The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has hosted several hearings in the 119th Congress to determine the key elements that should be addressed in the upcoming Highway Bill.  This past week, we held a hearing focused on the critical role trucking plays in transporting goods and addressing the challenges truckers face, including workforce shortages, regulatory burdens, and increasing costs.  As we move forward with the Highway Bill, we will explore changes in policy to better support truckers, enhance disaster response, and strengthen local economies.

Click the picture to listen to my opening statement

On Thursday, I had the privilege of joining the NC State Agribusiness Management class on Capitol Hill in the great and storied House Agriculture Committee room.  As a proud graduate of NC State with degrees in Agricultural Business Management, Agriculture Economics and Chemistry, it’s always a rewarding experience to connect with students — our future leaders!

On Wednesday, I was honored to receive the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Award.  NGWA is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of groundwater science and technology.  The organization provides resources, advocacy, and training for professionals in the groundwater industry, ensuring sustainable management.

I recently wrote an op-ed for the Washington Times titled, "Paving the Path Forward: The Crucial Role of the Highway Bill in America's Future."   The Washington Times released a special Transportation and Infrastructure issue this week, including columns from several Representatives and Senators sharing their prospectives and respective priorities for the 119th Congress.

Below is an excerpt from my op-ed. 

President Donald Trump has laid out his vision for a “New Golden Age of America.” With President Trump in office and Republican majorities (although very slim!) in the House and Senate, we have an opportunity to deliver strategic investments in our traditional infrastructure and improve safety and reliability, all while deploying federal funding in the efficient manner that taxpayers deserve. The right investments in our roads, bridges, and highways are absolutely vital to our local economies and our competitiveness worldwide. Investments in these traditional infrastructure projects have the added benefit of generating and returning tax revenue back to the U.S. Treasury. These projects also provide opportunities for hardworking Americans. Every investment we make in our nation’s infrastructure spurs job creation and helps facilitate seamless movement that bolsters our economic standing worldwide.

Across the country, many bridges, roads, and highways need repair or replacement, and these critical projects must be addressed. This is not just about infrastructure. It is about protecting the millions of Americans who rely on these essential connections every single day. To further this effort, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been traveling across the country, identifying national needs and bringing valuable insights back to Washington. With these firsthand assessments, we are committed to creating a safer, more efficient, and more resilient transportation network for the future.

Read the full article here.

For this week’s good news story... I'm highlighting local tap dance teacher Judy Kelley. At 87-years-old, she is still sharing her love of dance.  She has been teaching for 30 years and has tap danced since she was six years old!  She now teaches seniors and truly instills her passion for movement in her community.  Read more about Judy here.

“Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” — George Adair.