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

Glad to join @RepPatHarrigan on the REACH Act, which offers up to $10,000 in refundable tax credits to those who qualify as rural healthcare professionals. The aim is to help recruit and retain more healthcare professionals in rural communities. We must work to strengthen rural health and make the necessary services more accessible to families throughout eastern North Carolina. northcarolinahealthnews.org/…

Happy 251st birthday to the United States Navy! Since 1775, the U.S. Navy has defended our nation and our freedoms while serving all around the world. We're very happy to honor many generations of sailors and their families.

During a Tyrrell County Farm Bureau meeting, we discussed the Farm Bill, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026, trade policy, and national defense. We also talked about the need to support young farmers. The highlight of my evening was meeting Maggie Davis and exchanging autographs. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!

On National Farmer's Day, let's thank our farm families who get up early and work long days to feed, clothe, and fuel families across the nation and world.

Ferries in eastern North Carolina's coastal communities are essential. They connect kids to school, residents to doctor visits, and workers to their jobs. As a new member of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus, my focus is to advocate for more federal investment in the ferry system so that coastal communities can remain connected.

October is National Seafood Month, and here in eastern North Carolina, our commercial fishermen and seafood industry are an important part of our economy and way of life. ▪️ H.R. 9154, the SHRIMP Act of 2026, would help identify the country of origin of imported shrimp and prevent foreign producers from evading import rules. ▪️ H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act, would prohibit certain international financing from supporting foreign shrimp operations that compete with American watermen. ▪️ H.R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, would give the FDA authority to destroy hazardous imported products that pose significant public health risks.