Donald G. Davis

“Our soybean farmers are hurting from rising costs and trade problems. They want open markets, not emergency aid. I want President Trump to get China to drop its 10 percent tax on our soybeans and set a clear timeline to buy what it promised.”

“Mr. Speaker, soybean growers across eastern North Carolina and our Nation are facing rising input costs, global competition, and continued uncertainty. A stable and mutually beneficial trade relationship requires sustained access to commercial markets and greater certainty. Mr. Speaker, I urge President Trump, ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping, to secure a clear and verifiable timeline for China to fulfill its purchasing commitments and remove the 10 percent tariff on soybeans. Agriculture is the economic backbone of eastern North Carolina, and our farmers would rather compete in the marketplace than rely on emergency assistance due to trade disruptions. With fair, predictable terms, our producers can compete anywhere in the world.”

“I want to honor Ricky Parks. He worked in law enforcement for more than 37 years, helped start an event to honor veterans, and became marshal of the North Carolina Supreme Court. I thank him and his wife for their service.”

“Mr. Speaker, Ricky Parks of Rocky Mount is a true servant whose life has been defined by duty, courage, and selfless service. Ricky was honored with a special quilt, ``A Thin Blue Line,’’ from the Tar River Peacemakers Quilting Guild, honoring his service to the community, eastern North Carolina, and our State. He was also instrumental in helping to start the Ride of Honor in Nash County, which honors our veterans. For more than 37 years, Ricky has served in law enforcement, mostly on patrol. His commitment to public service continued when he was appointed marshal of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Through every chapter of his life, Ricky has answered the call to serve. I thank Ricky and his wife, Rebecca, for a lifetime of service, and I congratulate them on being great Americans.”

“An F-35 jet simulator visited eastern North Carolina. Our local military base is preparing for these new planes, which protect our country and bring good jobs to our area.”

“Mr. Speaker, exciting news: Lockheed Martin brought an F-35 Lightning II cockpit demonstrator to LCC’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence at the North Carolina Global TransPark. Flying this simulator with Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt was a powerful reminder that the future of American aviation and our national defense is stronger because of eastern North Carolina. The F-35 is central to the modernization of Marine Corps aviation, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is preparing to support F-35 squadrons as part of this transformation. Such investment strengthens our national security while supporting skilled jobs, innovation, and economic opportunity. We are extremely proud of our Marines and proud that eastern North Carolina continues to play a vital role in our Nation’s defense.”

“I want to recognize boatbuilders in eastern North Carolina, including Spencer Yachts and Bayliss Boatworks. Their work provides good jobs and supports our local economy.”

“Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I am so proud to recognize Spencer Yachts, Bayliss Boatworks, and the skilled men and women who keep eastern North Carolina’s boatbuilding tradition alive and strong. Boatbuilding is more than an industry. It is part of our coastal heritage, our economy, and our way of life. Visiting these businesses, I saw firsthand the craftsmanship, innovation, and pride that goes into building world-class boats. These companies support good-paying jobs, train skilled workers, and strengthen communities across eastern North Carolina. They also showcase what American manufacturing can accomplish when we protect our coastal economy and preserve our rich maritime heritage.”

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  Speech in the House

  Signal 33 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I am honoring Xavien Harrison, who died recently. He served as a town councilman, pastor, and advocate for young people in Nashville, North Carolina.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and legacy of Nashville town councilman and pastor, Xavien Harrison. Xavien was a devoted public servant, pastor, and advocate for young people who believed in the power of community. He truly invested in the next generation, helping young people to see their full potential. He brought the same spirit of service to the Nashville Town Council, where he worked to build partnerships and make his community stronger. His faith, compassion, and commitment to Nashville left a lasting mark on eastern North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we pray for Jacquetta, his family, the Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, and the people of Nashville, and we stand with them.”

“Too much foreign beef is coming into the country, and it hurts American cattle farmers. I want to protect family farms and make sure our ranchers have fair competition.”

“Mr. Speaker, I stand with the cattle producers of eastern North Carolina and those across America who work hard every day to put American beef on our tables. Family farmers should not have to compete against a surge of foreign beef that could pressure domestic markets and threaten their livelihoods. With as much as 300,000 metric tons of beef entering the United States over the next 90 days, cattlemen have every right to be upset. I met with eastern North Carolina cattle producers to hear their concerns and discuss how we can protect family farms, ensure fair competition, and strengthen our domestic beef industry. American ranchers work hard to feed our families and strengthen our rural communities, and they deserve respect and a fair shot in the marketplace.”

“I want to honor Dorethea Branch for her 100th birthday. She has spent her life serving her community as a teacher, social worker, and leader.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the remarkable life of Dorethea Branch of La Grange, North Carolina, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She has lived a life defined by faith, service, and a steadfast commitment to her community. As a social worker, educator, businessowner, and civic leader, she broke barriers, including becoming the first African-American member of the board of trustees at UNC Health Lenoir. Through decades of volunteer service and leadership, she strengthened lives and opened doors for others. I wish Dorethea Branch a joyful 100th birthday and thank her for a century of faith, love, and service that continues to inspire eastern North Carolina and our Nation.”

“I want to congratulate Sarah Finch of Vance County. She won my district's art competition with her painting of an old truck.”

“Mr. Speaker, I celebrate Sarah Finch of Vance County, the winner of North Carolina’s First Congressional District Art Competition. Her remarkable painting, ``Bloom After Abandonment,’’ portrays a Ford Ranger left in Mother Nature’s care, reminding us that even after something is forgotten, beauty and new life can still emerge. Sarah’s artwork reflects not only extraordinary talent but also the creativity, resilience, and promise of the next generation in eastern North Carolina. May her achievement encourage other young artists to pursue their dreams, to share their unique stories, and to never underestimate the power of their creativity. I congratulate Sarah and thank her for reminding us that hope can bloom in the most unexpected places.”

“I want to honor Army veteran Van Buren Anderson, Jr., on his 100th birthday. He served in Japan after World War II and later helped start the rescue squad in his home county.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Army veteran Van Buren Anderson, Jr., of Tarboro who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. As a young Army sergeant, Mr. Anderson answered our Nation’s call and served in Japan following World War II. Arriving in Nagasaki in the aftermath of the war, he witnessed firsthand the devastating cost of conflict, a memory that has remained with him throughout his life. Returning home to Edgecombe County, Mr. Anderson helped establish the Edgecombe County Rescue Squad that would save countless lives and serve generations of eastern North Carolinians. Whether wearing the uniform of the United States Army or volunteering in his hometown, Mr. Anderson lived by a simple principle: When people needed help, he stepped forward to provide a helping hand, and we will always be grateful.”

“I want to honor the life of Robert Taylor, the former mayor of Hookerton who recently passed away. He served in the Army, worked as a firefighter, and led our town as mayor for 17 years. I send my condolences to his family.”

“Mr. Speaker, the Town of Hookerton and all of Greene County mourn the passing of Mayor Robert ``Bob’’ Taylor. Bob was a dear friend, and it was a privilege to know a man whose life reflected faith, hard work, and service to others. Born and raised in Greene County, he answered our Nation’s call to serve in the United States Army before returning home to serve the community he loved. Whether protecting his neighbors through the Hookerton Fire Department, mentoring young people in his church, or faithfully serving as mayor for 17 years, Bob always put others first. Mr. Speaker, his leadership was never about recognition. It was simply about making Hookerton a better place. Above all, Bob was a devoted husband to Carolyn for 65 years, a loving father and grandfather, and a man whose Christian faith shaped every chapter of his life. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

“I am honoring Air Force Major Alexander Davis from Goldsboro. He died on June 15 in a plane crash at Edwards Air Force Base with seven other airmen. I want to remember his life and his service to our country.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor Air Force Major Alexander Davis of Goldsboro. On June 15, our Nation mourned when a tragic B-52 mishap at Edwards Air Force Base claimed the lives of eight brave airmen. Alex was among them, and his life was defined by selfless service. From earning the rank of Eagle Scout to his time at North Carolina State University and his distinguished military career, he faithfully answered every call to serve. Whether flying missions, modernizing our Air Force, or encouraging those around him, he was dependable. He dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut, always reaching for the skies. Eastern North Carolina will always be proud to call him one of our own. To Doug, Karen, and his family, we grieve with you. We pray with you. We will forever remember Major Alexander Davis, a beloved airman, a beloved leader, and a true American hero.”