Standing up for our Veterans
This week in Washington, the House passed the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs appropriation bill to fund military construction projects and fully fund veterans' health care programs. I was pleased with the package House Republicans delivered and voted YES on the measure. Additionally, I was dismayed to see that every Democrat opposed the legislation.
Included in the bill are a number of important provisions you should know about:
- Fully funds veterans’ health care programs, veterans’ benefits, and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.
- Provided nearly $800 million above the President’s Budget Request for military construction, focusing investments on barracks and other quality-of-life projects.
- Prohibits the use of funds to promote or advance critical race theory.
- Prohibits the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the Biden Administration’s executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Eliminates funding for the VA’s Office of Public Affairs in response to the VA’s inaccurate and politically motivated press releases making false claims about budget cuts.
One-in-nine individuals in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District is a veteran. It is my privilege to fight for the resources they deserve and need here in Washington.
Protecting our Schools
Democrats in New York and Chicago have proposed using public schools to house individuals in our country illegally.
In response, House Republicans passed the Schools Not Shelters Act to condemn these proposals, which are the result of President Biden’s reckless southern border policies.
It baffles me just how far Democrats are willing to go to enable illegal immigration and disregard our children. First, they wanted to keep schools closed and kids out of the classroom. Now, they want to use them to house individuals who are illegally in this country. Thankfully, four Democrats agreed and voted alongside all Republicans to set the record straight.
I did not come to Washington expecting to teach Democrats that schools are for children to learn and grow in, and not housing units for those who do not abide by our laws. Yet, here we are.
Welcoming Israeli President Isaac Herzog
It was an honor to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a Joint Meeting of Congress. The United States remains a steadfast ally of Israel, and we always stand with our Israeli friends.
They stand for the same democratic way of life that we do. We will always stand with the free people of Israel as they do with us.
Honoring Master Sergeant Kevin Haunschild
It was my honor to recognize Marine Master Sergeant Kevin Haunschild, from NC-03’s own Marine Corps Air Station New River, as Military Times Marine of the Year!
In 2021, Master Sergeant Haunschild deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in Charge of Air Traffic Control at Hamid Karzai International Airport, to coordinate the largest Noncombatant Evacuation Operation the U.S. military has ever been involved with, during our withdrawal.
For his valiant and heroic leadership, Master Sergeant Haunschild received a Bronze Star.
Preserving Veteran Stories at the Library of Congress
I was proud to deliver three interviews to Veterans History Project Director, Monica Mohindra and Head of Programs, Travis Bickford, at the Library of Congress. I’m grateful for those who signed up and for their service to our nation.
As you may remember, I hosted a kickoff event for the Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress, earlier this month. Through the process, we interview and collect photographs from Eastern North Carolina veterans to preserve in Washington.
If you or someone you know would like to participate, contact my office! I will be hosting my next event in Currituck County on November 9th.
