I recently kicked off my 15-county tour to meet with constituents across North Carolina’s 11th District and hear about the issues that matter to you.
After meeting with folks in WNC, I came back to DC, where I learned of my committee assignments; introduced my first bill for the 118th Congress; and voted for legislation to increase American energy production and restore our Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
More of WNC in DC
While visiting all 15 counties in the district, I enjoyed hearing the ways you are contributing to our communities.
On Monday, I wrapped up my district tour in my Hendersonville office, where I held a “Chat with Chuck” event to meet with constituents one on one and listen to your concerns. My staff also held an open house to help those needing assistance with federal agencies and other services. I look forward to continuing to meet with and serve folks in our mountains.
My time in the district is always a reminder that we need more of WNC in DC.
Stay updated
If you’d like to stay updated on the work I’m doing in the district and DC, be sure to like or follow my social media pages linked below and at the bottom of this email.
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Delivering results for WNC
I was honored to receive seats on three influential House committees in the 118th Congress: the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Budget Committee, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Accountability.
I’d like to thank the Republican Steering Committee, a group of my House Republican colleagues and party leadership, which recommended me for these assignments and even granted me a waiver to join a third committee.
As a member of these three committees, I will be able to work closely on the issues that impact everyday life in the mountains, including improving transportation and infrastructure in WNC, reining in the federal government’s irresponsible spending that is driving inflation, and pushing for a more accountable and transparent federal government.
I’m proud to say I had a reputation as a workhorse during my time in the North Carolina Senate, and I’m ready to get to work on policies that will deliver real results for WNC.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: U.S. Rep. Edwards assigned to three House committees
Toy companies are spying on your kids
Did you know toy companies are using “smart toys” – electronically connected toys via Bluetooth and the internet – to collect and use data from children? These smart toys gather information on the child’s likes, dislikes and lifestyle. Even more troubling, it’s unclear where that information ends up.
Parents need to know what’s going on with the toys they buy for their children.
That’s why I introduced H.R. 413, the Transparency Over Toys Spying (TOTS) Act, to stop toy companies from secretly collecting information on children without parents’ knowledge. My bill will require clear package labelling alerting parents of these toys’ data-collection capabilities, and will also make privacy policies easy for parents to read and access.
Toy companies are only required to post privacy policies online. Many of them also use credit or debit card transactions as verifiable parental consent to collect and use data on children under 13.
That means parents are at risk of consenting to their child’s data collection and usage without even realizing it. Right now, the burden is on parents to research and understand vague privacy policies and data security practices of smart-toy manufacturers.
This lack of transparency leaves children and families vulnerable to being literally spied on. As children are growing up in an increasingly digital and electronic world, we need to empower parents to make well-informed decisions for their children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Congressman Chuck Edwards introduces TOTS
Preparing America for true oil supply emergencies
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While China and Russia are strengthening their energy ties with each other, America has placed our energy and national security at risk by draining our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for non-emergency purposes.
I voted for the Strategic Production Response Act, which requires a plan to increase domestic oil production whenever our SPR is used outside of emergencies.
The Biden administration has drained our SPR to about 40 percent in less than two years with no plan to restore it. The Strategic Production Response Act would allow America to activate our resources and be prepared when a true energy-supply emergency occurs.
TWEET: Fact check: FALSE.
Spring internship applications now open!
My offices in Washington, DC, and Hendersonville, NC, are now hiring interns!
Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in a congressional office, as well as seeing firsthand how Congress works. Interns are also paid.
Responsibilities in the Washington office include answering phones, conducting research, drafting written materials, attending hearings and briefings, giving tours of the Capitol, and participating in other projects and educational opportunities.
Responsibilities in the Hendersonville office include answering phones, conducting research, assisting with casework, participating in community outreach, drafting correspondence, and other projects and educational opportunities.
Interested applicants can send an email and resume to Lauren Radford at lauren.radford@mail.house.gov.
