Greetings from Rep. Edwards: NC-11 Tax Wins at the White House, HUD Secretary in WNC, and Cutting Red Tape

News from Congressman Chuck Edwards

Dear Friend,

This month, FEMA released over $300 million for North Carolina, more than half of which is dedicated to Helene recovery projects across WNC — repairing roads, restoring water systems, and reimbursing communities for debris removal. These funds are vital to helping our families, businesses, and towns fully recover. I’ve been working closely with local officials, the White House, and our North Carolina delegation to make sure every dollar reaches the communities that need it most so our mountains can rebuild stronger and safer.

Seeing Relief this Tax Season

Heather Kell is an incredible single mom and a server at one of my favorite restaurants in Hendersonville. Like many hardworking families, Heather works tirelessly to provide for her son while contributing to our local economy. This tax season, she and her son benefited from tax provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts. I shared her story with President Trump, and he invited Heather to the White House to speak with him at an event — a well-deserved honor that highlighted her hard work, resilience, and dedication to her family. Stories like Heather's reinforce my dedication to fighting for tax relief and programs that support hardworking Americans.

Backing Small Business Recovery

Small businesses are the backbone of Western North Carolina’s economy, and Hurricane Helene hit them hard. I hosted United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner in our district to review recovery efforts and discuss ways to ensure our small businesses, communities, and families have the resources they need to thrive.

One example of effective federal investment is the Clinchfield Mill in Marion, which I helped secure $11 million in funding to revitalize. Projects like this one create jobs, boost local economies, and address the affordable housing crisis in our region. These investments are about more than just buildings — they give communities relief and stability.

By working closely with Secretary Turner and other federal agencies, we’re ensuring recovery efforts are not temporary fixes, but long-term solutions for resilience in our mountain communities.

                                     Ensuring FEMA Accountability

While substantial progress is happening, recovery in Western North Carolina is far from finished. Many families, businesses, and local governments are still waiting for the funding they need. That’s why I met with Acting FEMA Administrator Karen Evans to review recovery progress, temporary housing needs, and ways to speed up reimbursements.

Coordinating at every level of government is critical to making sure these funds reach the communities that need them most. I continue to push for transparency, accountability, and faster delivery of aid. Recovery isn’t complete until every community in our mountains has the help they need.

                                          Cutting through the Red Tape

When unnecessary federal regulations get in the way of small businesses succeeding, it hurts our local entrepreneurs and the jobs they create.

If federal red tape is hurting your business, we’re here to help. You can report regulatory burdens to the SBA’s Red Tape Hotline at redtape@sba.gov.

                      Tennessee Valley Authority Shooting Creek Project Update

As Western North Carolina grows, so does the demand on our electrical grid. TVA’s proposed Shooting Creek Transmission Project would build up to 9.5 miles of new lines to serve the Blue Ridge Mountain EMC substation, but many Clay County residents are concerned about how the current route affects their homes.

I pushed TVA to study whether the line could be routed under Lake Chatuge to reduce property impacts. TVA has agreed to a full analysis, looking at costs, technical challenges, environmental impacts, recreation, and effects on nearby residents. I also urged TVA to reopen the public comment period, ensuring local voices are heard. Expanding our energy grid and protecting communities can go hand in hand, and I’ll continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and solutions that work for Western North Carolina families.

Read more in the latest issue of Clay County Progress.

                                                    Keeping America Safe

For decades, Iran has posed a serious threat to the United States and our allies. Since Iran was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1984, the regime has consistently funded and directed violence against Americans. We cannot ignore this reality.

Recent U.S. actions are measured and targeted, addressing a growing threat while minimizing risk to our troops and civilians. Our priority is clear: protect American lives, defend our interests, and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. We must remain vigilant, support our allies, and ensure that threats against our nation are met with strength and resolve.

Read more here.