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Congressman McHenry Weekly Update
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A Busy Week in the Tenth District
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With the House out of session for the week, I was thrilled to spend my week back home in western North Carolina. I started my week in the Tenth District with the Small Business Investor Alliance where I was honored to be presented with their Champion of Small Business Investing Award.
I then traveled to Spindale were I was honored to present a flag flown over the Capitol to Isothermal Community College President, Walter Dalton and to attend the Isothermal Community College flagpole dedication.
Monday evening, it was good to spend time with members of the Buncombe County Farm Bureau in Fletcher. I was honored to receive a Friend of the Farm Bureau award from North Carolina Farm Bureau President, Larry Wooten. It recognizes my legislative record supporting farmers here in western North Carolina and across the state.
I began Tuesday early but I enjoyed my time in studio with Mark Starling on his morning show where we discussed some of the issues important to the Tenth District.
That afternoon I headed to AC Reynolds Middle in Asheville to answer some student questions and hear more about the United Way of Asheville's roll out of it's Middle School Success program in this school.
My last stop on Tuesday was to see the new building on MAHEC's Campus in Asheville. This new facility will be important in the training of physicians serving Western North Carolina.
Wednesday also began bright and early but it's always good to be in studio with Hal Row on WHKY to give an update about what is happening in Washington.
For my next stop, I headed to Conover where I enjoyed visiting with the students and staff at the North Carolina Boys Academy. There I heard about their program that seeks to help young men understand and experience the value of goal setting, team play, community, and—ultimately—helping to set the direction to discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Later that morning I met some more of the Tenth District's best and brightest when I toured St. Stephen's High School in Hickory. I was honored to present a flag flown over the Capitol to the students, teachers, and staff of St. Stephen's High School.
My first meeting of the afternoon was with the Catawba Board of Realtors. I always appreciate input about the real estate industry in the Tenth District from the realtors.
I ended Wednesday with a tour of PACE@Home, a program that provides individuals with skilled nursing home care in their own homes. I also enjoyed chatting with some of the program's participants.
Thursday morning, I participated in the Charlotte Chamber Summit event to discuss the role of financial services in North Carolina with my colleague Senator Tillis.
I then headed to Piedmont Community Charter School in Gastonia for a tour and to stop by several classrooms to chat with students.
I stayed in Gastonia so I could tour Stabilus, the world market leader for gas springs and dampers.
Friday, I began my morning with a tour of the new Maiden Police Station to learn how the building helps the Maiden Police Department better serve their community.
I ended my week in Newton with a tour of the family owned Warehouse Distillery where they not only cultivate a passion for craft spirits but hope to empower future generations of entrepreneurs.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more pictures from my week in the Tenth District.
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Federal Grants for the Tenth District
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One of my duties as your Congressman is helping Tenth District governments access the numerous grant programs offered by the federal government. It is always an honor to present localities with these vitally important grants and this week, I had the opportunity to once again make these presentations. On Monday, I traveled to Bessemer City because the town received two grants. The first was the USDA Rural Development grant for the construction of a new public works facility and the second was a FEMA grant to the Bessemer City Fire Department.
Last Tuesday, I was at the Black Mountain Veterans Cemetery because they received a Department of Veterans Affairs grant. The grant will fund new landscaping, roadways and infrastructure to expand the cemetery and provide services for 124,000 veterans and their families.
On Friday, It was an honor to head over to the Ranlo Fire Department where I got to tour the facility and attend the Ranlo Fire and Rescue SAFER Grant Check presentation. Ranlo is one of only five departments in North Carolina to have received SAFER Grant funding this year
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more pictures from my week in the Tenth District.
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Ending the Opioid Crisis
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For too long families and communities all across the country, including right here in the Tenth District, have suffered from the pain caused by the opioid crisis. This week, President Trump signed in to law a bipartisan bill that dedicates more resources to ending the cycle of addiction affecting the lives of so many here in western North Carolina. This bill takes an important step towards ending this epidemic by addressing all sides of the crisis, from addiction prevention to providing resources for law enforcement and families as they combat this addiction in their communities and in their own homes. You can read my full statement on this historic legislation here. Learn more about the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act by clicking here courtesy of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Every day, 47 people die from overdoses involving prescription opioids. Safe disposal of unused prescription drugs is just one way we can help end the opioid crisis here in the Tenth District. Yesterday, for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there were over 4,000 locations where you could safely drop off your unused or expired prescription drugs. If you missed Prescription Drug Take Back Day check out my website by clicking here to find out more on how you can safely dispose your unused prescriptions drugs.
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What I Have Been Reading |
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How the alleged bomber was caught
CNN
I applaud law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels for their quick work to ensure that this criminal was captured and ensure that no one was harmed by any of the packages that were sent. Having experienced it first hand with the shooting of my dear friend Steve Scalise, I know this kind of politically-motivated violence has no place in our country. It must be condemned by all sides of the political spectrum.
A 97-year-old, an elderly wife and husband: These are the 11 victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre
USA Today
Please join Giulia and me in keeping the families and loved ones of the victims of this awful tragedy in your prayers. I condemn this hateful and anti-Semitic attack on this peaceful community of faith. I am also so thankful for the quick actions of local law enforcement who undoubtedly saved many lives.
U.S. GDP grows above-forecast 3.5% on consumers, inventories
Bloomberg
Once again this week we have heard more good news about our economy. In the third quarter the U.S. GDP saw higher than expected growth at 3.5%. According to Bloomberg the data indicates the robust job market and lower taxes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are to thank for this good news.
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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
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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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