Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Providing Opportunities for Our Veterans


Photo of the Week:

During an Oversight and Investigations subcommittee hearing last week, I spoke with a panelist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the poor implementation of Obamacare. I was able to question the effectiveness of using taxpayer money for a program that has operated on an inconsistent and unpredictable basis. Click here or on the photo above to watch the exchange with the panelist.

As you know, agriculture is a hugely important industry here in North Carolina and the Second District. Our state is actually the number one producer of sweet potatoes and tobacco! Knowing how critical this industry is to our state, I was disappointed to hear from many farmers how Obamacare was adversely affecting their business. After speaking to farmers back home, it became clear that many were suffering from an unfair mandate—as they were required under Obamacare to provide health insurance to their temporary, seasonal workers.

In an effort to stop this, I introduced a bill to protect farmers last week. Expensive government mandates that cause significant economic consequences for the farming industry and our country must be stopped, and this bill will protect our farmers so they can continue to put food on our table.

I also had the opportunity to cast a very important vote last week that will help protect our border. As this crisis continues to unfold, our priorities remain the same: secure our border, provide humane treatment to unaccompanied children, and find a way to safely send them home. The legislation the House passed will expedite the return of unaccompanied minors to their home countries and increases the number of immigration judges so that our courts can process more cases and reduce lengthy wait times. The passage of this bill is a sound first step, and I hope you’ll take the time to read my full statement here.

I’m also excited that this week’s 3rd Annual Recruit-a-Vet Jobs Fair is only three days away! This year’s event will take place at the Dennis Wicker Center in Sanford from 10 am- 1 pm. Click here for more information and here to see a list of the companies in attendance!

We are here to serve you, and it continues to be an honor to represent your voice in Congress. Please contact my office if you have questions, concerns, or need assistance.


Jobs Fair:

For the past two years, my office has hosted this employment fair to help match local businesses with veterans seeking employment. We’re proud to note that more than half of veteran attendees have found jobs through this event! Veterans can click here or on the picture above to find more information and register to attend. Employers interested in participating should contact Pat Fitzgerald in my Dunn Office at 910-230-1910.

 

Recognizing Charlie Sifford:

Last week, I sent a letter to President Obama encouraging him to award a Presidential Medal of Freedom to renowned golfer and native North Carolinian, Charlie Sifford. Mr. Sifford persevered through countless barriers of the Jim Crow South to excel at the game of golf. Be sure to view the letter I sent to the President— which nearly every member of the NC Congressional Delegation has signed onto and an additional 64 members of Congress.