Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: No to a Bad Nuclear “Deal”

Video of the Week

This week, I teamed up with members of the Republican Women’s Policy Committee to talk about national security on the House floor. I discussed the importance of funding a robust military presence, the impending threat of the Islamic State and the administration’s recent “deal” with Iran. Click here or on the photo above to watch the video.

Weekly Update:

This week, I learned that the Air Force Reserve Command has delayed the deactivation of the 440th Airlift Wing until the fall of 2016. I am encouraged that the Air Force has seen the light; however, I believe it is critical that we maintain pressure to ensure the Air Force stops pursuing this destructive proposal. I have fought the closure of the 440th from the very beginning, meeting with key military leaders to express my vehement opposition. It remains one of our nation’s crucial defenses and disbanding it would be a catastrophic mistake. I had an opinion piece published in The Fayetteville Observer regarding this very topic. Click here to read it.

With regard to our security abroad, I remain deeply skeptical of the administration’s proposed nuclear deal with Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. The administration has fallen short of many of the goals they initially set forth—and as a result, we have bolstered Iran with billions in sanctions and strengthened their ability to spread fear and violence in the region. I will diligently work to review this legislation and will fight a bad deal that’s wrong for our country.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Please contact my office in Dunn, Asheboro or Washington if we can be of assistance to you. For further updates, please scroll down to see snapshots of my week, and please subscribe to my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

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Meeting with Second District Students

On Thursday, I had the privilege of meeting with two of my constituents, Sarah and Elizabeth, from Pinehurst. They are both in D.C. to explore the field of journalism and mass communication, attending a conference along with other high school students. After visiting with me, my office took them on a tour around the Capitol.

Can Anyone “Saye” Cure?

On Wednesday, I was visited by 15-year-old Stephen Saye, one of my constituents from Pinehurst. When he was seven years old, Stephen was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. He is now a delegate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Children’s Congress, serving as a strong voice for those suffering with juvenile diabetes.

I was so impressed by the work Stephen has been doing to promote diabetes research. He and I have a lot in common — we are both passionate about finding a cure for juvenile diabetes and other serious conditions. Stephen, and other children like him, are one more reason the 21st Century Cures Act is so important.

I was moved by the scrapbook Stephen created for his visit this week. In it, he describes his life with Type I Diabetes and his search for a cure: “Hello! My name is Stephen and I am from Pinehurst, North Carolina. I am honored to be a delegate for the 2015 JDRF Children’s Congress. I am 15 now and have lived longer with T1D than without. Living with T1D is a 24/7 job. Thankfully, T1D is not life ending, but it certainly has changed my life, as well as my family’s life. My belief is that there will be a cure for T1D very soon in my lifetime. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my story.”

“January 3, 2008 was the day I learned I had Type 1 diabetes. I was 7 years old. This is my ‘Diaversary.’ It’s the day my family recognizes my diagnosis. We usually go out to breakfast at the Villager Deli and I always have chocolate chip pancakes! This meal begins just like every meal since that date…I prick my finger and check my blood sugar level on my meter. Next, I calculate the number of grams of carbohydrates in my food. I give myself a shot of insulin — the number of units is calculated using a sliding scale that my doctor provides — it takes into account my blood sugar level plus the amount of carbohydrates I’m going to eat.”

“Diabetes is often a rocky road, but with the support of my family and friends, I’m able to conquer it. It does not slow me down. Together, we can keep climbing to find a cure. Thank you for listening to my story and taking a peek into my life with T1D.” #stokedtosayecure

Celebrating a Victory for Patients

On Thursday, I met with delegates from NC BioPharmaceutical, National Association of Mental Illness, PhRMA, “We Work for Health,” National Association of Social Workers and Quintiles. We came together to celebrate the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act and discuss the next step to ensuring a healthy community.

We also discussed my support of Mr. Murphy’s mental health legislation and continued support and leadership on Medicare Part D. As a nurse and a member of the Subcommittee on Health, continued advancement in the health sector is of utmost importance.

CategoriesNC Elected Officials