Big things are happening across eastern North Carolina. The opening of the U.S. Navy’s new FRC East aircraft maintenance complex at the North Carolina Global TransPark represents a major investment in our region. It is bringing more than 400 new jobs to eastern North Carolina. Eastern North Carolina is proving once again that we can grow our economy while serving our nation. Our region must be proud. wcti12.com/news/local/new-na…

Happy 79th Birthday to the United States Air Force! As someone who proudly wore the Air Force uniform, I understand the pride that comes with serving alongside Airmen who are willing to sacrifice for something greater than themselves. From Seymour Johnson Air Force Base here in eastern North Carolina to Airmen stationed around the world, today we celebrate those who have carried the Air Force mission forward for 79 years. Aim High!

Friday in the First Michael Johnson, II, a student at Elizabeth City State University, is already finding meaningful ways to serve the community he now calls home. Through his work at the Elizabeth City Senior Center, Michael helps create a welcoming environment where older adults can stay active, connect with their neighbors, and access local programs and resources. Michael reminds us that you do not have to wait until graduation to make a difference. By giving his time and energy to others while pursuing his education at ECSU, he is building connections across generations and strengthening the community around him. We are proud to recognize Michael Johnson II for his commitment to serving Elizabeth City and helping make his community a more welcoming and connected place for residents of all ages. #FridaySpotlight

Behind every badge is a person who chose to serve and protect others. Our law enforcement officers make sacrifices every day to keep families, neighborhoods, and communities safe. We have a responsibility to honor that service while building the trust and relationships that allow officers and residents to work together.

Congratulations to Sowing Seeds on the ribbon-cutting and launch of its mobile pantry in Vance County! Bringing nutritious food closer to families who need it takes compassion, commitment, and neighbors willing to serve.

America’s servicemembers deserve every advantage we can give them when they answer the call to serve. Persistent Systems is developing advanced technology and capabilities for multiple branches of our military, including Airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Preparing our troops for the modern battlespace means ensuring they have the tools to communicate, adapt, and carry out their missions safely and effectively.

For generations, North Carolina families have gathered around the roar of engines and the excitement of race day. @NASCAR is part of our state’s identity, supporting jobs, local businesses, tourism, and communities across North Carolina while bringing families together. It was great meeting with NASCAR Vice Chairman and Senior Adviser Mike Helton to discuss the future of motorsports, continued investment in North Carolina, and opportunities to grow an industry with deep roots in our state. North Carolina helped shape NASCAR’s history, and I’m proud to support its future.

Eastern North Carolina’s ports, waterways, and communities are connected by more than geography. They are part of our region's economic lifeblood and heritage.

Hard-working families in eastern North Carolina deserve a tax system that actually works for them, not one that gives tax advantages to data centers. H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, expands tax incentives that can benefit data centers. That is why Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet and I introduced legislation to exclude data centers from the 100% bonus depreciation deduction and Opportunity Zone tax benefits. At a time when so many families are struggling with high costs, we are working to ensure federal tax policy reflects the needs of families and communities across eastern North Carolina and our nation.

Our soybean growers need predictable, sustained access to export markets.

When our farmers have the workforce they need, they can keep producing the food we depend on, supporting local jobs, and strengthening the communities we call home.

Across NC-01, community health centers help connect patients with essential appointments, provide care closer to where families live, and help bridge the gap between routine care and hospital services. Behind every patient visit is a health care provider who shows up for their neighbors. Their compassion and dedication make eastern North Carolina stronger, and we are grateful for the care they provide.

Bread and baked goods are part of everyday life in eastern North Carolina—from the kitchen table at home to the shelves of our local grocery stores. Behind every loaf, roll, and baked good are workers and businesses helping keep our food supply strong and our communities moving. The American Bakers Association shared the challenges facing commercial bakers, and we discussed ways Congress can support the workers, manufacturers, and supply chains that help keep shelves stocked and families fed.

Our cattle producers deserve a strong marketplace, more processing options, and the opportunity to keep their family farms and ranches strong for the next generation.

Eastern North Carolina’s soybean growers need reliable access to global markets and the certainty to plan, invest, and keep their farms strong. I’ve sent a letter to President Trump urging him to secure a clear, verifiable timeline for China to fulfill its annual soybean purchase commitments and remove the 10% tariff currently applied to U.S. soybeans at his planned September 24 meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Standing up for our soybean farmers means expanding market opportunities, strengthening American agriculture, and supporting the communities that depend on them.

Supporting our farmers is an investment in the strength and security of eastern North Carolina and our nation. A meeting with the North Carolina Farm Bureau LEAD Program offered a chance to hear directly from the next generation of agricultural leaders about the challenges facing our farmers. These leaders represent the future of North Carolina agriculture. Their commitment to farming, their communities, and the families they help feed is something we should all be proud of.

North Carolina farmers work hard every day to feed our families, support our communities, and keep our agricultural economy strong. Yet finding enough workers remains a serious challenge. A conversation with the North Carolina Pork Council highlighted the workforce challenges our farmers face. Labor shortages can make it harder for producers to plan, invest, and keep their operations moving forward. Our farmers deserve practical solutions and the opportunity to keep producing, growing, and building for the future.

Ricky Parks of Rocky Mount has dedicated his career to serving eastern North Carolina and our state. From protecting our communities in law enforcement to serving as Marshal of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Ricky has spent more than 37 years answering the call to serve. Receiving a special “Thin Blue Line” quilt from the Tar River Piecemakers Quilting Guild was a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to service.

Our families deserve a government that focuses on what matters, works across party lines, and delivers results. I’ll keep showing up, working hard, and fighting for the communities we call home. Glad to champion the following bills: ▪️ H.R. 309, National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act, would support community outreach, public safety education, and officer wellness initiatives. Our law enforcement officers put themselves on the line for us, and we have a responsibility to stand behind them. ▪️ H.R. 979, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, would preserve access to AM radio in new vehicles. When hurricanes and severe storms knock out power or cell service, eastern North Carolinians need reliable access to emergency information. ▪️ H.R. 1266, Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, would strengthen law enforcement tools to combat the illicit use and trafficking of xylazine while preserving legitimate veterinary uses. We must keep dangerous drugs off our streets while protecting the farmers and veterinarians who rely on xylazine for legitimate purposes.