June 25, 2017
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Giving Life in Honor of Whip Scalise & Capitol Police


After last week's horrific attack on the GOP baseball practice, I wanted to find a way for the Congressional community to give back and honor the victims. On Tuesday and Thursday I joined with the American Red Cross and another Washington-area blood donation service to host two blood drives in honor of Majority Whip Steve Scalise, US Capitol Police Special Agent Crystal Griner, and all those impacted by the attack.

Over two days, we had tremendous turnout with lawmakers from both parties, Congressional staff, Capitol Police, and even Vice President Mike Pence and Energy Secretary Rick Perry donating blood. You can see Roll Call's coverage of Tuesday's blood drive by clicking here or on the image below. Additionally, you can learn more about Thursday's drive here via CBN News.

During the two days of the drive there were over 300 hundred units of blood donated. It is estimated that each unit can save up to three lives. It is important to remember that the American Red Cross and other local blood banks are always looking for more donations. Having given blood Thursday, I can attest it is a quick and easy way to give back if you are physically capable. If you would like to volunteer to become a blood donor, click here to find an American Red Cross blood donation center here in western North Carolina.

                 

Meeting Impressive NC-10 Students


Earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet some incredible 10th District students who were visiting Washington to be recognized for their accomplishments. First, I met with a team of students from Belmont’s South Point High School who competed in the SIFMA Foundation Stock Market Game Capitol Hill Challenge. This group of rising seniors finished first in North Carolina and fourth in the nation.

              

Later that day, I joined with our Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis to present the Congressional Award Gold Medal to Bennett David of Asheville. The Tenth District’s other Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient, Ashely Jameson of Belmont, was unable to attend the ceremony. Bennett and Ashley earned these well-deserved awards through their commitment to voluntary public service, personal development, and physical fitness. Congratulations to all these great NC-10 students.

             

Proud to Support - Bipartisan Bills to Help Americans Find Work


Improving career and technical education (CTE) in our country is vital to ensuring more Americans have access to rewarding and high paying jobs. This week, the House passed two bills that help advance CTE programs. On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act for the 21st Century. This bipartisan bill strengthens Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs allowing people to receive the education needed for many of the high-skilled jobs available in western North Carolina. This bill will also encourage business leaders to work with our state and local governments to develop better CTE programs that will meet the demands of local communities.

Then on Friday the House passed H.R. 2842, the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act which helps transition people out of welfare and into the workforce. Work is the best way out of poverty and those who want to work to reach their potential should be provided the tools they need to achieve that goal. This bill helps to bridge the gap between employers with available jobs and low-income Americans looking for work.

 


What I Have Been Reading

Navy identifies USS Fitzgerald sailors found dead after crash

Fox News 

Giulia and I are praying for the families and friends of the 7 U.S. Navy sailors who tragically lost their lives after the USS Fitzgerald collided with a commercial ship off the coast of Japan last weekend. Like so many others, I was deeply saddened to learn about this tragic accident. God bless these sailors and all our military men and women who put their lives on the line each day to protects our nation. 

Hickory resident confirmed as FEMA director

Hickory Daily Record 

Congratulations to Brock Long of Hickory on his confirmation as the new Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 95-4 vote on Tuesday. Director Long has many years of experience in the field of emergency management which will serve him well as he leads FEMA. I trust he will represent western North Carolina well in his new role.

Trump signs VA reform bill, making good on a campaign promise

CNN

Great news from the White House on Friday as President Trump signed the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act into law. This is a significant bipartisan achievement that fulfills President Trump's commitment to fixing the VA. I'm proud to have supported this important legislation and will continue to work each day to ensure our nation's veterans continue to get the care they've earned. 

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