Last week, I was pleased to see that the North Carolina General Assembly passed the ABLE Act, and it is now on its way to Governor McCrory for his signature. I am proud that our state is championing this important law for North Carolinians with disabilities and their families. Check out Winston Salem Journal’s story on the ABLE Act here.
In Washington on Thursday, the Finance committee released a bipartisan report on the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of organizations applying for tax-exempt status based on political affiliation.
The Finance Committee’s report showed us that the IRS has seriously damaged the trust of the American people. Personal politics of IRS employees, including Lois Lerner, have no place in government. I’m thankful my colleagues on the Finance Committee was able to compile the facts so that we can work on reforms that will prevent Americans from being targeted for their political beliefs. Read the report here.
This past week the President gave an address on the Iran Nuclear Deal at American University. During his speech, the President badly mischaracterized what the nuclear agreement with Iran would accomplish. The President is trying to sell the American people a bad deal, and I will not support this agreement.
The Iran Nuclear Deal is dangerously limited in the safeguards it provides for America and its allies. The President’s plan inadequately addresses Iran’s technological nuclear advancement, which would need better monitoring than this plan provides. We owe the American people, the Israeli people, and our allies in the region our best possible effort to reign in a known state sponsor of terrorism. As the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I will continue my efforts to ensure that we fully understand Iran’s capabilities and intentions.
The VA has announced that they will finally grant presumptive disability status to veterans affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. I’m disappointed that it took so long to pressure the VA to do the right thing for our veterans, but I’m relieved that the widespread denials of benefits will soon end. Now, these veterans and their families members will not have to fight for benefits they are due. Read more here.
If you or a loved one may have been exposed and would like to know more, please visit here: www.publichealth.va.gov/
Last week, Senator Tillis and I joined the North Carolina Military Business Center’s 14th Annual North Carolina Defense and Economic Development Trade Show. The Defense Trade Show is an important event for North Carolina businesses, workers and communities. With the large military presence in our state, it is important that North Carolina businesses get connected with Pentagon officials to better understand the federal contracts process so that they may better serve their communities and support the local economy. Below are a few pictures form the event:
Sincerely,
Richard Burr