1 visa.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWhy was this person in our country? \u00a0In the case of Kate Steinle, we now know exactly why. \u00a0The City of San Francisco\u2019s policy. \u00a0The city is an accomplice to Kate Steinle\u2019s death. \u00a0Pure and simple.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThey have defied and continue to defy federal law. \u00a0\u00a0They defied it in general, by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities as a blanket policy. And they defied it in the specific case that led to the death of Kate Steinle.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThis is a radical policy and I don\u2019t use that word lightly. \u00a0You have an illegal immigrant, convicted of multiple crimes in addition to coming here illegally five times. \u00a0The federal government tries to send the guy home a sixth time. \u00a0The city lets him go because they ignore the law. \u00a0He murders someone.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe results of this city\u2019s extremism is a shattered family. \u00a0The result is a father who will never see his daughter again. \u00a0The result is a mother who has to face the worst nightmare of every parent. \u00a0These are the terrible facts of this tragedy, Mr. Speaker, and there is nothing we can do in this body to change them.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWhat we can do is move forward towards an immigration policy that is based on sound principles. \u00a0For the radicals this will be a radical change. \u00a0For everyday Americans this is common sense.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nOn this front, there are three fundamental principles to a sane immigration policy:\r\nFirst, Americans have the right to determine who becomes a citizen through laws. \u00a0It\u2019s right there in the Constitution. Article I, Section 8, provides Congress with the explicit authority to regulate naturalization\r\nSecond, who comes here should be in the best interest of Americans. \u00a0The number of known criminals we need to be letting in is zero. \u00a0The number of people who cannot read and cannot speak English we need to be admitting is zero. \u00a0The number of radical Islamists, of drug addicts we should be letting in--zero. \u00a0We are ready and willing to welcome hardworking immigrants who are ready to pay taxes, to follow our laws, and to build our country together.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThird, we have the right to enforce our choices through immigration laws. \u00a0We should stop sanctuary cities, and enforce sanctions against those who hire illegal labor. \u00a0We should build President Trump\u2019s border wall, a policy that has worked unbelievably well in Israel. \u00a0Most people agree that law enforcement is an effective deterrent against committing crimes. \u00a0Illegal immigration is no different.\r\nMr. Speaker, according the Pew Research Center, the population of illegal immigrants in North Carolina, has gone up by 14,000 percent, from 25,000 people in 1990 to 350,000 people as of 2014. \u00a0We have got to get this under control. Any country where the Kate Steinle tragedy can happen is not a country with a sane immigration policy.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nI hope we never again have to ask the question after a tragedy, \u201cwhy is this person in our country?\u201d because I hope the answer will be widely known: that we have a reasonable immigration system that benefits all Americans and does everything within reason not to bring in people who will hurt us.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nKate Steinle proves that we are not there yet. \u00a0But I believe we could get there one day.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nMr Speaker, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=174", "BUDD ANNOUNCES 2017 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BUDD ANNOUNCES 2017 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 7, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        The Annual Congressional App Challenge offers an incredible opportunity for students to exercise their computer science skills. I am excited to announce Greensboro Day School,  Grace Ciambrone as our winner. I was very impressed by her demonstration of critical thinking and creativity in order to solve a real-world problem with technology. Her app, Bookbench helps families manage their library books with an online system. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON --- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) announces Greensboro Day School student, Grace Ciambrone as the 2017 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) winner. The congressional app challenge is a way to encourage kids to learn how to code. The competition was open to High School students in the 13th congressional district of North Carolina.\u00a0 \u201cThe Annual Congressional App Challenge offers an incredible opportunity for students to exercise their computer science skills. I am excited to announce Greensboro Day School, \u00a0Grace Ciambrone as our winner. I was very impressed by her demonstration of critical thinking and creativity in order to solve a real-world problem with technology. Her app, Bookbench helps families manage their library books with an online system.\u00a0 I am thankful for everyone who participated in exercising their STEM skills. In addition, I want to express my support for the Congressional App Challenge, which is to ensure continued growth and innovation in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.\u201d This year over 4,100 students participated in the 14-week regional competitions in 190 congressional districts across 42 states. The work of this year\u2019s winners will be eligible to be featured for one year on the permanent display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the House.gov website About The Congressional App Challenge:  \r\nThe Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it\u2019s crucial that the U.S. invests in our youth now and helps them acquire the skills necessary to pursue these careers in the future. This nationwide competition highlights the creativity and talent of the students in each Congressional District, with each district selecting a winner(s) and their app to be prominently featured at the U.S. Capitol. Congressman Ryan was one of two Congressional Co-Chairs for this year\u2019s challenge.\r\n  \r\nRecognizing the racial, gendered, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge widely accessible to students from all backgrounds. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit\u00a0www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-calls-monthly-moment-silence-honoring-fallen-heroes", "JONES CALLS FOR MONTHLY MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING FALLEN HEROES", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 This week, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) continued his commitment to the United States military, and introduced H. Res. 643, a resolution that would amend rules of the U.S. House of Representatives to observe a moment of silence on the first legislative day of each month for American service members killed overseas.\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s military members are fighting and dying for this country, and we must show our gratitude.\u201d said Congressman Jones. \u201cIt is only through remembrance and prayer that the U.S. House of Representatives can truly show the brave families of those we lost that we also share in their sadness.\u201d\nBackground:  \n\tSince 2001, over 6,900 American service members have given their life while serving abroad. At Congressman Jones\u2019 request in 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives observed a monthly moment of silence for those killed and wounded in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as their families.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the practice ended in 2010.\u00a0 While Congress has rightfully observed moments of silence for numerous tragic events, the body does not regularly observe such a moment for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.\nCongressman Jones has long fought for the courageous men and women in uniform \u2013 past, present and future \u2013 who protect our freedom.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones\u2019 office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://jones.house.gov/press-release/jones-supports-concealed-carry-reciprocity", "JONES SUPPORTS CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Walter Jones", "J000255", "jones.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0 \u2013\u00a0 Yesterday, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) continued his defense of 2nd Amendment rights and voted for H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. Introduced by Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-8), H.R. 38 would allow a qualified individual to carry a concealed handgun into, or possess a concealed handgun in, another state that allows individuals to carry concealed firearms.\n\u201cI have long supported reciprocity for concealed carry permit holders,\u201d said Congressman Jones. \u201cLaw-abiding gun owners should never lose their 2nd Amendment rights just because they crossed state lines.\u201d\nH.R. 38 passed the House with a vote of 231-198, and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.\nCongressman Jones has been a consistent voice on behalf of gun owners, and has opposed legislation that seeks to chip away at the constitutional rights of Americans.\nFor additional information, please contact Allison Tucker in Congressman Walter Jones\u2019 office at Allison.tucker@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-3415.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-office-delivers-nc-tree-to-usda", "Meadows Office Delivers NC Tree to USDA", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows\u2019 Office Delivers NC Tree to USDA\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 This Christmas season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be using a North Carolina Christmas tree\u2014a tree grown in the eleventh district.\nRep. Mark Meadows\u2019 (R-NC) office delivered the district Christmas tree to Secretary Sonny Perdue at the USDA on Thursday morning. The Christmas tree\u2014grown on Buck\u2019s Tree Farm in Mitchell County, owned by constituent Rodney Buchanan\u2014will be displayed at the agency throughout this Christmas season.\n\u201cWhat an honor for one of our district\u2019s very own products to be displayed at the USDA this Christmas,\u201d Rep. Meadows said. \u201cWhen you mention some of the best farmers in the country, you have to start with Western North Carolinians\u2014and Rodney Buchanan is one of them. His efforts with Buck\u2019s Tree Farm in Bakersville have been such an asset to not only Mitchell County, but to my office personally over the years. This is a well-deserved recognition of his top-notch dedication and service, and I\u2019m glad we were able to play even a small role in the delivery. I also want to thank Secretary Sonny Perdue for the outstanding job he\u2019s doing, and for helping make this event happen. This is an exciting moment for our district.\nSecretary Perdue also put out a tweet about the event, saying \u201cMy office feels a lot more like Christmas, thanks to this beautiful North Carolina tree, presented by @RepMarkMeadows and grown by Rodney Buchanan.\u201d\n\u00a0\n  Christmas tree from Buck\u2019s Tree Farm, displayed at the USDA\n  Rep. Meadows and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=769", "Meadows Office Delivers NC Tree to USDA", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows Office Delivers NC Tree to USDA\r\nWashington, D.C.  This Christmas season, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be using a North Carolina Christmas treea tree grown in the eleventh district.\r\nRep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) office delivered the district Christmas tree to Secretary Sonny Perdue at the USDA on Thursday morning. The Christmas treegrown on Bucks Tree Farm in Mitchell County, owned by constituent Rodney Buchananwill be displayed at the agency throughout this Christmas season.\r\nWhat an honor for one of our districts very own products to be displayed at the USDA this Christmas, Rep. Meadows said. When you mention some of the best farmers in the country, you have to start with Western North Caroliniansand Rodney Buchanan is one of them. His efforts with Bucks Tree Farm in Bakersville have been such an asset to not only Mitchell County, but to my office personally over the years. This is a well-deserved recognition of his top-notch dedication and service, and Im glad we were able to play even a small role in the delivery. I also want to thank Secretary Sonny Perdue for the outstanding job hes doing, and for helping make this event happen. This is an exciting moment for our district.\r\nSecretary Perdue also put out a tweet about the event, saying My office feels a lot more like Christmas, thanks to this beautiful North Carolina tree, presented by @RepMarkMeadows and grown by Rodney Buchanan.\r\n\r\n  \r\nChristmas tree from Bucks Tree Farm, displayed at the USDA\r\n  \r\nRep. Meadows and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-on-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act", "Pittenger on Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ON \n CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY ACT \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) issued this statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38):\n\u201cThe 2nd Amendment guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. The freedom of speech isn\u2019t restricted by state lines, and neither should our 2nd Amendment rights. \n\u201cMillions of Americans have met the extensive requirements necessary to receive a concealed carry permit. However, some states severely restrict the ability of these law abiding citizens to exercise their right to carry.\u00a0 Such restrictions infringe upon our 2nd Amendment rights. \n\u201cTo address this troubling problem, I co-sponsored and voted for the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which ensures that every state in the Union respects concealed carry permits issued in other states. Additionally, I\u2019d like to thank my good friend, Congressman Richard Hudson, for all of his work on this important legislation.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=569ED1AB-8277-45BC-B1E5-DF384FC3F63B", "Senators Tillis & Coons Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Human Rights Day", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, today introduced a resolution in the United States Senate honoring Human Rights Day and the 69th Anniversary of the 1948 ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.\u00a0\u201cI am proud to introduce the Human Rights Day resolution that honors the adoption of the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirming the rights of individuals and setting the standard for human rights protections,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I will continue to work on behalf of those who advocate for basic human rights and ensure that the United States continues to set the standard for promoting freedom across the world.\u201d\u00a0\u201cOn Human Rights Day, we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and honor those around the world who work tirelessly to advance fundamental rights like freedom, justice, and equality,\u201d said Senator Coons.\u00a0 \u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I call for passage of this resolution and recommit myself to advocating for the freedom of all those who suffer from violence and persecution.\u201d\u00a0The text of the resolution is available here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t185 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-6342\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 228-2563\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9300 Harris Corners Pkwy \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 170 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharlotte, NC  28269 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (704) 509-9087 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (704) 509-9162\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1694 E. Arlington Blvd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite B\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreenville, NC 27858\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (252) 329-0371\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (252) 329-0290\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (828) 693-8750\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (828) 693-9724\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1840 Eastchester Drive, Suite 200\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh Point, NC  27265\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (336) 885-0685\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (336) 885-0692\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t310 New Bern Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 122\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRaleigh, NC 27601\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (919) 856-4630\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (919) 856-4053", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BCB3A635-50AF-4134-B8F7-1EF262DA6C1C", "Tillis Co-Sponsored Fix NICS Act Endorsed by Key Groups, Editorial Boards", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tToday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fix NICS Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). A coalition of leading Second Amendment, domestic violence, and law enforcement groups have endorsed the legislation, and multiple Editorial Boards have voiced their support.\u00a0Winston-Salem Journal: \u201cSen. Thom Tillis has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill that introduces reasonable gun-control to address situations like November\u2019s Texas church shooting. The bill is a good start that just might get through.\u00a0The Fix NICS Act would ensure \u201cfederal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\u201d The bill would penalize federal agencies that fail to properly report relevant records and provides incentives for states to improve their overall reporting.\u00a0After the horrifying church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, it was discovered that the shooter had been court-martialed for a domestic violence incident. The Air Force failed to enter the court-martial into a federal database as the law required, The Associated Press reported. That might have blocked him from buying the rifle he used to kill 26 people.\u00a0\u2026If that\u2019s not a bipartisan miracle, we don\u2019t know what is. Kudos to Tillis and his colleagues for working across the aisle to seek a practical solution to this very real problem. This is a good start.\u201d (Winston-Salem Journal, \u201cOur View: A Common-sense gun bill,\u201d 12/03/17)\u00a0NRA: \u201cWe applaud Sen. John Cornyn\u2019s efforts to ensure that the records of prohibited individuals are entered into NICS, while providing a relief valve for those who are wrongly included in the system.\u201d (Executive Director Chris Cox, National Rifle Association of America, 11/16/17)\u00a0National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: \u201cThe Fix NICS Act is a demonstration of Congressional unity, bringing together not only legislators from both sides of the aisle but also taking meaningful action supported by a diverse cross-section of individuals and organizations.\u201d (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Letter to Sen. Cornyn, 11/16/17)\u00a0Fraternal Order of Police: \u201cTragically, recent events have showed us that Federal agencies and State governments have too often failed to upload all relevant information to the NICS, allowing the illegal sale of a firearm.\u00a0 This bill will address this issue in a comprehensive way.\u201d (Fraternal Order of Police, Letter to Sen. Cornyn, 11/16/17)\u00a0New York Times: \u201cThe new bill, called the Fix NICS Act, is the rare piece of gun legislation that has no meaningful opposition and that has bipartisan support.\u201d (New York Times, \u201cThe Pentagon\u2019s Indifference to Gun Safety,\u201d 11/29/17)\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t185 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-6342\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 228-2563\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9300 Harris Corners Pkwy \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 170 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharlotte, NC  28269 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (704) 509-9087 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (704) 509-9162\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1694 E. Arlington Blvd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite B\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreenville, NC 27858\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (252) 329-0371\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (252) 329-0290\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (828) 693-8750\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (828) 693-9724\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1840 Eastchester Drive, Suite 200\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh Point, NC  27265\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (336) 885-0685\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (336) 885-0692\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t310 New Bern Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 122\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRaleigh, NC 27601\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (919) 856-4630\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (919) 856-4053", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/thom-in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=86FB91B6-FC2A-4860-B4E5-94C965764DA3", "NCs Thom Tillis calls for ethics probe of Roy Moore", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Add North Carolina\u2019s junior senator to the list of politicians who think the allegations of sexual misconduct against Roy Moore should be investigated.  \u00a0  Sen. Thom Tillis had previously called on Moore, who\u2019s running for a vacant Alabama Senate seat, to withdraw from the race. Moore is a former Alabama chief justice who\u2019s accused by several women of a range of misconduct, from inappropriate touching to sexual assault. Both Tillis and Moore are Republicans.  \u00a0  Moore has denied the allegations and is staying in the race. So Thursday, Tillis echoed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in saying the Senate should investigate Moore if he\u2019s elected.  \u00a0  \u201cI think we have to first move with an ethics investigation. We need to examine the facts and let those facts lead us where they may,\u201d he told\u00a0BuzzFeed's AM to DM show.  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  Among North Carolina Republicans, Tillis has been Moore\u2019s most vocal critic. Sen. Richard Burr also called for Moore to withdraw from the race, but\u00a0other Republicans remain silent.  \u00a0  Earlier this week, former Gov. Pat McCrory said on his radio show that Republicans and Democrats are \u201cputting aside values for the sake of a political agenda.\u201d He was referring to Moore and Sen. Al Franken, the Democrat from Minnesota who faces accusations of harassment, before Franken announced Thursday he would step down.  \u00a0  Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the N.C. GOP, told the N&O on Tuesday that his group won\u2019t take a position on Moore or the claims against him.  \u00a0  The N.C. Democratic Party on Monday called on the state\u2019s top Republicans \u2013 Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, state Senate leader Phil Berger and state House Speaker Tim Moore \u2013 to take a position on Moore. So far, they haven\u2019t.  \u00a0  Top Democrats in the N.C. General Assembly called on Franken\u00a0to step down ahead of his announcement Thursday, while Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper denounced harassment more generally.  \u00a0  As for Tillis, he said the Senate can\u2019t procedurally prevent Moore from being seated if he\u2019s elected.  \u00a0  \u201cBut we do have jurisdiction over members, and we use an ethics investigation and see what remedies come out of that,\u201d Tillis said.  \u00a0  \u201cI\u2019m going to stay out of a race that I don\u2019t have a vote in,\u201d he added. \u201cAnd then as a member of a body that Mr. Moore might be admitted to, I\u2019m going to try to get the facts to the point where we can take appropriate action.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nRead the article here.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1753", "Hudson Urges Support of Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \r\n\r\n\tDecember 6, 2017\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHudson Urges Support of Concealed Carry Reciprocity\r\n\r\n\tRep. Hudson\u2019s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) will be voted on later today\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of the bipartisan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), spoke on the House floor in support of his legislation:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor every freedom-loving American who exercises their Second Amendment right, today is your day. For the 73% of Americans who support concealed carry, today is your day. For the 15 million concealed carry permit holders out there, today is your day. And finally to the single mothers out there who just want to protect themselves and their families, today is your day.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tFull transcript\r\n\r\n\t\u201cLet me tell you a story. It\u2019s a story about an African American single mother with two kids, living in south Philly. After twice being the victim of muggings, she decides to go out and legally purchase a firearm to protect herself, gets trained with her weapon, and applies for a concealed carry permit. Sometime thereafter, she crossed the state line into New Jersey and at a routine traffic stop, did exactly as she was trained: handed her driver\u2019s license and concealed carry permit to the police officer and let him know that she had a pistol in her purse. What she didn\u2019t know is that the state of New Jersey doesn\u2019t recognize the concealed carry permits of their neighbor in Pennsylvania. And so this poor single mother, who has never had a brush with the law, spent almost 50 days in jail and was looking at 10 years in prison. Are you serious? We have to make sure that never happens again. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe other side today is going to argue that we\u2019re violating states\u2019 rights with this legislation, but Article IV, Section 1, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution, says very clearly that every state should give the full faith and credit to the judicial proceedings and documents of every state and that Congress has the responsibility to determine how those documents will be recognized. That\u2019s why a driver\u2019s license is recognized in every state. That\u2019s why if I get married in North Carolina, but I move to Arizona I\u2019m not a single man again. They recognize that marriage. That\u2019s why divorce decrees are recognized in every state. The concealed carry permit should be recognized the same way. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut this is not trampling states\u2019 rights because states can still determine what can be carried, where it can be carried \u2013 they can set any kind of limits they want about how weapons are carried in their municipalities or states. For example if you visit the state of New York, they have a limit on the size of a magazine on a pistol \u2013 you\u2019ve got to follow that law. If they want to set restrictions about places where you can\u2019t carry \u2013 even with this legislation, that law would have to be followed. The states retain this right. Just like a driver\u2019s license. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThe other side is also going to stand up and claim all kinds of doomsday scenarios about how we\u2019re \u2018going to increase crimes,\u2019 we\u2019re \u2018going to increase the number of weapons out there,\u2019 we\u2019re \u2018going to turn the cities into the Wild West.\u2019 I find it ironic that we\u2019re being lectured to by people from big cities with a lot of gun control measures, but have some of the worst crime in the nation. They\u2019re worried about people coming from other places where we don\u2019t have crime. I think that\u2019s ironic. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBut the truth is over half the states already recognize permits from every other state. Nineteen states, in fact, already do this. States and municipalities, as I mentioned, retain the right to restrict where guns are carried in their communities \u2013 even under this legislation. And if you look at the empirical evidence, places where you have concealed carry \u2013 even constitutional carry \u2013 when you instituted this right, violent crime went down, gun crime went down. You\u2019ve seen less crime, not more crime. There\u2019s actually a study done in Florida and Texas and it showed that off duty police officers commit crimes more than concealed carry permit holders. Think about that. Police officers don\u2019t commit crimes very often, but even they commit crimes more than concealed carry permit holders. These are not the people we\u2019re worried about. These are not the violent criminals that we\u2019re worried about in our cities. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tThis is a common sense measure that upholds our constitutional right. It makes sure that a law-abiding permit holder trying to do the right thing doesn\u2019t become a criminal simply because they\u2019ve crossed that line. And so for every freedom-loving American who exercises their Second Amendment right, today is your day. For the 73% of Americans who support concealed carry, today is your day. For the 15 million concealed carry permit holders out there, today is your day. And finally to the single mothers out there who just want to protect themselves and their families, today is your day.\u201d\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=1754", "Hudson's Major Gun Bill Passes House", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Hudson", "H001067", "hudson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE \r\n\r\n\tDecember 6, 2017\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tHudson\u2019s Major Gun Bill Passes House\r\n\r\n\tRep. Hudson\u2019s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) Passes House, 231-198\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), author of the bipartisan Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), released the following statement after the bill passed the House, 231-198:\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cFor the millions of law-abiding citizens who lawfully carry concealed to protect themselves, for conservatives who want to strengthen our Second Amendment rights, and for the overwhelming majority of Americans who support concealed carry reciprocity, Christmas came early,\u201d said Rep. Hudson. \r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tBACKGROUND \r\n\r\n\tCurrently, the patchwork of reciprocity laws and agreements between states is confusing and has caused law-abiding citizens like Shaneen Allen to unwittingly break the law and suffer arrest and detention. Even the most careful and knowledgeable concealed carry permit holders find it difficult to navigate the current maze of state and local concealed carry laws. H.R. 38 is a common sense solution. The bill, which is supported by major pro-Second Amendment groups and has 213 cosponsors, would allow law-abiding citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to conceal a handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry. It would also allow law-abiding residents of Constitutional carry states the ability to carry in other states that recognize their own residents\u2019 right to concealed carry.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tH.R. 38 would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed only if they are not federally prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm, are carrying a valid government-issued photo ID, and are lawfully licensed or otherwise entitled to carry a concealed handgun. Each person would have to follow the laws of the state, county and municipality in which they are carrying concealed.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tIn\u00a0District of Columbia v. Heller\u00a0(2008), the Supreme Court ruled that \u201cthe inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right,\u201d which is \u201cthe individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.\u201d This fundamental right does not stop at a state\u2019s borders and law-abiding citizens should be able to exercise this right when crossing state lines. In addition, Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution states, \u201cFull faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.\u201d This is the clause that allows a driver\u2019s license to be recognized across state lines. In addition, under H.R. 38, states would retain their authority to enact restrictions on where, when and how people can lawfully carry in the state.\r\n\r\n\t\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=168", "BUDD APPLAUDS TRUMPS DECISION TO RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM AS CAPITAL", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BUDD APPLAUDS TRUMP\u2019S DECISION TO RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM AS CAPITAL \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        This historic move by President Trump shows, once again, that the bond between our two countries is stronger than ever.\"\r\n\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) releases\u00a0statement following President Trump\u2019s decision to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:\u00a0\r\n  \r\n\"I applaud President Trump for fulfilling his promise to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Today\u2019s announcement sends a clear signal to the world that in any coming peace negotiations we will not be pressuring Israel to give up its historic and religious capital.\u00a0Congress passed a bipartisan law back in 1995 that required the movement of our embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. This same law also stated that Jerusalem should be the \u201cundivided\u201d capital of Israel. This historic move by President Trump shows, once again, that the bond between our two countries is stronger than ever.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=169", "HOUSE PASSES CONCEALED CARRY BILL COSPONSORED BY BUDD", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Ted Budd", "B001305", "budd.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) applauds House passage of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. \u00a0The legislation was one of the first he had cosponsored in his career. \u00a0The legislation will allow law-abiding citizens from states that allow concealed carry to have their rights recognized nationwide.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cToo often lawful gun owners become victims of the uncertain gun laws across state borders. Law-abiding citizens should not be punished due to complexities and irregularities in our country's gun laws. I\u2019m proud to support this common sense law, which will help bring clarity to a complex system.\u201d\r\nRepresentative Budd expressed his support for this legislation on the House floor. See his full remarks here and below.\r\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\r\nI rise today in support of Mr. Hudson\u2019s Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.\r\nAs things stand, each state currently determines its own concealed carry reciprocity laws. And some states don\u2019t recognize concealed carry permits from other states. This forces lawful gun owners to sometimes surrender their Second Amendment rights when traveling. The current system has created accidental criminals, ruined lives, and punished gun owners simply because they fell victim to complexity and uncertainty in the law.\r\n\r\nMy colleague's bill addresses this problem by bringing much needed clarity to the system. H.R. 38 is a simple proposal, but a necessary one, and if enacted it will allow lawful owners to carry their firearm into other states that allow concealed carry. This interstate recognition of concealed carry would be similar to a driver\u2019s license.\r\nH.R. 38 would not create national standards for concealed carry or take away a state\u2019s right to govern their own concealed carry laws like some may claim. No, this bill simply uses Congress\u2019s 14th Amendment power to protect people\u2019s constitutional rights from state abuse.\r\nSamuel Adams said quote \u201cThe Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.\u201d End quote.\r\nThis powerful line from Mr. Adams sums up my feelings on this bill much better than I can.\r\nI thank Mr. Hudson for his steadfast leadership on this issue. I urge adoption. And Mr. Speaker, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399151", "Foxx Supports Second Amendment", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Virginia Foxx", "F000450", "foxx.house.gov", "foxx", "https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., voted in favor of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 which allows qualified individuals with a concealed weapons permit to carry or possess a concealed handgun in other states that allow concealed firearms. Representative Foxx released the following statement in support of the measure:\n\n\u201cWhen the Founding Fathers penned the Second Amendment, the right of people to keep and bear arms was intended to empower individuals \u2013 a principle that has been solidified by recent Supreme Court decisions. As a lifelong defender of the Constitution, I was pleased to support the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which rightly protects Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding Americans and their right to defend themselves on the road as well as at home. Responsible gun-owners who hold a concealed carry permit from their state\u2019s jurisdiction should be empowered to travel to other states that allow concealed firearms without fear of prosecution \u2013 and this bill accomplishes exactly that.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-state-and-federal-officials-working-to-stop-local-opioid-abuse", "Local, state, and federal officials working to stop local opioid abuse", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Counties across the state have been holding comprehensive county government leadership forums on opioid abuse, an initiative lead by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Macon County officials joined a growing list of county leadership to hear the presentation of the state of the opioid epidemic in North Carolina and in Macon County. The Highlands Board of Commissioners, the Franklin Town Council, and the Macon County Board of Commissioners, attended a joint meeting last week and were presented an overview of the opioid crisis by members of Macon County Public Health.\n\u201cThese leadership sessions were an idea put together by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and all 100 counties will have a similar exercise,\u201d said Macon County Public Health Director Jim Bruckner. \u201cMacon County is far ahead of most counties in the state in terms of dealing with the opioid problem plaguing our community. We have a task force, which a lot of counties don\u2019t. But just because Macon County is ahead of most, it doesn\u2019t mean that everything in the county is rosy.\u201d\nLynn Baker, Public Health Section Administrator for the Macon County Health Department told county leaders that in Macon County, 37,000 opioid prescriptions were written in 2016, not including prescriptions administered to cancer patients.\n\u201cThat equated to 1.1 prescriptions for every single county resident\u2026 that is an average of 81 pills per person,\u201d said Baker.\nOn the state and federal level, Bruckner informed county leaders that legislation is being put into place to address the issue. The Stop Act of 2017, sponsored by Senator Jim Davis, was passed with the intent of limiting the number of opioid pills that a doctor can prescribe for certain medical cases.\n\u201cThe Stop Act, when it\u2019s fully implemented, will limit the supply of opiates to a five- or seven-day supply depending on the case,\u201d said Bruckner. \u201cDoctors will no longer be able to write a \u2018scrip\u2019 for 30 days, instead, they will write it for five to seven days, and have to see a patient again in order to provide additional medications.\u201d\nOn the federal level, the day after Macon leaders met for the forum, Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC) introduced legislation to address the opioid epidemic. On Wednesday, Meadows and Congressman Jim Renacci (R-OH) introduced the Opioid Abuse Deterrence, Research, and Recovery Act \u2014 a bill to combat the rapidly spreading opioid crisis in America.\nMeadows\u2019 and Renacci\u2019s bill seeks to address an underlying cause of this issue by placing common sense parameters, with appropriate flexibility, around initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain in order to limit the risks of addiction. Research conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that the risks for addiction to prescription opioids dramatically increase around seven days after prescribed. This bill would place a limit on a patient\u2019s first opioid prescription for acute-pain to no more than 7 days, except in cases of traumatic injury, chronic conditions, cancer-care, end of life care, palliative care, or based on a physician\u2019s recommendation. The limitation to seven days would appropriately mitigate risks of abuse while also providing flexibility for doctors and patients to receive treatment where needed.\n\u201cFar too many men, women, and families across the country have suffered from the preventable spread of opioid abuse in America,\u201d Rep. Meadows said. \u201cThe effects of this crisis are heartbreaking, and I know for me, they\u2019re felt right at home. My state of North Carolina has four of the top 20 cities in America suffering from opioid abuse, with over 12,000 North Carolinians dying as a result of the epidemic since 1996. This has got to end\u2014and we believe Congress has an opportunity to lead by helping establish standards that benefit doctors, patients, and treatment centers alike. I want to thank my colleague Jim Renacci as well for his efforts. I\u2019m grateful we could introduce this bill to begin a process of seriously addressing this crisis that has impacted so many.\u201d\nWhile the first and foremost negative effect of opioid abuse are the implications it has on individuals and their families, county officials note that there are financial implications on the county level.\n\u201cFrom 2014-16 we never spent more than $100,000 on out-of-county inmate housing and this year, it\u2019s going to be close to $400,000 because of the number of inmates we have currently that are specifically in for drug-related charges,\u201d said Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale. \u201cWe are having to look at expanding the detention center because it\u2019s at capacity all of the time and the root of that overcrowding is the opioid epidemic.\u201d\nFranklin Mayor Bob Scott spoke after the presentation and said that like the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the municipal equivalent, the North Carolina League of Municipalities has made addressing the state\u2019s opioid epidemic a priority.\nScott also touted the Franklin Police Department\u2019s efforts to begin carrying Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication. In August, the town of Franklin approved funding to supply each of the town\u2019s 18 patrol vehicles with the drug. Since August, Franklin Police officers have completed training, but as of Tuesday, have yet to actually carry the drug.\nThe Macon County Sheriff\u2019s Office have recently updated the department\u2019s policy and officers have completed training and will begin carrying the drug this week. Going one step beyond having only patrol units carry it, the MCSO plans to have all units carry Narcan including courthouse and detention staff.\n\u201cPolicies and procedures as well as training takes time,\u201d said Macon County Sheriff Robert Holland, who began the process to carry the drug last month. \u201cWe can\u2019t just jump into something without having everything in place. By end of today [Tuesday, Dec. 5] we will enter our next phase and that is dispensing the product to officers.\u201d\nThe Highlands Police Department has carried the drug since 2015. Full Circle Recovery was the first organization in the county to carry the drug and since they started in 2014. CEO and founder Stephanie Almeida reports the entity has distributed 1,713 overdose reversal kits and personally reversed 70 overdoses, with one fatality.\nIf Franklin Police Department follows suit and joins Highlands and Macon County Sheriff\u2019s Office in carrying the drug in all patrol vehicles, it will be nearly 200 law enforcement agencies in the state to do so. The Pitt County Sheriff\u2019s Office was the first law enforcement agency to carry Narcan which began in April 2015. Since then, 111 of the state\u2019s 357 police departments carry the drug. In Western North Carolina, police departments in Highlands, Waynesville, Andrews, and Bryson City have carried the drug for the last few years.\nIn addition to law enforcement agencies, Macon County Emergency Services administered the drug to 16 patents in 2016 and 40 patients so far in 2017. All but one fire department in Macon County carries the drug, and to date, members of the fire department have administered Narcan on two occasions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/new-opioid-legislation-to-limit-prescriptions", "New opioid legislation to limit prescriptions", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressmen Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, and Jim Renacci, R-Ohio, introduced the Opioid Abuse Deterrence, Research and Recovery Act last week with hopes of tackling opioid addiction at the source.\nThe legislation would place more parameters on initial opioid prescriptions for acute pain in order to limit the risks of addiction. It would place a limit on a patient\u2019s first opioid prescription for acute pain to no more than seven days, except in cases of traumatic injury, chronic conditions, cancer care, end-of-life care, palliative care or based on a physician\u2019s recommendation.\nThe proposed limitation to seven days stems from research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that shows the risks for addiction to prescription opioids dramatically increases around seven days after they are first prescribed.\nMeadows and Renacci took to Facebook recently to discuss the difficult process of crafting such a piece of legislation. Despite the limit on opioid prescriptions, Meadows emphasized that the bill would still give physicians the flexibility they need to help their patients.\n\u201cIt\u2019s very complicated \u2014 these things are in place to alleviate pain and none of us want to endure pain,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we\u2019re trying to craft legislation to allow doctors to continue to be a doctor \u2014 that was critically important. It\u2019s tough to make sure the real need gets met but the abuse gets addressed in a meaningful way.\u201d\nRenacci, who represents a state that is No. 1 in the country for opioid addiction and overdoses, said he and Meadows worked closely with a number of medical associations, law enforcement agencies and families of those who suffer from addiction to find a balance between restricting opioids without stepping on others\u2019 rights.\n\u201cWe worked with physicians and associations to put this bill together \u2014 it doesn\u2019t trump states rights,\u201d Renacci said during a Facebook live interview. \u201cIt allows states to decide more or less than seven days. This gives them a standard and lets the states make their own decisions.\u201d\nMeadows said the bill doesn\u2019t address all the issues surrounding opioid addiction but does provide a good start. The bill directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs to continue to work with stakeholders to encourage the development of opioids with abuse-deterrent properties. It also directs the Commissioner to conduct a study on the feasibility of replacing the prescribing limits in the Controlled Substances Act with evidence-based clinical guidelines for opioids.\nThe bill also calls for the Government Accountability Office to study and report back on any policy changes that may have contributed to the opioid epidemic. Meadows pointed out a provision in the Affordable Care Act that grades doctors on how well they treat their patients\u2019 pain levels, which in turn encourages doctors to write longer pain prescriptions.\nIn the end, Meadows said, the six-page legislation doesn\u2019t include every possible solution \u2014 it\u2019s just a start to what needs to be done to address the epidemic on many fronts.\n\u201cThe Government Accountability Office is putting together some real statistics on how to address this issue \u2014 that\u2019s one thing that\u2019s not in there,\u201d Meadows said about the bill. \u201cIt was just recommended this morning perhaps we need to make sure other opioid alternatives get reimbursed through Medicaid and Medicare so people are not looking for alternatives.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-applauds-potus-for-recognizing-jerusalem-as-israels-capital", "Meadows Applauds POTUS for Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows Applauds POTUS for Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement in support of President Trump\u2019s announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the undivided Capital of Israel:\n\u201cWhat a powerful statement it is, on the 50th anniversary of reunification, for President Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the true, undivided Capital of Israel. I applaud the President for this decision and for delivering on yet another key promise he made during his campaign.\nAfter 8 years of damage, constant undermining, and broken promises, the world will once again know that the United States stands, unwaveringly, alongside Israel.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/meadows-hfc-members-call-for-investigation-into-fbis-special-treatment", "Meadows, HFC Members Call for Investigation into FBI's 'Special Treatment' of Hillary Clinton", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\n\tMeadows, HFC Members Call for Investigation into FBI's 'Special Treatment' of Hillary Clinton\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) joined several members of the House Freedom Caucus in calling for an investigation into the FBI\u2019s special treatment of the Hillary Clinton investigation.\n\"This issue is not about any one individual,\u201d Rep. Meadows said. \u201cIt's about the fact that no American, regardless of wealth or political status, should be given a pass under the law. Every day we learn more and more concerning information that indicates Hillary Clinton was given special treatment by the FBI during their investigation last year. It's time for Attorney General Sessions to start leading and appoint a second special counsel so that the American people can get the truth and the answers they deserve.\u201d\n\u201cThis will not improve with time,\u201d Meadows continued. \u201cThe time for action is now, and there is a short fuse on getting the truth and the kind of answers the American people deserve.\u201d\nYou can watch the video of the full press conference, including Rep. Meadows\u2019 speech, here.\n\u00a0\n  \n\tRep. Meadows joining Rep. Gaetz, Freedom Caucus colleagues in press conference", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=765", "Meadows, HFC Members Call for Investigation into FBI's 'Special Treatment' of Hillary Clinton", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows, HFC Members Call for Investigation into FBI's 'Special Treatment' of Hillary Clinton\r\nWashington, D.C.  On Wednesday, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) joined several members of the House Freedom Caucus in calling for an investigation into the FBIs special treatment of the Hillary Clinton investigation.\r\n\"This issue is not about any one individual, Rep. Meadows said. It's about the fact that no American, regardless of wealth or political status, should be given a pass under the law. Every day we learn more and more concerning information that indicates Hillary Clinton was given special treatment by the FBI during their investigation last year. It's time for Attorney General Sessions to start leading and appoint a second special counsel so that the American people can get the truth and the answers they deserve.\r\nThis will not improve with time, Meadows continued. The time for action is now, and there is a short fuse on getting the truth and the kind of answers the American people deserve.\r\nYou can watch the video of the full press conference, including Rep. Meadows speech, here.\r\n\r\n  \r\nRep. Meadows joining Rep. Gaetz, Freedom Caucus colleagues in press conference", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://meadows.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=766", "Meadows Applauds POTUS for Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Mark Meadows", "M001187", "meadows.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RELEASE:\r\nMeadows Applauds POTUS for Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital\r\nWashington, D.C.  Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) released the following statement in support of President Trumps announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the undivided Capital of Israel:\r\nWhat a powerful statement it is, on the 50th anniversary of reunification, for President Trump to recognize Jerusalem as the true, undivided Capital of Israel. I applaud the President for this decision and for delivering on yet another key promise he made during his campaign.\r\nAfter 8 years of damage, constant undermining, and broken promises, the world will once again know that the United States stands, unwaveringly, alongside Israel.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-on-jerusalem-embassy", "Pittenger on Jerusalem Embassy", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER:\u00a0 PRESIDENT TRUMP\u2019S DECISION ON JERUSALEM GROUNDED IN REALITY \n\u00a0\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) issued this statement after President Trump announced his decision to follow existing law and move the United States Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:\n\u201cJerusalem has been Israel\u2019s capital since the time of King David.\u00a0 Jerusalem\u2019s legislature and courts are in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Why should we continue to pretend otherwise?\u201d asked Congressman Pittenger.\u00a0 \u201cWould we be okay with other countries insisting our capital was somewhere other than Washington?\u00a0 President Trump\u2019s common sense decision is grounded in reality.\u201d\nCongressman Pittenger has traveled to Israel four times as a Member of Congress, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, and local leaders to discuss joint efforts to defeat radical Islamic terrorism.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rouzer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rouzer-praises-trumps-recognition-jerusalem-capital-israel", "Rouzer praises Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "David Rouzer", "R000603", "rouzer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, Congressman David Rouzer released the statement below following President Donald J. Trump\u2019s press conference recognizing the city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.\n\t\u201cI strongly support President Trump\u2019s move to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.\u00a0 For thousands of years the historic and national identity of the Jewish people has been under attack by extremists and others wishing to cause harm and destruction to the people of Israel.\u00a0\u00a0\n\tJerusalem has always been the rightful capital of Israel. \u00a0I\u2019m very grateful that President Trump not only recognizes this fact, but has the courage to act on it. \u00a0I urge our allies in the Middle East and throughout the world to join the United States in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s eternal capital.\u201d\n\tBACKGROUND:\u00a0\u00a0In 1995, the House of Representatives and Senate passed the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act with the purpose of moving the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as well as recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.\u00a0 For the last two decades, American presidents have exercised the law\u2019s waiver on a semi-annual base to suspend the relocation of the embassy.\u00a0 In his speech, President Trump instructed the State Department to develop a plan to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.\u00a0\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.tillis.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=26A47030-3B9A-4E67-9B8F-09249FC6E972", "Tillis Supports Decision to Declare Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Thom Tillis", "T000476", "www.tillis.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tToday, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued the following statement after President Trump declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:\u00a0\u201cI applaud President Trump for reaffirming our commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, following through on years of advocacy on the part of leaders from both parties. The United States and Israel have a special relationship that is rooted in shared common principles and core values, and the President\u2019s defining action will further strengthen the bond between our two great nations.\u201d\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t185 Dirksen Senate Office Building\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-6342\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 228-2563\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9300 Harris Corners Pkwy \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 170 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharlotte, NC  28269 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (704) 509-9087 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (704) 509-9162\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1694 E. Arlington Blvd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite B\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreenville, NC 27858\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (252) 329-0371\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (252) 329-0290\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (828) 693-8750\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (828) 693-9724\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1840 Eastchester Drive, Suite 200\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh Point, NC  27265\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (336) 885-0685\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (336) 885-0692\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t310 New Bern Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 122\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRaleigh, NC 27601\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (919) 856-4630\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (919) 856-4053", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-tax-relief-is-on-the-way", "Pittenger:  Tax Relief Is On The Way", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER\u2019S STATEMENT ON\u00a0HOUSE MOTION TO GO TO CONFERENCE ON TAX REFORM \n\u00a0  WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) released this\u00a0statement on the House of Representatives passage of a motion to go to conference on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1):\n\"Tonight, with my vote and support, the House of Representatives\u00a0took a\u00a0big\u00a0step towards delivering pro-growth, job creating tax\u00a0cuts as we advanced our motion to conference with the Senate,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Pittenger.\u00a0\"Regrettably,\u00a0Freedom Caucus leadership sought to hold this critical legislation hostage and voted against tonight\u2019s bill.\n\"With passage, we can now work with our colleagues in the Senate\u00a0to\u00a0take the best of our respective\u00a0bills and\u00a0produce a unified final version for\u00a0President Trump to sign into law.\u00a0After years of suffering under a burdensome and oppressive tax code, historic tax relief is on the way for millions of hardworking Americans.\" ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/burr-praises-nielsen-confirmation-to-be_secretary-of-homeland-security", "Burr Praises Nielsen Confirmation to be  Secretary of Homeland Security", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Richard Burr", "B001135", "www.burr.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Burr Praises Nielsen Confirmation to be  Secretary of Homeland Security \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Richard Burr released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to be the Secretary of Homeland Security:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very encouraged to see Kirstjen Nielsen, who is eminently qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed by the Senate today. Her prior experience under President George W. Bush at the White House Homeland Security Council, the Transportation Security Administration, and more recently, DHS, have prepared her well to take over this critical role in protecting our nation. I look forward to working with her in the coming years to keep America and her citizens safe as we face an increasingly large and troubling range of threats.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://pittenger.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pittenger-on-senates-passage-of-tax-reform-bill", "Pittenger on Senate's Passage of Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NC", "Robert Pittenger", "P000606", "pittenger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\u00a0\n CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER\u2019S STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF SENATE TAX REFORM BILL \n\u00a0\nCHARLOTTE \u2013 Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) released this statement after the Senate\u2019s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\u201cAre you tired of Uncle Sam picking your pocket?\u00a0 We\u2019re putting an end to that.\u00a0 Early this morning, the Senate followed our lead in the House and passed conservative tax reform to let you keep more of your paycheck, create jobs, and transform the economy.\n\u201cOn Monday, I\u2019ll work to help take the next step, as the House conferences with the Senate and we can take the best of both bills and send the final legislation to President Trump.\u201d\nEarly Saturday morning, the Senate passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 51-49.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1483, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "NC", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1483, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NC&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1483, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "NC", "label": "NC", "count": 1483, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1483, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-12-04,https~3A~2F~2Fpittenger~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fpittenger-on-senates-passage-of-tax-reform-bill", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=NC&year=2017&_next=2017-12-04%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fpittenger~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fpittenger-on-senates-passage-of-tax-reform-bill&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 280.854307115078, "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"}