This past week in Washington, I had the opportunity to meet with Dalilah Coleman, a young girl who along with her family were tragically struck by a semi-truck driven by an unqualified and illegal immigrant in 2024. Her story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed when unqualified drivers are behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles.
In 2025, there were 30 deaths as a result of unqualified illegal drivers driving big rigs. This is a serious issue that must be addressed, and I was proud to sponsor and lead a bill this past week in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to help enhance safety on our roadways.
I also met with representatives from RDU Airport, the City of Fayetteville, the City of Lumberton, the City of Wilmington, and the Town of Chadbourn to discuss issues impacting our state and local communities. Read more below!
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Getting Illegal and Unqualified Truck Drivers
off our Roads
This past week, my bill, H.R. 5688, named Dalilah’s Law, advanced through the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and now heads to the House Floor to be debated and voted on by the entire chamber.
Dalilah’s Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, a 5-year-old girl who was seriously injured after she and her family were struck by a semi-truck operated by an unqualified and illegal immigrant. Dalilah was a guest of President Trump at this year’s State of the Union Address where he called for Congress to end the issuance of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to unqualified and illegal immigrants.
The bill strengthens CDL requirements as well as the enforcement of those requirements, preventing any unqualified individual from obtaining a CDL. It also ensures those who do obtain CDLs can read and understand English in addition to meeting other important standards.
I remain committed to continuing our efforts to move Dalilah’s Law through the House and Senate, which will help ensure safer roads for all Americans.
I had the honor of meeting with Dalilah Coleman and her family.
She is quite the charmer!
Collaborating with Local Leaders
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
I met this past week with Michael Landguth, the CEO of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to discuss their runway project and other key priorities. Since 2023, six new airlines are now operating out of the airport with 30 nonstop destinations added, and more than 50 new flights paths. In 2024, the airport set a record by serving 15.5 million passengers.
We are fortunate to have RDU serving our state, connecting our comunities and transporting travelers safely.
NC-07 in Washington
Several municipalities were in Washington to discuss key issues impacting their communities. From Fayetteville to Wilmington, these conversations are valuable to ensuring local voices are heard. I look forward to continuing our work together to support strong, prosperous communities across southeastern North Carolina.
City of Fayetteville
City of Lumberton
City of Wilmington
Town of Chadbourn
Recognizing Talented Students in NC-07
I am pleased to announce the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for students in North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. The art competition, open to all high school students nationwide, has been sponsored annually by members of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1982.
The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol. The first-place winner will also receive airfare for two to Washington, DC to attend a national reception honoring student artists from across the country.
Please share this information with any high school student in NC-07 who would like to submit their art for consideration. Students' artwork and signed release forms must be submitted in person to one of my district offices by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026. For more information, please visit my website.
Good News Story
For those who like history, I’m excited to celebrate the unveiling of a new North Carolina State Highway Historical Marker honoring Zachariah Jacobs, one of more than 460 men of color from North Carolina who served during the American Revolution. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 26th, at the corner of 3rd Street and Grace Street in Wilmington. Read more here!
Closing Thoughts...
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison
