Edwards Hosts a Military Service Academy Day for Local High School Students and their Families

Hosted Military Service Academy Day for high school students and families.

“One of the most important responsibilities as the representative for North Carolina’s 11th District is selecting nominees for our nation’s military service academies”

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Edwards Introduces the Emergency Rural Water Response

Introduced bipartisan bill to improve rural water disaster response.

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Edwards Moves to Strengthen Veteran Care and Outreach

Advanced two bipartisan bills to improve veteran death data collection and mental health outreach.

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Edwards Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to FEMA Funding for Rural Communities

Introduced bipartisan bill to increase FEMA hazard mitigation funding access for rural communities.

“Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, it has become increasingly clear to me how essential FEMA’s BRIC funds are for community infrastructure, and how unfairly they are currently distributed, especially for rural areas”

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Edwards votes to restore strength and prosperity in America

Voted for One Big Beautiful Bill citing tax relief, energy unleashing and border security benefits.

“The message to me from the people of Western North Carolina was clear in the weeks leading up to this vote: the provisions included in this bill will pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient nation.”

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Edwards releases statement on Senator Tillis's decision to not seek reelection

Praised Senator Tillis's service and decision to not seek reelection.

“His decision to not seek reelection marks the end of a significant chapter in North Carolina and our nation’s history, and I thank him for his years of service and commitment to our state.”

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Edwards announces agreement with FEMA, USACE to improve oversight of debris removal along WNC rivers

Announced agreement with FEMA and USACE to improve oversight of debris removal along Western North Carolina rivers.

“As local and federal partners work to restore our waterways after flooding from Helene, it’s essential that we balance public safety with private property rights and environmental integrity”

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Edwards introduces bill to improve mental health care for veterans on Memorial Day

Introduced bipartisan bill to improve mental health data collection for veterans to prevent suicide.

“The mental health crisis among our nation's veterans requires immediate action. As a physician, I know that having thorough and accurate data is a critical step in being able to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”

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Edwards introduces bill to relocate Air Force memorial to publicly-accessible land

Introduced bill to relocate Air Force memorial from private to public land.

“This bill will give the families of crew members who died in this tragic accident the authority needed to work with the U.S. Forest Service to move the memorial to a more accessible site, keeping the memories of our nation’s fallen soldiers alive for years to come.”

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Edwards announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner

Announced winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition for North Carolina's 11th District.

“Thank you to all who took the time and effort to participate in the competition and for sharing your gifts to contribute to our community.”

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Edwards, colleagues lead bipartisan, bicameral effort calling on DHS to reinstate disaster mitigation program

Led bipartisan, bicameral letter urging DHS to reinstate FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.

“The BRIC program is a proven, cost-effective tool that helps communities prepare for and withstand natural disasters”

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Edwards releases report to fix FEMA, speed up Helene recovery in Western North Carolina

Released report with recommendations to fix FEMA and accelerate Hurricane Helene recovery.

“I’m confident that these recommendations will help our region gain momentum in recovery, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and the FEMA task force in the next phase of the process, where we implement some of these recommendations.”

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Edwards nominates Greenville-Spartanburg National Weather Service team for Sammies award

Nominated Greenville-Spartanburg National Weather Service team for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal.

“By setting a high standard for public service, the Greenville-Spartanburg NWS team not only saved lives during Hurricane Helene, but they also established a benchmark for how federal agencies should respond to future disasters. I’m proud to nominate them for the Sammies award.”

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Edwards, NC colleagues introduce bill to aid small business recovery after Helene

Introduced bipartisan bill to clarify SBA loan and federal grant access for Helene recovery.

“Following a disaster, the federal government should be a support system for states and not run interference. The Helene Small Business Recovery Act addresses a crucial need for businessowners to get the support they need from the federal government without facing bureaucratic delays or roadblocks.”

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Edwards on Helene’s six-month anniversary: WNC is ready to rebuild, local leaders need timely access to federal resources

Hosted roundtable on Hurricane Helene recovery and FEMA reform six months after disaster.

“Looking back on the six months since Hurricane Helene hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, I am grateful for all the ways that folks across the nation have contributed to recovery in our mountains”

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Edwards, Crockett introduce bill to incentivize investment in WNC communities with environmental challenges

Reintroduced bipartisan bill to designate Superfund and brownfield sites as Opportunity Zones.

“I have heard from numerous constituents who are interested in developing environmentally challenged properties but decided not to because there isn’t enough incentive. Due to Superfund and brownfield sites’ contamination, many locations with potential sit unoccupied for years”

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2025 Congressional Art Competition open for WNC high school students

Announced 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in North Carolina's 11th District.

“High school students in Western North Carolina are encouraged to showcase their talent, creativity, and passion by participating in the annual Congressional Art Competition”

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Edwards to host in-person town hall in Asheville

Announced in-person town hall to discuss Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

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Congressman Edwards reacts to President Trump’s address to joint session of Congress

Praised Trump's address and his focus on border security and Western North Carolina recovery.

“President Trump has wasted no time delivering on the promises he made to the people of Western North Carolina and citizens across our nation.”

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Edwards announces in-person town hall in Buncombe County

Announced in-person town hall in Buncombe County to discuss legislative updates.

“I’ve had many constituents ask me lately if I could hold another live town hall. The answer is most emphatically, yes. Being accessible, listening, and answering questions for the people of WNC are among my favorite activities, even if we might not always agree.”

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Edwards, Titus introduce bill to streamline FEMA application process for disaster victims

Introduced bill to streamline FEMA disaster assistance application process.

“After Helene hit Western North Carolina, I saw firsthand how complicated and difficult the disaster recovery assistance applications were. Many folks had to apply to multiple agencies, including FEMA, the SBA, and USDA, for disaster assistance, each of which had their own extensive applications.”

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Edwards reintroduces bill to reform unemployment benefits, promote work

Reintroduced bill requiring interview attendance and job application completion for unemployment benefits.

“Throughout Western North Carolina, I’ve heard from multiple business owners about the challenges of hiring new staff. Employers offer competitive wages and benefits, receive plenty of applications and schedule interviews, but many applicants never show up to interview for the job.”

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Edwards, Davis, Moore, colleagues introduce bill to repair WNC private roads and bridges destroyed by Helene

Introduced bill to allow FEMA reimbursement for private road and bridge repairs.

“Every disaster response official I’ve heard from agrees on one thing: Hurricane Helene destroyed the greatest number of private roads and bridges they’ve ever seen in one disaster. We’re entering month six since Helene hit our mountains, and there are still folks with limited access to their homes.”

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Edwards announces $6 million loan guarantee to increase affordable housing supply in Haywood County

Secured $6 million USDA loan guarantee for affordable housing in Haywood County.

“More affordable housing options are much needed in North Carolina’s 11th District, especially after Hurricane Helene has devastated homes in our mountains.”

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President Trumps appoints Edwards to task force to fix FEMA

Appointed to Trump's task force to review and improve FEMA operations.

“It is an honor to be named by President Trump to the FEMA task force to fix how this broken agency works. After being on the ground throughout the Hurricane Helene response, it’s clear that an overhaul of FEMA is necessary to more effectively and efficiently respond to natural disasters.”

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