Donald Davis

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, as part of the ``America 250'' celebrations, I honor the rich tapestry of history that is Indian Woods and Bertie County, North Carolina. As the community's residents commemorate America's Semiquincentennial, let us reflect upon 250 years of resilience, progress, and unity that have shaped the country. Indian Woods is a community with an extraordinary history that dates back hundreds of years, predating the arrival of Europeans in North Carolina. The residents of this roughly ten-square-mile area of southern Bertie County, situated between the Roanoke River and Roquist Creek, have fought in many of our Nation's historical conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, and lived through significant eras and transformations. It is one of America's original ``melting pots'' of Native American, European, and African peoples, which today form a single enduring community. In honor of this rich history and as part of the America 250 celebrations, the Blue Jay Recreation Center hosted the historical educational event: ``Bertie's Forgotten Black and Native Patriots of the Revolutionary War,'' on October 3 and 4, 2025. In partnership with the North Carolina Department of Cultural and Natural Resources, the Indian Woods Historical Preservation Society, the Blue Jay Recreation Center, and North Carolina Central University, the event highlighted the Revolutionary War patriots from Indian Woods and Bertie County. Thanks to the deep research of Dr. Arwin D. Smallwood on the subject, the program featured reenactments of several historical figures whose ancestral lineage included Native Americans and African ancestors: William Lowry Woods (1758 to 1847), Jacob Braveboy (1759 to 1810), and Arthur Wiggins (1761 to 1830) to name just three of the over 29 recorded from Bertie County. For the country's birthday, let us celebrate our past achievements and recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, resilience, and progress that have defined the Union. Together, let us continue to write the next chapter of the county's story, guided by the enduring spirit of those who came before us. I wish a happy Semiquincentennial to the Indian Woods Community and Bertie County. I look forward to another 250 years of heritage, community, and boundless possibility.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Rosie S. O'neal is a celebrated pastor, author, and leader, known for founding Koinonia Christian Center in Greenville in 1989 and the Koinonia Fellowship of Churches and Ministries. She retired from her role as senior pastor on December 14, 2025, after 37 years to focus on mentoring, speaking, and writing, emphasizing practical, relatable faith and community outreach to pastors. As a cancer survivor, devoted biological and spiritual mother, and influential voice for Christ, she emphasizes these priorities. Born in Germany in 1965, O'neal was adopted by Norman and Joann Standifer and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, receiving a loving, stable home. She gave her life to Christ at age 16 at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where her grandfather was pastor. While attending East Carolina University, she answered the call to ministry, preaching her first sermon at 17, focusing on evangelism and outreach. Bishop O'neal founded KCC in 1989 with seven members, growing it into a vibrant ministry of over 2,500 people, known for its ``keep it real'' approach. She also established the KFCM organization to mentor, support, and train pastors, overseeing numerous churches across states and internationally. She is married to Toiriste Winifred O'neal, Sr. and they have two sons. She is known for her love of family, friends, and even riding motorcycles.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a century of excellence by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chi Omega Chapter located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The Chi Omega Chapter was chartered under the leadership of Anna Easter Brown, one of the original 16 founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The chapter is home to Ruth Anderson Smith, who has served as a member for over 75 years and is 103 years old. She is a Chi Omega Diamond. There are three Chi Omega Pearls who served for over 65 years in membership, with 12 over 50 years who are Golden Members. That is 100 years of membership, educational support, health advocacy, and steadfast commitment to our HBCUs and transforming lives and strengthening eastern North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate everyone who came to celebrate this amazing celebration of 100 years.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Thurston Quinn, who turned 100 years old. Mr. Quinn has been a central figure in our veterans community. He served in the 89th Infantry Division during World War II, fighting in France and Germany. He had a distinguished service career, receiving two Bronze Stars, a Combat Infantry Badge, and an Occupation Badge. When the war ended, he returned home, and he continued to serve his community. Mr. Quinn's legacy is preserved at the Disabled American Veterans office in Goldsboro, where the cafeteria bears his name. What a true American hero. It was a pleasure to join his family and friends at his church to wish him a 100th birthday.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Tarboro High School Viking football team is North Carolina's 2A State champion. The Vikings completed an amazing, undefeated 15-0 season. The victory marked the program's 10th State championship title and back-to-back title wins. He may go all the way, indeed. Senior Kamerin McDowell-Moore went all the way. He was named the game's MVP, recording 15 tackles and 17 carries for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns. Coach Jeff Craddock is the absolute GOAT. Many thanks to Principal Terry Hopkins, coaches, parents, the Tarboro community, and the entire Viking family for their incredible support. Mr. Speaker, when our student-athletes succeed, the entire community wins. What a victory for the Vikings.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Congress has the opportunity to save Christmas. As millions across the country face the uncertainty and anxiety about their health coverage, without congressional action, the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act will soon expire, leading to higher costs and risking healthcare coverage for some altogether. It will force families off health plans and add to the burden on our rural health centers with unpaid care that they are already experiencing at the time that Members of Congress prepare to go home for Christmas to their families with the certainty of their own coverage. It is just not right. There are bipartisan proposals to address this crisis, and I thank my colleagues who have been working around the clock to find a solution and who have not lost sight of why our constituents have sent us here: to work for them, to work for solutions. One of the greatest gifts Congress can give to families back home is accountability and coverage.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, here is the scoreboard. It seems the game of mid-decade redistricting is still ongoing. I commend Indiana for recognizing that this isn't good for democracy, and it is not good for our country. It is wrong for Democrats and it is wrong for Republicans to draw maps mid-decade for the sole purpose of putting up points on the scoreboard, which is why I introduced the RESET Act and call on Congress to pass it. Congress must restore electoral stability to enhance trust. With elections every other year, imagine assemblies across the country waiting to see the results, only to redraw the congressional districts to run up the points. The people deserve better. The people deserve their voices to be heard. We must put our constituents first. Stop the political gamesmanship and bring this redistricting madness to an end.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, with the House's authorization of the National Defense Authorization Act, we are actively safeguarding the American people and making strategic investments in eastern North Carolina. At Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, we authorized $54 million for the child development center. During multiple base visits, we toured the existing center, which is in dire need of repair, met with staff, and visited the precious children of our servicemembers, who are in dire need of this support. We also authorized $41 million for Seymour Johnson's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Complex to ensure our airmen are ready to deploy. Additionally, we authorized a timeline extension for the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Flightline Utilities Modernization project in full support of our F-35s. Our investments here in eastern North Carolina will not only strengthen our economy but also contribute to America's safety.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, many farmers and producers are in dire need of help, facing hardship because of decisions made beyond their control. At kitchen tables right now, farmers are often forced to make unthinkable choices, like shutting down a farm that has been in their family for generations. For farm families, relief is not their preference, but right now, it is urgently needed for survival. The recently announced assistance package is a step in the right direction, but some growers, such as tobacco, are being left behind. Others are left fighting to figure it out amongst themselves. Short-term aid only tackles part of the problem, but we need balanced trade policies and certainty, or else many farms may be at risk.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, to the chair and the ranking member, I thank them for their work and their leadership that has gotten us here today. I also thank the ranking member for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of the 2026 NDAA. It is an essential piece of legislation that underscores our commitment to ensuring that we uphold the safety and security of the American people. The 2026 NDAA is a reflection of many of our priorities. When we talk about about priorities, especially in eastern North Carolina, I visited our child development center, and part of the funds we see in this bill are going to help Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. When I think about the work that is needed at Cherry Point, there are specific efforts in here that help this community through the Flightline Utility Modernization Project, as well. Let me say what really is important, when we talk about affordability, is to see this 3.8 percent pay raise for the men and women who are serving us well. This is going to help them at the checkout counter. I stand in full support of this bill.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our farmers are the heart and soul of eastern North Carolina. They wake up before the sun rises, working hard to put food on the tables across this country and to keep our local economy strong. Right now they are facing real and growing pressure. Tariffs are hitting many of our farmers hard. Costs are climbing, markets are shifting, and it is getting harder and harder for them to make ends meet. It is as if they are fighting with one hand tied behind their backs, and they can't keep taking it under the chin. We can't sit back and watch our farm families, who feed this country, get pushed to the brink. Their livelihoods are hanging in the balance, and they deserve more than words. They deserve action. We need fair, balanced trade policies that strengthen our agricultural communities so our farmers can thrive and not just survive. We must not sit back, but that means we need tariff-relief assistance so our farmers can stay open and our rural economy can be strong. Our farmers have always had our backs. We must have their backs.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Thanksgiving brought families together to enjoy delicious meals and some of us are still recovering. There were two fortunate turkeys, one named ``Gobble,'' the other ``Waddle,'' from Travis and Amanda Pittman's farm in Wayne County, North Carolina, and they were selected for a Presidential pardon. They went on a journey from the East to the White House. They even stayed at The Willard InterContinental hotel and now at North Carolina State University. Although, Gobble and Waddle survived the dinner table, they shine a light on the dedication of our agriculture community and the hard work that is taking place with companies such as Butterball and the National Turkey Federation. Farmers allow for these longstanding traditions, and we must never forget it. Let us take a moment to recognize eastern North Carolina farmers and those across our country. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to honor the Pittmans and Gobble and Waddle as they strut their stuff now with the Wolfpack.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about rural America and the challenges it is facing. People back home in eastern North Carolina are concerned about the lack of investment in rural communities, programs that are hard to access, high input costs, low return on their crops, and increasing debt just to keep the farm open. That is why I am introducing two key bills to strengthen rural communities and family farms. The Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act will provide necessary technical assistance for rural communities to improve access to rural development programs. The Farm Transitions Act of 2025 will reauthorize the Commission on Farm Transitions and require it to release a report with recommendations to help farms transition to the next generation. These bills will make it easier to access rural development programs and for our next generation of farmers to keep our rich agricultural tradition alive.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, members of my team and I have recently traveled to all 22 counties in North Carolina's First Congressional District, all on the same day, in what we call Pies of Thanks. At each stop we delivered pecan, apple, and pumpkin pies to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, and our 911 telecommunicators. These dedicated public servants are the backbone of safety and emergency care in our communities. They work long hours, often on weekends and holidays, answering the call during some of life's most difficult times for families. Thanksgiving offered us a moment to pause and to honor these heroes. A simple pie may be small, but it carries a heartfelt message: To all of our first responders, the people of eastern North Carolina see you, appreciate you, and are grateful for you.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I pay special tribute to my friend, A.B. Swindell, who peacefully passed on October 23. A proud son of eastern North Carolina, A.B. was an Army veteran, a 50-year mason, a lifelong outdoorsman, a talented storyteller, and a committed public servant. He built a distinguished career as a beloved teacher and wrestling coach, served on the Oxford City Council, served as an assistant to Representative Tim Valentine, and served a decade in the North Carolina State Senate. He was well known for not only his humor and grit but also his practical leadership, deep respect for education, his lapel pin, and unwavering advocacy for eastern North Carolina. A.B. was devoted to his best friend and wife, Diane; his children, Russ, Walton, William Joseph; and grandchildren, who knew him as Pop. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Diane. Regardless of all the talk of Ms. Frances, you know who he loved, and he was happy to enjoy life with you. To his family: I am grateful to have known A.B., and we are fortunate for his remarkable life of service.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I honor the life and legacy of Louis Pate, Jr., a former North Carolina senator from Mount Olive who passed on August 29 at 88 years old. Louis' journey began in Duplin County. He would later serve 20 years in the United States Air Force, including time as a navigator on a B-57 during Vietnam. After his military career, Louis returned home to continue serving. He served as the mayor of Mount Olive, in the North Carolina House of Representatives, and later in the State senate, serving as deputy president pro tem. Louis' greatest accomplishment above all was being a devoted husband for 59 years to Joyce and being a loving father to their children, Lisa, Chip, and Frances. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside Louis, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to Joyce and the Pate family.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we recently celebrated veterans across the country, H.R. 5939, the USMC Helicopter Support in Vietnam Congressional Gold Medal Act, would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Vietnam-era Marine Corps and Navy veterans who performed vital helicopter support missions. These flight crews executed incredibly risky and dangerous operations. They successfully carried out lifesaving medical evacuations, transporting approximately 189,000 servicemembers. Recognizing those who put their lives in harm's way to help out our wounded is long overdue. With the enactment of this bill, Congress can and must take the crucial step toward finally giving these brave veterans the hero's welcome they so deserve.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, many in eastern North Carolina and throughout the Nation who purchased healthcare through the ACA marketplace are deeply worried about rising premiums. As open enrollment is underway, constituents remain uncertain and are in a holding pattern, waiting to see if Congress will fix it. Many are experiencing emotional distress, including a mother who even broke down in tears. Some are considering changing their coverage or foregoing it altogether. Some are considering taking on multiple jobs or even tapping into lines of home equity to fill the gap if Congress fails to act. I have signed on to a discharge petition, calling to extend ACA premium tax credits. I have also signed on to a bipartisan letter to Senators in support of a real solution. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to the people of eastern North Carolina and our Nation. Members of Congress who have health insurance should not deny coverage to hardworking families.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share concerns I have heard from people back home. I have traveled across eastern North Carolina, and residents have pulled me aside. They have texted our office. They have called or emailed, and many conveyed the same concern about rural healthcare. We have already seen the closure of Martin General Hospital. We are working hard to reopen it as a rural emergency hospital. Eastern North Carolinians face some of the greatest healthcare disparities in our State. Nearly 70,000 in my district rely on the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. People in rural America are struggling. Many are trying to do everything just to make ends meet while raising children. Every time it seems like we take one step forward, we are taking two or three backward. No matter if it is healthcare, trade, or infrastructure, Congress must not leave rural America behind.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life of Reverend Dr. Thomas Lorenzo Walker, a longtime minister, community activist, gospel artist, author, and dedicated public servant. After graduating from Shaw University, Reverend Walker pastored at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, for nearly 55 years. He was a great gospel artist, known for his hit ``One Day at a Time.'' He authored ``Brother to Brother; You Don't Have to Die of Prostate Cancer.'' Reverend Walker served 12 years on the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners. Residents now drive across a bridge named after him on West Raleigh Boulevard, a reminder of the bridges he built linking Edgecombe and Nash Counties in eastern North Carolina. Reverend Walker advocated for youth, voting rights, and prostate screenings. He was a cancer survivor. He was honored with our State's prestigious Order of the Longleaf Pine, various service awards, and inducted into the Twin County Hall of Fame. We mourn his passing, honor his legacy, and extend or deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to welcome franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers to our Nation's Capitol as we connect Main Streets across America. I highlight H.R. 5267, the American Franchise Act. Congress must provide stability for the franchise model of small business by aligning Federal statute with longstanding precedent. In North Carolina, there are more than 30,000 franchises, employing more than 300,000 workers and generating over $30 billion in revenue. That represents jobs, paychecks, and opportunities for families. H.R. 5267 ends the uncertainty, ensuring owners have the clarity they need to keep hiring and investing in communities across our country. It is about fairness, opportunity, and ensuring entrepreneurs from every walk of life have a real shot at living the American Dream.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our marines and airmen are extraordinary. I co-led a congressional delegation to Camp Lejeune and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base with Representative Ellzey. The V-22 Osprey, with its tilt rotor, is a remarkable aircraft with a statistically sound safety record and was the perfect ride from Onslow to Wayne County. Congress must ensure the future of our F-15Es at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Touring marine barracks, visiting the child development center at Seymour Johnson, and hearing directly from our marines and airmen reminded me why we fight every day to ensure that we have the resources, housing, and equipment that it takes to win anywhere, anytime. Our servicemembers sacrifice so much for our freedom. It was great seeing such dedicated servicemembers, because when we take care of our men and women in uniform and their families, we take care of the future of our country.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as students have returned to school, I had the honor of visiting the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in Wilson, North Carolina. There, I was welcomed by cheerful students, incredible teachers, and dedicated administrators and staff. I stopped by classrooms and the cafeteria to see students in action and even helped teach a math class. The Hornets remind us that education is ensuring that every child has a chance to live the American Dream. It involves creating the best learning environments possible that meet students where they are. We must keep working to build a brighter future for every child in every classroom across the Nation. I love you. Go Hornets.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have exciting news to share about a remarkable young woman, and her name is Mary Gray Hardy. The election results are in, and Mary Gray was elected as Spring Creek High School's student body president. Her victory is not just any win here. Mary Gray may be one of the few, if not the only, students with Down syndrome in our State serving as her school's student body president. Mary Gray's classmates elected her not because of her Down syndrome but because they believe in her. I have been around Mary Gray, and she is nothing but amazing. With the news of her election, it brought tears of happiness, and they flowed freely. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mary Gray--I am sorry--Madam President. Actually, that has a special ring, President Hardy. Mary Gray, keep working hard. Know that your Congressman is praying for your successful presidency and for your school. Your story is part of the American story. Mr. Speaker, Mary Gray's community, her parents, and I are incredibly proud of her.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to address a pressing issue that has affected countless families in our Nation, an issue that hits close to home. It is the heartbreaking reality faced by those who lived at Camp Lejeune, where, for decades, servicemembers and their families suffered exposure to toxic chemicals in their drinking water. From the 1950s to the mid-1980s, the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with harmful substances. This we know. For many of the brave men and women who served our country, this was a home, a place where they were supposed to feel safe and protected. Instead, they served our Nation while unknowingly putting their health and the health of their loved ones at risk. Families have suffered in silence for far too long, often for years, as they have battled illnesses without understanding the root cause. Many have died. It is time to raise our voices for these families, these veterans, these spouses, these children who have endured far too much for far too long. Congress must act to assist those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. Morally, it is the right thing to do.