This past week, I joined my House colleagues to reopen critical government agencies after a short lapse in funding for part of the government. By passing these additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills, more than 95% of the federal government is now responsibly funded, ensuring federal agencies operate with the efficiency and accountability you deserve.
Beyond the basic function of funding the government, Republicans in Congress are focused on protecting taxpayers and securing our nation's future. For example, the House passed legislation this past week to block the D.C. City Council’s attempt to prevent their residents from receiving the recent historic tax relief in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Republicans in Congress are committed to ensuring the working families tax cuts, including no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, remain accessible to all of those who earn them.
In addition, to end our reliance on adversaries like Communist China for critical minerals, the House passed the Critical Mineral Dominance Act. This bill cuts through red tape to allow for and streamline domestic mining, securing our supply chains for essential technology and defense while creating high-paying jobs here at home.
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NASA Reauthorization
As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I was proud to support passage of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 out of Committee. It will now head to the House Floor for consideration. This reauthorization will strengthen America’s leadership in space by providing direction to NASA in support of critical programs and initiatives to keep our nation at the forefront of exploration and discovery well into the future.
U.S. Military Service Academy Nominations
This year, I am nominating 28 students from North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District for appointments to the United States Military Service Academies. It is truly a privilege to support these remarkable young men and women as they commit to serving our nation.
The U.S. Military Service Academies are renowned for providing the highest standard of undergraduate education while training the next generation of commissioned officers. Each year, I have the distinct privilege of nominating qualified students for consideration to these prestigious institutions. These individuals represent the very best of our community, and their commitment to duty, honor, and country represents the very best of North Carolina.
Join me in celebrating the following individuals on this great occasion:
While a congressional nomination is a vital and required step for most military service academy applicants, it does not guarantee admission. The final selection and offer of appointment rest solely with the admissions office of each respective academy.
For more information on the U.S. Military Service Academy nomination process, students, parents, and educators are invited to attend the U.S. Service Academy Information Forum on Saturday, April 25, or visit my website at Rouzer.house.gov.
Meeting with Methodist University
This past week, I met with Dr. Stanley Wearden of Methodist University and fellow representatives from the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU). Representing 36 private, nonprofit institutions enrolling more than 83,000 students statewide, the NCICU is a powerhouse contributor of workers for our economy.
Right here in North Carolina's 7th Congressional District, Methodist University has been a cornerstone of the Fayetteville community since 1956. As a premier private liberal arts university, Methodist currently serves nearly 2,000 students and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs both on campus and online. Engaging with leaders like Dr. Wearden reinforces the vital role our independent colleges play in shaping North Carolina's future. Supporting these institutions isn't just an investment in our students; it’s an investment in the continued growth and innovation of our entire state.
Good News Story
For this week’s good news story, I’m spotlighting Southport Fire Department enjoying the snow this past weekend. Seeing our first responders out on the snow-covered beaches was a beautiful reminder of how special the 7th Congressional District is. A huge thank you to this crew and all others who worked around the clock to keep us safe during the storm. We truly appreciate their dedication!
Take a look at the photo below of our firefighters sledding – certainly not something you see every year in Southeastern North Carolina! Read more here.
Closing Thoughts...
“One truth I have discovered for sure: When you believe that all things are possible and you are willing to work hard to accomplish your goals, you can achieve the next ‘impossible’ dream. No dream is too high!” — Buzz Aldrin
