A Message from Thom:

What Thom’s Been Up To:

Fighting to Keep the Military Funded

Thom continues to fight for the members of our Armed Forces while the President seemingly refuses to prioritize our men and women in uniform. Recently, The President Obama vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016, which passed both chambers of Congress with strong bipartisan support. President Obama’s veto not only threatens the military readiness and security of our nation, but also represents a stunning rejection of the longstanding tradition of casting partisan politics aside to those who risk their lives for us every single day. The NDAA included an amendment from Thom and Senator Burr that would preserve the C-130H presence at Fort Bragg’s Pope Airfield. During an Armed Services hearing, Thom questioned Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph F. Dunford on whether they were consulted by President Obama before his veto of the NDAA.

Speaking out against Federal Government Overreach

The Obama Administration recently changed the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule to shift focus of the Clean Water Act from water quality protection and navigable waters to regulating habitat and controlling water supply, allowing the EPA to regulate every nook and cranny of our country. Thom will continue to fight against this last federal land grab and recently spoke on the Senate Floor against the rule change to prevent the EPA from more control over landowners, farmers, ranchers and business owners across the country.

Solidifying North Carolina's Status as a National Defense Hub

Last week, the United States Air Force announced their preliminary decision to establish a new KC-46A Pegasus Air Refueling Squadron at Goldsboro’s Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in 2019.  The KC-46A Pegasus tanker fleet is a tremendous advancement for our national security. These airborne “gas stations” allow the military to maintain its global reach into every region of the world and ensure a quick response to crises far from our shores.  The Air Force’s clear intention to base twelve aircraft in the state ensures continued investment in the Goldsboro and Wake County communities and reinforces North Carolina’s status as an ideal location for critical military assets.

In Case You Missed It:

Tillis Urges FEMA to Assist in Disaster Relief

Thom joined Senator Richard Burr, Congressman Walter Jones (NC-03) and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) in writing a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate urging support of Governor Pat McCrory’s request for a Public Assistance disaster declaration in the amount of $31.7 million for Brunswick, Carteret, Dare, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, and Pender Counties and statewide Hazard Mitigation as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred during the period of September 25, 2015 through October 5, 2015.

Tills Fights to Stop Sanctuary Cities

Thom supported the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act that would have tightened an existing federal law focused on undocumented immigrants who re-enter the country several times. The legislation, which included "Kate's Law", is a response to recent murders and felony crimes committed by illegals who are given sanctuary in jurisdictions across the country after already being deported. The bill was not approved due to opposition from the other side of the aisle.