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://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-releases-end-year-report-highlighting-legislation,"Congressman Don Davis Releases End of Year Report, Highlighting Legislation, Constituent Casework, and Strong Bipartisanship Track Record",2023-12-28,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Find the End-of-Year Report here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) marked the culmination of his first year in Congress by unveiling his end-of-year report. The report highlights legislative achievements and successful constituent casework wins, underscoring his commitment to North Carolina’s First Congressional District.

“As a native of eastern North Carolina, I am honored to serve the people of North Carolina’s First Congressional District. My team and I have fought hard to ensure that national leaders see and hear our voices. In 2023, I voted to avert two government shutdowns, which otherwise would have devastated the East, and prioritized tackling health care, the needs of rural America and agriculture, and national security,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Eastern North Carolinians have unique needs and interests. Many have conveyed concerns about inflation, good-paying jobs, housing, public safety, schools, the looming national debt, the crisis at the southern border, and child care. I will lead us in 2024 and beyond, working to address these issues. We must keep the American Dream within reach for our children and future generations.”

SIGNIFICANT HIGHLIGHTS:

Over $260 million in federal grant funds were distributed to invest in eastern North Carolina communities.

More than $3.5 million from federal agencies returned to eastern North Carolina families, veterans, and seniors.

Introduced 17 bipartisan pieces of legislation.

More than $16 million was submitted for Community Project Funding.

Over 1,000 meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure residents' voices are heard and amplified in Washington, D.C.

Resolved nearly 1,000 constituent casework requests.

A total of 85% of Congressman Davis’ votes were bipartisan.

Rated #1 in his class seeking common ground solutions in Congress and the #3 most bipartisan House Democrat based on his voting record.

Ranked #6 for advocating through Floor speeches in the House of Representatives.

Inserted over 80 remarks into the Congressional Record highlighting residents of the East.

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/senate-passes-tillis-bill-to-equip-law-enforcement-with-trauma-kits,Senate Passes Tillis Bill To Equip Law Enforcement With Trauma Kits,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate recently passed the American Law Enforcement Sustaining Aid and Vital Emergency Resources(SAVER) Act, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to equip law enforcement officers with quality trauma kits to immediately respond to civilian or first responder injuries during emergency calls.

“As a strong supporter of our brave men and women in law enforcement, I was proud to co-introduce this legislation which would equip law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Tillis. “Ensuring law enforcement officers have effective trauma kits will save countless lives. I am proud the American Law Enforcement SAVER Act passed the Senate and look forward to quick passage in the House to ensure our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need.”

Background:

The effectiveness of a law enforcement trauma kit program depends in part on the contents and the quality of the kits. Medical professionals recommend that a kit include bleeding control supplies like tourniquets, bandages, non-latex gloves, scissors, and instructions. However, there is enormous variation in the products available on the market. The American Law Enforcement SAVER Act would:

Establish baseline standards in consultation with law enforcement and medical professionals for trauma kits purchased using grant funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG);

Require the development of optional best practices that law enforcement agencies can adapt for training law enforcement officers to use trauma kits and for deployment and maintenance of the kits in vehicles and government facilities.

The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, National Criminal Justice Association, The Wounded Blue, American Trauma Society, Society of Trauma Nurses, American College of Surgeons, and American College of Emergency Physicians.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-slam-dhs-decision-to-suspend-rail-commerce-at-border-to-process-more-migrants,"Tillis, Colleagues Slam DHS Decision to Suspend Rail Commerce at Border to Process More Migrants",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding the BidenAdministration re-open railway commerce at the Southern border. Earlier this week, the Administration closed the railways to process migrants illegally crossing the border.

“We write today to express our serious concern with the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) recent actions to suspend international railway crossings and rail operations in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. On December 18, 2023, CBP pulled personnel from those operations and redirected them to assist with the migrant surges at the southwest border. In recent weeks, CBP has suspended vehicle processing at Eagle Pass International Bridge 1 and operations at California’s San Ysidro Pedestrian West and Arizona’s Lukeville Port of Entry. Without putting real policies in place to cut the increasing flow of illegal immigration, our national security and economy will continue to pay the price,” the senators wrote.

“CBP’s decision to suspend rail service and close international crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso directly and immediately impacts our carriers’ ability to move goods across the North American rail network and to the North American consumers who rely on them. The success of our trade partnership with Mexico relies on the successful operation of these international railway crossings. U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico totaled an estimated $855.1 billion in 2022. Eagle Pass and El Paso accounted for a total of $33.95 billion or 35.8% of all cross-border rail traffic to and from Mexico in the last year,” the senators continued.

“The crisis at our nation’s southern border is unprecedented and is the worst it has ever been in our country’s history. Only smarter and effective policies will guide us out of it, and without a real plan, this Administration will hardly address the substantial challenges that currently exist. Redirecting a small group of CBP personnel away from these rail entries will not do anything to get us closer to a solution. We urge you to re-open the rail ports of entry at Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. Further, we urge you to take this humanitarian, security, and economic crisis seriously and engage with Congress to enact real policy change that stops the flow of illegal migration,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/report-video-congresswoman-ross-releases-2023-year-end-report,REPORT & VIDEO: Congresswoman Ross Releases 2023 Year-End Report,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released her 2023 Year in Review, a comprehensive report and video detailing community and legislative accomplishments from another year serving Wake County in Congress. Click here to read the report and here to download the video.

“It has been an honor to serve Wake County for another year in Congress,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Although 2023 has been marked by constant chaos and dysfunction caused by House Republicans, I am proud of everything my team and I got done for North Carolina’s Second Congressional District. From returning millions in federal benefits back to residents to prioritizing North Carolina priorities in Congress, I have consistently looked out for our people. I will continue to fight for Wake County in the year ahead.”

The report and video include the following highlights:

More than $20 million in federal resources and benefits returned back to Wake County residents since taking office

Events highlighting more than $26 million in direct federal funding for community projects across Wake County

9 in-person and virtual Town Halls and Coffees with your Congresswoman

Prioritizing legislation that supports North Carolina priorities, including:

Protecting women’s fundamental freedoms

Bolstering North Carolina’s clean energy economy

Fighting for students and to make higher education more attainable

Lowering health care and housing costs

Working towards comprehensive immigration reform

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-incentivize-better-health-care-at-lower-costs,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Incentivize Better Health Care at Lower Costs",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Value in Health Care Act, bipartisan legislation that would update the program parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). The changes would increase participation in these value-based health programs, which are designed to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for seniors while lowering costs.

“Value-based care programs have a successful track record of improving outcomes and reducing costs. The Value in Health Care Act will take an important step to further incentivize participation in these programs by financially rewarding coordination of care and patient outcomes, rather than the number of services provided,”said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will increase access to higher quality, lower cost, patient-centered care for the nearly two million seniors in North Carolina.”

Background:

The Value in Health Care Act would make the following changes to the APM and ACO parameters:

Incentivize participation in Advanced APMs by extending the annual lump sum participation bonus for an additional two years.

Correct arbitrary thresholds for Advanced APM qualification to better reflect the existing progress of the value-based movement and to encourage bringing more patients into this model of care.

Establish guardrails for CMS to ensure that the process to set financial benchmarks is transparent and appropriately accounts for regional variations in spending to prevent arbitrary winners and losers.

Remove barriers to ACO participation by eliminating arbitrary program distinctions so all participants are participating on a level playing field.

Support fair and accurate benchmarks by modifying performance metrics so participants aren’t competing against their own successes in providing better care.

Provide greater technical support to ACO participants to cover the significant startup costs associated with program participation.

“The North Carolina Medical Society applauds Senator Tillis’ introduction of the Value in Health Care Act in the Senate,” said Dr. Eileen M. Raynor, President of the North Carolina Medical Society. “Advancement of value-based care is a priority of the Medical Society and we are supportive of state and federal efforts that will expand participation in Alternate Payment Models among all physician specialties and help meet the needs of our state’s Medicare patients.""

""North Carolina's hospitals have been leaders in the value-based care for years,” said Steve Lawler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. “Value-based care is best designed and delivered by the healthcare community. When incentives are properly aligned, and patients get the right care at the right time it costs less, and all involved benefit. This bill takes a step forward. We are grateful to Senator Tillis for his leadership and support of innovative approaches that work for patients, families, and those who are charged with their care.""

“Duke Connected Care applauds Senator Tillis’ introduction of theValue in Health Care Act which includes incentives to continue the transformational work of improving health care for so many North Carolinians,” said Dr. Craig T. Albanese, Chief Executive Officer of Duke University Health System. “Duke Connected Care has delivered high quality, coordinated care for Medicare beneficiaries in central North Carolina for a decade, and this legislation includes provisions that will allow it to continue to do so.”

“Advocate Health, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, affiliated accountable care organizations generated $128.2 million in savings in 2022 and have saved more than three quarters of a billion dollars to date,” said Dr. Gary Stuck, Chief Medical Officer, Advocate Health. “We're grateful for the innovative programs such as MSSP that foster and encourage value-based care models and help push providers like us and the industry at large in that direction. We greatly appreciate Senators’ Tillis, Whitehouse, Barrasso, Welch, Cassidy, Thune and Backburn for introducing the Value in Health Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would make important reforms to maintain and further strengthen Medicare's movement towards high-quality care in which financial performance is linked to the quality of patient care rather than the number of services delivered.”

The Value in Health Care Act is endorsed by the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Accountable for Health, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American College of Physicians, America’s Essential Hospitals, America’s Physician Groups, AMGA, Association of American Medical Colleges, Federation of American Hospitals, Healthcare Leadership Council, Health Care Transformation Task Force, Medical Group Management Association, National Association of ACOs, National Rural Health Association, and Premier Inc.

A section-by-section summary of the bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-federal-dollars-should-not-be-used-block-immigration-enforcement,Edwards: Federal dollars should not be used to block immigration enforcement,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Chuck Edwards,E000246,edwards.house.gov,edwards,https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced today the Cooperation with ICE Act to strengthen federal immigration law by making sure that state and local governments that obstruct federal immigration enforcement cannot do so with federal dollars.

The Cooperation with ICE Act would withhold Shelter and Services Program (SSP) funding, or funding under any future program with a similar mission, from any state or local government that refuses to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The SSP provides funding to non-federal entities that provide shelter and other eligible services to non-U.S. citizens who are encountered by the Department of Homeland Security and are awaiting immigrant proceedings.

“Everywhere I go in WNC, the top concern that I hear from constituents is about our border. It is clear that this administration’s open-border policies have turned every state into a border state. The Cooperation with ICE Act will stop rewarding sanctuary cities with federal dollars when they refuse to cooperate with ICE or try to block the enforcement of our immigration laws,” said Congressman Edwards. “These sanctuary cities shield dangerous and violent illegal immigrants, many of whom are reoffenders, from ICE – all on the taxpayers’ dime.”

""This bill seeks to prevent the Biden-Harris administration and their open-borders political allies in cities from using US taxpayer funds to attract and support illegal immigrants purposely misclassified as migrants. US taxpayers should not be forced to pay for this politically motivated invasion of our American homeland."" - William Gheen, President, Americans for Legal Immigration

In fiscal year 2023, the SSP and its predecessor program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Humanitarian, awarded state and local grants totaling $788.8 million. These awards included millions of taxpayer dollars to sanctuary cities such as Albuquerque, N.M. and Riverside County, Calif. that receive migrants but refuse to cooperate with ICE. Taxpayers are thus forced to pay the bills for violent aliens’ incarcerations and court-appointed attorneys as local governments ignore ICE’s requests to hold certain immigrants long enough for ICE to take the immigrant into federal custody.

Endorsements",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/19/budd-tillis-brown-vance-braun-young-resolution-honoring-wright-brothers-passes-senate/,"Budd, Tillis, Brown, Vance, Braun, Young Resolution Honoring Wright Brothers Passes Senate",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — The Senate has passed S. 513, a resolution recognizing December 17th as “Wright Brothers Day” and commemorating the 120th anniversary of the first powered flight.

Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), JD Vance (R-OH), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Todd Young (R-IN) were the original sponsors of the resolution, which reads:

Whereas, on December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright (referred to in this preamble as the “Wright Brothers”) of Dayton, Ohio, performed the first powered, controlled, sustained, heavier-than-air flight, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina;

Whereas the Wright Brothers continued their experiments and flights in the United States and throughout Europe for people to see the miracle of flight;

Whereas the successful first flight by the Wright Brothers launched a new era of exploration, from the solo transatlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh, to the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong, and beyond;

Whereas people of the United States achieved the first supersonic flight less than 50 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers, and achieved manned spaceflight less than 60 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers;

Whereas the modern commercial aviation system that links the world through commerce, trade, and travel owes its existence to the work of the Wright Brothers;

Whereas the 3-axis control system devised for the “Wright Flyer” remains the standard for fixed-wing aircraft;

Whereas the original “Wright Flyer” remains on display at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall;

Whereas the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually to the location of the first flight by the Wright Brothers;

Whereas the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio, welcomes more than 90,000 visitors annually to the locations where the Wright Brothers lived, worked, and conducted many test flights;

Whereas the Wright Brothers gave rise to a world of aviation supported and enjoyed by enthusiasts, hobbyists, and aeronautical professionals across the world;

Whereas the Wright Brothers finally realized the ancient and universal human aspiration to defy gravity;

Whereas, in 1959 and 1961, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, joint resolutions designating December 17 as “Wright Brothers Day”;

Whereas, in 1963, Public Law 88–209 (36 U.S.C. 143) permanently designated December 17 each year as “Wright Brothers Day”; and

Whereas the inventive, courageous, and perseverant nature of the Wright Brothers exemplifies the spirit of the United States and the people of the United States;

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes December 17 as “Wright Brothers Day”;

(2) commemorates December 17, 2023, as the 120th anniversary of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright; and

(3) calls on the people of the United States to observe “Wright Brothers Day” with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/senate-passes-tillis-co-sponsored-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold,Senate Passes Tillis Co-sponsored Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis that would provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would also make an adjustment to the affected servicemembers’ time in grade and other administrative fixes. The bipartisan legislation has 52 co-sponsors and now heads to the House of Representatives.

“I am grateful for the Senate’s unanimous support to pass this crucial legislation to provide military officers and their families with the pay and benefits they deserve,” said Senator Tillis. “Our brave servicemembers defend our nation every day, and their pay and benefits should be immune from the partisan gridlock and political infighting in our nation’s capital. This legislation ensures delayed pay and benefits are fully restored to those who bravely serve our country.”

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-legislation-to-provide-financial-relief-for-members-of-national-guard-and-reserves-to-be-signed-into-law,Tillis Legislation to Provide Financial Relief for Members of National Guard and Reserves To Be Signed Into Law,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation recently co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis to reauthorize an additional four years of relief for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship will be signed into law. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act will protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases.

“The men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves provide an invaluable service to our nation,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud this bipartisan legislation will be signed into law so we can ensure protections for members if they fall on financial hardship.”

The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 will reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income.

Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act ensures they are not penalized for their service.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-to-introduce-bill-to-require-scotus-review-of-presidential-candidate-qualifications,Tillis to Introduce Bill to Require SCOTUS Review of Presidential Candidate Qualifications,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced he will soon introduce the Constitutional Election Integrity Act, legislation that would prevent state politicians and state entities like the Colorado Supreme Court from disqualifying presidential candidates from the ballot on Constitutional matters that should be decided by only the Supreme Court.

The Constitutional Election Integrity Act clarifies that the Supreme Court of the United States has sole jurisdiction to decide claims arising out of section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The legislation also withholds federal funding for election administration from states that misuse the 14th Amendment for political purposes.

“Regardless of whether you support or oppose former President Donald Trump, it is outrageous to see left-wing activists make a mockery of our political system by scheming with partisan state officials and pressuring judges to remove him from the ballot,” said Senator Thom Tillis. “American voters, not partisan activists, should decide who we elect as our President. The Constitutional Election Integrity Act would put any constitutional challenges in the sole place they belong: the U.S. Supreme Court.”

The text of the legislation can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-adams-hosts-final-quarterly-hunger-initiative-2023,Rep. Adams Hosts Final Quarterly Hunger Initiative of 2023,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLOTTE (Monday, December 18, 2023) – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) this morning hosted the Fourth Quarter Adams Hunger Initiative meeting, engaging with stakeholders on key food and agriculture policy issues, focusing on ensuring food security for all. Rep. Adams regularly convenes this “kitchen cabinet” with the goal of ending the “chronic crisis of hunger.”

“Both the end of the year and the holiday season prompt us to consider the blessings that we have to be grateful for – not least given how central food is to celebrating during this holiday season,” said Rep. Adams. “But it also casts into clear focus how fair access to food in this country and, indeed, in the district, has become a privilege, and that is shameful.”

Rep. Adams highlighted the Initiative’s successes of the past year, including hosting Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) this past June, whose tireless efforts have been pivotal to reducing hunger in America, calling him a “a true anti-hunger hero in the House.” She also stressed the need to defend programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), critical to feeding families, from proposed cuts and lapses in funding.

The event included a focus on Rep. Adams’ Farm Bill proposals which include addressing hunger, promoting equality in funding of land-grant HBCUs, support for Black farmers and other farmers of color, and urban agriculture.

“You can’t be healthy if you’re hungry,” Rep. Adams emphasized.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/reps-foushee-manning-mcclellan-scott-send-second-letter-urging-ferc-to-deny-mvp-southgate-pipeline-extension,"Reps. Foushee, Manning, McClellan, Scott Send Second Letter Urging FERC to Deny MVP Southgate Pipeline Extension",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC (December 18, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06), Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) sent a second letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Secretary Kimberly Bose, requesting that the Commission deny an extension of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Southgate project. The certificate is needed for construction of a 73-mile proposed extension of the MVP, which would span from southern Virginia into northwestern North Carolina. FERC plans to review the MVP Southgate extension request at their upcoming Commission meeting Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

“MVP has demonstrated alarming disregard for community safety as it has proceeded with installation of the mainline project, and FERC should not grant another extension while the company has yet to prove whether it can comply with the consent agreement and safety measures,” the Members said.

“As Members of Congress committed to addressing the climate crisis, we echo the requests of impacted community members and leaders,” continued the lawmakers. “If built, this pipeline would lock homes and businesses in the Southeast into the long-term use of natural gas during a critical moment in which we must transition away from fossil fuels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”

The Mountain Valley Pipeline was issued the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in June of 2020 from FERC and in the years since, neighbors, residents and citizen groups have expressed significant concerns about environmental impacts, public safety, ecotourism, and nearby communities of color.

This letter is following up on a similar request the Members sent to FERC on August 15, 2023. Additionally, McClellan and Foushee and Manning led separate, successful efforts to extend the public comment period for the Southgate certificate extension. The Southgate project was not covered under the Fiscal Responsibility Act provisions for the automatic approval of the MVP mainline.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-reignite-effort-to-improve-reporting-attacks-on-law-enforcement,"Tillis, Colleagues Reignite Effort to Improve Reporting Attacks on Law Enforcement",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to enhance information-gathering on attacks targeting law enforcement. The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would help fill identified gaps in reporting requirements for ambush-attacks against law enforcement officers by increasing our understanding of these crimes and how they arise.

“Attacks on our law enforcement officers are abhorrent and we must get a clear picture on when they occur,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation so we can improve reporting and continue supporting the men and women in blue to prevent these disgusting acts.”

Background:

Tragically, 60 police officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty in 2022. Nearly 30 percent of police officer killings were the result of an unprovoked attack or ambush. While the government collects basic information on these attacks, such as when the attack occurred and what types of weapons were used, more information is needed to help law enforcement officers prepare for, identify, and prevent future anti-police activity.

The Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act would:

Increase the categories of information that can be voluntarily reported regarding anti-police attacks, including the intention and coordination of perpetrators;

Direct the Justice Department to explore adding escalatory aggression to its reports;

Shed light on the mental health and stress-related impacts of aggressive activity or trauma on law enforcement; and

Explore the availability and extent to which mental health resources for officers are used.

The bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Officers, Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and Major Counties Sheriffs of America.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-adams-and-brown-announce-gao-report-policy-considerations,Reps. Adams and Brown Announce GAO Report on Policy Considerations for a Potential Farm Credit System Grant Program,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, December 15, 2023) – Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) announced the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) publication of a report outlining policy considerations for establishing a grant program at the Farm Credit System (FCS) geared toward socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

“We need more Black farmers,” said Congresswoman Adams, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee and the House sponsor of the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023. “This report offers compelling considerations for what a grant program focused on underserved farmers might look like within the Farm Credit System, whose mission is dedicated to the public interest. The findings of this report offer insights into what could be one part of the many solutions we need to promote equity in our food and agriculture sectors.”

As a government-sponsored enterprise that provides credit and other assistance to farmers, stakeholders suggest the Farm Credit System could benefit farmers who have historically been shut out of U.S. agriculture by generations of dispossession and discrimination.

“Helping more Black farmers and ranchers succeed would be good for America, good for agriculture, and Black communities across the country,” said Congresswoman Brown. “Increased diversity would not only repair some of the damage done in the past, it would make the industry more resilient and innovative, because there is a lot of room to grow, including with urban farming. As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I’ve been proud to work alongside Congresswoman Adams and my colleagues to shine a spotlight on this issue. This GAO report is a starting point for informing the policy discussions we should have going forward.”

Just as the Federal Home Loan Bank System’s Affordable Housing Program helps finance affordable housing through interest rate subsidies and grants, advocates argue that a farmer-focused grant program within FCS banks could help fund the purchase of farmland by new and beginning farmers, promote the purchase of locally- and regionally-produced foods, or help farmers invest in climate-smart agricultural practices that are good for both the environment and the economy, among other benefits.

The report offers thorough considerations and challenges for policy – crafted in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders – that would undertake the task of establishing a grant program, including:

How program size and funding would affect FCS’s mission,

Legal challenges that such a program could face if designed improperly,

How a program would overlap and interact with existing federal programs, and

Experiential, infrastructural, and staffing barriers to establishing a new program.

The report is available on the GAO’s website, and a one-page summary of the report is available here. The report was written by GAO in response to a letter sent by Congresswoman Adams, Congresswoman Brown, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) last year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-foushee-announces-nominees-to-nations-service-academies,Congresswoman Foushee Announces Nominees to Nation’s Service Academies,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DURHAM, NC (December 15, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), announced her 2023 nominees to each of the country’s military service academies. Members of Congress are authorized by law to nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“With military recruitment numbers down nationally, ensuring that our military leaders are of the highest caliber has become increasingly important. I have been incredibly impressed by the accomplishments of this year’s applicants. The diligence they have shown during their high school careers to earn these nominations demonstrates their continued dedication and commitment,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “I wish all of these nominees the best as they move forward in the military academy appointment process, and I am eager to see their leadership at work for our nation’s armed forces.”

Congresswoman Foushee named the following nominees to the four service academies:

U.S. Air Force Academy

William Naismith — Carrboro High School

Allie Misenheimer — Eno River Academy

Grayson Spencer — Carrboro High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Gabriel Bloch — SAM Bloch School

Amara Chambers —Eno River Academy

Benjamin Burtram — Fork Union Military Academy

Madeline Armes — Bahrain Military High School

Sebastian Motalvo — Jordan High School

Justin Losey — Jordan High School

Isaac Lee — Lee Academy

Sofia Calle — Cardinal Gibbons High School

Kenzo Valentin — Carrboro High School

Connor Mehan — Chapel Hill High School

Francisco Forrester — Riverside High School

U.S. Military Academy, West Point

Edward Wang — Chapel Hill High School

Jaden Butler — Riverside High School

Harry Wilson — NC School of Science and Math

Greg-Daniel Matsouaka — Green Level High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Charles Wheeler — Manteo High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/science-committee-leaders-stress-importance-of-diligence-in-nist-ai-safety-research-funding,Science Committee Leaders Stress Importance of Diligence in NIST AI Safety Research Funding,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) – Yesterday, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) sent a letter to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie Locascio regarding the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) at NIST. Subcommittee on Research and Technology Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA) along with Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Valerie Foushee (D-NC) and Chairman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) also joined in signing the letter.

The AISI, which was established in President Biden’s October 30 Artificial Intelligence Executive Order, is tasked with developing technical guidance to address the risks of AI. The AISI will also fund extramural research on AI safety issues. In the letter sent to NIST, Members stress the need for NIST to award research funds transparently and to promote scientific and methodological quality among its AI safety research partners. The Members also request a briefing from NIST to discuss the AISI process and use of funds.

“Unfortunately, the current state of the AI safety research field creates challenges for NIST as it navigates its leadership role on the issue,” said the Members in the letter. “Findings within the community are often self-referential and lack the quality that comes from revision in response to critiques by subject matter experts. There is also significant disagreement within the AI safety field of scope, taxonomies, and definitions.”

The Members continued, “Members of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology have long supported NIST’s important work to advance trustworthiness in AI systems, including through the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 and the CHIPS and Science legislation. We believe this work should not be rushed at the expense of doing it right. Developing novel evaluation suites complete with appropriate metrics for AI trustworthiness across successive generations of large language models could itself take years – without taking into account how these AI systems are deployed across sectors and use cases. As NIST prepares to fund extramural research on AI safety, scientific merit and transparency must remain a paramount consideration. In implementing the AISI, we expect NIST to hold the recipients of federal research funding for AI safety research to the same rigorous guidelines of scientific and methodological quality that characterize the broader federal research enterprise.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-ensure-veterans-access-to-quality-mental-health-care,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Veterans’ Access to Quality Mental Health Care",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would require an independent organization outside of the government to conduct a study to assess the quality of care veterans receive for mental and addiction health treatment from providers within and outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“It is critical the VA provides the highest quality mental health services to our veterans through implementing the best treatment practices available,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation enables the VA to improve its mental health services by studying best practices administered by non-VA providers. Veterans deserve the best care possible, and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation on behalf of the more than 600,000 veterans who call North Carolina home.”

Background:

The Department of Veterans Affairs is home to the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive health services to U.S. military veterans who are enrolled. However, recent estimates indicate that as many as 70% of VA-eligible veterans received their care from external providers. Given the high rate of veteran suicide due to mental and addiction health conditions, a study is needed to better understand if current practices provide our veterans with the best mental and addiction quality of care.

The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act would require an independent and objective organization outside of the VA to conduct a study to:

Analyze the results of comparable instances of addiction and mental health care between inside and outside providers using objective criteria such as symptom scores and suicide risk;

Ascertain to what extent outside providers are using evidence-based practices in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues;

Identify potential gaps in coordination between internal and external providers in responding to individuals seeking addiction or mental health care;

Evaluate the availability of coordinated care for veterans who have separate or related conditions which may be impacting their mental health;

Assess providers’ military cultural competency;

Gauge the ease and flexibility of sharing medical records with a veteran’s health care team;

Consider to what extent providers are conducting outcome monitoring throughout a veteran’s treatment to track progress or lack thereof.

The legislation is supported by the Disabled American Veterans Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Veteran Health Care Policy Initiative.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-alma-s-adams-phd-announces-12th-district-winner,"Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD Announces 12th District Winner of Congressional App Challenge",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Charlotte (December 14, 2023) – Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) announced the winner of the Congressional App Challenge, the most prestigious prize for middle and high school students in computer science. The winning app, PolicyPro, was created by Hickory Ridge High School 11th grader Srinithi Mohan of Harrisburg and team member Indu Gadiraju of South Iredell High School in Statesville.

PolicyPro is designed to simplify the often lengthy and complex privacy policies that users encounter when signing up for online services or various applications. The app’s main goal is to provide users with a clear and concise summary of the key information within privacy policies, making it easier for them to understand how their personal data is handled by the services they use.

“I continue to be amazed by the talent of the young people in our district. PolicyPro is a needed and timely application that will help protect Americans online. Congratulations to Srinithi on this much-deserved achievement,” said Congresswoman Adams.

“I am honored to be chosen as one of the winners of the Congressional App Challenge. It has been an incredible experience to use my passion for programming towards a noteworthy cause and ensure that the interests of citizens are protected in the fast-paced, modern world. Winning this award inspires me to continue innovating solutions that make a positive impact on people's lives. Thank you so much for this opportunity!” Mohan said.

About the Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition organized by Members of Congress across the country for middle school and high school students to create their own software applications and gain experience with computer coding. Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially and has reached underserved, diverse, and rural student populations. Submissions from students across the 12th Congressional District were judged by a panel of local judges who work within the academic, software, and entrepreneurial fields. To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.

About PolicyPro

PolicyPro is a mobile app aimed at promoting awareness of data privacy policies and agreements, reducing the risks of data breaches. Policy Pro is designed to simplify the often lengthy and complex privacy policies that users encounter when signing up for online services or various applications. The app’s main goal is to provide users with a clear and concise summary of the key information within privacy policies, making it easier for them to understand how their personal data is handled by the services they use. Users can simply attach a service’s privacy policy to the summarizer, and the app will generate a concise, understandable summary that explains the key points that the user should be aware of before consenting. Then, the user can deliberately decide whether or not they want to agree to the terms and conditions. This allows the user to understand what they are agreeing to without having to tediously read thousands of words. In addition, our app provides real-time updates when new policy acts or laws related to data privacy are made. Our app lists the key changes in a summarized format so that the user is always aware of how their personal data use is changing. In summary, in the modern Age of Big Data, our app allows you to have control over what you are agreeing to, how your privacy is affected, and how your data is being handled in a dynamic environment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-supports-national-defense-bill-secures-millions-in-funding-for-nc-military,"Hudson Supports National Defense Bill, Secures Millions in Funding for NC Military Personnel",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement on the Conference Report of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support:

“This year’s NDAA bolsters our nation's defense capabilities to keep up with foreign adversaries, eliminates the woke ideology infiltrating our military, and takes care of our men and women in uniform by providing the largest pay raise in over 20 years,” said Rep. Hudson. “As the representative of the largest Army base in the world, I'm proud of everything we have accomplished so far this Congress to strengthen our nation’s defense and military readiness and provide necessary resources for Fort Liberty. I will never stop fighting to make sure our community's veterans, troops, and their families receive the support they deserve.”

The FY24 NDAA contains Rep. Hudson’s following priorities to benefit active duty military personnel and their families at Fort Liberty, formerly known as Fort Bragg:

Aircraft Maintenance Hangar - $61,000,000

Child Development Center - $36,000,000

Barracks - $50,000,000

Barracks (Facility Prototyping) - $85,000,000

Automated Record Fire Range (ARF+) - $19,500,000

Camp Mackall Microgrid - $10,500,000

Provision to improve Fort Liberty Roadway Infrastructure

The FY24 NDAA that passed the House contains the following priorities:

Supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay—the largest pay raise in over 20 years.

Provides a path back to service for the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for declining to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and requires the Secretary of Defense to inform each discharged servicemember of the process they can follow to be reinstated.

Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of CRT in the military, including at service academies and DoD schools.

Builds and maintains the overmatch needed to counter CCP aggression by enhancing military readiness.

Freezes the creation of new positions related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and adds a pay cap for DEI employees.

Fully funds deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border.

Provides unprecedented levels of support for the security of Israel.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-applauds-final-passage-fy24-national-defense-authorization-act,Murphy Applauds Final Passage of FY24 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) voted YES on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which now heads to the President to be signed into law.

This legislation authorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs, an increase of $23 billion over FY23 funding levels. It robustly funds and modernizes our armed forces to prepare us against threats abroad, improves the quality of life for servicemembers, and combats the Biden Administration’s woke agenda that has devastated our recruitment numbers.

""I'm proud to have voted in favor of the FY24 NDAA, a very strong bill that was crafted under regular order for the first time in two years under the consideration of all Members,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. ""While there were some provisions included that I am adamantly against, such as funding for abortions and transgender treatment, perfect cannot be the enemy of good.""

""Global instability under President Biden has made the world a much more dangerous place and we must fund our warfighters to the fullest. This legislation does just that and provides an across-the-board 5.2% pay raise for all troops, makes much-needed reforms to assist military spouses, and saves taxpayers $40 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapon systems, and Pentagon bureaucracy.""

Third District Victories | By the Numbers:

$51.3 MILLION for 2nd Radio BN Complex, Phase 2

$66.27 MILLION for the 10th Marines Maintenance and Operations Complex, Camp Lejeune.

$32.89 MILLION for Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters, Camp Lejeune.

$45 MILLION for a Corrosion Repair Facility Replacement, Camp Lejeune.

$70 MILLION for a Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility, Camp Lejeune.

$19.529 MILLION for an Aircraft Maintenance Hanger, Cherry Point.

$45 MILLION for a 2D LAAD Maintenance and Operations Facility, Cherry Point.

$35.15 MILLION for a Maintenance Facility & Marine Air Group HQS, Cherry Point.

Total for NC-03 Military Construction Initiatives in FY2024: $365.139 MILLION

FY24 NDAA:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-congressman-wiley-nickel,Congresswoman Ross Statement on Congressman Wiley Nickel,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13) announced that he will not file for re-election:

“For the past year, it has been an honor to work alongside Congressman Nickel to deliver results for the people of Wake County. From his pragmatic leadership on the House Financial Services Committee to his tireless efforts to forge bipartisan compromise on a range of important issues, Wiley’s tenure in Congress has made a lasting impact on our state and our community.

“I am grateful for his friendship and partnership, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of the people of Wake County for the remainder of this term and wherever his career takes him next. Wiley’s departure represents a significant loss for the North Carolina congressional delegation because he embodies exactly the kind of leadership that America desperately needs at this difficult moment — thoughtful, forward-looking, compromise-seeking leadership that puts our country’s needs first.

“During the 2022 election, Wiley won one of the most competitive elections in the nation. It is shameful that North Carolina Republicans eliminated this purple seat in their extreme, partisan gerrymander. Their egregious congressional map intentionally fails to reflect the ideological and racial diversity of our great state, silencing the voices of voters across North Carolina.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-for-annual-defense-authorization-bill-after-months-of-gop-delays,Congresswoman Ross Votes for Annual Defense Authorization Bill After Months of GOP Delays,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate last night and is on the way to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This essential legislation supports service members, the civilian workforce, and military families by authorizing a 5.2% pay raise requested by President Biden, making significant investments in military family housing and child development centers, and improving FMLA eligibility for federal employees.

In July, Congresswoman Ross voted against House Republicans’ partisan NDAA package, which included extreme amendments that would have restricted women’s access to reproductive health care, targeted LGBTQ+ service members, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-applauds-house-passage-of-legislation-to-deter-malicious-foreign-influence-in-postsecondary-education,Tillis Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Deter Malicious Foreign Influence in Postsecondary Education,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Senator Thom Tillis applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, legislation that brings much needed transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for American colleges and universities. Senator Tillis led the introduction of the Senate version last month.

The legislation follows oversight efforts uncovering the Biden Administration’s failure to open a single investigation under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act—the single biggest enforcement tool to protect against the threats posed by foreign adversaries. A Senate report from 2019 found that up to 70 percent of all institutions failed to comply with section 117 of the Higher Education Act. Section 117’s loose legislative language, Biden’s blatant crippling of enforcement efforts, and institutions’ refusal to adhere to the law have resulted in billions of dollars in foreign funds infiltrating our country undetected.

“America’s foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, are targeting our nation’s students by stealing research, spewing anti-American propaganda, and censoring free speech by providing American academic institutions with lucrative funding opportunities,”said Senator Tillis. “Too often, schools fail to report these foreign gifts and funding, leaving our adversaries with an undetected stranglehold on U.S. academic institutions. I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation and I urge the Senate to follow suit and consider the legislation swiftly.”

The DETERRENT Act:

Slashes the foreign gift reporting threshold for colleges and universities from $250,000 down to $50,000, with an even stricter $0 threshold for countries of concern.

Closes reporting loopholes and provides transparency to Congress, intelligence agencies, and the public.

Requires disclosure of foreign gifts to individual staff and faculty at research-heavy institutions to protect those targeted the most by our adversaries.

Holds our largest private institutions accountable for their financial partnerships by revealing concerning foreign investments in their endowments.

Implements a series of repercussions for colleges and universities that remain noncompliant in foreign gift reporting such as fines and the loss of Title IV funding.

A one-pager of the legislation is available HERE. Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-alma-adams-opposing-witch-hunt-american,Statement by Congresswoman Alma Adams on Opposing a Witch Hunt of American Educators,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 13, 2023) - Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) released the following statement on her opposition to H. Res. 927:

“As a Black woman who attended college in the segregated South, I abhor hate of all kinds. Since the brutal terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th, we have seen an unprecedented rise in antisemitism across the country and on our college campuses.

Time after time over the past two months, I have joined bipartisan condemnations of this insidious movement with my votes in this chamber and my comments in committee hearings, on the multiple bills brought on the matter. I have continued to support the State of Israel with my voice and my votes.

We need to do more to protect our students and ensure their physical safety as well as their free speech rights. But instead of finding solutions, my colleagues across the aisle want to harness this surge of hatred and turn it into a witch hunt against three college presidents.

These leaders were selected by their respective Boards to lead their institutions, and they have their own processes at work to address these problems. Is Congress seeking to set a precedent for controlling who will lead our educational institutions? Are we trying to replace the role of the Boards of Trustees too?

Having experienced racism myself, I am not interested in playing games. Let’s get back to work that matters, and start talking about how to actually protect our students.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-votes-formally-launch-impeachment-inquiry-president-biden,Murphy Votes to Formally Launch Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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. issued the following statement in response to voting in favor of H. Res. 918, a resolution formally launching an impeachment inquiry into President Joseph Biden:

""For several months, the House Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees have worked diligently and judiciously to uncover the misdeeds and corruption of President Biden,""said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.""However, with the White House and key witnesses refusing to participate in this process, a formal inquiry has become necessary to expand the investigatory and litigatory power of the committees.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-to-hear-abortion-pill-case,Congresswoman Ross Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Hear Abortion Pill Case,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to review a lower court’s decision that would restrict access to mifepristone. In 2022, it was estimated that abortion pills account for half of all abortions in the U.S.

“I am grateful that the Supreme Court has heeded the calls of the Biden administration and decided to review a lower court’s disastrous decision to restrict access to mifepristone – a safe, effective medication that has been widely prescribed by doctors and used by women for abortion and miscarriage care. While access to mifepristone will continue as the court reviews this case, women should not have to continue facing threats to their reproductive health care, and the courts should not be the arbiter of access.

“Women in North Carolina and across the country should be free to make their own decisions about their own bodies. Restricting access to safe medication would be a grave mistake that would put millions of women in jeopardy and prevent doctors from doing their jobs. It is imperative that the Supreme Court use this opportunity to protect women’s fundamental rights and finally put an end to the irresponsible, misinformed debates surrounding this life-saving medication.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-votes-against-baseless-impeachment-inquiry,Congresswoman Ross Votes Against Baseless Impeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted against opening an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. After nearly a year of investigating the President and his family, House Republicans have failed to produce any evidence that President Biden has committed an impeachable offense.

Congresswoman Ross joined a press conference today with other Democratic leaders, highlighting the lack of evidence behind this baseless impeachment inquiry. Click here to access the video from the press conference.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/13/budd-sends-holiday-message-of-support-to-gaza-hostage-families-in-floor-speech/,Budd Sends Holiday Message of Support to Gaza Hostage Families in Floor Speech,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) delivered a holiday message of support for the families of the hostages still being held in Gaza.

Senator Budd also encouraged all Americans to send prayers of comfort and speak out in support of the hostages and their families during the holiday season.

He concluded his speech by saying, “I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.”

Watch the full speech:

Read the full speech below:

As we enter the holidays this year, we experience the typical sights and sounds of the season.

Perhaps it’s the annual trip to buy a family Christmas tree, perhaps in Western North Carolina, if you’re from the region.

For some, it’s the solemn lighting of each candle on the menorah.

Often, it’s the joyous family gatherings, the giving of gifts, and the making of lifelong memories.

But for the 130 hostages still being held by terrorists in Gaza, this holiday season is one of pain and isolation.

For their families, this holiday season is filled with pain and uncertainty.

Mr. President, this week I met again with some of the families of both recently released hostages and the families of those still being held.

Their heartache is something that no person should ever have to face.

When you compare the joy of the holidays with the pain of their situation, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of both anger and sadness – but also a sense of resolve.

What if this was my loved ones? What if this was yours?

Each and every one of these families deserves for their loved ones to be released immediately and unconditionally.

Rest assured, all levels of the United States government are working with our allies and partners to get these hostages home and to get them home safely.

But until that happens, there is still something that all of us can do.

You don’t have to be an elected official to send prayers of comfort to these families.

You don’t have to be here on the Senate floor to speak out on their behalf and call for their release.

And you don’t have to be politically active to commit yourself to not forget these men and women, especially during this season.

Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Mr. President, I want every one of these family members to know that our country is behind them, we support them, and we are praying for them.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/13/senate-passes-final-2024-defense-bill-including-budd-secured-wins-for-nc/,Senate Passes Final 2024 Defense Bill Including Budd-Secured Wins for NC,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Conference Report of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the final version of the annual defense bill and will be sent to the president to be signed into law after the House approves it.

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted in favor of the package after successfully securing several wins for North Carolina.

Senator Budd supported a 5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, secured authorization of more than $890 million for construction at North Carolina’s military installations, added a provision to protect F-15E Strike Eagles at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and a provision to assess optimal force structure for special operations forces, supporting U.S Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty (formerly, Fort Bragg).

Senator Budd said in a statement:

“In order to be a strong nation, we need a strong military. The NDAA’s conference report provides significant support to North Carolina’s servicemembers, their families, and our military installations. At the same time, it limits divestment of F-15E fighters, which not only bolsters North Carolina’s Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, but maintains one of our country’s most reliable fighter aircraft for the remainder of this decade.”

“This year’s package also helps the United States confront the Chinese Communist Party, invests in American manufacturing, and secures critical supply chains. I am thrilled to see this package pass both chambers and look forward to it soon being signed into law.”

Wins for North Carolina:

5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families.

Authorizes over $890 million for military construction and planning and design funding for North Carolina’s military installations including:

Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($263.5 million total authorized)

$61 million to construct an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

$85 million to construct a new prototype barracks.

$50 million to construct a new barracks.

$21 million to construct a new automated record fire range.

$36 million to construct a Child Development Center.

$10.5 million to construct a new microgrid and backup power for Camp Mackall.

Camp Lejeune ($356.78 million total authorized)

$70 million to construct a Marine Raider Battalion Operations Facility.

$51.3 million for phase 2 of a 2nd Radio BN Complex.

$66.27 million to begin construction of 10th Marines Maintenance & Operations Complex.

$32.89 million for Amphibious Combat Vehicle Shelters.

$45 million to begin construction of a corrosion repair facility.

Cherry Point ($269.79 million total authorized)

$35.1 million to begin construction of a maintenance facility & Marine air group headquarters.

$45 million to begin construction of a new Maintenance and Operations Facility for the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.

$19.5 million to complete an aircraft maintenance hangar.

$12 million to complete the Army Reserve Center in Asheville.

$2.2 million to complete planning & design of the North Carolina National Guard’s Aviation Support Facility in Salisbury.

Limits divestment of F-15E Strike Eagles and ensures that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base remains the heart of the F-15 fighter enterprise.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to assess the optimal force structure for special operations forces and report to Congress within 90 days.

The Army’s plan to make significant cuts to special operations force structure would have a negative impact on North Carolina communities surrounding Fort Liberty as well as the country’s ability to deter adversaries. This assessment will help Congress conduct more detailed oversight of the Army’s plans.

Amends Section 12304b of Title 10 to ensure National Guardsmen, Reservists, and families receive pre-mobilization health benefits without delay in the event the president’s budget is delivered late to Congress.

National security wins:

Deterring China and Russia

Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative.

Modernizes our nuclear arsenal to ensure the United States maintains strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

Authorizes procurement of the next amphibious transport dock, LPD-33 despite the Biden Administration leaving it out of the budget request as required by Congress.

Authorizes multiyear procurement of 13 Virginia-class submarines including long lead time materials to save the taxpayers’ money.

Authorizes an increase of $190 million to support continued development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile despite the Biden Administration’s attempt to kill the program.

Requires a report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a quantum computing innovation center.

Improves DOD’s ability to build the capabilities of foreign security forces.

Boosting U.S. Manufacturing and Securing Supply Chains

Authorizes $10 million to scale new technologies for titanium metal powder production.

Senator Budd also championed the following provisions:

Directs the Department of Energy to acquire enough uranium to ensure the next generation nuclear power deployment and jumpstart domestic uranium production.

Establishes a Foreign Military Sales Center of Excellence to improve the training and education of personnel engaged in foreign military sales planning and execution.

Authorizes $12.5 million to accelerate semiautonomous adversary air platform development.

Authorizes $15 million for procuring 20T Dump Trucks, largely produced in North Carolina.

Authorizes $8 million for Airborne Pathfinder, a program at Fort Liberty, to improve soldier readiness and effectiveness.

Requires the Army to update its tactical wheeled vehicle strategy every 5 years, providing more consistent demand signals to industry.

Authorizes co-development and co-production of Iron Dome, David Sling, and other missile defense efforts with Israel.

Directs DOD to develop a strategy for improved integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities to counter seaborne threats in the Middle East.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan for countering human trafficking.

Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to provide a briefing to Congressional Committees on bilateral agreements supporting the United States military posture in the Indo-Pacific region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-bipartisan-working-group-requests-input-on-paid-leave-proposals,"Tillis, Bipartisan Working Group Requests Input on Paid Leave Proposals",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues announced that the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional paid family leave working group is seeking information from experts, researchers, organizations, and others as the Congressional working group explores bipartisan, flexible, sustainable paid leave proposals.

“As a father, grandfather, and former caregiver to my grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s, I know first-hand the value of family and medical leave, and the positive impact it has on individuals and workforce development,” said Senator Tillis. “Parents, families, and economic productivity thrive when employees don’t have to choose between taking care of their family and participating in the workforce. I’m proud to work on a bipartisan basis to pursue family and medical leave policies that will support millions of families across North Carolina and the country.”

The lawmakers penned a letter to a wide range of individuals, organizations, researchers, policy experts, and others to request suggestions for expanding access to paid parental, caregiving, and personal medical leave in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible and sustainable way.

The full letter can be found HERE and below.

To Whom It May Concern:

As members of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional working group exploring solutions to expand access to paid leave for all Americans, we write with strong interest in hearing diverse stakeholder input. To inform our efforts, we invite individuals, organizations, researchers, policy experts, and others, to share your suggestions for expanding access to paid parental, caregiving, and personal medical leave in a bipartisan, fiscally responsible and sustainable way. We will closely review submissions to help inform ongoing bipartisan efforts, and individual submissions will be kept confidential. Please note, trustworthy data and research with proper citations will be appreciated.

We invite your response to the following:

1. What should the federal role be, if any, in providing, promoting, and/or incentivizing paid leave? And how should this interact with the role of state government programs, and/or employer programs?

2. What types of leave should a potential federal program cover, at what length, and why? How should different types of leave be prioritized? Should different types of leave be treated differently or does doing so create adverse effects?

3. Please describe your recommended framework/s, focusing on what you believe could be a bipartisan and passable solution/s to expanding paid leave nationally?

4. Please describe alternative ways any proposed framework can be financed, including possible payfors. What financial mechanisms should be considered to expand paid leave?

5. How can proposed paid leave frameworks avoid creating unintended distortions, such as marriage penalties, reductions of private sector paid leave coverage, etc.?

6. Should government support for paid leave be focused only on the most vulnerable individuals in our society, or on all Americans regardless of means or need?

7. What supports do small and mid-sized businesses need from the federal government to provide paid leave to workers?

8. What does research say about the impact of providing paid leave on worker health, job satisfaction, economic mobility, child development, breastfeeding rates and related health outcomes, fertility rate, infant mortality, elderly health, public assistance levels, family income, and recruitment and retention efforts?

9. What lessons should the federal government learn from successful or failed attempts at expanding paid leave in U.S. states or other countries?

10. What other information would you like us to consider as we attempt to chart a bipartisan path forward?

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-demand-doj-address-ccp-influence-on-college-campuses,"Tillis, Colleagues Demand DOJ Address CCP Influence on College Campuses",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently penned a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at American colleges and universities. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese government is increasingly pushing its agenda on our nation’s campuses through student organizations such as CSSAs. The letter urges the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine whether CSSAs need to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for their work on behalf of the CCP, which would help combat this influence on campus.

“We write to express serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at our nation’s colleges and universities. With the closure of many Confucius Institutes, the CCP is relying on other actors, including CSSAs, to influence U.S. academic institutions. This issue requires greater attention from the United States government,” the senators wrote.

“Troubling communications from CSSAs have been reported at U.S. universities. For example, a graduate student at the University of Colorado-Boulder told her professor that the CSSA president had called late at night to inquire about the department faculty's work on Tibet. In another case, a Chinese national who was a former University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student said he received a ‘deluge’ of abusive CSSA emails accusing him of ‘being a traitor to [China], including one death threat,’ after expressing belief that a CSSA list-serv email proposed racist and inappropriate slogans to protest a visit by the Japanese Prime Minister. A China expert and professor at the University of California-Riverside stated that CSSAs are a ‘tool of government’s foreign ministry.’ He added that ‘the effect of that surveillance is less that certain people are caught and punished and more that virtually all Chinese students know they could be reported, and, therefore, watch what they say in public fora,’” the senators continued.

“The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they act at the behest of a foreign principal to influence U.S. policy or public opinion. There is clear evidence that CSSAs act as an arm of the PRC for the purpose of shaping U.S. policy and public opinion, and the United States should therefore evaluate whether they are required to register as foreign agents,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-health-legislation-passes-committee,Hudson Health Legislation Passes Committee,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Last week, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced his bill, H.R. 1352,the Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023, passed through a House Energy and Commerce committee legislative markup with bipartisan support. The legislation will now move to the House floor for final passage.

“Americans deserve every option for affordable prescription drugs.” said Rep. Hudson “That is why I stopped at no end to get this bill through the Committee by working with my colleagues across the aisle and negotiating the best opportunities to provide affordable medicines. I look forward to continuing to move this bill all the way to the President’s desk.”

The Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project to increase access to biosimilar biological products through Medicare.

The Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023 was reported to the Full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 44 yeas to 0 nays.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-enhance-and-expedite-access-to-the-9-8-8-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance and Expedite Access to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, recently introduced the Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023. The legislation would expedite the process of connecting callers with their nearest call center so they can receive appropriate care from mental health professionals as quickly and as safely as possible, while still protecting user privacy.

“From the creation of the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to historic mental health investments included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we have made substantial progress in recent years in expanding access to quality mental health care,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation furthers that goal by ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis receive rapid and localized care when calling the Lifeline, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make lifesaving mental health care more accessible.”

Background:

The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been critical for supporting Americans in crisis, but currently, calls to the hotline are routed by area code rather than by the caller’s location. This system leads to callers oftentimes being connected to centers that cannot connect them with additional mental health assistance. As awareness of the hotline increases, it is crucial to ensure that the line can quickly connect callers to a range of mental health services and a full continuum of care.

Specifically, the legislation would improve access to and the accuracy of 9-8-8 response by:

Requiring the FCC to route calls based on the proximity of a caller to the call center, not their area code. The bill specifies that a caller’s specific location should not be revealed or discernible;

Instructing carriers to allow calls and texts to 9-8-8 even if their phone plan is inactive or the carrier is experiencing service interruptions or failures, just as they currently do for 911 calls;

Obligating multi-line systems like hotel and office phones to support the direct dialing of 9-8-8, rather than requiring a caller to dial 9 or another number before dialing 9-8-8.

“The Local 9-8-8 Response Act improves access to life- saving supports and mental health resources by requiring calls and texts to the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline be routed based on the caller’s proximity to the local call center rather than by area code,” said Robert Gebbia, Chief Executive Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “AFSP is grateful to Senator Padilla and Senator Tillis for their bipartisan leadership to enhance access to 9-8-8 by ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely support, while maintaining privacy.”

“The 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is saving lives and serving as the entry point to a reimagined mental health crisis system. NAMI is grateful to Sens. Padilla and Tillis for introducing the Local 9-8-8 Response Act to ensure people calling 9-8-8 get connected to the local resources that help them get well and stay well,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “This bill will ensure that help seekers reaching out to 9-8-8 get connected to the support they need in their community.”

A one-page summary of the bill is available HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-pregnant-and-postpartum-women,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Women",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the bipartisan Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act to ensure pregnant and postpartum women across the United States have reliable access to mental health and substance use disorder care. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women and enhances comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatments, prevention and recovery support, parenting training, mental health counseling, and harm reduction interventions.

“I’ve heard the heartbreaking stories of countless families in North Carolina and across the country who have lost loved ones to substance use and overdoses,” said Senator Tillis. “We owe it to future generations to address this unfolding crisis and save lives by increasing access to life-saving treatments, prevention and recovery support, and mental health counseling for pregnant and postpartum women struggling with substance use disorder. This legislation will take a positive step in ensuring all moms and babies benefit from comprehensive, family-centric recovery and support services.”

Background:

Drug overdose deaths, involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, reached record highs in 2020 and 2021, with pregnant women experiencing more overdoses than ever before. The PPW program supports evidence-based parenting and treatment models to reduce substance use among pregnant women. Grant funds to PPW programs aim to ensure access to services for low-income women and combat maternal health disparities. The Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act will support public and non-profit entities that offer PPW programs.

“On behalf of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), I am writing in support of the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act. Thank you for introducing this important legislation. As a result, more pregnant and postpartum women have access to these comprehensive services in outpatient and intensive outpatient settings. Again, thank you for introducing the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act. We believe this bill will continue to help more pregnant and postpartum women and their families gain access to comprehensive, family-centered substance use disorder services,” said Robert I.L. Morrison, Executive Director, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors.

A summary of the bill text can be found HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-legislation-prevent-medicare-physician-reimbursement-cuts,Murphy Introduces Legislation to Prevent Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts,2023-12-09,2023,2023-12,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. has introduced legislation, the Preserving Seniors' Access to Physicians Act, a bipartisan measure to prevent the full Medicare physician fee schedule cuts from being implemented on January 1, 2024.

""Washington spends a lot of time talking about protecting health care access for Medicare patients, yet year after year, makes it more difficult for doctors to take care of them,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.""This bill takes action on a critical issue others refuse to do - pays physicians, who serve Medicare patients out of the goodness of their hearts, because Medicare payments simply don’t pay for the cost of care. I am past done with the onslaught of cuts made by politicians and unelected bureaucrats who regard doctors and patients as little more than cogs in the wheels of health care. Sooner, rather than later, physicians are just going to stop taking Medicare. If you own the hardware store, why would you sell a hammer for a dollar when it costs you two dollars? Enough is enough. This is one more step towards fixing the broken Medicare system.""

Co-Leads:

Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07), Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).

Background

In November 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 3.4% beginning on January 1, 2024. Compounded with CMS’ own estimates of a projected 4.6% increase in practice cost expenses for next year, physicians will be faced with an 8% cut unless Congress acts.

According to the American Medical Association, when adjusted for inflation, Medicare physician payment has already declined 26% from 2001 to 2023.

Consistent Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians have negative secondary and tertiary implications for our health care system. It also threatens the viability, particularly of physician practices in rural and underserved communities, to continue seeing new Medicare patients.

When physicians no longer find it financially viable due to rates being slashed, wages increasing, or expenses going up, then there will be layoffs, services curtailed, and in some cases, physician offices closed.

Amidst a physician shortage and a record number of physicians nearing retirement age, now is no time to drive physicians toward retirement or not providing care to Medicare patients.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/following-push-for-funding-led-by-congresswoman-ross-dot-announces-more-than-1-billion-in-federal-funding-for-raleigh-to-richmond-rail-line,"Following Push for Funding Led by Congresswoman Ross, DOT Announces More Than $1 Billion in Federal Funding for Raleigh-to-Richmond Rail Line",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) applauded more than $1 billion in federal funding awarded to North Carolina from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to help construct the S-Line Raleigh-to-Richmond project, connecting the Virginia and North Carolina capitals and improving rail service throughout the Southeast. This funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congresswoman Ross helped pass in her first term. In April, Congresswoman Ross led members of the North Carolina delegation in calling for funding for the Raleigh-to-Richmond line through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

The Raleigh-to-Richmond rail line has been decades in the making. Once completed, the line could cut train travel times between Raleigh and Richmond by about an hour, helping to drive economic growth in the region. In June of 2022, North Carolina lawmakers announced $58 million in federal funding for the line.

“I’m extremely grateful that because of this historic grant from DOT, the Raleigh-to-Richmond rail line is one crucial step closer to becoming a reality,” said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. “As one of the fastest growing states in the country, North Carolina needs modern, efficient transportation to match our continuing growth and economic development. I’ve been leading the fight for funding for the Raleigh-to-Richmond rail line because I know high-speed rail will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and increase opportunities for our people.

“Today’s announcement was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – a transformative package that I fought to pass during my first term in Congress. Transportation investments like the Raleigh-to-Richmond rail line are pivotal for communities in North Carolina and across the Southeast. I will always fight to deliver federal support for projects that will enhance the lives of all North Carolinians, foster economic development, and bolster our state’s competitiveness.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-announces-washington-county-schools-distance-learning,Congressman Don Davis Announces Washington County Schools Distance Learning Grant,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GREENVILLE, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) is pleased to announce that the Washington County Board of Education will be awarded $522,888 for distance learning technology as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program.

“These federal investments will unlock brighter futures for our rural communities, bridging the gap to quality education while empowering our youth to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, fostering academic success and a stronger, more resilient eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis.

Washington County Board of Education will receive the following grant:

USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants:$522,888

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-announces-2023-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Hudson Announces 2023 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of Computer Science Education Week, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) today announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s 9th District.

“The Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for our region’s middle and high school students to showcase their creativity and computer skills on the national level,” said Rep. Hudson. “Congratulations to this year's winners from Lee County High School for their innovative app design, and thank you to all of our region’s students who participated in this year’s competition.”

Below are the winning selections for North Carolina’s 9th District:

1st Place:

Erik Mejia, Jose Martinez Lopez, and Juan Gomez from Lee County High School in Sanford.

ClassConnect, an app designed with the primary goal of enhancing the efficiency of student grouping for teachers, ultimately improving collaboration and social interaction.

2nd Place:

Jy'Mir Fuller from Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City.

An app designed for a local small business to streamline services for increased customer convenience.

The Congressional App Challenge was launched by the U.S. House of Representatives to encourage student innovation and engagement in computer science and STEM. This national effort seeks to inspire students from every corner of the country to explore coding and computer science through hands-on practice by creating an app.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-congresswoman-kathy-manning,Congresswoman Ross Statement on Congresswoman Kathy Manning,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) announced she will not file for re-election in 2024:

“Since we were both elected to Congress in 2020, I have had the distinct honor and privilege of serving alongside Congresswoman Kathy Manning. As a champion for reproductive health care and access to contraception, Congresswoman Manning has been an invaluable leader and a critical partner in the fight for women’s rights. I am grateful for the intelligence and persistence she brought to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Education & the Workforce as well as her unwavering dedication to the people of our great state.

“On a personal level, I am also thankful for Kathy’s friendship and for her exceptional warmth, humor, spirit, and strength. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside her for the past three years. I look forward to continuing to work together to get results for North Carolina – both for the remainder of this term and in the next chapter of her career.

“It’s important to note that Kathy’s decision was compelled by the extreme partisan gerrymander enacted by Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly. Their egregious congressional map is silencing the voices of voters across our state. The people of North Carolina are losing a highly effective, bipartisan legislator because of this assault on our democracy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-alma-adams-honors-tuskegee-airman-2nd-lt-fred-brewer,Congresswoman Alma Adams Honors Tuskegee Airman 2nd Lt. Fred Brewer,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 6, 2023) – Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) will today commemorate Charlotte native 2ndLt. Fred Brewer, a US Army Air Forces commissioned officer who was killed in action on October 29, 1944. Rep. Adams gave a speech about 2nd Lt. Brewer on the U.S. House floor today to honor his sacrifice and the identification and return of his remains this year. This will coincide with a Memorial Service for 2nd Lt. Brewer today in Charlotte. At the service, Rep. Adams’ office is also presenting the Brewer family with the U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol on November 30th, the day that 2nd Lt. Brewer’s remains were flown to Charlotte.

“Tomorrow will mark 82 years since the United States entered World War II, and we are still bringing our heroes home” said Rep. Adams. “Lt. Fred Brewer was an attendee of the great Ebenezer Baptist Church, a graduate of the Shaw University in Raleigh, a son and brother, and a US Army airman. He gave his life for a country that did not yet recognize him as an equal. After more than 80 years, during which his sacrifice was vindicated by the fruits of democracy, he’s finally coming home” she said.

Lt. Brewer’s plane, named Travelin Light after the Billie Holiday song, was lost in action while returning from a mission near Ramitelli Airbase in Italy on October 29, 1944. His remains were not initially identified, and he was anonymously buried at Florence American Cemetery south of Florence, Italy. He was finally identified in August 2023.

“Thanks to the unyielding advocacy of his cousins Robena Brewer Harrison and Brenda L. Brewer, and the determined work of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a Tuskegee Airman and fallen hero will be laid to rest with the respect and honor he deserves” said Rep. Adams.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/floor-speech-congresswoman-alma-adams-reinternment-tuskegee-airman-2nd,Floor Speech by Congresswoman Alma Adams on the Reinternment of Tuskegee Airman 2nd Lt. Fred Brewer,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 6, 2023) – Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) gave the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House today to commemorate the repatriation of Charlotte native 2ndLt. Fred Brewer, a US Army Air Forces commissioned officer who was killed in action on October 29, 1944:

There are more than 80,000 American military personnel who remain unaccounted for from previous conflicts around the World.

Their families, non-profit organizations, and the POW/MIA Accounting Agency continue to fight tirelessly, everyday, to bring these patriots home and give them the dignified memorials they deserve.

Mr./Madam Speaker,

I rise today to celebrate the homecoming of one of these fallen heroes, 2nd Lt. Fred Lorenzo Brewer Jr., who after nearly 80 years has returned home to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Born on August 4, 1921, Lt. Brewer was raised in Charlotte’s historic Brooklyn neighborhood, where his family attended the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

After graduating from Shaw University in Raleigh, the segregated-South’s first Black college, Lt. Brewer was commissioned by the United States Army Air Force and entered the Uniformed Service in November of 1942.

He was soon stationed at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama and joined the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group.

Completely segregated from their white peers, he was one of the nearly 1,000 Black pilots trained at Tuskegee who would eventually become known around the world as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Known for their extreme bravery and distinctive red-tail planes, the Tuskegee Airmen fought tirelessly to defend democracy abroad and to combat racism at home.

On October 29, 1944, Lt. Brewer’s plane, named Travelin Light after the Billie Holiday song, went missing while on a mission out of Ramitelli Airbase in Italy.

That day, like so many other young Black men in this elite group, Lt. Brewer gave the ultimate sacrifice for a country that did not yet see him as an equal citizen.

In serving and in giving his life, Lt. Brewer showed extraordinary faith in his country, and in democracy, that while imperfect in its protection and promotion of his life and livelihood, it could still be worthy of his ultimate sacrifice.

While Lt. Brewer did not live to see it, generations of survivors vindicated his sacrifice during the Civil Rights era, bringing our nation closer to the dream of every man and woman being created equal. That’s the promise of democracy, the promise for which he gave his life.

He was only 23 years old, and left behind his parents, Fred Sr. and Janie Brewer, and younger sister, Gladys.

Thanks to the unyielding advocacy of his surviving cousins, Robena Brewer Harrison and Brenda L. Brewer, and the determined work of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Lt. Brewer’s remains were identified in August.

Last Thursday, exactly 79 years and 1 month since his death, Lt. Brewer returned to Charlotte, receiving a dignified transfer. The U.S. flag was flown in his honor last Thursday at the US Capitol.

And, today, he will finally be laid to rest at Salisbury National Cemetery with full military honors.

While we celebrate today, we must never forget the countless Americans, including 25 Tuskegee Airmen, who remain unaccounted for and the families that long to bring their beloved heroes home, and we must never stop perfecting the cause for which they sacrificed.

Welcome home Lt. Brewer. We are forever indebted to your service.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-davis-and-gonzales-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-provide,Congressmen Davis and Gonzales Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Increased Support for Underserved Rural Communities,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Don Davis(NC-01) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide increased technical assistance to geographically underserved rural communities. The Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide technical assistance to strengthen local capacity and improve access to rural development programs for geographically underserved and distressed rural areas directly or through cooperative agreements.

“Historically, eastern North Carolina communities and local organizations have faced many challenges in receiving the same level of support as others across the state and the country,” said Congressman Don Davis. ""As a former mayor of a small town, I've witnessed firsthand that obtaining federal grants and technical assistance for community development is no easy task. Strengthening collaboration with USDA Rural Development is crucial to ensuring these communities receive the support they need, and the bipartisan Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act stands as a vital solution, offering essential assistance and recognizing local partners as invaluable allies in uplifting rural communities.""

“Far too often, rural communities are left out of the picture when it comes to access to federal development programs and grants. One of my top priorities in Congress is to get funding out of Washington and back into South and West Texas communities,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-TX). “The Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act will provide technical assistance for applicants and improve access to rural development programs to help deliver funding back to Texas and rural communities across the country.”

“RCAP proudly supports the Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act, and thanks Rep. Davis for introducing this bill. Technical assistance is vital for underserved and distressed communities to be able to increase local capacity and supplement limited human capital. RCAP is already focused on helping rural, Tribal, and Colonias communities become more sustainable and resilient, and looks forward to continuing our strong working relationship with USDA to improve the quality of life for more Americans,” said Olga Morales-Pete, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.

“For too long, communities located in geographically underserved and distressed areas have lacked the critical support and technical assistance to understand access and use the rural development programs they urgently need. We thank Rep. Davis and his colleagues for developing a bill that will help quickly bridge the digital divide, and connect these communities to vitally needed services,” said Lorette Picciano, Executive Director of the Rural Coalition.

Sixteen out of the nineteen counties in North Carolina’s First Congressional District are socially vulnerable, according to the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Further, all nineteen counties are at medium levels or higher.

The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), the Rural Coalition, and the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA (NCBA CLUSA) endorse the Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act.

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-foushee-announces-grant-award-for-intercity-passenger-rail-route,Congresswoman Foushee Announces Grant Award for Intercity Passenger Rail Route,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC (December 6, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), announced a $1 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to develop a new intercity passenger rail route between Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA along the CSX Transportation “S-Line” that will connect North Carolina with Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Northeast Corridor.

“I’m proud to see this historic investment which will bolster North Carolina’s transportation infrastructure, an effort which I championed long before arriving to Congress, and expands on the work by Congressman David Price, my predecessor, to advance this passenger rail route. These generational investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop this intercity passenger rail route will further transit expansion and economic development in North Carolina’s Fourth District”, said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “Once again, the Biden-Harris administration continue to deliver for North Carolinians, and I applaud their dedication towards improving local infrastructure, and supporting our local economy.”

Congresswoman Foushee serves as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-legislation-to-protect-energy-supply-chain-amend-nuclear-regulatory,"Hudson Legislation to Protect Energy Supply Chain, Amend Nuclear Regulatory Commission Advances to House Floor",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced two pieces of his legislation, the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act and the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee legislative markup. Both pieces of legislation will now move to the full House for final passage.

“This past weekend was the one-year anniversary of the Moore County grid attack, so take it from me and my 45,000 neighbors: we cannot afford disruptions to our grid,” said Rep. Hudson. “I appreciate the support and dedication my fellow committee members have shown for prioritizing our grid security, and for their continued commitment to unlock reliable American energy production. I am hopeful this much-needed legislation will be brought up soon for a vote before the full House of Representatives.”

Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act:

In June, Rep. Hudson introduced the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act ahead of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security field hearing in Moore County. The legislation builds on Rep. Hudson's work to strengthen our nation's energy security, and repeals the Department of Energy’s authority to propose, finalize, implement, administer, or enforce any energy efficiency standard for distribution transformers for the next five years.

In December 2022, the Department of Energy proposed new energy efficiency standards for three types of distribution transformers. If finalized as proposed, the standards will yield minor energy savings and further disrupt the nation’s supply chain by causing lead times to procure transformers to increase from months to years.

Rep. Hudson’s legislation ensures transformers remain more than 97% energy-efficient while giving the industry five years to strengthen domestic supply chains at current regulatory standards.

The Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act is led by Rep. Hudson and cosponsored by fellow Energy and Commerce Committee members Reps. Balderson, Griffith, Bilirakis, Allen, Walberg, Balderson, Harshbarger, and Miller-Meeks.

The Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act passed through the committee by a roll call vote of 24 to 22. To read the legislation, click here.

Watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks in support of the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act during today’s hearing here.

Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act:

Last week, Rep. Hudson and Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) reintroduced the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, legislation to amend the authorities at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The proposed changes would reduce barriers to entry for commercial developers of advanced nuclear reactor technology, provide regulatory certainty, and reduce bureaucratic red tape with applications for ANR development, implementation, and demonstration.

The Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act was included in Sec. 201 of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which passed through the committee, as amended, by a roll call vote of 47 to 2. To read the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, click here.

Watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks in support of the legislation here.

“In our home state of Washington, we have adopted an ambitious goal to completely eliminate carbon emissions from our energy generation portfolio by 2045,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “This means we need to construct new emissions-free capacity resources like advanced nuclear, in addition to wind and solar and the abundant hydropower we already benefit from. By expanding our nuclear portfolio, in addition to hydroelectric baseload power, we can integrate renewables onto the grid, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping energy bills affordable.”

-###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/06/budd-calls-on-biden-to-include-border-policy-in-national-security-bill/,Budd Calls on Biden to Include Border Policy in National Security Bill,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) called on President Biden and Senate Democrats to include border security funding and policy changes in the proposed national security supplemental spending package.

Key excerpts:

“As we confront a dangerous global situation, we cannot ignore the fact that for America to be a strong nation, we must first be strong at home. Before we can help countries protect their borders thousands of miles away, we must first protect our own borders. The biggest threat to our national security right now is the wide open southern border.”

“This crisis must be dealt with, and dealt with now. That’s why Senate Republicans have offered the Biden White House a deal: Include proven border policies in the House-passed H.R. 2 to the national security spending package, and you’ll have our support – A clear pathway. But so far, this White House is more interested in playing politics and continuing to ignore the border crisis altogether.”

“The bottom line here is that in order to be a strong nation, we have to have strong borders. And right now, we don’t have that. So I want to call on President Biden to change course, work with us so that we can solve this crisis together. We know what to do. All we need is a president who takes this seriously and fulfills his oath to protect and defend this country.”

Watch the full speech:

Read the full speech:

Forces of evil and instability are on the march around the globe.

In the Middle East, Hamas massacred more than 1,200 Israelis and 33 Americans.

Iran – the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism – continues to finance, provide training for, and authorize attacks against U.S. forces across the region.

In Europe, Russia continues its brutality against Ukraine and is fomenting conflict in the Balkans, further threatening peace and stability in Europe.

Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its military, threatening our allies and partners, and stealing billions in Americans’ intellectual property.

All of this chaos is the result of weakness from the Biden administration.

Starting in Afghanistan and continuing to this day, this administration has put American weakness on full display.

As we confront a dangerous global situation, we cannot ignore the fact that for America to be a strong nation, we must first be strong at home.

Before we can help countries protect their borders thousands of miles away, we must first protect our own borders.

The biggest threat to our national security right now is the wide open southern border.

For three years, the border has been in a state of crisis.

We have grown familiar with these numbers, but they remain historic and staggering.

Under President Biden, over eight million illegal immigrants have crossed the border.

Under President Biden, 279 individuals on the terrorist watch list have tried to illegally enter our nation.

Under President Biden, nearly 50,000 pounds of fentanyl has been seized at the border – That’s enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States.

Given the fact that we’re only able to interdict 5-10 percent of the illegal drugs that cross, our country is being overwhelmed with drugs that can kill with just a 2 milligram dose.

Under President Biden, there have been 1.8 million known got-aways – And that’s not counting all of the unknown got-aways, including terrorists, human traffickers, and other bad actors.

This crisis must be dealt with, and dealt with now.

That’s why Senate Republicans have offered the Biden White House a deal: Include proven border policies in the House-passed H.R. 2 to the national security spending package, and you’ll have our support – A clear pathway.

But so far, this White House is more interested in playing politics and continuing to ignore the border crisis altogether.

But you know who can’t ignore it? The border patrol agents who are under siege right now.

In the times I’ve been down there, they have told me that, yes, we need a wall, we need border enforcement, we need funding.

But what we really need – in their words – is the policy changes that would empower them to stop the illegal flow of people, drugs, and crime.

You know who else can’t ignore this crisis? The sheriffs from all 100 of North Carolina’s counties.

Many of them have come up to me saying the same thing: Every single county in North Carolina is now a border county because of Joe Biden’s policies.

The bottom line here is that in order to be a strong nation, we have to have strong borders. And right now, we don’t have that.

So I want to call on President Biden to change course, work with us so that we can solve this crisis together.

We know what to do. All we need is a president who takes this seriously and fulfills his oath to protect and defend this country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-announces-us-service-academy-nominees-north-carolinas-11th-district,Edwards announces U.S. service academy nominees for North Carolina’s 11th District,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Chuck Edwards,E000246,edwards.house.gov,edwards,https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today announced the newest class of service academy nominations for North Carolina’s 11th District.

Twelve high school students from Western North Carolina have received nominations to attend one of the United States service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

After a competitive application and interview process, Congressman Edwards and his Military Service Academy Selection Committee nominated the following students:

Cayden Cannon from Christ School: U.S. Military Academy (West Point)

Miles Edwards from Asheville High School: U.S. Air Force Academy

Luke Garner from Christ School: U.S. Air Force Academy

Cedric Gordon from Asheville High School: U.S. Air Force Academy

Matthew Hyatt from North Buncombe High School: U.S. Naval Academy

William Lawing from Nesbitt Discovery Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy

Nathaniel Leftwich from Pisgah High School: U.S. Naval Academy

James Lilly from Christ School: U.S. Naval Academy

Michael Puzerewski from Holy Innocence Academy: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Chloe Smith from North Henderson High School: U.S. Naval Academy

Lillian Whitesides from Franklin High School: U.S. Naval Academy

Anita Zavyalova from A.C. Reynolds High School: U.S. Naval Academy

""One of the most sacred responsibilities I have as a member of Congress is to help select the future leaders of America’s military through a highly selective process. This is an exceptional group of nominees, and the families of these individuals should be extremely proud. I look forward to watching these students represent the best that Western North Carolina and the United States has to offer,"" said Congressman Edwards. ""Congratulations to our 2023 nominees!""

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law and be nominated from an authorized source.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Edwards may nominate applicants who legally reside within the boundaries of the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.

For more information regarding the service academy nomination process, please visit edwards.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://foxx.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400129,Foxx Congratulates McHenry on His Service to North Carolina,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,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 retirement of Congressman Patrick McHenry:

“Throughout his entire career in the People’s House, Congressman McHenry has not only been a reliable and visible leader, but he has also been a steadfast friend to many – me included. From his service as the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee to his critical role as Speaker Pro Tem that he assumed this year, Congressman McHenry’s leadership has served as a model that future generations of North Carolinians will study and seek to replicate for years to come. May God bless him, his wife Giulia, and their children in the months and years ahead.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-releases-statement-on-retirement-of-rep-patrick-mchenry,Hudson Releases Statement on Retirement of Rep. Patrick McHenry,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement on the retirement of Rep. Patrick McHenry (NC-10):

“Patrick McHenry is a giant of the House and will go down in history as one of the most consequential Members to have ever served in the US Congress.

""His decades of service to the people of North Carolina and his leadership as Speaker Pro Tem during an unprecedented time for the House of Representatives will leave a lasting impact on future generations. I have known Patrick for 30 years and I am proud to call him my close friend.

""I wish Patrick, Giulia, and the family all the best in this next chapter of their lives.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswomen-ross-foushee-announce-that-usps-is-taking-first-steps-to-institute-mail-delivery-service-in-rtp,"Congresswomen Ross, Foushee Announce that USPS is Taking First Steps to Institute Mail Delivery Service in RTP",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) confirmed that the United States Postal Service (USPS) will begin taking initial steps to implement centralized mail delivery service in Research Triangle Park (RTP) following calls for action from Ross and members of the North Carolina congressional delegation.

According to USPS, a final decision on mail delivery in RTP will depend on whether a series of conditions can be met. The Research Triangle Foundation and USPS leaders have begun working together to implement the necessary changes to begin the process to institute centralized mail delivery. The letter response from USPS can be found here.

In September, Congresswoman Ross led Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Ted Budd, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, and 110 RTP businesses in a letter urging USPS to implement centralized mail delivery service to the entire RTP campus. After decades of growth, RTP has become the largest research park in North America, with 55,000 employees and over 375 companies spread across 7,000 acres of land. Yet, despite its vast size and economic impact, RTP currently relies on a single U.S. Post Office that does not offer mail delivery to the RTP area.

“The Triangle is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and a major economic engine for the region,” said Congresswoman Ross. “As RTP continues to evolve, we must ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support its continued growth and success. I’m grateful that USPS is prioritizing this issue and has begun the formal process to implement centralized mail delivery service on RTP’s campus. After hearing from over a hundred businesses and constituents, I’m confident that RTP will move quickly to meet USPS’s requirements.”

“Home to over 375 companies and 60,000 employees, Research Triangle Park is an economic driver for North Carolina, and these businesses need consistent access to essential mail services to thrive,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “The continued communication between USPS officials and RTP foundation representatives is an important step towards establishing a physical carrier delivery service with Research Triangle Park. This is a significant breakthrough, and I will continue to work to ensure that businesses in RTP get the dependable and operational mail delivery service they deserve.”

“With cooperation from our Congressional delegation, RTP is heartened to learn that the USPS has begun the initial steps to provide mail delivery service in the Park,” said Scott Levitan, President & CEO of the Research Triangle Park. “With the introduction of the first mixed-use development and requirements of companies in RTP, mail service is critical to the viability of our 375 companies and future residents. We appreciate the collaboration among the delegation, USPS and our companies to achieve this commitment from the US Postal Service.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-announces-1-billion-grant-for-raleigh-to-richmond-commuter-rail,Tillis Announces $1 Billion Grant for Raleigh to Richmond Commuter Rail,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced a $1 billion grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a new passenger rail route between Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. The route will be along the CSX Transportation “S-Line” as a part of the Southeast Corridor that will better connect North Carolina with Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Northeast Corridor.

“This $1 billion grant for North Carolina to make progress on the Raleigh to Richmond Rail Line is a big win for economic development in the region,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud this investment was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.”

The project improves system and service performance by developing a resilient and reliable passenger rail route that will also contribute to freight and supply chain resiliency in the Southeast. NCDOT and Amtrak will provide a 20% non-Federal match. Following selection, FRA will work with the recipient to establish and obligate the Phased Funding Agreement. FRA anticipates an initial obligation of FY22-23 funds under the agreement of up to $479,416,000, with contingent commitments from Advance Appropriations in FY24-26 providing the balance of funds.

For a list of specific BIL infrastructure grants, click HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:34:08Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-announces-3-5-million-in-grants-for-nc-rail-identification-and-development,Tillis Announces $3.5 Million in Grants for NC Rail Identification and Development,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis announced $3.5 million in grant fundingfrom the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to identify potential new rail routes or improvements across North Carolina. The Corridor sponsors would enter Step 1 of the program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.

“This $3.5 million in grant funding to identify and develop potential rail lines across North Carolina could be transformational in how North Carolinians travel,” said Senator Tillis. “I’m proud these investments were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law.”

The following corridors were awarded $500,000 for identification and development:

Charlotte to Washington, DC Corridor

The proposed Corridor would provide improvements to the existing state-supported Carolinian service between Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC (with existing service continuing north to New York, NY) by improving/adding services in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, Raleigh, Durham, Salisbury, and Burlington NC and Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, Virginia by addressing infrastructure capacity constraints. Improvements include constructing/rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Raleigh, NC and Petersburg, VA that is more direct than the existing routing through Rocky Mount, NC, potentially shaving more than an hour off the end-to-end travel time.

Charlotte to Atlanta, Georgia Corridor

The proposed Corridor would provide new service on a new high speed rail alignment between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, with potential intermediate stops including Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina and Augusta and Athens, GA, then serving a downtown Atlanta station and terminating at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest airport.

Charlotte to Kings Mountain Corridor

The proposed Corridor would connect Kings Mountain, North Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina. The proposed Corridor would provide new service on existing alignment with capacity improvements west of the Charlotte Gateway Station and likely extending service to Kings Mountain, in addition to track, crossover, or signal improvements.

Winston-Salem to Raleigh Corridor

The proposed Corridor would connect Winston-Salem, NC with Raleigh, NC, with intermediate stops at Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, and Cary, complementing the existing state-supported Piedmont and Carolinian services. The proposed Corridor would also include new frequencies, improvements to reliability, and new stations.

Fayetteville to Raleigh Corridor

The proposed Corridor would provide a new service connecting Fayetteville, NC with Raleigh, NC, with intermediate stops at Lillington, and Fuquay-Varina, NC, using an existing alignment.

Wilmington to Raleigh Corridor

The proposed Corridor would connect Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC. The proposed Corridor would provide new service on an existing alignment, part of which has been abandoned and would need to be reconstructed, to include new stations.

Asheville to Salisbury Corridor

The proposed Corridor would provide new service on an existing alignment between Asheville and Salisbury in western North Carolina, following a line that last hosted passenger trains in 1975.

For a list of specific BIL infrastructure grants, click HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-statement-on-representative-mchenry-s-retirement,Tillis Statement on Representative McHenry’s Retirement,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on the retirement of Representative Patrick McHenry:

“Congressman McHenry has been an extraordinary leader and problem solver who always rises to the occasion, most recently spearheading a bipartisan deal that saved our country from default and secured the largest spending cut in history. It’s been an honor to work with Patrick and call him a friend. While Congress will sorely miss his leadership, Susan and I wish Patrick, Giulia, and their beautiful family the very best.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-announces-nash-community-college-distance-learning-grant,Congressman Don Davis Announces Nash Community College Distance Learning Grant,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GREENVILLE, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) is pleased to announce that Nash Community College will be awarded $348,130 for high-quality video-conferencing equipment and 3D interactive education solutions. The investment as part of the USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program will allow Nash Community College instructors to deliver interactive, immersive college-level distance learning courses to rural high school students, allowing the students to receive college credit while still enrolled in high school.

“By bridging the gap between rural areas and higher education, these federal funds will not only help enrich the lives of our students but also foster a brighter future for eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis.

Nash Community College received the following grant:

USDA Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: $348,130

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-meets-duke-energy-chinese-batteries-used-camp-lejeune,Murphy Meets with Duke Energy on Chinese Batteries Used at Camp Lejeune,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement in response to his meeting with representatives of Duke Energy after reports revealed the usage of Chinese batteries on Camp Lejeune:

""I was recently informed that in 2014 the Obama administration invited Duke Energy to install Chinese-made batteries to be used for energy storage in a solar facility on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.""This troubling revelation makes me question my faith in the Department of Defense's decision protocols that enabled such a thing to happen on a military base. Further, this is a direct consequence of the ill-designed transition to sustainable energy on military installations started by former President Obama and accelerated by President Biden. A meeting today with Duke Energy was very productive in relaying my concerns.”

“It is no secret – China is working diligently to undermine the United States every single day. Earlier this year we witnessed a Chinese spy balloon be allowed by the Biden administration to traverse the entire US collecting data in sensitive areas including military bases. While we are not in a ballistic conflict with the Chinese Communist Party, the Biden administration is seemingly willing to overlook national security concerns in pursuit of the almighty grail of clean energy. The CCP has no better friend in the United States right now than the leadership in the Biden Administration.""

""I have been assured by Duke Energy that the batteries were taken offline on Friday of last week. I am grateful for the aggressive oversight of Senator Marco Rubio and Chairman Mike Gallagher on this critical issue. As the member representing Onslow County and Camp Lejeune, I will continue to monitor the situation closely. I will not stand for the infiltration of our military by the Chinese Communist Party.""

Background

On Friday last week, November 30th, members of the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Austin that revealed batteries manufactured by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., a company directly funded and supported by the Chinese Communist Party, were installed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

You can view the letter and press release here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/12/04/budd-murray-lead-bipartisan-bill-help-military-retain-skilled-nurses/,"Budd, Murray Lead Bipartisan Bill Help Military Retain Skilled Nurses",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have introduced the Retain Educated Workers and Registered Nurses Developing (REWARD) Experience Act, which would empower the Military Health System to retain skilled nurses as they pursue higher education.

The legislation gives the hiring manager of a military medical center the ability to waive certain General Schedule (GS) qualification standards related to work experience for nurses at military medical treatment facilities if they deem the nurse or practical nurse fit to perform the required duties.

The legislative text of the bill is HERE.

Sen. Budd said in a statement:

“As our country faces a shortage of qualified nurses, this bipartisan proposal provides a common sense fix that would cut through bureaucratic requirements to help the military keep dedicated healthcare professionals on the job without taking a pay cut. I’d like to thank Senator Murray for co-leading this bill with me.”

Senator Murray said:

“Our new bipartisan legislation would provide a common-sense fix to incentivize skilled nurses to stay in the military health care system, where their services are so important to getting servicemembers and their families timely access to high-quality care. Staffing shortages are a challenge for health care facilities across the country, and we must keep working to find ways to retain qualified and experienced nurses in military health care facilities and ensure servicemembers and their families get the care they deserve—I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get that done.”

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt Gen Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret) said:

“MOAA supports the REWARD Act that will help military hospitals and clinics retain experienced civilian nurses as they further their education and achieve higher levels of licensure. MOAA’s spring advocacy campaign last year raised concerns about health care workforce challenges, so we appreciate the REWARD Act will help DoD retain experienced nurses by addressing a barrier in hiring policy. We thank Senator Patty Murray and Senator Ted Budd for their leadership on military treatment facility staffing challenges and their support of military medicine.”

CEO of the National Military Family Association (NMFA) Besa Pinchotti said:

“Service members and military families need and deserve the very best health care. Nurses are an essential part of that equation. The REWARD Experience Act is commonsense legislation that incentivizes nurses to remain with the military health system as they progress in their careers. We are grateful to Senators Murray and Budd for their leadership on this issue.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/12/tillis-colleagues-demand-answers-from-biden-on-latest-iran-sanctions-waiver,"Tillis, Colleagues Demand Answers from Biden on Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding answers over the administration’s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy given the recent decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver. As Israel continues to battle Iranian-backed Hamas and the regime’s proxies increase their attacks against U.S. personnel in the region, the Biden Administration on November 13 issued a waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion.

“On August 18, 2023, we wrote to express our concern over the administration’s decision to release $6 billion worth of frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the return of American detainees. This decision reinforced an incredibly dangerous precedent of providing ransom payments to the world’s greatest state sponsor of terrorism and put a price on the life of every American overseas. Understanding the grave error of the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the danger this action poses to U.S. lives and interests, it is therefore alarming to hear that the administration is doubling down on its appeasement strategy by actively working to provide Iran with access to billions more in funding,” the senators wrote.

“As we said in August, money is fungible. Combined with the $10 billion waiver extension, the administration has provided Iran with access to roughly $16 billion in assets over the past four months; assets that can be used—now or in the future—to offset the cost of the Iranian regime’s increase in destabilizing activities across the region. A strong signal of deterrence—utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools—is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict. Unfortunately, the administration’s military and economic responses to Iran and its proxies have not only been disproportionate, they appear to be completely disjointed,” the senators continued.

“We therefore request that your departments provide us with a classified assessment on the administration’s plan to deter Iranian aggression and prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. This assessment should include an estimation of how Iran has already leveraged—and could in the future leverage—against U.S. persons and interests the tens of billions in assets it now has access to due to your administration’s use of U.S. sanctions waivers and is to be provided in a member or staff-level briefing no later than December 7, 2023,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressmen-davis-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-study-impact,Congressmen Davis & Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study the Impact of Automation on the Workforce,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representatives Don Davis (NC-01) and Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Workforce DATA Act of 2023. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Senate version in June. The legislation seeks to require the Labor Secretary to measure the impact of automation on the workforce by instructing the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study.

“At the end of the day, a job is about more than a paycheck,” said Congressman Don Davis. “In North Carolina’s First Congressional District, only about 130,000 workers, or 25 percent of the population, are four-year college graduates. These hard-working eastern North Carolinians are the most vulnerable to shifts in the labor market resulting from automation. In order to preserve their jobs, we must have a more concrete idea of how automation will affect the ratio of human to automated labor, which is why the Workforce DATA Act is an important step forward. In the 21st-century economy, workers are often at the mercy of rapid technological development. To ensure a robust workforce, we must use all tools at our disposal to protect workers in a changing landscape.”

“Technological advancement is good for society, and if done right, will make all of our lives easier,” said Congressman Zach Nunn. At the same time, we must ensure that workforce changes don’t eliminate good paying jobs that Iowans rely on,” said Rep. Nunn. “Our bipartisan Workforce DATA Act will develop an action plan to protect Iowans’ jobs, ensuring that automation is a tool to make work easier and more productive, not a replacement for the skills of talented Americans.”

“Technological change has always been a hallmark of the transportation sector, but the rapid pace of advancements in emerging tech presents unique challenges,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “To ensure new transportation technologies align with our national workforce needs, we must have high-quality data and better coordination among stakeholders to track, analyze, and respond to the impacts of tech on current and future jobs, including their potential for job creation, displacement, wage degradation, and skills gaps due to new technologies. The Workforce DATA Act would be an invaluable tool in helping to meet this challenge, and we commend Representative Davis for his leadership on this urgent issue.”

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-highlights-work-to-strengthen-grid-resiliency-on-anniversary-of-moore-county,Hudson Highlights Work to Strengthen Grid Resiliency on Anniversary of Moore County Attack,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement in recognition of the upcoming one year anniversary of the Moore County attack:

“One year ago, our community was intentionally attacked. While the days following the attack were difficult, I am so proud of how our community came together in the face of adversity.

“Over the last year, I have focused on leading discussions and advancing legislation at the federal level to improve our grid resilience, harden our infrastructure, and strengthen our energy supply chain—not just here in the Sandhills, but across the country. We have been making great strides, and I will not stop fighting for grid security and energy independence in Washington. No community across the country should experience what our community endured.

“I want to thank Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields and our local law enforcement for their quick response during those dark days, and for their ongoing investigations to determine who is responsible for last December’s attack. We must hold those responsible for this act accountable and I will continue to support law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.”

Timeline of Rep. Hudson’s Actions to Secure the Energy Grid:

December 2022: Rep. Hudson toured Duke Energy power substation which was attacked and received a briefing on the recent power outages in Moore County.

January 2023: Rep. Hudson organized a classified briefing from the FBI for Members of Congress on attacks targeting US electrical infrastructure.

February 2023: Rep. Hudson urged the Department of Energy to provide fair and prompt consideration of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporations application to the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Topic Area 2 Grant Competition.

March 2023: Rep. Hudson cosponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, legislation to lower energy costs for Americans, remove the bureaucratic red tape holding our energy industry back, and unleash America’s energy independence.

May 2023: Rep. Hudson reintroduced the Widening Opportunities to Recapture Key Energy Roles (WORKER) Act, bipartisan legislation that will supercharge America’s energy workforce by urging the Department of Energy to award grants to stakeholders prioritizing education and training for energy and manufacturing jobs. The bill would also prioritize educating and training workers from underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, and veterans.

June 2023: Rep. Hudson introduced the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, legislation to repeal the Department of Energy’s authority to propose, finalize, implement, administer, or enforce any energy efficiency standard for distribution transformers for the next five years.

June 2023: Rep. Hudson and members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security held a field hearing in Moore County. At the hearing, the members discussed physical and cybersecurity issues facing the electricity sector, power outage incident response and recovery, and emergency coordination among State and local governments and the electric industry. Watch the field hearing.

June 2023: Prior to the Moore County field hearing, Rep. Hudson and committee members toured the Duke Energy West End substation, one of two substations in Moore County that was intentionally attacked on the evening of December 3, 2022.

July 2023: Rep. Hudson joined the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing that addressed the security challenges that currently threaten the electricity sector, and discussed emerging and existing threats to America’s electric energy infrastructure.

September 2023: Hudson’s energy grid security legislation H.R. 4167, Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, was included in the House Energy and Commerce Committee Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee legislative hearing.

October 2023: Hudson’s Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, passed out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security. Next, the legislation will be voted on by the full Energy and Commerce Committee before moving to the House floor.

At the end of October, Hudson secured $1.6 billion in funding to bolster grid security that was included in the final version of H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2024. For an outline of this funding, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-statement-on-vote-to-expel-george-santos,Hudson Statement on Vote to Expel George Santos,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today,Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement:

“The decision to remove one of our colleagues from the House of Representative is a serious and very sobering one. The House Ethics Committee conducted a thorough investigation that found Rep. Santos has violated House rules, stole money from his campaign, and lied to the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-applauds-nc-medicaid-expansion,Congresswoman Ross Applauds NC Medicaid Expansion,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement after Medicaid expansion officially took effect in North Carolina, extending life-saving coverage to potentially 600,000 low-income adults.

“Today, North Carolina officially becomes the 40th state to implement Medicaid expansion,” said Congresswoman Ross. “After a decade of political gridlock, 600,000 North Carolinians will finally be eligible for life-saving health care. This historic day would not have been possible without Governor Cooper’s inspirational leadership or the billions of dollars in federal funding that Democrats in Congress included in the American Rescue Plan to incentivize states to take action.

“I’ve been fighting for Medicaid expansion since my time in the General Assembly and worked hard to pass the American Rescue Plan – including money for Medicaid expansion – during my first term in Congress. While Republicans in the state legislature needlessly delayed expansion for months, I’m grateful that today North Carolinians no longer have to wait for the health care they deserve.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/12/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-voting-to-expel-geoge-santos-from-congress,Congresswoman Ross Statement on Voting to Expel Geoge Santos from Congress,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), member of the House Ethics Committee, voted to expel George Santos from the U.S. House of Representatives. The vote follows a comprehensive report released by the House Ethics Committee detailing egregious abuses of office by former Representative Santos.

“After a thorough, bipartisan investigation, it is clear that George Santos is unfit to serve in this body,” said Congresswoman Ross. “The Ethics Committee’s report details a clear pattern of fraud and deception and demonstrates that Mr. Santos fundamentally cannot be trusted to serve the people of New York. At every opportunity, he refused to comply with our investigation, take responsibility, or change his behavior. I voted to expel George Santos because he flagrantly violated the rules and norms of the House of Representatives, and repeatedly prioritized personal gain over respect for this institution, our Constitution, and the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-only-american-citizens-should-determine-representation-congress,Edwards: Only American citizens should determine representation in Congress,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Chuck Edwards,E000246,edwards.house.gov,edwards,https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) today introduced the No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act to prohibit anyone who is not a United States citizen from counting toward the population totals that determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act would take effect following the 2030 decennial census and any censuses thereafter, and would achieve the following:

Prohibit the U.S. Census Bureau from counting non-U.S. citizens toward population totals that determine the number of representatives each state is given in the U.S. House.

Nullify President Joe Biden’s “Executive Order on Ensuring a Lawful and Accurate Enumeration and Apportionment Pursuant to the Decennial Census,” which ordered that illegal immigrants and non-permanent residents be counted in the total population used to determine the number of House seats for each state (Jan. 20, 2021).

“The No Representation Without Legal Immigration Act is a commonsense solution to restore and strengthen our democracy by making sure that only American citizens – not immigrants who are ineligible to vote – determine the number of congressional seats each state has,” said Congressman Edwards. “Congressional representation affects our policies, our people and the course of our nation’s history. Americans deserve representation that accurately reflects the number of persons actually eligible to vote in each state.”

A 2020 Pew Research study found that according to the 2020 Census data, Texas, Florida and California would each lose one congressional seat, and Alabama, Minnesota and Ohio would each gain one congressional seat if unauthorized immigrants were not included in the population count.

Endorsements:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/ranking-member-foushee-opening-remarks-for-sst-investigations-oversight-hearing-on-ceqs-selection-of-sbti,Ranking Member Foushee Opening Remarks for SST Investigations & Oversight Hearing on CEQ's Selection of SBTi,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC (November 30, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at the Joint Subcommittee Hearing titled, Missing the Target: CEQ’s Meritless Selection of SBTi. You can watch the hearing here.

Ranking Member Foushee’s opening statement as prepared for the record is below.

Ranking Member Valerie Foushee

Opening Statement

Hearing: Missing the Target: CEQ’s Meritless Selection of SBTi

Thursday, November 30th, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Good afternoon, Chairman Obernolte. And good afternoon, Mr. Mayock – thank you for joining us today.

As I said two months ago at a hearing on this same topic, wise allocation of taxpayer money relies on fully informed, science-based decision making. Few problems put federal investments at greater risk than climate change.

I won’t repeat myself too much at this second hearing today. My beliefs are unchanged – we have a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer money is well stewarded by the contractors receiving hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

Finalizing this rule will lead to an unprecedented level of transparency into climate vulnerabilities, and contracting agencies can use that information as they think best.

I am glad the Biden administration took this important step, and I look forward to seeing how the FAR Council improves the rule as it moves towards finalization.

For instance, after hearing the expert testimony at the September 20th hearing, I came away with the opinion that the inclusion of SBTi is less important than the broader push to require greater transparency into the emissions of the government’s largest contractors competing for the largest contracts.

I hope the FAR Council takes this and other comments into consideration as they move toward finalization.

However, I am puzzled by the presence of Mr. Mayock here today.

Mr. Mayock is an extremely distinguished witness, as a leader in the Administration’s effort to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It’s a privilege to have him here before us.

Mr. Mayock does so much important work that Members of this Committee are deeply invested in – ensuring that the best available science on our changing climate drives decisions spanning the breadth of the Federal government.

But Mr. Mayock is not the appropriate witness to address the topic of this hearing. Contrary to the hearing’s title, CEQ did not write this rule. This rule is being promulgated by the FAR Council, and questions about the drafting and finalization of the rule are best directed elsewhere, not to CEQ.

I am familiar with the memo CEQ wrote that was the genesis of the FAR Council’s proposed rule. It is simply not the case that Mr. Mayock or his CEQ colleagues “selected” SBTi for inclusion in the rule. Issuing a memo is not the same thing as awarding a contract. Suggesting that a different office consider an entity’s role in a proposed rulemaking is not the same thing as making a selection.

Mr. Mayock cannot speak on behalf of the FAR Council on this rule. I am sure he will have a lot of interesting things to say, given his leadership on the Administration’s sustainability policies, and hopefully he will have ample opportunity to discuss the great work CEQ is doing to promote climate adaptation and resilience.

But once again, CEQ did not write this rule – the FAR Council did and is now working to finalize it. CEQ did not “select” SBTi, the FAR Council chose to include it, and it remains to be seen how they take into consideration public comments criticizing that inclusion.

Despite these facts, I am glad to join Chairman Obernolte in welcoming you here today, Mr. Mayock. I hope to hear about how CEQ is working to promote a more sustainable, adaptable, and responsible federal government. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-announces-new-leadership-chief-of-staff,Hudson Announces New Leadership Chief of Staff,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced he has named Jeff Morehouse as Leadership Chief of Staff.

“I am very pleased that Jeff is joining our team in this leadership role,” said. Rep. Hudson. “I am confident his character, political acumen, and many years of experience on Capitol Hill will be a huge benefit to our team and the people we serve.”

Prior to joining Hudson’s office, Morehouse served as the Managing Director of Government Affairs at ClearPath for nearly seven years and has 14 years of previous experience working in the House of Representatives. For six years, Morehouse served as Chief of Staff for former Texas Rep. Bill Flores, member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, and Chairman of the Republican Study Committee in the 114th Congress. In addition, he was previously Legislative Director and Appropriations Associate for former Texas Rep. John Culberson and served other roles for Rep. Culberson since 2003.

Morehouse will replace Billy Constangy who now serves as Executive Director of Team Johnson, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s political office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-introduces-legislation-to-amend-nuclear-regulatory-commission,Hudson Introduces Legislation to Amend Nuclear Regulatory Commission,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) reintroduced the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, legislation to amend the authorities at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, passed Rep. Hudson's draft legislation through markup on October 24th.

“At the beginning of this Congress, I promised to support and lead legislation that expands the availability of affordable, reliable energy,” said Rep. Hudson. “We must enhance America’s competitiveness in energy deployment. I am proud to reintroduce this important piece of legislation, which will reduce emissions and increase our production of clean, accessible, safe energy.”

The proposed changes would reduce barriers to entry for commercial developers of advanced nuclear reactor technology, provide regulatory certainty, and reduce bureaucratic red tape with applications for ANR development, implementation, and demonstration.

“In our home state of Washington, we have adopted an ambitious goal to completely eliminate carbon emissions from our energy generation portfolio by 2045,” said Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). “This means we need to construct new emissions-free capacity resources like advanced nuclear, in addition to wind and solar and the abundant hydropower we already benefit from. By expanding our nuclear portfolio, in addition to hydroelectric baseload power, we can integrate renewables onto the grid, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping energy bills affordable.”

To read the legislation, click here.

The proposed changes outlined in the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to:

Recommend to Congress additional procedures to further facilitate the expedited licensing of new nuclear reactors.

Report to Congress on an explanation of a delay in the planning and roll out of the expedited process if the delay exceeds 90 days.

Establish and implement schedules that provide target time periods for the completion of review activities applicable to the licensing of micro-reactors.

Establish and carry out an expedited procedure for issuing a combined license to construct and operate, with specified conditions, a nuclear power plant.

Work with the Department of Energy Secretary, appropriate heads of federal agencies, micro-reactor tech developers, and others to develop and implement risk-informed, performance-based strategies",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphys-federal-election-audit-act-passes-committee-house-administration,Murphy's Federal Election Audit Act Passes Committee on House Administration,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.'s Federal Election Audit Act passed favorably through the Committee on House Administration. This legislation provides federal funds to states that wish to conduct comprehensive post-election audits in an effort to increase transparency and improve election integrity.

""I'm grateful my commonsense legislation to empower states and ensure the security of their elections passed through the Committee on House Administration favorably,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. ""American voters are entitled to vote with full confidence that their voices will be heard. Election procedures are complex, and we must devote resources to ensure they are being carried out efficiently and fairly. Good stewardship of our elections is not easy, and states need resources to carry out the job.""

Background

The Federal Election Audit Act, included in the American Confidence in Elections Act, permits states to use requirements payments, or grant funds, to conduct audits of the accuracy and effectiveness of voting systems and election procedures.

Important Characteristics:

Audits are to be conducted independently – state and local officials or contractors of such offices may not conduct an audit.

Audits are comprehensive – the bill prescribes what an examination would cover including voter registration, voter check-in, voting, tabulation, canvassing and post-election procedures.

Audits are timely – states’ audits should be conducted before the expiration of when one can challenge the results of an election under state law.

Watch Rep. Murphy's remarks on the bill in committee here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/30/budd-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-and-stand-up-to-china/,"Budd, Colleagues Call on White House to Reverse Course on Digital Trade and Stand Up to China",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a bipartisan coalition of 32 Senators to urge President Biden to reverse a decision by the U.S. Trade Representative to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that allow the free flow of information across borders, protect against the forced transfer of American technology, and promote open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses.

The letter was led by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID).

The full text of the letter is below:

We write to express our concerns with the decision of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to stop supporting key commitments in the e-commerce negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO)—and potentially in other negotiations. These commitments reflect bipartisan principles that, until now, the United States has strongly supported across political parties, administrations, and the federal government: an open internet that promotes the flow of information across borders to support American exports and American values. USTR’s decision to abandon these commitments at the WTO creates a policy vacuum that China and Russia will fill. Accordingly, before changing the longstanding U.S. position, we request that you work with Congress and run a comprehensive consultation process—with other federal agencies, with the public, and with us—to reach a consensus U.S. position on these issues that promotes U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and jobs.

For decades, the United States has been at the helm of global leadership on protecting, promoting, and expanding the open internet as both a means of worldwide connectivity and an engine of U.S. economic growth and opportunity. This effort has long been a feature of U.S. trade policy: the United States advocated for commitments to ensure the free flow of information in WTO rules agreed to almost 30 years ago, and our trade agreements with Korea, Mexico, Canada, and Japan include strong digital trade rules guaranteeing the right to move data across borders. In this vein, the United States joined negotiations on e-commerce at the WTO, working with like-minded democratic allies to create rules for a digital economy that is open, fair, and competitive for all. The United States has supported proposals to spur economic growth, encourage free expression and access to information, and promote consumer protections online, while also allowing countries to address concerns regarding security, privacy, surveillance, and competition. These negotiations are crucial to our strategic approach to outcompeting our adversaries: both China and Russia are at the negotiating table, actively pushing their cyberagenda of censorship, repression, and surveillance that not only hurts their own citizens but also undercuts U.S. competitiveness. Indeed, China is actively seeking to weaken the very principles at issue so it can promote its own version of internet governance.

In spite of this, on October 25, 2023, USTR reversed course and announced that it was walking away from the negotiating table on several core commitments in the e-commerce negotiations. These commitments, which again have broad bipartisan support, are fundamental to the modern economy, supporting U.S. businesses of all sizes across all sectors. Specifically, USTR abandoned the following commitments:

Promoting the free flow of data. Almost every sector of the U.S. economy requires crossborder data flows, from manufacturers sharing product specifications, to airlines diagnosing problems mid-flight, to farmers leveraging precision agriculture to maximize crop yield. Arbitrary and trade-distorting restrictions on cross-border data flows that serve no legitimate public policy purpose can prevent American firms from doing business abroad, stifle economic growth here at home, and trample on human rights in authoritarian countries. Russia, for example, has weaponized data-restrictive laws to crack down on dissent, control information, and expel civil society organizations amidst its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Recognizing the importance of data flows to U.S. economic and foreign policy goals, the United States’ original proposal at the WTO sought to ensure that consumers, companies, and non-governmental organizations could move data across international borders, while recognizing that countries must be able to act in the public interest, such as to protect personal data from abuse and foreign surveillance.

Combating forced data localization. China and Russia, as well as other countries emboldened by their actions, have increasingly pursued data localization measures that require certain domestic data to be stored or processed within their borders. These policies require companies to build or maintain capital- and energy-intensive infrastructure in every market they enter, a major expense for large businesses, but an insurmountable hurdle for small and medium-sized enterprises. Small and medium-sized businesses are then left with an impossible choice: enter a risky joint venture with a foreign enterprise or get shut out of the market entirely. In this way, authoritarian governments leverage data localization measures to discourage competition and facilitate governmental access to data within their borders, helping them access trade secrets, censor and surveil their citizens, and hide human rights abuses, including forced labor. The United States’ proposal sought to limit data localization, while acknowledging that in certain circumstances, data localization may be appropriate to address national security, law enforcement, and privacy concerns.

Preventing forced tech transfer. The U.S. government opposes the Chinese government’s practice of conditioning market access on the sharing of proprietary information belonging to U.S. innovators, creators, and start-ups—a threat to both our economic and national security. The United States’ proposal sought to ensure that countries could not force businesses to surrender their source code or share it with domestic competitors as a condition of doing business, while preserving the ability of governments to access source code to achieve legitimate public policy objectives, such as conducting investigations and examinations and promoting consumer health and safety.

Open, competitive markets for digital goods and services. The principle of nondiscrimination has been a central component of U.S. trade policy for decades and underlies the international trading system that the United States helped create. It has opened markets for American exporters across industries, from farmers to filmmakers. At its core, non-discrimination ensures that foreign governments treat U.S. companies fairly. It ensures that countries cannot gain a competitive edge by targeting their regulations on imports from one or multiple countries without regulating similarly situated domestic businesses. China, in particular, has leveraged discriminatory policies to handicap international competitors and nurture its domestic companies, many of which are stateowned enterprises that operate at the behest of the Chinese government. Not only do these homegrown giants facilitate human and worker rights abuses, particularly in the Uyghur community in Xinjiang, but they have the ability to grow without competition and then undercut American competitors in international markets. Recognizing this, the U.S. WTO proposal sought to ensure that protections against discrimination would apply to digital products (e.g., apps, music, games, and movies), ensuring that American creators, innovators, and businesses could operate on a level playing field around the world.

As indicated above, each of these commitments maintained flexibility to regulate for legitimate public policy reasons.

USTR provided no policy alternatives to these longstanding and bipartisan U.S. positions, nor a timeline for providing them. We are concerned that USTR’s retreat will hurt workers and employers across all sectors of the U.S. economy, with disproportionate effects on small and medium-sized businesses in creative industries like film, music, and book publishing; innovative industries like software, medical devices, and precision agriculture; travel, tourism, and transportation; logistics, shipping, and supply chain management; and manufacturing, including the critical automotive and semiconductor sectors. Moreover, with this abrupt change in policy, USTR has not only turned its back on our democratic allies and undermined U.S. credibility in other negotiations and fora around the world, but it has also empowered authoritarian regimes like China and Russia, who are eager to fill the void and regulate U.S. jobs out of existence.

We recognize that there is much interest in the digital regulation space, particularly with the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence technology. We welcome discussions and debate on the best way to protect consumers, promote privacy, and ensure a competitive marketplace. However, these efforts do not require the United States to walk away from negotiating strong rules at the WTO that support U.S. businesses and workers—nor would these rules constrain the ability of the United States to regulate. In fact, the commitments under discussion have built-in exceptions that ensure countries can legislate in the public interest. Retreating from our longstanding principles without offering a viable alternative does not help U.S. workers, it does not help U.S. consumers, it does not help U.S. businesses, and it does not help U.S. allies; it only helps our adversaries.

We continue to support the core commitments that USTR has distanced itself from in the WTO e-commerce negotiations. We request that you run a consultation process before changing the historical, consensus U.S. position on these important issues. We look forward to working with you to address this and other bipartisan Member concerns.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/30/budd-scott-colleagues-demand-answers-on-latest-iran-sanctions-waiver/,"Budd, Scott, Colleagues Demand Answers on Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter led by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding further information about the administration’s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy given the recent decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver.

On November 13, the Biden Administration issued a waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion.

The letter was also signed by: Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

The full text of the letter is below:

On August 18, 2023, we wrote to express our concern over the administration’s decision to release $6 billion worth of frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the return of American detainees. This decision reinforced an incredibly dangerous precedent of providing ransom payments to the world’s greatest state sponsor of terrorism and put a price on the life of every American overseas. Understanding the grave error of the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the danger this action poses to U.S. lives and interests, it is therefore alarming to hear that the administration is doubling down on its appeasement strategy by actively working to provide Iran with access to billions more in funding.

On October 7, 2023, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, brutally killing an estimated 1,200 civilians and taking over 200 hostages. In response, the administration reached an agreement with Qatar on October 12 to temporarily prevent the unfrozen assets—now held at Qatari financial institutions—from being expended. Based on information from your administration, it is our belief that with the current lack of safeguards, Iran will soon access this $6 billion and use the funds to continue to expand its malign proxy activities.

Since October 7, Hamas and fellow Iranian proxy, Hezbollah, have continued to launch attacks against Israel as it fights to defend its sovereignty and protect its people. As we continue to stand with our greatest ally in the Middle East, other Iranian proxies have increased their attacks against U.S. personnel in the region. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have conducted over seventy attacks against U.S. personnel since October 7. United States forces have responded only three times. However, at the same time, your administration has inadvisably taken steps to unlock tens of billions of dollars for Iran to fund additional terrorist activities that directly threaten American lives.

On November 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of State extended a sanctions waiver pursuant to Section 1245(d)(5) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 and Section 1244(i) and 1247(f) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012, finding that a sanctions waiver to allow Iraq to pay Iran for electricity was in the national security interest of the United States. Public reports have held that there is roughly $10 billion in Iraqi payments for Iranian electricity currently being held in escrow accounts in Iraq.[1] The decision to extend this waiver and allow Iran to convert Iraqi Dinars to Euros was signed the day after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out its latest strike against facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian proxy groups in Eastern Syria, in response to their attacks against U.S. personnel. Such timing signals to Iran that despite attacks on U.S. service members and our allies, it is business as normal on the economic front.

As we said in August, money is fungible. Combined with the $10 billion waiver extension, the administration has provided Iran with access to roughly $16 billion in assets over the past four months; assets that can be used—now or in the future—to offset the cost of the Iranian regime’s increase in destabilizing activities across the region.

A strong signal of deterrence—utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools—is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict. Unfortunately, the administration’s military and economic responses to Iran and its proxies have not only been disproportionate, they appear to be completely disjointed.

We therefore request that your departments provide us with a classified assessment on the administration’s plan to deter Iranian aggression and prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. This assessment should include an estimation of how Iran has already leveraged—and could in the future leverage—against U.S. persons and interests the tens of billions in assets it now has access to due to your administration’s use of U.S. sanctions waivers and is to be provided in a member or staff-level briefing no later than December 7, 2023.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-demands-democrats-prioritize-fixing-broken-border-policies,Tillis Demands Democrats Prioritize Fixing Broken Border Policies,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Thom Tillis delivered remarks on the Senate floor to highlight the serious national security and humanitarian crises at our Southern border and the need for Democrats to work across the aisle and prioritize policies to secure our southern border. The speech comes as nearly 8 million individuals have illegally crossed our Southern border since President Biden assumed office including individuals on the terrorism watchlist.

Watch the speech HERE.

Senator Tillis on Increased Border Crossings:

“The situation at the border has simply gotten out of control. I think it bears repeating. It's been said by some of the folks who spoke before we're talking about a fourfold increase. Donald Trump was president for four years. President Biden has been president for three years. And in three years, we have nearly four times the crossings that we did in the Trump Administration.”

Senator Tillis on Losing Control of the Border:

“We've lost operational control of the border. We don't have situational awareness at the border. Let me explain what that means when you have 1.5 million people that we know came into this country illegally. They paid money to a cartel five to fifty thousand dollars, depending upon what country they came from, to get in this country illegally. But some of them specifically want to go through a sector that the cartels specialize in, making sure that you never have to encounter a border agent. They're called got-aways. Over the last three years, 1.5 million got-aways have entered this country.”

Senator Tillis onSupport for Border Security:

“The American people now a majority; we're not talking a plurality; we're talking about a majority of the American people, Democrats, Independents, Republicans, agree that we have a major problem or crisis at the border. Biden needs to fix this problem. Biden needs to fix this problem for Senators that are running for re-election. This is not a situation where it's just Republicans saying we want a secure border. We always do and we always will. This is now the American people in the electorate saying that we need to fix it. So, when we get into negotiations, of course, we've got to change asylum policy. And, of course, we've got to change parole policy. And, of course, that's going to make some Democrats get out of their comfort zone.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/11/ross-babin-obernolte-bipartisan-amendments-to-bolster-quantum-computing-advance-out-of-committee,"Ross, Babin, Obernolte Bipartisan Amendments to Bolster Quantum Computing Advance Out of Committee",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, two of Congresswoman Deborah Ross’ (NC-02) bipartisan amendments, co-led with Congressmen Brian Babin (TX-36) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23), to bolster quantum computing advanced out of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee as part of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. Enacted in 2018, the National Quantum Initiative Act accelerated quantum research and development by establishing new activities, programs, and centers at the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that can perform certain calculations faster than today’s supercomputers. For example, future quantum computers could exceed existing computational power in simulating chemical interactions, potentially reducing the time required for drug development.

“By better understanding and harnessing the power of quantum computing, we can work to solve some of our country’s most pressing issues faster and more efficiently,” said Congresswoman Ross. “To confront growing threats against our country’s critical energy infrastructure, it’s crucial that we innovate new ways to ensure our electric grid is more resilient and secure. At a moment of unprecedented international competition, the United States cannot afford to fall behind. This legislation will propel us forward and ensure our nation and federal agencies are prepared to address emerging challenges. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congressmen Babin and Obernolte on these critical issues and will keep fighting to see these amendments signed into law.”

“Strengthening our electric grid to meet an increasing demand is critical to ensuring America’s long-term security,” said Congressman Babin. “Quantum computing has the potential to assist in managing and optimizing the U.S. electric grid to make it more resilient, efficient, and able to meet the growing challenges ahead. I’m pleased to have worked with Congresswoman Ross to make sure this important legislation was included in the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.”

“Quantum computing technology will dramatically increase the speed at which computers run algorithms and solve problems, creating powerful new tools that enable the agencies within our federal government to better perform their missions,” said Congressman Obernolte. “Coordinating the deployment of quantum within the government will be essential in securing our national security and ensuring that the U.S. continues to lead the world in this critical technology.”

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act includes the following two amendments introduced or co-led by Congresswoman Ross:

Co-led with Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36), one bipartisan amendment includes the language of the GRID Act that would require the U.S. Secretary of Energy to conduct research and development in cooperation with national laboratories, higher education institutions, and other relevant industries in fault detection and prediction; grid security and safety, including through post-quantum cryptography; integrated grid planning; grid optimization; enhanced modeling; energy storage; and energy market optimization.

Introduced by Congresswoman Ross with Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), the other bipartisan amendment is a version of Congresswoman Ross’ Leveraging Quantum Computing Act that would direct the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science to:

Establish a program of engagement with Federal agencies to identify potential use cases with respect to which quantum computing could advance the missions of participating agencies, including through on-premises, cloud-based, hybrid, or networked approaches.

Coordinate with relevant federal agencies to develop a plan to enable such agencies to address each such potential use cases of quantum computing.

Submit a report to Congress detailing the Subcommittee’s progress in outreach activities, potential use cases for quantum computing, the status of plans developed to address potential use cases, and any obstacles to addressing such potential use cases, including lack of funding.

Amendment text is available here and here.

Congresswoman Ross previously introduced standalone versions of these amendments, the Leveraging Quantum Computing Act and the GRID Act. This Congress, Ross also introduced bipartisan legislation to address the rise in cybersecurity threats and attacks against energy infrastructure in the United States.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/29/budd-hagerty-colleagues-renew-demand-for-transparency-on-taxpayer-funded-voter-mobilization/,"Budd, Hagerty, Colleagues Renew Demand for Transparency on Taxpayer-Funded Voter Mobilization",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a coalition letter led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to President Biden renewing their call for transparency regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to implement an executive order instructing federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization.

President Biden’s Executive Order 14019 would empower federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to implement or enter into agreements with partisan organizations that conduct voter mobilization activities.

The letter was also signed by: Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), J.D. Vance (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Bill Casidy (R-LA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mike Crapo (R-ID).

Senator Budd proposed the Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act on May 2, 2023, which would prevent the Biden administration from implementing the order.

The full text of the letter is below:

We are concerned by your failure to respond to our previous inquiry on May 10, 2023, regarding Executive Order 14019 on “Promoting Access to Voting.” This policy directive merits congressional oversight both as a general matter and under the Antideficiency Act. Accordingly, we write to reiterate our request for information regarding the implementation of this executive order, including copies of the plans submitted to the White House.

Executive Order 14019 instructs federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit a plan for doing so to the White House by September 2021. The Order outlines various activities in which agencies are to engage, including promoting mail-in voting and partnering with third-party organizations to register voters. Federal agencies should be focused on their defined missions in a nonpartisan manner, not using taxpayer funds for voter mobilization efforts with potentially partisan impacts. In other words, it’s not the job of the federal government to drive voter turnout. Reviewing these agency plans is crucial to determining whether this order has or may lead to the improper use of federal resources.

Executive Order 14019 directs more than 600 federal agencies to engage in voter-related activities without congressional approval, and it is doubtful that Congress approved the use of appropriated agency funds for voter mobilization. Using appropriated funds for a purpose that Congress did not expressly authorize would constitute a violation of the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1)(A)), which prohibits agencies from expending or obligating funds in a manner not authorized by law. Violating this statute carries administrative and potential criminal penalties, highlighting the need for transparency. Unfortunately, the White House has kept these plans hidden despite numerous requests from Congress.

The initial deadline for providing this information was May 23, 2023, so the response is now 27 weeks overdue.

So that Congress can determine the voter mobilization and electioneering activities to which your Administration has devoted taxpayer resources, we respectfully request the following information developed in accordance with Executive Order 14019 as soon as possible:

Full copies of all federal agency “strategic plans” required under Section 3 and a list of which agencies have not yet submitted a strategic plan;

The strategic plan required by the General Services Administration under Section 5;

The recommendations provided by the Office of Personnel Management under Section 6; and

All procedures established by the Attorney General under Section 9.

Furthermore, we respectfully request a full accounting of all federal funding used to date to implement Executive Order 14019, including the accounts from which the funding was used.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-statement-on-epa-s-decision-to-stop-genx-shipment-to-fayetteville,Tillis Statement on EPA’s Decision to Stop GenX Shipment to Fayetteville,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement to no longer allow Chemours to import GenX from their overseas facility to their facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina:

“I am glad the EPA reversed its decision to allow wastewater with GenX to be sent to a facility in Fayetteville. It is vital all North Carolinians have access to safe water, and I’ll continue my work to address the risks posed by emerging PFAS contaminants, just like we did with the historic clean water investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

Senator Tillis previously sent a letter with Congressmen Rouzer and Hudson to EPA Administrator Regan outlining concern with the shipment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-eliminate-costly-health-care-fees,Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Eliminate Costly Health Care Fees,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Gregory F. Murphy,M001210,murphy.house.gov,murphy,https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Murphy introduced the No Fees for EFTs Act, bipartisan legislation to protect health care providers and patients from unnecessary fees associated with electronic fund transfers and payment transactions.

""Fees associated with electronic transactions for physician services are an unnecessary and costly burden on providers and patients,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.""Greedy health insurers attempt to scalp doctors and patients every step of the way throughout the care process to line their pockets. We don't tolerate paying fees to receive direct deposit of a paycheck, likewise, doctors and patients should not be forced to pay predatory fees on electronic payments on essential health services.""

""Our doctors and hospitals in small and rural areas are already struggling to provide timely care without having to factor in the even greater administrative burdens and fees brought on by electronic fund transfers, or EFTs, and payment transactions,"" said Congresswoman Marianette Miller-Meeks, M.D. ""As a doctor, I know how important it is to prioritize patient care. I also understand how the debilitating EFT fees, tacked on by an outdated Affordable Care Act provision, can shutter a practice, by mounting practice cost expenses, especially in a time of high inflation, when reimbursement does not keep pace. Our bill, the No Fees for EFTs Act, addresses the deceptive business practices of EFTs and protects a doctor's ability to provide quality patient care.""

""Healthcare plans forcing doctors to pay a fee to be paid for their services creates yet another hurdle in the healthcare system and prevents physicians from getting the compensation they deserve,"" said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. ""I am proud to continue to be a voice for physicians in the House by introducing this bipartisan legislation in hopes of prohibiting these excessive fees impacting our medical providers at a time when we are experiencing severe doctor shortages nationwide.""

""As we work towards a more efficient and fair health care system, the ‘No Fees for EFTs Act’ represents a crucial step forward,"" said Congressman Derek Kilmer. ""It’s unacceptable that health care providers are burdened with unnecessary fees for simply receiving payments electronically. These costs not only hinder our medical professionals financially but also divert critical resources away from patient care. This bipartisan effort underscores our commitment to eliminating predatory practices in our health care system and ensuring that every dollar is directed towards improving patient outcomes.""

""Medical Group Management Associationthanks Representatives Murphy, Kilmer, Griffith, Bera, Miller-Meeks, and Schrier for their leadership in introducing the No Fees for EFTs Act. MGMA has long called for a prohibition on the practice of health plans and their payment processing vendors charging medical groups rapacious fees for receiving reimbursement via the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) method. Medical practices often find themselves charged a percentage (typically 2-5%) per EFT transaction simply to get paid — proving especially detrimental for the majority of groups who receive over 75% of their annual revenue through EFT. If passed, this critical legislation would clarify in plain language that plans and their vendors are prohibited from imposing fees for EFT payment, helping to protect the financial viability of medical practices and their ability to provide cost-effective care.""

""The American Medical Association applauds Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), Morgan Griffith, (R-VA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Derek Kilmer, (D-WA), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) for looking out for patients and their access to care,"" AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH. ""Insurers have slashed reimbursement rates, foisted prior authorization requirements on physicians, and created narrow networks. But requiring physicians to pay fees to get paid? This bill would give much needed relief to physician practices and score a victory for common sense.""

Background",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/28/budd-calls-on-qatar-to-pressure-hamas-to-release-nc-hostage-in-floor-speech/,Budd Calls on Qatar to Pressure Hamas to Release NC Hostage in Floor Speech,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In a speech on the Senate floor today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) called on the government of Qatar to exert pressure on Hamas leaders living in Doha to immediately and unconditionally release all remaining hostages from Gaza, including North Carolina native Keith Siegel.

Senator Budd also called on Qatar to extradite the Hamas leadership to the United States after the hostage crisis is resolved to face justice for the killing and kidnapping of Americans.

Watch the full speech:

Key excerpts:

“While we are grateful for the release of some hostages over the weekend, our hearts remain with those still being held. This includes several Americans – including Keith Siegel, a native of my home state of North Carolina.”

“In this clash between good and evil, the question that the United States should be asking is who can we count on to be on our side and who stands on the side of the terrorists.”

“This brings us to the State of Qatar. This is a nation that hosts Hamas’ so-called “political office”, including Hamas’ leaders. From the safety of Doha, these terrorists gleefully watched and celebrated the attack on October 7th.”

“Our two nations are friends, but sometimes friends must be honest with one another.”

“Earlier this month, I met with the Qatari ambassador in my office. I told him in no uncertain terms that his government must pressure Hamas’ leaders living in Doha to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.”

“In the past two months, we’ve watched Hamas leaders use Qatar’s hospitality to buy time, prolonging the war and the hostage crisis from the comfort of their luxury accommodations.”

“While Palestinians suffer in Gaza because of the war that Hamas started, we’ve seen Hamas leaders push their genocidal agenda from Doha – including multiple meetings with Iran’s foreign minister, and even a visit to Moscow.”

“If Qatar’s leadership believes that any of this is consistent with what Washington has asked of them, it is not. So my message to the Qatari government is very simple: Stop this now.”

“Your leadership continues to speak out of both sides of its mouth – on one hand committing to negotiate a resolution to the hostage crisis, while on the other hand blaming Israel and absolving Hamas at every turn. We need to tell our friends in Doha loudly and clearly: Qatar is accepting a significant liability with its pro-Hamas policy.”

“This is personal for Americans. I’ve met with the families of hostages right here in Washington. I’ve heard their stories. I look at their photos every day on my desk. Every day that these families have to live with the pain and the uncertainty is unacceptable. We must stand united and say: Not one more day.”

“My view is that [Hamas leaders] should be extradited to the United States, so that these terrorists can face justice for killing and kidnapping American citizens in a U.S. court of law. I would hope that our friends in Qatar will not only be partners for peace and stability, but also partners in ensuring that Hamas and its leaders are brought to justice for the despicable acts of terror they committed.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-urge-cbp-to-stop-imports-of-clothing-made-with-forced-labor/50526aca-c6be-4f5b-8115-f103838d7f95,"Tillis, Colleagues Urge CBP to Stop Imports of Clothing Made with Forced Labor",2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter calling on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Miller to ensure Chinese companies aren’t evading U.S. laws against forced labor and costing American jobs by stepping up oversight and enforcement provisions in trade agreements with Central American and North American trading partners.

“We write today seeking your attention to an urgent issue of trade enforcement with significant impacts on the livelihoods of Americans and our partners in Central America. Recent reports of textile and apparel mill closures in the United States raise serious concerns as the lack of effective customs enforcement has been cited repeatedly as a key factor contributing to declining demand,” the senators wrote.

“This is particularly true with respect to commitments concerning the U.S. textile and apparel industry facilitated by the Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR) and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The United States is a significant producer of high-quality cotton. It has a well-established and sophisticated spinning industry, as well as thread, fabric, and other textile and apparel producers. Regional partners in Central America, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, have developed a cut and sew industry that employs thousands of workers and complements U.S. production. The rules and benefits established by CAFTA-DR and USMCA provide the environment for a robust and integrated regional textiles and apparel supply chain that has, in turn, developed and supported production across numerous product categories and price points, while avoiding unnecessary climate emissions. This type of win-win partnership is what U.S. trade agreements should be delivering,” the senators continued.

“As the U.S. textile and apparel industry is facing a number of unprecedented challenges including inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, and unfair competition from products made with forced labor, we ask that you confirm to us in writing an intent to prioritize textile enforcement related to CAFTA-DR and USMCA in the coming year,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-call-on-biden-administration-to-enforce-sanctions-on-iran,"Tillis, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Enforce Sanctions on Iran",2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to President Biden urging him to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress. The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.

“We write to you during a time of global outrage and sorrow following Hamas’s unprecedented massacre in Israel which has left 1,400 dead, including at least 33 Americans. Iran’s fingerprints are all over the events of October 7th and ensuing escalations across the Middle East. Its leaders have provided Hamas and Hezbollah hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, weapons, and training, bolstering terrorists on Israel’s borders,” the senators wrote.

“We ask that you take immediate action to permanently freeze the funding mechanism established in September’s hostage deal with Iran. This $6 billion would free up money for Iran to use not for the well-being of its own people but for nefarious purposes in the region and beyond. Blocking the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism from accessing this $6 billion – rescinding or revising all waivers and licensed involved – will hinder the regime’s ability to support the death and destruction of our allies,” the senators continued.

“The world is now seeing the direct result of allowing Iran’s oil revenues to grow and unfreezing billions of dollars in its extraterritorial bank accounts. Congress has a responsibility to ensure sanctions are not only on the books but enforced to their fullest extent. As our trusted ally Israel endures devastation, we must prioritize enforcing all economic sanctions and restricting Iranian oil revenue,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/26/budd-statement-on-release-of-first-u-s-hostages-from-gaza-renews-call-to-release-all-hostages-including-nc-native/,"Budd Statement on Release of First U.S. Hostages From Gaza, Renews Call to Release All Hostages, Including NC Native",2023-11-26,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) released the following statement after a third group of hostages was released from Gaza on Sunday, including 4 year-old American Avigail Mor Idan, and Adrienne “Aviva” Siegel, wife of North Carolina native Keith Siegel:

“We are pleased that some hostages have been released and are now home with their loved ones. We remain steadfast in our commitment to secure that freedom for North Carolina native Keith Siegel, Omer Neutra, and all hostages illegally held by Hamas terrorists. While we are encouraged by the government of Qatar’s efforts to mediate the release of some of the hostages, we renew our call to their government to exert pressure on Hamas leadership to release each and every hostage immediately and unconditionally.”

Senator Budd met with Qatari Ambassador Meshal Al Thani on November 6 in Senator Budd’s Washington, D.C. office, and strongly urged his government to use their leverage on Hamas leaders currently residing in Doha, Qatar to immediately release all hostages, and hold those same Hamas leaders accountable once the hostage situation is fully resolved.

A photo from that meeting is below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-don-davis-votes-again-prevent-government-shutdown,Congressman Don Davis Votes Again to Prevent A Government Shutdown,2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Donald G. Davis,D000230,dondavis.house.gov,dondavis,https://dondavis.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) voted for H.R.6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024, a two-step continuing resolution to prevent a federal government shutdown. The continuing resolution would extend current funding for the federal government in two tiers: extending funding for four appropriations bills until January 19, 2024, and extending funding for the remaining eight bills until February 2, 2024. The measure would also extend the current Farm Bill through September 2024 to allow for additional bipartisan negotiations to finalize a new Farm Bill.

“I remain steadfast in standing up for the people of North Carolina’s First Congressional District, and my vote today reflects exactly that and my commitment to the well-being of our families,” said Congressman Don Davis. “A government shutdown would have severe consequences, disrupting essential services and causing undue hardship for many families in the East. We must act responsibly and take the necessary steps to avert a government shutdown, which we have done.”

A government shutdown would directly impact 6,700 federal workers, 46,000 veterans, and 174,000 seniors in North Carolina’s First Congressional District who rely on lifesaving government services.

###

dondavis.house.gov

Follow Congressman Davis",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-members-of-nc-delegation-request-answers-from-epa-on-decision-to-approve-genx,"Hudson, Members of NC Delegation Request Answers from EPA on Decision to Approve GenX Imports",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in requesting answers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan regarding the Agency's decision to allow Chemours to import GenX from their overseas facility to their facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

In a letter sent to Administrator Regan last week, the Members wrote, ""It is concerning this has been allowed given the presence of toxic chemicals in our communities’ drinking water resulting in contamination in at least eight counties in the Cape Fear River Basin. To this day, we still do not fully know the scope of the presence and impact of these chemicals.""

Rep. Hudson was joined by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).

In October of 2021, the EPA announced plans to add GenX as a hazardous substance under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Around the same time, the EPA issued its Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment for GenX, which showed potential for adverse health impacts. The Members outlined how this should have triggered a change in the process for importing GenX and led the EPA to notify the State.

The Members further emphasized, ""while we understand the EPA is not required by RCRA to notify a State when approving the import of non-hazardous chemicals, the lack of transparency and proactive notification is problematic and a breach of common courtesy at best….One could easily argue it was a breach of responsibility.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-startups-small-businesses,"Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Startups, Small Businesses",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure that individuals who want to invest in startups do not face burdensome regulations, and allow those startups to get the investments they need to grow their business and create jobs.

“Small business investors play a crucial role in allowing start-ups to grow and create more jobs, but too often face unnecessary regulatory requirements that deter investment,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will remove burdensome regulations so we can invest in our small business and continue to grow our economy.”

In order for startups to secure capital and grow their businesses, entrepreneurs commonly attend “demo days”, or conferences that allow startups to showcase their business model in front of valuable startup investors, such as “angel investors.”

The HALOS Act would codify provisions finalized in SEC rules to ensure that startups can continue to present at demo days without facing onerous regulations, and instead preserve the same investor vetting process that angel investors have been using at demo days for years. This bipartisan legislation will enable startups to continue to get the investments they need to grow and create new jobs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ahead-thanksgiving-congresswoman-adams-senator-markey-announce,"Ahead of Thanksgiving, Congresswoman Adams, Senator Markey Announce Legislation to Harness Federal Purchasing Power to Build a Just and Resilient Food System",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Alma S. Adams,A000370,adams.house.gov,adams,https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 20, 2023) – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today announced the Enabling Farmer, Food worker, Environmental, and Climate Targets through Innovative, Values-aligned, and Equitable (EFFECTIVE) Food Procurement Act, legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to leverage its power and set targets for purchasing sustainable, equitably procured products. The legislation would also establish a $25 million pilot program to create a values-aligned USDA purchasing process and support market access for small-scale and underserved producers.

USDA is the largest food purchaser in the federal government, spending billions of dollars each year on food for school districts, senior feeding programs, Indian reservations, and food banks. However, USDA makes its purchases predominantly from a handful of big agricultural companies. Many of these USDA vendors have repeatedly violated labor and environmental laws. For example, Tyson Foods accounted for 43 percent of USDA poultry spending in 2022 despite having more than 30 workplace and environmental violations within three years of receiving their contract. The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would push USDA to stop rewarding anticompetitive and unethical behavior. In addition, the USDA Foods Program had a carbon footprint of 19.1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent between the school year of 2018 and 2019, which is equal to the annual emissions from 4.1 million cars.

“The Department of Agriculture’s purchasing power can be – should be – directed to support supply chains that keep our air and water clean, our climate stable, our workers protected, our small and regional farmers viable, and our families fed,” said Congresswoman Adams, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “This piece of legislation would lift up and embed the values we care about into USDA’s current procurement practices and bidding structure, and pilot a suite of initiatives – including grants, technical assistance, metrics, evaluation, and disclosures – to ensure these food purchasing efforts are durable and, indeed, effective. I am proud to lead the EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act with Senator Markey, our colleagues, and our stakeholder supporters.”

“As families gather around the Thanksgiving table, we need to consider where the food we eat comes from,” said Senator Markey. “The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act lifts up foods that nourish the people who eat them, foods that benefit the people involved in growing and preparing them, and foods that regenerate the land where they’re grown, mitigating climate change instead of contributing to it. USDA has an opportunity to use its sizable purchasing power to address our agriculture sector’s compounding crisis of agri-business consolidation, climate change, and worker mistreatment. This legislation would direct USDA to prioritize purchases that align with its values and support a food system that is healthy for the planet, for workers, and for consumers, and I thank Congresswoman Adams for her partnership on this legislation to nourish our country.”

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would:

Direct USDA to use its existing framework for food procurement to expand healthy, sustainable, and ethical food options for school districts and other program beneficiaries, including by setting measurable, maximum targets for increasing equitable and environmentally friendly purchasing;

Shift USDA away from evaluating bids based only on cost to evaluating bids based on multiple values, including climate mitigation, worker well-being, resilient supply chains, and equity;

Create new transparency in USDA purchasing by requiring reporting on the procurement process, including an estimate of associated greenhouse gas emissions;

Provide grants and technical assistance to support small-scale and underserved producers and businesses in accessing market opportunities through USDA’s procurement; and,

Study how USDA can shift its procurement toward a regional model and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food procurement.

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act is endorsed by 200 organizations.

USDA has already taken laudable steps towards lifting up regional and small business procurement, and purchasers of USDA-procured foods across the nation, including Boston Public Schools, which have made commitments to buying healthy foods sourced locally and ethically. The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would build on these efforts by helping USDA better meet the demand for these foods, while producing a more just and resilient food system for all.

“The Boston Public School District is committed to purchasing, preparing, and serving foods that improve the health of our students and our planet. We would love to utilize our commodity dollars to buy higher-quality and values-aligned foods through the USDA Foods Program, such as organic produce, grass-fed beef, and foods sourced from socially disadvantaged producers and local farmers,” said Anneliese Tanner, Executive Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Boston Public Schools. “Thank you to Senator Markey and Representative Adams for introducing this legislation that will make it easier for us to serve school meals that align with our district’s policies and values and enable us to meet the needs of every student.”

“As one of the world’s largest food purchasers, USDA has the opportunity and responsibility to ensure that its purchasing advances, rather than undermines, the public good,” said Chloe Waterman, Senior Program Manager at Friends of the Earth. “Thank you to Senator Markey and Representative Adams for introducing legislation that will better align USDA’s food purchases with the goals of climate, health, sustainability, and equity. The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act is a win-win for the millions of people who rely on USDA’s feeding programs, for the workers and farmers who are putting food on our tables, and for the health of our planet.”

“Young and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) farmers are leading the way, modeling solutions at the community level to produce and distribute high quality, fresh, affordable products,” said David Howard, Policy Development Director at the National Young Farmers Coalition. “In some cases, this new generation of farmers are creating much of the processing, aggregation and distribution, and marketing pathways and resources they need. We have clearly seen the connections between small-scale agriculture and the stability of our food systems, as well as our collective well-being. Progressive procurement policies can be an important element among other efforts to invest in and support farmers selling into local and regional markets and directly to consumers. We applaud Senator Markey and Representative Alma Adams for crafting and introducing the EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act, which thoughtfully and strategically seeks to advance and improve federal food procurement policy, while at the same time supporting small-scale, Young, and BIPOC farmers, investing in healthy food access, and mitigating climate impacts.”

“USDA’s commodity procurement provides essential food to children and communities nationwide, but there is untapped potential to leverage their spending to strengthen markets for small, beginning, and underserved producers, stimulate local food economies, and promote climate resiliency,” said Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. “NSAC is grateful for Senator Markey and Representative Adams’ visionary leadership in the EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act, which would provide a pathway for USDA to transform their procurement practices to advance racial equity, build a climate resilient future, invest in healthy communities, and build the capacity of small and mid-sized producers.”

“Most of the USDA’s food procurement is not aligned with Biden administration priorities and is instead upholding the status quo food system,” said Jessi Silverman, Senior Policy Associate at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act would bring the federal government meaningfully closer to its goals of reducing the carbon footprint of procurement, creating fair and equitable markets for producers, and protecting workers’ rights.”

“If USDA is serious about promoting a food system that features fair competition and climate resilience, it should stop using the American people's money to support extractive and abusive multinational corporations,” said Aaron Johnson, Senior Program Manager of North Carolina-based RAFI’s Challenging Corporate Power Program. “The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act will move USDA toward leveraging its massive procurement budget to support the scaling-up of economically, racially, and ecologically just food supply chains.”

“The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP) strongly endorses Senator Markey’s EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act,” said Susan Murray, Executive Director of Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership. “Shifting the criteria by which food and farm businesses are evaluated for federal procurement will strengthen small and medium-scale farm businesses, especially here in the Commonwealth. Regionally-based food procurement helps better prepare our food system to withstand and mitigate the effects of climate change, increases viability for small and medium sized farmers, nutrition, and will bring more nutritious and culturally relevant crops to children, elderly folks and underserved communities through federal programs.”

Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County) and serves as a Senior Member of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, where she serves as Ranking Member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/20/senator-budd-urges-businesses-to-reject-esg-in-new-op-ed/,Senator Budd Urges Businesses to Reject ESG in New Op-Ed,2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has written an opinion piece for the Washington Examiner detailing the toxic nature of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and urging good companies to return to the basic principles of business: serve your customers and deliver value.

Highlights:

“Whether it’s climate policy, race relations, or radical gender ideology, ESG has begun to displace the traditional business principles upon which successful companies were founded.”

–

“[Bud Light] violated the basic tenets of business, which are to know your customers, serve them, and deliver value. To abandon its customer base and imply that it needs to be rebranded is particularly disrespectful, and customers rightly rebelled. This should serve as a warning for corporate America: Personnel is policy.”

–

“When companies stray from their customer base and lose focus on their core principles, they draw the ire of the people and their elected representatives.”

–

“The fundamental truth is that to be a successful business of any size, you must be a good corporate citizen. You have to serve your customers, work hard, comply with the law, and deliver value for your shareholders.”

–

“It is ESG that damages the entire free enterprise system by misleading good companies to prioritize politics over profit. In the end, this approach will leave our country less prosperous and our people worse off. We must reject ESG and get back to basics if we are to save capitalism.”

Read the full op-ed HERE or below:

Businesses should reject ESG and get back to basics

By Sen. Ted Budd

November 20, 2023 06:00 AM

Just 20% of people consider our economy to be excellent or good, according to the latest Gallup survey. They have every right to feel that way. President Joe Biden ’s economic plan has resulted in about a 3% drop in average wages — in real terms, adjusted for inflation — since 2020, while the costs of everyday goods have increased dramatically. Right now, too many working families are paying more and earning less.

Given this economic pain, one would think the most straightforward solution would be to tackle inflation at the source by reducing government spending to get prices down and reducing taxes and regulations on job creators, freeing them up to hire more workers and raise wages.

But many on the “woke” Left have a different focus. Their priority is to implement so-called environmental, social, and governance, or ESG, initiatives. This set of goals prioritizes social and political activism above all other factors. Whether it’s climate policy, race relations, or radical gender ideology, ESG has begun to displace the traditional business principles upon which successful companies were founded.

This shift means the power brokers in large corporations are no longer the CEO or the COO but the public relations manager. A prime example of this is the backlash that occurred after Bud Light partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney for a social media campaign earlier this year. The campaign backfired spectacularly, driving millions away from the beer and causing Anheuser-Busch InBev, Bud Light’s parent company, to lose 13.5% of its revenue in quarter three this year.

But the real story here is that the primary decision-maker was a Harvard-educated marketing officer at the company who admitted prior to the ad campaign that she believed Bud Light was culturally “out of touch” and “fratty” and that her goal was to change that. Read another way, the goal of the campaign was to move a right-of-center, working-class brand to the elite, “woke” Left.

She and the company violated the basic tenets of business, which are to know your customers, serve them, and deliver value. To abandon its customer base and imply that it needs to be rebranded is particularly disrespectful, and customers rightly rebelled. This should serve as a warning for corporate America: Personnel is policy.

Toxic ESG policy is also invading banks and financial institutions. When Silicon Valley Bank crashed earlier this year, it set off a panic in the financial system. As it turned out, SVB did not have a chief risk officer for much of 2022, and its risk committee was not composed of anyone with risk management experience. But SVB did mention ESG in its proxy statement at least 40 times, and two-thirds of the membership of the risk committee ran the bank’s ESG committee. Given these facts, it’s easy to see how misplaced the priorities were at SVB.

Some banks and financial institutions are actually going further and picking sides in policy debates. ESG is not simply a risky distraction to these entities. It has become an affirmative choice. For example, On Sept. 9, 2022, the New York-based Amalgamated Bank announced that its petition to the International Organization for Standardization for a new merchant category code for gun stores and ranges had been accepted. This new policy would make it much easier for lawful buyers and sellers to be tracked and possibly discriminated against when they exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Given Amalgamated’s public commitment to “sustainable organizations, progressive causes, and social justice,” it should surprise no one that it is doing in the private sector what liberal politicians such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have crusaded for in the halls of the Senate. Their former director of public relations even went on to become the executive director of the far-left gun control group Guns Down America.

What’s worse, the “woke” Left is gaining ground in this cause. Earlier this year, Discover Financial Services announced that it, too, would adopt a new merchant category code for gun retailers.

The good news is that while the Left is on the march at the federal level, the states are forcefully fighting back. When it comes to gun rights, Florida passed and signed a law earlier this year that instituted up to a $10,000 fine for tracking firearm and ammunition sales in Florida. Similar laws were passed in Texas and Mississippi , and other states are considering proposals to do the same.

In other cases, consumers themselves are flexing their muscles. Anheuser-Busch is the perfect example of this. When companies stray from their customer base and lose focus on their core principles, they draw the ire of the people and their elected representatives.

What is most perverse about the pro-ESG position is the assumption that business is inherently toxic and ESG is the cure. Purveyors of this view have it backward. The fundamental truth is that to be a successful business of any size, you must be a good corporate citizen. You have to serve your customers, work hard, comply with the law, and deliver value for your shareholders.

It is ESG that damages the entire free enterprise system by misleading good companies to prioritize politics over profit. In the end, this approach will leave our country less prosperous and our people worse off. We must reject ESG and get back to basics if we are to save capitalism.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-the-national-guard-and-reservists-debt-relief-extension-act,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act to reauthorize an additional four years of relief for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship. The legislation would protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases.

“The men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserves provide an invaluable service to our nation,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan legislation that will ensure protections for members if they fall on financial hardship.”

The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 would reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income.

Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Actensures they are not penalized for their service.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-recognize-the-service-of-hmong-veterans-during-the-vietnam-war,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize the Service of Hmong Veterans During the Vietnam War",2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Hmong Congressional Gold Medal Act, bipartisan legislation to recognize the distinguished service of the Hmong veterans who served alongside American troops in the Vietnam War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal.

“The Hmong bravely risked their lives to help our servicemembers during the Vietnam War,” said Senator Tillis. “Today, more than 10,000 Hmong people call North Carolina home, and we are beyond grateful for their patriotic service and cultural contributions to our state. It is my honor to work to pass this bipartisan legislation to recognize Hmong veterans for their heroic actions.”

Background:

As the Vietnam War spread south and west into Laos, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited and trained Hmong soldiers to help American troops fight back against the communist North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao. At great risk to the safety of themselves and their families, Hmong soldiers fought the ground war, flew combat missions, gathered intelligence on North Vietnamese troop movements, interrupted the Ho-Chi-Min Supply Trail, and rescued American pilots downed behind enemy lines. The Hmong people suffered heavy casualties, and their soldiers died at a rate ten times as high as that of American servicemembers in Vietnam.

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, many Hmong were displaced from their villages as they were either bombed or burned down by the North Vietnamese, and over 150,000 Hmong fled Laos when the nation fell to communist forces in 1975. Due to their ties with the American military, many Hmong came to the United States as refugees to start a new life. Over the ensuing decades, Hmong populations and their traditions have become engrained in communities in Michigan and across the United States. Currently, over 327,000 Hmong are living in the United States.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-ethics-committees-report-santos,Murphy on Ethics Committee's Report on Santos,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,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. issued the following statement in response to the Committee on Ethics' report on Representative George Santos:

""I purposely waited for the results of the Ethics Committee's report to come out before passing judgment,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. ""However, given its findings of the facts of this case, I find his behavior reprehensible and not worthy of a member of Congress. I will vote to expel him.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/11/congresswoman-ross-statement-on-rep-george-santos,Congresswoman Ross Statement on Rep. George Santos,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), member of the House Ethics Committee, released the following statement:

“The report released by the House Ethics Committee today is the result of a careful, thorough, bipartisan investigation. Without a doubt, it conclusively demonstrates Rep. George Santos is unfit to serve in this body. I will vote to expel him from the U.S. House of Representatives when a resolution comes to the floor for a vote.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/16/budd-leads-46-senators-to-demand-answers-over-biden-administrations-unprecedented-pause-of-firearms-export-licenses/,Budd Leads 46 Senators to Demand Answers Over Biden Administration’s Unprecedented Pause of Firearms Export Licenses,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) led a group of 46 U.S. Senators in a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo raising questions over the decision announced last month by the Bureau of Industry and Security to pause for 90 days the issuance of export licenses for firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories to most overseas markets. This unprecedented move is the latest chapter in the Biden administration’s hostility towards America’s firearms industry.

The letter notes the impact this unprecedented pause could have on “U.S. commercial and economic interests” which according to the firearms and ammunition industry has an estimated “direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90 day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent.”

Citing “significant concerns about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause” and concerns that the “unmet demand created by this action will promote opportunities for less scrupulous, professional, or conscientious sources of supply to fill the void, thereby strengthening illicit arms markets,” the Senators are demanding a response to their inquiry by no later than November 30.

The letter was signed by Senators:

Ted Budd (R-NC)

Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

John Thune (R-SD)

John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY)

Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

Tim Scott (R-SC)

Bill Hagerty (R-TN)

Jim Risch (R-ID)

Mike Crapo (R-ID)

Joni Ernst (R-IA)

Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

Thom Tillis (R-NC)

Rick Scott (R-FL)

Roger Wicker (R-MS)

Steve Daines (R-MT)

Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

John Hoeven (R-ND)

J.D. Vance (R-OH)

John Kennedy (R-LA)

Josh Hawley (R-MO)

John Cornyn (R-TX)

Katie Britt (R-AL)

Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)

Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

Mike Lee (R-UT)

Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

Mike Rounds (R-SD)

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)

Pete Ricketts (R-NE)

Mike Braun (R-IN)

Deb Fischer (R-NE)

Eric Schmitt (R-MO)

Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS)

Tom Cotton (R-AR)

John Boozman (R-AR)

Dan Sullivan (R-AK)

Jerry Moran (R-KS)

Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

Marco Rubio (R-FL)

Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Rand Paul (R-KY)

Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)

James Lankford (R-OK)

Todd Young (R-IN)

Full text of the letter:

Dear Secretary Raimondo:

We write regarding the October 27 announcement from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce (the Department) that “[e]ffective immediately”, the Department “is pausing for approximately 90 days the issuance of new export licenses involving certain firearms, related components, and ammunition” as well as “the provision of new export assistance activities for such products to all non-governmental end users worldwide” with the exception of “those located in Ukraine, Israel, or a country in Country Group A:1 (Wassenaar Arrangement Participating States).” Further, this announcement stated that the Department will, during this “‘pause’ period”, conduct an urgent review of “current firearm export control review policies” in light of “U.S. national security and foreign policy interests” to “enable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.”

We recognize the crucial need for firearms for civilian self-defense in Ukraine and Israel, which are exempted from this pause, and note the actions by the Ukrainian and Israeli governments to fulfill those needs. For example, in response to the Hamas attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that part of the war against Hamas involves “encouraging civilians and helping civilians to arm themselves for their self-defence.” The Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, promised to distribute 10,000 free weapons, including 4,000 rifles to settlers in the West Bank, and has relaxed rules for permits to allow 400,000 new people to qualify to carry a firearm. Similarly, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on February 24, 2022, that the Ukrainian government “will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country.” By June 2022, Ukraine had distributed “tens of thousands” of firearms to civilians “for national defense”, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky.

However, we also recognize the significance of exports that are now put on pause by the Department’s announcement. As you know, firearms exports to non-government users in countries not covered by the exception constitute a significant percentage of overall U.S. firearm exports. This pause puts at stake U.S. commercial and economic interests, as well as those business interests of firearm exporters whose pending exports are now subject to pause, in addition to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. According to a survey conducted by NSSF, the firearm and ammunition industry trade association, this decision would have a severe negative economic impact. As of today, the industry estimates a direct cost of at least $89 million associated with the 90 day pause and at least $238 million annually should the pause become permanent. Furthermore, it is our understanding that the Department has never before imposed such a 90 day pause on such a wide range of firearms exports. We have significant concerns about the justifications for and ramifications of this pause. Finally, we are concerned the unmet demand created by this action will promote opportunities for less scrupulous, professional, or conscientious sources of supply to fill the void, thereby strengthening illicit arms markets.

Thus, for the purpose of congressional oversight regarding the Department’s announcement we ask that you respond to the following questions and requests by November 30, 2023:

Please explain the reasoning for this pause and identify the specific U.S. national security and foreign policy interests that are part of this reasoning.

What specific situations has the Department identified where the current export policies affected U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, and contributed to regional instability, violated human rights, or fueled criminal activities?

Did BIS engage with firearm and ammunition industry stakeholders prior to the October 27 announcement to understand the impact this unprecedented decision would have on their industry?

Did BIS engage with advocacy organizations prior to the October 27 announcement to provide advance knowledge of this announcement?

If yes, then please provide a list of these organizations.

Has BIS held a meeting with firearm and ammunition industry stakeholders since making the October 27 announcement?

Please provide data on the number of export license applications covered by the Department’s October 27 announcement for all countries (disregarding any exceptions) that were pending on October 27, and the number submitted over the previous six months.

Please provide data on export license applications submitted for non-governmental users in Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 that are of the same type covered by the Department’s October 27 announcement.

Please provide data on export license applications submitted for non-governmental users in Israel since Hamas’ attacks began in October 2023 that are of the same type covered by the Department’s October 27 announcement.

Please provide data on the number of Department employees reviewing export license applications related to the October 27 announcement.

Please provide data on the average number of export license applications related to the October 27 announcement reviewed per day.

Please provide data on the average time to review export license applications related to the October 27 announcement to non-governmental users in Ukraine.

Please provide data on the average time to review export license applications related to the October 27 announcement to non-governmental users in Israel.

Are supplemental funds needed to add more Department employees to review applications so that reviews can be completed in a timely manner?

If so, what is the needed level of supplemental funding and how many additional employees should the Department add?

What is your estimate of potential economic loss, measured in dollars, to U.S. firearms industry as a result of this pause?

What is your estimate of potential economic loss, measured in job losses, to U.S. firearms industry as a result of this pause?

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-lead-resolution-to-strengthen-economic-ties-with-israel,"Tillis, Colleagues Lead Resolution to Strengthen Economic Ties with Israel",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced a resolution calling for the strengthening of economic ties between the U.S. and Israel. The resolution comes amid Israel’s war against Hamas in response to the terrorist group’s gruesome assault on southern Israel on October 7th, which has stunted Israel’s economy.

“This resolution reiterates America’s support for the Israeli people and their economy following the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7th,” said Senator Tillis. “I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure America and Israel’s economic relationship continues to thrive and grow during this difficult time.”

Background:

The U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement of 1985 has helped U.S.-Israel trade grow more than sevenfold since its inception and is an essential tool for supporting the Israeli economy during this time. In 2022, American companies exported $14.2 billion in goods and $5.8 billion in services to Israel. Major exports included machinery, mechanical appliances, stone, glass, metals, and chemicals. Israeli companies exported $21.4 billion in goods and $9.2 billion in services to the U.S. last year. Israeli companies’ foreign direct investment in the U.S. totaled $10.6 billion in 2022 and supported more than 20,000 American jobs.

This resolution is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union, the Center for Individual Freedom, and the Trade Alliance to Promote Prosperity.

Text of the resolution is available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-discusses-government-funding-border-security-ukraine-and-israel-aid-on-bloomberg-news,"Tillis Discusses Government Funding, Border Security, Ukraine and Israel Aid on Bloomberg News",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis appeared on Bloomberg News’ Balance of Power with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu to discuss government funding, aid to Israel and Ukraine, border security, and other topics.

Senator Tillis on the Continuing Resolution:

“This is a very expensive process, and we need a consistent longer-term view of spending. To the point in your prior segment, we’ve also got to get serious about our debt. We are going to reach a point where we’ll run out of our credit line. We are reaching a point now where mandatory spending alone will consume all the revenue coming into the U.S. government. What do we do with the 20% that’s not mandatory spending? So, we have to have a serious discussion about that at the same time that we’re dealing with the conflict in Ukraine, Israel, and other threats.”

Senator Tillis on President Biden’s Supplemental Budget Request:

“We’re involved in discussions, and we should be instructed by the President’s request. The President did request funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, but also for border security. We have to get the four legs of that stool together. We’re actively working on a border security strategy, which I think is critically important. Of course, we have to support Israel, and I am 100% behind sustaining the investment for Ukraine.”

Senator Tillis on Border Security Funding:

“It is a national security problem, but it is also a political problem. I don’t think that Republicans are the only ones who recognize that we’ve got to make progress on border security, and we have to get it done. Now, to the point on timing, the thing that worries me, or the thing that frustrates me about Washington, is when we set a deadline, we almost never get something done early. I hope we break the cycle on this one. I hope we have a definitive answer for Israel, Ukraine, and the American people on border security before Christmas.”

Senator Tillis on Ukraine and Israel Funding:

“Well, I think those of us who support both Israel and Ukraine funding believe that we should move that as a block. We cannot have a lapse in Ukraine funding. That could have been a strategy on the part of some members of the House who apparently do not want to support sustaining the Ukraine effort and I completely disagree with them. I think that history will remember them in a very negative light. We’ve got to work together. I think that the Speaker is doing the best with the hand that he’s dealt. This is a case where the Republicans need to understand the American people want us to lead and leading means we have to address these pressing problems.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-veterans-from-outdated-or-incorrect-va-billing,"Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans from Outdated or Incorrect VA Billing",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation to protect veterans from outdated or incorrect Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) billing.

“This important legislation ensures that veterans receive affordable, quality healthcare by waiving late co-payment fees for medications and other healthcare services,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation on behalf of the more than 600,000 veterans that call North Carolina home.”

Background:

This legislation would give the VA the authority to waive veterans’ copayment requirements for medication, care, or certain services if the copayment notification was received more than 180 days after care or services. It would also require the VA to notify the veteran of copayment requirements no later than 180 days from when the veteran received care. Finally, the legislation would require the VA to review and improve its co-payment billing procedures.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-discusses-u-s-china-relations-on-fox-news,Tillis Discusses U.S.-China Relations on Fox News,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis appeared on Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto to discuss the importance of eliminating America’s pharmaceutical and medical supply dependence on China and the future of U.S.-China relations. Senator Tillis’ comments come as President Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping today.

Watch the interview HERE.

Senator Tillis on Foreign Direct Investment in China:

“I think they’ve got serious problems. They’ve got a long-term problem because they’re seeing a reduction in foreign direct investment in China. That’s an indication that the world has woken up and decided that we’ve got to reduce our dependence on China for so many of our supply chains. They have a demographic problem. They have a problem that we don’t have, we have lots of allies. They don’t have a lot of allies.”

Senator Tillis on America’s Relationship with China:

“I think that China is in a weaker position they’ve been in some time, and it concerns me that this President won’t go in playing with what I think is a strong hand. China has to behave differently for us to reward them in any way. I’ve seen this administration reach out to Iran. I’ve seen them reach out to China. I want those to be postures of strength, where those regimes have to change for us to have any concessions or working relationships.”

Senator Tillis on Future American Investments in China:

“I think what we have got to do is look at China differently. I don’t mind the idea of investments in China that are beneficial to the United States. I no longer want the pattern that we have seen over the last quarter-century of investments in China that make us more dependent on them. And we’re seeing that happen organically. We learned our lesson from COVID. But I do think that there’s a market there. Think about that the Chinese people have nearly twice our population size in what they consider to be the middle class. That will probably shrink a bit over time. But it’s still a big market that I think that we want American and Western businesses to serve.”

Senator Tillis on America’s Dependence on China:

“One of my favorite pictures coming out of China is a little Chinese girl wearing a Wonder Woman outfit with a Captain America shield. I want American culture, Western culture known in China, because that’s a path to freedom and ultimately change in China. What I don’t want are strategic investments that make us dependent upon them for our pharmaceutical supply chains, the PPEs, all the things that we saw that we were dependent on in China over the time that we were dealing with the COVID pandemic. That has to change. We should have learned our lesson.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-appointed-powerful-house-appropriations-committee,Edwards appointed to powerful House Appropriations Committee,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Chuck Edwards,E000246,edwards.house.gov,edwards,https://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards today announced that he has received an appointment to the powerful House Appropriations Committee, a rare assignment for a first-term lawmaker.

The House Appropriations Committee is widely considered one of the most influential committees in the House of Representatives, as it holds the power of the purse and is responsible for all congressional expenditures. Its members usually sit on no other committees.

To date, Edwards has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Budget, and Oversight and Accountability committees. His appointment comes after the retirement of 10-year U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) who had served on the committee.

Edwards will be the only North Carolina House member - Republican or Democrat - on the committee, and will become the first North Carolina House Republican to serve on the committee since former Western North Carolina Congressman Charles Taylor.

Members of the House Republican Steering Committee - led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, and including Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger (TX-12) and other House leadership members and committee chairmen - selected Edwards to serve on the panel.

“I am truly honored that my House colleagues looked at my business background and experience in the North Carolina Senate and saw that I could contribute in this significant way in Washington,” said Edwards. “I am also proud to be following in the footsteps of former Congressman Charles Taylor to use this position to help make a difference for Western North Carolina. I have always said we need to bring more of NC to DC, and I plan to do that in this role.”

Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger said, “I welcome Chuck to the committee and very much look forward to working with him. His common sense approach and background as both a state appropriator and businessman will be valuable in our effort to responsibly fund the federal government.”

“I congratulate my good friend and fellow North Carolinian, Rep. Chuck Edwards, for earning a coveted seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee,” said Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. “This is a big deal for the people of North Carolina because we finally have a voice on the committee that decides how tax dollars are spent.”

The appointment will be ratified by the House Republican Conference and voted on by the House during the week of November 27.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/congresswoman-foushee-votes-to-avert-government-shutdown,Congresswoman Foushee Votes to Avert Government Shutdown,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2023) — Today, Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), released the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution that would fund the federal government at Fiscal Year 2023 levels through January 19, 2024, with certain appropriations ending on February 2, 2024.

“Once again, House Republican’s infighting and desire to further their far-right ideological agenda have caused another manufactured crisis that undermines our federal government and the hardworking people we serve.” said Congresswoman Foushee (NC-04). “This bill is not perfect and is far from a permanent solution, but it is critical to avert a reckless government shutdown that would hurt working families, interrupt vital services, threaten access to food assistance, damage our economy, harm small businesses, endanger our national security, and more.

“Congress must govern in a bipartisan manner to enact full-year funding bills that include emergency assistance to our allies abroad, vital humanitarian aid, and will fully serve the needs of our government and the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://foushee.house.gov/posts/foushee-casten-balint-budzinski-tokuda-urge-hhs-and-fda-to-ensure-patient-access-to-methotrexate-and-misoprostol,"Foushee, Casten, Balint, Budzinski, Tokuda Urge HHS and FDA to Ensure Patient Access to Methotrexate and Misoprostol",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Valerie P. Foushee,F000477,foushee.house.gov,foushee,https://foushee.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2023) - Today, U.S. Representatives Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Sean Casten (IL-06), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02) led 48 of their colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the HHS Office of Civil Rights, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration urging them to ensure access to methotrexate and misoprostol and urging the restoration of care for people across the country.

“Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in June 2022, people across the country have been denied access to methotrexate and misoprostol,” the lawmakers wrote. “In many states, physicians, other types of providers, and pharmacists must comply with extreme and often confusing abortion bans and restrictions. These laws have created a chilling effect in which providers are fearful to offer medications like methotrexate and misoprostol to manage chronic conditions or for miscarriage management, because they could under another use be used for or cause an abortion. While we appreciate the statement on July 13, 2022, from the Department of Health and Human Services reminding retail pharmacies of their obligation to supply prescribed medications in a nondiscriminatory manner, this issue persists.”

Methotrexate is critical for patients to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other autoimmune disorders, and some cancers, including breast cancer, lymphoma and leukemia, among other conditions. Misoprostol is used to prevent gastric ulcers and helps with managing miscarriages.

The full text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://hudson.house.gov/press-releases/hudson-votes-to-keep-government-open,Hudson Votes to Keep Government Open,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,NC,Richard Hudson,H001067,hudson.house.gov,hudson,https://hudson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6363, Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act:

“Our spending problem is the greatest threat to America, and House Republicans are correcting the failures of Washington Democrats in order to put our nation on a better fiscal path forward.

“I voted for the two-step Continuing Resolution because I trust Speaker Mike Johnson to break the toxic cycle of Washington’s reckless spending status quo. Today’s resolution avoids a government shutdown, fully funds our troops, and prevents another trillion dollar, thousand page ‘Christmas omnibus’ spending bill, which would be bad for every American and increase our national deficit.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://murphy.house.gov/media/press-releases/murphy-votes-against-two-step-cr,Murphy Votes Against Two-Step CR,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,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. issued the following statement after voting ""No"" on the latest continuing resolution, H.R. 6363:

""I believe a government shutdown benefits no one and is to the detriment of our nation,"" said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. ""However, extending the Biden-Pelosi spending levels and policies is not the right path to go down. We must fundamentally change the way Washington works instead of governing by CR. Doing so kicks the can down the road and only exacerbates the challenges we’re facing as a nation. I am eager to do whatever it takes to show the American people that House Republicans can govern effectively, reduce the unsustainable growth of our national debt, and secure our southern border.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://ross.house.gov/2023/11/congresswoman-ross-votes-to-keep-the-federal-government-open-and-avoid-a-shutdown,Congresswoman Ross Votes to Keep the Federal Government Open and Avoid a Shutdown,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,NC,Deborah K. Ross,R000305,ross.house.gov,ross,https://ross.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) voted to pass a continuing resolution that will extend current government funding levels until January 19 and February 2, 2024. She released the following statement:

“Yet again, House Republicans forced us dangerously close to a government shutdown, but Democrats stayed unified and kept the federal government open. While passing another short-term funding bill certainly isn’t ideal, I voted to keep the government open because I know that the alternative is far worse.

“The constant chaos of the past year is simply no way to govern. Instead of drama and dysfunction in the House of Representatives, the American people deserve steady, dependable leadership. Now that we have ample time until our next shutdown deadline, it’s time for Republicans to stop their endless infighting, put people over politics, and start working across the aisle to address our nation’s many pressing challenges.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/14/budd-leads-majority-of-senate-gop-to-demand-that-dod-rescind-abortion-travel-policy/,Budd Leads Majority of Senate GOP to Demand that DOD Rescind Abortion Travel Policy,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) led a group of 27 U.S. Senators in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denouncing the department’s policy of paying the travel expenses of those servicemembers and dependents seeking abortions.

The letter also stresses that, “our men and women in uniform deserve Senate-confirmed leadership but the current situation began with your original sin of promulgating the Policy.”

The letter concludes by calling on Secretary Austin to, “Do the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.”

The letter was co-signed by Senators:

Ted Budd (R-NC)

Roger Wicker (R-MS)

Mike Lee (R-UT)

Cynthia Lummis (R-WY)

Mike Rounds (R-SD)

John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY)

Rand Paul (R-KY)

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)

Pete Ricketts (R-NE)

Katie Britt (R-AL)

Mike Braun (R-IN)

Ted Cruz (R-TX)

Rick Scott (R-FL)

Markwayne Mullin (R-OK)

Deb Fischer (R-NE)

Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

Eric Schmitt (R-MO)

Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS)

Lindsey Graham (R-SC)

Joni Ernst (R-IA)

Tom Cotton (R-AR)

Chuck Grassley (R-IA)

John Cornyn (R-TX)

John Boozman (R-AR)

John Thune (R-SD)

Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

Dan Sullivan (R-AK)

Full text of the letter:

Secretary Austin:

You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy. On June 28, 2022, four days after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, you issued a memorandum to senior leaders in the Department of Defense (“Department”) stating that the Department is authorized to pay for government funded, official travel for active duty personnel to receive abortions outside of the state in which they are stationed.

On October 20, 2022, you issued the memorandum Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services, properly referred to as the Department’s abortion travel policy (“Policy”), which directed the Department to pay travel expenses not only for active duty personnel to receive abortions, but for their dependents to receive abortions as well. Importantly, on July 19, 2023, at a hearing on the Department’s abortion travel policy, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness confirmed that this policy extends to late term abortions.

All legislative power is vested in Congress, and the Executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the law. While the Department may issue regulations, it can only do so under the laws authorized and enacted by Congress. But, Congress never authorized the Department to expend funds to facilitate abortions and, until the Policy was issued, the military never facilitated abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother would be endangered if the unborn child were carried to term. Now taxpayers—many of whom have deeply-held religious and moral objections to abortions—are on the hook to facilitate the very abortions they fundamentally oppose. Indeed, a Marist poll in January 2023 found that 60% of Americans strongly oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for an abortion, consistent with polls taken throughout recent years.

Rather than respect the Supreme Court’s decision, you decided to engage the Department, and our men and women in uniform, in a policy debate properly reserved for the legislature. You did so by claiming that Dobbs had “readiness, recruiting, and retention implications for the Force.” By your own officials’ admissions, however, the Department has no data to support that claim, and few servicemembers or dependents have utilized the Policy.

After multiple inquiries from Congress on this question, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness finally confirmed that “The Department does not have any data on women being deterred from joining the military for fear of being stationed at an installation or base in a state or nation that has restrictive abortion laws.” Finally, a recent letter from the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee revealed that only 12 women have taken advantage of the Policy since its inception, which undercuts your argument that Dobbs has significant recruiting and retention implications.

Our men and women in uniform deserve Senate-confirmed leadership but the current situation began with your original sin of promulgating the Policy. Much has been made in the press about one Senator’s decision to try and stop your egregious wrongs, without acknowledging the Senate Majority Leader’s refusal to bring general and flag officer nominations to the floor until forced to by Republicans. Seeking to circumvent the Senate prerogative of the informal “hold” practice without addressing the underlying causes—the novel Policy and the subsequent refusal of the Majority to bring these nominees to the floor—will not ultimately reconcile this matter. It could create a toxic precedent with lasting negative effects on future military nominations.

Your decision to issue the Policy politicized the military and placed the wants of a few over the needs of the entire nation.

Do the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/14/budd-shaheen-lead-resolutions-countering-chinese-influence-in-latin-america-and-globally/,"Budd, Shaheen Lead Resolutions Countering Chinese Influence in Latin America and Globally",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Ted Budd,B001305,www.budd.senate.gov,budd,https://www.budd.senate.gov/category/news/press-releases/page/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) have led a bipartisan coalition to introduce a pair of resolutions designed to counter Chinese influence in South America and internationally.

The first resolution aims to bolster support and grow the strength of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. It is co-sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

The resolution expresses:

The United States must prioritize safeguarding the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency and maintain its influential role in the global financial system.

The actions of the Chinese government, aimed at diminishing the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status, should be closely monitored and appropriate countermeasures must be taken.

The U.S. should focus on strengthening economic ties with regions like South America as an alternative to Chinese investment and capital.

Collaboration with allies is crucial for promoting economic policies that foster growth and stability in developing nations.

The second resolution denounces efforts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to exert malign influence in Latin America. It is co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The resolution resolves that the Senate:

Notes the importance of continuing to develop and establish bilateral trade agreements in Latin America.

Urges additional U.S. investment and foreign assistance in Latin America.

Expresses gratitude for those countries in the Western Hemisphere that continue to recognize and support Taiwan.

Condemns efforts by state-owned Chinese media to conduct information operations in Latin America.

Supports transparent bidding processes for telecommunication projects in Latin America.

Senator Budd said in a statement:

“As we traveled to South America on a bipartisan CODEL earlier this year, it became crystal clear that China’s influence in the region is growing and undermining our national interest. It must be the policy of the U.S. government to counter this influence, maintain the dominance of the dollar, and keep our nation as the go-to resource for trade and resources in South America.”

Senator Shaheen said:

“To better counter China’s attempts to disrupt international norms and spread its malign influence, including by engaging in coercive economic practices that stymie economic growth and democratic governance, we must work to deepen our economic and diplomatic ties with our Allies and partners in Latin America and around the world. These bipartisan resolutions would make clear that the United States can and must make additional economic, security and political investments to remain the partner of choice internationally.”

Senator Rubio said:

“As China continues to make inroads globally, this administration’s negligence draws countries to our nation’s adversaries. This resolution underscores the need for the U.S. to support the dollar and provide real alternatives to China’s Belt and Road projects.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.tillis.senate.gov/2023/11/tillis-colleagues-demand-un-designate-hamas-a-terrorist-organization-and-impose-sanctions,"Tillis, Colleagues Demand UN Designate Hamas a Terrorist Organization and Impose Sanctions",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,NC,Thom Tillis,T000476,www.tillis.senate.gov,tillis,https://www.tillis.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis and his colleagues recently sent a letter to the United Nations (UN) urging them to designate Iranian-backed Hamas as a terrorist organization following the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel since October 7 with the intent to eradicate Israel and Jews in Israel.

“We write with our utmost concern regarding the recent terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region. We commend your unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorism and your support for Israel’s right to defend its people. Recent events have demonstrated that Hamas’ actions, tactics, and stated goals are in many ways indistinguishable from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations the United Nations (UN) has sanctioned. Therefore, we write to urge you to bring a resolution to the UN Security Council recognizing and imposing sanctions on Hamas as a terrorist organization,” the senators wrote.

“As you know, on October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas terrorists launched attacks, including on civilian communities, in southern Israel, brutally murdering 1,400 innocent people and wounding 4,500 others. Additionally, Hamas kidnapped over 240 men, women, and children – ranging from infants to Holocaust survivors. Hamas terrorists have committed and continue to commit abhorrent attacks that not only impact Israelis but also directly impact Americans citizens, with at least 32 Americans killed and countless more held in captive as a result of the terrorist attack on October 7. In fact, Hamas hostages come from 25 countries around the world. Hamas’ reign of terror is not just an Israeli problem, but one that impacts us all,” the senators continued.

“We are also concerned that a lack of UN sanctions enables Hamas to divert humanitarian aid for malicious intent, which deprives innocent Palestinian civilians of crucial assistance while simultaneously strengthening offensive capabilities used to attack Israel. Hamas continues to divert aid meant for civilians in order to fund its operations by:

Imposing ""taxes"" on humanitarian consignments at border checkpoints;

Seizing a segment of donated goods intended for Palestinian civilians and later selling them illicitly for financial gain;

Seizing donated supplies – as Hamas did on October 16, 2023, when they took fuel meant for Gazan hospitals from a United Nations Relief and Works Agency site; and

Dismantling and repurposing humanitarian facilities, like water and sewage components, to create rockets and missiles, some of which misfire and land in Gaza, causing Palestinian civilian casualties and posing threats to aid workers.

We therefore request you bring forward a UN resolution to recognize and sanction Hamas as a terrorist organization. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to your timely response,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z