This past week, I announced the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Port of Wilmington $6 million for port improvements through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program. 
 
The Port of Wilmington connects Southeastern North Carolina to the world.  As freight demand continues to grow, these improvements will help move goods more efficiently, strengthen our supply chains, and support the businesses, workers, and communities that rely on the port.  I’m pleased to see this investment come to our community, which will help ensure the Port of Wilmington can continue to support economic growth across the region.
 
The grant will help build 140 commercial motor vehicle parking spaces, 50 freight container staging positions, and improve secure and smart technology operations at the Port of Wilmington in New Hanover County.

Throughout the 119th Congress, I have worked with my House and Senate colleagues to advance President Trump's agenda: strengthening our national security, providing tax relief, reducing regulatory burdens, and protecting American values.  Below are some highlights of our work:

Securing Our Border

A secure border is essential to protecting our national security, keeping our communities safe, and upholding the rule of law.  Less than two years ago when the Biden Administration had a policy of open borders, Americans were exploited by drug traffickers, human traffickers, and other dangerous criminals that threatened our communities.  Border Patrol and immigration enforcement need the personnel, technology, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to do their jobs effectively.
 
I have repeatedly supported legislation, including S. 2, the Secure America Act, to fund Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through 2029.  This funding helps these agencies hire, train, and equip personnel, strengthen border technology, and combat human and drug trafficking.  We cannot afford to let our guard down when the safety of our families is at stake.

Tackling the Cost of Living

Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing American families.  During the four years post-COVID, aggregate inflation grew by 21% during that short time frame.  Since then, inflation has moderated substantially but costs are now being passed on in the form of higher prices for just about everything.  To put it another way, excessive government spending drove inflation to record highs following the COVID-19 pandemic, eroding Americans' purchasing power.  

In Washington, I remain committed to strengthening America’s energy dominance, eliminating fraud costing taxpayers billions, and advancing regulatory reforms to help grow wages at a faster clip than inflation.  While stabilizing costs will take time, expanding our energy supply and lowering transportation costs are important steps toward making food and other everyday essentials more affordable for North Carolina families.  

The farmer doesn’t reap what he sows the day after; it’s months later.  Likewise, the full effect of new policies does not translate to immediate results.  

Tax Relief for Working Families

By passing H.R. 1, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Republicans in Congress delivered on our promise of bigger paychecks and historic tax savings.  These tax cuts help Americans keep more of their hard-earned income, support families, and provide greater financial security at every stage of life.  Here are some key provisions: 

• Elimination of the federal income tax on tips and overtime pay
• Increase of the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child
• Provided an additional deduction for seniors
• Made the increased standard deduction permanent
• Prevented more than 550,000 taxpayers from a 27% tax increase, which is a savings of $1,278 for a median-income family of four. 

Learn more about how these tax reforms may affect you on the IRS website.

Making Homeownership Affordable

Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American dream, but burdensome regulations add significant costs to home construction.  In June, I supported H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which is now law.  It removes barriers to new construction, modernizes housing programs, and makes it easier for families to secure home loan financing.
 
Reducing construction barriers, alongside permitting reform, can help lower costs and create more predictable timelines for housing projects.  I also helped write H.R. 3898, the PERMIT Act, which passed the House and would establish more consistent, predictable timelines for permitting construction projects.  Together, these efforts can help bring more homes to market faster and at lower cost.

Protecting Our Values

Protecting American values means ensuring fairness in women’s sports, safeguarding children, respecting parental authority in decisions involving their children, and upholding election integrity.  House Republicans have passed H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, to protect fairness and ensure women and girls have a level playing field in sports.  Additionally, we have passed legislation to protect children from exploitation and limit federal funding or involvement in certain gender-transition procedures for minors.  In Congress, I am dedicated to upholding these principles and protecting the American values of election integrity, fairness, child safety, and parental rights.
 
Regarding election integrity, the House has repeatedly passed voter identification legislation, including H.R. 7296, the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and strengthen safeguards against noncitizen voting.

Throughout the 119th Congress and moving forward, I will remain focused on delivering results for North Carolina by supporting working families, securing our borders, expanding economic opportunities, and streamlining federal permitting to help lower costs and keep critical infrastructure projects moving.

It’s Operation Crash Reduction Week, a statewide traffic safety enforcement effort in North Carolina aimed at reducing fatal and serious crashes through increased patrols, radar enforcement, seat belt checks, and public awareness.  
 
In 2025, North Carolina recorded 1,426 fatal crashes.  Many traffic crashes can be prevented by making safe decisions behind the wheel.  Remember to:

• Slow Down: Obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed to traffic, weather, and road conditions.
• Buckle Up: Ensure all passengers are properly restrained before traveling.
• Avoid Distractions: Put away your cellphone and keep your focus on the road.
• Stay Alert: Exercise extra caution during early morning and evening hours when visibility may be reduced.
• Drive Responsibly: Avoid aggressive driving, reckless maneuvers, and following other vehicles too closely.

Please remember to drive safely to protect you and others on the road. 

Caterpillar, the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has announced its $10 million investment to expand workforce development to prepare workers for careers in manufacturing in the state.  This will further strengthen North Carolina’s workforce development efforts.  The funding is part of the company’s five-year Building the Future Workforce Initiative, which supports hands-on teaching and career pathways in partnership with Central Carolina Community College and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance.
 
By strengthening the connection between education and industry, CFCC and Caterpillar alike are investing in local talent, supporting our businesses, and helping build a stronger workforce for southeastern North Carolina.  For more information on CFCC’s new apprenticeship programs, visit their website here.