John Hood: Three Policy Trends Work Against Democrats
RALEIGH — I don’t know for certain who will win North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race next year — and neither do you.
News and Opinion
Senators Budd, Kelly Introduce SEIZE Act to Authorize Transfer of Confiscated Iranian Weapons to U.S. Partners
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced the bipartisan Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization (SEIZE) Act to authorize the use of Presidential Drawdown Authority to transfer confiscated Iranian weapons seized in transit to terror proxies like the Houthi’s in Yemen to U.S. partners for their use. The SEIZE Act would bypass a potentially year-long legal process for the distribution of captured Iranian weapons and equipment held by U.S. CENTCOM, allowing it to be sent directly to U.S. military partners around the globe.
NC House Huddle: Friday, Aug 1
NC House Huddle newsletter for the week of August first.
Senators Budd, Gillibrand, Lummis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop Illegal Use of Digital Assets by Criminals and Terrorists
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) was joined by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) in reintroducing the Financial Technology Protection Act. The bipartisan bill aims to address the illegal use of financial technologies and digital assets to prevent sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, and money laundering.
Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:
Michael Whatley Launches U.S. Senate Campaign in North Carolina
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley officially entered the race Thursday for North Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat, soon to be vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Thom Tillis.
Sens. Budd, Heinrich Introduce Amendment to Crack Down on Illicit Anti-Obesity Drugs Entering the U.S. from China
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) recently introduced an amendment to the 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to ensure the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can activate regulatory and enforcement authorities to prevent the importation of illicit weight loss drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) from the Republic of China and other foreign countries.
John Hood: Tax Reform Needs a Clear Goal
RALEIGH — While the North Carolina House and Senate continue to discuss how — or whether — to resolve their budget dispute and enact a new fiscal framework for the next two fiscal years, now is an excellent time for tax reformers in both chambers to spell out precisely what they hope to accomplish.
DAVE Act Passes Legislature, State Auditor Boliek “Fully On Board”
RALEIGH, N.C. — Today, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 125, “Continuing Budget Operations.” The bill includes “The DAVE Act” provision, which requires the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor to establish a “Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency.” The division will assess the continued need for each state agency and whether cuts need to be made.
Op-ed: Sen. Tillis Should Make Crypto A Part of His Legacy
Senator Thom Tillis’ decision not to seek re-election next year gives him a rare opportunity in the coming months: more freedom to lead boldly on the most pressing issues of our time. As he enters his final stretch in the Senate, one way he can cement his legacy as a pro-innovation, pro-business lawmaker is by championing smart, federal policy for cryptocurrency.
North Carolina’s June County and Area Employment Figures Released
Raleigh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 92 counties in June 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in four. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 3.1 percent.
Senate Passes Bill to Make North Carolina the First State to Opt into President Trump’s Signature School Choice Program
Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Senate approved a bill today that would make North Carolina the first state in the nation to opt into President Donald Trump's school choice tax credit program as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.