Issues
Today, the United States faces a more diverse range of serious threats than at any point in our history. I believe protecting the country from these threats is the first duty of the federal government, which requires the United States to maintain the most lethal, agile, and robust military in the world.
Creating jobs and strengthening our economy are among my top priorities. I believe the formula for job creation includes a strong education system that empowers a skilled workforce and a common sense tax and regulatory environment. Small businesses create jobs and have a positive impact on our community and economy – government should not get in the way with unnecessary red tape.
As the son of a North Carolina public school teacher and a dad, I strongly believe every child should have access to an excellent education. In Congress, I have focused on ways to advance fiscally responsible education reforms and improve opportunities for all students. I believe this is the path to create a more prosperous America for the next generation.
North Carolinians rely on dependable sources of energy in nearly every aspect of our lives. But all too often, families struggle with high gas prices and electricity bills because the government stands in the way of domestic energy exploration and production.
As a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health, the committee in Congress responsible for writing the majority of our nation's health care laws, I am focused on finding commonsense healthcare solutions for you and your family. I continue to work with my colleagues to provide patients with the best possible health care system, encourage medical innovation and advanced research, and support our medical practitioners and patients.
There is an undeniable crisis at our southern border. In my visits to the border, I have met with agents and seen firsthand how record-setting numbers of migrants, unaccompanied minors, and illicit drugs have poured across the border under the Biden Administration. It is imperative we work together to secure our border and end this humanitarian, public health, and national security crisis.
From sweet potatoes to tobacco and so many other commodities, I am committed to keeping agriculture a top industry in our state. To fulfill this mission, we must advance initiatives that strike the right balance between fiscal responsibility, providing certainty to our farmers, and maintaining the strength of our agribusinesses.
As a lifelong hunter and sportsman, I am a strong and vocal defender of our Second Amendment rights. I'm proud to have an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) for my work in Congress, and I will always defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment is the right that guarantees we can defend our other rights, and it is a fundamental freedom that must be protected.
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve authored and cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation to protect our Constitutional rights.
As a nation, we've made many promises to our fellow citizens, including a pension through Social Security and access to health care through Medicare, as well as support for the poor and disabled. My mom, a former public school teacher, relies on this support in her retirement, and I'm proud our nation has this vital safety net. However, these programs are rapidly growing beyond our ability to pay for them. To be blunt, Social Security and Medicare are going bankrupt.
Our region is fortunate to be home to the fastest growing population of veterans in the nation, and I am committed to getting them the care they deserve. Our veterans followed through on their promise to defend our country. Now, we must ensure we keep every promise made to them and their families for their service. I truly consider this my most sacred honor as your voice in Congress.