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