Asking the VA to Ensure Veterans are Protected from PACT Act-Related Scams

This past week, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs asking them to use every available resource to educate veterans on how to protect themselves from scams, report any suspicious activity, and how to properly submit a PACT Act-related claim.  For more information on the PACT Act and VA benefits, please visit the VA's website.  As a reminder, veterans can call or visit my office if there is anything we can assist you with in regards to veterans-related casework.

Meeting with Groups from North Carolina on Capitol Hill

Meeting with members of the American Cancer Society from North Carolina to discuss legislation aimed at cancer research and prevention.

Meeting with the North Carolina Pork Council to discuss the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill and how Congress can continue to support our state’s pork producers.

Participating in the Agriculture Committee Hearing on Rural Broadband

Congress must continue to significantly invest in rural broadband to help end the digital divide and spur economic growth in our small and rural communities. In North Carolina, I have talked to many of my constituents about the need for better connectivity and how access to internet can vary greatly between neighbors who, in some cases, live just down the street.

Strengthening our current broadband programs will be a critical piece of the next Farm Bill, and I stressed this significance during the House Agriculture Committee Hearing on the topic this past week. I emphasized the need to keep up with the rapid development of broadband technology and how we must cut federal red tape and streamline regulatory processes so no community is left behind.

Questioning witnesses during the House Agriculture Committee Hearing.

Supporting Legislation to Curb the Deadly Fentanyl Crisis

The fentanyl crisis continues to kill and is now the leading cause of death among adults age 18-45.  The primary chemicals used to make fentanyl predominately originate from China.  Fentanyl is then made and smuggled across our southern border into the United States.  In many cases, victims are completely unaware a substance is laced with fentanyl until it is too late.

In response to this worsening crisis, I cosponsored the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act.  This legislation adds death caused by distribution of fentanyl, and fentanyl-analogs, to the felony murder statute when the dealer has knowledge or reason to know that the substance for which they are trafficking contains fentanyl, or a fentanyl-analog.

Make sure any teen or young adult in your circle of influence knows that common recreational drugs could very well be laced with fentanyl.  Two thirds of teens and young adults who report non-medical use of prescription medicine get them from family, friends and acquaintances.  They also get these drugs on social media platforms. 

To be safe because you just don’t know:  You should assume any and all drugs that come from anywhere but a pharmacy are being laced with fentanyl.  The synthetic fentanyl pouring across the border is so toxic it is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.  Even inhaling the equivalent of dust particles can kill you.  See this article:  California sheriff says fentanyl an 'urgent public health crisis' after middle school teacher nearly poisoned

Hiring a Wounded Warrior Fellow: I'm seeking a wounded warrior or medically retired veteran for a position in our Bolivia, North Carolina district office.  The person chosen for the fellowship will work with military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework and act as a facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies.  Interested veterans should go to https://www.usajobs.gov/job/676802900 for more details and information on how to apply.

Check Your Passport: As international travel ramps up, the Department of State is available to assist with passport services.  To avoid delays, apply for a passport during the off-peak travel season in fall or winter while demand is lower and processing is faster.  Check your passport and try to apply at least six months before planned travel as routine service may take up to about 18 weeks. Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

Congressional App Challenge: As a reminder, I’m inviting students in North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District to participate in the 2022 Congressional App Challenge.  This important program allows students to showcase their skills in programming and computer science and supports the next generation of STEM leaders.  Submissions are due on November 1st.

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For this week's good news story, I would like to recognize the Columbus Humane Society for donating 25 pet oxygen mask kits to 10 first responder units.  According to the News Reporter, "the units receiving the mask kits Sept. 6 were Acme-Delco-Riegelwood Fire and Rescue, Buckhead Fire and Rescue, Cerro Gordo Fire and Rescue, Chadbourn Fire and Rescue, Columbus County Emergency Services, Fair Bluff Fire and Rescue, Nakina Fire and Rescue, Lake Waccamaw EMS Auxiliary, Tabor City Emergency Services and Whiteville Rescue."  Their next goal is to supply similar equipment to 25 area firetrucks.

Photo by Laura Sedor courtesy of the News Reporter.

"The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity." - Henry Clay