Eastern North Carolina's ports play a vital role in supporting our country's defense and growing the economy by providing a means for local companies to connect with customers throughout the globe. My visit to the Port of Morehead City emphasized how continued investment in our port system can support our military readiness and serve as an economic engine for the benefit of all eastern North Carolinians.

Families in eastern North Carolina need access to high-quality healthcare close to home. I am sponsoring and cosponsoring legislation to help keep rural hospitals open, bring more doctors and nurses to rural communities, and address the shortage of critical staff across the entire healthcare system. ▪️H.R. 4277, the Rural Emergency Hospital Financial Stability Act, would increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for Rural Emergency Hospitals to match outpatient hospital rates, helping such rural hospitals to remain financially stable and continue delivering care close to home.  ▪️H.R. 10440, the REACH Act, would address the shortage of health care providers in rural communities by offering a refundable $10,000 annual tax credit to doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and medical residents who choose to work in rural areas. ▪️H.R. 4407, the National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025, would establish a pilot program to support the development of state-based nursing workforce centers. These centers serve as critical hubs for research, planning, and programs that strengthen the nursing pipeline and improve workforce planning across states.

Rural communities should never be forced to fight for the healthcare that they rely upon. We need to protect our rural hospitals, increase access to healthcare, and ensure that families receive the help they need at the time they need it most.

We are working every day so that families, businesses, and future generations in eastern North Carolina can succeed.

Families living along the coast of North Carolina are losing their homes to erosion. I'm a co-sponsor of H.R. 3161, the Preventing Environmental Hazards Act of 2025. This bill will give the National Flood Insurance Program the ability to pay for the demolition or relocation of condemned, erosion-threatened homes before they fall down. No North Carolinian should feel like there is nothing they can do while everything they've worked so hard for is washed away.

NC 12 is essential to Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks. Within weeks, two major nor'easters have damaged NC 12 on Pea Island. The damage has impacted travel and threatened access for residents, businesses, and emergency service providers. I am completely supportive of NCDOT's work to repair NC 12 and the need for a long-term fix.

America's national security relies on shipbuilding. The U.S. Navy must have the ability to respond to any potential threat from around the globe, including China's growing naval capability. We must also invest in developing the workforce that can build these ships. That's why I have been working with Newport News Shipbuilding to enhance career opportunities for North Carolina families, strengthen our defense industry, and grow American manufacturing, all while helping to ensure military readiness.

North Carolina is the “First in Flight” for a reason. As we continue to educate the next generation of pilots in eastern North Carolina, I was so proud to join the opening of Elizabeth City State University's new Currituck Flight Training Center. The facility will provide additional flight training options, aircraft on-site, and state-of-the-art aviation training equipment, which will allow future pilots to take to the skies and build on our rich aviation heritage. There’s only one thing left to say: “Viking pride!”

The health care and compensation of our brave veterans and their families who have been harmed by toxic water at Camp Lejeune is a sacred obligation. As an Air Force veteran, I will work with anyone and everyone to take care of every single veteran and their family who has been affected in the most efficient and timely manner possible. It is not only the human thing, but also the right thing to do.

Friday in the First Jeri Oltman, an Edenton resident, has been an educator, community servant, and helper to others throughout most of her life. During her more than 40-year career as a librarian and teacher, she helped people of all age groups access information, develop new skills, and find opportunities for self-improvement. Jeri's commitment to helping others extends to every part of the community. Beyond her service as the secretary and archivist of the Perquimans County Restoration Association, she works to preserve the history of this region and ensure that future generations are educated on the people and places that shaped northeastern North Carolina. Through her work in education and historical preservation, Jeri is working to keep the stories of our communities alive. Jeri’s efforts to preserve local history will allow the many experiences and contributions of previous generations to be available to those who will continue to pass that history forward. We are extremely grateful to Jeri and recognize her for such dedicated service. #FridaySpotlight

When families go to the grocery store, they feel the cost. The price of food is simply too high and our farmers are struggling under rising costs. That is why I voted for H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which passed the House. Our farmers feed America, create jobs, and keep eastern North Carolina's agriculture-based economy strong. The Senate must act so we can get a Farm Bill to the President's desk. We have waited long enough.

The Whiskey Project Group cut ribbon at its Edenton facility! They are bringing skilled manufacturing jobs to Chowan County by building advanced watercraft for the U.S. Marine Corps. Our workforce has what it takes to be competitive on a global level. Most importantly, investments like this will enable our young people to stay in eastern North Carolina and have access to world-class opportunities.

Rural hospitals are in dire need of financial assistance to remain open. For many eastern North Carolina families, having access to life-saving medical care is literally a matter of life and death. This is why I delivered $1 million to Washington Regional Medical Center to purchase critical medical equipment and technology and make infrastructure improvements that will help protect a vital healthcare resource for more than 45,000 rural residents who depend on this hospital for vital care near home.

We’re helping eastern North Carolina cut through the red tape.

Excited as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee to celebrate the graduation of these wonderful students from the STEM program at STARBASE Cherry Point. These young people did a fantastic job completing a very challenging STEM curriculum with many hours of hands-on learning, and they were also able to visit Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services. I had a great time being part of all the fun, congratulating each and every student, and presenting them with their certificates. The future of innovation in eastern North Carolina is looking very bright!

Working hard should be about being able to afford your bills, putting food on the table, and getting ahead. That is why I have fought to reduce diesel costs for our farmers and truckers, and why I am fighting to lower health care costs for our families. I filed H.R. 1244, Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act, to lower out of pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

Eastern North Carolina relies on strong rural communities, reliable transportation, and access to healthcare.

I'm greatly saddened by the tragic event that occurred prior to the start of the UTSA-Navy football game in San Antonio. My thoughts and prayers go out to this Airman’s family and the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. espn.com/college-football/st…

Friday in the First ​Jonathan Moore, an Elizabeth City resident, has worked hard to help families find homes and build relationships with professionals and communities throughout northeastern North Carolina. As president of his local REALTOR® Association in 2022, Jonathan created a Young Professionals Network to give young professionals the opportunity to receive mentorship and develop leadership skills. Jonathan's work has expanded to include all of NC REALTORS®, where he serves as co-chair of a committee that will support Young Professionals Networks and create future leaders in the real estate industry. Jonathan has served as vice chair of membership for the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce and has supported fundraising efforts for various organizations including Albemarle Hopeline, Albemarle Area United Way, and others. Whether it is helping a family purchase a home, mentoring a young professional or supporting organizations that provide assistance to neighbors in need, Jonathan continues to invest in the people and communities that call eastern North Carolina home. #FridaySpotlight