Private employment grew by 209,000 jobs — well above the pre-election 12-month average of 124,000 jobs: 

• + 23,700 jobs in retail trade.
• + 22,900 jobs in transportation and warehousing.
• + 13,000 jobs in construction.

This past Wednesday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed my bill, H.R. 2390, the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act.  The legislation would strengthen our nation’s port infrastructure and national security.

Today, many of our nation’s largest ports rely on ship-to-shore cranes manufactured by Chinese state-owned companies and operated with Chinese-owned software.  Reports indicate the software used in these cranes can be exploited for espionage, potentially transmitting sensitive data — such as the location and movement of cargo — back to Communist China.  This information could easily be used to disrupt trade, track shipments of military equipment, or gain intelligence on U.S. supply chains among other concerns. 

Specifically, H.R. 2390 allows funds awarded through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), a competitive grant program administered by the Maritime Administration, to be used to replace Chinese-manufactured crates and their associated software. 

Taking this step is not just about upgrading infrastructure; it is about protecting our economy, safeguarding national security, and ensuring American ports remain under American control.

H.R. 2390 takes a significant step in strengthening our nation's ports, which are vital to the movement of goods and the strength of our economy.  By expanding the PIDP to allow for the replacement of Chinese-made cranes and software, we are taking direct action to protect American businesses, commerce, and our national security.  The passage of this bill by both chambers would be a win for both economic stability and national security, ensuring American ports are free from foreign threats that could jeopardize our economy or military readiness.

H.R. 2390 will now head to the House Floor for further consideration.

2025 Academy Day: My office is hosting Academy Day at the Brunswick Energy and Education Center in Southport on April 12, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.  Academy Day is for high school and middle school students interested in attending one of our nation’s uniformed service academies.  This event provides students the opportunity to speak with representatives from the Military, Naval, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Air Force Service academies about the experience, admissions process, and expectations of service academy life. 

Please RSVP to Lisa Littler at (910) 500-4880 or lisa.littler@mail.house.gov. Click here to learn more about the military academy nomination process. 

2025 Congressional Art Competition: I'm now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.  All students who attend high school in the Seventh Congressional District are encouraged to participate.  The winning artist's work will be showcased for one year in the halls of the U.S. Capitol along with other winning entries from every Congressional District across the country.

The winning artist’s work will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol.  In addition, the first-place winner will receive airfare for two to Washington, D.C. where they can view their artwork, connect with other winners from across the country, and participate in a celebratory reception honoring their achievement.

Guidelines and regulations to participate in the competition as well as the student release form can be found here.  Use this tool to determine if students reside within North Carolina's 7th Congressional District.

All artwork and signed student release forms must be submitted in person to one of Congressman Rouzer's District Office locations no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, April 17, 2025.

For this week’s good news story, I’m highlighting new parents Margie Watkins and Austin Hartman, who welcomed a new baby girl, Allison.  The two had just left the hospital as the doctors did not expect delivery.  Baby Allison had other plans, however.  Margie was rushed back to the hospital in an ambulance where, along the way and before they could get back to the hospital, EMS workers helped deliver her safely.  Congratulations to the new parents and a huge thank you to the EMS workers!  Read all the details here. 

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”  —Winston Churchill