Dear Friend,
Below you will find an update from last week in DC, resources from the IRS and the VA, and more. If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these email newsletters, you can subscribe here for updates or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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This past week, I was named chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for the 118th Congress. For the last two years, I have enjoyed serving my colleagues as the top Republican on this subcommittee. As chairman, I look forward to championing the subcommittee's goals and continuing our work to reduce red tape, deliver on permitting reform, hold bureaucrats at the EPA accountable, and deliver commonsense solutions to mitigate and prevent inland and coastal flooding. The chairmanship also provides me a stronger platform to advocate for priorities specific to Southeastern North Carolina such as port expansion, beach re-nourishment projects, and Clean Water Act issues. (The Drinking Water Act is under the jurisdiction of a different committee, Energy & Commerce.)
Additionally, as chairman, I will play a key role in drafting one of the highest priorities for the T&I Committee, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation is passed by Congress every two years and includes projects of national, regional, and local significance to help strengthen the Nation’s global competitiveness, grow the economy, ensure the movement of goods throughout the supply chain, protect communities, and create jobs. In WRDA 2022, I secured several priorities for Southeastern North Carolina to help invest in flood resilience and coastal infrastructure projects beneficial for our state's future.
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Supporting Legislation to Strengthen American Energy Security
With my support, House Republicans passed a bill to strengthen American energy security and protect the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from President Biden's reckless and politically driven depletion of the SPR.
The SPR was created by Congress to respond to oil supply disruptions, such as natural disasters. However, President Biden has used the SPR to cover up for his administration’s all out war on American fossil fuel production. As a result, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is now at its lowest level since 1983. Should oil supplies be disrupted due to natural disasters, sabotage, or any other unforeseen event, we are far less prepared for true emergencies because of this drawdown. Specifically, the bill passed by House Republicans would require the Biden Administration to provide a plan for increasing oil and gas production in America before making any additional drawdowns of the SPR.
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Meeting with Groups from North Carolina's 7th District
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I enjoyed meeting with Bald Head Island Mayor Peter Quinn and other Village representatives to discuss ongoing beach infrastructure projects, improving the village's emergency response efforts, and continued work to increase resilience and preparedness for our coastal communities.
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I was glad to host Dr. Holly Tucker from Azalea Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Wilmington as well as students from chiropractic schools across the country here in Washington, DC to discuss chiropractic care and natural medicine.
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A+ on Protecting Life
I was proud to receive an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America on their Pro-Life Scorecard for my voting record during the 117th Congress. I will always fight to protect the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves — the lives of those who are no different than our own.
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Updates from the IRS: Businesses can now file Form 1099 series information returns using a new online portal, available free from the IRS. Known as the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS), this free electronic filing service is secure, accurate and requires no special software. Though available to any business of any size, IRIS may be especially helpful to any small business that currently sends their 1099 forms on paper to the IRS. With IRIS, businesses can e-file both small and large volumes of 1099-series forms by either keying in the information or uploading a file with the use of a downloadable template. Enrollment for the IRIS filing platform is open now.
Updates from the VA: Veterans in acute suicidal crisis are now able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency healthcare at no cost, including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit. This long overdue expansion of care will help prevent veteran suicide by increasing access to no cost care to veterans in times of crisis. Click here for more information. Veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, or those who know a veteran in crisis, should contact the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential crisis intervention and support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800- 273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
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Congratulations to Airman Cornelius Johnson from Fair Bluff on being named Warfighter of the Week by the U.S. Navy in recognition of his exemplary service aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington! According to the News Reporter, which cited the U.S. Navy news release, “Johnson was awarded this honor by leadership for inspiring and motivating other sailors with a positive attitude and representing ‘Spirit of Freedom,’ the ship’s nickname. 'Growing up in a small town is what made me the proud sailor I am today,' said Johnson. 'I learned that with hard work and dedication, I’ll achieve all goals I set.' Johnson is a 2020 graduate of West Columbus High School and has served in the Navy for over two years." Please join me in congratulating Airman Johnson and thanking him for his service to our country.
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"No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit." ― President George H.W. Bush |
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