Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Celebrating Women’s History Month, Talking National Security

Photo of the Week

It was great to speak with close to 150 women from the National Federation of Republican Women this week. These women hailed from across the country and took time visiting with members on Capitol Hill. During my time with them, I answered questions from the audience and spoke about Congressional efforts with Medicare reform, anti-human trafficking efforts, and the ways we are working to create a 21st century military.

Weekly Update

In honor of Women’s History Month, I partook in a Special Order on the floor of the House of Representatives with fellow colleagues. A Special Order is when members have the podium at the front of the House Chamber, uninterrupted, for an entire hour to discuss issues of importance. During the Special Order, we used this opportunity to discuss the ways House Women are tackling 5 big priorities this year including: national security, jobs, health care, upward mobility and the balance of power.

As the first woman to represent Fort Bragg—a military base in the 2nd District of North Carolina— I used Wednesday’s Special Order to talk about how national security remains one of my utmost priorities. Click here to see the speech.

Also this week, I discussed my concern of proposed changes to the Medicare Part B drug-pricing payment model as it could negatively affect some of our nation’s most vulnerable: Medicare patients who are facing a difficult battle with cancer. If this proposal were to go into effect, it would affect senior citizens’ access to important prescriptions, including chemotherapy treatments. Read more about my thoughts on this proposal here.

As always, feel free to touch base with me or members of my staff. We are here to serve you!

Snapshots from the Week

It was such a pleasure to meet James Willet and his family when I presented him with the Bronze Medal from the Congressional Award Program. James, a 15-year old sophomore at Asheboro High School, has sacrificed his time and talent to improve our community — completing more than 100 hours of service within and around Asheboro!

I had a great time in the studio for a full hour on “Good Morning Fayetteville” with Goldy on WFNC 640 AM this week!

I talked with representatives from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society this week about the 21st Century Cures initiative and research funding.

It was a pleasure to meet with Rep. Kyung-Rim Shim of the Korean National Assembly when she was in Washington. Rep. Shim was a nurse and former president of the Korean Nurses Association and now sits on the Health & Welfare Committee. The focus of Rep. Shim’s visit was on the legislative process and policy for the healthcare work force, how to encourage nurses to participate in the political process, and global cooperation for nurses.

I enjoyed meeting with a group of Baptist pastors from North Carolina who were gracious enough to pray over us.

Met with the Challenge Printing Company of Sanford this week and discussed how a new rule from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might affect their company and the local economy, as well as national patient safety.

There was a packed house for the CCCC Career Fair at the Wicker Center in Sanford this week!

A representative from my office attended the Lee County Soil & Water Conservation District Awards Banquet. Shown above are recipients of the Conservation Farm Family Award — Gross Farms.

“It Can Be Done”

In my op-ed at TIME Motto (linked here), I share advice that has helped me throughout my life. A brief excerpt follows:

“It can be done.” These four powerful words are printed on a small leather sign that sits at the edge of my desk in D.C.—just as they did for President Reagan…As a mom, a nurse and a congresswoman, I find that this motto has been paramount in my decision to pursue difficult paths in life. Over time, I have realized that God has a plan for all of us—but it is up to each of us to see it.

On the President’s Supreme Court Nominee

Earlier this week, President Obama announced a nominee for the Supreme Court, Merrick Garland. However, I believe the American people deserve a say in determining the makeup of the highest court in all the land—and their voice should be heard in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. To me, it only makes sense that we wait until we have elected a president who is willing to take into account the concerns and beliefs of the American people. In the meantime, we need the Senate to stand strong against confirming a nominee. We cannot allow for President Obama to appoint another justice—as he has repeatedly shown that he has no problem circumventing Congress and ignoring the will of the American people.

Talking National Security

In honor of ?Women’s History Month, I joined fellow House colleagues in discussing the various ways women are leaving a positive and lasting imprint on society. As the first Congresswoman to represent Fort Bragg, I spoke about national security, Fort Bragg, and the ?440th Airlift Wing during a Special Order led by Rep. Cynthia Lummis. Click here or on the photo above to see the speech in full.

CategoriesNC Elected Officials