Congressman Don Davis

America's strength comes from its people, and the American spirit is alive and well in eastern North Carolina.

Students at the Boys & Girls Club of the Tar River Region shared their Access 2 Opportunity project, a youth-led effort exploring how transportation affects education, jobs, and opportunity for young people in Nash and Edgecombe counties. Their ideas, leadership, and determination are proof that the next generation isn't waiting to shape the future; they're already doing it.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse has stood proudly along North Carolina's coast for generations, shining as an example of our history, resilience, and hope. A heartfelt thank-you to the Corolla Lighthouse Board for their dedicated efforts to preserve this precious symbol of our state.

Leadership matters, especially when lives are on the line, and our nation's security depends on those who serve. The Change of Command Ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was an opportunity to thank Captain Catherine Carabine for strengthening mission readiness, operational excellence, and the U.S. Coast Guard's proud tradition of service, and to welcome Captain Brian Conley. We look forward to working alongside you as the U.S. Coast Guard continues to protect our nation, save lives, and serve our communities.

Friday in the First Brittany Clinton, an Elizabeth City resident, believes in showing up when someone is hurting and in need of a helping hand. An attorney and the Director of Title IX Compliance at her alma mater, Elizabeth City State University, Brittany works to ensure students have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed. She understands that true leadership is not only about professional achievement but also about lifting others during their most difficult moments. Beyond her work on campus, Brittany serves on the Board of Directors of Albemarle Hopeline, an organization that has become a beacon of hope for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault. She generously volunteers her time to help provide clothing, shelter, advocacy, and support to survivors who often have nowhere else to turn. Her compassion helps ensure that victims are met not with judgment, but with dignity, safety, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Brittany's servant leadership reflects the very best of Elizabeth City and northeastern North Carolina. Through her commitment to students, families, and survivors, she is making a lasting difference in the lives of countless people across our region. We are honored to recognize Brittany Clinton for her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to helping our neighbors find hope, healing, and a brighter future. #FridaySpotlight

Greenleaf Nursery in Tarboro produces millions of plants each year for customers across the United States and Canada, demonstrating that eastern North Carolina agriculture competes on a national stage. Businesses like this showcase the innovation, entrepreneurship, and agricultural excellence that make North Carolina a national leader.

Great meeting with the Lake Gaston Association to discuss protecting our waterways, supporting responsible growth, and preserving the quality of life that makes our region so special.

When hardworking people have the opportunity to build a career, our entire community benefits. The @Walmart Distribution Center in Henderson is helping strengthen eastern North Carolina's workforce while supporting local families. During my visit, it was an honor to celebrate Maintenance Manager Jeff Dekker on his 25 years with Walmart; a remarkable milestone and a testament to the hardworking people who keep our economy moving every day.

The future of eastern North Carolina is shaped by people who care enough to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Elizabeth City Area D-9 and community organizations shared about the challenges and opportunities facing our region, including health care, Social Security, and the infrastructure that connects our communities and supports local jobs. When service-driven organizations come together to solve problems, our future becomes that much brighter.

When the alarm sounds, firefighters don't ask who needs help; they answer the call. It was a pleasure meeting with members of the Currituck Branch of the International Association of Fire Fighters to discuss the challenges they face, the importance of public safety, and how to ensure they have the tools and resources to do their jobs safely. Eastern North Carolina is stronger because of their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

According to arrest warrants, Jaime Santiago Corona had been deported three times since 2019, was illegally in the United States, and was driving on a revoked license when Calli was killed. I voted for the Laken Riley Act because our immigration laws must be enforced. North Carolina families deserve safe communities and a government that upholds the rule of law. foxnews.com/us/three-time-…

Tourism is one of the Outer Banks' greatest economic engines, supporting thousands of jobs and countless small businesses. Great meeting with the team at @TwiddyOBX to discuss the visitor economy, the challenges facing our coastal communities, and how we can preserve the unique character that makes the Outer Banks such a special place to live and visit.

We strongly support eastern North Carolina farmers because when agriculture succeeds, we all succeed.

The future of farming belongs to those willing to work hard and think differently. Enjoyed visiting Seed Hydro in Norlina, where new ideas and family farming go hand in hand. By using hoop houses to bring some of the season's first tomatoes to market and partnering with local organizations to expand access to fresh food, Seed Hydro helps strengthen our agricultural economy and nourish communities across the region.

Enjoyed spending time with Warren County students at Fun on the Farm: Food for Thought, where they rolled up their sleeves to learn about agriculture and discover the value of teamwork. Programs like this spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation to appreciate our farms, strengthen our rural communities, and carry forward the traditions that make our region so special.

Before food reaches our tables, there's a farmer taking the risk. Grateful to Hight Family Farms for bringing together farmers from Warren County and neighboring communities for an honest conversation about the future of agriculture. We discussed rising costs, labor challenges, and the importance of passing a Farm Bill that puts family farms first and helps ensure the next generation can keep farming.

Good-paying jobs start with opportunity. Enjoyed visiting Vance-Granville Community College's Warren County Campus and seeing firsthand how students are preparing for rewarding careers through hands-on education and workforce training. When we invest in the people of eastern North Carolina, we create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and keep opportunity right here at home.

Strong communities don't happen by accident. They're built by people who step up to serve. Grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Rho Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and the Warren County Community Center Board to provide a legislative update. We discussed the important work they're doing to strengthen neighborhoods across Warren County. When neighbors come together to lift one another up, everyone benefits.

Some heroes serve on the battlefield and then come home to keep serving their neighbors. At 100 years old, Edgecombe County’s oldest living veteran and World War II hero, Irvin J. “Buck” Price, represents the very best of America. At just 18, he served as a helmsman aboard LST 285 during the D-Day invasion, helping ferry troops and supplies to Omaha Beach before returning home to serve Tarboro. Honored to celebrate this true eastern North Carolina hero at the dedication of the “Buck Price Plaza.” Buck’s remarkable life reminds us that America was built, and remains strong, because ordinary people answer the call to serve.