May 29, 2017
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Memorial Day


As you gather together with family and friends on this holiday weekend, we must not lose sight of what it is we are celebrating. The United States is blessed with countless heroes who have given their lives to protect our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. Memorial Day is a time to honor these fallen heroes, remember their service, and thank them for their sacrifice to protect our beloved country.


In honor of Memorial Day, the House this week passed seven bipartisan bills aimed at helping those who do make it home from serving in the military. Our veterans have sacrificed to protect us and we must ensure they receive the care they've earned and the care they deserve. You can see a full rundown of the seven bills we passed by clicking here or on the image below.



Protecting America's Children


In addition to the legislation we passed to help our nation's veterans, the House this week approved eight bipartisan bills to help prevent America's children from being abused or exploited. These bills were part of our broader initiative this week of passing legislation to confront human trafficking, a horrific crime which sadly saw a 35% increase in US cases in 2016. Among the bills the House passed this week were legislation to ensure youth-serving organizations have access to background checks when hiring new staff, reauthorization of legislation making sex offender information publicly available, and legislation to fight global sex tourism. Click here or on the image below to see a video highlighting our efforts.


Additionally, you can see a complete list of the eight bills the House passed this week by clicking here.


More Bad News On Obamacare


This week, the Department of Health and Human Services released an eye-opening report highlighting the damage Obamacare has done to the cost of health insurance premiums nationwide. The report--which you can read here--showed that since Obamacare became law in 2013, nationwide health insurance premiums have increased 105%. In North Carolina, that number is even higher as the report showed premiums have increased a staggering 176% since 2013.


This comes as no surprise to many families in western North Carolina who have experienced increased premiums every year since the law was enacted. Just this week, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina--the only insurer offering exchange plans in 95 of the state's 100 counties--announced premiums would increase nearly 23% next year. This is completely unsustainable and highlights why we must repeal and replace Obamacare with the American Health Care Act. Below is a map showing how much premiums have increased across the United States over the last four years.



What I Have Been Reading

UK blast: Blood, horror, shock as bomber strikes young crowd

The Charlotte Observer

I was horrified to see the pictures coming out of Manchester, England late Monday evening after a radical Islamic terrorist struck a concert. It is shocking and appalling to see the depravity that would lead someone to attack a concert filled with children and teens. Giulia and I join with the rest of our nation praying for those killed, their families, and all the victims who are fighting for their lives after this horrific attack.  


Fallen Shelby officer added to national memorial

Shelby Star


Last week, I shared my floor speech honoring fallen Shelby Police officer Tim Brackeen. In addition to my speech on the House floor, Officer Brackeen was also honored as his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford represented the city of Shelby and Shelby Police in Washington as officer Brackeen was permanently added to the memorial. 


Korean War vet honored in style

Gaston Gazette

A few weeks ago, Cecelia and I had an amazing experience as we welcomed World War II and Korean War veterans who had traveled from western North Carolina to Washington with Blue Ridge Honor Flight. The story above tells the story of one of those men, Korean War veteran Ken Shelton of Gaston County. 

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: 828.669.0600

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