Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution. Our Nation's veterans have served our Nation honorably. They and their families have sacrificed for our freedoms. Today, they are calling on us to support their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms and to ensure that they can protect themselves and their families. Will you answer the call? Mr. Speaker, everyone in this Chamber, both Republicans and Democrats, say that we support our Nation's veterans. Now is the chance to prove it. Today, we can block an overreaching regulation by ATF on pistol braces. We can defend the rights of our veterans. We can defend the rights of all law-abiding gun owners. A new regulation by President Biden's ATF on pistol braces has turned millions of combat-wounded veterans and law-abiding citizens into felons overnight. Before my colleagues cast a vote today, I want you to know the story of how the pistol brace was developed. Several years ago, a combat-wounded veteran went to a local gun range with his buddy. However, he was asked to leave due to his lack of control over the pistol because of his combat wounds. After leaving the range, his buddy went home and created the first pistol brace concept so that his friend and other combat-wounded veterans could exercise their constitutional right to protect themselves, their families, and their homes and could participate in shooting sports again, even on pistol platforms that were otherwise too cumbersome for a disabled shooter to use. Two years ago, I held a press conference outside of this U.S. Capitol with a group of combat-wounded veterans from around the country, including Army veteran Rick Cicero. They came to share how devastating a new regulation from President Joe Biden's ATF would be on veterans. Cicero lost his right leg and right arm due to an IED explosion while serving our country in Afghanistan. As a son of a firearms instructor and longtime shooter, he didn't want to give up his Second Amendment rights. In Rick's own words that day: ``The most important thing to me about this brace [is it] is another avenue of getting injured veterans out of the house. . . . And it helps to maintain a bit of confidence that you are still able to do something.'' Veterans like Rick Cicero served our country and put their bodies literally on the line for us and for our families. Starting this month, the ATF has taken away their God-given rights protected by our Constitution. It is outrageous. Since the creation of the brace, the ATF has repeatedly approved stabilizing brace designs. As recently as July 2018, the ATF said a brace used ``to assist shooters in stabilizing a handgun while shooting with a single hand . . . is not considered a shoulder stock and therefore may be attached to a handgun without making an NFA firearm.'' As a result of those former decisions, tens of millions of Americans already legally owned pistols with stabilizing braces. Yet, the ATF's new rule requires owners of the device to either remove or destroy them or register the braced firearms with the ATF as short-barreled rifles. For those combat-wounded veterans in New York and Connecticut, which don't allow short-barreled rifles, you have no option. You can't register that brace. This registration process involves submitting fingerprints and identifying information as well as photographs of the owner and the firearm. Additionally, the registration will require a $200 tax stamp. The 120-day grace period is well short of previous grace periods where a gun was reclassified under the NFA. In fact, back in 1994, the last time a weapon was reclassified, they had over 6 years to reregister that weapon. This has led to less compliance and leads me to speculate whether the ATF instituted a short timeline by design. Either way, these regulations are especially difficult for servicemembers deployed overseas, like so many in my district. If they are overseas when the deadline hit the end of last month, they are unable to register their firearms. They are now felons. Think about that. They are serving us overseas, and we have now labeled them a felon. This travesty illustrates the dangers of an unchecked Federal agency that is willing to go around Congress and the millions of constituents we represent. Our constituents are fed up. They are sick and tired of unelected bureaucrats making up new laws and calling them regulations. I say enough is enough. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), for partnering with me on this important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 245, and YEA on Roll Call No. 246.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Hildreth as the Moore County Schools Alternate Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hildreth is an experienced English Language Arts teacher at Crain's Creek Middle School. When needed, he also serves the school district as an alternate teacher. Over the course of his 27 years as an educator, he has exhibited outstanding leadership and commitment in providing his students with an excellent foundation in the studies of literature and poetry, in addition to this prestigious award, Mr.Hildreth also has been recognized as Crain's Creek Middle School Teacher of the Year. It is imperative that we acknowledge individuals like him who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that educators put into developing our youth for a successful future. I am extremely grateful for his efforts and encouragement which have touched and benefited the lives of so many. Mr. Hildreth has led by example throughout his career and has made immeasurable contributions to our community. Crain's Creek Middle School and other schools throughout the district are better today because of his passion and hard work. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for his dedicated service to our youth and wish him the best as he continues to educate and inspire those in his classroom. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Mr. Mark Hildreth for being named Moore County Schools Alternate Teacher of the Year.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Jennifer Blake as the Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year. Ms. Blake is a third-grade teacher at Carthage Elementary School. She credits her own student experience as her inspiration for becoming a teacher. Following the example set by her own educators growing up, Ms. Blake works diligently to provide third-grade students with an excellent academic foundation as well as serve as a trusted mentor for students as they develop important life skills. It is imperative that we acknowledge individuals like her who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that educators put into developing our youth for a successful future. I am extremely grateful for her efforts and encouragement which have touched and benefited the lives of so many. Ms. Blake has led by example throughout her career and has made impactful contributions to our community. Carthage Elementary School is better today because of her passion and hard work. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for her dedicated service to our youth and wish her the best as she continues to educate and inspire those in her classroom. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Ms. Jennifer Blake for being named Moore County Schools Teacher of the Year.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Debbie Warren as the Moore County Schools Principal of the Year. Ms. Warren is an experienced educator who has devoted her career to fostering excellence in education for the youth in our community. She began her impressive 36-year tenure with Moore County Schools as an exceptional children teacher at Robbins, Westmoore, and Pinehurst elementary schools. She has since served as assistant principal at Southern Pines Elementary School, Pinecrest High School, and West Pine Middle School and as a principal at Aberdeen Elementary School and Southern Middle School prior to her position as principal at Carthage Elementary School. In addition to this prestigious award, Ms. Warren was previously recognized as the Pinehurst Elementary School Teacher of the Year as well as the school district's Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year on account of her outstanding service and leadership. Over the course of her career, Ms. Warren has made a significant impact on our community both as a teacher and an academic administrator. Carthage Elementary School and other schools throughout the district are better today because of her passion, hard work, and dedicated leadership which set an example for all to follow. It is imperative that we acknowledge those who continue to assume the high calling of serving in North Carolina's public schools. As the son of a retired schoolteacher, I have seen the tireless work that these individuals put into developing our youth for a successful future. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation for her dedicated service and wish her the best as she continues to lead and inspire those in our community. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Ms. Debbie Warren for being named Moore County Schools Principal of the Year.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 224.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the Global Road Safety Caucus to mark the 7th United Nations Global Road Safety Week (May 15-21, 2023). The number of deaths on the world's roads remains unacceptably high. Road traffic injures are a leading cause of death worldwide, with around 1.35 million people killed each year. For people aged 5-29 years, there is no greater threat to their lives. But this is not just an issue in other countries. The National Safety Council (NSC) says deaths from motor vehicles have risen 9% since 2020 in the United States, with as many as 46,270 Americans dying in vehicle crashes last year. Also, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, road crash deaths are the single greatest cause of death for U.S. citizens residing or traveling abroad. By recognizing Global Road Safety Week, we can make a difference in stemming the tide of the road crash epidemic in the United States and around the world. Ultimately, we should do everything in our power to protect the lives of all road users, and I hope to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do that. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the 7th United Nations Global Road Safety Week

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Robert Levin for his exemplary military service to our Nation during World War II. After graduating from North Carolina State College, PFC Levin was called to service after the U.S. entered World War II. He was sent to Camp Upton in New York before being relocated to Camp Wheeler in Georgia for basic training. He applied for Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, but before a new class could begin, he was sent to Baltimore to ship out overseas to North Africa as an infantryman in the 36th Division. The division moved from North Africa to Italy where PFC Levin was wounded and taken captive by the Germans in the Battle of the Rapido River near Monte Cassino. He spent 13 months as a prisoner of war at numerous prison camps, most notably Oflag 64. Here, PFC Levin was deprived of food and dug through trash cans to survive. In January 1945, he was rescued by Soviet Russian forces and later returned home to the U.S. in April. After the war, he was discharged and returned to civilian life on account of his Adjusted Service Rating Score. In recognition of his outstanding military service, PFC Levin was awarded a Purple Heart and the POW Medal for his time as an American in Prisoner of War Camps. As a civilian, he returned to North Carolina State to complete graduate study before moving to Danville, Virginia to pursue a career in the textile industry with Dan River Mills. In Danville, he met Carlene Hardy, his wife of 71 years. They now reside in Southern Pines, North Carolina. On April 30, 2023, PFC Levin turned 103 years old. His incredible service and sacrifice in World War II represent the best our Nation has to offer, and we will look up to his leadership for generations to come. On behalf of North Carolina's Ninth District and our entire country, I would like to extend him my most heartfelt appreciation for his courage and leadership. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him and his family the best going forward. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring Private First Class Robert Levin for his outstanding service and leadership during World War II.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 201, I mistakenly voted YEA when I intended to vote NAY.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Coach Todd Maness. A beloved member of our community, Coach Maness' life was marked by his dedicated mentorship as a football coach. Coach Maness' strong work ethic and passion for football were evident at a young age. A standout fullback and middle linebacker at North Moore High School, he made up for his lack of size with spirit and determination. He attended Wingate University to play football before he was injured in a car accident during his sophomore year that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this overwhelming setback, Coach Maness took up coaching to satisfy his passion for football. He served as an assistant coach for the North Moore High School football team for over 10 years before moving to coach at the middle school and youth level where he was the head coach for the Broncos in the Sandhills Optimist youth football league. Coach Maness was also a dedicated artist. Determined to continue making art after his injury, he adopted a new painting style where he held the paintbrush in his mouth to accommodate his disability. Having coached football in Moore County over the span of three decades, Coach Maness was known for his resiliency, positive attitude, and excellent leadership. In addition to instructing players on skills and strategy, he was praised for his commitment to teaching the importance of good character and sportsmanship as well as techniques to improve player safety. Through his strength and determination in the face of adversity, Coach Maness set an excellent example for his players and peers both on and off the field. Sadly, Coach Maness passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 51. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. Coach Maness' passion for football and commitment to teaching others represents the very best of our community. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and I join our entire community in gratitude as we honor his extraordinary life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Coach Todd Maness.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Senator Jim Broyhill. Sadly, Senator Broyhill recently passed away on February 18, 2023. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1950, Senator Broyhill began his career working for his family's furniture company, Broyhill Furniture Industries. He was first elected to Congress in 1962 as the representative for North Carolina's ninth congressional district, the district I am honored to represent today. He served the ninth district from 1963 to 1969. He also represented North Carolina's tenth district from 1969 to 1986 before he was appointed to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate in 1986. Over the course of his more than 23 years in Congress, Senator Broyhill was known for his dedicated constituent service and efforts to work across the aisle to achieve results for North Carolina and our nation. He served on the Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee, the Post Office and Civil Service Committee, and the Small Business Committee in the House of Representatives and the Armed Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee in the Senate. He rose to become the ranking Republican member on the House Interstate and Foreign Service Committee and was awarded ``Watchdog of the Treasury'' by the National Association for Small Business each year that he was in Congress. After his time as a federal legislator, Senator Broyhill remained dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina. Among his many impressive achievements, he served as the Chairman of the North Carolina Board of Economic Development and the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation in recognition of Senator Broyhill as we honor his extraordinary life. Through his exceptional leadership and dedicated service to North Carolina and our nation, he set an excellent example for all in public service to emulate. Senator Broyhill was an important mentor and friend to many elected leaders in North Carolina, including myself. I am greatly appreciative of the wisdom and guidance he provided me over the years. I know I speak for our entire community in extending my condolences to Senator Broyhill's family and many friends. His legacy of service will live on forever. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Senator Jim Broyhill for his exemplary service and exceptional commitment to North Carolina and our Nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Southern Pines Fire Department for 125 years of exceptional service to our community. The Southern Pines Fire Department was founded on February 13, 1898, following a devastating fire which destroyed the Central Hotel. Prior to its inception, the public was responsible for banding together with buckets of water to put out any fires. In 1916, the town bought its first chemical truck before purchasing Old Betsy, a motorized fire engine, in 1925. After many dances and community events were held to fund the department, the town purchased a new fire engine in 1935. In one of the department's most impressive accomplishments, it saved the Southland Hotel from destruction at the hands of a devastating fire in 1943 and helped all guests escape the disaster without any injuries. This heroic feat marks one of the countless acts of bravery Southern Pines firefighters have performed in the face of danger over the past 125 years. Their outstanding actions and leadership will continue to stand as an example for all first responders to emulate. I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Southern Pines Fire Department for its dependable service and sacrifice. The admirable dedication its firefighters have long extended to protect those in our community does not go unrecognized, and I know I speak for all in our community in wishing them the best as they continue to provide life-saving assistance to those in need. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the Southern Pines Fire Department for 125 years of exemplary service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Colonel Guy Kent Troy for a lifetime of exemplary service to our nation. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1946, Col. Troy was commissioned as an Armor Officer and began 30 years of dedicated military service on assignment with the Constabulary Force in Germany. In some of his most impressive achievements in the military, he would go on to serve as the Advisor for Iranian Armored and Cavalry Units in Iran, the G2, Intelligence Officer with the 25th Infantry Division during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, and the Defense Attache in Austria. Col. Troy also served in numerous other positions in Germany and the U.S. prior to retiring from the military in 1976. He then returned to his family's property in Liberty, NC, where he resides to this day, and dedicated himself to his community as a farmer after attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In addition to his distinguished military service, Col. Troy also served our nation as a world-class athlete. He was stationed at West Point in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment after returning from Germany in 1950 to train for the 1952 Modern Pentathlon Team. This event consists of horse riding and jumping, fencing, swimming, running, and pistol shooting. His team won gold in the 1951 Pan American Games and finished fourth in the 1952 Olympics in Finland. His work ethic, determination, and success on the international stage represents the very best of our nation and serves as inspiration for all. On March 15, 2023, Col. Troy will turn 100 years old. I would like to extend to him my most heartfelt appreciation for his indispensable service and leadership as an American soldier, athlete, and farmer over the course of his lifetime. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing him and his family the best going forward. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring retired Colonel Guy Kent Troy for his outstanding service and leadership to our Nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 136.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Bonnie Bell McGowan. A beloved member of our community, Mrs. McGowan's life was marked by her love for golf and her unwavering commitment to helping others achieve success through the game. Shortly before she was born, Mrs. McGowan's parents began managing and operating Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club. With their home situated on Pine Needles' 18th hole, Mrs. McGowan was heavily exposed to golf in her youth and quickly developed a love for the game. She went on to play at Pinecrest High School, Rollins College, and the University of North Carolina. While travelling with her husband, Pat McGowan, on the PGA tour, she became the president of the PGA Tour Wives Association in the mid-1980s. She later returned home to Pine Needles where she helped carry on her parents' business and worked as a golf instructor. She established her own legacy by becoming the face of Pine Needles and was well known for her thorough and dedicated coaching. In 2016, she became an assistant coach for the Sandhills Community College women's golf team. As proof of her love for the game and true desire to help all succeed on the course, she did not accept pay for her efforts and instead volunteered her time coaching the college team for 6 years. Mrs. McGowan was also active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She led The O'Neal School's FCA chapter for 10 years and supported the FCA Golf Ministry's initiatives in the golf industry. Sadly, Mrs. McGowan passed away on January 12, 2023, due to complications associated with pancreatic cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who knew and loved her. Mrs. McGowan's love for golf and commitment to teaching, supporting, and helping others represents the very best of our community. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and I join our entire community in gratitude as we honor her extraordinary life. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Bonnie Bell McGowan.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on roll call No. 41.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 85, and NAY on Roll Call No. 62.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandhills Community College President Dr. John R. Dempsey for 33 years of leadership and service within our community. President Dempsey will retire at the end of the year. President Dempsey began his career in education in 1974 as a professor and associate dean at The College of Charleston. He later served as President of Belmont Abbey College before becoming President of Sandhills Community College in 1989. His 33 year tenure is the longest at a single institution among all current community college presidents in North Carolina. President Dempsey's robust background and skillful leadership has positively transformed Sandhills Community College to better support all in our community. His tactful fundraising improved the College's endowment from $1 million to $50 million, which currently stands as the second highest among community colleges in North Carolina. He instituted the Sandhills Promise program, which provides free tuition for two years to any student from Moore or Hoke County, and the Guarantors program, which provides financial assistance to established Sandhills students who come across unexpected financial troubles. Additionally, he further developed the College's Hoke Center satellite campus by improving its facilities and instituting the SandHoke Early College in coordination with Hoke County Schools. He has overseen numerous projects on Sandhills' main campus, including the conversion of the auditorium into the multi-venue Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. President Dempsey's work has also been crucial in ensuring that instructors at the College receive proper care. He established a hierarchical system of organization to distinguish professors and associate professors, and his colleagues have widely remarked on his commitment to and success in providing instructors with necessary resources and materials. For his outstanding service, President Dempsey has been awarded many civic honors and awards. Perhaps most impressively, he became the inaugural recipient of the United Way of Moore County's Cornerstone Award in 2004. Such impressive accomplishments represent only a fraction of President Dempsey's impact on Sandhills Community College and our community more broadly. I would like to offer my most heartfelt appreciation to President Dempsey for his committed and impactful leadership, and I join our entire community in gratitude as we honor his extraordinary career. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Sandhills Community College President, Dr. John R. Dempsey for his career of exemplary leadership and service to his community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague Senator Richard Burr for 28 years of public service to the people of North Carolina. After earning his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest in 1978, Senator Burr first worked as a businessman in the wholesale commercial products field. In 1995, he began his career in public service as the representative for North Carolina's Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served on Energy and Commerce Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the International Relations Committee. After five consecutive terms in the House, he was elected to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate for three consecutive terms in 2004. 2010, and 2016. Senator Burr will retire from Congress at the end of his term as the Ranking Member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee. In the Senate, he also currently serves as a senior member of the Select Committee on Intelligence and as a member of both the Committee on Finance and the Special Committee on Aging. Perhaps most impressively, he previously held the position of Chairman on the Select Committee on Intelligence. Senator Burr is one of the most consequential senators to ever represent North Carolina. His outstanding leadership was essential in ushering through many pieces of landmark legislation, including but not limited to the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act, the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act, and the Great American Outdoors Act. I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Senator Burr for his many years of dedicated service to North Carolina and our nation. Through his exceptional leadership and initiative, he has set an excellent example for all in public service to emulate. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and represent the people of North Carolina by his side. On a personal note, since we first met at a Republican dinner in North Carolina in 1996, Senator Burr has been an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. I am a better person and a better representative today because of his example and influence. I know I speak for our entire community in wishing he and his beloved wife, Brooke, continued success and happiness in retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring and congratulating Senator Richard Burr for his exemplary service and unwavering commitment to North Carolina and our Nation.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fayetteville State University Football Team for its exceptional victory in the 2022 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference Championship. On Saturday, November 12, 2022, the Fayetteville State University Football Team defeated Chowan University in the CIAA Conference Championship to become conference champions for the first time in 13 years. This victory was marked by an impressive second-half comeback that resulted in a last-second, game-winning field goal and a final game score of 31-28. Having advanced to the CIAA Championship the past 5 years, Fayetteville State has demonstrated steady dominance in the conference. Although it was defeated in the previous four championship games, the team's hard work and resilience led to a well-deserved win this year. This outstanding achievement is a direct result of remarkable work ethic, discipline, and determination. These values represent the very best of our community and serve as an excellent example for all to follow. I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Fayetteville State for winning its conference championship. The team's passionate commitment to their craft and dedicated leadership within our community is both admirable and inspiring. I speak for our entire community in wishing the student-athletes and coaching staff continued success. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the Fayetteville State University Football Team for its exemplary work ethic and impressive victory in the CIAA Conference Championship.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor State Representative Allen McNeill for approximately 45 years of service to the people of Randolph and Moore County. A beloved member of our community, Representative McNeill has exhibited the highest level of commitment to protecting and serving others. Prior to serving in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Representative McNeill worked for the Randolph County Sheriff's Office for approximately 30 years. His position with the office provided him with essential experience in law enforcement and public safety that has been integral to his accomplishments in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In 2012, Representative McNeill was first elected to the District 78 seat representing segments of Randolph and Moore County. He has represented this seat to this day and currently serves as the chair of the Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committee as well as the vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and Judiciary 2 Committee. He is also a member of numerous other committees, including but not limited to the Election Law and Campaign Finance Committee and the Transportation Committee. As representative, his legislative initiative has affected essential funding for local government and institutional actors to ensure that his constituency is equipped with quality security and public safety measures. Perhaps most notably, his negotiations achieved indispensable funding that allowed Randolph Health to remain open and continue providing healthcare services for our community. Representative McNeill will retire after his term expires at the end of the year. Through his outstanding service and leadership in the law enforcement and the North Carolina House of Representatives, he has set an exemplary standard for others in public service to emulate. I know I speak for all in our community in wishing him well as he begins the next chapter of his life. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring State Representative Allen McNeill for his career of commendable servitude to his community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor North Carolina State Representative Pat Hurley for her 16 years of service to the people of Randolph County. A beloved member of our community, Representative Hurley has gone above and beyond to enact positive change for all in her community. Since the beginning of her first term in 2007, Representative Hurley has worked diligently to become a conservative leader in the General Assembly. She currently holds leadership roles on many committees, including her role as chairwoman of the Appropriations and Education Committee. In addition to her educational priorities, Representative Hurley has long stood as a stalwart voice against legislation that would further enable or permit the use of alcohol, drugs, and gambling. As one of only 8 women in the 120-member North Carolina House of Representatives, she has exhibited outstanding initiative and courage that will help pave the way for increased female membership and leadership in the North Carolina General Assembly in years to come. As a representative, she has demonstrated the highest level of commitment to her community through her hard work and leadership. She has served as a trailblazer for all women in public service, and I know I speak for many others as we honor her extraordinary career. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Representative Pat Hurley for her exemplary service to her community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Otis Ritter for nearly 10 years of service as Moore County Commissioner and a lifetime of public service to our community. Prior to serving on the Moore County Board of Commission, Commissioner Ritter served in the Navy and worked as a volunteer fireman for the Robbins and High Falls rescue squads. He also served 20 years as the chairman of the county's Emergency Services Advisory Committee. After being appointed to the Board of Commissioners to replace Commissioner Craig Kennedy in 2013, Commissioner Ritter was elected to hold the District Ill seat in 2014 and 2018. Given his experience as a first responder, he now serves as a member of the Fire Commission which recently replaced the Emergency Services Advisory Committee. He also currently serves as a member of Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Nursing and Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee, and numerous other committees. Perhaps most impressively, Commissioner Ritter also previously served as vice chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Today, Commissioner Ritter is the longest serving member of the current Board of Commissioners. He will retire from his seat at the end of this year. Over the course of his career, he has extended the highest level of personal sacrifice in dedicating himself to the service of others. I know I speak for our entire community in thanking him for his hard work and wishing him well as he enters the next chapter of his life. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Commissioner Otis Ritter for his career of exemplary servitude to his community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Moore County Clerk of Court Susan Hicks for her distinguished career in public service. Clerk Hicks began her 38-year career as a public servant in Randolph County and began work with the Moore County Clerk of Court's office in 2006. She was later appointed Clerk of Court in 2009 and was elected to the position for the first time in 2010. She would go on to win re- election twice in 2014 and 2018. Over the course of her time in office, Clerk Hicks' leadership succeeded in upholding the Moore County Clerk's Office's historic status as one of the most well-run and effective Clerk's Offices in North Carolina. She oversaw the modernization of office processes to ensure that it will maintain the capacity to keep up with a growing population in Moore County and acclimate to future technological advancements or unforeseen challenges. Clerk Hicks will retire from her position at the end of the year. Through her expertise and committed leadership, she stands as an example that all in public service should strive to emulate. I know I speak the rest of our community as I express my gratitude for her hard work and wish her well as she enters the next chapter in her life. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Clerk of Court Susan Hicks for her career of exemplary servitude to her community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Moore County Register of Deeds Judy Martin for 33 years of service to Moore County. As the longest-serving county officeholder, Registrar Martin has dedicated her career to her position. Registrar Martin first began working with the Moore County Register of Deeds in 1989. She served as assistant for the Register of Deeds for ten years prior to being appointed Register of Deeds in 2001. She was then elected to the office in 2002 and has held the position ever since. Registrar Martin's leadership helped the office successfully digitize its system of records to accommodate modernization and improve its function. Additionally, she has brought noteworthy state recognition to Moore County. In 2010, the state association of registrars awarded her the Shining Star Award in recognition of her excellent track record and service to her county and state. She was later recognized as Outstanding Register of Deeds by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. In the same year, she served as president of the North Carolina Register of Deeds and was presented the Eunice Ayers Distinguished Service Award for exceptional service in the position. Registrar Martin will retire from her position at the end of the year. Through her outstanding service and leadership, she has helped strengthen Moore County's capability to adequately serve its citizens. She will long serve as an exemplary figure in public service, and I know I speak for the rest of our community in wishing her well as she begins the next chapter of her career, Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Register of Deeds Judy Martin for her career of exemplary servitude to her community.