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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

Today, Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04), along with Representatives Alma Adams, PhD (NC-12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14), both co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced a resolution designating March 14, 2025, as “Black Midwives Day.” This House resolution, and its Senate companion led by Senator Cory Booker (NJ), celebrates Black midwives’ legacy of culturally congruent care and strives to rectify racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.

“Black midwives practice time-honored techniques that have flourished for years,” said Representative Gwen Moore. “This resolution not only honors and uplifts Black midwives’ work toward reproductive justice, but it also invites federal, state, and local governments to embrace Black midwifery as a model of patient-centered, culturally sensitive care that beats systemic barriers and improves health outcomes for mothers and their babies,” Moore added.

“There is a growing maternal health crisis that affects all moms in our country. On top of that, the harsh reality is that Black people in the United States suffer from life threatening pregnancy complications twice as often as White people,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The Midwifery Model of Care is a proven method that improves pregnancy outcomes across the board.  Recognizing Black Midwives Day and all of the work midwives do to provide comprehensive and affordable health care reaffirms our commitment in Congress to ensuring equitable pregnancy outcomes for all.” 

“Black midwifery is a deep-rooted practice that speaks to Black history, tradition, culture, and maternal health,” said Representative Alma Adams. “For centuries, Black midwives were the main source of perinatal care for Black communities, safeguarding our health in the face of medical discrimination and barriers to care. As we look to address the Black maternal health crisis in our country today, let’s celebrate the legacy of Black midwives by committing to overcome racial discrimination in healthcare and keeping our mothers safe.” 

“For centuries, Black midwives have played an invaluable role in making sure moms and babies receive culturally competent care and lifesaving support,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “As Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I’m so proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to uplift the contributions of Black midwives, both past and present, and the critical work that they do to end disparities. Their commitment to making sure that childbirth is a time filled with joy for every family should be celebrated and remembered.”

“The National Black Midwives Alliance strongly supports and endorses the resolution for Black Midwives Day. Black midwives have long been at the forefront of maternal and infant care, addressing disparities and ensuring culturally centered, holistic birth experiences for Black families. Recognizing Black Midwives Day affirms the invaluable contributions of Black midwives, past and present, and promotes continued investment in their work to improve maternal health outcomes nationwide,” said Jamarah Amani of the National Black Midwives Alliance.

“BMMA (Black Mamas Matter Alliance) proudly endorses the resolution recognizing March 14 as Black Midwives Day, a critical step in honoring the invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States. For centuries, Black midwives have been the cornerstone of their communities, providing culturally centered, life-affirming care that improves birth outcomes and saves lives.

Amidst the ongoing maternal health care crisis and deepening maternity care deserts, the expansion and full integration of Black midwifery into the U.S. healthcare system is not just necessary—it is urgent. BMMA calls on policymakers, healthcare institutions, and communities to invest in Black midwives by expanding training pathways, eliminating structural barriers, and ensuring equitable reimbursement for midwifery-led care. This resolution affirms the power of Black midwifery as a key strategy for advancing maternal health equity, reducing racial disparities, and supporting the reproductive autonomy of Black birthing people. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Black midwives and the National Black Midwives Alliance in the fight to protect, uplift, and expand Black midwifery for generations to come,” said Angela D. Aina, Executive Director, BMMA.

“Black midwives are the backbone of maternal health,” said Haven Midwifery Collective.

“We commend Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Cory Booker for introducing the National Black Midwives Day Resolution in recognition of the essential contributions of Black midwives to reproductive health. Their leadership underscores the importance of acknowledging and elevating the vital role Black midwives play in providing compassionate, culturally centered care, advancing health equity, and challenging systemic disparities. To truly honor this work, U.S. Government must continue to support and invest in pathways to midwifery and strive toward a health care system that provides the highest quality care and ensures that all birthing experiences are met with dignity, respect, and compassion,” said Breana N. Lipscomb, MPH, Senior Advisor, Maternal Health & Rights at Center for Reproductive Rights.

“Birth centers are a public health solution,” said Trinisha Williams, LM, CM, MPH, President, American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).

Access to Black Midwives is a critical solution to address the maternal mortality crisis in the US. Black Midwives Day is an opportunity to highlight the need for and uplift the work of Black Midwives,” said Jessica Brumley CNM, PhD, FACNM, President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

2.2 million women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts lacking access to hospitals and birth centers.^[1] This maternal health gap is especially acute for Black birthing people, who suffer maternal morbidity two times as often as white child bearers.^[2] Responding to this crisis and recognizing the need for community-driven interventions, the resolution directs stakeholders to develop and enact policy solutions that promote a diverse perinatal workforce, strengthen training pathways for Black midwives, and fully incorporate midwifery into the maternity care system.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workplace Safety and a former teacher of 40 years, released a statement on President Trump’s executive order attempting to dismantle the Department of Education (ED).

Nationally, this executive order threatens 26 million students across the country, taking billions away from their educational futures.

“Executive orders are not laws and only Congress has the ability to abolish a federal department,” said Congresswoman Adams. “President Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education is blatantly unconstitutional and is yet another effort to sidestep the authority of Congress. This will be challenged in court and, make no mistake, we will win. The Department of Education was established through an act of Congress and only an act of Congress can abolish it.

“It is cruel just for the sake of it and targets our most vulnerable children. Students with disabilities rely on the ED for special programming and funding. Hungry kids use ED funds for free school lunches, oftentimes their only reliable meal throughout the day. Low-income students use their schooling to build a better life for themselves.

“I have always been a champion for education and I invite my Republican colleagues to be the same. Let’s put partisanship aside, work together, and stand against this unconstitutional action so we can stand for our children’s futures.” 

President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education is a war on the country’s students and children. In North Carolina:

• The Department of Education funds 10.9% of funding for North Carolina’s public schools at $1.1 billion.
• The salaries of 14,000 NC public school educators and staff are paid through federal education funding.
• The economic impact would be overwhelming. Public schools are the largest employer in 44 NC counties and a top five employer in every county in the state.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have 17,000 students with disabilities, 40,000 students on the free student lunch program, and 105 Title I schools. All will be harmed by this decision.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

Washington, DC—Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD (NC-12), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, released a statement following the passage of the continuing resolution.

“The continuing resolution fight was about more than just keeping the government open,” said Congresswoman Adams. “It was about refusing to turn over even more power to President Trump, Elon Musk, and standing against these devastating cuts.”

The continuing resolution includes deep cuts to critical programs and funding for Charlotteans:

• $700 million in cuts to rent subsidies for low-income households and working Americans. Meanwhile, lack of affordable housing and eviction rates continue to rise in Mecklenburg County. 
• $116 million in cuts to the Small Business Administration which will eliminate programs for Charlotte’s more than 40,000 small businesses.
• $2 billion in cuts to airport, roadway, and port safety projects. This comes after the tragic DC plane crash in January that departed from Charlotte.
• Underfunds homeless services by $168 million. Mecklenburg County’s homeless rate grew by 3% over the last year.
• Fails to fully fund The Emergency Food Assistance Program by $20 million. Nearly 12% of Mecklenburg County households are food insecure.
• Fails to renew $293 million in bipartisan emergency preparedness and disaster mitigation projects as Western North Carolina still works to recover from Hurricane Helene.
• Fails to provide valuable community project funding to local organizations and municipalities that offer services like healthcare, housing assistance, food security, and other critical community needs.

“I have never celebrated a government shutdown, but I cannot understate the harm that will come from this bill,” Adams continued. “As this administration continues to wage their wars on education, healthcare, social security and federal employees, Congress has given them a blank check. It’s a disservice to all our constituencies.”

Rather than giving line-item budget allocations, the continuing resolution allocates agency funds in large pots of money without directing where they specifically go. This gives President Trump a “blank check” as he is able to reallocate or cut these funds as he sees fit, with few limitations.

“As we navigate the impacts of this disastrous bill, my priority remains taking care of my constituents,” said Congresswoman Adams. “If anyone in my district is suffering from the fallout of the continuing resolution, I encourage them to reach out to my offices and we will assist you however we can.”

To contact Congresswoman Adams’s Charlotte office, call (704) 344-9950. To contact her Washington, DC office, call (202) 225-1510. For information and resources, you can also visit our website at adams.house.gov.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), along with Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) and Senator John Fetterman (PA), introduced the Bicameral Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 which allows striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The introduction comes as multiple high-profile strikes take place across the country with 2024 seeing 271,500 workers striking.

Currently, striking workers and their households are excluded from SNAP eligibility and cannot receive SNAP benefits unless they were previously eligible before the strike. While unions can sometimes reduce the financial stress of a strike, workers still face serious financial insecurity when striking due to loss of income. Many striking workers are also not union members, meaning they have an even smaller safety net, if any at all. The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 would repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP.

“Labor unions were essential in building strong safety nets and worker protections in this country. It’s time we return the favor to our striking workers,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams. “By allowing strikers to access SNAP, we help ensure they don’t need to choose between feeding their families or fighting for fair working conditions. Striking takes courage and supporting the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 is an important way we can show our solidarity to everyone on the picket line.” 

“If a worker goes on strike, the government shouldn’t punish them by taking away things like food stamps,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “People shouldn’t have to choose between their right to strike and going hungry. Let’s get rid of this anti-union law.”

The Food Secure Strikers Act is also endorsed by numerous unions and anti-hunger organizations, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association.

“When workers take the brave step to stand together for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, they understand the financial sacrifice they are making,” United Food and Commercial Workers International President Marc Perrone said. “While union strike funds and community support help ease that burden, they are not always enough. This bill would allow striking workers and their families to access SNAP, a critical service that helps put food on the table for millions of Americans in need.

The Food Secure Strikers Act would:

• Repeal the restriction on striking workers from receiving SNAP and affirmatively protect the eligibility of striking workers to receive SNAP;
• Protect public sector workers who are fired for striking from being “considered to have voluntarily quit” for eligibility purposes; and;
• Clarify that any income-eligible household can receive SNAP benefits regardless of if a member of that household is involved in a strike.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), who serves as the Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led over 50 of his colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr on the need for major reforms to outdated ownership rules that hurt broadcasters across the country. 

The lawmakers wrote,“While the FCC has made incremental adjustments over the decades, the fundamental ownership restrictions have remained largely unchanged since the 1990s, imposing undue constraints on broadcasters’ ability to innovate and invest in local content.”

“Today, any one of the largest Big Tech platforms dwarfs the entire broadcast industry – yet they are held to no similar limitations on their reach,”  the lawmakers continued. “This imbalance places broadcasters at a severe disadvantage in competing for advertising dollars and audience engagement.”

“Reforming outdated ownership rules is essential to ensuring that broadcasters remain viable, competitive, and capable of fulfilling their essential role in American democracy. By modernizing these regulations, the FCC can empower broadcasters to better serve their communities, promote local journalism, and compete in the modern media marketplace,”  the lawmakers concluded.

Read the full letter here and an exclusive story in Politico here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Darrell Issa (R-CA), alongside Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act to prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.

“Gun grabbing liberals will stop at nothing to undermine the Second Amendment,” said Congressman Hudson. “Their latest scheme is an unconstitutional tax that seeks to price you out of your right to keep and bear arms, and this legislation will put a stop to it.”

“For too many years, extreme state policies — including from my home state — have targeted our fundamental Second Amendment rights and the American citizens who exercise them,” said Congressman Issa. “The latest attack is California’s imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition. This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why Sen. Risch, Rep. Hudson, and I are working to stop this and other attempts to penalize our people and put the price of self-defense out of reach of any American.”

“Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment,” said Senator Risch. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”

As of July 1, 2024, California implemented a new 10-11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to discourage the purchase of firearms and fund gun control programs. These added fees now double the tax on gun and ammunition purchases. Colorado, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York have proposed similar taxes. 

Hudson, Issa, and Risch are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) in introducing the legislation.

The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Read the full text of the bill here.



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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Representative Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), along with Representatives Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), David Rouzer (NC-07), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Addison McDowell (NC-06), and Tim Moore (NC-14) in introducing legislation to allow North Carolina volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to join a state or local retirement plan. 

“North Carolina’s firefighters and EMS personnel, like those involved in the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Hudson. “These brave heroes deserve access to the same retirement benefits as their state-employed counterparts. I’m proud to support this legislation to ensure they are taken care of.”

“North Carolinians depend on the selfless service of first responders every single day,” said Rep. Murphy. “It is only fitting that these dedicated individuals should be able to depend on the government to provide them with a reliable retirement plan. The First Responders Retirement Parity Act ensures just compensation for their contributions to community safety and support for when their service comes to an end.”

Rep. Hudson with Puppy Creek Fire Department Volunteer Fire Chief John Joseph, as well as local first responders and officials. 

Background

The current tax code prevents full-time nonprofit firefighters and EMS personnel from joining the state retirement system. In North Carolina, 74% of fire departments are non-profit and employ 5,527 paid personnel who could be affected. 

This legislation would amend the code to include these volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in governmental retirement plans.

Read the full bill text here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC), who serves as the Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and U.S. Representative Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA) introduced the Open RAN Outreach Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen U.S. wireless networks and ultimately protect our small and rural communications network providers from being reliant on Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-backed technology companies, such as Huawei.

“By ensuring our small and rural telecom providers have the support needed to deploy technologies, like Open RAN, we can promote innovation and create jobs,” said Chairman Hudson. “This legislation paves the way for greater U.S. competition with China and a more secure, resilient wireless network landscape.”

“This is a pivotal step toward strengthening our nation’s telecommunications infrastructure,” said Rep. Carter. “By providing technical assistance and outreach to small telecom providers, especially in rural areas like Louisiana, this bill opens the door to a more secure, diverse, and competitive wireless network landscape. The shift to Open RAN technology not only enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign-made equipment but also boosts American manufacturing and fosters innovation in 5G. This bill ensures that rural communities are no longer left behind in the race for cutting-edge technology, driving down costs and empowering smaller carriers to build stronger, more resilient networks.”

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters underscored the importance of securing domestic supply chains and telecommunications networks. Huawei and other untrusted companies with the support of government money from China have been able to offer lower costs to entice small and rural providers to use their technology. Promoting a more competitive market of trusted alternative vendors to provide 5G equipment remains an important strategic component to protect U.S. networks.

A closed or proprietary network has one vendor or manufacturer for end-to-end network equipment. Open RAN technology can help diversify communications technology by being an open network infrastructure that can have multiple components from multiple manufacturers. The Open RAN Outreach Act requires technical assistance and outreach to be made available on Open RAN technologies by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This will give small and rural providers information and support to deploy Open RAN technologies if providers would like to implement this technology.

Read the Open RAN Outreach Act here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) announced that his Southern Pines and Fayetteville offices are accepting submissions from North Carolina’s Ninth District for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

“The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful opportunity for our District’s high school students to showcase their artistic ability, and I look forward to seeing this year’s submissions,” said Rep. Hudson.

The 2025 Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students from North Carolina’s 9th District. The overall winner of the District’s competition will have their artwork framed and displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the second and third place winners will have their artwork displayed in Rep. Hudson’s offices.

Art entered in the contest must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Work cannot be copied from an existing photo or image that was created by someone other than the student. Work must be in its original medium and cannot be a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. AI generated art will not be accepted.

Art does not need to be framed upon submission. Our office will frame the winning piece before it is sent to Washington, D.C.

Artwork that is potentially inappropriate for display in the Capitol will not be considered. This determination will be made by a panel.

Additional guidelines can be found hereor by visiting https://hudson.house.gov/services/art-competition. 

Artwork must be submitted to Rep. Hudson’s Southern Pines or Fayetteville District Offices by 12pm on Friday, April 25, 2025 with a completed 2025 Student Release Form.

To request more information about the annual Congressional Art Competition, contact Rep. Hudson’s Southern Pines District Office at (910) 910-1924.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Virginia Foxx (5th District of North Carolina)

Foxx Supports Legislation to Help Western North Carolina Businesses