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Richard Hudson

Sept 11 Remembrance

HUDSON: Protecting our nation’s financial and national security

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“There can be no security anywhere in the free world if there is no fiscal and economic stability within the United States.” – President Ronald Reagan

President Reagan understood the importance of getting America’s economy in order. Yet our crippling debt, now at over $30 trillion, continues to threaten our standing in the world and must be addressed.

President Joe Biden refused to negotiate for more than 100 days to address the debt. Our country cannot afford to default on our debt due to Washington Democrats’ political games. Under Speaker Kevin McCarthy, House Republicans have raised the debt limit in a responsible way. We are united in our desire to address the debt crisis and curb reckless spending for years to come. I am proud of our work to save America from defaulting and will stay focused on improving our economy for you and your family.

While Washington Democrats have procrastinated on the debt ceiling, they have also refused to acknowledge the magnitude of the crisis at our Southern border. Yet it is clear—extreme Democrats’ support of radical open border policies have resulted in the worst border crisis in American history.

Earlier this month, Title 42, a public health border security measure that has been used to keep nearly 3 million illegal migrants out of the U.S. since 2020, expired. In the days leading up to this, more than 10,000 migrants were encountered at the border, shattering records.

To address the crisis, House Republicans passed the Secure the Border Act—the strongest border security bill America has ever seen. It will keep our nation safe and our border secure.

It’s plain and simple—border security is national security. Our bill ends catch and release, fixes the asylum program, hires more border patrol agents, restarts border wall construction, and protects children from human trafficking. Once again, House Republicans have shown we have solutions to the challenges facing our nation while others choose to ignore them.

Last week, in celebration of National Police Week, House Republicans condemned ‘defunding the police’ and anti-police rhetoric and passed the POLICE Act of 2023 and the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. We seek to give local law enforcement the resources and support they need to get the job done.

In recent years, good police officers dedicated to keeping our communities safe have not always received the resources and respect they deserve. Assaults on police have gone up significantly, leading to the deadliest year in two decades for our law enforcement officers.

As we approach Memorial Day, we honor our brave service members who gave their lives in the defense of the freedoms we hold so dear. I am deeply grateful to be an American, and incredibly appreciative of those who risk their lives daily to defend our liberties. And I will never forget the sacrifices our military families make every day.

Our nation is the greatest on earth because of courageous service members, law enforcement officers, and their families. May God bless America, and the men and women in uniform who protect our community and keep this great nation free.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

Congress Budget

HUDSON: Working for you

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“How does this impact you?”

That’s the question I ask myself before considering every bill I introduce, cosponsor, or vote on as your Congressman.

With our new Republican majority in place, we have hit the ground running this year—and we will not slow down. From stopping soft-on-crime policies, defending the Second Amendment with my Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, protecting our strategic oil reserves, standing up to socialism and the Chinese Communist Party’s use of a spy balloon over U.S. territory, and voting to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates—House Republicans have delivered results for you and families across the country.

Following a productive work week, I returned to Washington last week, where we built on this work with more than a dozen hearings to hold the Biden administration accountable on issues including the origins of COVID-19 and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Last week we also advanced my HALT Fentanyl Act, one important stop to keep fentanyl out of our communities and away from our children. The fentanyl crisis has only gotten worse due to the open border policies of the Biden administration, as thousands of pounds of fentanyl continue to pour into our country every month. No parent should have to endure the loss of their child to fentanyl poisoning or overdose, and I’m proud to support North Carolinians who turn loss into advocacy, such as Matthew’s Choice out of Sanford.

My bill now advances to the full Energy and Commerce committee before heading to the House floor. With a record amount of drug overdose deaths and fentanyl poisonings occurring right here in North Carolina, putting an end to the lethal amounts of drugs and fentanyl present in our communities is a priority.

I was also honored to introduce bipartisan legislation to secure a statue of the late Reverend Billy Graham to represent our state. I will continue to work with my colleagues to place this once-in-a-generation faith leader in the U.S. Capitol.

Last week, I also continued my work to improve our nation’s pandemic preparedness and response. During the last pandemic, our nation learned there are many things we can improve in our preparedness for Public Health Emergencies. Congress has to reauthorize the law that governs our response this fall. As the lead Republican on this effort, I released a Request for Information from stakeholders and citizens across the country on how the U.S. can be better prepared when taking on future emergencies. I look forward to reviewing the information submitted and leading bipartisan discussions of how we can improve our nation’s response efforts.

To close out the month of February, I introduced a resolution supporting the designation of February 28 as “Rare Disease Day.” I have long worked to improve access to treatments and therapies for Americans who are affected by rare diseases.

Working with my colleagues to advance common sense solutions is part of my commitment to you as your Congressman. I will never stop fighting for you, our community, and our nation.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

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HUDSON: There’s no place like home

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It’s been a busy start to the year under a new Republican majority in the U.S. House. Yet last week, it sure was good to be home.

It’s so important to travel across this district and hear from you about issues facing our community and nation. One thing is for sure—Washington needs more common sense and less government bureaucracy. Each week, I try to bring some of that North Carolina wisdom back to our nation’s capital.

In order to best address the challenges you and our communities are facing, I stayed busy over the work period and held roundtable discussions with elected officials and folks across our district. In Asheboro, I met with the Mayor, County Manager, members of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. We discussed economic development in the area, the needs of our towns and county, and projects I can fight for in Washington. These discussions included water and sewer issues impacting portions of Randolph and Chatham County and the necessary funding needed to further expand the Asheboro Regional Airport. We also discussed the recent substation attacks in Moore and Randolph Counties and the need to increase security and resiliency measures for our energy infrastructure. My family lost power like so many others in Moore County, and I want to stop similar attacks from happening again. In our discussion, I listened to our local leaders and shared my ideas.

In addition, I visited with our local 9-1-1 telecommunicators at Randolph County Emergency Services Center to learn first-hand about the critical role they play as lifelines between you and first responders when an emergency strikes. As the co-chair of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, I am actively working on bipartisan legislation to update our nation’s 9-1-1 infrastructure. I was honored to recently receive the Leadership in Legislative Service Award from the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International for leading these efforts. It is a privilege to be the voice in Congress supporting our dedicated telecommunicators, medical professionals, and law enforcement. I will continue working to provide them with the resources and tools they need to keep you and your family safe.

In Sanford, I met with members of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance to discuss the recent economic growth in Sanford and Lee County and future economic opportunities for the region. In order to sustain and increase economic growth in our community—we must ensure a strong labor force with the tools and training they need to get a good job. Good news—we’re ahead of the game. The Growth Alliance shared with me the great work Central Carolina Community College has done to partner with Caterpillar to establish the Caterpillar Clayton Apprenticeship Program designed to continue developing a talented pipeline of skilled employees. This highly competitive program provides high school students the opportunity to take classes while also working as a part-time Caterpillar employee, developing skills for a career immediately after graduation. We also discussed major infrastructure projects that would increase accessibility across Lee County, including the potential expansion of current Highway 421 to Interstate-685 that would run from Greensboro all the way to Wilmington.

Finally, in Moore County, I’m excited to share that we opened our new flagship district office in Southern Pines. I am happy to now call Southern Pines home for both this new office and my family. Thank you to all the local elected officials, community leaders, members of local law enforcement, and residents from across Moore County who helped us celebrate our grand opening. Renee, Lane, and I are thankful for the warm welcome from the community and are excited to be here for a very long time.

The dedicated staff in our new district office in Southern Pines is here to serve you. Whether it’s requesting a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, providing assistance with federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration or the VA, making service academy nominations, or even helping with federal grants. I am committed to helping you cut through government bureaucracy. 

My goal is to continue to provide you with high-quality constituent service and be accessible to hear your needs, thoughts, and concerns on key issues facing our community and nation. As Fort Bragg’s Congressman, helping our active-duty military, their families, and veterans deal with the Department of Defense and the VA is especially important, as many military families call Moore County and our district home. 

In addition to the new office in Southern Pines, my office in Fayetteville will remain open and available to serve folks across the region. To find out our exact office locations and office hours, visit Hudson.house.gov or call us at 910-910-1924. 

Responsive constituent services, accessibility, and a focus on policies that give you and your family a better tomorrow is my mission. Stop by our new office to say hello; we would love to see you. 

Now as I head back to Washington, rest assured I’ll be bringing your wisdom and some Cheerwine back with me.

Richard Hudson is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House and represents North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee and is a member of the House Republican Steering Committee.

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Rep. Hudson visits Randolph Emergency Services in Asheboro

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U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-09) made a stop in Asheboro last Thursday with Congress out of session.

In a visit to Randolph County’s Emergency Services department, Hudson was able to thank first responders for their work and tour the building. He visited the 911 call center and spoke with county leaders.

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson and Moore County officials cut the ribbon on Hudson’s
new office in Southern Pines. (Courtesy photo)

A day earlier, Hudson opened his new flagship district office in Southern Pines. 

“As your Congressman, I am committed to delivering results for families throughout our region and providing top-notch customer service from our offices in both Washington, D.C. and North Carolina,” said Hudson at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I look forward to helping more constituents navigate federal government agencies like the VA (Veteran’s Affairs) and being accessible to hear your needs, thoughts, and concerns on key issues facing our community and nation.”

In addition to the new office, U.S. Rep. Hudson also has office locations in Washington, D.C. and Fayetteville.

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Richard Hudson wins in new Congressional seat

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ASHEBORO — Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC08) will return to the U.S. House as the representative for North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District based on unofficial results Tuesday night.

With about two-thirds of the precincts reporting, Hudson had more than 80% of the vote in a lopsided victory over Democratic candidate Ben Clark.

After a three-judge panel redrew Congressional maps for North Carolina, Hudson announced he would run in the new ninth district that includes Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, and Scotland counties. Hudson is in his fifth term in the U.S. House serving the N.C.’s eighth congressional district.

Randolph County has been represented by Ted Budd (R-NC13) since redistricting placed the county in the 13th District. Budd was elected to the U.S. Senate Tuesday night.

Richard Hudson with youth at YMCA

Hudson stops at YMCA in Asheboro

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Congressman Richard Hudson reads a book to youth during a summer day camp at the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA last week. (Scott Pelkey/North State Journal)

ASHEBORO – Congressman Richard Hudson expressed his vision for expanding the influence of the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA during a visit last week.

Hudson saw glimpse of how the facility serves residents in the region.

“The Randolph-Asheboro YMCA is a vital part of our community, serving residents of all ages and backgrounds,” Hudson said. “I enjoyed seeing the facility firsthand and reading to students, as well as discussing ways to support the YMCA’s growth with local leaders and employees through grants and other initiatives.”

Hudson took a tour of the facility and met with members of the youth summer day camp.

North Carolina Rep. Pat Hurley was in attendance. Randolph-Asheboro YMCA executive director Patrick O’Hara led the tour.

Hudson said federal grants can support the endeavors of the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA in the future. He has been on past board member for a local YMCA.

“We’re happy to identify opportunities,” Hudson said. “Anything we can do to help you all be successful, we want to e part of it.”

Hudson is an incumbent candidate in the new 9th Congressional district, which includes Randolph County.

The YMCA’s Labor Day hours will be 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday.

However, the facility’s pool is closed through Sept. 5 for annual maintenance. It closed Aug. 26.

Disinformation Board

HUDSON: Defending freedoms and our border

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“The constitutional freedom of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.”

This quote by President Thomas Jefferson underscores the importance of freedom of religion to the soul of our nation. The right to practice one’s religion free of government interference is the most fundamental tenant of our democracy. However, this most basic right has been attacked repeatedly over the course of our history, and still today.

Last week, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case of Joe Kennedy. An eighteen-year Marine veteran, Kennedy was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington. After each game, Kennedy would kneel, and offer a brief, quiet, personal prayer. While he did not actively encourage students to join him, many voluntarily decided to participate over time. Eventually, the school district ordered Coach Kennedy to stop praying with students. He then requested an exemption to continue his personal prayer but was denied. Instead, the school district imposed a ban prohibiting Kennedy and any employee from engaging in religious activity either silently or audibly. Coach Kennedy refused to back down, and after kneeling on the 50-yard line for a 15-second prayer, he was placed on administrative leave and barred from coaching.

Seven years since being fired, Coach Kennedy’s case has finally reached the Supreme Court where hopefully he will receive the justice he deserves. I have been a supporter of Kennedy’s fight for many years and have signed two amicus briefs in support of his case. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting with him personally on the first day of arguments last Monday. I admire people like Coach Kennedy who boldly live out their faith and are not afraid to take a stand. I will continue to stand by Coach Kennedy and work to protect your right to express your faith.

People like Coach Kennedy make me optimistic for our future and inspire me to keep fighting for our values. And like freedom of religion, freedom of speech is another essential right that has fallen under attack.

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States. I was personally censored for the second time this year when I attempted to share an article from Fox News detailing a Department of Justice filing by John Durham on President Trump’s election. Many pushed disinformation about Trump’s ties to Russia to divide our nation, waste millions of tax dollars, and attack the sitting President of the United States. Big tech was only too happy to promote these lies. Yet social media censored me for trying to share this story.

The internet is the town square of the 21st century and Congress must work to ensure that its rules are consistent and allow for the peaceful freedom of expression – be it a progressive or conservative point of view. I will continue to fight to preserve your right to free speech and to make sure those who infringe upon this right are held accountable. 

This fight for accountability does not stop with our first amendment – rather, it extends to all situations that undermine the freedom and safety of the American people. Last week, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was on Capitol Hill to discuss the ongoing crisis at our border. Under his watch, we have lost operational control of our southern border, with over 221,000 migrant encounters being recorded in March alone – the highest on record. If the Biden administration’s plans are carried out, the repeal of Title 42 border protections will only make this crisis worse.

The Secretary told Congress the Biden administration has “effectively managed” the border. I completely disagree. That’s why last week, I demanded Sectary Mayorkas enact real changes to secure our border including finishing the border wall, increasing funding to border patrol, and maintaining Title 42 protections. I will not back down because the impacts of the border crisis – and the record amount of deadly fentanyl coming into the country – affect every community in America.

Our government exists to serve the American people and to protect your God-given rights. Whether it’s defending your freedoms or securing our borders, rest assured I will continue to fight every day to make sure it does just that.

Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

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Hudson will seek Congressional seat that includes Randolph

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RALEIGH — After a three-judge panel redrew Congressional maps for North Carolina, a current U.S. House member who previously represented Randolph County has announced he will run in a new district that now includes Randolph. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-08) is in his fifth term in the U.S. House serving the N.C.’s eighth congressional district. Hudson represented Moore, Anson, Randolph, Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland in current and previous versions of the 8th District. All or part of those counties are not included in the new 9th District. Hudson represented the southwestern corner of Randolph County as part of the 8th District until redistricting changed the maps for 2018.

Randolph County has been represented by Ted Budd (R-13) since redistricting placed the county in the 13th District.

In an announcement Thursday, Hudson said he will “stand up to the mandates, threats to our Second Amendment, and big government socialist policies hurting our economy and your family.”

In a North State Journal op-ed this week, Hudson called politicians who supported mask mandates “hypocites” and said, “It’s time to scrap these mandates and give parents the freedom to choose what’s best for their children. If it’s good enough for the politicians, it’s good enough for our kids.” 

The new 9th District includes Randolph, Chatham, Moore, Lee, Hoke and Scotland counties as well as portions of Richmond, Harnett and Cumberland.