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Congressman McHenry Weekly Update - Honoring the Life and Legacy of Reverend Billy Graham |
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Honoring the Life and Legacy of Reverend Billy Graham
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Giulia and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of North Carolina's finest sons, the Reverend Billy Graham. Reverend Graham inspired millions as he spread the gospel across the globe and served as a spiritual adviser for numerous U.S. Presidents. We find solace in his passing with the knowledge that Reverend Graham has gone peacefully to be reunited with his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruth, in the kingdom he preached about for so many years. Click here to read my full statement on the loss of America's Pastor.
Although Reverend Billy Graham called the Tenth District home, he brought the gospel to every corner of the globe. This is a legacy that will touch millions for years to come. This article from the Asheville Citizen-Times and this article from the Gaston Gazette highlight his dedication to spreading the word of Christ around the world and some of the countless lives he touched along the way. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to share with WLOS News 13 how honored and humbled I was to serve as Reverend Billy Graham’s Congressman. To watch my interview click here or on the image below.
On Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that Reverend Graham would lay in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol this coming Wednesday. In light of his work and his service to the country it is wholly befitting that our nation recognizes his life and legacy by according him this honor. I was proud and humbled to have introduced a House Concurrent Resolution, with my North Carolina colleagues in the House of Representatives, that will authorize the use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for Reverend Billy Graham to lie in honor. The U.S. Capitol will be open to the public from 1 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, February 28, for all of those who wish to pay their respects to Reverend Graham. Click here or on the image below to read my full statement and learn more about Wednesday's event to honor Reverend Graham.
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Tax Reform is Helping the Tenth District
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Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act over 300 business all across the country have been passing out bonuses, investing in communities, and helping hardworking families. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit several of the western North Carolina businesses that are passing the benefits they've received from tax reform back to families and workers in the Tenth District.
I began the week on Tuesday with a tour of the Apple Data Center in Maiden. Some of the data center's employees will benefit directly from Apple's recent announcement that it would be passing out $2,500 bonuses thanks to the the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. To learn more about their plan click here.
On Wednesday, I visited Thermo Fisher Scientific's Asheville facility to learn more about their plan to use tax reform benefits to invest $50 million in employee bonuses and research development programs. You can learn more about Thermo Fisher's plan to use tax reform to help hardworking Americans here.
Then on Thursday, I stopped by a Lowe's Home Improvement store in Forest City to hear about the exciting news they had thanks to tax reform. Lowe's recently announced they would be passing out one-time bonuses of $1,000 to employees all across the country including their employees right here in the Tenth District. Click here to learn more about their announcement.
Finally on Friday, I was at Cavendish Brewing where I had the opportunity to talk to owner Scott Cavendish about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was affecting his craft brewing business and the other benefits of tax reform. Click here to read about Friday's visit in this article from the Gaston Gazette.
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A Busy Week in the Tenth District
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Last week was a busy week back home in western North Carolina. I began my week in Catawba County where, on Tuesday, I stopped by the Catawba County Justice Center in Newton. I learned about their recent expansion, which included many improvements, like updating emergency service systems, that will benefit the lives of those living in Catawba County. You can read more about my tour here via the Hickory Daily Record.
I ended Tuesday by attending a flag presentation honoring Eagle Scout Gerhardt Rheeder in Conover. For his Eagle Scout project, Gerhardt researched every Conover military veteran killed in action and created a memorial to these heroes in Conover Station. Congratulations Eagle Scout Rheeder.
Wednesday began in Black Mountain with a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant check presentation to the Town of Black Mountain. The $827,580 grant will help create 551 jobs in Buncombe County. Town Manager Matt Settlemeyer, Mayor Don Collins, and Alderman Larry Harris are pictured.
Following the grant check presentation, I had lunch with the Council of Independent Business Owners in Asheville where we had a productive discussion on the benefits of tax reform and other issues that impact small businesses right here in western North Carolina.
That afternoon, I stopped by the the News Radio 570 studio for an interview on the Pete Kaliner Show. During the interview, Pete and I reflected on the life and legacy of Reverend Billy Graham. You can listen to Wednesday's interview by clicking here.
Afterwards, came a visit to the Mountain Area Pregnancy Services in Asheville. While there I learned about new counseling programs, which have recently started, and I toured their new memorial garden. I was also honored to present Deb Woods, the CEO of Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to thank her for her 15 years of dedicated service to the organization.
Midday on Thursday, I was in Spindale, where I joined the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for their Lunch and Learn program. While there, I addressed and then took questions from business leaders in Rutherford County.
Friday morning began with the Cleveland County Executive Leaders prayer breakfast at the Dover Foundation YMCA in Shelby where I spoke with county leaders about the issues facing the area.
After breakfast Friday morning, I attended the Free Tax File event hosted by the Computer and Communications Industry Association at Cleveland Community College in Shelby. The briefing and demonstration discussed the benefits of free tax preparation services available through the IRS and North Carolina Free File Programs.
Later Friday morning, I was able to visit some classrooms at the Pinnacle Classical Academy in Shelby. There I met with with students, teachers, and administrators to learn about the exciting things happening at Pinnacle. You can read more about my visit to Pinnacle here in the Shelby Star.
I wrapped up my busy week Friday afternoon with a tour of the Warlick Family YMCA to learn more about their role in Gastonia and the Gaston County community.
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What I Have Been Reading: Remembering Reverend Graham |
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Graham remembered at Red Bridges Barbecue
Shelby Star
Really enjoyed this story from the Shelby Star honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Graham and highlighting the impact he had right here in western North Carolina. Click on the link above to read about one of his favorite barbecue restaurants, Shelby's Red Bridges Barbecue, and how Reverend Graham not only touched the lives of millions of people across the globe but also had a powerful impact on the lives of those right here in the Tenth District.
'He was God's spokesman for this generation'
Gaston Gazette
In 1996 Reverend Graham held a Crusade right here in western North Carolina. Former Gastonia Baptist minister Dr. Robert Shaw was one of the 33,000 people who attended the Charlotte Crusade and this week, he reflected on the powerful message Reverend Graham had to share.
Pounding pulpits and capturing hearts, Billy Graham was a minister to millions
Asheville Citizen-Times
Wonderful article that honors the life and legacy of Reverend Billy Graham and the many lives he touched around the world, including former U.S. Presidents. It also provides us with a look at who he was as a father, a friend, and a beloved citizen of western North Carolina. The Asheville Citizen-Times also has a wonderful tribute to the life and legacy of Reverend Graham filled with many articles, which you can read by clicking here.
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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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