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Today President Trump announced an agreement to fund the government until February 15, 2019 and temporarily end the unfortunate partial shutdown. However, the legislation that he will sign is not the end of negotiations to keep the government open and protect our national security. My hope is that Democrats will set aside politics and follow through on their pledge to discuss real solutions after re-opening the government. The conference committee being formed to determine funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security provides Congress an opportunity to negotiate bipartisan approval of the funding necessary to secure our southern border. Congress should follow its own example from the bipartisan passage of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 mandating a physical barrier. I remain committed to exploring every possible tool available to protect our border, and I am very pleased that those who have been so negatively impacted by this partial shutdown will see their services and paychecks restored. Now, Congress must fulfil its number one duty to bolster national security by passing Homeland Security appropriations that strengthen and secure our porous southern border.
Last Friday, it was an honor to join the Mount Airy community in presenting the Purple Heart Award to the descendants of Private John Gilley. Private Gilley was a native of Westfield, North Carolina and served America honorably in World War One, where he was wounded in the Battle of Courtrai. While the Purple Heart was not available during World War One, Private Gilley was certainly eligible for it. I admire the perseverance of his daughter, Glenda Gravitte, to bring to light his sacrifice so that he could be recognized with the Purple Heart posthumously. It is never too late to honor those who have put our country’s values above their own safety and well-being, and it was my distinct pleasure to assist in giving Private Gilley the recognition he deserves. If you have a family member you believe is eligible for the Purple Heart Award, please reach out to my office to initiate the process.
Photos courtesy of Thomas Sherrill, Mount Airy News.
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| Celebrating Boone Drug's 100th Anniversary |
In 1919, Boone Drug was one of only two drugstores in Boone, and it has thrived amidst the changes of the pharmaceutical industry through the last century. Next week, Boone Drug will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its original store. I am proud to represent this small business and local pharmacy and offered my congratulations to Boone Drug this week on the House floor. Listen to my remarks here.
Today, I presented Dr. Jim Furman, Dr. John Stacy, Dr. Joe Miller and Dr. Corey Furman with a plaque of the Congressional Record on January 23rd which commemorates Boone Drug's 100th Anniversary.
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School Choice is all about empowering parents and students with options for a high-quality education. Click here or the image below to listen to my remarks on the House floor in celebration of National School Choice Week this week.
Next week, Congress will continue to debate legislation to secure our borders.
Sincerely,
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