McIntyre Receives American Legion Award: Honored For Work on Behalf of Veterans - March 10th, 2010

 U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Legion for his work on behalf of veterans, active military and veterans’ issues.

The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization with 2.6 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “I am honored to be recognized by the American Legion, and I stand with them in working for a strong national security and devotion to our servicemembers and veterans.”

Ben Lee, former Legion Commander of Calabash, North Carolina, presented the award to the Congressman on behalf of the American Legion.

Congressman McIntyre Files for Re-Election - February 9th, 2010

 U. S. Representative Mike McIntyre announced today that he has filed to run for re-election to the United States Congress.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “The challenges facing our region and nation will require dedication and determination to make sure our best days are ahead. I am excited about the opportunity to keep fighting for our families and our future and to keep helping southeastern North Carolina continue to be a great place in which to live.”

McIntyre stated that he will focus on:

• Job creation and small business
• Strengthening economic development
• Strong national defense
• Affordable and accessible health care
• Sound agricultural policy
• Benefits for veterans, military retirees and senior citizens
• Quality schools and affordable higher education
• Beach renourishment and funding for our inlets and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

McIntyre serves in senior positions on both the House Agriculture and Armed Services Committees. He is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development and is Vice-Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism. McIntyre is also a Senior Whip, has served on the U.S. Naval Academy Board, and is a senior member of the U.S. Commission on Cooperation and Security in Europe.

In addition, McIntyre co-chairs the Special Operations Forces Caucus, the Task Force on Fatherhood, the Congressional Waterways Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports and has chaired a Task Force on Business and Technology.

He has won the top award in Congress over the last few years in several areas, including:

• National Legislator of the Year in recognition of his advocacy and legislative accomplishments for veterans
• All American Hero Award – Legislator of the Year – also for his work on behalf of veterans
• The Admiral’s Circle Award for his work on coastal issues
• The National Leadership Award for his work on economic development
• The “MVP” Award for his leadership on senior citizens’ issues
• The National Rural Health Legislative Award for his work on affordable health care
• The “Legislator of the Year” Award for his leadership on agricultural issues
• Medal of Merit Award from the National Guard Association for his leadership on national defense
• The Christian Statesman of the Year Award

Congressman McIntyre also received the first-ever International Public Policy Award for his efforts on workforce development and job training initiatives.

He and his wife Dee live in their hometown of Lumberton. Their two sons, Joshua and Stephen, both won scholarships to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as undergraduates. Joshua is currently a student at the UNC School of Law, and Stephen is practicing law in Wilmington. Joshua and his wife, Caroline, live in the Chapel Hill area.

McIntyre Announces $28.2 Million to Expand Broadband in N.C. - February 4th, 2010

U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre announced that MCNC has received $28.2 million in broadband grant funding to expand and improve broadband Internet access for nearly one-half of North Carolina’s population across 37 counties.

MCNC owns and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) to bring high-speed, broadband Internet to our state’s schools, universities, and community-anchor institutions.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “What an incredible victory this is for the citizens of North Carolina! I am grateful that our work over the last year will ensure that dedicated money is available for broadband expansion and improvement in this country. Now, North Carolinians are going to see their tax dollars come home to work for them. Broadband can be the great equalizer in business, education, and healthcare. I commend MCNC for putting forward such a strong application. ”

The $28.2 million infrastructure grant will be matched with an additional $11.7 million in funds and in-kind contributions to build a 494-mile middle-mile broadband network. This network will build new rings in the western and eastern regions of the station, which will connect to 685 miles of existing infrastructure in the urbanized central region, expanding the reach of NCREN. In southeastern North Carolina, MCNC infrastructure will serve the citizens of Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, New Hanover, and Pender counties.

Mike Murphy, Chairman of the MCNC Board of Directors stated, “We were very pleased to learn of the BTOP award to MCNC. The 480 miles of new fiber throughout the western and southeastern part of North Carolina will ensure that our K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, university hospitals and other community anchor institutions (libraries, public health) will have access to unlimited amounts of bandwidth now and into the future. All North Carolinians will benefit from the public/private partnership that created this application.”

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded this funding as part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Congressman McIntyre is Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development.

Mike McIntyre for Congress Committee Hires Campaign Field Director - January 7th, 2010

The Mike McIntyre for Congress Committee announced today that it has hired Justin Smith of Whiteville to serve as its campaign field director beginning February 1.

Smith’s duties will include coordination of outreach activities, volunteers and campaign strategies throughout the Seventh Congressional District.

Smith is director of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission and previously worked in an economic development role at the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. He is pursuing his Masters of Public Administration from UNC Wilmington.

“Job creation is at the forefront of Congressman McIntyre’s agenda, and I share in his vision,” Smith said. “The campaign position will allow me to expand my work throughout the region, and I am excited about the challenges ahead.”

Congressman McIntyre is Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development. He authored legislation for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, which has passed Congress and become law. The new commission will target resources to projects on a county-by-county level to fight unemployment and poverty.

Business and Economic Seminar - September 16th, 2009

Mike McIntyre announced today that approximately 125 key business leaders and Chambers of Commerce officials from southeastern North Carolina will attend his 2009 “The Washington Perspective” business and economic seminar on September 14-15 in the nation’s capital.  Business leaders from all over southeastern North Carolina are planning to participate in the seminar.  They will be a part of a group of nearly 300 business leaders from across North Carolina that will meet to discuss key economic issues for our state.
 
Representative McIntyre said, “What a great opportunity to have local business and Chamber officials in Washington to gather information and offer input to key Congressional and Administration officials.  I appreciate so many folks taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this important seminar.  The resources, contacts, and information that these individuals will gather will assist all of southeastern North Carolina.”
 
On Monday the 14th, participants will gather for “The Military-Business Opportunity Panel,” a discussion panel meant to promote discussion about North Carolina’s military presence and the business opportunities it creates and sustains.  Participants will also hear a congressional briefing from the North Carolina Representatives hosting the event.
 
Speakers at the seminar on Tuesday the 15th will include: General Wesley Clark (Retired four star general), Judy Woodruff (Broadcast Journalist, PBS), Secretary Tom Vilsack (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Secretary Ray LaHood (U.S. Department of Transportation), Chuck Todd (NBC News Political Director), Admiral Gary Roughead (U.S. Chief of Naval Operations), Howard Dean (Former Governor of Vermont), Rolf Lundberg Jr.  (Congressional and Public Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce), Trent Lott (Former U.S. Senator & Majority Leader), and Representative Jim Clyburn (U.S. House Majority Whip).
 
This is Representative McIntyre’s thirteenth annual summit.  Joining him as co-hosts for the event are his North Carolina congressional colleagues: G.K. Butterfield, Bob Etheridge, Larry Kissell, Patrick McHenry, Walter Jones, Mel Watt, Virginia Foxx, and Heath Shuler.  Anyone who is interested in attending may call Congressman McIntyre’s office in Washington at 202-225-2731.  There is no charge for the seminar.

Mike Helps Introduce and Supports Immigration Bill - August 20th, 2009

Representative Mike McIntyre, and many of his congressional colleagues recently introduced the SAVE Act, which increases border security and requires companies to verify employees’ legal right to work in the United States. 

Congressman McIntyre stated, “We need to enforce the laws of the land, and make sure that illegal immigrants do not fraudently get a job.  The SAVE Act would help employers, help those who are searching for employment, and help reduce illegal immigration – a win-win-win for all.”
The SAVE Act would require companies to use E-Verify, a government program for employers to use to ensure their new hires have the legal right to work in the U.S. Currently, more than 100,000 employers voluntarily use E-Verify, but the SAVE Act requires all companies to use the program within the next four years or face penalties.
This bill focuses on companies that knowingly hire illegal workers. Employers who use E-Verify legitimately will not be held liable for inadvertently hiring workers who use fraudulent documents when seeking work.
 
According to an independent analysis, nearly 97 percent of all workers screened through E-Verify have been approved within 24 hours.  While a small percentage of legal workers will receive what is known as a “tentative non-confirmation” due to errors in their personal information, E-Verify gives these individuals ample opportunity to correct their information with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security databases, on which the program relies.

McIntyre Announces for Re-Election to the U.S. House - July 27th, 2009

U.S. Rep Mike McIntyre has announced that he will be seeking re-election to the United States Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As Chairman of the Agricultural Subcommittee that oversees rural economic development and as Vice-Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism that oversees our special operations forces worldwide, I am grateful for the opportunity to exert even greater advocacy and more positive influence on behalf of both our area’s citizens and the country as a whole.”

McIntyre has won the top honors in Congress for:

· National Legislator of the Year for his work on behalf of veterans (2008);

· National Legislator of the Year in agriculture (2007);

· National Leadership Award in economic development (2007);

· Admiral Circle’s Award for leadership on coastal concerns (2005);

· “MVP” Award for his work on behalf of senior citizens (2004);

· National Legislative Award twice for rural health care (2000 & 2003);

· Medal of Merit Award from the National Guard for national defense (2000).

McIntyre also won the first-ever International Award in Public Policy for jobs and workforce development in 2001.

In additional to his leadership responsibilities as a Senior Whip and as a member of the Majority Leader’s Advisory Council, McIntyre is a senior commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Cooperation and Security in Europe.

“I deeply appreciate the confidence and encouragement from many who have asked me to consider the U.S. Senate race. With the leadership positions I currently hold in the U.S. House, there is a greater opportunity to capitalize on these to benefit our constituents and the citizens of North Carolina.”

“From jobs and economic development to improved education and health care; from strengthening agriculture to strengthening our national defense; from helping our seniors and veterans to increasing opportunities for our children – fighting for our families and our future will continue to be my commitment.”

McIntyre is founder and Co-Chairman of both the Congressional Waterways Caucus and the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports. He is also Co-Chairman of the Special Operations Forces Caucus and has served on the U.S. Naval Academy Advisory Board.

McIntyre Announces $1.12 Billion For North Carolina Bases - June 22nd, 2009

U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced today that more than $1.12 billion for military construction projects for North Carolina military installations has been approved in the 2010 National Defense Authorization bill.  
 
In noting the benefits to Southeastern North Carolina’s bases, Congressman McIntyre stated, “This is a win-win for our military installations and the communities that support them!  The 2010 funding includes a grand total of $274 million for Fort Bragg to continue improvements at this premier installation, and Camp Lejeune will receive $685 million.”
 
Furthermore, the bill authorizes $550.4 billion in budget authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DoE).  The bill also authorizes $130 billion to support overseas contingency operations during fiscal year 2010. 
 
This defense bill reflects our commitment to support U.S. service members and to provide the necessary resources to keep Americans safe and protect our national interests.  The provisions of this year’s defense bill promote our main policy objectives: restoring military readiness; taking care of our troops and their families; focusing on our strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and on redeployment from Iraq; eliminating waste and recovering savings through acquisition reform; and maintaining robust oversight of the Department of Defense.  
 
 After more than seven years of war, we must sustain our efforts to restore military readiness in order to meet current military challenges and prepare for the future.  The bill provides $11 billion for Army reset, $2 billion for Marine Corps reset, and $6.9 billion to address equipment shortfalls in the National Guard and Reserve.  Addressing urgent issues such as dilapidated military barracks and to keep defense facilities in good working order, the bill adds $450 million for Army barracks improvements and $762 million to fully meet sustainment requirements for base facilities and infrastructure. 
 
To boost readiness and reduce the strain on our forces, the bill increases the size of the military by 15,000 Army troops, 8,000 Marines, 14,650 Air Force personnel, and 2,477 Navy sailors, which reflects the President’s budget request.
 
To improve the quality of life for our forces and their families, the bill provides a 3.4 percent pay raise for all service members, continuing our efforts to reduce the pay raise gap between the uniformed services and the private sector. The bill extends the authority for the Defense Department to offer bonuses and incentive pay, expands TRICARE health coverage to reserve component members and their families for 180 days prior to mobilization, and also provides $1.95 billion for family housing programs to support and expand the quality housing our military families deserve. 
 
To improve the benefits available to wounded warriors, the bill provides travel and transportation for three designated persons, including non-family members, to visit hospitalized service members.  The bill also enables seriously injured service members to use a non-medical attendant for help with daily living or during travel for medical treatment. 
 
The military construction projects include all those contained in the original budget request with the addition of specific projects I requested that will benefit the district and the state, which are starred below.
 
Fort Bragg
 
Automated Multipurpose Machine Gun                                                                     $4,350,000
Company Operations Facility                                                                                     $3,300,000
Simulations Center                                                                                                      $50,000,000
Transient Training Barracks Complex                                                                         $16,500,000
Vehicle Maintenance Shop                                                                                         $19,500,000
Vehicle Maintenance Shop                                                                                         $17,500,000
Albritton JHS Addition                                                                                              $3,439,000
Consolidated Health Clinic                                                                                        $26,386,000
Health Clinic                                                                                                               $31,272,000
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Battalion & Company Headquarters                     $15,500,000
SOF Battalion Headquarters Facility                                                                         $13,000,000
SOF Military Working Dog Facility                                                                           $1,125,000
SOF Military Working Dog Facility                                                                           $3,046,000
SOF Operations Addition North                                                                                $27,513,000
SOF Operations Support Addition                                                                             $13,756,000
SOF TUAV Hangar                                                                                                    $2,948,000
Special Ops Prep & Conditioning Course                                                                  $24,600,000
TOTAL                                                                                                                       $273,735,000
 
Camp Lejeune
 
4th Infantry Battalion Ops Complex                                                                           $55,150,000
BEQ – Wallace Creek                                                                                                 $34,160,000
BEQ – Wallace Creek                                                                                                 $43,480,000
BEQ – Wallace Creek                                                                                                 $44,390,000
BEQ – Wallace Creek                                                                                                 $44,390,000
BEQ – Wallace Creek                                                                                                 $42,110,000
Consolidated Info Tech/Telecom Complex                                                                $46,120,000
Field Training Fac. – Devil Dog – SOI                                                                      $37,170,000
Maintenance/Ops Complex                                                                                         $52,390,000
MP Working Dog Kennel – Relocation                                                                      $8,370,000
New Base Entry Point and Road (Phase I)                                                                $79,150,000
Physical Fitness Center                                                                                               $39,760,000
Pre-Trial Detainee Facility                                                                                          $18,580,000
Road Network – Wallace Creek                                                                                 $15,130,000
SOI – East Facilities – Camp Geiger                                                                          $56,940,000
Utility Expansion – Courthouse Bay                                                                          $56,280,000
SOF Academic Instruction Facility Expansion                                                          $11,791,000
TOTAL                                                                                                                      $685,361,000
 
Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station
 
EMS/Fire Vehicle Facility                                                                                          $10,600,000
Ordnance Magazines                                                                                                  $12,360,000
TOTAL                                                                                                                       $22,960,000
 
New River Air Station (USMC)
 
Apron Expansion (Phase 2)                                                                                        $35,600,000
Gymnasium/Outdoor Pool                                                                                          $19,920,000
Parallel Taxiway                                                                                                          $17,870,000
Tactical Support Van Pad Addition                                                                           $5,490,000
VMMT-204 Maintenance Hangar – Phase 3                                                              $28,210,000
TOTAL                                                                                                                       $107,090,000
 
*Acid Alkaline Direct Methanol Fuel Cell                                                                 $5,000,000
- to accomplish a three-phase project to achieve DOD’s goal of a lightweight power source.
 
*Partnership for Defense Innovation Wi-Fi Laboratory Assessment Center             $3,500,000
- for the completion, testing and validation of a Tactical PSYOP Situational Awareness System that will provide psychological affairs forces capability to maintain situational awareness to support operations.
 
*NC National Guard Family Assistance Centers                                                       $1,600,000
- to allow the NCNG to provide consistent support and services to the families of members of the NCNG and the Armed Services.
 
*Admin, Gen Purpose (Army Field Spt Bde-CE)                                                      $720,000
-to construct a general purpose administrative facility to house the Army Field Support Brigade, CONUS-
East of the Army Material Command.
 
*Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Support Facility                                     $6,038,000
-to assist the NCNG with the training and mobilization readiness requirement for unmanned systems. 
 
McIntyre is Vice -Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities, and  is a member of the Air and Land Forces.

McIntyre Supports Coordination of STEM Education Programs - June 16th, 2009

Representative McIntyre is a co-sponsor of the STEM Education Coordination Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with strong bi-partisan support. This legislation will coordinate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)education activities across the federal government.

Many valuable STEM education programs already exist at various federal agencies and have the potential to play an important role in sharing knowledge and passion for science, technology, engineering and math with students, teachers, and the general public.  This common-sense legislation will simply coordinate the STEM activities of federal agencies to make the most effective use of the federal investment in STEM education. It will provide a forum for the federal agencies involved in STEM education activities to work together to increase the awareness of these programs among teachers and to evaluate these programs.

As a member of the STEM Education Caucus, Rep. McIntyre understands the necessity of providing our students with a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in order to adequately equip them to compete in the global economy.  This legislation goes a long way towards ensuring that the rich science and technology resources at federal research agencies are used effectively to help our students better prepare for the jobs of the 21st century.

Lumbee Bill Passes U.S. House - June 16th, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina federal recognition.

The vote was one for fairness, justice, and long over-due recognition for the Lumbee Indians.  For over 121 years, the Lumbees have been seeking the rightful designation, and this vote helps the Tribe to move forward with its efforts.

The bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 240-179 and now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. Representative McIntyre will continue to support efforts for the enactment of this bill.