Being accessible, listening, and answering questions for the people of WNC are among my favorite activities, even if we might not always agree.
That is why in my first term as a congressman, I held eight in-person town halls, and recently I was eager to host my ninth one in Asheville.
It’s always valuable to engage in discussions with the folks in our mountains about concerns or questions you have.
If you were unable to attend my town hall, stay tuned for my upcoming tele-town hall by following me on social media and subscribing to my newsletter.
Keeping our government open and serving the American people
The U.S. House voted on a clean, long-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep our government open and providing critical services to the American people.
A CR is not the preferred method to keep our government funded. However, with a looming shutdown, the House was able to collaborate with President Trump on a bill that funds our federal government and reduces non-defense spending.
It’s disappointing that 212 Democrat House Members chose a government shutdown instead when just in December, not one voted “no” on the CR.
This CR funds core government services; protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients from payment disruptions; and strengthens veteran health care and housing programs as well as our defense. The long-term CR will also enable the House to keep our momentum to continue delivering an America First agenda and go after the waste, fraud, and abuse of your hard-earned tax dollars.
I will continue to fight for lower costs, safer communities, and common-sense legislation that will ensure a better future for folks in our mountains.
Town of Canton to receive over $40 million dollar grant
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers and I announced that the Town of Canton will be receiving a $40,780,000 grant as a result of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 and the American Relief Act.
This grant will revolutionize the town’s water and wastewater systems by funding the design and construction of stormwater improvements, water tank and waterlines, and a new wastewater treatment facility to serve the residents of Canton for decades to come.
WNC makes strides in recovery after Helene
Western North Carolina has a long way to recovery, but we’ve certainly made great strides.
As we’re nearing the six-month mark since Helene hit our mountains, I wanted to share some of the milestones we’ve achieved.
FEMA has approved applications for more than 157,000 households in WNC and more than $400 million has been awarded for disaster-caused needs. Additionally, more than 6,000 families have received nearly $19 million for repair or replacement of private-access roads and bridges.
One of our greatest challenges has been debris removal, especially from waterways, but as of this week, nearly 5 million cubic yards of debris have been cleared from public right of ways and another 600,000 cubic yards of debris were removed from waterways.
While there’s more work to be done, we’ve achieved more than most communities in this period of time. Our mountain folk have shown resilience throughout the response and recovery process, and I’m proud of the way everyone continues to show up for one another during these difficult times. I’m optimistic that together, we will rebuild our communities even stronger and better than before.
Bringing the federal government to folks across WNC
In keeping with my office’s motto of being “First in Constituent Services” and helping folks post-Hurricane Helene, my office has brought the Carolina Cruiser all across our mountains for mobile office hours.
In February alone, the Carolina Cruiser made 15 stops where members of my team heard about the issues that matter to WNC communities, answered questions about disaster recovery, and assisted with federal agencies. During these office hours, my team heard from nearly 400 individuals.
It is my goal as your congressman to remain accessible to you. In addition to mobile office hours, I hold Chat With Chuck meetings to hear from constituents one-on-one. Most recently, I was glad to discuss with 10 constituents their concerns and answer their questions individually.
If you’re interested in scheduling a meeting with me, please fill out the form on my website at edwards.house.gov/chatwithchuck.
If you want to stop by mobile office hours for assistance navigating a federal agency or to just provide feedback, stay updated on the office hours schedule by following the Carolina Cruiser on X and Facebook, and visiting my website at edwards.house.gov/carolinacruiser.
SBA extends deadline for physical damage loans
If your business suffered damage from Hurricane Helene, the Small Business Administration has extended the physical damage loan application deadline to April 27, 2025.
For the application and additional information, visit the SBA website linked here.
With my warmest regards,
CONGRESSMAN CHUCK EDWARDS ACCESSIBILITY, LISTENING AND ANSWERING QUESTIONS.
