eNewsletters
Friends,
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
We all know this phrase from the Declaration of Independence. It's been drilled in our heads from civics classes to speeches, especially around each July 4th holiday – and rightfully so. Since our nation's founding, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have defined the American dream.
Friends,
Thank you, President Biden.
That's not something I say often – but last week, the President was in North Carolina to discuss covid-19 vaccines. While we do not agree on many issues, I appreciate the President coming to our state and highlighting our role in the success of Operation Warp Speed to make vaccines available to anyone who wants them. I believe issues like recovering from the pandemic should always be bipartisan and focused on helping you and your family.
Another bipartisan issue should always be caring for our troops, their families, and veterans.
Friends,
America is setting records, and I'm not talking about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Last week, we received alarming data about two of the biggest issues in our country: the border and our economy.
Friends,
"We know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted." – President Ronald Reagan, 1980 RNC.
As Fort Bragg's Congressman, you know I will always advocate for a strong national defense. I believe in President Reagan's philosophy of achieving peace by showing strength. Unfortunately, as threats increase from across the globe, President Biden is showing the opposite.
Friends,
Cookouts, fun on the lake, a trip to the beach, and the Coca-Cola 600.
These are all often the first things that come to mind when we hear Memorial Day Weekend. While these things are all good, especially after a year of lockdowns and social distancing, it's important that we remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
The Bible tells us in John 15:13, that "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Friends,
If you turn on the television, it looks like the world is on fire. From Chinese aggression towards Taiwan, to Russian hacking, to terrorists backed by Iran attacking Israel – American resolve is being tested like never before. However, I remain optimistic for the future and took action last week to address several of the crises we are facing.
Friends,
Get out your bell bottoms and Bee Gees records. From long gas lines, skyrocketing inflation, terrorists attacking Israel, to a Jimmy Carter photo-op - last week sadly felt like the 70's are back!
Our state was hit hard last week with gas shortages and price increases following a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline. Nationally, the average price for gas rose to over $3 for the first time in 7 years.
Friends,
As we celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday, I want to first say thank you to all the moms across our community for all you do all year long. I am blessed to have a great mom who is a retired Cabarrus County school teacher and who taught me important values like public service. I'm also thankful everyday for my wife, Renee, who is an incredible mom to our son.
Friends,
Last week, President Joe Biden marked his first 100 days in office. I give him an A on his rhetoric but an F on his results. Here's why.
President Biden called for unity and bipartisanship in his inaugural address. I was at the inauguration to demonstrate my commitment to our nation's peaceful transfer of power. I have always worked across the aisle on bipartisan solutions and hope to work with the president whenever possible.