The past week in Washington was pivotal for our nation. Congress considered legislation critical to the safety and prosperity of our country’s future, and President Biden visited Capitol Hill to deliver the State of the Union address. With Spring right around the corner, we are gearing up for a long summer continuing our fight to reduce reckless spending and rising costs and force the President to put an end to the border crisis he has enabled.
Off the floor and outside of my committees, I had the pleasure of meeting with many constituents and stakeholders. The invaluable role advocates play in keeping my office informed of critical issues facing our communities cannot be understated. I strive to be an accessible representative, and I greatly appreciate those who take the time to stop by.
It is my honor to serve and fight for you in Congress. I will never back down from what is right and will always defend the values we share.
If you wish to stay more engaged and aware of what is happening in Washington and our District please follow me on my socials linked above or here: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Key Votes
First FY24 Government Funding Package
For over 20 years, physicians who take care of Medicare patients out of the goodness of their hearts have been pummeled by year-after-year cuts to their reimbursements. The small cut aversion included in the first government funding package for FY24 was not enough. While protecting insurance companies, Senate Democrats, blocked every attempt to make physician payments whole. They are responsible for destroying medical access for seniors.
Physicians across the country cannot continue to weather constant cuts and are being forced to close their doors. For millions of Americans, particularly those in rural areas, access to quality health care is drying up.
While Speaker Johnson did his best to negotiate the terms of this funding deal, I must draw a line in the sand. I cannot remain silent as Congress continues to hinder seniors’ access to health care. For this reason, I voted against the first government funding package.
Laken Riley Act
Laken Riley would be with us today if not for the release of the criminal, illegal immigrant who brutally murdered her.
This tragedy should never have happened.
In fact, President Biden has the power to end the invasion at our border today, but he continues to put his political agenda over the lives of Americans.
I voted YES on the Laken Riley Act to crack down on the lax policies that are endangering our communities.
Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023
I am committed to prioritizing economic growth and bolstering our nation’s small businesses. Unnecessary regulations that make it harder and more expensive for them to thrive must be eliminated.
We must invest in the backbone of our country and protect the American dream by ensuring entrepreneurs can succeed.
I voted YES on the Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023.
State of the Union
On Thursday evening, President Biden came to Congress to deliver the 2024 State of the Union.
I have now attended five State of the Unions, under both President Trump and President Biden. The latest was by far the most divisive I have ever experienced.
President Biden treated this event like a campaign kickoff – using his pulpit to smear President Trump – instead of directly addressing the issues most important to voters like immigration and the economy.
I hoped President Biden would stick to tradition, uplifting Americans of all backgrounds and presenting a bright vision for the future. Instead, we received a message delivered with anger and filled with mockery of the important issues Democrats refuse to address.
Nothing is more important than our leaders speaking openly and transparently to the American people. I appreciate the President taking the time to speak to the nation, but his words did little to change my belief that he is responsible for most divisive administration in my lifetime.
Discussing the Challenges of Health AI Integration
I had the pleasure of speaking with Medical Alley, a group of experts and leaders passionate about improving patient care.
We discussed the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing American healthcare, as well as the obstacles we face ahead.
We must erect sensible guardrails that enable innovation and at the same time protect consumers.
Investigating Medicare Catheter Fraud
Since President Biden’s presidency, CMS and HHS OIG improper payment rates have surged, totaling more than $85 billion annually in 2022.
As a result, over 450,000 Medicare beneficiaries fell victim to fraudulent catheter billing schemes.
The suspicious hike in improper payments should have sounded alarms earlier for CMS and HHS OIG, but they failed to conduct a swift investigation of the fraud to ensure American taxpayer dollars are properly allocated.
Read the letter here.
Read the story in the Washington Post here.
Meetings
This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with a variety of stakeholders from NC-03. We had meaningful conversations on how I can best serve and champion their needs here in Congress.
My dedication stands firm in being an accessible and resourceful representative to the constituents back in our great district.
UNC Chapel Hill Dental Students
Charlotte Pipe
Tourette Association of America
NC Association of Broadcasters
