Dear Friend,
The COVID-19 vaccine, which came about through the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed – an unprecedented public-private partnership with the nation’s best doctors and scientists, continues to be the best way to put this health and economic crisis behind us. Congress took steps this month to speed the deployment of the vaccine, but much more needs to be done particularly in rural areas like ours in Western North Carolina.
Unfortunately, the fight against COVID-19 faces a new challenge in the form of the Biden Administration’s misguided “vaccine passport” proposal. Under this proposal, the federal government would essentially tell states and the private sector what they must do to allow Americans to travel and attend large gatherings.
If enacted, this system would constitute a grievous violation of our personal liberties and would slow, rather than expedite, the vaccination process nationwide. Americans will be rightfully reluctant to get vaccinated if they believe the federal government is taking steps to track their health status. Moreover, a passport system will incentivize younger, healthy, travelers to get vaccinated more quickly than older, less healthy, and mobile Americans who are at greater risk.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida recently issued an executive order banning vaccine passports in his state. DeSantis said, “It’s completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply be able to participate in normal society.”
The North Carolina congressional delegation should urge Governor Roy Cooper to issue a similar executive order in our state. I’ll keep you posted on this discussion in this coming days and weeks.
As we get through these difficult times together, I wanted to update you on what my team and I have accomplished this month:
From Washington:
I introduced several bills this month. First, my team and I introduced the Better Businesses for Tomorrow Act. This bill empowers small businesses impacted by government-mandated shutdowns by providing a payroll tax credit for businesses that provide COVID training to their employees. Small businesses should not have to foot the bill to reopen safely. The federal government shut down our economy, and the federal government ought to foot the bill to help reopen the economy.
I also introduced the SPF Act. This act finally ends the yearly forwards/backward time-change cycle. Arbitrarily changing the time each year makes no sense and results in significant economic burdens for businesses, including those in NC-11.
Just last week I introduced a bill to terminate certain executive actions enacted by the Biden Administration that have created a crisis at the southern border. This act will return the rule of law and restore our immigration system’s stability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I also introduced the Common-Sense Census Act of 2021. This bill requires a question to be included in the census that asks the respondent whether they and the household members are a citizen of the U.S. and requires that only U.S. citizens are included in congressional apportionment considerations. This bill would equip Congress with the tools needed to adequately reform our immigration system.
Additionally, I’m a co-sponsor of the common-sense immigration bill, Sarah’s Law. This law would require immigration authorities to keep illegal immigrants in law enforcement’s custody if they are accused of killing someone or inflicting severe bodily injury. As the Biden Administration’s border crisis rages on, we have to pass sensible immigration bills which secure our border and protect our communities.
I co-sponsored a number of bills that would effectively support our district and solve some of the complex economic issues we face. I co-sponsored the Main Street Tax Certainty Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help our NC-11 “Main Street” businesses by making the “20% pass-through” small business tax deduction permanent. I will always support small businesses, especially those in need during economically challenging times such as now.
I am also an original co-sponsor of important legislation introduced by my colleague Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) that places veteran’s choice first. This bill benefits our veterans in NC-11 by slashing bureaucracy and empowering patients to engage with their healthcare providers. Additionally, I’m an original co-sponsor of the 2021 version of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. The research is consistent and clear: canine therapy service programs dramatically increase our veterans’ mental health and overall well-being. This bill is a step towards honoring their sacrifice.
I’m also an original co-sponsor of the Students Before Unions Act. This bill promotes increased transparency in our NC-11 school system. A parent’s role in child education is of paramount importance. Parents deserve to be involved in decisions that impact their students. This bill empowers parents in our great district.
I am an original co-sponsor of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act or REINS Act of 2021. This bill asserts Congress’s role in the approval of new “major rules” proposed by federal agencies prior to them taking effect. Major regulatory changes by any federal agency have a drastic effect on millions of Americans, and can drastically impact our district. This bill allows for Congressional oversight, which will act as a safeguard, so our communities are protected.
I’m also an original co-sponsor of the Death Tax Repeal Act. This bill directly impacts NC-11 by supporting small businesses; allowing them to grow operations, invest in human capital, and improve technology instead of worrying about a large estate tax.
I co-sponsored H.R. 2047, which amends Title 38, United States Code, expanding eligibility for post-9/11 educational assistance for our National Guard HEROES. Those who perform these courageous full-time duties should be receiving these benefits.
This past month, I also wrote several official letters to lawmakers in NC-11 and worked with local leaders to address pressing concerns in our district. I heard our in-district veterans were experiencing long reimbursement delays for their travel pay. These delays were seriously impacting their quality of life, and their ability to travel in a timely manner. Our veterans deserve better so I wrote a letter to the VA firmly urging them to address this issue immediately.
Regarding COVID, I signed on to a letter to the CDC expressing concerns about their inconsistent COVID-19 prevention strategies and requesting an accurate framework, and timeline to open our schools. I signed a letter to Secretary Mayorkas addressing reports indicating that COVID-19 positive illegal immigrants are being bussed from Texas to North Carolina, among other troubling reports at the southern border crisis under the Biden Administration. I also joined my colleagues in writing to the IRS & Dept. of the Treasury, asking them to follow the 2020 precedent and extend the tax filing date from the April 15th deadline to June 15th, 2021, due to COVID-19. This change benefits many in Western North Carolina.
On other matters, I signed a bicameral letter to Speaker Pelosi addressing her outrageously partisan actions, as Speaker, to rob Iowans of their votes electing Rep. Miller-Meeks. I recently signed a letter to President Biden regarding the lack of transparency and media access at the border. The current conditions of this border crisis continue to worsen and show no sign of improvement. Thousands of unaccompanied children, COVID outbreaks, and plastic cages are simply unacceptable. In Washington, D.C., our National Guard languished under poor conditions and were being served contaminated food, I signed on to a letter to the Acting SEC of the Army and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau addressing the abundance of reports we’d received regarding the National Guard’s food conditions. I am happy to report that those conditions have significantly improved.
Below are videos of statements I gave on the House floor, as well as commentary from my office. I spoke out in defense of election integrity, the right to work, the 2nd Amendment and many other crucial topics.
From NC-11:
Although Congress was in session for a good portion of this month, I spent as much time in our district as possible.
I had the privilege of visiting Hot Springs Health Program in Marshall, NC. These amazing people have been instrumental in distributing the COVID-19 vaccinations to our community and working hard for the people of Madison County.
I had a fantastic meeting with Patrick Ellis, NC Rep. Dudley Greene and McDowell County’s Commissioners. I am happy to hear that McDowell County officially designated April 1st as the County’s Broadband Day. This day provides awareness on the important issue of broadband access and availability.
I had the opportunity to meet with N.C. State Representative Jake Johnson and other N.C. officials, who are working with me in the fight to protect our election integrity and best represent our constituents.
I had a great meeting with the President of North Carolina’s Community Colleges, Thomas Stithe III. Together we are working to provide the best education possible for students in NC-11.
I met with North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, we discussed a plethora of topics regarding how we can best work together to advocate for our shared constituency. Including election integrity. I am so proud to work with him.
I wanted to provide some numbers on where vaccinations stand in NC-11. Below is a comprehensive list of vaccinations by county.
Cherokee:
Partially Vaccinated: 6,834/ 23.9%
Fully Vaccinated: 4,445/ 15.5%
Graham:
Partially Vaccinated: 2,052/ 24.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 1,641/ 19.4%
Clay:
Partially Vaccinated: 2,587/ 23%
Fully Vaccinated: 1,710/ 15.2%
Macon:
Partially Vaccinated: 11,323/ 31.6%
Fully Vaccinated: 8,464/ 23.6%
Swain:
Partially Vaccinated: 3,171/ 22.2%
Fully Vaccinated: 2,361/ 16.5%
Jackson:
Partially Vaccinated: 11,221/ 25.5%
Fully Vaccinated: 7,409/ 16.9%
Haywood:
Partially Vaccinated: 15,113/ 24.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 11,460/ 18.4%
Transylvania:
Partially Vaccinated: 8,800/ 25.6%
Fully Vaccinated: 7,127/ 20.7%
Buncombe:
Partially Vaccinated: 69,687/ 26.7%
Fully Vaccinated: 44,785/ 17.1%
Henderson:
Partially Vaccinated: 28,593/ 24.4%
Fully Vaccinated: 21,457/ 18.3%
Madison:
Partially Vaccinated: 5,792/ 26.6%
Fully Vaccinated: 4,641/ 21.3%
Yancey:
Partially Vaccinated: 5,026/ 27.8%
Fully Vaccinated: 2,892/ 16%
Mitchell:
Partially Vaccinated: 3,486/ 23.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 2,168/ 14.5%
McDowell:
Partially Vaccinated: 11,568/ 25.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 7,823/ 17.1%
Avery:
Partially Vaccinated: 5,145/ 29.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 3,392/19.3%
Rutherford:
Partially Vaccinated: 14,101/ 21%
Fully Vaccinated: 8,300/ 12.4%
Polk:
Partially Vaccinated: 5,653/ 27.3%
Fully Vaccinated: 3,448/ 16.6%
Recently, I married the love of my life Cristina Bayardelle, now Cristina Cawthorn. I’ve included some photos from that memorable day, and I want to personally thank each of you for the wishes and congratulations you have shared with both myself and with her.
I look forward to keeping you updated on my legislative work in Congress. If I can be of service to you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact any of my five offices. One in Washington, DC, and four in North Carolina, or follow me on social media. On Twitter: @RepCawthorn and Facebook: @RepCawthorn, or on my website:
Cawthorn.house.govSincerely,
