Last month, I voted in support of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act to ensure the safety and security of the American people. This bill allocates $831.5 billion to deliver America First defense, a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, and bolstered weapons supply and innovation.
This bill will provide a 3.8 percent pay increase for all military personnel, with additional increases for junior enlisted members. Additionally, investments in military recruitment and reduced permanent change-of-station move costs will enhance quality of life for service members and their families, with savings of over $662 million.
By improving our nation’s defense systems, our military is equipped with what they need to deter threats abroad. These strategic investments include $7 billion for classified space superiority, $800 million for guard and reserve equipment, $500 million for Taiwan’s security cooperation, and $500 million for Israeli missile defense. This bill also increases funding for the National Guard counterdrug program and $1.5 billion to combat cartel drug trafficking.
This bill invests in America’s military superiority, delivers for our men and women in uniform, allows our Department of Defense to be more efficient and effective, and protects our citizens from threats at America’s border.
Protecting American Consumers During Crypto Week
Last month, I voted in support of the Anti-CBDC Act to protect American financial privacy. This legislation, of which I am a cosponsor, prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This will directly prevent federal surveillance of Americans’ financial transactions and government misuse of the digital dollar.
Additionally, I voted yes on the GENIUS Act, legislation that prioritizes consumer protection by establishing a secure, privacy-focused regulatory framework for centralized digital currency systems. The GENIUS Act encourages American innovation in cryptocurrency while protecting consumers from bad actors in financial markets and ensuring consistent reserve requirements by establishing a Federal regulatory system for stablecoins.
New Legislative Effort Seeks to Reform the BRIC Program
Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, it has become increasingly clear to me how essential FEMA’s BRIC funds are for community infrastructure, and how unfairly they are currently distributed, especially for rural areas.
That’s why I’m leading bipartisan legislation to reform and strengthen the BRIC program. This legislation takes meaningful steps to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of BRIC funding by prioritizing fairness in distribution and enhancing support for local governments.
The BRIC program is a vital, cost-effective tool that helps communities across the country prepare for and withstand natural disasters. Unfortunately, the current distribution of BRIC funding has been uneven and inconsistent, with nearly half of all funds awarded to just three states. This legislation reforms the current disaster relief grant process by shifting from a fully competitive model to a formula-based system.
By expanding eligibility and streamlining support, this legislation ensures that communities in Western North Carolina are better equipped to prepare for, respond to, and recover from future disasters with the federal support they need. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this bill forward and deliver real results for the American people.
Leading the Charge in Improving Care for Our Veterans
Last month, the House Veterans Affairs Committee advanced two bipartisan bills I’m proud to support: the VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act and the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act.
The VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act requires the VA to conduct annual outreach to veterans with mental health service-connected disabilities and provide personalized support and information on available resources. Our veterans deserve a VA that equips them with the tools they need to thrive after they retire from service, and this legislation tasks the VA with reaching out to veterans with mental health-related, service-connected disabilities annually to ensure they know how to access mental health care. This outreach ensures veterans receive personalized consultations and up-to-date information on available resources.
Underreporting and misclassification errors have blocked many families of our fallen heroes from receiving the benefits they deserve. The Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act will address this problem by requiring the VA to improve data collection on the mental health challenges faced by veterans to prevent these tragedies and make sure that surviving families are properly taken care of.
Our veterans give everything to defend our great nation and citizens, and we owe it to them to make sure that they have the support and resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. Together, these bills strengthen care, improve data transparency, and honor the service of veterans and their families.
Meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador
Thank you to Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova for joining me for a discussion about Ukraine’s continued fight against Russia’s aggression. As a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I support Ukraine in their pursuit of peace and sovereignty. After witnessing Russian atrocities firsthand during my visit last year, I remain committed to ensuring the U.S. supports Ukraine in their defense and recovery.
I am excited to announce that an important section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Blowing Rock and Linville Falls, has reopened. This reopening marks a significant milestone: it’s the first section of the Parkway to open in quite some time and the first completed project in the initial phase of road repairs.
After identifying 57 rockslide sites, contractors are currently focusing on repairing 12 landslide-prone areas along the Parkway, which impact this cherished historic route.
We’ll continue to share updates as more sections reopen – please stay tuned for more progress.
