North Carolina is an economic powerhouse, and it must be respected. With the newest Executive Order issued by Governor Cooper, many North Carolinians are wondering what implications it harbors and what it means for them, their families, and their communities. A 10 PM to 5 AM curfew across the state is supposedly a new endeavor that’s being taken to curb COVID-19 infections, but many do not know the science that’s being used to reach these conclusions.

Logic dictates that Coronavirus is not some ominous creature that roams the streets under the cover of darkness and retreats to its burrow at the first sign of daybreak. If North Carolina, and the entire country for that matter, are to rebound effectively from the scourge of COVID-19, transparency must be adhered to by those who seek to implement lockdowns and curfews. Too often, the science that’s being used to justify these actions is not explained explicitly and grey area within public discourse prevails. Don’t you believe that you deserve certainty and viable solutions from those who are charged to protect you?

Listen, there are commonsense approaches that can be taken to protect Americans from the scourge of this virus, but those approaches must be explored and not glazed over. Yes, the imperative has been, and will always be, to protect as many people as possible. Sadly, that imperative becomes horribly diluted when state and local economies suffer, people lose their jobs, and ends can’t be met because of locking down states and disregarding the facts. With the distribution of approved vaccines already underway, we’re one step closer to eradicating this virus once and for all, but that will only happen if we adhere to the concrete facts on how to protect the American people, state and local economies, and the countless businesses across the country.

An Update On Surprise Medical Bills

There was late, breaking news last week that I want to share with you. On December 11^th, key committee leaders in the House and Senate announced a bipartisan agreement on legislation to protect patients and establish a fair framework to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and health insurance companies.

This is an important development, and I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in both chambers so that substantive progress continues. It’s my hope that this legislation will be signed into law in the coming days so we can give Americans confidence that they will no longer receive financially ruinous surprise out-of-network medical bills.

To view the components this bipartisan agreement, click here.

Local Community Spotlight 

During the holiday season, we see many stories of people in communities stepping up to help those in need. I recently read a story in the Hickory Daily Record that I believe encapsulates the true meaning of the holiday season and the spirit of North Carolinians. Every year, a handful of Hickory agencies come together and form what is known as Catawba County’s “Christmas Bureau”. This year, these agencies have set up a drive through parking lot to help deliver gifts to families who have been chosen to participate. Countless volunteers have stepped forward to make this event happen, and it’s encouraging to see their hard work and dedication in helping their neighbors.

In all, 670 families in Catawba County will be receiving gifts from this program and it underscores the important point that even in the middle of a global pandemic, opportunities to extend good deeds to others are not being forsaken. In the end, that’s what the holiday season is all about: serving others and supporting your fellow community members.

Recent Events

Speaking on censorship threats from the Chinese Communist Party

Honoring the life of Patrolman Tyler Herndon of the Mount Holly PD

Sincerely,