Dear Friend,

 The federal government is addicted to spending and America’s debt is one of our nation’s biggest national security risks. 

Western North Carolinians sent me to Washington to help fix a broken system by limiting federal spending, saving taxpayer money, and supporting policies that boost economic growth. Through my appointment on the House Budget Committee that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

More than ever we must restore fiscal sanity in our nation and reverse the rampant spending trend that unfairly burdens our children and grandchildren.

The Limit, Save, Grow Act will help save taxpayers $4.5 trillion dollars, reduce America’s dependence on China, lower inflation, preserve veterans’ benefits, and protect seniors’ Social Security and Medicare benefits. 

The time for “business as usual” politics is over. The root problem of spending away America’s future must be addressed, and Congress must restore fiscal responsibility and pull our country back from the fiscal cliff. 

WATCH: No more Washington spending sprees

The Limit, Save, Grow Act will not cut veteran spending

Extremist House Democrats have launched a desperate and false attack that the Limit, Save, Grow Act will reduce veteran spending and “cut benefits” to America’s veterans. 

There are absolutely no cuts to the VA or any veterans’ benefits in this legislation. The reality is, President Biden and Democrats are covering up their failure to negotiate on the debt ceiling. 

This narrative is a lie and a distraction. Republicans have always prioritized our nation’s veterans in the budget process and will continue to make sure that veterans have access to care, benefits and all the services that they have rightfully earned. 

House Republicans’ plan to address the debt limit would recapture $30 billion in unspent COVID funds. This money has gone unspent for two years, and the president has admitted that “the pandemic is over.” Somehow, not spending this money has been interpreted by radical Democrats as having a “negative impact on veterans.” 

This narrative and argument is desperate.

As your congressman, I will always support the brave and patriotic men and women who are selflessly serving and have served our great nation in uniform.

MORE: House Republicans will not cut veteran spending

Designating US 74 as a future interstate

I recently introduced legislation to designate US 74 as part of the interstate highway system. North Carolina is growing, and traffic continues to increase from Manteo to Murphy.

My bill would allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation to place signs along the corridor in Polk, Rutherford, Cleveland and Gaston counties while the road is brought up to interstate standards.

This future-interstate designation will help attract new businesses for Rutherford and Cleveland counties and help connect the interstates in Polk and Gaston counties, increasing economic opportunities in Western North Carolina. 

READ: Improving transportation and economic opportunity in WNC

Expanding veteran access to commercial driver-education programs

In rural areas like Western North Carolina, veterans face obstacles to attending commercial driver-education programs. The current “two-year rule” prevents veterans who live closer to newer branches of primary training facilities from being able to use their GI Bill benefits at the closer branch. 

This requirement forces veterans to travel long distances or wait two years to attend the closest training facility to use their GI Bill benefits. 

My bill will help cut red tape and expand veterans’ access to timely and quality training by easing an unnecessary burden and helping them obtain good-paying jobs while mending our crumbling supply chain.

READ: Edwards, Pappas introduce Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act

Constituent highlights

I’m always excited to meet with the people of our mountains, whether in the 11th District or in our nation’s capital. Below are some photos from my time in Western North Carolina meeting with and hearing from constituents.

It was great visiting my friends at Old Grouch’s Military Surplus in Clyde.

	I had the distinct privilege of attending the Haywood County job fair for workers looking for new positions due to the the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen plant.
It was an honor to be back at West Henderson High School with alumni to help commemorate the school’s history. As a proud graduate of WHHS, I will continue to help make sure Henderson County Public Schools and all our NC-11 schools thrive.
	Safelight provides support for survivors of interpersonal violence, sexual assault and child abuse. I recently attended the Humanitarian Awards annual luncheon and listened to the inspiring story from Adriana Chavela with Hola Carolina and how Safelight welcomed her and helped her succeed.
Visiting Buchi Brewing in Asheville.
	Meeting with the G5 Trail Collective in Old Fort.
I enjoyed fielding questions from some very well-informed East Henderson High School students.
	Presenting West Asheville Home Depot employee William Brasher with a Customer Service Excellence Award. Thank you, William!
Thank you to the great team at the NC Cooperative Extension in Madison County for helping keep WNC at the forefront of agriculture!
	Presenting Officer Galloway in Transylvania County with a challenge coin during my mobile office hours. Thank you, Officer Galloway!
Touring Columbia Forest Products in Old Fort.

Addressing the Concerned Citizens of Haywood County in Waynesville.

2023 Congressional Art Competition NC-11 winner

Meet Briana Sosa-Trejo from Henderson County Early College High School. Briana’s work, “Skeptical of Myself,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC, for one year. NC-11 is home to some incredibly talented and creative students. Congratulations, Briana! 

“Skeptical of Myself”

Earning the Congressional Award

I’ve met many bright and motivated students across Western North Carolina, and the Congressional Award is an opportunity to recognize our youth who set and achieve challenging goals in the areas of public service, personal development, physical fitness and extracurricular activities. 

The Congressional Award is the highest congressional honor for young Americans to earn across our country. This is a non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive program and is open to all 14-24 year olds. It’s a fun and interesting way to get more involved in something one already enjoys or would like to try for the first time.This is not an award for past accomplishments. Instead, youth are honored for setting and accomplishing their own challenging goals. Regardless of one’s situation, one can earn the Congressional Award. The Congressional Award has no minimum grade point average requirements and accommodates young folks with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge. 

If you or someone you know in North Carolina’s 11th district who is 14-24 years old are interested in earning the Congressional Award, visit my website for more information:

edwards.house.gov/congressionalaward

Please contact Lauren Radford at lauren.radford@mail.house.gov for any questions. Encourage someone you know to start their journey today.

MORE: Earn the Congressional Award