Dear Friends:
Our nation is indeed facing incredibly tough times not seen in many decades. The struggling national economy coupled with a teetering world economy presents unique challenges to help right the ship.
Congress plays a critical role in working to stabilize and strengthen the US and world economies. Over the past seven years I have advocated for the views of the citizens of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, bringing our straightforward and commonsense thinking to forming national policies.
I’ve worked to bring resources to our communities all across the First Congressional District. From Henderson and Oxford in the west to Elizabeth City and Edenton in the east, from Roanoke Rapids and Weldon in the north to Goldsboro and New Bern in the South, I’ve delivered millions of dollars of federal support to our District.
There was the $16 million for the Rescue Diver Facility at the United States Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City. They are responsible for training each and every USCG Rescue Diver for deployment nationwide.
There was the $800,000 for Goldsboro’s Union Depot. The City is retrofitting and restoring an historic building that will serve as the City’s multimodal center – including bus and rail. It will better link the City’s residences to businesses and each other.
There was the $250,000 to support nursing programs at Halifax Community College. The school offers many programs in the healthcare field and directly contributes to the excellent nursing care offered throughout eastern North Carolina.
Much of the legislation I’ve introduced over the past 7 years has been as a direct result of conversations I’ve had with constituents across the First District. I appreciate when people bring issues to me and give me an opportunity to solve them – whether it be a policy concern or a matter dealing with a federal agency.
I’ve introduced the Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act with bipartisan support. The FEED Act would make entities like schools, libraries, county and city governments, as well as non-profits have easier access to federal excess electronic equipment like computers, printers, monitors, and laptops. Cities and towns throughout the First District will directly benefit from this bill.
I’ve also recently introduced the Veterans Education Equality Act. This bill would equalize the amount of tuition assistance veterans receive regardless if they attend a public or private university. There are currently significant inadequacies in tuition assistance causing some veterans to incur significant out of pocket expenses related to their education.
It has been a great honor and privilege to have served the citizens of the First Congressional District of North Carolina for the past seven years. 
The future presents many challenges and my experience and leadership will continue to empower me to advocate for the wants and needs of my constituents in the First District.
I encourage you to explore this site and hope that you’ll get involved. Make sure you’re registered to vote and encourage others to register. Educate yourself on the issues. Drive your mother, father, grandparents, and friends to the poll on election day.
If we work together and organize and invigorate our base, we will send a strong message that experience, commonsense leadership, and the importance of putting duty over party will again serve the people of the First Congressional District.
Thank you very much.
G. K. Butterfield
