September 3, 2017
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Hurricane Harvey


Like so many other Americans throughout the country, I have spent the week watching the news for updates on the damage and destruction Hurricane Harvey has caused in southeast Texas and Louisiana. The images and stories have been nothing short of heartbreaking. From the story of Houston Police Officer Steve Perez who died on his way to work Sunday to the numerous stories of individual citizens who were simply trying to help their neighbors survive this horrific storm, it has been a difficult week for all Americans. Giulia and I are continuing to pray for the families of all those lost and for everyone impacted by Harvey.

I commend President Trump, FEMA Director Long, and the entire Trump Administration for the work they've done to support the victims of the storm and the local authorities throughout the southern United States. I've also been proud to see our community contributing to help those in need. From this story in the Gaston Gazette, to the town of Stanley, and the good folks in Rutherford County, people throughout the Tenth District have stepped up to help our fellow Americans in need. By clicking here or on the image below you can see a list of both national and local groups in Texas accepting donations on behalf of Hurricane Harvey victims.



In Case You Missed It from NC-10


As Congress returns next week, I've been able to reflect on another productive August work period. Having hosted six town hall meetings and conducted numerous constituent meetings and industry tours throughout the Tenth District, I was able to accomplish a great deal. I wanted to share a few links to stories about some of my visits from last week. The Shelby Star was with me for my Small Business Crawl in downtown Shelby and as I was able to experience what it is like to be a Duke Energy lineman for a day. You can see those stories here and here. The Lincoln Times-News covered my town hall meeting in Lincolnton and visits to Blum, Inc. and Rock Springs Campground. You can listen to the podcast I recorded at CVCC's Small Business Center here. Finally you can read about my meeting with Iredell County elected officials in the Statesville Free News here.



Tax Reform Discussions Continue


When the year began, President Trump and Congressional Republicans committed to fixing our nation's broken tax code. Simply put, the current system does not work for American families or businesses. It is far too complex and costly for everyday Americans to file their annual tax returns and American companies struggle to remain competitive with those overseas. We need fundamental reform that simplifies the tax code, reduces rates, and increases economic growth.

On Wednesday, President Trump was in Missouri where he delivered a strong speech outlining why we need tax reform now. When Congress returns after the Labor Day weekend, House Republicans led by the Ways and Means Committee will continue our work towards producing a comprehensive tax reform plan. Throughout the month, they've outlined 31 reasons why we need tax reform, a list that can be found here. Additionally, you can see what tax reform would mean for North Carolina in the graphic below.

 

What I Have Been Reading

They Could Help, So They Did

Inside Higher Ed

Above is one more story, and a truly impressive one at that, of those pitching in to help their fellow Americans in need following the devatstation of Hurricane Harvey. Members of the Western Carolina University Bass Fishing Club drove to Texas this week with their boats to help evacuate people stranded by flood waters. While this week has been challenging, it is wonderful to see the American spirit come through as so many volunteer to help out our neighbors in need. 


Couple Returns World War II Bible to Soldier's Daughter

The High Point Enterprise

A truly amazing story of a local Hickory woman who, with the help of a family in High Point, was able to reclaim the Bible that belonged to her father when he was killed fighting the Nazis in Germany in 1945. Earlier this year, I was honored to have helped Catherine Corpening obtain the Bronze Star her father, Ira G. Royster, had posthumously been awarded for his service in the U.S. Army. 


Jaws of Life created in Shelby

Shelby Star


A very cool story about the frequently used life-saving tool, the Jaws of Life. The tool, which is used by firefighters and other first responders to rescue people, was first trademarked by Hurst which has been located in Shelby since the mid 1980s. 

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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