Enewsletters

Since we are wading into the height of storm-season during the course of the next several months and in light of Tropical Storm Elsa, there are various resources my office has available to assist you in advance and during the aftermath of future storms.  Below, you will also find a COVID-19 update as well as detailed information on passport assistance.

Ahead of any storm, it’s important to follow the advice of your local officials, monitor your local news, and make sure you are prepared.  You can visit my Hurricane Recovery Resources Website HERE for several tips, local emergency contact information, specific resources on how my office can help before and after a storm — and more.  If you need assistance navigating these resources, please do not hesitate to call one of our offices.

Flood Insurance: With hurricane season in full swing, FEMA is encouraging North Carolinians to consider purchasing flood insurance.  For comprehensive information on flood insurance, please visit the floodsmart.gov website. 

In late June 2021, the U.S. Passport Agency revised their guidelines for processing a passport application HERE.  Routine service may now take up to 18 weeks.  Paying for expedited service may speed up the process to 12 weeks.

My office may be able to request for the Passport Agency to apply special attention to an application if the applicant has a travel date within the 12-week window.  However, we cannot guarantee passport delivery within a specific time frame, even with a Congressional request.  If faced with a life-or-death emergency requiring a passport within 5 days, please contact one of my district offices for guidance.  Click here for contact information.  So check your passport to make sure it isn’t about to expire and plan accordingly. 

Please be aware: the more infectious COVID-19 Delta variant is spreading in North Carolina and across the country.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified the Delta variant as a “variant of concern” because it may spread more easily and quickly than current COVID-19 variants.

As of Thursday, July 8, a total of 9,001,911 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered statewide here in North Carolina.  Currently, 43% of North Carolina’s population has been fully vaccinated.  For more statistics on vaccine distribution, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Dashboard.

For today’s good news story, I’m highlighting the recent Back the Blue Police Appreciation Luncheon in Ocean Isle Beach.  Thank you to the Town of Ocean Isle Beach for taking the time to honor our law enforcement officers and a big thank you to these brave heroes for everything they do to protect our citizens and keep our communities safe!  I proudly stand with America’s law enforcement officers and remain committed to protecting their ability to carry out their heroic work.