September 18, 2016
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Remembering Officer Tim Brackeen


Shelby Police Officer Tim Brackeen was a father, husband, and dedicated public servant who died doing what he devoted his life to: keeping our community safe. Officer Brackeen, who passed away Monday from injuries sustained in the line of duty, was laid to rest Friday following a memorial service at Shelby's Keeter Stadium that was attended by nearly 6,000 people. Earlier this week, I spoke on the House floor to remember Officer Brackeen and his years of service to Cleveland County. You can see video of those remarks by clicking here or on the image below. Please join with Giulia and I as we continue to pray for Officer Brackeen's family, the Shelby Police Department, and all his brothers and sisters in blue who keep our communities in western NC and nationwide safe and secure.
 

Click here to see a photo gallery from Officer Brackeen's funeral courtesy of the Shelby Star.


Preventing Terrorists From Returning to the Battlefield


 The Guantanamo Bay prison is home to the most committed and hardened terrorists who wish to destroy our nation and all that we hold dear. We must keep these dangerous men behind bars but just this week we learned that two more former Guantanamo detainees have rejoined the fight by joining militant groups and taking up arms against Americans. This must stop and this week, the House voted to do that by again passing legislation that prevents the Obama Administration from unilaterally acting to empty the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Learn more about this important bill here. Earlier this year, I released the statement below after another misguided effort by the Obama Administration to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.

 


Proud to Support

 
 
Few federal agencies have a job more important than the VA's duty to care for our wounded warriors. Yet we've seen time and again that mismanagement and ineptitude from VA bureaucrats has hindered their mission of taking care of our vets. This week, I joined with a wide, bipartisan majority in the House to pass legislation that makes it easier for the VA to fire and replace these failed employees. H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act accomplishes just that. You can learn more about this legislation by clicking on the image below. It is imperative we ensure our service men and women get the care they earned and deserve.



What I Have Been Reading

Fallen Shelby officer Tim Brackeen honored at service, laid to rest 

WBTV

Take a moment to read an additional story about the service held for Officer Tim Brackeen at Shelby's Keeter Stadium. Officer Brackeen was a dedicated officer who devoted his life to service. He will not be forgotten. 


Startup Stock Ownership Bill Gains Momentum in U.S. Congress

Bloomberg

This week we saw continued progress for another piece of the Innovation Initiative which House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and I launched earlier this year. This bill, which is designed to encourage more startup businesses, has now passed through committee and is headed to the House floor for a vote. 


WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
2334 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Telephone: 202.225.2576
Fax: 202.225.0316

GASTONIA DISTRICT OFFICE
Suite 115
Gaston Co. Administrative Bldg
128 West Main Avenue
Gastonia, NC  28053
Telephone: 704.833.0096

HICKORY DISTRICT OFFICE
1990 Main Ave. SE, PO Box 1830
Hickory, NC 28603
Telephone: 828.327.6100
Toll-Free in NC: 800.477.2576
Fax: 828.327.8311

BLACK MTN. DISTRICT OFFICE
160 Midland Avenue
Black Mountain, NC  28711
Telephone: 828.669.0650

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