August 22, 2016
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Another Busy Day in NC-10


Last week, I was again traveling throughout western North Carolina to meet with constituents, public servants, and area businesses. On Tuesday, I began my day in Gaston County where I joined with the Gaston and Cleveland County Departments of Health and Human Services as part of 2016 Nurse Family Partnership National Site Week. During my visit I spoke with nurses from both Cleveland and Gaston Counties.


In the afternoon, I headed over to Cherryville where I participated in a ride-along with the Cherryville Fire Department. Assistant Chief Jason Wofford and other members of the department brought me along to learn about some of their routine duties including testing smoke detectors and checks that ensure the fire hydrants throughout Cherryville are fully functional.


I wrapped up Tuesday in Cleveland County where I toured PPG and learned about some of their sustainable energy projects. The Shelby facility plays an important role in producing fiberglass used in multiple products including automobiles and wind turbines.

 

Wednesday in Lincoln & Catawba Counties


Wednesday morning I began my day at Carolinas Medical Center Lincoln hospital which is located in Lincolnton. I enjoyed meeting with hospital leaders and discussing my work to confront our nation's ongoing mental health crisis.


I then headed north to Catawba County where I first visited Carolina Nonwovens. Their Maiden plant opened in July and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to tour the new complex and learn about their work.


I spent lunch at the Lake Hickory County Club where I spoke to a meeting of leadership from the Mosquito Authority. We discussed issues facing small businesses and also House Republican's passage of legislation to confront the threat of the Zika virus.


In the afternoon, I visited General Dynamics locations in both Conover and Catawba. During the visit, I toured the facilities and held Q&A sessions with employees at each location.



Wrapping Up the Week


I concluded my week by spending the day in both Gaston and Catawba Counties. I began the day in Bessemer City where I joined with local leaders to tour the recently renovated Allan Farris Bessemer City Community Center.


My next visit was to the Bessemer City branch of the Gaston County Public Library. There I participated in the library's weekly family story time, reading a couple of my daughter Cecelia's favorite books to the children.


I spent my afternoon in Hickory first at the Lowes Foods at Belle Hollow Shopping Center. During my visit, I toured the store and helped bag groceries to learn more about the store's day-to-day operations.


I concluded my day with a surprise visit to the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce where I presented retiring President Danny Hearn with a copy of the Congressional Record. In July, I spoke about Danny on the floor of the House of Representatives, thanking him for his many years of service on behalf of Catawba County and its business community. You can see the full video of those remarks here and can read more about Danny's service here.


For additional photos from my week of visits across western North Carolina, be sure to like my Facebook page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram.


What I Have Been Reading

State Dept.: $400M cash shipment to Iran tied to U.S. prisoners' release

USA Today

The slow drip of news about the State Department's cash payment to Iran continued this week and it only looks worse as State confirmed the payment was tied to the release of four American hostages. It is shocking that the Obama Administration would appear to have paid a ransom and all the more stunning that--in light of the vast evidence that is what occurred--they refuse to admit it.


Family discovers father, a Vietnam veteran, was more than their hero

Gaston Gazette

Last week, prior to my Gaston County town hall meeting, I had the honor of presenting service medals to the family of Michael Lekopites. Lekopites, who served in the Army during Vietnam and is in failing health, had never before received his service medals and I worked with his family to ensure they were received. It is wonderful to see this story gaining national attention as it was picked up by Stars and Stripes


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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