Staff Report – September 23, 2024

The following are excerpts from Dr. Murphy’s most recent update to his constituents.

Meeting with the UNC Students who Defended the American Flag

It was great to meet with the brave UNC students, Daniel Jones and Guillermo Estrada, who protected the American Flag during anti-Semitic protests on their campus.

Across the nation, our college campuses have witnessed disgraceful attacks and protests against Jewish students. These young men bravely resisted bending a knee to these anti-American threats.

They showed their support for their Jewish classmates and refused to tolerate the vandalism of their campus and our sacred flag.

These students’ patriotic actions give me hope for America’s next generation of leaders.

Meeting with Butterball and the National Turkey Federation

I had a productive meeting with Butterball and the National Turkey Federation to discuss how Congress can help turkey producers in the Farm Bill.

Turkey production in North Carolina contributes to our state’s vibrant economy. As the top producer of turkey meat and total poultry production, the industry produces nearly 150,000 jobs for the state.

I am committed to protecting North Carolina farmers and appreciate the hard work they do to feed America.

I look forward to our continued partnership to ensure the industry is capable of thriving for generations to come.

Statement on Rodanthe Home Collapse Crisis 

The fact that homeowners have to wait until their property falls into the ocean before they can utilize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is ridiculous.

Every additional home that is swept into the sea understandably concerns individuals who want to see action taken. I continue to advocate vigorously in Congress for My Prevent Environmental Hazards Act which would allow folks insured by the NFIP to act before an emergency occurs. This is better for those with at-risk homes, and would save taxpayer dollars and protect the environment. 

Updates on the Buxton Beach Clean-Up

I had a productive meeting with BG Daniel Hibner, USA, Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), South Atlantic Division to receive an update on the Buxton Beach clean-up.

I look forward to its completion and will remain in contact with USACE throughout this process.

Examining VA Leadership Under the Biden-Harris Administration

The VA has failed to correct its mistake of using a flawed database for the past 10 years, causing veterans to jump through hoops to receive quality and timely care.

I understand the frustration our veterans have with the VA and am actively working to remedy the issues they face. At the end of July, I met with Secretary McDonough to do just that.

Guaranteeing veterans get the care they need and deserve should not be a partisan issue.

Urged Treasury Secretary Yellen to Add U.S. Coast Guard Installations to CFIUS Jurisdiction

Today, our adversaries are doing everything they can to undermine American sovereignty and security. This includes purchasing land on our soil to use for espionage and other belligerent purposes. While CFIUS coverage includes many military bases and other sensitive areas, U.S. Coast Guard facilities, National Laboratories, some maritime ports, and critical telecommunications and energy infrastructure are not included. This leaves the United States vulnerable to hostile nations and malicious actors. 

We cannot allow bad actors to purchase land in America to harm us. I’m grateful for the support of Chairman Moolenaar in recognizing our current security shortcomings and urge Secretary Yellen to consider these recommendations as the Department of the Treasury finalizes its proposed rule to expand CFIUS coverage.

Read the press release here. 

Read the Free Beacon’s coverage here. 

Statement on Passage of Supplemental Funding to Address VA Budget Shortfall

I supported the passage of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act to ensure our veterans are taken care of, not because the Department of Veterans Affairs is deserving. Gross mismanagement, such as millions of dollars of unjustified bonuses and delayed adjudication of sexual harassment scandals, have put the VA in the position that it is in today.

Our veterans deserve to be treated with dignity and receive the care they are entitled to. I will not let this agency crumble, but I also will not ignore the rampant abuses and mismanagement that have occurred under its roof.