SUMMARY: A bipartisan group of North Carolina lawmakers introduced the “Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act,” aimed at securing federal reimbursements for repairing private infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Helene. The bill would allow state, local, and tribal governments to receive funds for restoring over 8,000 private roads and bridges, which are crucial for rural residents’ access to emergency services and daily necessities. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards emphasized the unprecedented damage caused by the hurricane. The bill requires damage inspections and adherence to FEMA’s documentation rules to ensure timely recovery for the affected communities in western North Carolina.

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SUMMARY: Republican Rep. Brendan Jones criticized the North Carolina Office of Resiliency and Recovery, calling its slow progress on post-hurricane rebuilding a “sham” to taxpayers. He expressed frustration over persistent delays in completing recovery projects for families impacted by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, with many still waiting for assistance. The office’s interim head, Pryor Gibson, acknowledged the challenges and thanked the legislature for an $80 million appropriation. While Gibson hopes for completion in the east this year, Jones urged for quicker action. Additionally, Jones drew comparisons to “Groundhog Day” and expressed concerns about the state’s management of recovery efforts.

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SUMMARY: President Trump recently made several significant moves, including offering federal employees the option to resign by February 6, with full pay and benefits through September 2025, excluding certain positions like military personnel and immigration officers. The offer comes with the expectation that remaining workers return to in-person offices five days a week. Additionally, Trump issued an order limiting medical options for transgender children and adults under 19, including banning federal funding for gender transition treatments. The American Federation of Government Employees criticized the actions, warning of their potential negative impact on the functioning of the federal government.

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