Category: NC Elected Officials

Last week, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released the most detailed bipartisan report to date on the September 11, 2012, terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya. The Committee’s report presents a wide range of declassified findings that will allow the public to more fully understand the deteriorating security situation in Benghazi leading up to the attacks and the lack of State Department recognition of the danger to our personnel. This bipartisan report is a step forward in our understanding of …

The president came to North Carolina last week to talk about jobs,  and the state of our nation’s economy. As I mentioned in my interview with WRAL this past week, I was taken-aback by the president’s implication that he was responsible for the great things taking place in our state—especially considering that our state’s government is entirely Republican-controlled. The true credit for North Carolina’s improving economic condition should be accredited to Governor McCrory and the Republican-led General Assembly—not the president …

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) today cheered North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina for receiving a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue development of its Computational Center for Fundamental and Applied Science and Education, known as NSF-CREST.  The grant will help to improve research opportunities for students and solidify NCCU as one of the world’s preeminent research universities. “Never has education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics been as important …

This first full week of 2014 was a busy one in the House! While the new year brings up many new legislative topics, Obamacare is one issue that continues to remain at the forefront of my agenda, as it remains a persistent problem. The Washington Post published yet another report this week regarding the software problems that continue to plague the healthcare.gov website. This time around, the problems have resulted in more than 100,000 Americans who are eligible to enroll …

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and David Price (NC-04) have written North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory urging him to reconsider his decision to delay the special election for the 12th Congressional District for more than 300 days and to adopt an alternative timeline to cut the period of vacancy by several months.  The Representatives write that the Governor’s decision is unacceptable and unprecedented, and that it deprives the district’s residents of their constitutionally guaranteed right of representation.  …

Courtesy of Senator Angela Bryant: STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS, NEW CONSUMER PROTECTIONS Today is a new day for the millions of Americans who finally have the security that comes from quality, affordable health coverage. And those who already have health insurance will have better, more reliable coverage than ever before. From now on, insured Americans won’t be forced to put off a check-up or worry about going broke if they get sick. While there is …

Courtesy of Senator Angela Bryant: Golden LEAF Scholarship Programs Since its inception, the Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded over $29.9 million to help more than 10,100 students from rural North Carolina attend the state’s colleges and universities. Scholarships are available to students from qualifying counties, who demonstrate financial need, to help them attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions or community colleges. See information on the two scholarship programs below: Golden LEAF Scholars Program to attend NC …

I hope you had an enjoyable holiday and are looking forward to a happy and prosperous 2014. Unfortunately, the new year is already bringing many Americans unpleasant surprises related to their health insurance coverage under Obamacare. According to a report in Time this week, many consumers whose Obamacare coverage started in 2014 “will find [that] these plans offer access to fewer providers than their previous plans or [than] those [previously] offered to Americans with job-based health insurance.” In 2009, as …

This week the Senate considered several important issues before adjourning for the holidays. The issue foremost in the news was the Ryan-Murray Budget. As I announced earlier in the week, I voted against cloture and voted against the budget. While I commend Chairman Ryan in his efforts to prevent another shutdown, I could not in good faith support the budget bill. Included in the bill were retroactive cuts to military retiree’s cost-of-living adjustments. While I do agree there should be …

I want to wish everyone in North Carolina a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year. For me, there is no better gift than the opportunity to be surrounded by my loved ones during these winter holidays. And this year is particularly special in the Hagan household, as it is our first holiday with a new addition – our first grandchild.  This season, I hope that each of you finds joy – whether it is gathering close to your …

I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you and your family are enjoying the holidays.  As we continue throughout the holiday season, it is important that we give thanks and appreciation for our many blessings, as there are still so many Americans facing hardships each day. Many are beginning to feel the stress of losing their health insurance, while others are experiencing exponential increases in monthly premiums that are simply unaffordable. Americans are also under pressure to ensure …

I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe and happy holiday season. In the House this week, we passed H.R. 2019, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which eliminates the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and redirects funding to the Pediatric Research Initiative. I am a proud cosponsor of this act, which will help expedite important breakthroughs in cancer, autism and other rare diseases. This bill is fully-funded and will not cost taxpayers anything. Recently, PolitiFact named Obama’s …

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for awarding a $2.2 million grant to 32 community health centers in North Carolina, including 10 in the First Congressional District.  The grant award will be divided between the health centers and used to expand enrollment assistance efforts as more North Carolinians enroll in affordable health insurance coverage.  “This investment is essential to enrolling as many eligible North Carolinians as possible …

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) Tuesday released the following statement regarding the confirmation of veteran lawmaker Congressman Mel Watt as the new Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency: “I congratulate my good friend and fellow North Carolinian Congressman Mel Watt on his confirmation as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.  “This well-earned appointment is a result of his more than twenty years experience as an outspoken leader on both the House Financial Services and …

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) Tuesday released the following statement regarding the memorial service for Nelson Mandela: “Today I joined tens of thousands of South Africans and world leaders in Johannesburg to pay my last respects at the memorial service for anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and former South African President, Nelson Mandela. “It was moving to see people come together from every corner of the world and all walks of life to pay proper tribute …

Saturday, in the Republican Weekly Address, I talked about how the president’s health care law continues to affect millions of Americans. Women and families, in particular, are being targeted by this government-knows-best policy. Although the Healthcare.gov website is somewhat improved, many problems still remain, including serious concerns many have regarding the safety and security of the online exchanges. The Washington Post reported this week that the federal exchange website is still plagued with errors that have “affected roughly one-third of …

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement regarding Governor Pat McCrory’s refusal to publicly oppose all sequestration cuts, not just military cuts, when asked during yesterday’s briefing with the North Carolina Congressional Delegation: “I am deeply disappointed that Governor Pat McCrory refused to publicly voice his opposition to all sequestration cuts including cuts to social safety net programs.  “The governor seemingly wants it both ways–by supporting across-the-board cuts to important federal programs, but opposing …