CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger recently offered the following press releases addressing his introduction of a bill to defund sanctuary cities and fund “the wall”; announcing a $3 million grant to buy out flood-ravaged homes in Fayetteville; recognizing award-winning student artists from the Charlotte area; and acknowledging the National Day of Prayer.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER INTRODUCES BILL TO DEFUND SANCTUARY CITIES AND FUND THE WALL
WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has introduced the “Make Sanctuary Cities Pay for the Wall Act” (H.R. 5663). This legislation defunds “sanctuary jurisdictions” and uses the withheld money to pay for construction of the border wall.
“With well over 300 sanctuary cities across the country, it is past time for Congress to take decisive action. Sanctuary cities blatantly subvert the rule of law, incentivize further illegal immigration and endanger law-abiding citizens. All the while, criminals and drugs flow across our porous southern border, bringing violence and crime into our towns and communities. This poses a critical threat to public safety and America’s national security as we know that Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations are actively operating in Latin America. Enough is enough,” said Congressman Pittenger.
“By simultaneously defunding sanctuary cities and funding construction of a border wall, this legislation offers a comprehensive solution to one of our nation’s most pressing and persistent problems.”
The “Make Sanctuary Cities Pay for the Wall Act” (H.R. 5663) withholds certain federal funds and grants from jurisdictions that forbid their law enforcement officials from sharing information with federal immigration officials or complying with an immigration detainer. The legislation redirects the withheld funds to pay for construction of a border wall along America’s southern border.
The “Make Sanctuary Cities Pay for the Wall Act” (H.R. 5663) has been endorsed by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and NumbersUSA.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION GRANT TO BUY OUT FLOOD-RAVAGED HOMES IN FAYETTEVILLE
FAYETTEVILLE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide nearly $3 million to buy out 26 flood-ravaged homes in Fayetteville.
The $2,897,855 grant will cover 75 percent of the cost of acquiring and demolishing 26 residential structures flooded during Hurricane Matthew. All of these structures are located within the 100 year floodplain and many have been flooded multiple times over several decades. The deeds will be transferred to the City of Fayetteville to be used as open space.
“Never in my life have I personally witnessed such incredible destruction as I did in the days following Hurricane Matthew. For almost two years now, I have pushed at every opportunity for additional disaster relief for Cumberland, Bladen, and Robeson,” said Congressman Pittenger. “This FEMA grant is just one more step in the process. We are grateful these homeowners will now have the opportunity to permanently relocate to higher ground.”
Nearly 98,000 homes and 19,500 businesses were damaged by Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina. To date, Congressman Pittenger has helped secure over $1.4 billion in federal funding for recovery efforts. Much of that money is released to the State of North Carolina, which is then responsible for distributing it to affected counties and municipalities.
SIX STUDENTS NAMED FINALISTS IN 2018 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is excited to announce six local students have been named finalists in the 2018 Congressional Art Competition.
· Rachel Buckner, a junior at Wesley Oaks Academy, for her oil painting titled “Lucy.”
· Deanna Glus, a junior at Massey Hill Classical High School, for her watercolor and ink titled “A Hometown Feeling.”
· Carol-Anne Lee, a junior at Carmel Christian School, for her painting titled “Small Town.”
· Jonathan Woodman of Weddington High School, for his photograph titled “Cardinal in Snow.”
· Josh Feldman, a junior at Weddington High School, for his photograph titled “Exploring the Further.”
· Avery Nelson, a freshman at Providence Day School, for her graphite art titled “The Lost Loggerhead.”
Artwork by Woodman, Feldman, and Nelson were selected as finalists with input from the community via a competition on Congressman Pittenger’s Facebook page. Nearly 40,000 people viewed the artwork submitted by local students.
Artwork by Buckner, Glus, and Lee were selected as finalists by Marcy Gregg, a highly-sought professional artist from North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.
The winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition will be announced on Monday, May 7th. The winning entry will be displayed in a busy corridor of the U.S. Capitol for the next year.
“These students are remarkable. Congratulations to our finalists, but also to every student who had the courage to enter. Nearly 40,000 people viewed your artwork!” said Congressman Pittenger. “Thank you also to the dedicated art teachers and parents who support our talented local students.”
To view the six finalists, as well as all of this year’s entries, please visit Congressman Pittenger’s Facebook page atFacebook.com/CongressmanPittenger.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER’S STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) shared this statement as millions of Americans celebrate the National Day of Prayer:
“Throughout our history, whether in peace or war, poverty or prosperity, God has always provided for our nation. Today, we need unity, and that’s why I am grateful the National Day of Prayer Committee has selected Ephesians 4:3 as this year’s theme verse: ‘Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’
“On this National Day of Prayer, please join with me in praying for unity, for together we can accomplish much more. Please also join me in asking God to grant wisdom to our leaders, protection for our soldiers, safety for our law enforcement, and strength for our teachers.
“Isaac Watts’ great hymn, ‘O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,’ affirms our faith to hold fast and trust God for the future.”
Congressman Pittenger is a Member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus and hosts a weekly Bible study for Members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff.
Editor’s note: The Richmond Observer strives to provide fair and objective coverage of any and all political issues, situations, and/or developments, regardless of party affiliation. As part of this commitment and in recognition of today as the time to vote if you have not already done so, the Observer is offering this compilation of recent press releases for your review in preparation of casting your ballot before 7:30 p.m. It is also our policy to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
