December 13, 2020
Congressman McHenry Weekly Update

Rest In Peace Officer Tyler Herndon

I was devastated to hear Mount Holly Police Officer Tyler Herndon was killed in the line of duty early Friday morning. Every day, our Tenth District law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our community and loved ones safe. Officer Herndon’s death is a heartbreaking example of the dangers these brave men and women face. Please join me in praying for Tyler’s family and the city of Mount Holly as they mourn this tragic loss.





Supporting Our Troops

On Tuesday the House voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, fulfilling our responsibility to provide for a strong national defense. This year’s NDAA includes resources to help the U.S. Military combat the coronavirus pandemic, a well-deserved pay raise for our troops, and helps close the readiness gap that developed during the Obama Administration.


Additionally, this year’s NDAA included other provisions important to western North Carolina and the local textile industry. The coronavirus pandemic and growing international threats from countries like China have demonstrated that now, more than ever, there is a critical need for domestic purchasing preference requirements that maintain a stable and secure supply chain. This is especially important when it comes to our men and women in uniform.

This year’s NDAA included crucial provisions to strengthen the Berry Amendment. This important step will both protect American textile jobs—including many here in western North Carolina—and continue our efforts to combat the Chinese regime. I’m proud that my efforts to include it in this year’s NDAA have paid off. Click here or on the image below to read my full statement and learn more about how strengthening the Berry Amendment will help support our troops and manufacturers in the Tenth District.




We Must Provide Relief to Small Businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has devastated our nation’s small businesses and negatively impacted the vital role they play in our communities here in the Tenth District. In fact, 1 in 5 small business in the United States have already closed. However, instead of providing critical relief to small businesses, Democrats have continued to play political games, avoiding votes on aid to small businesses and instead voting to legalize marijuana and on the Tiger King bill. There is more than $138 billion in the Paycheck Protection Program that could be used to help small businesses pay their employees, but House Democrats have denied reopening this lifeline over 40 times. This must end.



Delivering a Safe and Effective Vaccine
On Friday, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, which means that those who need it most will soon be able to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Thanks to President Trump’s Operation Warp Speed, which has brought together our nation’s top scientists and manufacturers in order to quickly develop and deliver a safe and effective vaccine against the coronavirus, we are now one step closer to ending this pandemic. It is great to see the power of American innovation at work.


It is also great to see freezers made right here in western North Carolina will be used in the battle against the coronavirus. Thermo Fisher’s freezers—which are produced in Asheville—will be used to transport up to 5,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Thanks to Operation Warp Speed and Thermo Fisher we can help ensure our healthcare workers and the most vulnerable to the virus can receive the coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible. Check out these pictures from this week’s vaccine summit at the White House where Thermo Fisher discussed their important, life-saving technology.



What I've Been Reading

Lookback: Historic front pages document Pearl Harbor attack in 1941


Hickory Daily Record 


December 7th, 1941 is a day our nation can never forget. This week we honored those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and the American servicemen and women whose lives were forever changed that day. The Hickory Daily Record shared what front pages looked like after that fateful day. The Hickory Daily Record's front page included pictures of two servicemen from Hickory that were serving in Hawaii during the attack. Today and every day, we thank those who answered the call to defend the freedoms we hold dear after the attack, and for all who continue to answer that call today.

WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
2004 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
87 4th St. NW, Ste A, 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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