Visit to Western North Carolina

 

Last week, I spent time in Western North Carolina visiting with constituents and meeting with local leaders to discuss the federal needs of their communities. I met with members of the Hendersonville Chamber and heard how local small businesses and working families are benefitting from tax reform. I also visited the Henderson County Opioid Leadership Forum where I had the opportunity to thank community leaders and law enforcement officers for leading the fight against the opioid crisis. During my trip, I also sat-down with the Asheville VA's new Director and discussed the need to reform the VA and provide VA facilities with the resources they need to provide timely and quality care for veterans.

Tillis addresses health care, school security and debt

"U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis spoke Wednesday on everything from a North Carolina native being held in a Turkish prison to the national debt and dysfunction in Washington.

Tillis addressed these topics and more during a roughly hour-long roundtable discussion at the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce.

In an introduction before taking questions, Tillis touched on several topics that were to come up later from the audience. These included the recent tax reform, which he voted for and believes will drive a lot of economic growth in the future, citing some wage increases at large national companies.

Throughout the discussion, Tillis addressed other topics pressed by local business owners and officials, including health care costs and reform, school safety and the national debt." 

Meeting Pastor Brunson in Turkey

Last Monday, I traveled to Turkey to visit imprisoned American pastor Andrew Brunson at Buca Prison in Izmir. Pastor Brunson is originally from Black Mountain, North Carolina, and has been imprisoned on false charges since October 7, 2016. Pastor Brunson has lost 50 pounds and spends 24 hours a day in a cell with limited human contact. He fears the possibility that the American government accepts the indictment and forgets about him, which we will not allow to happen.

 

There should be no mistake that Pastor Brunson is the victim of false accusations, and I call upon the Turkish authorities to honestly and transparently review his indictment. I would also note the continued detention of multiple other U.S. citizens, as well as several Turkish staff of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission, on scant evidence under the state of emergency, which continues to undermine the partnership between our two countries. It is time for Pastor Brunson and these individuals to be reunited with their families. 

Legislation I Introduced Protecting Veterans from Predatory Lending Passes Senate

Last month, the Senate passed legislation that included the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Lending Act of 2018, a bipartisan bill I introduced with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) that would protect veterans from targeted predatory home loan practices by requiring lenders to demonstrate a material benefit to consumers when refinancing their mortgage. This bill is a win for America's military and veteran families, and it is my hope it will pass the House and be signed into law soon.

Tillis, Warren legislation would protect veterans from predatory home loan lenders

"The U.S. Senate has passed legislation meant to spur economic growth that includes an effort to protect service members from predatory lending.

The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act was approved by a bipartisan group of senators earlier this month. The bill includes legislation offered by Sens. Thom Tillis and Elizabeth Warren that would protect veterans from being targeted by predatory home loan practices.

              ...Tillis said the requirement would help prevent veterans and their families from being targeted by bad actors abusing the VA home loan program. He said it was a win for the military community."

Contact My Office

Thank you for reading my e-newsletter, I will continue to work hard to represent all North Carolinians in the Senate and deliver results. If you or someone you know is having trouble with the VA or any federal agency, please don't hesitate to contact my office. My office has helped thousands of North Carolinians over the past three years dealing with the VA, Social Security Administration, expediting a passport, and much more. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for daily updates on my work in North Carolina and Washington! If you would like to unsubscribe from my e-newsletter, please click here. 

All the best,