It was a historic week in Washington. The Farm Bill was brought to the House Floor for consideration and debate, and I was proud to support its passage to provide critical changes in law for North Carolina’s farm families. I also had the honor of serving on the escort committee for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Below, you’ll find updates on efforts to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), highlights from my meeting with members of the North Carolina’s Bankers Association, and resources to help you prepare for hurricane season. Read on to learn more.
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Providing for Our Farmers
North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, with agriculture contributing more than $113 billion to our economy. In the House, I voted to pass the 2026 Farm Bill, a major win for America’s farm families, rural communities, and our nation’s food security, which is essential to our national security.
As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I worked to secure key provisions in this legislation to help Southeastern North Carolina and communities nationwide. These include strengthening disaster assistance, providing rural homeowners with additional resources to address PFAS contamination, and expanding access to healthy foods through nutrition programs to help combat diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Our rural communities are the backbone of our state, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate on their behalf. I look forward to Senate passage of their Farm Bill legislation so the two chambers can hammer out a final bill that incorporates these improvements.
Restoring Funding for Homeland Security
After a 75-day shutdown, the House finally passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, ending the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and ensuring that our federal TSA agents, members of our Coast Guard, and FEMA employees are paid. The bill also appropriated the funding necessary to carry out their respective missions and was immediately signed into law by the President.
Funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to be addressed through a budget reconciliation bill, known as Budget Reconciliation 2.0. The House and Senate have both passed the initial step (a budget resolution) and committees are now working to draft legislation to ensure ICE and CBP have the resources they need to protect the homeland for the remainder of President Trump’s term.
Welcoming King Charles III to the U.S. Capitol
This past week, I had the distinct honor of welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States Capitol where the King addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress.
As our nation approaches her 250th anniversary of independence, this visit stands as a powerful reminder of our history and the foundational values that built and fostered the historical alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Building a Resilient Financial Future for North Carolina Families
This past week, I met with North Carolina Bankers Association President and CEO Peter Gwaltney, along with other banking leaders from across the state, to discuss key financial issues impacting North Carolina residents.
Our conversation centered around improving housing affordability and providing stable and secure options for responsible lending to help residents in NC-07 and across the state build stronger financial futures. I’m grateful for their commitment to advancing solutions that expand economic opportunities in our communities, and I look forward to continuing this important work.
Hurricane Preparedness Starts Now
Today, May 3rd, marks the start of North Carolina’s Hurricane Preparedness Week. While the official hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, now is the time to start making preparations so you are ready if inclement weather hits.
For more information and hurricane preparedness resources, please visit my website.
An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need during or after an emergency. Put the kit in a location where everyone in your household can access it, and include enough water, food, and supplies to last three to seven days. And don’t forget about your pets! Click here for instructions on how to put an emergency kit together.
Watches vs. Warnings
In order to keep your family safe if a storm threatens your area, it is important to know the difference between “watches" and “warnings". A “watch" means weather conditions in the area have the potential of becoming dangerous to potentially life-threatening within 48 hours. A “warning" means severe conditions are imminent within 36 hours.
Insurance
When preparing for a natural disaster within your area, one of the most important things you can do is confirm you have a good insurance policy. Be aware homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, regardless if you own or rent. Whether you are in a high, low, or moderate risk area, a separate flood insurance policy can be purchased. Policies are available for both residential and commercial buildings as long as the community joins in the National Flood Insurance Program. It is important to note, new flood insurance policies often require a 30-day waiting period. For information about the National Flood Insurance Program, call (877) 336-2627.
Did You Know? (NC-07 Edition)
George Herman Ruth, Jr. hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville, NC in 1914. It was there he earned the nickname “Babe.” Today, you can learn more about this moment in baseball history at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, which features an exhibit on Babe Ruth.
This historical marker commemorating the event is located at the intersection of Gillespie Street and Transportation Drive in Fayetteville.
Good News Story
A team of students from Public Schools of Robeson County is heading to the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston after earning one of only two rookie team spots in North Carolina. Guided by their teacher, Nancy Townsend, the Iron Corsairs overcame multiple roadblocks on their road to success.
Their determination and hard work earned them statewide recognition and a chance to compete against top teams from around the world, while also opening doors to future careers in engineering and technology. It was a real showcase of the talent of Robeson County students on an international stage. We should all be very proud of these students!
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulders — because the modern relationship between our two nations spans not merely 250 years, but more than four centuries… Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.” — His Majesty King Charles III, excerpt from his address to a Joint Meeting of Congress, April 28, 2026
