Representative David Rouzer

Dear [salutation],

This past week, the House continued to deliver on promises made to the American people. With my support, the House passed several pieces of legislation that would be true game changers if enacted into law, including bills restricting foreign influence in our classrooms and bills to remove burdensome regulations for our small businesses. More details below.

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Introducing Legislation to Protect
Maritime Navigation Along East Coast

On Thursday, I introduced H.R. 6410, the Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act, along with Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), to provide long overdue certainty for maritime vessels operating along the Atlantic Coast and safeguard port communities. This bipartisan legislation requires the Coast Guard to establish clear, enforceable minimum widths for maritime navigation routes.

For years, shippers, tug and barge operators, fishermen, offshore energy developers, and coastal communities have raised concerns about growing congestion and competing uses along the Atlantic Coast, calling for a consistent and clear maritime navigation routes framework to guide future development. The Atlantic Coast Shipping Safety Act responds to these concerns by establishing firm timelines and standards so the final routes reflect both navigational safety and the realities of a busier Atlantic Coast.

I applaud President Trump and this Administration’s dedication to America’s maritime arteries as critical routes for U.S. energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and defense. These routes must be protected. This provides much needed certainty to mariners, ports, and coastal communities up and down the coast.

North Carolina Agriculture on

Display at the White House

In case you missed it, a great North Carolinian received his presidential pardon just before Thanksgiving Day, as is the custom at the White House. Congratulations, Gobble! This year’s National Thanksgiving Turkey was raised in North Carolina. The Turkey Pardoning Ceremony at the White House remains a long-standing American tradition, and a favorite of many (me included)!

Applauding the Trump Administration’s Efforts to Make Transportation Affordable

Under the Biden Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implemented unreasonable and costly Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. It essentially was a back door effort to force electric vehicle adoption by imposing steep compliance costs on manufacturers — costs that have been passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for many popular gas-powered vehicles.

This week, the Trump Administration announced plans to revise those standards to better align fuel economy requirements with technological feasibility, market realities, and consumer demand. The new rule seeks to improve fuel efficiency (always a commendable goal) without imposing mandates that burden working family budgets.

When finalized, the updated rule is expected to provide a more balanced framework — one that encourages efficiency gains over time while avoiding steep price increases and market distortions. The Trump Administration’s decision to invite common sense to the table is a welcome one!

This Week in DC

Research and Innovation at North Carolina State University

I was excited to meet with Dr. Krista Walton, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at North Carolina State University. We discussed NC State’s strong performance across key research fields, from agriculture to defense, and its growing potential for new partnerships that will drive investment and expand opportunities across North Carolina. I’m proud to support my alma mater as it advances innovation, strengthens our workforce, and contributes to our state’s economic leadership. Go Pack!

Bills on the House Floor

Expelling the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from our K-12 Schools

Over the past two decades, evidence has grown of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence in America’s education system. A prime example is the development of Confucius Classrooms, foreign-funded programs which can shape curriculum and exert influence in K–12 schools. By embedding CCP-backed initiatives in American classrooms, the CCP is undermining our values and national interests.

This past week, with my full support, the House of Representatives passed three bills to increase transparency of foreign influence in K-12 schools: H.R. 1069, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, H.R. 1005, the CLASS Act, and H.R. 1049, the TRACE Act. Together, these bills work to protect students by stopping the flow of CCP funds to K-12 schools, requiring schools to disclose the source of foreign funding, and ensures parent are aware of who is funding their child’s education. These important steps strengthen transparency, safeguard parental rights, and help keep America’s classrooms free from harmful foreign propaganda.

Removing Red Tape from our Small Businesses

Small businesses are the economic engines of our communities and America, but under the regulatory onslaught of the previous administration it has become harder to start and operate them successfully.

The Biden-Harris Administration imposed a historic $1.8 trillion in new regulatory costs on businesses, putting added pressure on prices in addition to record-setting inflation brought about by the significant increase in COVID-era spending. Small business owners face burdensome, outdated, and duplicative regulations that stifle growth and success. To address burdensome regulations, President Trump issued Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” This order aims to relieve American businesses from excessive regulatory constraints and establishes the “Red Tape Hotline,” a direct phone line for small business owners to access the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy to counter these government-imposed obstacles.

To codify President Trump’s EO, the House passed two pieces of legislation: H.R. 2965, the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act, and H.R. 4305, the DUMP Red Tape Act. Together, these measures would codify in law the removal of unnecessary regulations, reducing costs and making it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses and pursue the American Dream.

This Week's Good News Story

This week’s good news story highlights the Wilmington Fire Department and their generosity in giving back to our community. They are once again hosting their annual Holiday Food Drive with donations accepted through December 11th. All contributions will be delivered to NourishNC, helping provide food to children and families in need. Let’s join together in thanking the Wilmington Fire Department for organizing this important effort to support families in our community. Read more here.

Closing Thoughts...

"Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” ―Winston Churchill

Introducing Legislation to Protect Maritime Navigation Along East Coast