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://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/alma-adams-statement-passing-marc-basnight,Alma Adams Statement on the Passing of Marc Basnight,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), released the following statement: ""I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Marc Basnight. I served with President Pro Tem Basnight in the General Assembly for over 16 of his 26 years in the Senate. During that time Marc made a difference in the lives of many North Carolinians, passing historic education, minimum wage, and infrastructure legislation that made our state a leader in the South. His background as a small business owner from the Outer Banks meant he always went to work for the little guy.' My prayers are with Marc's family, the team at the Lone Cedar Caf, and everyone who was touched by his service."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-alma-adams-applauds-passage-cash-act,Rep. Alma Adams Applauds Passage of CASH Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)applauded the House passage of theCaring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020to increase the amount of money struggling Americans receive in a second round of direct payments to $2,000. Today, I was proud to vote to authorize a $2000 Economic Impact Payment, also known as the stimulus check, to help our hardest-hit families during this holiday season. House Democrats have been proud to support increased stimulus checks since voting for the HEROES Act in May,saidCongresswoman Adams.American families need this help now. There are 10 million fewer jobs than when the pandemic began. Over three million Americans are now facing long-term unemployment. This increased benefit will help keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, and the lights on. This check should also create more customers with money in their pockets the consumers our small businesses need to stay afloat and start hiring again. Nevertheless, the next administration must make a larger investment. COVID-19 has put one hundred million Americans on the chopping block, and if Congress doesn't continue to act, they may never recover from the economic devastation. In the spirit of the holiday season and in the name of basic decency, the Senate should follow our lead and pass this bill,Adams concluded. Adams has been a vocal supporter of increased direct cash payments to the American people. Adams previously voted for the CARES Act, which provided the original Economic Impact Payment (EIP), as well as the HEROES Act in May, which would have authorized an additional $1,200 EIP. CongresswomanAlmaAdamsrepresents North Carolina's 12thCongressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-maintains-commitment-to-troops-families-and-veterans-through-annual-defense,"Hudson Maintains Commitment to Troops, Families and Veterans Through Annual Defense Bill",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fort Bragg's Congressman and a voice for veterans, released the following statement after voting today to approve the FY 21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report in the U.S. House of Representatives: ""As Fort Bragg's Congressman, it is my responsibility to ensure our troops, their families and our veterans have the support they deserve. That is why I voted to approve the NDAA, which contains provisions I fought for including pay raises and PPE for troops, overdue improvements for military housing and education, mental health care reforms, and expanded VA access for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. This bill also contains measures to counter China and defend our country against cyber attacks like those launched this year by Russia,"" said Rep. Hudson. ""Furthermore, without this bill, troops would lose hazard duty pay over the holidays. As was the case last New Year's Eve when soldiers of the 82nd Airborne got a call to deploy to the Middle East within 24 hours, we expect our troops to be ready at any moment to defend our country. This bill fulfills our commitment to support them in that mission and protect our overall national security."" ""I believe President Donald Trump is right that it is critical we reign in social media companies who hide behind Section 230,"" Rep. Hudson continued. ""I have focused on this shared goal in the Energy and Commerce Committee and will continue working to make sure we enact needed reforms to Section 230."" In July, Rep. Hudson secured six provisions in the FY 21 NDAA. They include: 10% pay increase in hazard duty pay. Expanded access for Special Operations' POTFF program and improvements to retain employees for the program. Report to strengthen Impact Aid education funding. Improved access to Exceptional Family Member Program for special needs military families. Expanded access to the VA for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. These provisions are detailed here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-saddened-passing-state-senator-marc-basnight,Murphy Saddened by the Passing of State Senator Marc Basnight,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Greenville, N.C. – Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement after the passing of North Carolina State Senator Marc Basnight. ""North Carolina lost a consequential and dedicated public servant to our state tonight in Senator Marc Basnight,"" said Murphy. ""An eastern North Carolina native, Senator Basnight cared deeply about the welfare of this great state and his impression on our politics will be felt for years to come. I am terribly saddened by his passing, and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones. He will be mourned as a dedicated public servant.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senator-burr-statement-on-the-passing-of-nc-state-senator-marc-basnight,Senator Burr Statement on the Passing of N.C. State Senator Marc Basnight,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.28.20 Senator Burr Statement on the Passing of N.C. State Senator Marc Basnight Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) today released the following statement on the passing of former North Carolina State Senator Marc Basnight, who led the Senate for nearly two decades: Marc Basnight was one of the most effective and influential political leaders in North Carolina's history. Marc was a powerful man, but everything he did was driven by a deep and genuine love of people that was evident to all. I always considered him to be one of my best friends. He will be missed. Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/tillis-warren-question-private-military-housing-providers-on-reports-of-failure-to-provide-appropriate-on-base-housing-to-military-families-with-disabilities,"Tillis, Warren Question Private Military Housing Providers on Reports of Failure to Provide Appropriate On-Base Housing to Military Families With Disabilities",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"These letters follow troubling reports revealing that private military housing providers at multiple installations may not be complying with federal laws that protect Americans with disabilities. WASHINGTON, D.C. Recently, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee, and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Subcommittee on Personnel, sent letters to top executives at six major private military housing companies requesting information about the on-base housing units they developed and manage to determine whether military families are being denied access to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant housing. Military families across the nation are all too familiar with private military housing providers falling short of their obligations to ensure safe and livable housing conditions,said Senator Tillis.These companies must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide accommodations to military families who need and deserve them. While I'm proud of the bipartisan action we've taken to address the issues facing military housing over the past few years, it's clear more work needs to be done. Congress needs to hold providers accountable when they fail to secure safe housing for our servicemembers and their families. In July 2020, the Military Housing Advocacy Network (MHAN), a nonprofit organization that advocates for military families to make sure that they have access to safe and appropriate conditions in on-base, privatized housing, released findings from a survey of military families with disabilities revealing that private military housing companies that have partnered with the Department of Defense (DoD) do not appear to be following federal laws that protect persons with disabilities. The DoD's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides 137,000 military families with special needs with necessary services and support throughout the United States and at DoD installations worldwide, including access to ADA housing and/or reasonable accommodations to the home for disabled persons. A survey of these families by MHAN revealed that they faced significant barriers to acquiring their housing; some never received these homes or accommodations, and many waited exceptionally long periods of time before their needs were approved or met. Some said their requests for accommodations were challenged by housing management. Read full letterhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-price-lee-schakowsky-meeks-castro-spanberger-and-sherman-spearhead,"Reps. Price, Lee, Schakowsky, Meeks, Castro, Spanberger, and Sherman Spearhead Letter to President-elect Biden with 150 Total Signers Urging Diplomatic Steps to Return Both Iran and U.S. to JCPOA",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. (December 23, 2020) Today, Representatives David Price (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Abigail D. Spanberger (D-VA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) sent a letter to President-elect Joseph R. Biden with a total of 150 signers expressing support for renewed diplomacy to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, to address other pressing issues, and to reduce the likelihood of violent regional conflict. The letter expresses support for both Iran and the U.S. returning to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear agreement. The seven members circulating the letter releasedthe following statement: One of the most pressing foreign policy challengesfacingthe incoming Biden administration will be halting and reversing Iran's nuclear program,which was left largely unconstrained after President Trump withdrew from theJCPOA.The Trump administration's incoherent and provocative policies toward Iran and our multilateral relationshipsonlyadvanced the Iranian nuclear program,failed to effectively address Iran's other malign behavior, and greatly increased the likelihood of violent confrontation and conflict. As Congressional leadersregardless of our support or opposition to the JCPOA in 2015 weareunited in our support for swiftly taking the necessary diplomatic steps to restore constraints on Iran's nuclear program and return both Iran and the United States to compliance with theJCPOAas a starting point for further negotiations. We are sending this letter to endorse President-elect Biden's call for diplomacy as the best path to halt and reverseIran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, andfacilitate our nation'sreincorporation into the international community. The 150 signatories include the following Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: David Price, Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, Gregory Meeks, Joaquin Castro, Abigail D. Spanberger, and Brad Sherman, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Pete Aguilar, Colin Allred, Cindy Axne, Karen Bass, Ami Bera, M.D., Donald S. Beyer Jr., Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Earl Blumenauer, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Suzanne Bonamici, Julia Brownley, Cheri Bustos, G. K. Butterfield, Salud O. Carbajal, Andr Carson, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, David Cicilline, Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., Katherine M. Clark, Yvette D. Clarke, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Steve Cohen, Gerald E. Connolly, Jim Cooper, Jim Costa, Joe Courtney, TJ Cox, Jason Crow, Sharice L. Davids, Danny K. Davis, Peter A. DeFazio, Diana DeGette, Rosa DeLauro, Suzan Delbene, Mark DeSaulnier, Debbie Dingell, Lloyd Doggett, Mike Doyle, Veronica Escobar, Anna Eshoo, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Abby Finkenauer, Lizzie Fletcher, Bill Foster, Ruben Gallego, John Garamendi, Jess G. Chuy Garcia, Vicente Gonzalez, Al Green, Ral M. Grijalva, Deb Haaland, Josh Harder, Jahana Hayes, Denny Heck, Brian Higgins, Jim Himes, Steven Horsford, Jared Huffman, Sheila Jackson Lee, Pramila Jayapal, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Marcy Kaptur, William R. Keating, Robin L. Kelly, Joseph P. Kennedy, III, Ro Khanna, Daniel T. Kildee, Derek Kilmer, Andy Kim, Ann Kirkpatrick, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ann McLane Kuster, James R. Langevin, Rick Larsen, John B. Larson, Brenda L. Lawrence, Andy Levin, Mike Levin, Dave Loebsack, Zoe Lofgren, Alan Lowenthal, Stephen F. Lynch, Tom Malinowski, Carolyn B. Maloney, Doris Matsui, Betty McCollum, James P. McGovern, Jerry McNerney, Gwen Moore, Seth Moulton, Jerrold Nadler, Richard E. Neal, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Jimmy Panetta, Bill Pascrell, Jr., Donald M. Payne, Jr., Ed Perlmutter, Chellie Pingree, Stacey E. Plaskett, Mark Pocan, Katie Porter, Ayanna Pressley, Mike Quigley, Jamie Raskin, Harley Rouda, Lucille Roybal-Allard, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Bobby L. Rush, Tim Ryan, Linda T. Snchez, John Sarbanes, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam Schiff, Kim Schrier, M.D., Robert C. Bobby Scott, Jos E. Serrano, Albio Sires, Adam Smith, Jackie Speier, Eric Swalwell, Mark Takano, Mike Thompson, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Paul D. Tonko, Norma J. Torres, Lori Trahan, Lauren Underwood, Filemon Vela, Nydia M. Velzquez, Peter Visclosky, Maxine Waters, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Peter Welch, Jennifer Wexton, and John Yarmuth. A copy of the letter can be viewed here and the text is copied below. Dear President-elect Biden: Congratulations on your election to become the next President of the United States, and we wish you success on behalf of our nation. We particularly welcome your commitment to the restoration of American leadership and diplomacy. With respect to Iran, we agree that diplomacy is the best path to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, and facilitate our nation's reincorporation into the international community. We are united in our support for swiftly taking the necessary diplomatic steps to restore constraints on Iran's nuclear program and return both Iran and the United States to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a starting point for further negotiations. The JCPOA, an agreement you helped champion, verifiably constrained Iran's nuclear program until after the United States' unilateral withdrawal. Since 2019, Iran has changed course by increasing its stockpile of low-enriched uranium and enriching uranium to a higher purity level, while also installing advanced centrifuges beyond the agreement's limits. As a result, Iran's breakout time of one year, as estimated under the JCPOA by the U.S. intelligence community, has decreased to a few months. The Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign has left Iran with an unconstrained nuclear program, failed effectively to address Iran's other malign behavior, and greatly increased the likelihood of violent confrontation and conflict. This incoherent and provocative policy has increased regional tension and attacks against our troops and our partners and emboldened Iranian hardliners. As a result, the risk of potentially devastating miscalculation remains unnecessarily high. Re-engaging multilaterally on preventing the development of an Iranian nuclear weapon and re-opening channels of communication are essential to reversing these dangerous developments. The Trump administration's unilateral withdrawal from the internationally negotiated and UN-endorsed JCPOA undermined global non-proliferation efforts, fractured U.S. relationships with key allies, diminished U.S. leadership and influence, and reduced U.S. leverage in addressing other national security issues with Iran. Iran's other destabilizing activities in the region, such as its support for terrorism, development of ballistic missiles, human rights violations against its own people, and holding of foreign political prisoners, including Americans, warrant strong and coordinated international diplomacy. The JCPOA does not prevent our ability to address these destabilizing activities. An unrestrained Iranian nuclear program would exacerbate these other threats posed by Iran and inspire a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. We know preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon through diplomacy will be a top priority of your administration, and we strongly believe that the JCPOA provides a critical framework to achieve this goal effectively. We strongly endorse your call for Iran to return to strict compliance with the nuclear deal, the United States to rejoin the agreement, and subsequent follow-on negotiations. We understand that returning to the agreement will require the selective lifting of some sanctions and rigorous implementation to verifiably ensure Iranian compliance. Americans have seen first-hand how withdrawing from multilateral agreements and abandoning our allies jeopardizes our national security goals. As a result, it is critical to not be discouraged by efforts to preclude diplomacy. Reinstating our international agreements and engaging in sustained diplomacy are the best ways to achieve long-term non-proliferation and urgent national security objectives, including the prevention of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and the laying of a foundation for progress on other critical issues. We look forward to working with you on these important matters. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mchenry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402730,McHenry on Passage of Bill to Provide Additional COVID Relief to Families and Small Businesses,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Patrick McHenry,M001156,mchenry.house.gov,,,legacy,"McHenry on Passage of Bill to Provide Additional COVID Relief to Families and Small Businesses Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on last night's passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to provide additional targeted COVID-19 relief and government funding:Democrats wanted a massive spending bill and used COVID as an excuse to justify their delusional proposals. I've pushed for targeted relief, like another round of PPP loans for small businesses, support for the hardest hit communities, and assistance for families in need. But Democrats consistently rejected these efforts to help the American people and instead fixated on the opportunity to advance their socialist wish list, which had more to do with politics than pandemic relief. Now after months of delay, Democrats have achieved none of their partisan goals and we are passing the type of bill Republicans have called for since the start of this debate. With passage of this relief package, the Paycheck Protection Program will be reopened and expanded so small businesses here in the Tenth District can continue receiving support they need to stay open. We are answering President Trump's call for a new round of economic impact payments for working families and students impacted by the pandemic and including additional funding for the purchasing and distribution of vaccines so we can get our lives back to normal. This should be a wake-up call for Democrats. The American people are not interested in their political gameswhich only stalled what could have been accomplished months agoand Republicans will not stop fighting for the needs of workers and their families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/2020-alma-adams-advanced-cause-black-maternal-health,"In 2020, Alma Adams Advanced the Cause of Black Maternal Health",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Since co-founding theBlack Maternal Health Caucusin 2019,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)has been at the forefront of the fight forequitable health care forBlack birthingpersons.The year2020saw historicadvancesin public awareness and policy proposals, including the introduction of theBlack Maternal Health Momnibus ActwithSenator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). ""As I've said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the disproportionate rate of mortality and morbidity among Black womenis a crisis within a crisis,""said Congresswoman Adams.""Tens of thousands of pregnantpeoplehave contracted COVID-19, the vast majority being Black and Brown birthingpersons.As the pandemic rages on,the quality of maternal care has decreased as it has become harder to receive care. That's why I am especially proud of the work we've done this year to bring attention to the issue of Blackmaternalhealth. In the 117th Congress, I'll continue to work with Vice President-elect Harris and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood to ensure all women have access to high quality maternity care, no matter where they live, how much they earn, or the color of their skin. Black mamas can't afford to wait."" The overall maternal mortality rate in the United States rose sharply over the past three decades, and Black women aremore than threetimes more likely to die due to pregnancy-related complicationsthan their white counterparts. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic moms have been more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adams' advocacy over the past year included the introduction of the historic Momnibus legislation; interviews, editorials, TV and radio appearances; and a Women's Symposium focused on Black Maternal Health during COVID-19. Recommended Reading on the Black Maternal Health Crisis: 116th Congress Report of the Black Maternal Health Caucus Summary: Black Maternal Health Momnibus Congresswoman Alma Adams on Why She Co-Founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus 2020 Black Maternal HealthAdvocacyTimeline: Jan. 29:NC Policy Watch: It's not fine.' Black mothers and babies are dying in North Carolina Feb 4:WFAE: Charlotte Physician Advocates For Black Maternal Health Crisis At SOTU Address Feb. 5:Adams puts the focus on Black Maternal Health at the State of the Union Feb. 12:Resolution Urging Federal Action on Black Maternal Mortality Health Crisis Feb. 14:ESSENCE: Inside the Fight to End the Black Maternal Health Crisis Feb. 14:PUMP for Nursing Act Introduced March 4:The Lily: Black women are more likely to die during childbirth. These six leaders are trying to change that March 10:Adams, Harris, Underwood Unveil Historic Momnibus Package March 12:Charlotte Post: Momnibus' Aim: close American Maternal health gap March 22:Michigan Daily: The Black Maternal Health Crisis: The Beginning of an End April 9:LA Sentinel: Congresswoman Adams Discusses Maternal Mortality Rates and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 April 13:Rep. Alma Adams & Sen. Kamala Harris Introduce Black Maternal Health Week Resolution April 13:ESSENCE: Black Maternal Health Week: Black Women On The Front Lines Discuss Sisterhood, Mission April 13:Harris, 22 Senators Reintroduce Resolution Designating April 11-17 as Black Maternal Health Week April 13:Planned Parenthood Action: Why the Fight for Black Mamas Is a Public Health Imperative April 13:Black Maternal Health Week: Planned Parenthood Calls on Congress to Endorse The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 April 14:Center for American Progress: Community-Based Doulas and Midwives Key to Addressing the U.S. Maternal Health Crisis April 14:ESSENCE: We Can't Let Up The Fight To End The Black Maternal Health Crisis, Especially Right Now April 15:ESSENCE: Black Maternal Health Matters! 5 Issues Facing Black Mothers Today April 16:Charlotte Talks: The Black Maternal Health Crisis April 16:QCity Metro: Opinion | We can't afford to lose more Black moms during childbirth April 16:Video: Rep. Adams Holds Successful Women's Symposium April 16:Charlotte Post: Black maternal health matters more than ever April 17:Rep. Alma Adams Urges Adoption of the Kira Johnson Act April 17:LA Sentinel: Video: Rep. Adams' Women's Symposium on Maternal Health Breaks Attendance Record April 17:The Root: Thanks to Black Women, There's More Political Interest In Fixing Black Maternal Care Than Ever Before April 18:Black Maternal Health Week in Review May 4:Blavity: New York Woman Dies During Childbirth Days After Complaining About Hospital's Treatment Of Minority Women May 7:This Mother's Day, We Advocate for Black Mothers' Health May 8:Rewire: How You Can Help Black Mamas this Mother's Day May 12:United Methodist Church: Saving Mothers' Lives: Justice for Incarcerated Moms May 26:North Carolina Health News: NC congresswoman tackles maternal health disparities June 2:National WIC Association: Urgent Action is Needed to Dispel Racism and Save Black Lives June 24:In Style: After the Pandemic, We'll Finally Have to Address the Impossible State of Motherhood June 24:The Hill: Help reverse devastating health disparities by supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act June 30:What to Expect: 20 Champions of Black Maternal Health July 15:Adams, Harris support bias and anti-racism training in COVID-19 response July 27:Brookings: To protect Black women and save America from itself, elect Black women July 27:Adams and Underwood hosted the second annual Black Maternal Health Caucus summit July 31:A National Reckoning: Highlights From A Conversation with Congresswoman Alma Adams Aug. 1:Spectrum News: Addressing Racial Health Disparities Aug. 6:Queen City Nerve: All Workers Need Paid Family and Sick Leave Aug. 10:Vox: America is failing black moms during the pandemic Aug. 13:Kamala Harris on successful Black Maternal Health outcomes Aug. 15:Rep. Adams participates in theNATALsummit Aug. 19:Rep. Adams tells her story on episode 8 of theNATAL Podcast Sept. 3:Black Breastfeeding Week Resolution Sept. 13:Babe: Inside the Black Maternal Health Crisis Sept. 17:Pregnant Workers' Fairness ActSpeech Oct. 19:Medical News Today: What will the US election mean for Black-white disparities in maternal and child health? Oct. 27:Congressional Care: Nurse Impact on Public Policy Nov. 6:Adams and Underwood on strengthening nursing protections in the workplace Nov. 12:Duke Medical School Ob/Gyn meets with Rep. Adams Nov. 13:Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health: Black women's biggest health issue is the system Nov. 17:Shocking CDC report on COVID-19 during pregnancy Nov. 17:ESSENCE: Pregnant women are contracting COVID-19 and dying Nov. 20:Kira Johnson Actgains momentum in Congress Dec. 2:Medill: New legislation addresses long-standing Black Maternal Health crisis in America Dec. 21:Morning Consult: Federal Maternal Health Plan Falls Short for Key Lawmakers, Advocates Adams co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019 and co-led the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 in March. Over 2,000 people, includingSenators Cory Booker and Kamala HarrisandRep. Lauren Underwood, participated in her Women's Symposium on Black Maternal Health During COVID-19 (video). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-alma-adams-announces-four-more-companies-joining-hbcu-partnership,Rep. Alma Adams Announces Four More Companies Joining the HBCU Partnership Challenge,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)announced four new companies joining the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)PartnershipChallenge.The HBCUPartnershipChallengeis an effort to promote greater engagement and support between private companies and HBCUs. I am excited to announce that Mastercard, H&R Block, Digital Payments and BBVAare joining the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus' HBCUPartnershipChallenge,saidCongresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.This announcement marks an important milestone as the Partnership Challenge now numbers more than 50 private partners. I applaud these private partners ontaking the pledge to lean in and create 21stcentury opportunity for the institutions and students who need our help the most. Companies joining thepartnershipchallenge are excited for the opportunity: Mastercard is home to some of the smartest, kindest and most innovative people on the planetfrom all races, backgrounds and ethnicities. We want, and need, to ensure we remain a place where all can thrive,said Michael Fraccaro, chief people officer, Mastercard.That's why we're enhancing our end-to-end talent program to ensure we're recruiting, developing and retaining an inclusive workforce, including Black employees, at every level. Bolstering our employee recruitment through new and expanded partnerships with HBCUs is an important part of that, and why we're pleased to join the HBCU Partnership Challenge. We are proud to announce our support of the HBCU Partnership Challenge, as we pride ourselves on inclusiveness and embrace the diversity of our team members globally,said Andrea Carter, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Global Payments.As a graduate of an HBCU myself, I understand how critical these colleges and universities are to the diverse workforce of our nation, and our commitment to the HBCU Partnership is another step toward creating an inclusive workplace environment. At H&R Block, our mission is to create an environment of belonging where our 80,000 associates feel safe, supported and valued,""said H&R Block chief people officer Tiffany Monroe.The same is true as we recruit and invest in talentto create belonging through inclusivity, understanding and equity. Today's announcement of our support of the HBCU Partnership Challenge underscores our belief and our commitment. BBVA is committed to living our purpose of bringing the age of opportunity to everyone, and that includes our hiring practices as we continue our efforts in creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce,said BBVA USA Chief Talent & Culture Executive Rosilyn Houston.Joining the HBCU Partnership Challenge is part of our commitment to an advanced Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy that includes an intentional effort to tap into the HBCU top talent pool of social, cultural and ethnically diverse leaders to advance racial equity and representation at all levels in our organization. The Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus'PartnershipChallengeencourages participating organizations to make greater investments in HBCUs.For more information, please contact Sam Spencer (Sam.Spencer@mail.house.gov). CongresswomanAlmaAdamsrepresents North Carolina's 12thCongressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she founded the first bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus in Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=996,Rep. Ted Budd Introduces 'Save Our Servers' Act,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd introduced the Save Our Servers Act. The bill withholds certain federal funds from states and localities who shut down indoor or outdoor dining at restaurants. These jurisdictions can only have the federal funds restored when they rescind all shutdown orders. Rep. Budd released the following statement: Given the fact that dining at restaurants accounts for less than 2 percent of COVID-19 infections, the restaurant restrictions we see in cities across our country are completely arbitrary and devastating to the lives of thousands of servers and food service workers. It's time that we tell these oppressive governors and mayors to reverse course, allow these restaurants to safely operate, and help servers make a living again. Read text of the bill HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=997,Rep. Ted Budd Announces He Will Object to Electoral College Count on January 6th,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Announces He Will Object to Electoral College Count on January 6th f t # e Washington, December 22, 2020 Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) announced his intention to formally object to the Electoral College count on January 6, 2021. He released the following statement: Millions of Americans believe there were consequential problems in November's presidential election. I've heard from an overwhelming number of my own constituents, and they share this belief. They witnessed voter safeguards unconstitutionally removed by non-legislative officials. They saw states with no signature verification, no voter ID laws, outdated voter rolls, poll watchers denied access to the count, and ballots accepted long after Election Day had passed. These patriotic Americans are being sneered at by elites on the coasts, inside the Beltway, and even in Congress itself. They are being told to sit down and shut up. The American people will never do that and neither will I. On behalf of every North Carolinian and every American who wants integrity in their elections, I will object during the Electoral College count on January 6th. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-bill-to-protect-american-telecommunications-equipment-from,Butterfield Bill to Protect American Telecommunications Equipment from Foreign Suppliers Passes as Part of Year-End Deal,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan legislation led by Congressmen G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-01) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) as well as, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Ron Johnson (R-WI), to help safe safeguard American telecommunications equipment against cyber threats from untrusted foreign equipment suppliers passed as part of the year-end deal and is headed to the President's desk. The Ensuring Network Security Act would expand access to federal funding for telecommunications providers and educational institutions for the removal and replacement of prohibited telecommunications equipment from dangerous sources. I am pleased to see the bipartisan, bicameral Ensuring Network Security Act included in the latest coronavirus relief package passed by Congress. Eastern North Carolinians and all Americans rely on their local telecommunications networks for everything from internet connectivity and educational resources to emergency services and healthcare management, said Congressman Butterfield. This legislation is an important step towards purging our communications networks of high-risk equipment and ensuring their protection against foreign interference. I was proud to introduce the Ensuring Network Security Act, and I look forward to the President signing this bill into law. We must have reliable, affordable telecommunications grids that can endure national security and economic challenges especially as we are increasingly interconnected during this pandemic, said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and a member of the Commerce, Science and Technology Committee. I'm pleased this bipartisan legislation passed as part of the year-end deal because it will help strengthen network security for people across Michigan and our country. It will further transition our country from relying on foreign telecommunications equipment while incentivizing and encouraging domestic suppliers. The security of American communications and information networks is paramount to our national security. The Ensuring Network Security Act provides additional resources to carriers and providers to remove dangerous Chinese equipment from our networks in an effort to neutralize these threats, said Congressman Kinzinger. No foreign actor should have the ability to launch cyber attacks or disrupt our communications from inside our very own networks. Today, I'm proud to see our legislation included in the stimulus package to help shore up our defenses against bad actors like China and Russia who seek to infiltrate and wreak havoc upon our networks. Congress took an important step to support secure networks in fully funding the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, and the inclusion of the Ensuring Network Security Act will make sure that sufficient funding is provided first to smaller carriers and providers serving high cost areas, said Steven K. Berry, President & CEO, Competitive Carriers Association. I thank Senator Peters, Senator Johnson, Congressman Butterfield, and Congressman Kinzinger for their work to recognize that the reimbursement program is absolutely essential to ensure that smaller carriers can continue to provide critical broadband services to their customers while removing equipment deemed untrustworthy. Northern Michigan University is pleased that Senator Peters' legislation Ensuring Network Security Act -- is included in the COVID aid legislation, said NMU President Fritz Erickson. We are also gratified that $1.9 billion is allocated by Congress to the FCC Rip and Replace program. Congress's attention to these important issues will help NMU ensure that its Educational Access Network is secure and utilizes the most up-to-date technology available. The EAN provides robust, high speed internet to more than 113 communities across rural Upper Michigan. It's critically important that rural Michigan has safe and secure internet. Background: The Ensuring Network Security Act would allow telecommunications carriers that service up to ten million customers and public and private educational institutions to apply for this funding through the Federal Communications Commission. The bill builds off the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act signed into law earlier this year, which prohibits telecommunications companies from installing equipment from untrusted suppliers and formed a program to reimburse telecommunications providers serving under two million customers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-s-bill-supporting-children-with-cancer-and-other-rare,Butterfields Bill Supporting Children with Cancer and Other Rare Diseases Passes Congress,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield, along with his fellow co-chairs of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Representatives Michael McCaul (TX-10), Jackie Speier (CA-14) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) released the following statement on the inclusion of the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act in the omnibus appropriations package: The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This program plays a critical role in incentivizing life-saving and life-changing research and therapy development for a particularly vulnerable and underserved patient communitychildren with rare diseases, said Congressman Butterfield. There are over 7,000 rare diseases, half of which impact children, few of which have FDA approved treatments. Ensuring this bill's inclusion in the omnibus spending package demonstrates Congress's commitment to providing hope for every child who faces the devastation of a cancer or a life-threatening rare pediatric disease diagnosis.As co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I celebrate this progress and look forward to the president signing this reauthorization into law. I will continue to support the needs of this vulnerable population and their families. Before the Creating Hope Act, there were only two drugs developed to specifically treat pediatric cancer. Since the bill's original passage, 22 new drugs for rare diseases in kids had been approved by the FDA, including two drugs for childhood cancers with more expected on the way, said Congressman McCaul. The reauthorization of this voucher program will continue to produce life-saving treatments for children in need. I am proud to join my colleague, G. K. Butterfield, in advocating for this critical piece of legislation. Every 3 minutes a family must hear the earth-shattering news that their child has cancer. No child should be left behind because the market for treatments for pediatric rare diseases and cancers is too small, said Congresswoman Speier. Every child is worth fighting for. Thanks to the Creating Hope Act, we've made meaningful progress incentivizing research into life-saving treatments and cures for children, and with this reauthorization we'll continue to build on these efforts. America's children are our future, and nothing is more important than their health. I am so grateful that the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, which encourages the development of cures and treatments for rare diseases that affect our kids, will be enacted, said Congressman Kelly. Thank you to my colleagues in the Childhood Cancer Caucus for standing up for our brave little warriors as they fight for their lives and futures. Together, we can and will end pediatric cancer. The Alliance for Childhood Cancer: The Alliance for Childhood Cancer is very pleased to see the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act included in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations package, and the Alliance applauds Congressman Butterfield, Congressman McCaul, Senator Casey, and Senator Collins for their leadership in the fight against childhood cancer. While recent decades have seen dozens of new FDA-approved cancer therapies, only a handful of treatments for childhood cancers have been approved over the same period. The Creating Hope Act expanded the FDA priority review voucher program to incentivize pharmaceutical manufacturers to invest in drugs with indications for rare pediatric diseases. Through this program, the FDA has awarded vouchers for two pediatric cancer drugs, dinutuximab (for high risk neuroblastoma) and CAR T-cell therapy tisagenlecleucel (for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia), offering new hope for children with cancer. The Creating Hope Act Reauthorization Act reauthorizes this important program that expands treatment options for children with cancer and their families and continues to advance the research that brings us closer to curing childhood cancers. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): NORD supports the reauthorization of this important incentive that is designed to bring much-needed treatments to pediatric patients with rare diseases. NORD appreciates the hard work by Members of Congress and their staffs to advance this legislation. EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases: ""The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases applauds the critical Congressional action that led to the extension of the Pediatric Rare Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) Program at the FDA as proposed in the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act. This innovative and cost-effective program has been a powerful incentive for the development of treatments for rare diseases and has enabled life-saving treatments to reach children with rare diseases faster without adding new costs to taxpayers. Children and families with devastating and life-threatening rare diseases are grateful to you for continuing the PRV program."" Background: The Creating Hope Act incentivizes the pharmaceutical industry to develop drugs for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses through the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Historically, children with rare pediatric diseases have lacked treatments and therapies because the market it so small. The rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program was created to correct that market failure and provide a compelling incentive for biotech and pharmaceutical companies to invest in bringing rare pediatric disease treatments to market. Since the program's creation in 2012, the FDA has awarded 22 priority review vouchers as part of this program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-statement-on-passage-of-bipartisan-spending-package-and,Butterfield Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Spending Package and COVID-19 Relief,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement on the passage of a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package and an additional $900 billion in COVID-19 relief funding: I applaud the passage of the long-awaited and desperately needed additional emergency coronavirus relief funding and the omnibus appropriations package. Together, this legislation will provide critical federal funds for the remainder of the fiscal year and save lives and livelihoods of the American people suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency coronavirus relief will provide for rent protection, food security, unemployment benefits, and strong support for small businesses that are in desperate need. This funding will also be utilized for increased testing efforts and accelerated vaccine distribution to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, funding was included for increased access to broadband service for low-income households to help millions of students, families, and unemployed workers during the pandemic. A brief breakdown of the bipartisan emergency coronavirus relief package includes: $600 direct stimulus payments to individuals and $1200 to couples filing jointly Eligible families will receive an additional $600 per child $300 per week in unemployment benefits for Americans out of work $284 billion for the PPP program $15 billion for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan grants $25 billion for rental assistance and eviction moratorium extension until January 31, 2021 $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines $13 billion for increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits $82 billion for colleges and schools $10 billion for childcare assistance $7 billion for broadband access I am very pleased to see several of my bills included in this end-of-year legislative package. The Creating Hope Act reauthorizes the pediatric priority review voucher program that incentivizes the pharmaceutical industry to develop treatments and cures for children with rare life-threatening conditions, including cancer. The pandemic relief bill includes $1.9 billion for telecommunications providers and educational institutions to purge their networks of high-risk equipment from foreign manufactures. My bill, the Ensuring Network Security Act will broaden the pool of applicants eligible for this critical national security funding. Provisions from my bill, the Building Resources Into Digital Growth and Education Act, were also included in the final legislative package that establishes a technology grant program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Higher education institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions, can use these grants to purchase equipment and improve network capability that will enhance the quality and delivery of educational services to students during the pandemic. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-price-whip-clyburn-rep-clarke-and-rep-khanna-secure-funding,"Chairman Price, Whip Clyburn, Rep. Clarke and Rep. Khanna Secure Funding for Eviction Prevention Demonstration Program in FY21 Government Funding Package",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC (December 22, 2020)--Congressman David Price (NC-04), Chairman of theTransportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee,Majority Whip James E. Clyburn(SC-06), Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17) released a statement after securing $20 millionfor a new eviction prevention demonstration program in the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus funding package. Theprogram is based onlanguage fromtheLegal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Act of 2020(H.R. 5884)that was introduced byMajority Whip Clyburn,Chairman Price,Congresswoman Clarke, and Congressman Khanna.This billwouldestablish a competitive grant programfornonprofit and governmententities providinglegal assistance at no cost to eligible tenants facing eviction. Evictionsdestabilize andupendpeoples' lives,makingit even harder tomaintaincreditandsecurestable housing in the future.In the midst of theCOVID-19 pandemic, the ramifications areevenmore dire,said Chairman David Price.It is impossible to curb the spread of this virus withoutaddressinghousinginsecurity.People of color and households with children aredisproportionatelyimpacted by lost wages, leaving some of our country's mostvulnerable populationsunable to meetbasichousingexpenses. While the COVIDreliefpackage includes $25 billion for vital rental assistance, for someindividualsthisreliefmay prove inadequate.The$20 milliondesignatedfor a neweviction prevention demonstration programas proposedinthe Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Actseeks toempower localorganizations andbolsterinnovative approachesin areas that have high eviction rates,includingpre-trial activities and alternative dispute resolutionthat can benefitbothrenters and property owners.This is a good first step,andwill hopefullycreate a blueprint for additional intervention and support in the future.I will continue to advocate forprograms thatprotectAmericans from eviction andhelp move the country towards a justrecovery. We began working on this legislation well before the pandemic exacerbated the already growing affordable housing crisis, said Majority Whip James Clyburn. This pilot program is especially critical for my home state of South Carolina which, according to a Princeton University study, had the highest eviction rate in the nation prior to COVID-19. Access to legal counsel will provide much-needed protections for families to help keep them in their homes, providing the stability and security that is essential for all people. With hospitalizations rising across the country and the vaccine around the corner, now more than ever we must take all measures necessary to stop the transmission of this virus and keep people safe. Evictions not only destabilize families, but in the context of the pandemic they also represent an acute threat to public health, said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. In no uncertain terms, we have a moral and logistical imperative to end evictions however we can. The Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Act will help us do just that. In New York City we have seen the impact that legal representation and administrative flexibility can have on the eviction rate. This bill will provide much needed resources to allow more nonprofits and local governments to experiment with new ways to avoid a wave of evictions. In doing so, we will not only stabilize a number of families at risk of losing their homes but we will also help protect those at risk of serious health complications at the hands of the virus. No one should be forced out of their home in the middle of a global pandemic, said. Rep. Ro Khanna. Whip Clyburn has been a pivotal moral leader on this issue. Thankful to see our important legislation included in the omnibus, but we still have a long way to go in order to truly make housing a human right in this country. With millions of Americans again staring down the threat of eviction at the end of January, this is an essential first step to put in place. But, again, this is a lifeline not a solution. Background: The$20million for theevictionpreventiondemonstrationprogramisincluded as part of the $77.5 million Housing Counseling programin the FY2021omnibusfundingpackage. Afullsummary of theTransportation and Housing portion of theFY21omnibusfundingbill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-price-young-secure-15-million-new-world-languages-program-omnibus,"Reps. Price, Young Secure $15 Million for New World Languages Program in Omnibus Appropriations Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC(December22, 2020) Today,Congressman David Price (D-NC)andCongressman Don Young (R-AK)announced that$15 millionto beginthe World Language Advancement and ReadinessGrants programwas includedin the Fiscal Year 2021(FY21)omnibus appropriations bill. This program wasoriginally authorizedin December 2019as part of theFiscal Year 2020 (FY20) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It wasbased on theWorld Language Advancement and Readiness Act(H.R. 1094), a billintroduced by Reps. Price and Youngin response toreports highlighting the shortfalls in language and cultural skills in the United States. These shortfalls areunfortunatelyalso foundinour nation's military and intelligence communities,whichcould threaten ournational security,priorities,and missions around the globe.This newprogram willallow the federal government to provide support forhigh-qualityworld language programs in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and school systems nationwide that host a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. Studies showthatthe U.S. lags behind itsglobalpeers in language and cultural skills, and the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants program is a first steptowardscorrectingthese deficiencies and ensuringbetteropportunitiesfor studentsand educators,said Congressman Price. I'm pleased this year's government funding bill includes$15 million infunding to stand up this grant program,improvingour national competitiveness in anincreasingly globalizedworld. ""We should be doing all we can to ensure that America's students are equipped to become leaders in business and civic life,"" said Congressman Don Young. ""I have been a longtime advocate for advancing language and cultural skills. I am pleased that the omnibus includes first-ever funding for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants program, created in partnership with my good friend, Congressman David Price. This funding will help America keep pace with other nations by providing the language education our students need to secure good jobs, achieve success in global marketplaces, and successfully navigate multi-lingual business environments. Funding will also support building a pipeline for growing experts in the languages critical to our national defense. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this vital program, and will continue working for an America that leads the world in language skills and development."" ""The World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants program defines a new and essential pathway for the growth of programs that empower students to become multilingual, globally prepared citizens,"" said Rita A. Oleksak, President of the Joint National Committee for Languages and the National Council for Languages and International Studies. ""By funding this program, Congress demonstrates that it understands that strong world language programs create a sustainable pipeline of multilingual talent critical to our country's economic and national security. JNCL-NCLIS is gratefulfor the leadership of Representatives Price and Young in authorizing and now appropriating funding for this vital language program.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/bipartisan-legislation-led-by-tillis-to-protect-independent-copyright-owners-and-content-creators-to-be-signed-into-law,Bipartisan Legislation Led By Tillis To Protect Independent Copyright Owners and Content Creators to Be Signed Into Law,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) that would establish the Copyright Claims Board at the Copyright Office is expected to be signed into law. The CASE Act makes it easier and less expensive for independent creators, such as photographers, songwriters, and graphic artists, to protect their creative works from theft. The CASE Act was included in the year-end spending package that is expected to be signed into law this week. The legislation passed the House last year with 410 votes and was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by unanimous voice vote. I applaud my colleagues for passing this legislation so independent artists can rely on copyright laws to protect their work, said Senator Tillis. The current system makes it difficult for them to recover damages in a cost-effective manner, and this bipartisan bill will provide a more efficient way for copyright owners to protect their intellectual property and ensure that content creators can be properly paid. Creative ideas are your property, whether you're a photographer or an independent movie director, said Senator Kennedy. It shouldn't cost you a fortune to protect your creativity from copyright infringement, so it's good to see the funding package include the CASE Act to create a legal avenue for artists to pursue copyright violations more quickly and less expensively. Louisiana's rich culture and history are rooted in the successes of talented artists, musicians and authors. This is a key way to ensure Americans' creative spirit is preserved and protected. The CASE Act will create a voluntary small claims process to help individual creators and small businesses resolve copyright disputes quickly and at reasonable cost, said Senator Durbin. This broadly bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives last year with 410 votes and was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee by unanimous voice vote. This important bill is the product of years of hard work and deliberation, and I thank my bipartisan group of colleagues in the Senate and House for their efforts to get it across the finish line. For too long, the copyright system has left no practical way for many creators to protect their rights as copyright holders, said Senator Hirono. By creating the Copyright Claims Board, this legislation establishes a venue where small creators can actually enforce their intellectual property rights and finally be appropriately paid for their work. Supporters of the CASE Act include: ACT|the App Association AFL-CIO Alliance for Women Film Composers American Association of Independent Music American Bar Association American Conservative Union American Intellectual Property Law Association American Photographic Artists American Society for Collective Rights Licensing American Society of Journalists and Authors American Society of Media Photographers Association of American Publishers Association of Health Care Journalists Authors Guild Conservatives for Property Rights Copyright Alliance CreativeFuture Digital Media Licensing Association Dramatists Guild of America Future of Music Coalition Garden Communicators International Graphic Artists Guild Horror Writers' Association Independent Book Publishers Association Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice International Authors Forum Latin Recording Academy Living Legends Foundation Music Answers Nashville Songwriters Association International NAACP National Music Publishers Association National Press Photographers Association National Small Business Association National Writers Union/UAW Local 1981 News Media Alliance North American Nature Photography Association Novelists, Inc. Professional Photographers of America Recording Academy Recording Industry Association of America Romance Writers of America Rhythm & Blues Foundation Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Screen Actors Guild?American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Society of Composers and Lyricists Songpreneurs Songwriters Guild of America Songwriters of North America SoundExchange, Inc. U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. U.S. Chamber of Commerce ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/senate-passes-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-and-omnibus-that-includes-numerous-tillis-wins-for-north-carolina,Senate Passes Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief and Omnibus that Includes Numerous Tillis Wins for North Carolina,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Last night, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) voted in favor of the bipartisan omnibus and COVID-19 relief bill that will provide another round of direct checksto hardworking North Carolinians andassistance tosmall businesses affected by the coronaviruspandemic. The omnibus legislation includes multiple bipartisan provisions spearheaded by Senator Tillis including assistance for North Carolina farmers, help for small businesses, and protections for American intellectual property. The COVID-19 relief package extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses while also giving businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second round of PPP loans. The bill also includes a second round of $600 stimulus checks for hardworking North Carolinians and funds for the continued development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my top priority has been protecting the physical health and economic future of North Carolinians, said Senator Tillis. That's why I have worked hard to introduce legislation that will benefit every North Carolinian and pushed for follow-up relief to help families and businesses in need as so many are still suffering from the effects of this pandemic. I strongly support this package that will distribute another round of stimulus checks, provide help to Americans who have lost their jobs, and provide much-needed loans to small businesses so they can keep their doors open. I applaud my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and in both chambers, for coming together to pass this important relief. Tillis Priorities Secured for North Carolina: Small Businesses: The Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act: This package includes forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less if the borrower submits a simple, legally-binding, one-page form to the lender. This threshold would account for 86% of total PPP recipients. Many banks had previously indicated they would not participate. Many banks are indicating they will not participate in the second round of PPP without enhanced forgiveness options and 87% of all North Carolina businesses PPP loans would be forgiven under this change. The Save Our Stages Act: This bipartisan legislation provides $15 billion to support live music and event venues, movie theaters, and museums, many of which drive local economic activity, especially in parts of North Carolina centered on tourism. The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act of 2019: This bipartisan legislation makes the Craft Beer Modernization Act tax provisions permanent. The Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020: This bipartisan legislation that would provide additional flexibility to the PPP by allowing businesses to access tax deductions when utilizing funds derived from a PPP loan. This would allow financially-strapped businesses the ability to stretch their PPP loan as needed, providing an additional boost to liquidity. Health Care: Assistance for North Carolina Health Care Providers: The package includes provisions supporting North Carolina's health care workers by preventing payment cuts, delaying the Medicare sequester, and providing key flexibilities and certainty to health care providers receiving support from the Provider Relief Fund. Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills: This package ensures that North Carolinians are held harmless from surprise medical bills and ensures that patients know what to expect in advance of scheduled procedures. Senator Tillis was a co-sponsor of the STOP Surprise Medical Bills Act. Agriculture: Assistance for North Carolina Agriculture: The package includes assistance to livestock and poultry farmers who had to depopulate animals due to COVID-19-caused supply chain disruptions. Senator Tillis was an original co-sponsor of the RELIEF for Producers Act. It also includes $200 million in assistance to the North Carolina logging industry. Senator Tillis is a co-sponsor of the Loggers Relief Act. Additionally, the bill also provides critical support to North Carolina livestock and poultry contract growers and textile industry impacted by COVID-19. Assistance for North Carolina: Airlines Payroll Support Program:Senator Tillis worked directly with American Airlines' CEO, North Carolina's largest air service provider, and Senate leadership to provide an extension to the PSP, which will provide $16 billion in additional assistance for furloughed airline employees and contractors.This means over 1,000 North Carolinians in the airline industry who were furloughed during the pandemic will receive paychecks for back pay this Christmas.In addition, a provision was included in this spending package that will bring air service back online for the Pitt-Greenville (PGV) airport by the first week of January.PGV lost air service in October and hasn't regained flights since. Beach Renourishment: The package includes authorization for continued federal support of beach renourishment projects in Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure Beaches, authorizing $53.8 million in federal funding for use over the remaining lifetime of the Wrightsville Beach renourishment project. It also authorizes a 15-year extension of the beach renourishment project at Carolina and Kure Beaches, providing $24.2 million set to begin in 2022. Additionally, the package provides authorization for the port of Wilmington deepening project. Elizabeth City Airport Runway:The package includes $25 million included to bring a critical runway back on line;this investment will enhance the U.S. Coast Guard's training and readiness capabilities, strengthen the U.S. Coast Guard's existing relationship with the Elizabeth City community, and also provide a desperately needed runway that will directly benefit Elizabeth City State Universitywhich has the only four-year collegiate aviation education program in North Carolina. Improved Broadband: Includes $7 billion for broadband activities, including $635 million for the USDA's ReConnect program. Earlier this year, Senator Tillis sent the Secretary of Agriculture a letter urging the expedited approval of ReConnect awards. Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act: Tillis co-sponsored the CERTS Act to provide $2 billion in grants from the U.S. Department of Treasury for passenger transportation services, including the bus, motor coach, and passenger vessel industry that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Education and Support for HBCUs: Back to Work Child Care Grants Act of 2020: Senator Tillis co-sponsored legislation which provides $10 billion for child care, including direct support for child care providers for fixed costs and operating expenses, to help ensure working parents can work or return to work. HBCU Capital Financing Loan Program Debt Forgiveness: Senator Tillis worked with his colleagues in both chambers, including Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) to secure a provision that will forgive outstanding debt of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that already received loans under the program. Connecting Minority Communities Act: The Tillis co-sponsored legislation to establish an Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and appropriate $285 million to support HBCUs, MSIs, and qualifying partnerships with minority-owned businesses to receive internet access. Intellectual Property: Closing Felony Streaming Loophole: Senator Tillis introduced bipartisan legislation which punish large-scale criminal streaming services that willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain offer to the public illicit services dedicated to illegally streaming copyrighted material. It only applies to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services. The law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities, or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorized copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected. CASE Act: The bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tillis makes it easier and less expensive for independent creators, such as photographers, songwriters, and graphic artists, to protect their creative works from theft by establishing a small claims tribunal in the Copyright Office. Trademark Modernization Act: Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tillis combats the recent flood of fraudulent trademark applications from China that rely on doctored photographs to procure these registrations. These fraudulent trademarks make it difficult for American consumers and businesses by making it difficult for new businesses to obtain trademark protection for their commercially valuable label. This legislation creates new procedures to improve trademark examination effectiveness and efficiency, helping ensure that customers can look at a trademark and reliably know who is selling them a given good or service. Energy: High Efficiency Turbine Amendment: The package provides $50 million each year from FY 2021-2025 to support research and development of high efficiency gas turbines. Investment Tax Credit (ITC): The package extends the investment tax credit for solar through 2022 at its current rate of 26 percent, before the credit declines to 22 percent in 2023. Earlier this year, Senator Tillis led a letter to Senate leadership requesting assistance for the clean energy sector to mitigate clean energy job losses. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/tillis-releases-landmark-discussion-draft-to-reform-the-digital-millennium-copyright-act,Tillis Releases Landmark Discussion Draft to Reform the Digital Millennium Copyright Act,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, released the first discussion draft of legislation to reform the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The Digital Copyright Act of 2021 (DCA) is revolutionary legislation that would modernize U.S. copyright law for the new millennium. The DCA amends key provisions for combatting online copyright piracy, improves the exemptions available to users for circumventing technological protection measures (TPMs), increases attribution protections so that authors can be properly credited, and makes the Register of Copyrights a Presidential appointee and places the Copyright Office under the Department of Commerce. Senator Tillis is inviting all interested stakeholders - large and small, individuals and companies, YouTubers, and independent creators - to submit redline edits and comments to this discussion draft by close of business on March 5th. Comments should be submitted to Intellectual_Property@tillis.senate.gov. Copyright law has changed dramatically since the DMCA was enacted in 1998. The law today shows the strain of a statute that has not adapted well to the technological advancements and changing business practices that have occurred since then. In particular, copyright law today is ill-suited for the needs of most copyright owners and individual users. Rather than tinker around the edges of existing law, copyright modernization ought to reform the framework to better encourage the creation of copyrightable works and to protect users and consumers who are making lawful uses of copyrighted goods and software-enabled products, respectively. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act was passed in 1998, and while it was revolutionary at the time, the law simply hasn't kept pace with changes in technology. The DMCA is now antiquated and is past-due for modernization, said Senator Tillis. This discussion draft is the result of a year-long series of hearings and months of feedback from creators, user groups, and technology companies. This is just the first step in a long and lengthy process, and I look forward to receiving feedback from stakeholders and releasing a second discussion draft in April. We will then bring all interested parties to the table and work on negotiating a compromise piece of legislation that looks out for the equities and interests of copyright owners, content users, and consumers. I anticipate this being a long and thorough process, but I look forward to my colleagues and I being able to vote on compromise legislation at some point during my second term. I hope each and every person who has a stake in copyright law will engage in this process in good faith and work with me to modernize copyright law for the 21st century. Senator Tillis sent a letter last week to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration requesting a study of online service providers (OSPs) and recommendations for how to characterize them. The NTIAs study will be crucial to the Senator as he considers which online service providers should be subject to these new requirements, and whether requirements should vary across service providers based on size, scale, and service type. That letter can be read here. Read text of the discussion draft legislation here. Read a section by section of the discussion draft here. Read a one-pager of the discussion draft here. Background: The Digital Copyright Act (DCA) of 2021 is the product of an extensive legislative record developed through six hearings of the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property focused on reforming copyright law in the digital environment, as well as two staff briefings, and it incorporates numerous recommendations from four extensive Copyright Office studies. This discussion draft will ensure that our copyright system provides sufficient incentives for creators, important certainty and guidance for OSPs, and necessary protections for individual users and consumers. Significant revisions include: Increasing roles for various federal agencies in establishing regulations to better protect copyright owners and individual users and to increase certainty for OSPs regarding obligations under section 512, such as establishing standard technical measures that OSPs must accommodate or adopt and best practices that account for differences in size, service, and scale of infringement; Clarifying knowledge requirements for OSPs, lowering the specificity with which copyright owners must identify infringing material in certain circumstances, and replacing the notice-and-takedown system in existing law with a notice-and-staydown system for complete and near complete works; Utilizing a copyright small claims tribunal, as envisioned by the CASE Act, to resolve disputes between copyright owners and counter-notice senders, as well as for pursuing enhanced penalties under section 512(f); Creating a limitation on liability for good faith users who, following a diligent search, are unable to locate the copyright owner and decide to still use the orphan work; Establishing the Copyright Office as an executive branch agency within the Department of Commerce, led by a presidentially appointed Register of Copyrights; Modernizing the existing permanent exemptions that allow for TPM circumvention for security testing and encryption research, and adding new permanent exemptions; Streamlining the triennial rulemaking process for temporary exemptions; Expanding the possible scope of temporary exemptions by authorizing the Copyright Office to permit third-party assistance at the direction of an intended user and to adopt temporary exemptions for trafficking of circumvention tools when the tool would be used to facilitate an exempted circumvention; Providing the author of the copyrighted work with a right of action when someone removes or alters copyright management information on digital or analog copies with the intent to conceal an author's attribution information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/tillis-rubio-applaud-cares-act-fix-to-allow-stimulus-money-for-u-s-citizens,"Tillis, Rubio Applaud Cares Act Fix To Allow Stimulus Money For U.S. Citizens",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) applauded the inclusion of their legislation, The American Citizen Coronavirus Relief Act (S.4071), in the COVID-19 relief package. This measure will ensure that a U.S. citizen is eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) if he or she is married to a foreign national who is not currently a citizen of the United States. This inclusion will apply retroactively as a refundable tax rebate and eligibility is also included for the next round of EIPs. Every eligible American citizen should receive the direct economic stimulus payment from the CARES Act and this new COVID-19 relief package as we continue to battle this pandemic,said Senator Tillis. I am proud this bipartisan legislation to fix this oversight will become law so hardworking North Carolinians will receive the stimulus payment they deserve. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=995,Rep. Ted Budd Votes No on Omnibus/COVID Spending Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Votes No on Omnibus/COVID Spending Bill f t # e Washington, December 21, 2020 Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement after voting against the Omnibus/COVID spending bill: I wish I could have voted for a targeted COVID relief bill several months ago. We need to end economic lockdowns and support small businesses and their workers. But this package is a classic Washington shakedown game, and I'm not playing it. Instead of going through the normal legislative process to pass a targeted COVID relief package, a handful of Congressional leaders emerged from their backroom with a trillion-dollar package that had to be attached to another multi-trillion-dollar spending bill in order to pass. There was no real debate, no amendments, and no time to comprehend a 5,593-page spending package that represents one of the largest spending bills in U.S. history. That's no way to run our government. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400035,Foxx Issues Statement On Passage of The Coronavirus Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement on the passage of a new Coronavirus relief package: “For months, Speaker Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues orchestrated an unprecedented blockade that pushed the livelihoods of the American people to near extinction. It’s even more damning that she purposely stonewalled relief negotiations so that her partisan demands would be met. “The actions of Democrat members of Congress are reprehensible, and frankly, they’re an affront to the millions of people who are struggling to make ends meet every day. Small businesses, families, and workers pleaded for relief, and their voices were ignored more than 40 times when Democrats chose to block targeted relief efforts. “At a moment when the country is grappling with the economic and health effects of this virus, Nancy Pelosi has acted more as an impediment than as a leader. There is no doubt that her inaction, as well as the inaction of her Democrat members, is a stain upon the People’s House, and one that will set a dangerous and costly precedent for this great body.” ### U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the Republican Leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-price-statement-covid-19-relief-package-and-omnibus-agreement,Rep. Price Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package and Omnibus Agreement,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Chapel Hill, NC(December 21, 2020)--Congressman David Price (NC-04)released a statement on the bipartisan agreement on apared downCOVID-19 relief package,as well as the omnibusappropriations bill to fund the governmentfor the remainder of the 2021 fiscal year: With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise at an alarming rate, this bipartisan COVID-19 relief agreement is desperately needed and long overdue,said Congressman Price. It should not have come to this for oversevenmonths, Senate Majority Leader McConnellhasneedlessly blocked progress onemergency reliefeven asDemocrats putforwardseveralserious proposals toassistthe American people during thispandemic. Despite mystrong preferencefor a more robust package,I will vote for this agreement becausethe needs aresimplytoo urgent and too immenseto do nothingorto wait any longer. The COVID-19 relief package does provide someassistancethroughdirect stimuluschecks,expandedshort-termunemployment benefits,aidfor small businesses,rental assistance,and support for vaccine distribution. But let me be clear:we are many months from returning to normal' andthis legislationdoes not go far enough to helpworking families,strugglingsmall businesses, or our frontline workers. Italsoprovides nodirectfinancial support for state and local governments,reduces thelength and amount of unemployment benefitscompared tothe CARES Act,andshortchangesother critical prioritiessuch asnutrition and rental assistance.Rather thanrisingtothe occasion, Republicans chose an arbitrary number and insisted on working backwardsto please hardliners in theircaucus whosupported a massive tax cutfor thewealthyjust three years ago,but now refuse to passthebroad relief thatour nationsodesperately needs. The result, while better than nothing,isa half-measurethat willrequireCongressto pass additional relief in the new year. The COVID package is accompanied byanomnibus appropriationspackageto fund thegovernment for the remainder of the fiscal year. As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban DevelopmentAppropriationsSubcommittee, I was pleasedtohelpsecureagreement to rejectthedraconian Trump cuts to programs that our communities rely upon. Instead, there will benewresources to produce moreaffordable housing,prevent homelessness, and advance multimodal transportation projects in North Carolina and across the country, with an emphasis onimprovingsafety,bolsteringourresiliencyin the face of achanging climate, andadvancingequity for allcommunities. I willkeepworking with my colleagues to ensure our nation can fully recover from the pandemicwhilepressingfor forward-looking federal investments thatlaythe foundation for long-term progress and prosperity.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-statement-covid-19-relief-legislation-vote,Walker Statement On COVID-19 Relief Legislation Vote,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today released the following statement regarding this evening's votes in the House: After being informed of a possible exposure to COVID-19, I have decided out of precaution to not travel by air to Washington this evening. However, I want to make sure the record is clear: As millions of Americans and their businesses suffer from a generational pandemic, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly negotiated against their interests and held up aid for critical months. The result of her grandstanding and partisanship is a too little, too late' $600 check hidden within a thousand-page bill Congress has been asked to blindly pass without review. Thus, producing a bill that is flawed in both its content as well as its process. Given its impact, I can't in good faith vote for legislation of this magnitude without first thoroughly examining its contents and how it affects North Carolinians and their futures. The text of this bill was released at 2pm. Speaker Pelosi won't read it and much of her caucus will pass it by texting their vote in.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/congress-passes-additional-900-billion-in-coronavirus-relief-funding,Congress Passes Additional $900 Billion in Coronavirus Relief Funding,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Congress Passes Additional $900 Billion in Coronavirus Relief Funding Funding extends critical Paycheck Protection Program, provides direct assistance to families, and prioritizes vaccine distribution Today, Congress passed a year-end appropriations package, which included a historic, bipartisan agreementdeliveringadditional coronavirus relief funding for American families, businesses, health care providers, and schools. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), who voted in favor of this relief funding, released the following statement after the Senate's passage. As the number of coronavirus cases continues to mount,smallbusinesses, restaurants, families, andhealth care workers are doing their best to navigate theunprecedented challengesof this pandemic,said Senator Burr.Smallbusinesses and restaurantsare trying to keep their doors open andtheir employees on payroll. Families aretrying to make ends meet while helping friends and neighbors. And health care workers have been on the frontlines of this fight for months without rest. This essential and long overdue fundingpackage will provide targeted relief for Americans who need it most. It continuesthe Payroll Protection Program,createsa second round of direct payments to families, extendsunemployment aid,ensuresschools are safe, and supportsthe availability of tests, treatments, and vaccine to fight coronavirus.These are priorities Senate Republicans have pushed for since July. It's unfortunate that Democrats' political gamesmanship blocked Congress from delivering this relief months ago.With today's passage, however, I'm thankful Congress has finally delivered anadditionalrelief package that prioritizes Americans' health and economic security. Background: Today's coronavirus relief package represents the fifth phase of funding Congress has provided this year. Specifically, this installment: Provides $325 billion to assist the hardest-hit small businesses, non-profits, and venues. This includes$284.5 billion to extend and improve the Paycheck Protection Programby providing fully forgivable loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll and for other vital expenses. Provides $73 billion to health care efforts, including testing, contact tracing, surveillance, vaccine purchasing and distribution, and mental health services. Of this amount, $19.7 billion will go towards the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and $3.25 billion towards the Strategic National Stockpile. Enhances unemployment insurance programsby providing unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week until March 14,2021, increasing the number of weeks an individual may claim benefits from 39 weeks to 50 weeks, and extending other programs for the self-employed and gig workers. Provides $25 billion in rental assistance,which can be used for previous or future rent and utility payments. It also extends the national eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021. Provides immediate financial relief to American workers and familieswho fall below the income threshold by distributing $600 in direct payments for individuals and $600 per adult and per child for families. Provides $82 billion to help schools and universitiesreopen safely and responsibly. Provides $15 billion to support the airline industryand their employees through March 31, 2021. Provides $11.2 billion in COVID-related assistance to support agriculture producers and growers. Recovers and repurposes more than $429 billionin unused money that Congress already appropriated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The last installment of coronavirus relief funding waspassedby Congress on April 21, 2020. Senator Burrvotedto support a targeted relief funding package on September 10, 2020, which was blocked by Senate Democrats. In March, Congress passed three rounds of emergency relief funding. The first installment, theCoronavirus, Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, included nearly $7.8 billion to increase federal coordination with state and local officials. The second installment, theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act, provided free coronavirus testing, expanded paid family leave, and increased emergency nutritional assistance. The third installment, the historicCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, created the Paycheck Protection Program, provided direct payments to families and workers in need, and increased funding for the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The House of Representatives passed the fifth phase of funding on December 21, 2020. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/sens-burr-and-tillis-call-on-senate-to-give-lumbee-tribe-full-recognition,Sens. Burr and Tillis Call on Senate to Give Lumbee Tribe Full Recognition,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.20 Sens. Burr and Tillis Call on Senate to Give Lumbee Tribe Full Recognition Today,North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillisspokeon the Senate floor and urgedtheircolleagues to passtheLumbee Recognition Act, legislation they introduced that would officially give the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina federal recognition.The bill was blocked from passing by Senate Democrats. Watch a video of the speechhere. Senator Burr:Either before or after we swear in the new Congress, I promise my colleagues this place will come to a grinding halt, and we will take it up through regular order, the Lumbee Recognition Act. We will debate it as long as people want to, and we will make the case why this discrimination is despicable. Senator Tillis:I want tothank the Lumbee people for their patience, but quite honestly, we are talking about the ninth-largest tribe in the nation and the largest east of the Mississippi riverWe are so close, there is a compelling case, and it is a century in the making. The fact that we couldn't pass this bill today when it passed unanimously out of the Houseof Representativesjust a month ago is a shame.They have been fighting for it for over a century, and I'm going to fight for it as long as I'm in the U.S. Senate. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-introduced-by-sen-tillis-and-rep-johnson-modernizing-u-s-trademark-system-to-become-law,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Introduced by Sen. Tillis and Rep. Johnson Modernizing U.S. Trademark System to Become Law",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)andCongressman Hank Johnson (D-GA)announcedthatbipartisan, bicamerallegislationtheyco-introducedto give the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office new tools to minimize barriers to entry and better protect both American consumers and brand owners will become law.The Trademark Modernization Act was included in the year-end spending package that is expected to be signed into law this week. In particular, the bill provides tools to combat the recent flood of fraudulent trademark applications from China that rely on doctored photographs to procure trademark registrations.The fraudulent trademarks make it difficult for American consumers and businesses by making it difficult for new businesses to obtain trademark protection for their commercially valuable trademarks. The legislation creates new procedures to improve trademark examination effectiveness and efficiency, and to allow third parties to request ex parte cancellation of trademark registrations for trademarks that have not been used. This willhelp ensure that customers can look at a trademark and reliably know who is selling them a given good or service. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for including the Trademark Modernization Act in the year-end spending package and agreeing that modernizing the United States trademark system to better protect American consumersand brand owners is a priority,said Senator Tillis.Earlier this year, I proudly co-introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will modernize the trademark system and make changes that protect small businesses and consumers across North Carolina. This much-needed update will help combat fraudulent trademark registrations coming from China and move our trademark system into the 21st century. Trademarks contribute significant value to the U.S. economy,said Congressman Johnson.It's important that false and fraudulent statements made in trademark applications not serve to block legitimate market entrants particularly small businesses seeking trademark registrations. The Trademark Modernization Act gives the Patent and Trademark office important tools to address and combat these fraudulent practices, and to protect good-faith actors in the trademark system. I am pleased to have worked with Representatives Collins, Nadler, and Roby, and Senators Tillis and Coons on this important effort. Consumer protection is also a key focus of the trademark system. A well-functioning trademark system allows consumers to rely on trademarks to know the source of the products they buy. That is why this legislation clarifies that when a trademark violation is proven in court, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists. In many trademark cases, without injunctive relief, the risk that consumers will be confused is high. The legislation was co-sponsored by Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Doug Collins (R-GA) and Martha Roby (R-AL) in the House of Representatives and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in the Senate. The Trademark Modernization Act will: Create new expedited ex parte cancellation procedures that would allow a new-market entrant or other third party to request cancellation of a trademark registration when the mark was never used or was not used before registration. The new procedures offer options in addition to traditional inter partes cancellation, which is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Codify additional trademark examination procedures, which gives the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office flexibility and additional authority to gather evidence during examination. Clarify that, notwithstanding the Supreme Court's decision in a patent case,eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange LLC, a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm exists for trademark violations. A copy of the full bill text can be foundhere. A section-by-section analysis of the bill can be foundhere. A one-pager on the bill can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/bipartisan-legislation-led-by-tillis-and-leahy-to-fight-illegal-streaming-by-criminal-organizations-to-be-signed-into-law,Bipartisan Legislation Led by Tillis and Leahy to Fight Illegal Streaming by Criminal Organizations to be Signed Into Law,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation willendcommercial piracy by criminal organizations that costs U.S. economy nearly $30 billion per year and would notapply tointernet usersWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and co-introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) that will punish large-scale criminal streaming services that willfully and for commercial advantage or private financial gain offer to the public illicit services dedicated to illegally streaming copyrighted material will be signed into law.TheProtecting Lawful Streaming Actwas included in the year-end spending package that is expected to be signed intolaw this week.The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act will apply only to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services. The law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities, or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorized copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected.The shift toward streaming content online has resulted in criminal streaming services illegally distributing copyrighted material that costs the U.S. economy nearly $30 billion every year, and discourages the production of creative content that Americans enjoy,said Senator Tillis. I am proud this commonsense legislation that was drafted with the input of creators, user groups, and technology companies will become law so we can target criminal organizations and ensure that no individual streamer has to worry about the fear of prosecution. I want to thank Senator Leahy and Representatives Martha Roby and Ben Cline for their early partnership on this important issue. At a time when an unprecedented number of Americans are streaming movies and TV shows, music and books, criminal organizations are exploiting a loophole in copyright law to steal online content at an unprecedented rate and with hardly a consequence,said Senator Leahy.Commercial piracy costs the economy billions of dollars and hurts both the creative community and consumers. This narrow bill closes this loophole by targeting only commercial, for-profit criminal piracy, and I am proud to have supported it. Large-scale digital piracy costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year. Because our laws failed to keep up with technology, perpetrators of this crime avoided serious consequences,Senator Hirono said.I'm glad to have worked with my colleagues to bring piracy laws into the modern age, and protect our creators without harming internet users. This bipartisan legislation will close loopholes that allow commercial piracy services to illegally stream billions of dollars in copyrighted content each year,said Senator Cortez Masto.I'm proud to support common sense legislation that will hold these bad actors accountable while protecting individual internet users and legitimate streaming sites. Americans increasingly rely on streaming to enjoy their favorite music, sporting events, movies, television shows, audiobooks, and other forms of entertainment content, particularly during this pandemic,said Senator Coons.For too long, large-scale, criminal enterprises have taken advantage of a loophole in CD and DVD-era copyright laws to engage in unprecedented digital piracy, which costs our economy billions of dollars and threatens the livelihoods of our creative community. I am proud that Congress passed this targeted bill, which empowers the Department of Justice to prosecute large-scale, for-profit streaming piracy services, and I appreciate the collaborative effort by content owners, technology companies, public interest groups, and others to ensure that this legislation cannot be used to target internet users or legitimate streaming platforms. This year especially, Americans have benefited from being able to accessa wide range of movies, TVshows andeducationalcontent from theirownhomes,said Senator Loeffler.Unfortunately,the ease and availability of this programmingarethreatened by large-scale criminal enterprises thatillegallystream copyrighted materials atthe cost to the economy of billions ofdollars a year. I am glad this commonsense agreement is set to pass Congress and become lawbefore the end of thisyear. Read the texthere. Background: Streaming has become the primary way that audiences consume entertainment. It has also become a major form of piracy. Last year, one study reported that digital video piracy costs the U.S. economy $29.2 billion a year. Streaming piracy touches numerous creative sectors, including major motion pictures, television programs, music, audiobooks, live sports, and pay-per-view programming. Under current law, only violations of the reproduction and distribution rights of copyright owners can be charged as felonies, while criminal infringement via streaming (or publicly performing) can only be charged as a misdemeanor. This is known as the streaming loophole and it is particularly harmful to the U.S. economy because streaming has become the most common form of criminal copyright infringement. This bipartisan, consensus legislation will provide the Department of Justice with the authority to bring felony charges against a digital transmission service that: is primarily designed or provided for the purpose of streaming copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law; or has no commercially significant purpose or use other than to stream copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law; or is intentionally marketed by or at the direction of that person to promote its use in streaming copyrighted works without the authority of the copyright owner or the law. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/sens-tillis-and-burr-call-on-senate-to-give-lumbee-tribe-full-recognition,Sens. Tillis and Burr Call on Senate to Give Lumbee Tribe Full Recognition,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,North Carolina SenatorsThom Tillisand Richard Burrspokeon the Senate floor and urgedtheircolleagues to passtheLumbee Recognition Act, legislation they introduced that would officially give the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina federal recognition.The bill was blocked from passing by Senate Democrats. Watch a video of the speechhere. Senator Tillis:I want tothank the Lumbee people for their patience, but quite honestly, we are talking about the ninth-largest tribe in the nation and the largest east of the Mississippi riverWe are so close, there is a compelling case, and it is a century in the making. The fact that we couldn't pass this bill today when it passed unanimously out of the Houseof Representativesjust a month ago is a shame.They have been fighting for it for over a century, and I'm going to fight for it as long as I'm in the U.S. Senate. Senator Burr:Either before or after we swear in the new Congress, I promise my colleagues this place will come to a grinding halt, and we will take it up through regular order, the Lumbee Recognition Act. We will debate it as long as people want to, and we will make the case why this discrimination is despicable. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2020/12/tillis-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-wave-late-filing-penalties-for-taxpayers,"Tillis, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Wave Late Filing Penalties for Taxpayers",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Recently, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, and his colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig urging the Trump Administration to wave late filing penalties for taxpayers whose filing delay is caused by COVID-19. Many taxpayers are facing economic hardships and business closures due to COVID-19,the Senators wrote.Taxpayers expect fair treatment from their government, and the current unwillingness to provide an expedited process for taxpayers and their advisors to request pandemic-specific relief places an undue burden on them. We ask that you move to address these issues immediately so the American people can receive the relief they urgently need. In the letter, the senators urged the Trump Administration to: Create a special COVID-19 First Time Abatement option for taxpayers eligible for normal First Time Abatement where one can attest to filing difficulty directly caused by the pandemic; Provide written guidance directing IRS Customer Service Representatives to grant reasonable cause and COVID-related abatement requests liberally; Develop and advertise specific COVID-related examples that qualify for reasonable cause abatement; and Create a dedicated telephone number, or dedicated prompt, for taxpayers and their advisors to call to request COVID-related penalty relief. Read the full letterhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-hbcu-capital-finance-debt-relief-act-included-omnibus-spending,Rep. Adams' HBCU Capital Finance Debt Relief Act Included in Omnibus Spending Deal,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Alma Adams' (NC-12)bill,the HBCU Capital Finance Debt Relief Act, which cancels over $1.3 billion in debt held by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), was included in the Omnibus spending deal. Additionally, many of Adams' priorities to build equity in higher education were included in the FY21 Omnibus. This year's omnibus empowers students by expanding and simplifying the federal student aid programs, and by removing barriers for low-income and justice-involved individuals,said Congresswoman Adams.Additionally, I'm proud to announce the inclusion of my legislation, H.R. 7380, the HBCU Capital Finance Debt Relief Act, which relieves over $1.3 billion in debt for our HBCUs, allowing these institutions to continue their mission of empowering communities of color. Combined, these measures will help ensure that higher education continues to be an accessible bridge to the middle class. The bill expands the Pell Grant program, which will result in hundreds of thousands of students becoming newly eligible for Pell and millions of current recipients receiving larger awards. The bill also repeals the ban on Pell eligibility among incarcerated students and restores Pell Grant eligibility for students defrauded by their institutions. To ensure students get the financial support they need, the bill streamlines theFree Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) and eliminates a confusing and punitive restriction that limits eligibility for subsidized federal loans among low-income students.Finally, the legislation discharges loans made to HBCUs under the HBCU Capital Financing Loan program, providing $1.34 billion in relief to these institutions. This bipartisan agreement is a significant step toward making higher education more affordable for millions of Americans. The package released today includesawide range of provisions secured by House Democrats that will make federal grants and loans more accessible and more generous, particularly for our most vulnerable students,said Chairman Robert C. Bobby Scott (VA-03).Congress has a responsibility to expand access to quality higher education, which remains the surest path to the middle class. While this is not the comprehensive overhaul of theHigher Education Actand there is still work to be done, this proposal will help millions of students. I'm pleased House Democrats secured these sweeping reforms on behalf of students across the country. ""The omnibus agreement provides increased opportunities in higher education and a path to the middle class,""said Rep. Susan A. Davis (CA-53), Chairwoman of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee.""This will mean a brighter future for millions of young people as our communities will also benefit from their knowledge, skills, and expertise for years to come. H.R. 7380 was endorsed by theUnited Negro College Fund (UNCF),the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), and theThurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). This debt forgiveness is nothing short of transformational for HBCUs, and with this Congress can now add itself to the likes of Netflix founders Reed Hastings and PattyQuillin, McKinsey Scott, and Bruce and Martha Karsh,whohave donatedconsiderable resources toHBCUs tomake life better for those who are the most deserving and know the impact of racial inequity in our country, saidDr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. I want to thank everyMemberof Congress who made this happen, chieflyChairman Bobby Scott and Congresswoman Alma Adams. These monumental wins in the FY 21 budget and Covid-19 emergency relief bill are a direct result of the years of advocacy from the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus led by Congresswoman Alma Adams,said TMCF President and CEO Harry L. Williams.Congresswoman Adams has been a strong leader and champion on Capitol Hill fighting for targeted COVID-19 relief dollars for HBCUs and MSIs, debt relief for our institutions, and an increase in our discretionary Title III appropriations - and she has been successful on all three of these fronts. In this unprecedented year, we are grateful for the steadfast support and leadership of Congresswoman Adams and we are ecstatic about the record amount of resources being appropriated for our nation's HBCUs. Lezli Baskerville, President & CEO of NAFEO stated,NAFEO and the nation's HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) are grateful to Congresswoman Alma Adams for continuing to leadbipartisancongressional efforts to ensure that HBCUs receive federal dollarsmore reflective of their tremendous impacts on America and their needs, owing in part to the disparities in funding HBCUs as compared with their HWCU counterparts. HBCUs are graduating disproportionate percentages of black and other diverse students in the growth and high-need disciplines. The funds that HBCUs will receive under the current agreement will enable HBCUs to continueproviding tremendous benefits to our country, in healthcare, STEM, education professions, agriculture, and justice professions and so many others. The capital debt relief language will enable HBCUs to continue preparing their students and serving their communities in state-of the art laboratories other facilities, while ensuring that their students, faculty, and staff, are equipped with the technology necessary to thrive in the COVID environment.HBCU students, primarily first generation and persons of color, will derive a fresh start from the efforts of Congresswoman Adams, Chairman Bobby Scott, their Congressional Black Caucus colleagues, and so many other Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate. These representatives understand the centrality of HBCUs to closing the American education, employment, economic, wealth, health, sustainability and justice gaps, enriching their service communities, andputting America on a course to realize her tremendous potential.The coronavirus has presented an even greater challenge for HBCU students, disproportionate percentages of whom are students of least advantage, as they seek to remain competitive in an environment that provides few opportunities due to high unemployment and a nation that itself is experiencing its greatest recession in recent memory. NAFEO will provide any resources and experience at its disposal in support of these efforts. The FY21 Omnibus spending bill achieves longstanding Democratic priorities, including: Discharging loans made to HBCUsunder the HBCU Capital Financing Loan program, providing $1.34 billion in relief. Expanding the Pell Grant programand making it easier for students to predict their eligibility, which will make hundreds of thousands of students newly eligible for Pell and increase award amounts for millions of current Pell recipients. Making it easier for students to apply and qualify for federal student aidby streamlining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and expanding outreach and awareness activities to encourage FAFSA completion, with a focus on low-income students and families. Expanding opportunities for justice-involved individualsto get an education and successfully reenter their communities by providing incarcerated students access to Pell Grants. Eliminating a confusing and punitive restrictionthat limits eligibility for subsidized federal loans among low-income students. Restoring Pell Grant eligibility for defrauded students, including those who attended shuttered for-profit colleges like ITT Technical Institutes and Corinthian Colleges. CongresswomanAlmaAdamsrepresents North Carolina's 12thCongressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she co-founded the first bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus, which she continues to chair. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-hosting-covid-19-telephone-town-hall-monday-december-21,"Murphy Hosting COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall on Monday, December 21",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) will host a telephone town hall on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 7pm. The telephone town hall will be limited to discussing the COVID-19 vaccine, which Murphy received on Friday, December 18, 2020. Murphy will begin with a brief opening statement and then take questions from the audience. Constituents may participate by dialing 833-380-0715 when the event begins. ""As a practicing surgeon and frontline healthcare worker, I took the COVID-19 vaccine to protect my patients while I provide care to them over the holidays,"" said Murphy. ""While some are questioning the safety of the vaccine, I wanted to provide an update, answer constituents' questions, and reassure the public that this is a safe and effective vaccine. I hope many will join for the discussion.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/congress-sends-bipartisan-child-care-protection-improvement-act-to-presidents-desk-for-signature,Congress Sends Bipartisan Child Care Protection Improvement Act to President’s Desk for Signature,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.20 Congress Sends Bipartisan Child Care Protection Improvement Act to President's Desk for Signature Today, Congress unanimously passed the Child Care Protection Improvement Act, legislation authored by Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). This bipartisan legislation, which will create a task force to assist states in the process of implementing federal work requirements for child care workers, will now be delivered to the President's desk for signature. Senators Burr and Van Hollen applauded Congress' bipartisan work. Our nation's child care workers serve an essential role on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and have faced unprecedented challenges over recent months,said Senator Burr.As communities continue to slowly reopen and parents return to the workplace, they need child care that is not only reliable, but safe. This commonsense legislation prioritizes children's safety by helping states meet employment requirements to ensure a high-quality child care workforce. I am pleased to see this bipartisan legislation head to the President's desk. As our nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, child care centers and workers have had to adapt and balance increased demands and challenges,said Senator Van Hollen.Providing a safe environment for these caregivers and America's children is crucial. Right now, too many states experience delays or roadblocks when implementing the critical criminal background checks required under the law to keep our children and workers safe. The bipartisan action we're taking today will help close this gap and ensure our children are in good hands. I urge the President to sign this bill into law immediately, and I will continue pushing for child care that is safe and affordable for all American families. Background: In 2014, Senator Burr championed the inclusion of criminal background check requirements for child care workers hired by providers that receive federal funding under the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). This legislation will better equip states with ways to address these challenges by creating a task force to develop recommendations, best practices, and technical assistance to Federal and State agencies as they continue to implement these requirements. The Child Care Protection Improvement Act unanimously passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on December 12, 2019. The House of Representatives unanimously passed this legislation on September 16, 2020. This legislation has been endorsed by the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Early Care and Education Consortium, the First Five Years Fund, and KinderCare. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-announces-more-500-million-federal-grants-charlotte-mecklenburg,Adams Announces more than $500 Million in Federal Grants to Charlotte & Mecklenburg County,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLOTTE Today,Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)announced that over $500 million in federal grants was awarded to North Carolina's 12th Congressional District during the 116th Congress (January 3, 2019 through January 3, 2021). This has been a devastating year for the country, for our state and for North Carolina's 12th Congressional District,said Congresswoman Adams.We've seen unprecedented numbers of people applying for unemployment. Families are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are facing eviction. Hunger and food insecurity, which were already significant issues for our district, continue to drive folks to food banks. Small businesses are closing as the entertainment and hospitality industries try to stay afloat. Worst of all, our hearts are broken for everyone we've lost. Because of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,I worked diligently to secure $527 million in federal funds for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, including over $388 million in COVID-19 relief,continued Adams.These funds supported expanded coronavirus testing; health care related services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals; rental assistance; enhanced food benefits; infrastructure; emergency supplemental funding for Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte; homeless services support; transportation and airport operations; emergency protective equipment and so much more.This critical funding saved jobs and livelihoods when we needed it most, but there is still so much more to do. A full list of federal grants awarded within the 12th Congressional District is available here. Congresswoman Adams' district work has included: Our 12th Congressional District office is the frontline contact for constituents that have issues concerning federal agencies,said Phanalphie Rhue, district director.Our One Meck staff is committed to helping constituents. We work hard to make sure that our neighbors are treated fairly and that they receive a timely response, and we are always happy when we can help constituents retrieve funds from federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Defense Finance Accounting Services. During the 116th Congress we secured$559,595.44 in retroactive payments to constituents,continued Rhue.This year, the District Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams hosted virtual town halls, forums, roundtables and resource fairs to inform, educate and engage with citizens of the District. A survey of constituents indicated that these activities are needed and are helpful.During the 116th Congress, we hosted 30 community events, with over 17,000 attendees.We will continue to provide relevant activities, in addition to our Constituent Services, in order to meet constituent needs in the 117th Congress. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-stevens-sablan-lead-call-educators-receive-covid-19-vaccine,"Adams, Stevens, Sablan Lead Call for Educators to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today,Congresswomen Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12),Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (MP-At Large)led a letter with 22 of their colleagues calling on the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention(CDC) to make K-12 teachers and school personnel a priority group for receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. A copy of the letter is available here. K-12 professionals and the schools they serve are cornerstones of communities across the country, and the pandemic has made that truth as clear as ever,said Congresswoman Adams.Prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for K-12 educators and school personnel recognizes the essential work of these individuals, enables a safer return to in-person instruction, and provides the means necessary for tens of millions of workers to support the economy. This reality must be reflected in our nation's vaccine distribution strategy. Other signers of the letter includeRepresentatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Bennie G. Thompson, Jahana Hayes, Henry C. Hank Johnson, Jr., Andr Carson, Susan Wild, Nydia M. Velzquez, Steve Cohen, Henry Cuellar, Andy Levin, Darren Soto, Sheila Jackson Lee, Mark Takano, Jess G. ""Chuy"" Garca, Marcy Kaptur, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Juan Vargas, Barbara Lee, Frederica S. Wilson, Katherine Clark, Jan Schakowsky, and C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. The full text of the letter is below: Robert R. Redfield, MD Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 Dear Director Redfield: As the planning and implementation process for the nation's pandemic response progresses, we urge you to consider adding K-12 educators and school personnel to the list of critical groups of individuals and professionals prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine. While the distribution of these vaccines is a state-controlled endeavor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plays an important role in informing the strategies employed to do so. Every day, over 5 million teachers, administrators, and other school personnel work tirelessly to ensure students receive the educational experiences they deserve. These dedicated individuals and the schools they lead are cornerstones of communities across the country, and the pandemic has made that truth as clear as ever. When COVID-19 prompted abrupt shifts in instruction and school-based services, these professionals responded as they always do, by rising to the occasion, adapting, and delivering for children and families. However, no remote learning can replace what serves students best: engaging, in-person instruction. That reality is even more evident in communities that face long-standing inequities in access to the critical resources educational or otherwise needed to support student learning. The difficulties associated with remote instruction have prompted many states and localities to try to reopen schools or implement hybrid models. These efforts have led teachers and other personnel to return to educating, caring for, and serving students and families in-person. However, schools reflect the complex communities in which they are situated and, right now, many communities are experiencing high coronavirus transmission rates. This means K-12 professionals inevitably put their lives at greater risk by showing up to support our students. Their essential service deserves to be recognized in our nation's vaccine distribution strategy.Additionally, with over 1.6 million children already infected by COVID-19,[1]it is important to note that prioritizing vaccinations for K-12 professionals not only protects adults, but makes schools safer places for students, too. In addition to protecting the health of these essential workers, providing teachers with early access to the vaccine will also help to relaunch our economy. Over 70 percent of working parents with children under 14 lack access to a caregiver at home, representing roughly 23.5 million individuals and nearly 20 percent of the American workforce.[2]While necessary, pandemic-induced school closures have forced many parents to make painful choices between working to provide for their families and being physically present to care for them. The negative impact this struggle has had on the physical and mental wellbeing of families, especially our most vulnerable, is beyond measure. This situation is only compounded by the dire economic circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While economic recovery will require multiple, concerted solutions, it will be crucial that we ensure working parents are able to safely remain in or re-enter the workforce. Providing K-12 personnel prioritized access to the COVID-19 vaccine, then, is not just a necessary step toward returning to safe classroom learning, but also toward enabling working parentsto safely provide for their familiesand support the economy. As has always been the case, the health and prosperity of our country depends, in large part, on the success of our nation's schools and those who selflessly serve in them. Prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for K-12 educators and school personnel recognizes the essential work of these professionals, enables a safer return to in-person instruction, and provides the means necessary for tens of millions of workers to breathe life into the American economy. As one of the principal decision-makers in our nation's pandemic response, we strongly encourage you to consider including these professionals in the first phases of the vaccine distribution. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. Before serving in Congress, she was a 40-year educator. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-takes-covid-19-vaccine,Murphy Takes COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Incoming Vice-Chairman of the House Republican Doctors Caucus and practicing surgeon Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) took the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 3:15pm, making him the first North Carolina member of Congress to take the COVID-19 vaccine. ""As a frontline healthcare worker myself, I took the COVID-19 vaccine today to protect my patients as I provide care to them over the holidays,"" said Murphy. ""I have been a strong proponent of the methods used by Operation Warp Speed since its inception earlier this year. My 30 years of experience as a surgeon have guided my thinking throughout this process, and I know that it has been a safe one. It's a great feeling to finally see this miraculous project come to fruition. I encourage everyone to take the vaccine when they get the opportunity to do so. Until then, please continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing when in public.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-murphy-banks-abraham-introduce-legislation-prevent-chinese-espionage,"Reps. Murphy, Banks, Abraham Introduce Legislation to Prevent Chinese Espionage on Capitol Hill",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Friday, December 18, 2020, Congressmen Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Jim Banks (IN-03), and Ralph Abraham, M.D. (LA-05) introduced the Stop China's Heinous Exploitation and Malicious Espionage (SCHEME) Against Congressional Access Act to bolster security against Chinese espionage amid recent reports that a Chinese operative had successfully infiltrated Capitol Hill in 2014. The bill requires the House and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms to consult with the Department of National Intelligence (DNI), the Department of State, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to create an interagency background review plan that more strictly assesses ties to the Chinese Communist Party. All Congressional staff members and paid interns would be required to undergo this background check. If staffers are found to be connected to the Chinese Community Party (CCP) or have intent to commit espionage, they would be fired immediately, reported to the intelligence committees, and brought under investigation by the FBI. ""China will stop at nothing to steal American classified intelligence and intellectual property. Now that we know the Chinese have successfully infiltrated the halls of Congress, we must do the responsible thing and act accordingly,"" said Murphy. ""Representatives often deal with highly sensitive information, and the FBI must be alerted if the people who members work with on a daily basis have ulterior motives against our great nation. I believe the SCHEME Against Congressional Access Act can help fix this breach in our security."" ""The Swalwell scandal was a massive breach of America's national security, and I hope Rep. Swalwell will do the right thing and resign,"" said Banks. ""But even with Christina Fang back in Beijing and Rep. Swalwell off of the Intelligence Committee, Congress would still be at risk of Chinese Communist Party infiltration. We need to be proactive to ensure we never find ourselves in this situation again.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-celebrates-nomination-michael-regan-lead-epa,Adams Celebrates Nomination of Michael Regan to Lead EPA,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today,Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)released the following statement celebrating President-elect Joe Biden's selection of Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): I am overjoyed that President-elect Biden has selected North Carolina's own Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency,said Congresswoman Adams.Michael Regan is a well-qualified, historic pick. In Washington, he helped both Democrats and Republicans address air quality issues. Here in the Tar Heel State, Michael was a leader on environmental justice issues, including the historic coal ash settlement with Duke Energy. Finally, we cannot address environmental justice without addressing environmental racism, so I am glad to have an HBCU graduate working to undo the damage of the Trump Administration. Michael S. Regan currently serves as North Carolina's top environmental regulator as the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality. Regan has a bachelor's degree in Earth and Environmental Science from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) and a master's degree in Public Administration from George Washington University. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-pressley-omar-waters-introduce-bold-resolution-calling-president,"Adams, Pressley, Omar, Waters Introduce Bold Resolution Calling on President-Elect Biden to Cancel $50,000 in Federal Student Loan Debt",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Resolution (PDF)|One Pager (PDF) WASHINGTON Today,Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC-12), AyannaPressley(MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), andMaxine Waters (CA-43),Chair of the House Financial Services Committeeintroduced a resolution outlining a bold plan for President-elect Joe Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in Federal student loan debt for student loan borrowers using existing legal authority under the Higher Education Act. The resolution, which outlines a pathway for the President-elect to use executive authority to cancel student loan debt while ensuring cancellation does not result in any tax liability for Federal student loan borrowers, is the House companion toSenate Resolution 711,introduced bySenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)andSenator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)earlier this year. Original co-sponsors of the House resolution includeCongresswomen Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05). The Biden-Harris Administration has the opportunity to change lives and jumpstart our economy on day one by cancelling $50,000 in student loan debt,said Congresswoman Adams. These loans are holding American families back from buying houses, cars, and opening small businesses. Student loan debt prevents young families from building and creating wealth that they can pass down to their children and grandchildren a freedom that historically has been denied to Black Americans in this country. Starting on January 20, it's up to us to rebuild the bridge to the middle class for millions of Americans. Let's start by cancelling the debt. The student debt crisis is a racial and economic justice issue and we must finally begin to address it as such. Broad-based student debt cancellation is precisely the kind of bold, high-impact policy that the broad and diverse coalition that elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris expect them to deliver,said CongresswomanPressley.As we work to fight for meaningful economic relief for workers and families that meets the scale and scope of the crisis we face, canceling student debt is one of the most effective ways to provide direct relief to millions, help reduce the racial wealth gap, stimulate our economy, and begin to deliver an equitable and just recovery. On day one of his Administration, President-elect Biden will have the executive authority to cancel billions in student debt with the stroke of a pen. This resolution lays out a plan for him to do exactly that. Over 90 percent of student debt is held by the federal government, which President-elect Joe Biden can cancel with the stroke of a pen,said Congresswoman Omar. Young people have been devastated by this economic crisis, withmore than halfliving with their parents. Student debt cancellation would be a massive economic stimulus at a time when people desperately need it. It's also a racial equity issue.Students of colorare more likely to take out federal student loans, and face higher rates of default.That's why Iintroducedthe Student Debt Cancellation Act last year, and havecalled onleaders to make student debt relief a centerpiece of a coronavirus response package. It's why a majority of the countrysupportsstudent debt relief. And it's why leaders from both Houses of Congressfor substantial relief. Student debt cancellation isn't just an economic priority, it is a moral necessity. As the student debt crisis continues to grow more urgent and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis continues to impact our communities and economy, the need to provide relief to student loan borrowers buried under mountains of debt is critical,said Chairwoman Maxine Waters. As a leader on this issue, I held a Financial Services Committee hearing last year on the student debt crisis and its adverse impact on individuals, families, and the economy. I helped to secure critical protections for student borrowers, including a pause on student loans during the pandemic, and advocated for legislation to help borrowers affected by the student debt crisis. Most recently, I wrote to President-elect Biden to recommend that he issue an executive order to promptly forgive up to $50,000 of debt for each student borrower and I am so pleased to join with CongresswomenPressley, Adams, and Omar, who have all been critical voices in this fight, to address this crisis. I cannot overstate the importance of this resolution and the need for the Biden Administration to take bold action and deliver on this mandate from the people on day one. Long before the COVID-19 crisis, 45 million Americans were being crushed under the weight of an unprecedented $1.6 trillion student loan debt crisis. The unequal burden of the student debt crisis has disproportionately fallen on Black and Latinx borrowers who, as a result of generations of systemic racism and predatory policies, have been locked out of wealth building and have been forced to take on more debt, more often, just for a chance at the same degree as their white peers. The student debt crisis is both a racial and economic justice crisis, and student debt cancellation is bold, responsive policy that will help ensure the economic recovery strategy will prioritize workers and families and reduce the longstanding racial wealth gap. Specifically, the resolution: Recognizes the Secretary of Education's broad administrative authority to cancel Federal student loan debt. Urges the President to take executive action on day one of his Administration to cancel $50,000 in Federal student loan debt per borrower using the current legal authorities already granted by Congress. Calls on the President to use existing authorities to prevent debt cancellation from resulting in a tax bill for borrowers. Encourages the President to ensure that administrative debt cancellation helps to close racial wealth gaps. Urges the President to extend the current payment relief on all Federal student loan payments and interest for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of borrowers had faced crushing burdens because of student loan debt now made worse by the economic devastation of COVID-19,said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. As a result too many are choosing between loan payments, and housing, food, and medication. Four years of mismanagement ofthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the ongoing nightmare of corporate servicers who have made huge profits off federal student loan debt has turned higher education financing into a business venture for the United States. Administrative student debt cancellation would be a game-changer for borrowers across the country, and an important first step in President-Elect Biden's effort to help families recover. Student Debt cancellation is a racial justice issue since Black and Brown borrowers face the greatest hurdles when it comes to access, affordability, and retention in higher education,said Tiffany Loftin, National Director, Youth and College Division, NAACP. In order to make education a right, we need radical policy that addresses the needs of 44.7 million people who are shackled by debt, that starts with cancellation now. We applaud Representative AyannaPressleyand allies in Congress for urging President-elect Joe Biden to use existing authority to cancel student debt. A nationwide, grassroots movement has called for debt cancellation for years and we are closer to permanent relief than ever before. The leadership and support of champions in Congress couldn't come at a more important time,said Natalia Abrams, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy organization Student Debt Crisis.""As the COVID-19 pandemic grows, far too many people are choosing between student loan payments and making rent, putting food on the table, and keeping the lights on. President-elect Joe Biden can change that. Canceling student debt will provide much-needed financial relief for individuals and boost the economy for years to come. It will also help close the racial wealth gap that is widening due to the disparate impact of the pandemic. And, as RepresentativePressleyreminds us, the president-elect can do all of this on Day One using executive action. Canceling student debt not only would be a lifeline to 45 million people, some of whom are struggling under the weight of their debt, it would help build a more robust economy,said Remington A. Gregg, Counsel for Civil Justice and Consumer Rights at Public Citizen. It's supported by a majority of Americans. And it makes good on the commitment so many leaders have made over the past year to focus on racial equity by working to close the racial wealth gap and giving Black and Brown borrowers a real chance to succeed. We need to acknowledge that our student loan system is fundamentally broken and the first step to repair it is through across-the-board debt cancellation,said Ashley Harrington, Federal Advocacy Director and Senior Counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending. We applaud CongresswomanPressleyand Congresswomen Omar, Adams, and Chairwoman Maxine Waters for introducing this important legislation and supporting the urgent need for administrative debt cancellation. The time has come for a new Administration to prevent further financial devastation for those who are disproportionately struggling the most under the weight of their student debt burden, Black borrowers and communities of color. We applaud Representatives AyannaPressley, Ilhan Omar, Alma Adams and House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters for their leadership fighting for the economic needs of millions of families,said Alexis Goldstein, senior policy analyst at Americans for Financial Reform. No type of consumer debt is more widely held by the government than federal student loans. Cancelling federal student debt is a critical tool the government has to provide more funds for basic household needs when so many are on the precipice of financial ruin. ""From big cities to small towns, one constant is the crushing weight of student debt,""said Student Borrower Protection Center Executive Director Seth Frotman. With the stroke of a pen, President-elect Biden has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cancel student debt and improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans. We applaud CongresswomenPressley, Omar, Adams and Chairwoman Maxine Waters in calling on cancellation of up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt which is caused by a system that has been inequitable and broken for decades. Student loan debt disproportionately burdens Black and Brown Americans and exacerbates the racial wealth gap. Abusive debt collection practices take funds like the Earned Income Tax Credit from borrowers' safety nets and garnish borrowers' wages, making it even harder for those who need every penny to put food on their families' tables and contribute to their local economies. Student debt cancellation is urgently needed on Day 1,said Persis Yu, director of the National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project. We can empower a generation, stimulate the economy, and begin to close the racial wealth gap on day one by enacting broad student debt cancellation,said Dr. Kyle Southern, Policy and Advocacy Director, Higher Education and Workforce. Taking this action is critical to advancing an equitable economic recovery. The compounding impact of systemic racism and gender discrimination on student borrowers who are Black, Latinx, and women means they incur more debt out of necessity and take longer to repay that debt. Currently, women borrowers hold two-thirds of all student debt. Broad student debt cancellation would substantially boost Black, Latinx, and women-led households, help close the racial wealth gap, and avert default. CongresswomenAdams and Pressleyhave been leading the legislative fight for broad student debt cancellation.Reps.Adams, Pressley, and Omarhaverepeatedly led their colleaguesincalling on House leadershipto include student debt cancellation in any COVID relief package. In March,Pressleyand Omar introduced theStudent Debt Emergency Relief Act,legislation to cancelstudent loan debt and shield borrowers from any involuntary payments and garnishment during the COVID-19 crisis. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-statement-on-nomination-of-north-carolina-official-michael-s,"Butterfield Statement on Nomination of North Carolina Official, Michael S. Regan to Lead the U.S. EPA",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Butterfield released the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden's decision to nominate North Carolina environmental regulator and EPA veteran, Secretary Michael S. Regan to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: I applaud President-Elect Joe Biden's selection of Secretary Michael S. Regan to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Secretary Regan is an EPA veteran with immense passion and experience with environmental policy. Secretary Regan understands the urgency of protecting our environment from air and water pollution. As North Carolina's chief environmental official, Secretary Regan has demonstrated he understands that climate change is a threat to human existence. Secretary Regan will work with President-Elect Biden to seek effective ways of protecting our communities. As a native of my congressional district, Secretary Regan is well prepared to meet the environmental challenges of our day and execute the policies of President Joe Biden. I look forward to a fair and expedited confirmation process in the United States Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-fatal-officer-involved-shooting-in-concord,Hudson Releases Statement on Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Concord,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on a fatal officer-involved shooting with the Concord Police Department: ""Renee and I are devastated to learn of the officer-involved shooting last night in Concord. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the officer we lost, for a full and speedy recovery for the other officer injured, and with all of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-price-statement-president-elect-biden-s-nomination-michael-regan,Congressman Price Statement on President-elect Bidens Nomination of Michael Regan for EPA Administrator,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Raleigh, NC(December 17, 2020)--Congressman David Price (NC-04)released a statement on President-elect Joe Biden's decision to nominatecurrentSecretaryof the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Michael Regan, to lead the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): ""President-elect Bidenhasmade a stellar choice inselectingNorth Carolina'sDepartment of Environmental Quality (DEQ)SecretaryMichael Regan to lead the EPA,said CongressmanPrice.Michael Regan has a long track record in environmental policy,workingfirstas an air quality specialistunderPresidents Bill Clinton andGeorge W. Bushand thenwith the Environmental Defense Fundbefore coming to North Carolina. Through the years, he has proven himselfasadeterminedand effective advocate for scientifically-soundenvironmental policies thatprotect theclimate, improve public health, and advanceenvironmental justice. Mr. Regan will understand the diverse environmental challenges facing our nationand our world.Ourstateof North Carolina like so many otherscontinues to grapple withdevastating natural disasters,andthe threat of pollutionfrombothtraditional andemergingsourceswhile attracting new businesses and steady growth.A strong economy and clean environment are not mutually exclusive. Mr. Regan'sexperience asNorth Carolina's DEQSecretarydemonstrates that heisready toleadthe nation toward an environmentally sustainable futurethat leaves nocommunitybehind. I am confident that asEPAAdministrator, he willhelpexecute President-elect Biden'sambitious plans to curb climate change;acceleraterenewable energydevelopment;addresscontaminationof our waterways, lands, and air;rectifyenvironmental injustices;and leadAmerica towarda carbon-neutralfuture.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/during-116th-congress-alma-adams-landmark-legislation-hoisted-hbcus-and,"During the 116th Congress, Alma Adams' Landmark Legislation Hoisted HBCUs and Elevated Equity in Education",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. During the 116thCongress,Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)was atireless advocatefor Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as a consistent voice on equity issues in education.Adamsserves on the House Committee on Education and Labor, and as the co-chairand founderof theCongressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. During the 116th Congress, education faced one of its greatest peacetime challenges. COVID-19 threatensthe health and wellbeing ofour students, teachers, and educators, and the economic fallout from the pandemic poses major challenges to higher education institutions,said Congresswoman Adams. However, legislation like the FUTURE Act will ensure HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions can continue toprovide a pathwayto success for over 5 million students."" In 2021, it's essential thatwecorrect the mistakes of the current Administration andget the pandemic under control so students and educators can return to the classroom safely. We have to continue to address the educational equity gap that has been widened by COVID-19. Finally, we must continue to workto ensure that ourpublic education systemopens doors of opportunity for all Americans. Adams' work on Education and Labor issues in the 116th Congress includes: Adams' Landmark Bill, the FUTURE Act, Was Signed into Law Adams' HBCU PARTNERS Act Will Become Law with President Trump's Signature Adams Contributed Important Educational Provisions to the HEROES Act COVID-19 Relief Bill Adams' Bill Passed as Part of the House Apprenticeship Bill In May, Adams Led a Call to Cancel Student Loan Debt Adams Introduced the HBCU Capital Finance Debt Relief Act Adams & the HBCU Caucus Hosted the Third Annual Diversity in Tech Summit AdamsIntroduced Legislation on Eating Disorders in Schools Adams Led a House Agriculture Subcommittee Meeting on 1890s Land Grant Universities Adams Honored Her Nominees to United States Service Academies Adams Honored Educators during Teacher Appreciation Week Adams introduced the Bipartisan Equity in Student Loan Relief Act Adams Introduced the Gateway to Careers Act Adams Hosted the Third Annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action Adams Released a Virtual Graduation Message Adams Addressed Higher Education Infrastructure Needs in the Moving Forward Act Adams, a Former Art Professor, Celebrated the Congressional Art Competition Winners Adams Hosted a Virtual HBCU Day Adams Led a Congressional Letter in Support of the 1890s Land Grant Institutions Adams Introduced the Apprenticeship Access for All Act of 2020 Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In August,she wrote about the importance of HBCUs forEssenceMagazine, which dubbed her the Godmother of HBCUs. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=993,Rep. Ted Budd Sponsors Resolution to Refocus Attention on National Debt,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Sponsors Resolution to Refocus Attention on National Debt f t # e Washington, December 16, 2020 Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) co-sponsored a bipartisan House resolution from Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Scott Peters (D-CA) that calls for further action to help workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a renewed focus on addressing the national debt. Full text of the H. RES. 1261 is HERE. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/coastal-coalition-substance-abuse-prevention-receives-125000-grant,"Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention Receives $125,000 Grant",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"New Bern, N.C. – The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy recently announced that the Coastal Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention (CCSAP) will receive $125,000 to keep serving residents across Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico counties. The grant is part of $91.4 million awarded to 733 coalitions nationwide through the Drug-Free Communities Support Program (DFCSP). In partnership with parents and community members, the CCSAP works to prevent youth substance abuse by promoting habits that reduce the risk of abuse and addressing factors that increase the risk of substance abuse. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) issued the following statement in response: ""Just about everyone has a friend or family member or at least known of someone who has struggled with addiction. So many have lost a loved one, a church member or a business partner. Families have been shattered. Lives completely ruined,"" said Murphy. ""That's why I feel my greatest contributions while I served in the North Carolina General Assembly were authoring and sponsoring the two major laws in fighting the Opioid Epidemic."" ""After closely studying this issue over the years, I've learned that the most effective way to treat drug abuse is at the local level. People who suffer through addiction need the support of their local communities more than anything. Addiction is a true disease that needs recognition and lifelong treatment. I thank the DFCSP for helping community institutions like the CCSAP and look forward to working with anyone who wants to push back against this national tragedy.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-price-statement-president-elect-biden-nomination-pete-buttigieg-dot,Chairman Price Statement on President-elect Biden Nomination of Pete Buttigieg as DOT Secretary,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Raleigh, NC(December 16, 2020)--Congressman David Price (NC-04), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, released a statement on President-elect Joe Biden's decision to nominateformer South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigiegfor Secretary of the Department ofTransportation(DOT): ""I applaud President-elect Biden'sselectionofMayor Pete Buttigiegtoleadthe Department of Transportation,said Chairman Price.AsMayor, PeteButtigieghas firsthand experience implementinginfrastructureprojects in his home city of South Bend, Indiana.As a presidential candidate, he put forward bold and detailedplans to tackle our nation's transportation and infrastructure challenges.And his appointment as the first openly LGBTQ cabinet secretary is both groundbreaking and inspiring.I am confident thatas DOT Secretaryhe willachievegreat progressfor urban and rural communitiesacross the United States,including communities adversely affected byurban renewal'and other federal transportation policies that resulted in displacement and economic hardship. As Chairman of the HouseT-HUD'Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working withSecretary Buttigiegtorestore and revitalize our transportation infrastructure, especially as we confront the COVID-19 pandemic that has created budget shortfalls for states and localities, transit agencies, airportsand seaports,passengerrail,and other vital modes of transportation. We must alsoboost investment formulti-modal transportation solutions,strengthenand modernize criticalinfrastructureso that it is resilient to climate change,andaccelerate the development and deployment of new technologies to secure asafer andenvironmentally sustainablefuture.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-announces-2020-service-academy-nominations-sixth-district,Walker Announces 2020 Service Academy Nominations for the Sixth District,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"GREENSBORO, N.C. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) announced that he has nominated 15 North Carolina high school students for appointment to one of the United States' service academies the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy for the Class of 2025. The Sixth District's Service Academy Nomination Board, appointed by Walker, conducted interviews with each of the applicants and made recommendations based on their qualifications. This year's service academy nominees are an outstanding class of young North Carolinians who embody our state's values of high character, scholarship, and leadership, Walker said. Their inspiring pursuit of service to our nation can never be thanked enough and I am humbled to be a small part of their journey. I wish the students the best as they seek acceptance in their respective institutions. Next, the students will seek to meet the admission requirements of their service academy, which will make the final decision on admission in the early months of 2021. Each student who attends a service academy will make a commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. A full list of the service academy nominees, their schools, and their hometowns are below: 2020 Service Academy Nominees United States Air Force Academy Austin Thomas Smith | Dalton L. McMichael | Madison, NC Bryan Cao | Weaver Academy | Whitsett, NC Isabella Shoup | Western Alamance High School | Elon, NC Shannon Hobbs | Western Alamance High School | Elon, NC United States Naval Academy Timothy Spody Welch | Southeast Guilford | Greensboro, NC Ana Bella King | NC School of Science and Mathematics | Semora, NC Noelle Magee | Massanutten Military Academy | Chapel Hill, NC Magan Wilson | Dalton L. McMichael | Stokesdale, NC Dahlia Kilgore | Children's School of Discovery | Chapel Hill, NC United States Military Academy Parker Ashley Stewart | Northern Guilford High School | Summerfield, NC Olivia YingLan Riggsbee | Northwood High School | Moncure, NC Noah Jones | Lee County High School | Sanford, NC William Robert Lake | Northwood High School | Chapel Hill, NC Grace McNairy | Wesleyan Christian Academy | Greensboro, NC United States Merchant Marine Academy Parrish Wick Jacobi | Oak Ridge Military Academy | Burlington, NC",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chair-karen-bass-and-chairman-bobby-scott-join-congresswoman-alma-adams,Chair Karen Bass and Chairman Bobby Scott Join Congresswoman Alma Adams for Press Call on Wednesday,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (CA-37) and House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott(VA-03)will joinCongresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)on a higher education press call on Wednesday, December 16 at9:30 AM EST. The call will cover topics ranging from successes in the 116th Congress; what teachers, students, and schools need before Congress goes home for the holidays; and what to look forward to in the next Congress and beyond. What: Higher Education Press Call with Rep. Adams, Chair Bass, and Chairman Scott When:9:30 AM, Wednesday December 16 Where: Zoom;Register Here ""From the FUTURE Act to the HBCU Partners Act and much more, I'm proud of what we've accomplished for higher education in the 116th Congress,""said Congresswoman Adams.""However, there are many challenges ahead. We have to get the pandemic under control so students and educators can return to the classroom safely. We have to continue to address the educational equity gap that has been widened by COVID-19. Finally, we must continue to work for a cradle to centenarian public education system that opens doors of opportunity for all Americans."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-congresswoman-alma-adams-holds-higher-education-press-call,Advisory: Congresswoman Alma Adams Holds Higher Education Press Call on Wednesday,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"NOTE: Due to a scheduling conflict, this press call is now at 9:30 AM WASHINGTON, D.C.Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)willhost a higher education press call on Wednesday, December 16 at 9:30 AM EST. The call will cover topics ranging from successes in the 116th Congress; what teachers, students, and schools need before Congress goes home for the holidays; and what to look forward to in the next Congress and beyond.Congresswoman Adams will be joined by House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03). What: Education Press Call with Rep. Alma Adams & Chair Bobby Scott When: 9:30AM, Wednesday December 16 Where: Zoom;Register Here ""From the FUTURE Act to the HBCU Partners Act and much more, I'm proud of what we've accomplished for higher education in the 116th Congress,""said Congresswoman Adams.""However, there are many challenges ahead. We have to get the pandemic under control so students and educators can return to the classroom safely. We have to continue to address the educational equity gap that has been widened by COVID-19. Finally, we must continue to work for a public education system that opens doors of opportunity for all Americans."" Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus. NOTE: Due to a scheduling conflict, this press call is now at 9:30 AM ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-congresswoman-alma-adams-hosts-virtual-carolina-coffee-open,"Advisory: Congresswoman Alma Adams Hosts Virtual ""Carolina Coffee"" Open House on Wednesday",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLOTTEWhile continuing to work for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in Washington,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)willhost a ""Virtual Carolina Coffee Open House"" event this Wednesday at Noon on Zoom. Adams' Carolina Coffee is open to the public and open press. ""I'm excited to welcome 12th District Constituents to our virtual office on Wednesday. In the 117th Congress, my office and my staff are going to continue to work for 'One Meck,'""said Congresswoman Adams.""Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with our Charlotte-based staff as well as our staff on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to connect with us and learn more about the work we're doing every day for the people of North Carolina."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-statement-on-thomas-stith-iii-appointment-as-president-of,"Butterfield Statement on Thomas Stith, III Appointment as President of the North Carolina Community College System",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Butterfield released the following statement on Thomas A. Stith, III new role as President of the North Carolina Community College System: I applaud the decision to select Thomas Stith, III to serve as the Community College System President for the state of North Carolina. Stith brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to this new role and is highly qualified to lead the third largest community college system in the nation. I look forward to great things to come for over 700,000 students, faculty, staff, and local communities that stand to benefit from the great work Thomas Stith will bring, serving as President of the North Carolina Community College System. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/fcc-announces-nationwide-broadband-funding-initiative-results-17583-eligible,"FCC Announces Nationwide Broadband Funding Initiative Results with 17,583 Eligible Locations in NC-03 Counties",2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Greenville, N.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that more than 5.2 million unserved American homes and businesses in rural areas will be receiving high-speed broadband internet over 10 years as a result of the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. There are 17,583 eligible locations in counties that lie in the Third Congressional District of North Carolina with contracts valued at $18,393,956.70. Providers must meet buildout benchmarks that will require them to reach their assigned locations by the end of the sixth year. The contracts are designed to incentivize installation as quickly as possible. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-supports-bipartisan-bicameral-agreement-address-surprise-medical-billing,"Murphy Supports Bipartisan, Bicameral Agreement to Address Surprise Medical Billing",2020-12-12,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Friday, December 11, 2020, key House and Senate leaders came to a bipartisan agreement in principle to address surprise medical billing. After years of being heavily debated, it has finally gotten to a point of a general agreement. Surprise billing occurs when a patient goes to a medical facility and receives care, usually emergently, that does not accept their insurance. They then would receive a ‘surprise bill' because they were under the assumption that the services they were rendered were covered by their insurance company. Under this legislation, patients will be held harmless in this situation and the issue will be resolved between the provider and the insurance company so the patient will not receive a ""surprise bill"" when out of network. Also importantly the bill creates a fair and regimented framework to help resolve disputes between insurers and providers. Incoming House Republican Doctors Caucus Vice-Chairman Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement in support of the bill: ""As a practicing physician of 30 years who often has to care for patients in emergency situations, I hear from these patients about the unexpected cost that surprise medical billing can have on them and their families,"" said Murphy. ""The last thing a patient needs is to worry about whether their doctors or hospital are in network when a medical emergency arises. Patients don't deserve to be caught in the middle of disputes between insurers and providers. Yet at the same time, those providing the care to the patient need to be reimbursed appropriately for the care they render. Congress has long argued about the solution to this significant issue and I am thrilled we have finally come to a compromise. ""Although this is not a perfect bill, it is significantly better for providers than earlier versions. I commend the chairmen and ranking members of the committees involved as well as Congressional leadership for fixing an issue that has long affected both patients and providers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/national-app-day-adams-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners,"On National App Day, Adams Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Charlotte- On National App Day,Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)announces this year's Congressional App Challenge winners from Mecklenburg County. Since 2013, theCongressional App Challengehas provided high school students across the country the opportunity to create and display their software applications (or app) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. The competition is intended to encourage engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. This year's winners are: First Place:Nicholas Rose of Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte. His app is called See-Turtle App Second Place:Scarlet Greer of Providence Day School in Charlotte. Her app is called The Go Green Game App Third Place:Sophie Mao of Providence Day School in Charlotte. Her app is called 3, 2, 1 Go App ""The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for District 12's bright and talented students to have fun coding, while exploring the possibility for innovation that STEM can bring, especially for children from communities who are traditionally underrepresented in technology,""said Adams. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students and those eligible to attend public high school in North Carolina's 12th Congressional District. Students can either work individually or in teams of up to four. For teams, at least two of the teammates must be eligible to compete within the district in which they are submitting. All entries must be original in concept, design, and execution. Students entering the competition must register in advance to show their intent to participate. Students are also required to submit their app's source code along with a YouTube or VIMEO video that explains their app and what they learned through the competition. Last year's winning app was called Clever Crops, created by Providence Day School's Axel Rokhar. Clever Crops was designed to help students aged four through eight-years-old with basic math skills. To view Axel's app, please clickhere. National winners will be announced onFriday, January 15, 2021. The winner of the app challenge will have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol. To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge or to sign up for next year's competition, visit the websitehere. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she founded the Adams Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the 12th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=992,Rep. Ted Budd Statement Supporting the Texas Election Lawsuit,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Statement Supporting the Texas Election Lawsuit f t # e Washington, December 11, 2020 Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement after signing an Amicus Brief supporting Texas's election integrity lawsuit at the Supreme Court:""Millions of Americans do not have faith in the November election. One of the best ways to air out the legitimate concerns over voter fraud, machine irregularities, and mail-in ballots is at the Supreme Court. The Constitution gives authority over elections to the state legislatures. In four states, non-legislative officials overstepped their authority and removed election safeguards. That's why the Supreme Court should hear the Texas case."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rouzer.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B5919F37-880E-4A35-9199-75E43391514B,Rouzer Statement on Texas v. Pennsylvania Amicus Brief,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,David Rouzer,R000603,rouzer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Facebook Icon Google Plus Icon Instagram Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon Vimeo Icon Clients Icon Email icon Map Icon Print Icon Quote Icon icon_share Carousel Arrow - Left Carousel Arrow - Right Home News Press Releases Print",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senate-passes-annual-defense-funding-bill-for-60th-consecutive-year,Senate Passes Annual Defense Funding Bill for 60th Consecutive Year,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.20 Senate Passes Annual Defense Funding Bill for 60th Consecutive Year Today, the Senate passed the Conference Agreement tothe William M. Mac Thornberry National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation, which has been passed for 60 consecutive years, protects American national security interests, enhances Congressional oversight, and prioritizes service members and their families. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), who voted in favor of the Conference Agreement, applauded the Senate's passage. Providing a strong national defense is one of the most important responsibilities Congress has,said Senator Burr.This year's defense spending bill is as important as ever. As we continue to counter aggression from our adversaries and face the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, our service members need the right resources and strategic direction to continue protecting American interests. This bipartisan legislation provides that by rebuilding and modernizing our Armed Forces, enhancing our competitive edge against China and Russia, and prioritizing the needs of military families. I'm pleased to support this critical funding bill. By strengthening our national defense now, we ensure that American national security interests are protected for years to come. Background: The Conference Agreement for the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021 passed the Senate by a vote of 84-13. The summary of the bill can be foundhereand the full text of the agreement can be foundhere. Specifically, the NDAA: Provides $740.5 billon for national defense, which includes $215.8 million in military construction projects in North Carolina; Ensures service members have adequate diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipmentto support overall readiness across the nation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic; Prioritizes the men and women in uniform and their familiesby providing a three percent pay raise to troops, ensuring high-quality and accessible child care, advocating for military spouses' employment, and reemphasizing the focus on training to ensure service members can conduct missions safely; Restores, maintains, and expands our comparative advantage over China and Russiaby directing investments and implementing policies for key capabilities and technologies; Reinforces and accelerates the implementation of the National Defense Strategy, which prioritizes the modernization and rebuilding of American Armed Forces; Secures U.S. supply chain from overreliance on foreign countries, including adversaries. The House of Representatives passed the NDAA Conference Agreement on December 8, 2020 by a vote of 335-78. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/during-116th-congress-alma-adams-led-usps-issues,"During the 116th Congress, Alma Adams Led on USPS Issues",2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.In 2020,RepresentativeAlma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)was one of the leading Congressional voices on the United States Postal Service, especiallyregardingthe mismanagement of the cherished American institution by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The United States Postal Service was established by our Constitution, and is one of our most beloved institutions. This year it played an unprecedented role in the lives of Americans, delivering essential packages and medicines, as well assafeguardingour right to vote,said Congresswoman Adams. However, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's sabotage of our Postal Service demonstrated a complete disregard for the institution's promise of the 'safe and speedy transit of the mail' and the 'prompt delivery of its contents.' I hope that will end during the Biden-Harris Administration. There is nothing that can replace USPS; that's why I spent 2020 working to preserve and protect our United States Postal Service. Adams' postal work in 2020 includes: ""Throughout the pandemic, Postal Service employees have consistently risked their own health and safety to report to complete theirappointed roundsand serve as a crucial lifeline to millions of Americans nationwide,""saidSam Spencer, Communications Directorto Rep. Adams. ""Meanwhile, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has consistently and repeatedly undermined the efforts of the more than 600,000 Postal Service employees,some of ourmost essential workersduringthispandemic. Thankfully, Rep. Adams has been there to fight for USPS employees and the cherished institution itself during one of the hardest years on record for the postal service. When presents arrive on time this holiday season, it will be in no small part due to Rep. Adams' hard work."" Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is a leader on Postal Service issues in the House of Representatives, and she was the first Member of Congress to call on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to resign. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=989,Rep. Ted Budd Leads Push to Help Small Businesses,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) joined over 170 of his colleagues to send a letter to top House leaders, asking them to take practical steps to ease the financial burden on small businesses during the pandemic. The letter pushes House leaders to consider the Small Business Expense Protection Act, which Rep. Budd sponsored, that will allow recipients of PPP loans to deduct those expenses on their taxes. Rep. Budd said on the House floor this week: While many states and localities begin to make the same mistake of instituting massive shutdowns, small businesses have been left high and dry. Imagine pouring everything you have, emotionally and financially, into an idea. Then you watch it grow and thrive, but through no fault of your own, it gets ruined because your local government shuts you down and the federal government refuses to help. For the sake of our nation's job creators and our workers, it's time that we act to support our fellow citizens as we enter the final stages of our battle against this virus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-fda-granting-emergency-use-authorization-pfizer-covid-19,Murphy Statement on FDA Granting Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Greenville, N.C. – Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), a member of the House Republican Doctors Caucus and the only practicing physician in Congress, released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine: ""Many believed it would take at least a year to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, but American innovation has exceeded expectations yet again. Operation Warp Speed has come through. This is truly remarkable. It has been a long year, and everyone is ready for relief. We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with this announcement. However, we must continue to engage in social spacing and wear masks for the foreseeable future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chairman-price-statement-president-elect-biden-nomination-congresswoman,Chairman Price Statement on President-elect Biden Nomination of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge as HUD Secretary,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Raleigh, NC (December 10, 2020) --Congressman David Price (NC-04), Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, released a statement on President-elect Joe Biden's decision to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge for Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: ""I applaud President-elect Biden's decision to select Congresswoman Marcia Fudge to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Rep. Fudge is a steadfast champion for working families, spending her time in Congress fighting for better health care, nutrition, economic opportunities, and safe and decent affordable housing. These qualities will serve her well as HUD Secretary at a critical time when the nation faces a pandemic that has not only exposed but exacerbated our national housing crisis. As Chairman of the House ""T-HUD"" Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with her to boost resources for affordable housing production and community development, to fight homelessness and eviction, to bolster resiliency in the face of a changing climate, and to restore bedrock fair housing principles that uphold equal opportunity for all our citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-s-legislation-rename-greensboro-post-office-honor-congressman,Walkers Legislation to Rename Greensboro Post Office in Honor of Congressman Howard Coble Passes House,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.)today released the following statement upon the House's passage of his legislation,H.R. 6161, to rename a United States Postal Service Office in Greensboro, N.C. as the J. Howard Coble Post Office Building. The post office to be renamed is located at 1585 Yanceyville Street. For more than three decades, Howard Coble blessed our community with his humbling leadership, representing the Greensboro area valiantly throughout the halls of Congress, Walker said. It is my utmost honor to see this permanent reminder of his service has passed the House so the legacy of my friend and mentor will continue to live on for generations to come. John Howard Coble was born in Greensboro, Guilford County, N.C., on March 18, 1931. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Appalachian State University before serving five years in the United States Coast Guard. After leaving active duty in 1956, he continued to serve in the United States Coast Guard Reserve from 1960-1982. Coble received a degree in History from Guildford College in 1958 and a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill in 1962. Coble worked in the insurance industry, was assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, and was secretary of the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Coble served one term in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1969 and again from 1979-1984. In 1984, Coble was elected to represent North Carolina's 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He would end up serving for 15 terms and 30 years, the longest period ever by a North Carolina Republican. Coble served on the Judiciary Committee and chaired the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. During the advent of the internet in the 1990's he worked to strengthen copyright and patent laws. In retirement, he refused to take his congressional pension Coble believed in being fiscally responsible and thought his salary was sufficient enough compensation. Known for his kind and affable demeanor, Coble was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. More importantly, he was beloved by the people of North Carolina's 6th congressional district. Coble never forgot about the people he was serving back home he participated in over 200 local Christmas parades and another 200 Eagle Scout ceremonies. Coble had a keen memory for names and faces and knew the high school mascots for schools from all over North Carolina. In 2013, citing his declining health, Coble announced he would not seek re-election to a 16th term. In January 2015, Coble concluded his 30 years of service in the United States House of Representatives. In November 2015, Coble passed away from health issues related to his age, leaving behind a lifelong legacy of friendship, patriotism, and commitment to conservative principles. In November 2014, Walker was elected to replace Coble in representing North Carolina's 6th congressional district. Walker has noted, ""when I landed in Washington for the first time in January, there's no doubt that I had huge shoes to fill. During times back in the district, I would occasionally meet with Coble to receive his feedback. He would share many great stories and some of his favorite jokes."" U.S. Representatives G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), George Holding (R-N.C.), David Price (D-N.C.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), Alma Adams (D-N.C.), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), David Rouzer (R-N.C.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) areoriginal co-sponsorsof the legislation. The legislation can be viewed in its entiretyhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-amendments-included-ndaa,Rep. Adams' Amendments included in NDAA,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)'samendments areincluded in theFY2021National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House yesterday and is headed to President Trump's desk. Rep. Adams offered two amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act which were included in the House bill and are now in the final bill: An amendmentrequiringgreater incorporation ofthe Chief Diversity Officer of the Department of Defense to create a strategic plan that spurs participation by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in research, development, testing, and evaluation activities,led byRep. Adams and Rep. Brownand, Report language on relief for student loan debt,directing the Administration to provide relief for private student loan borrowers. This language is based offamendmentsbyReps. Adams and Dean, as well asSens. Warren and Brown, which wouldgrant private student loan borrowers with the same type of relief and protections that Congress provided to borrowers of Federal Direct loansin the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)and cancel up to $10,000 in debt for private borrowers. HBCUs and MSIs are centers of innovation and excellence, and their work has always been in service of the greater good,saidCongresswoman Adams. Our amendment language directs the Department of Defense's Chief Diversity Officer to meaningfully engage with these institutions and to provide them pathways to access the research and development funds needed to advance their groundbreaking research. Americans owe upwards of $125 billion in private student loan debt in times like this, these Americans also deserve help from their government,said Congresswoman Adams.That is why Representative Dean and I introducedtheseamendmentsto make clear that there should be no distinction between public and privatestudent loanborrowers in accessingand receivingrelief. More information about the NDAA is available here. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-leads-house-agriculture-subcommittee-meeting-1890-land-grant,Rep. Adams Leads House Agriculture Subcommittee Meeting on 1890 Land Grant Universities,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today at 10:00 AM,Representative Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee,willgiveopeningremarksa meeting of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research subcommittee on 1890 Land Grant Universities. The hearing, ""1890 Land Grant Institutions 130 Years of Building Equityin Agriculture,"" will focus on the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that make up the program, includingNorth Carolina A&T University. The hearing will stream live on YouTube here. In a year that has been marked by a surge of support for racial justice and a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color,I believe that the mission of the 1890land grant system is more important as ever,said Adams.That is why Congress and the Members of this Committee are committed in our support of the 1890 land grant system, as well as the students and rural communities it serves. The 1890s land grant institutions, commonly known as ""the 1890s,"" were established to support the education of Black students and were primarily founded in the southeastUnited States. Because these institutions did not receive funds via the Hatch Act or the Smith-Lever Act, separate pieces of legislation wererequired to expand their mission to include research and extension activities.All 19 of these institutions are HBCUs. At the hearing, Members of Congress will engage with leaders from the 1890 land-grant system to examine challenges and opportunities facing their universities, including responses to provisions contained in the2018 Farm Bill, areas for additional cooperation between Congress and these institutions, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their students and faculty. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. Adams' full remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Thank you Chair Plaskett. I'm grateful for your strong leadership of the Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee and for your foresight in calling this critically important hearing on 1890 Land Grant Institutions 130 Years of Building Equity in Agriculture. Participating in today's hearing is special for me - 5 years ago, when I first came to Congress, I had the honor of addressing the 1890s during an event celebrating their 125thanniversary. Today, we've come full circle. This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters related to research, education, and extension; issues that are central to the mission of this country's land grant university system. That system, aimed at expanding postsecondary opportunities in agriculture, was established following the passage of the First Morrill Act of 1862. While these institutions advanced agriculture education and increased the capacity of our agriculture sector, Black students were barred from easily accessing these opportunities. So, twenty-eight years after the passage of the First Morrill Act, Congress passed the Second Morrill Act of 1890. This legislation prohibited racial discrimination in determining admission, leading to the creation of the 1890 land grant university system and expanding educational opportunities for Black students. Since that time, the 19 HBCUs that make up the 1890 system have continued their mission of advancing equity in agriculture through research, education, and extension aimed at serving racial minorities and historically underserved communities. In a year that has been marked by a surge of support for racial justice and a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color,I believe that the mission of the 1890 land grant system is more important as ever. That is why Congress and the Members of this Committee are committed in our support of the 1890 land grant system, as well as the students and rural communities it serves. This commitment is evident when looking back to the 2018 Farm Bill. Thanks to the leadership of Chairman Peterson and the strong advocacy of incoming Chairman Scott, myself, and other Members of this Committee, we were able to pass a strong, bipartisan farm bill that included mandatory funding for scholarships to 1890 institutions, established three centers of excellence to be led by 1890 universities, and corrected an inequity in the carryover of extension funds from year to year. I am proud that these provisions were included in the 2018 Farm Bill, but there is always more than can be done to support our students, researchers, and extension professionals. I'd like to take a moment to shine spotlight on the important work that those students and professionals are doing at my two-time alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University. In 2020, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T reached $23 million in annual extramural research, with much of that research focusing on issues affecting small farmers and underserved communities across the state. Additionally, earlier this year, A&T received a grant from USDA to establish the Center of Excellence to Motivate and Educate for Achievement, dedicated to encouraging and supporting young people from underrepresented minority groups to pursue studies and careers in food, agriculture and natural resources. However, despite their decades of success in supporting small and minority farmers and conducting cutting-edge agricultural research, A&T faces many of the same challenges as the institutions before us today, including securing matching funds from our state legislature. I look forward to hearing testimony from our esteemed panel of witnesses on that issue and others, and I thank them in advance for taking the time to be with us this morning. I hope we get to hear your thoughts on the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill provisions, additional areas for collaboration between Congress and the 1890 system, and how your institutions have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-statement-governor-cooper-s-new-covid-curfew-announcement,Murphy Statement on Governor Cooper’s New COVID Curfew Announcement,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement in response to North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announcing a new COVID curfew: ""The seemingly never-ending pandemic continues to take its toll on the health and livelihood of North Carolinians. We are undergoing another surge as we have done already twice this year. If this virus has shown us anything, it is that it is persistently infectious and prevalent. ""As a surgeon I am not for doing something just to be doing something. Governor Cooper's recent increased restrictions seem to be just that. They will, in my opinion, have little, if any, effect on people becoming infected or sick.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Walker Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"GREENSBORO, N.C.U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.)today announced Jayden Sansom and Sushen Kolakaleti as the winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina's Sixth District. I'm incredibly proud to highlight Jayden and Sushen's impressive proficiency, exceptional talent, and hard work in this year's Congressional App Challenge competition, Walker said. I wish Jayden, Sushen, and all of our applicants great success in their future endeavors. Jayden Sansom, a senior at Chatham School of Science and Engineering, developed a user-friendly application to observe the night sky. The app, Starga, collects and presents detailed information on star constellations. Sushen Kolakaleti is a senior from Northern Guilford High School. He created My Sadhana, an app that allows users to track spiritual progress and receive feedback on ways to improve areas of importance. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition engages students from across the nation to encourage creativity and STEM education. It allows students the opportunity to compete with other students from their own Congressional district by creating and exhibiting their software application for mobile or computer devices on a platform of their choice. As the first-place winner, Jayden's app will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives'website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mchenry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402719,McHenry Votes to Support Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Patrick McHenry,M001156,mchenry.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on House passage of theConference Report to Accompany H.R. 6395 Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act:Today'svote fulfillsour responsibility to provide for a strong national defense,said Congressman McHenry.The NDAA includes resources to help the U.S. Military combat the coronavirus pandemic, a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, and brings us another step towards closing the readiness gapthat developed under the previous Administration. In addition to these important measures, this year's NDAA also includes the strengthening of the Berry Amendment, an important step that will both protect American textile jobsincluding many here in western North Carolinaand continue our efforts to combat the Chinese regime,""McHenry continued.""In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it isclear we need to do all we can to protect our domestic supply chains and reduce our reliance on foreign nations.This provision helps accomplish that goal and I'm proud that my efforts to include it in this year's NDAA have paid off. Additionally, American textile industry leaders thanked Congressman McHenry and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) for their bipartisanship leadership on the inclusion of a strengthened Berry Amendment in this year's NDAA: On behalf of the entire U.S. textile industry, I would like to express the industry's sincere appreciation to Congressman McHenry and Congressman Pascrell for their leadership on the inclusion of a critical provision that strengthens the Berry Amendment in the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2021,said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas.This is a big victory for the textile industry, which benefits greatly from the Berry Amendment-- an essential tool of national security policy that ensures American warfighters and military personnel are wearing 100% American-made textile and apparel products, including mission critical personal protective gear. We thank the congressmen for their efforts to help sustain a warm industrial base and safeguard our national security from unreliable foreign supply chains in China and other countries for essential military materials. Thanks to Rep. McHenry's leadership and advocacy, the NDAA strengthens the Berry Amendment by closing a loophole that enabled large contracts to be subdivided and then sourced offshore,stated Steve Lamar, President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.This provision will save U.S. manufacturing jobs in the domestic textile, apparel, and footwear industry at a time when such efforts are needed most. Background:The Berry Amendment requires that the Department of Defense (DoD) purchase certain articles from domestic sources, including textiles, tents, and food. There are, however, a number of exceptions. Notably, the Berry Amendment does not apply if the contract is below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which was previously set at $150,000. When Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA, it raised the SAT to $250,000, which heightened the risks of outsourcing manufacturing contracts to adversaries like China. Section 817 returns the threshold for Berry-compliant purchases to $150,000, ensuring that the DoD procures textiles and other items covered under the Berry Amendment from American manufacturers and workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-lawrence-connolly-lynch-and-others-request-investigation,"Reps. Adams, Lawrence, Connolly, Lynch, and Others Request Investigation into Decline of USPSs On-Time Mail Delivery",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday,Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), and Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) led 71of their House colleaguesinsending a letter to the United States Postal Service Inspector General to request an investigation intothe decline in on-time mail delivery in the weeks leading up to the November 2020 Election. Throughout the pandemic, and even as states enacted stay-at-home orders, Postal Service employees have consistently risked their own health and safety to report to work in order to serve as a crucial lifeline to millions of Americans nationwide. Since his hiring, however, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has irresponsibly enacted a series of flawed operational changes that have slowed mail delivery times and significantly undermined the efforts of the more than 600,000 Postal Service employees who have worked tirelessly to promptly and efficiently deliver mail. During the 2020 election season, the American public's confidence in one of its most trusted agencies faltered as Mr. DeJoy's changes caused considerable delays in delivery times of mail, including ballots. Less than a week before the election, Postal Service on-time delivery numbers showed a significant drop in the agency's ability to deliver ballots before Election Day, creating the possibility that countless ballots nationwide might not be delivered on time,wrote the Members.This trend is emblematic of the decline in service performance in 17 postal districts nationwide that may impact the ability of thousands of Americans to have their votes counted in this election. A copy of the letter is available here. The Members requested that Inspector General Tammy Whitcomb conduct an immediate investigation into the origins of mail delivery delays and the impacts they had on the timely arrival of mail-in ballots. While conducting this investigation, we ask that you complete a full accounting of any corrective actions taken by local Postal Service employees to ensure that all ballots were delivered as quickly as possible in districts nationwide that experienced a decrease in on-time mail deliveryincluding any actions taken by senior Postal Service officials to impede these efforts,wrote the Representatives.Members specifically requested that Inspector General Whitcomb evaluate whetherand specifically howthe Postal Service complied with Postmaster General DeJoy's announcement that he would be suspending operational changes until after the election, and what additional resources Postmaster General DeJoy authorized as part of his October 1 directive. As the pandemic rages on, it is critical the cause of these delays be fully known so that the Postal Service can continue to fulfill its essential functions for Americans, including its role in a nationwide effort to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, life-saving medication, and e-commerce in the coming months. The full list of signers includesRepresentatives Alma Adams,Sanford Bishop,Earl Blumenauer,Lisa Blunt Rochester,Andr Carson,Ed Case,Kathy Castor,David Cicilline,Yvette Clarke,Wm. Lacy Clay,Emanuel Cleaver,Steve Cohen,Gerald Connolly,Jim Cooper,Jim Costa,Peter DeFazio,Mark DeSaulnier,Debbie Dingell,Mike Doyle,Bill Foster,Marcia Fudge,Jimmy Gomez,Ral Grijalva,Deb Haaland,Alcee Hastings,Jared Huffman,Hank Johnson,Marcy Kaptur,Robin Kelly,Ro Khanna,Daniel Kildee,Raja Krishnamoorthi,James Langevin,John Larson,Brenda Lawrence,Al Lawson,Barbara Lee,Ted Lieu,Alan Lowenthal,Stephen Lynch,Carolyn Maloney,Betty McCollum,James McGovern,Jerry McNerney,Stephanie Murphy,Jerrold Nadler,Eleanor Norton,Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,Frank Pallone,Jimmy Panetta,Chellie Pingree,Katie Porter,Ayanna Pressley,Mike Quigley,Jamie Raskin,Lucille Roybal-Allard, Tim Ryan,Linda Snchez,John Sarbanes,Mary Gay Scanlon,Jan Schakowsky,Bradley Schneider,Adam Smith,Jackie Speier,Thomas Suozzi,Eric Swalwell,Mark Takano,Rashida Tlaib,Lauren Underwood,Nydia Velzquez,Debbie Wasserman Schultz,Maxine Waters,Bonnie Watson Coleman,Peter Welch,and Jennifer Wexton. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is a leader on Postal Service issues in the House of Representatives, and she was the first Member of Congress to call on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to resign. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-statement-on-nomination-of-retired-us-army-general-lloyd-j,"Butterfield Statement on Nomination of Retired U.S. Army General Lloyd J. Austin, III as Secretary of Defense",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Butterfield released the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden's decision to nominate retired General Lloyd J. Austin, III to serve our Nation as Secretary of Defense: I applaud President-Elect Joe Biden's selection of General Lloyd J. Austin, III to serve as Secretary of Defense for the United States of America. General Austin is well qualified to serve in this most important position. His years of command leadership and commitment to our Nation's defense are unparalleled. General Austin and his wife, Charlene, are family friends of many years. Mrs. Austin's parents were my neighbors in Wilson, North Carolina. General and Mrs. Austin have been a perfect example of a military family who unselfishly serve our Nation. I look forward to a fair and expedited confirmation process in the Senate of the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-2021-ndaa,Hudson Releases Statement on 2021 NDAA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08), Fort Bragg's Congressman and a voice for veterans, released the following statement on the FY 21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report that was passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives: ""While this legislation is not perfect, it includes provisions I fought for including pay raises and PPE for troops, overdue improvements for military housing, and mental health care reforms for servicemembers, military families and veterans. I was also proud to secure six provisions in the bill including a 10% increase in hazard duty pay, improvements to military family education and expanded VA access for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits,"" said Rep. Hudson. ""As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I'll never stop fighting to support our troops, their families and our veterans."" In July, Rep. Hudson secured six provisions in the FY 21 NDAA. They include: 10% pay increase in hazard duty pay. Expanded access for Special Operations' POTFF program and improvements to retain employees for the program. Report to strengthen Impact Aid education funding. Improved access to Exceptional Family Member Program for special needs military families. Expanded access to the VA for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-votes-fy2021-ndaa-conference-report,Murphy Votes for FY2021 NDAA Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On December 8, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6395, the Mac Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report, which funds the military for FY2021. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) voted in favor of the legislation. The annual defense spending measure now heads to the Senate. The NDAA has passed Congress on a bipartisan basis for 59 consecutive years. The $740.5 billion annual defense bill provides American servicemembers a 3% pay raise and authorizes extra pay for troops in combat zones. Sec. 519 of the NDAA was introduced earlier this year as the FLIGHT Act, a bill on which Murphy was an original co-sponsor in the House of Representatives. Sec. 519 requires the Secretary of Defense to create pilot programs that support Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps units at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority institutions, to include creating partnerships between military bases and institutions and providing financial assistance for pilot training. Elizabeth City State University, which is in the Third Congressional District of North Carolina, is a flight school and HBCU. ""Anytime I come across a bill that consists of thousands of pages, there are provisions that I disagree with. Although this is not a perfect piece of legislation, I voted for it because it supports our brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much for our country daily. From the first day I was sworn in, I have supported our military, particularly our Marines at Camp Lejeune, New River and Cherry Point. It is critical that we continue to rise above politics in support of the military as Congress has done for the past 59 years,"" said Murphy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-bill-strengthen-hbcu-partnerships-heads-presidents-desk,Adams' Bill to Strengthen HBCU Partnerships Passes House,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. A bill introduced byCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., (NC-12)tostrengthen partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and federal agencies. The HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act passed the House today. The bill previously passed the Senate; should it pass the Senate as amended and be signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country's more than 100 HBCUs. This is Adams' third stand-alone bill to pass the House this Congress. HBCUsarecrucially importantagents of access and equity in this country,said Congresswoman Adams. TheHBCU PARTNERS Actrecognizes these contributions in the most important way possible: by affording these institutions the ongoing support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work. This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate their efforts to strategically engage with and invest in HBCUs. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed.Advancing the mission of HBCUs and the success of the communities they serve must be on the minds of our country's leaders, and more importantly, it must be part of their agendas. Thank you to my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and the Bipartisan HBCUCaucus for their support, as well as all of the organizations that are tireless advocates for HBCUs, in getting this bill passed. I know the nearly300,000students that HBCUs serve will benefit from our efforts,Adams concluded. A video of Rep. Adams' remarks is available here. The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the President's 2017 executive order on HBCUs. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participationinthose programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised. The bipartisan HBCU PARTNERS Act was introduced in the House by Rep. Adams and co-sponsored byRepresentatives Mark Walker (NC-06), French Hill (AR-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Al Lawson, Jr. (FL-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Anthony Brown (MD-04), and Barbara Lee (CA-13). The bill was sponsored in the Senate byU.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE)and co-sponsored byU.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-AL), David Perdue (R-GA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the first bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus. Rep. Adams' full remarks on today's bill as prepared for delivery are below: Mr./Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.I rise in strong support of S. 461, theHBCU PARTNERS Act, as amended. Mr./Madam Speaker, today is a special day for bipartisanship and for equity, access, and inclusion. For centuries, this country has made promises to the African American community that have gone largely unmet promises of freedom, promises of justice, and promises of equal opportunity. Today, we vote for a fighting chance to rectify this history and the impacts it has had on the Black community. Today, we vote to give HBCUs and the communities they serve a real, permanent seat at the table with the President of the United States and our nation's federal agencies. You see, much like the people of color they serve, HBCUs are embedded in the fabric of this nation and play a vital role in its prosperity. And while countless other institutions have often fallen short, HBCUs have long been the means of delivering on our nation's promise of freedom and opportunity for all, especially for communities of color. For generations, these schools have fought to deliver for African Americans what is owed to them: a first-class education and a fair shot at pursuing happiness. While only representing roughly 3 percent of all four-year colleges and universities, HBCUs produce upwards of 17 percent of all bachelor's degrees awarded to African Americans. HBCUs graduates account for 42 percent of all Black engineers and 47 percent of all Black female engineers. What's more, these institutions produce 27 percent of all African-American STEM graduates, 50 percent of all African-American lawyers, 50 percent of all African-American public-school teachers, and 80 percent of all African-American judges. Further, research has found that HBCUs are more successful at boosting students out of the lowest income distributions than other institutions of higher education. In fact, nearly 70 percent of students at HBCUs attain at least middle-class incomes after graduation including nearly 70 percent of low-income students. And on an annual basis, HBCUs contribute nearly $15 billion to the economy, produce 134,000 jobs, and create $46.8 billion in alumni career earnings that can be directly attributed to their degrees. HBCUs are clearly centers of advancement and excellence in this country. But it is important to note that this incredible success has been achieved despite over a century of systemic underfunding at both the state and federal levels. That is why my bill, the HBCU PARTNERS Act, is so crucial. This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate, on an annual basis, their efforts to strategically engage and invest in HBCUs. This bill also strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward goals concerning HBCUs and share their plans to advance them with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed. In other words, this legislation provides us with an opportunity to commit to HBCUs in the same way they have committed to the wellbeing and prosperity of our country. And, in a very real way, it provides us with a chance to try and honor our nation's promises. Mr./Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=987,Rep. Ted Budd Medically Cleared to Return to Washington,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Medically Cleared to Return to Washington f t # e Washington, December 7, 2020 Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) released the following statement and video message: I'm happy to report that I've been medically cleared by the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress to return to Washington, DC. I'm incredibly thankful for all of the prayers and well wishes that came my way in the last week, and I can't wait to get back to the people's work. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-s-legislation-codify-president-trump-s-action-hbcus-passes-house,Walkers Legislation to Codify President Trumps Action on HBCUs Passes the House,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today released the following statement upon the House passage of the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (HBCU PARTNERS) Act legislation heintroducedalongside U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.). U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced thecompanion billin the Senate. Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America's HBCUs is essential for Congress' shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina's HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support, Walker said. With this bipartisan legislation, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation's commitment to these vital educational institutions. The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the President's 2017 executive order on HBCUs. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation in those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised. Read the full legislation in its entiretyhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-bill-honoring-julius-chambers-signed-law,Adams' Bill Honoring Julius Chambers Signed into Law,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. A bill introduced byCongresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., (NC-12)to name a Charlotte Post Office in honor of civil rights legend Julius Chambers passed the Senate and was signed into law byPresident Donald Trumplast night.H.R. 4981 is Adams' second bill to rename a US Post Office facility after a civil rights icon to be enacted, joining a 2016 measure to rename the Center City Post Office in Winston-Salem, North Carolina after the poet Maya Angelou. In a February speech on the bill,Adams said, my state and our nation are undoubtedly better for the life of Julius L. Chambers. During this Black History Month, I hope that my colleagues will join me in voting in favor of this legislation and help me honor this civil rights legend in a community he worked so hard to improve. I'd like to first thank Congresswoman Adams for making this great honor of dedication happen,said Derrick Chambers, son of Julius Chambers,On behalf of the Chambers Family we are humbled and thankful for this great honor. Robert Keene, chair of the Chambers-McCain Foundation, provided the following quotes in celebration of the passage of the bill: Julius Chambers'longtime partner and friend, James Ferguson said, I've seen him upset at things that were not right, at injustice, but it was never a personal kind of thing. He didn't have the focus or time to hate. He was too busy trying to make things better for people who needed help. My father had worked on this gentleman's tractor trailer. My father was a mechanic. This gentleman would not pay him, and no lawyer in North Carolina would represent my father in suing this leading white citizen of my community, said Julius Chambers in 2002, reflecting on growing up in Montgomery County, North Carolina. That experience became the driving force in his life's pursuit of justice. North Carolina Representative Brandon Lofton said,I moved to Charlotte to work for Julius Chambers. He taught me how to practice law. More importantly, he showed me what service looks like. He worked tirelessly with an unfailing optimism that we could make things better. His work changed our nation for the better and I am grateful Congress is honoring his legacy. H.R. 4981 designates the US Post Office facility at 2505 Derita Avenue in Charlotte, North Carolina as the Julius L. Chambers Civil Rights Memorial Post Office. The post office is in North Carolina's 12thCongressional District; for reference, it is located in State Senate District 38 (Mohammad), State House District 107 (Alexander), County Commission District 3 (Chair Dunlap), and City Council District 4 (Johnson). This is Adams' second bill that has been signed into law during the 116th Congress. As of press time, Adams is one of only 20 Members of the House of Representatives who have had two or morestand-alonebills signed into law this year. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is a leader on Postal Service issues in the House of Representatives, and she was the first Member of Congress to call on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to resign. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400029,Foxx Applauds Passage of War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Virginia Foxx,F000450,foxx.house.gov,foxx,https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1819, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act: “The brute force of law must be swiftly and decisively applied to the perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide across the world. With the passage of H.R. 1819, the War Crimes Rewards Expansion Act, the United States Government, and governments across the world, take a leap forward in the pursuit of justice. “Under current law, the United States Government can use the War Crimes Rewards Program (WCRP) to pay bounties for information that helps bring these perpetrators to justice. H.R. 1819 clarifies that the WCRP rewards can also be allocated for prosecutions that fall under domestic law – including U.S. law or the law of another country – in addition to the laws of international tribunals. “I’m pleased to see the House pass this vital legislation so that future atrocities will be thwarted, and the many victims of these horrendous acts will receive the justice they so deserve.” ### U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the Republican Leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-legislation-rename-farmville-post-office-after-congressman-walter-b,"Murphy Legislation to Rename Farmville Post Office After Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr. Signed into Law",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, December 3, 2020, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5037, which designates the post office at 3703 North Main Street in Farmville, North Carolina, as the ""Walter B. Jones, Jr. Post Office."" The bill was introduced by Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) on November 12, 2019, passed the House of Representatives on February 5, 2020, and passed the Senate on November 18, 2020. On November 13, 2020, Murphy and the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation wrote a letter to Senate leadership requesting the bill be passed. The text of the letter can be found here. Murphy released the following statement: ""Congressman Walter B. Jones Jr. was not only my predecessor, he was my friend and mentor as well. It was very fitting that the first legislation I introduced as a member of Congress be in his honor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z http://mchenry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402715,McHenry Re-Elected to Serve as Republican Leader of the House Financial Services Committee,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Patrick McHenry,M001156,mchenry.house.gov,,,legacy,"McHenry Re-Elected to Serve as Republican Leader of the House Financial Services Committee Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) was re-elected by members of the House Republican Conference to continue to lead the House Financial Services Committee as Ranking Member. McHenry released the following statement after his re-election:It's an honor to have two more years as the Committee's Republican leader. Over the past two years, Republican Committee Members have delivered on our commitment to innovative solutions and pro-growth policies to support American families and small businesses. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Committee Republicans responded immediately to ensure this health crisis did not become a financial crisis. We know there is more work to be done, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to return our nation to a roaring economy. Republicans have a clear alternative to Democrats' government-first agenda. I look forward to leading in the Financial Services Committee to provide solutions, opportunity, and support to the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-named-best-politician-2020-queen-city-nerve,"Alma Adams Named ""Best Politician"" of 2020 by Queen City Nerve",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLOTTE Yesterday,Queen City Nervereleased its ""Best in the Nest 2020"" list, namingCongresswomen Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)as the critics' choice for ""Best Politician."" ""If there's an issue in which ordinary citizens' rights, well-being and safety are at stake, chances are Adams has been there to take a stand,"" wroteQueen City Nerve. I am humbled to be honored asQueen City Nerve's Best Politician of 2020,said Congresswoman Adams.What we accomplished this year wouldn't have been possible without our hard-working team, as well as all of the constituents and civic leaders who work with us to create a shared vision for One Meck. However, this year's work won't be done until we pass meaningful COVID relief for North Carolina families: something we must do before Congress goes home for the year. The article highlighted many of the bills Congresswoman Adams introduced this year, including theRight to PROTEST Act, theKira Johnson Act, theClosing the Meal Gap Act, and theLocal Farmer Act. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she founded the Adams Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the 12th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-introduces-the-prevent-diabetes-act,Butterfield Introduces the PREVENT DIABETES Act,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Today Representatives G.K. Butterfield (D-CA), Tom Rice (R-SC), Diana DeGette (D-CO), and Tom Reed (R-NY) introduced The Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-Based Strategies (PREVENT DIABETES) Act. Over 3.5 million North Carolinians have prediabetes and this number continues to grow. We know that diabetes disproportionately affects minority communities, especially those living in rural and underserved areas. It is critical to support these vulnerable communities by leveraging every tool at our disposal and providing education and information on healthy choices that will help prevent the development of diabetes. Increasing virtual access to the Diabetes Prevention Program will make it easier for people to access the vital information and care they need, said Congressman G.K. Butterfield. Today I introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act. Approximately 500,000 South Carolinians have diabetes. This legislation will expand virtual suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) to those in rural, minority, or medically undeserved communities to help address disparities and improve lives. My goal is to create policies that give South Carolinians and all Americans access to high quality, efficient health care services under Medicare. MDPP expansion will help empower residents and families to make healthier choices, so we can prosper as a community, said Congressman Tom Rice. Nearly one-third of all adults in this country have either diabetes or prediabetes, said Congressman DeGette, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. Finding ways to prevent more Americans from developing this deadly disease must remain one of our top priorities. This legislation will help us expand access to important resources and make them more available to more Americans including our seniors, and those living in more rural areas, who may otherwise be unable to utilize them. By dramatically expanding virtual access to the Diabetes Prevention Program, a critical Medicare service, we will ensure more Americans can utilize the informational resources they need to make healthy decisions. As Co-Chair of the Diabetes Caucus, we know how important it is to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the United States and support those Americans battling the disease, said Congressman Tom Reed, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. Background: According to the CDC, 13% of American adults have diabetes, including 26.8% of those aged 65 or older. Diabetes prevalence varies substantially by race/ethnicity, affecting 16.4% of Black adults, 14.9% of Asian adults, and 14.7% of Hispanic adults, versus 11.9% of White adults. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in South Carolina. Inclusion of virtual suppliers in MDPP could help to address these disparities and improve outcomes for older Americans across the board. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model is a structured intervention with the goal of preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals with an indication of pre-diabetes. The primary goal of the expanded model is at least 5 percent weight loss by participants. The study found that lifestyle changes resulting in modest weight loss sharply reduced the development of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the disease. This legislation is supported by American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), Association of Diabetes Care + Education Specialists (ADCES), Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), Connected Health Initiative, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, Noom, Novo Nordisk, Omada Health, Teladoc Health, and YMCA of USA. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/reps-hudson-sewell-arrington-and-ruiz-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-remove,"Reps. Hudson, Sewell, Arrington and Ruiz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Remove Barriers to Innovative Multi-Cancer Screening Technology for Medicare Beneficiaries",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) joined U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Jodey Arrington (TX-19) and Raul Ruiz (CA-36) today to introduce H.R. 8845, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, legislation to ensure timely Medicare coverage of groundbreaking early cancer detection tests for our nation's seniors. The bipartisan legislation recognizes emerging advances in our nation's fight against cancer by ensuring Medicare coverage for new, innovative tests that detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop. ""Families are devastated by a cancer diagnosis and as the second leading cause of death in the United States, it happens all too often,"" said lead Republican cosponsor from the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Richard Hudson. ""By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests through Medicare, we can save lives in North Carolina and around the country by catching more cancers sooner and allowing treatments to begin before cancers reach late stages. As a member of the Health Subcommittee, I look forward to advancing this bipartisan legislation."" ""Cancer survival rates are higher when detected early, but we are losing too many Americans to cancer simply because we do not catch it early enough. Too often, those who are most likely to be diagnosed at late stages are members of our most vulnerable communities: minority, economically fragile, and rural populations,"" said Rep. Sewell, the lead sponsor of the bill. ""Our transformative legislation will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries are able to benefit from breakthrough screening technologies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to modernize the Medicare coverage statute and ensure timely access to multi-cancer screening for beneficiaries."" ""Multi-cancer early detection is an incredible example of the US leading in medical innovation,"" stated lead Republican cosponsor from the Ways and Means Committee Rep. Arrington. ""This type of screening has the potential to drastically improve quality of life for American cancer patients and their families, and early detection will save taxpayer dollars by treating cancer before it spreads. I am proud to support this legislation and pave the way for Medicare beneficiaries to access this life-changing technology."" ""Detecting cancer early improves health outcomes and saves lives,"" said lead Democratic sponsor from the Energy and Commerce Committee Dr. Raul Ruiz. ""With innovative medical technologies, we can catch more cancers earlier than ever, but patients must be able to access these screenings. That's why it's very important for Medicare policy to keep pace with the development of multi-cancer screenings. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act of 2020 to modernize Medicare coverage so older Americans can access these screenings and improve their health outcomes."" The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act responds to a misalignment between advances in science and Medicare coverage by allowing for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer screening. It would: Create the authority for CMS to cover blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests and future test methods (like urine or hair tests), once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Congress has acted before to create coverage for other cancer screenings including mammography and colorectal screenings. Maintain CMS' authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests. State that these new tools will complement, not replace, existing screenings and coverage and cost sharing will not be impacted. Under current law, Medicare coverage of preventive services is limited to circumstances in which Congress has explicitly authorized coverage or the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the service with a grade of A or B. In the absence of this legislation, it could take several years after the FDA approval before Medicare beneficiaries could receive coverage for such tests. This bill would greatly reduce any such access delays for seniors while allowing CMS to use its evidence-based process to determine coverage. Accordingly, these new multi-cancer screening tools will complement existing screenings and dramatically improve our nation's cancer early detection capabilities. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has the support of a number of organizations, including the: National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Prevent Cancer Foundation, Association of Community Cancer Centers, and Cancer Support Community. The text of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act can be found here. Read what others are saying below. ""This year has exposed the inequities in our nation's healthcare system, but we have known for some time that cancer has an outsized impact on communities of color,"" said Gary A. Puckerin, PhD, President and CEO of NMQF. ""We must be ready to take full advantage of new technologies that give us the chance to not only close the gap in cancer outcomes among racial and ethnic groups, but also reduce patient risk for everyone. New multi-cancer early detection tests hold that promise and this legislation is essential to helping us achieve it."" ""We know early detection of cancer saves lives,"" said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). ""By creating a pathway for Medicare to cover new, innovative, FDA-approved screening tests, this legislation would help provide more individuals with access to additional tools they and their providers can utilize to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage."" ""Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and today we are thrilled to celebrate the introduction of this important bill aimed at providing access to tests that will save lives through the early detection of cancer,"" said Carolyn R. ""Bo"" Aldigé, Founder and CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. ""As a community health center serving on the front lines in a region that's predominantly people of color, we see first-hand the inequities that exist related to cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes,"" said Anthony Gardner, CEO of Alabama Regional Medical Services. ""We know that late-stage cancer is extraordinarily deadly. This legislation will place another tool in our arsenal to detect cancer early when it is easiest to treat and survival is greatest."" ""As the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Health Medical Program, I see firsthand that the health of rural residents suffers because of where we live,"" said Keshee Dozier-Smith, CEO of the Rural Health Medical Program. ""The communities that we serve are underinsured and uninsured minorities that suffer from chronic health conditions, with cancer being one of the leading deaths that go undetected in rural communities in Alabama due to the lack of availability and affordability. Providing access to Multi-cancer Early Detection Screenings creates opportunities to make real progress in the individuals and families we serve sooner rather than later in closing this gap."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senator-burr-applauds-department-of-transportations-revised-rule-of-service-animals-on-flights,Senator Burr Applauds Department of Transportation’s Revised Rule of Service Animals on Flights,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Burr,B001135,www.burr.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.20 Senator Burr Applauds Department of Transportation's Revised Rule of Service Animals on Flights The Department of Transportation yesterday announced its revision to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation of service animals on aircraft to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), who has led efforts to strengthen the standards of service animals on aircraft, applauded the Department of Transportation's final rule. For too long, some people have taken advantage of the service animal program by fraudulently claiming disability needs so they could bring a ridiculous range of animals on flights, said Senator Burr. The Department of Transportation's revised rule is a commonsense fix and a big win for Americans and for veterans with disabilities. It protects the ability of those with legitimate needs to safely travel with trained service animals. I've worked for years to create stricter service animal guidelines, and I applaud the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of creating a safer and more accessible air transportation system. Background: In April 2018, Senator Burr introduced legislation to better align the definition of a service animal under the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA) with the definition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), establish a criminal penalty for making misrepresentations about service animals, and require federal agencies to establish a standard of service animal behavior training for animals on aircraft. During consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act in October 2018, Senator Burr negotiated the inclusion of an amendment to require the FAA to establish rulemaking to define the term service animal for air transportation and develop minimum standards for service and emotional support animals carried on airplanes. On January 22, 2020, as a result of Senator Burr's successful negotiation, the Department of Transportation announced that it was seeking public comment on its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on traveling by air with service animals. The final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals can be found here. Specifically, the Department of Transportation's final rule: Defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability; No longer considers an emotional support animal to be a service animal; Requires airlines to treat psychiatric service animals the same as other service animals; Allows airlines to require forms developed by the DOT attesting to a service animal's health, behavior, and training. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-lowey-introduce-public-safety-and-wildlife-protection-act,"Adams, Lowey Introduce the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act",2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today,Congresswomen Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12)andNitaM.Lowey (NY-17)introduced thePublic Safety and Wildlife Protection Act. I'm introducing the Public Safety and Wildlife ProtectionAct today because we cannot afford to ignore the danger posed by antiquated body-gripping traps,said Congresswoman Adams.Wildlife, pets, and people are placed in harm's way whenever theseviolenttraps are around. I am proud to reintroduce this important piece of legislation with my colleague, Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, to protect our wildlife and our families. I am proud to fight alongside Congresswoman Adams to eliminate the use of antiquated steel-jaw and Conibear traps that cause unnecessary violence to our wildlife, environment, and communities,said Congresswoman Lowey.While the use of these traps is cruel and unnecessary to wildlife, the devices also pose a risk to adults, children, and pets. I commend my colleague's dedication to this fight, and I hope now we can finally rid our ecosystems of the scourge of violent traps and better protect all living things. ThePublic Safety and Wildlife Protection Actwould prohibit interstate shipment ofsteel-jawleghold and Conibear traps.This legislation will not supersede a state's policies and regulations on trapping; it does, however, ensure that these two dangerous traps do not cross state lines. According to a 2015 Responsive Management report, almost 90 percent of trappers used eithersteel-jawleghold or Conibear traps. Although each state regulates the use ofsteel-jawleghold or Conibear traps, there are no federal laws preventing trappers from crossing state lines with these traps. Steel-jaw leghold traps and Conibear traps can inflict tremendous suffering on any animal caught in the metal jaws, said Cathy Liss, president of AWI. Animals who do not die right away are left in agony, pinned by the powerful spring-loaded clamp. Furthermore, anyone can step into these barbaric devices, including people and their pets. It's time to evolve beyond such an archaic method of capturing wildlife, and I thank Representatives Adams and Lowey for championing the Public Safety and Wildlife Protection Act to curtail the use of such traps,said Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. According to Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA, Without a doubt, trapping is dangerous, indiscriminate, and barbarically cruel. Leghold and Conibear traps are the two most used in the U.S., and they cause massive suffering not only to targeted wild animals, but also to endangered species, beloved pets, and even children. Preliminary, ongoing research conducted by Born Free USA has indicated it is startlingly easy to purchase traps over the internet, bypassing trapping education courses and other state trapping regulations. It is important to take significant steps to limit the impact and spread of these traps. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she founded the Adams Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the 12th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=985,Rep. Ted Budd Leads GOP Effort to Protect Key House Rule,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Advance, N.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) sent a letter to the House Rules Committee and House Democrat leadership demanding that they cease any changes to the Motion to Recommit, a critical procedural tool used by the Minority Party to improve legislation. Rep. Budd was joined by 108 House Republicans. The letter reads: We write to express concern that House Democrats are considering additional changes to the rules that would be detrimental to the rights of the Minority party in the House of Representatives for years to come. Specifically, we are referring to the elimination or the raising of the threshold on a Motion to Recommit (MTR). As you know, an MTR is a critical procedural tool that gives the Minority party one last opportunity to improve legislation before a final vote on the House floor. In fact, in the 116th Congress, just over 10 percent of MTR attempts were successful. These changes made a real difference and made these bills better. For example, in 2019, when Speaker Pelosi brought a bill to the floor that required background checks for gun sales, House Republicans offered an MTR that required gun sellers to notify Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of any undocumented immigrant who tries to purchase a gun. The MTR passed by a bipartisan margin of 220 - 209. This marked a crucial legislative achievement for the safety and security of the American people. In another instance from 2020, House Democrats brought a bill to the floor that would allow private parties to sue public schools for racial discrimination. To improve the bill, House Republicans offered an MTR requiring that anti-Semitism also be considered a form of illegal discrimination. The MTR passed with 255 bipartisan votes. These and countless other examples highlight the importance of the MTR and how this procedural motion not only increases transparency between Members of Congress and their constituents, but holds members accountable and forces them to go on record for the viewpoints that they hold. Eliminating or watering down the MTR would only serve to shield members from criticism, suffocate debate on key policy initiatives, and overturn long standing House precedent. We implore you to do everything in your power to ensure that the Motion to Recommit remains unchanged. Thank you for your consideration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=986,Rep. Ted Budd Helps Secure COVID-19 Funding For Restaurants and Hotels,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Helps Secure COVID-19 Funding For Restaurants and Hotels f t # e Advance, N.C., December 2, 2020 Advance, N.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) announced that he helped secure a $172,115 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant, supports the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association with providing focused technical assistance directly to hospitality businesses across the state of North Carolina that were adversely impacted by COVID-19. Rep. Budd sent a letter to the EDA on July 27, 2020 requesting this grant funding for small North Carolina restaurants and hotels. The grant's full description reads: This EDA investment supports the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association with providing focused technical assistance directly to hospitality businesses across the state of North Carolina that were adversely impacted by COVID-19. The technical assistance will include support for restaurants navigating changing supply chains, web and marketing support and recommendations and support to identify loans and operational and regulatory issues that are posing challenges to companies looking to fully reopen. Once implemented, the project will strengthen the regional economy and advance economic resiliency throughout the region. The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://butterfield.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butterfield-appointed-senior-chief-deputy-whip-for-the-117th-congress,Butterfield Appointed Senior Chief Deputy Whip for the 117th Congress,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,G. Butterfield,B001251,butterfield.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement on being appointed Senior Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus for the 117th Congress: I am honored to be entrusted with the position of Senior Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus for the 117th Congress. I am particularly humbled to assume the role previously held by the late Representative John Lewis who served in this distinguished position for many years. I appreciate the confidence of my friend and mentor, Congressman Jim Clyburn, who appointed me to this leadership role. I look forward to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to pass legislation that will create good paying jobs and help the American economy build back better from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I will support the Biden Administration's legislative agenda as we work together to provide economic security to America's families."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/advisory-congresswoman-alma-adams-events-week,Advisory: Congresswoman Alma Adams Events this Week,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLOTTEWhile continuing to work for Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in Washington,Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12)willparticipate in aTransit is the Future forum tomorrow, Wednesday December 2.Her office will then host a Holiday Resource Fair on Thursday December 3. ""I'm excited to join the conversation on Wednesday. My toplocalinfrastructure priority in the 117th Congress is making a comprehensive transit system a reality foreveryone inMecklenburg County,""said Congresswoman Adams.""Charlotte's future is in reach, so it's up to all of us to work together to make sure future development is equitable, sustainable, and creates opportunity and investment across our community."" ""December is a critical time for our community. COVID-19 relief benefits are running out, and more of our neighbors are facing housing insecurity as temperatures plummet,""said Congresswoman Adams.""My office is committed to connecting our community to critical resources in this time of great need. No family should be left out in the cold this holiday season."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://budd.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=983,Rep. Ted Budd Statement After Testing Positive for COVID-19,2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,budd.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ted Budd Statement After Testing Positive for COVID-19 f t # e Advance, NC, December 1, 2020 Advance, N.C. -- Today, Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) released the following statement and video message:I want to let folks know that I tested positive for COVID-19 today and will be quarantining on the farm for a bit. I have very mild symptoms, but I'm still working with my district and DC staff remotely. Even though I have to stay here in North Carolina for the time being, I'll keep fighting for solutions that will help people who are feeling the impact of COVID much worse than I am. Nothing is going to stop me from doing the job that the voters elected me to do. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://mchenry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402714,McHenry on Senator Kathy Harrington Becoming North Carolina's First Female Senate Majority Leader,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Patrick McHenry,M001156,mchenry.house.gov,,,legacy,"McHenry on Senator Kathy Harrington Becoming North Carolina's First Female Senate Majority Leader Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) released the following statement on the unanimous election of Senator Kathy Harringtonof Gastoniaas the first female majority leader oftheNorth CarolinaSenate:""Congratulations to my longtime friend Kathy Harrington on this tremendous honor. Kathy is a proven operator within the Republican Caucus who commands the attention of her colleagues when she speaks. Kathy's election as Majority Leader marks a historic choice for NC Senate Republicans and one I know they will not regret.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-november-review,Rep. Adams' November in Review,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"2436 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-3312 202-225-1510 (office) 202-225-1512 (fax) Hours: M-F 9-6pm",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=4935,"In Case You Missed It: Medical malpractice claims delay 'unacceptable,' Rep. Hudson tells DoD (Fox 46)",2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE)Bipartisan anger on Capitol Hill continues to grow as military families, whose loved ones were injured or killed due to medical malpractice, are left in limbo. In a letter to Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, Fort Bragg Congressman Richard Hudson (R-Concord) calls the Defense Department's delay in processing medical malpractice claims unacceptable. When we initially began this endeavor to bring equitable treatment to those harmed by medical malpractice, it was noted that the DoD was opposed to this effort, Hudson wrote. I sincerely hope that this is not an effort by the Department to delay a policy that they do not support. Active duty soldiers are not allowed to sue the government because of a controversial 1950 Supreme Court ruling known as the Feres Doctrine. A law signed last year, following a series of FOX 46 investigations, gives service members the right to be compensated for the first time for botched and negligent care. While thisdoes not wholly repeal the Feres Doctrine, Hudson wrote, it is a positive step towards the equitable treatment of our men and women in uniform. Last year, a bipartisan bill that Hudson worked on was introduced in Congress. It stemmed from a series of FOX 46 reports on the botched care that Fort Bragg Green Beret Sgt. 1stClassRichard Stayskalreceived at Womack Army Medical Center. Doctors misdiagnosed his lung cancer as pneumonia. He is now Stage 4. Defense officials told Congress an interim final rule needed to implement the law would be released no later than Sept. 30. Nearly two months later, DoD officials say it is still well underway almost a yearafter President Trump signed the law. [W]e are now well past this target and there is still no timeline on when a rule will be made public, Hudson wrote. This delay is unacceptable. Read the entire article and Congressman Hudson's letter to the Department of Defensehere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/in-case-you-missed-it-medical-malpractice-claims-delay-unacceptable-rep-hudson-tells,"In Case You Missed It: Medical malpractice claims delay 'unacceptable,' Rep. Hudson tells DoD (Fox 46)",2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE)– Bipartisan anger on Capitol Hill continues to grow as military families, whose loved ones were injured or killed due to medical malpractice, are left in limbo. In a letter to Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, Fort Bragg Congressman Richard Hudson (R-Concord) calls the Defense Department's delay in processing medical malpractice claims ""unacceptable."" ""When we initially began this endeavor to bring equitable treatment to those harmed by medical malpractice, it was noted that the DoD was opposed to this effort,"" Hudson wrote. ""I sincerely hope that this is not an effort by the Department to delay a policy that they do not support."" Active duty soldiers are not allowed to sue the government because of a controversial 1950 Supreme Court ruling known as the Feres Doctrine. A law signed last year, following a series of FOX 46 investigations, gives service members the right to be compensated for the first time for botched and negligent care. ""While this…does not wholly repeal the Feres Doctrine,"" Hudson wrote, ""it is a positive step towards the equitable treatment of our men and women in uniform."" Last year, a bipartisan bill that Hudson worked on was introduced in Congress. It stemmed from a series of FOX 46 reports on the botched care that Fort Bragg Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Richard Stayskal received at Womack Army Medical Center. Doctors misdiagnosed his lung cancer as pneumonia. He is now Stage 4. Defense officials told Congress an interim final rule needed to implement the law would be released no later than Sept. 30. Nearly two months later, DoD officials say it is still ""well underway"" – almost a year after President Trump signed the law. ""[W]e are now well past this target and there is still no timeline on when a rule will be made public,"" Hudson wrote. ""This delay is unacceptable."" Read the entire article and Congressman Hudson's letter to the Department of Defense here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://price.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-price-statement-death-larry-willis-president-transportation-trades,"Rep. Price Statement on Death of Larry Willis, President of Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO",2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,NC,David Price,P000523,price.house.gov,,,legacy,"Raleigh, NC(November 30, 2020) Congressman David Price (NC-04),Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and UrbanDevelopment Appropriations Subcommittee,released a statement on thetragicdeath of theLarry Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO: I join our labor brothers and sistersinmourningthe loss ofLarryWillis, President of Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO. Hewasa fierce advocate for transportation workersand their families, improvingtheir livesand livelihoods. His leadership greatly benefitedour nation and thetraveling public byensuring our transportation systemsremainedsafe and efficient, saidCongressman Price. Larry's dedicationwasevidentthroughouthis distinguished career,andhissteadfastdetermination tofight on behalf of our nation's rail, transit, aviation, and maritime workers willforeverbeenshrined in the legislation he helped shape andthe lives of those who worked with him. I offer my sincere condolences toLarry'swife, daughter,friends, andcolleagues.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://walker.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/walker-honors-dr-joe-giaritelli-community-hero-month,Walker Honors Dr. Joe Giaritelli as Community Hero of the Month,2020-11-30,2020,2020-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Mark Walker,W000819,walker.house.gov,,,legacy,"GREENSBORO, N.C.U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.)honored Dr. Joe Giaritelli as the Sixth District Community Hero of the Month for November 2020. Each month, Walker awards a constituent, business, or organization for displaying extraordinary acts of service and for making a difference in the lives around them. For more than two decades, Dr. Joe's heart and leadership hasgreatly impacted thousands of people throughout Central North Carolina, serving his community with integrity, grace and success, Walker said. Over the course of six years, I was privileged to see firsthand the difference Dr. Joe has made, and am honored to present him with this award. Dr. Joe Giaritelli has been the Senior Pastor of Lawndale Baptist Church in Greensboro for nearly 22 years. Affectionately called Dr. Joe by many of his friends and family, he has been in the ministry for 35 years. While in Greensboro, he has led multiple efforts to realize his vision for Lawndale as a leader in serving the community. He has been involved in implementing dozens of community ministry programs, including the church's annual Thanksgiving Feeding the 5000 event. The church continued thetradition this year, giving out turkeys during a drive-up event to families in need. Dr. Joe Giaritelli and his wife, PJ, live in Greensboro. He was presented with a certificate and a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/fema-awards-havelock-176-million-repair-woodhaven-drive,FEMA Awards Havelock $1.76 Million to Repair Woodhaven Drive,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Havelock, N.C. – On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the town of Havelock $1,755,560.55 to repair damage on Woodhaven Drive that occurred as a direct result of Hurricane Florence. Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thanksgiving-140-members-congress-support-adams-harris-bill-expand-and,"This Thanksgiving, 140 Members of Congress Support Adams-Harris Bill to Expand and Strengthen SNAP Benefits",2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.This Thanksgiving season, 16 Members of Congress joinedCongresswoman Alma Adamsas well asU.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), among others,in supporting theClosing the Meal Gap Act,legislation that expands and strengthens Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for vulnerable community members that are struggling to make ends meet. With food banks experiencing skyrocketing demand across the country, the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the need for SNAP to combat food insecurity. Congresswoman Alma Adamsoriginally introducedtheClosing the Meal Gap Act in 2017 before introducing it again in 2019. TheClosing the Meal Gap Acthas beenendorsed by Feeding America and the Food Research and Action Centerand currently has139 cosponsors in Congress. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began,more thanthirty-five millionAmericansstruggled every day to put food on their table. Now, it's even clearer thatSNAPbenefits are simply not generous enough to provide the help people need,said Congresswoman Adams.Feeding America reports that, due to the pandemic, more thanfifty millionAmericansmay experience food insecurity in 2020, which is why strengthening SNAP is more important than ever.This Thanksgiving, no family should go without food on their table. New cosponsors includeRepresentatives Luis Correa (CA-46), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Donald Payne (NJ-10), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Susan Wild (PA-07), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Brendan Boyle (PA-02). TheClosing the Meal Gap Actis endorsed byThe Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Feeding America, Share Our Strength, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Miami-Dade County, the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative, the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, RESULTS: The Power to End Poverty, and Loaves & Fishes (NC). SNAP is one of our nation's most important and effective anti-hunger programs; it has been proven todecrease food insecurity and poverty and improve long-term health outcomesfor recipients. However, the rising cost of food in our country outpaces SNAP benefits each year, forcing families to choose between putting food on their tables and covering other important expenses. SNAP benefits provide a mere$1.39 per meal. That's partially because benefit levels are based on the Thrifty Food Plan, a restrictive model used to calculate food costs that does not meet the needs of today's low wage workers and their families.The latestUSDA Household Food Securityreport showed that the typical U.S. household spent 28 percent more on food than Thrifty Food Plan estimates. The Closing the Meal Gap Act which would help families put food on the table by modernizing and improving SNAP to meet the needs of the moment. The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2019 will: Support seniors and people with disabilitieswho face high medical costsby permanently authorizing the standard medical deduction in every state at a minimum of $140.Individuals with high expenses could continue to apply for a higher, itemized medical deduction. Increase benefits by approximately 30 percentby modernizing the SNAP formulato better take into account for the cost of nutritious food and household needs and raising the minimum SNAP benefit from $16 to $25 per month. Ease the burden on families living in areas with high rent and utility costsby eliminating the cap on the Excess Shelter Deductionto better take into account the cost of living for these SNAP recipients. Provide relief for college students struggling to earn an educationby allowing full-time and half-time students who qualify for SNAP to be exempt from work requirements. Text of the bill can be foundhere. Cosponsors of theClosing the Meal Gap Actin the 116thCongress includeRepresentatives Aguilar, Barragn, Bass, Beatty, Bishop, Jr., Blumenauer, Boyle, Brown, Brownley, Butterfield, Carbajal, Crdenas, Carson, Castro, Chu, Cicilline, Clark, Clarke, Clay, Cleaver, Cohen, Connolly, Correa, Cox, Crist, Cummings, Davis, Dean, DeGette, DeLauro, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Deutch, Doyle, Eshoo, Espaillat, Evans, Gallego, Garamendi, Garca (IL), Garcia (TX), Gomez, Gonzalez, Grijalva, Haaland, Hastings, Hayes, Heck, Huffman, Jackson Lee, Jayapal, Johnson (TX), Kaptur, Keating, Kennedy, Khanna, Kilmer, Krishnamoorthi, Langevin, Larsen, Lawson, Lee (CA), Levin (MI), Lewis, Lieu, Lofgren, Lowenthal, Lujan, Lynch, Malinowski, C. Maloney, S. Maloney, Matsui, McEachin, McGovern, McNerney, Meeks, Meng, Moore, Morelle, Moulton, Nadler, Napolitano, Neal, Neguse, Norton, O'Halleran, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pallone, Payne, Perlmutter, Peters, Pingree, Pocan, Pressley, Price, Raskin, Rice (NY), Richmond, Rouda, Roybal-Allard, Ruppersberger, Rush, Ryan, Snchez, Sarbanes, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schiff, Schrier, Serrano, Sewell, Sherman, Sherrill, Sires, Smith, Soto, Speier, Swalwell, Takano, Thompson (CA), Tlaib, Tonko, Torres, Trahan, Vargas, Veasey, Velazquez, Wasserman Schultz, Waters, Watson Coleman, Welch, Wild, and Wilson; SenatorsHarris, Gillibrand, Sanders, and Menendez. CongresswomanAlmaAdamsrepresents North Carolina's 12thCongressional District (Charlotte) and serves asViceChairof the House Committee onAgriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves asChairof the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-announces-new-sponsors-local-and-regional-farmer-and-market,Adams Announces New Sponsors of the Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. In August of 2o2o,Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Vice Chair of the House's Committee on Agriculture, introduced theLocal and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act (Local Farmer Act)tohelp save the farmers, farms, and families hardest hit by COVID-19. TheLocal Farmer Actwould address concerns about these farmers by targeting aid directly to local and regional food producers and markets as they cope with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. This week,Reps. Pingree, Fudge, Schrier, Langevin, Khanna, Blumenauer, Gabbard, San Nicolas, andKapturhave signed on as co-sponsorsof this critical legislation. I'm proud tobe joined by my colleagues in support of theLocal and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act, which would target pandemic aid directly to local and regional producers and markets, with specific support built-in for farmers of color and minority-owned markets, to help them weather thecontinuedimpacts ofCOVID-19,said Vice Chair Adams.This legislation continues to be urgent because small and mid-sized farms, especially those operated by Black, Indigenous and other farmers of color, have been among those hardest hit by COVID-19. Any upcoming COVID-19 relief package must include help for these farmers and the local farmers markets and they depend on. TheLocal Farmer Actwould: Create an alternative coronavirus relief payment program for farmers that sell in local and regional markets based on their historic revenue, rather than price loss; Ensure that these COVID-19 relief payments cannot be used by USDAto repay farmers' outstanding FSA loans; Provide emergency response grants for farmers markers and local food enterprisestoimplement public health protections and coronavirus-smart marketing practices; Provide emergency response grants to direct marketing farmers to help them respond to shifting markets and adopt new socially-distant practices and sales models; Provide more equitable distribution of relief funds sothat farmers of color and small farmsget the funds they need to survive;and Provide robust outreach and technical assistance to BIPOC farmers and ranchers. A link to a summary of the bill is available here. TheLocal Farmer Actis supported by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. I support this initiative to help our farmers and farmers markets, including small and minority farmers, especially as we have seen an increasing consumer interest in locally sourced foods, saidAgriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. Local markets are essential food sources in many communities and are important sales venue for farmers. This bill would help ensure they can remain open and operate within COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations. The small farms that provide our communities healthy food at farmers markets, independent restaurants, and schools are the backbone of our local food economies,said Roland McReynolds,Executive Director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. The Local Farmer Act will help these farmers and ranchers stay in business and continue to nourish us all through this crisis. According to Carolina Farm Stewardship'sSurvey, over seventy-five percent of small farms in the Carolinas have seen their revenue decline due to COVID-19, including more than one-third whose sales dropped more than $1,000 per week. The viability of Black-owned farms and cooperatives depends largely on direct marketing in local and regional farmers markets. COVID-19 has caused many of these farmers markets to close, disproportionately impacting Black farmers and cooperatives.Many of our farmers and their cooperatives will not survive under current market conditions. For those who survive this pandemic, the economic recovery will be a long one requiring policymakers to specifically target support programs which are intentional and inclusive,said Cornelius Blanding,Executive Director,Federation of Southern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund. We are grateful to Congresswoman Adams for introducing legislation which will stabilize local and regional farmers markets while ensuring that socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers get the technical assistance they need to retool and create marketing opportunities during COVID-19. Farmers and ranchers have been under intense stress and facing market uncertainty for months during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and Representative Adams recognizes that Congress must step up to help. This bill recognizes the need for more effective, targeted aid that meets the real needs of the producers and local food businesses working hard to feed their communities right now,said Eric Deeble,Policy Director for the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Congresswoman Alma Adamsrepresents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. In 2015, she founded the Adams Hunger Initiative to address food insecurity across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the 12th Congressional District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kira-johnson-act-gains-momentum-congress-adams-urges-passage,Kira Johnson Act Gains Momentum in Congress as Adams Urges Passage,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,Senate,NC,Alma Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus,is urgingpassage ofher bill, theKira Johnson Act, before Congress goes home for the year.H.R. 6144, theKira Johnson Act, gained 13 additional Cosponsors. As COVID-19 continues to put enormous pressure on birthing parents, I'm highlighting an important bill in theBlack Maternal HealthMomnibus: the Kira Johnson Act. The bill invests in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity rates overall, and especially for Black women,said Representative Adams, co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.Prior to the pandemic, Black moms were three to four times more likely than white moms to die in childbirth. Since January, 38,000 pregnant women in the US have been diagnosed with COVID-19.As pregnant women continue to seek necessary maternal health care during the pandemic, we must invest in culturally-competent organizations. Community-based health care providers are leading the charge in improving outcomes for Black women and birthing persons.Now is the time to close the Black maternal health gap. Black moms matter, and we need every Member of Congress to stand up and join us in supporting policies that save lives. Addressing our nation's Black maternal health crisis must remain a top priority in Congress, especially in the midst of a pandemic that is exacerbating health inequities. The Kira Johnson Act provides critical funding to community-based organizations and other programs that will be needed to address the glaring racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Congresswoman Adams and our Black Maternal Health Caucus to advance the Kira Johnson Act and the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in the remaining months of the 116th Congress,said Rep. Lauren Underwood. Information from the Centers for Disease Control on maternal mortality and morbidity during COVID-19 is available here. Approximately 8,000 pregnant women have been hospitalized during COVID-19, predominately women of color. At least 51 pregnant women have died from the virus. Kira's story is heartbreaking (video,graphic), and Rep. Adams believes no woman should have to experience what Kira went through. In anhour-long interview about Black Maternal Healthon WFAE's Charlotte Talks earlier this year, Congresswoman Adams described how close her own daughter came to having a maternal health crisis, and how important it is to fight for legislation that recognizes that Black moms matter. Specifically, the Kira Johnson Act would: Fund grant programs to reduce bias, racism, and discrimination trainings for all employees in maternity care settings. Provide funding for community-based organizations to prevent maternal mortality and severe morbidity among Black women. Establish Respectful Maternity Care Compliance Offices within hospitals to provide mechanisms for pregnant and postpartum patients to report instances of disrespect or evidence of racial, ethnic, or other types of bias and promote accountability. Direct the National Academies to study issues related to these training programs and the impact of the compliance offices. New co-sponsors includeReps.Deb Haaland (NM-01), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03),Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Andre Carson (IN-07), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Judy Chu (CA-27), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Dwight Evans (PA-03), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). The bill's original co-sponsors in the House includeRep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Rep. Elenaor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, (PA-05), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01), Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-07), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Rep. Al Lawson, Jr. (FL-05), Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37),and previous co-sponsors includeReps. David Trone (MD-06) and Abby Finkenauer (IA-01).The entire Momnibus is led in the Senate bySenator Kamala Harris (CA). Adams co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus in 2019 and co-led the introduction of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2020 in March. Over 2000 people, includingSenators Cory Booker and Kamala HarrisandRep. Underwood, participated in her Women's Symposium on Black Maternal Health During COVID-19 in April (video). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-sends-letter-secretary-mnuchin-requesting-intervention-north-carolina,Murphy Sends Letter to Secretary Mnuchin Requesting Intervention in North Carolina Broadband Funding,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, November 19, 2020, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin requesting clarification on the ability for the State of North Carolina to use funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for rural broadband. Millions of dollars were appropriated for North Carolina to invest in rural broadband under the CARES Act. However, the North Carolina State Office of State Budget and Management, under the Roy Cooper Administration, notified North Carolina broadband providers of its intention to divert $30 million of funding initially designated for the state's rural broadband program. The North Carolina Department of Information Technology is also denying rural broadband providers CARES Act funding. A digital copy of the letter can be found here. Murphy released the following statement: ""The CARES Act clearly appropriated millions of dollars for the purpose of expanding broadband in the State of North Carolina. There has been precedent of many other states using the CARES Act monies for this specific purpose. It is puzzling as to why the Cooper Administration is denying these much-needed funds for North Carolina's rural broadband. This withholding of funding for service providers disproportionately affects rural areas and low-income families who need internet the most, particularly during a time where school and work are at least partially being conducted online.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z