Donald Davis

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share the incredible experiences from my recent ``Live the Dream Down East'' tour, a journey focused on creating economic opportunities for young professionals in eastern North Carolina. I was privileged to engage with local businessowners, medical professionals, and community stakeholders throughout my tour. We discussed the challenges they face. In Rocky Mount, local businessowners tell me about their hopes and inspiring aspirations for the future. By supporting our entrepreneurs and making them aware of available resources, we can foster an environment where businesses thrive and communities flourish. Let's continue to showcase the true spirit of the American Dream down East.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight Precision Graphics, a family-owned electronics manufacturing and fulfillment facility in Snow Hill, North Carolina, my hometown. It fills me with tremendous pride to witness our local business' growth and positive impact. Precision Graphics, located just a block from my grandmother's home where I was raised, holds the resilience and strength of our community. While they have encountered supply chain challenges, the outlook is improving. It is of utmost importance that we continue to support businesses like Precision Graphics and our STEM programs. We must restore hope and help young people across eastern North Carolina, rural America, and our country to live the American Dream. Let's come together and work toward empowering our local businesses, fostering job creation, and contributing to the prosperity of our Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I represent nearly 50,000 veterans across North Carolina's First Congressional District, more than 10,000 of whom sustained injuries while serving our country. Because of their sacrifice, I introduced a bipartisan Veteran Caregiver Application and Appeals Reform Act of 2023, or the CARE Act of 2023, for the specific purpose of helping to repay our veterans who can never fully be repaid. The CARE Act, introduced with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Congressman Juan Ciscomani of Arizona, allows veterans service organizations and other accredited agents to advocate for disabled veterans while directing the VA to hire medical specialists to review applications. We must allow servicemembers who nearly died for this country to assess the resources they need to apply for assistance. We must always keep our country's promises to our heroes in eastern North Carolina and across this Nation.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before you, honored to share the progress we have made in improving the lives of eastern North Carolinians. Together we have cosponsored 100 bipartisan bills that address our communities' most pressing needs. My commitment to put aside partisanship and focus on our shared values is stronger than ever. Working together, we can accelerate job creation, expand educational opportunities, and champion affordable healthcare for families across the First Congressional District. This isn't just about the present, but it is about creating a brighter future for the next generation. With every bill I cosponsor, I envision a community where our children have boundless opportunities to succeed. I am immensely proud of the bipartisan progress we have achieved. Mr. Speaker, let's continue to bridge divides, forge new pathways, and create a legacy of positive change that will inspire generations to come.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Matthew Paciullo, a student at South Central High School in Pitt County, and the winner of North Carolina First Congressional District Artistic Discovery Contest. Matthew, who won first place, took inspiration from his father, Zachary, whose love of rock music led to the creation of this remarkable masterpiece titled, ``Liberty.'' Through his artistic work, Matthew transformed recycled Styrofoam into a creative piece that captures the spirit of liberty. I commend all the participants for their outstanding work and contribution to the artistic landscape of our community because it fosters creativity and self-expression. Together, let us continue to support and nurture the next generation of artists who inspire creativity and enrich our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Matthew and all competition winners. They rock.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, I introduce the bipartisan Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act of 2023 with Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia. Currently, 27 States, including North Carolina, have adopted this symbol in honor of those killed in action. By supporting the Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act, we can help the families of these fallen servicemembers find closure. On behalf of these families, I ask all Members of Congress to support this vital legislation. Together, let us affirm our unwavering commitment to honoring and remembering our courageous and brave heroes who have given their lives for our freedom and democracy.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with immense joy to celebrate the 32nd season opener of the Jackie Robinson Baseball League at Thomas Foreman Park in Greenville, North Carolina. This occasion reminds us of sports' impact on our youth and communities across America. During the opening ceremony, we honored the memory of Jayceon Epps, a remarkable young player whose jersey number 6 was retired. Although tragedy took him from us far too soon, his spirit lives in the hearts of our community. Police Chief Ted Sauls was the guest speaker and threw out the first pitch. The Jackie Robinson Baseball League goes far beyond the game itself. It instills values, fosters friendships, and provides mentorship opportunities for our children. Thanks to the commissioner, coaches, families, this community, and above all, the talented players who make this possible. Have a great season.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Walstonburg, North Carolina, a town of 208 residents in my district, is a shining example of the best of small-town USA. This past weekend, the Walstonburg American Legion Post 332 hosted the town's 15th annual Proud to be an American Day, a way this tight- knit community uplifts and honors our country's veterans, Active Duty servicemembers, and fallen military members. This Proud to be an American Day was the first, however, without the late former Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr., and everyone missed his presence. Mr. Speaker, this community proves making a difference doesn't require size, only passion.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, we are the most powerful country, and we are less than a week away from defaulting on our debt. We should all be outraged, and we should all be here. Constituents in North Carolina's First Congressional District will feel the impact immediately and long term if we default. North Carolina's First Congressional District has over 174,000 residents who would lose Social Security payments, and nearly 50,000 veterans, our heroes who protect our communities and defend our freedoms, would see payments slashed. As we prepare to honor those who died in military service, the best way that we can help their surviving family members and those that they served with is by Congress fulfilling its obligation to pay its bills now.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I represent nearly 50,000 veterans across North Carolina's First Congressional District. North Carolina ranks 10th in the Nation for veteran-owned small businesses. During Small Business Week, I introduced a bipartisan package of veterans' legislation to repay our veterans for their sacrifice and selfless service. The first, the Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act, introduced with Congressman Zach Nunn of Iowa, provides veterans starting small businesses with a 15 percent tax credit on the first $50,000 of startup costs. The second, the Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act, introduced with Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, closes a loophole in an existing law that failed to provide Coast Guard servicemembers with the same tax benefits afforded to others. Investing in our brave veterans while helping the communities that need it most should be our highest priority.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, defaulting on our debt is not an option and would only cause economic uncertainty for eastern North Carolina and rural America at a time when most are just trying to break even. According to recent reports, a default would kick nearly 96,000 families across the First District off of food and health programs at a time when they can least afford it. It would also jeopardize benefits that support nearly 50,000 veterans in my district, causing delays in the delivery of care and poor health outcomes for our Nation's heroes. A default that lasts as little as 6 weeks would result in nearly 7 million jobs lost, doubling the unemployment rate to 8 percent. Mr. Speaker, we must focus on keeping America's full faith and credit intact.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I traveled to the southern border to witness the challenges firsthand. First and foremost, I thank the Brownsville port of entry field operation officers and Border Patrol agents at the central processing center in McAllen for working around the clock to ensure our Nation is secure. While in Texas, I witnessed a drug bust, asylum seekers, and an unaccompanied minor in detention. I heard about the strain on the men and women fighting to keep our citizens safe. Mr. Speaker, one officer told me you could double the workforce tomorrow, and there would still be plenty of work. These workers are doing more with less, so we must ensure they have the technology, infrastructure, and recruitment tools to help secure our border most effectively. Immigration reform must be safe, orderly, and humane.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we must act on the border security crisis. However, with a divided Congress, we can act only on a bipartisan basis to be successful. Any immigration reform needs to reflect our shared American values and the needs of our modern economy. We must set aside the partisan infighting and unite for the greater good and strength of our country. On border security, I said it was a priority to travel to the southern border to see the challenges for myself. That is why I am heading to the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas-Mexico border today to do just that.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, over the course of our country's history, generations of American servicemembers have made remarkable sacrifices to defend the freedoms we hold dear. As we celebrate Armed Forces week, I ask for everyone across our country to join me in saluting the men and women who protect us, defend our freedoms, and safeguard the world from danger. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, our servicemembers and military families hold a special place in my heart, and I will always fight to ensure they receive the respect and honor they deserve. Madam Speaker, to the men and women who serve our Nation, I thank them for their selfless service.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America should always pay its bills, and we must do everything under the Sun to avoid a default. Failure to do so would trigger massive job loss, a recession, and rising costs. Mr. Speaker, our national debt is over $31 trillion, and we must look at ways while working together, Democrats and Republicans, to get this under control. I encourage the President and congressional leaders to put the American people first. We must depoliticize debt ceiling negotiations. Mr. Speaker, eastern North Carolinians elected me to fight for higher-paying jobs, policies that will boost our economy, and to end high prices. A default goes against all of this, and it would only make life harder for my constituents.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor our brave men and women in law enforcement as we celebrate their service during National Police Week. This week, we must acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve our communities by honoring the fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price. Madam Speaker, rural America has many challenges, and policing is among them because of underinvestment. That is why I am fighting to bring home nearly $3 million in support for the towns of Ayden, Elizabeth City, Plymouth, and Greenville to ensure they have the resources they need to safeguard our communities. I am also proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act which will provide critical investments to local police departments across eastern North Carolina to keep their officers and communities safe. Madam Speaker, I join the First Congressional District in extending my deepest gratitude to the men and women who protect our neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, and ensure public safety.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently, I held farm bill listening sessions across North Carolina's First Congressional District, making stops in Hertford, Nash, Pitt, and Wilson Counties to hear directly from our local agriculture community about their priorities in the 2023 farm bill. Mike Belch, a local farmer, stressed the importance of protecting crop insurance. Beth Farrell spoke about the need to ensure conservation programs meet the needs of our growers. Joe Martin raised concerns about pricing, that pricing must keep up with inflation. Maxine White and many others talked about wanting to see more technology used in the field to ensure the next generation of growers can effectively and efficiently create new ways to do what they do best: feed and clothe America. I am proud to deliver surveys from eastern North Carolinians to be submitted for the official record for the 2023 farm bill. I also heard about the need to address the labor crisis, including addressing the H-2A system. I will keep fighting for our agriculture community.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express concern with H.R. 2, legislation that would place at risk United States agriculture. H.R. 2, with the E-Verify provision in particular, does not address the workforce crisis and could cause a $60 billion drop in production, resulting in a 5 to 6 percent increase in prices at the grocery store when many families across America are still struggling to make it from week to week. We must develop real solutions to the labor crisis facing our farmers, ranchers, and growers. During a tour at Warren Farms, and speaking with farmers across eastern North Carolina, this is what they are telling me: Enough is enough. People are fed up with divided D.C. politics. Our government must get out of the way of hardworking people. We should take H.R. 2, as drafted, off the table so our farmers can continue putting food on the table for households across this great country. Congress' inaction to address the labor crisis will result in farmers losing their livelihoods. I am here. I am right here to work with anyone who wants to make life better for eastern North Carolina, rural America, and the American people. We can secure the border. However, we cannot secure the border while creating so much insecurity for our farm families. Mr. Speaker, I am standing with American farmers.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise during Military Appreciation Month to highlight an eastern North Carolina native and a true American hero. United States Air Force Technical Sergeant William H. Gonzalez of my hometown, Snow Hill, North Carolina, was on the way home after picking up his mother from the airport when he saw a woman lose control of her vehicle and veer into a pond off Interstate 587. Mr. Speaker, as a fearless airman with 9 years of service, Gonzalez didn't hesitate and leaped into action. He dove into the pond, brought the woman back to consciousness, and helped her safely escape from her submerged vehicle. This Military Appreciation Month, we salute all of our brave men and women in uniform. Today, I ask for people across America to join me in saluting Technical Sergeant William Gonzalez.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, food security is national security. The late House Committee on Agriculture chair, Harold Cooley, once said: ``Bread and butter rather than bullets and bayonets are the most powerful weapons in our arsenal.'' We must ensure that the next generation of agricultural leaders know how to advocate and make their voices heard for the future of eastern North Carolina and rural America. In that spirit, I held a 2023 farm bill listening session with FFA students at Beddingfield High School in Wilson, North Carolina, to discuss agriculture's most pressing needs. Each student sat down with me and addressed their top priorities, ranging from biomedicine research to nutrition, rural development, and everything in between. They completed surveys to be submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture to be a part of the official Record. Mr. Speaker, bread and butter are indeed our most important arsenal, along with our students who are our future. We are only as great as the next generation.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. The Tribe has over 4,000 members living in the First Congressional District of North Carolina. The Tribe, led by their fearless Chief Richardson, welcomed people near and far as they celebrated 58 years of State recognition. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of attending the Haliwa-Saponi Pow-Wow in Hollister, one of the largest pow-wows in the State. The Pow-Wow, the first in 3 years because of COVID, celebrates a rich history and strong cultural heritage filled with traditions passed down from generation to generation. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to announce that I will soon introduce legislation calling for their Federal recognition.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America must pay its bills and must not default. Failure to do so would trigger massive job loss, a recession, and rising costs. Congress must raise the debt limit, as previously done on a bipartisan basis. This cannot and should not fall on the backs of eastern North Carolinians, rural Americans, and the American people. Mr. Speaker, we must not engage in the politics of division and uncertainty. We must always protect the full faith and credit of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I hope we can come to a bipartisan resolution to deliver for eastern North Carolina and America.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, from cropping tobacco in the fields of eastern North Carolina to now walking the Halls of Congress, I am most grateful for the opportunity to work for the people of North Carolina's First Congressional District and our future generations. We are a little over 100 days into the 118th Congress. I have rolled up my sleeves to work hard for eastern North Carolina, rural America, and the American people. My highest priority remains the people of North Carolina's First Congressional District. I have traveled from Elizabeth City to Henderson, Greenville to Columbia, and everywhere in between, visiting all 19 counties. While there, I pushed to expand Medicaid and stood up for our farmers. I am proud to sponsor three critical pieces of legislation and have sponsored 40 bipartisan pieces of legislation. Our office has already resolved over 200 constituent cases. I look forward to continuing working to guarantee future generations can live the American Dream in eastern North Carolina.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Food Bank of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Since the food bank started serving its local community 40 years ago, it has been striving to ensure neighbors, friends, and families always have a meal. Since its early days, the Food Bank of the Albemarle has distributed more than 46 million meals to hungry men, women, and children in 15 counties across northeast North Carolina. What started as a small, humble operation has become an essential food source for the region. The food bank is well on its way to becoming a ``nutrition bank,'' as it now boasts a newly expanded facility, including a Teaching Kitchen. On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the Food Bank hosted a 40th-anniversary celebration for the community, which included a tour of the new facility, food to enjoy, and the return of their renowned Sort-A-Rama food packing competition: ``Pack Madness.'' The competition consisted of twelve teams bagging up as many apples as possible in under 45 minutes--some healthy competition is always good when it ultimately helps feed our local communities. The Food Bank of the Albemarle and its volunteers have made it their mission to help anyone in need, and northeastern North Carolina is better because of it. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Food Bank of the Albemarle on its 40 years of service. I know volunteers will continue their phenomenal work, and I cannot wait for them to celebrate another 40 years of service to the region.

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina

Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss a topic important to the people of North Carolina's First Congressional District: addressing access to healthcare. April is Medicaid Awareness Month, and I was honored to kick it off with my fellow State Medicaid Expansion Caucus co-chairs and Protect Our Care. North Carolina has passed critical legislation that Governor Roy Cooper has signed into law, creating a pathway to expanding Medicaid in our State, showing the significance and power of bipartisanship. Mr. Speaker, nearly 100,000 eastern North Carolinians would have access to healthcare that would come as a result. There would be a creation of roughly 3,000 jobs in one of the most economically distressed parts of the State while saving our rural hospitals. Mr. Speaker, nearly 2 million Americans remain trapped in a coverage gap. Medicaid Awareness Month is the perfect time to make a bipartisan appeal. Let us work together to close that gap so that the greater good of Americans will benefit.