eNewsletters

Wednesday, I was able to attend Heritage Middle School and take part in a Mock Congress the teachers have created to help teach the students about the legislative process. I was truly impressed by the students’ interest and depth of understanding. I also applaud the teachers for coming up with an interactive lesson to encourage creativity and participation.

It’s always a special occasion when I get to visit with students. Our children - both mine and yours – are why my colleagues and I are working every day to make this country a better place. America’s youth will be our next leaders and will have to deal with the policies established today. We need to help cultivate fresh ideas and new ways of looking at issues in order to drive innovation and improve the way in which we govern. I want our children to be able to enjoy their freedoms, establish fulfilling careers, and pursue the American Dream, just as my generation and those before me were able to do.

Click here to read more about the visit

 

Quinten Curtis is a 4th grader from Granite Falls who demonstrated the true spirit of Christmas and reminded us all of the importance of giving back to the community. For Christmas, Quinten had only two requests: a clarinet and 100 cans of food for the South Caldwell Christian Ministries. Not only did Quinten serve as an exemplary role model for us all, but he also far surpassed his goal by collecting over 1300 cans of food for those in need, which was matched mutliple times by members of the community. I had the pleasure of presenting him with a copy of the Congressional Record commemorating his efforts.

Amos Rutherford celebrated his 100th birthday March 15th and he is the oldest living World War II veteran of Caldwell County. Rutherford joined the U.S. Army in 1942, where he served as a private first class in the 853rd Port Company until 1946. For his continuing service to our great nation, Rutherford was awarded with the WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button and the WWII Victory Medal, which I had the honor of presenting to him. A portion of the Victory Medal represents courage and fortitude, which Rutherford exemplified through and through. 

                                            

Shortly before Obamacare was passed in the House, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously said, “[W]e have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it.” Even if Pelosi and the other members of Congress did read the bill, the current implementation of Obamacare would be close to unrecognizable.  This is largely because the 828 pages of Obamacare were just a drop in the bucket compared to the over 20,000 pages of federal regulations.  

According to industry experts, healthcare costs are expected to increase dramatically next year – anywhere from 40% - 300%. Despite its name, this law is not affordable for anyone. It’s no wonder the Obama Administration has been forced to create loopholes to the individual mandate, which is also the primary reason why costs are increasing. 

Just how has President Obama made it easy to avoid the individual mandate? Well, it can be as simple as claiming you had a “hardship” in obtaining healthcare. This requires no documentation, opening the flood gates to mass exemption requests and potential fraud. While I oppose Obamacare and its individual mandate, I also believe the President must faithfully execute federal laws in accordance with the Constitution. That is why I will continue working to repeal and replace Obamacare with patient-centered healthcare. 

Click here to read more about the individual mandate exemptions