Congressman Davis Spends the Day Meeting With Residents in Hertford and Gates County

Hertford, N.C. - Congressman DonDavis (NC-01) spent Thursday, July 10, in Hertford and Gates County engaging with community leaders, visiting local businesses and a summer theatre camp, and meeting with clergy and residents to discuss issues affecting the region and the country.

Throughout the day, Davisunderscored his commitment to "meeting residents where they are" and supporting economic development, education, and community programs in eastern North Carolina following the passage of H.R. 1, "One Big Beautiful Bill Act."

[Congressman Davissits down with residents at Murfreesboro Creamery to discuss local impacts of H.R. 1 in local communities.]

The Congressman's day began in Winton with meetings with the Hertford County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair John Horton, Interim County Manager William Shanahan, Jr., and Clerk of the Board Dr. Renee Tyler to discuss community priorities and concerns. He also met with the employees of the Hertford County Department of Social Services to listen to concerns regarding the implementation of H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and its potential impact on families and individuals in need of community assistance.

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[Congressman Davisdiscusses the impact of H.R. 1 with Hertford County Department of Social Services employees.]

"It is essential that we have these conversations with our county leaders and social services staff concerning how H.R. 1 could impact the families and individuals who depend on critical programs," said Congressman Davis. "The bill has far-reaching consequences, particularly when it comes to proposed cuts to Medicaid and Pell Grants that so many in our community rely on."

Later, Congressman Davistoured Alfiniti Inc., a producer of aluminum products, where he learned about the wide range of items they manufacture, ranging from rocket launchers to aluminum flagpoles. He spoke with company employees about the role of the local and national economy, tariffs, and the opportunities Alfiniti Inc. creates for eastern North Carolina.

[Alfiniti Inc. employees give a detailed view of their products to Congressman Davis]

He also visited the 4-H Freedom Summer Musical Theatre Camp taking place at Ahoskie Elementary School, where he spoke with children ages 5-18 about civics, leadership, and the importance of being active in their communities. Congressman Davisengaged the students with thoughtful questions, encouraging them to think about how they can make a positive difference in the world around them and what changes they wish to see in their communities.

[Congressman Davisprovides a lesson on civics to the participants of the 4-H Freedom Summer Musical Theatre Camp.]

"Visiting the students at the 4-H Freedom Summer Musical Theatre Camp was incredibly inspiring," said Congressman Davis. "Their excitement, creativity, and vision for their communities show us that civic engagement has no age limit."

Congressman Davisthen toured The Gathering Place in Ahoskie, a repurposed church that serves the community by offering job corps programs, senior activities, and a food pantry. He met with staff and learned about the impact of their work on residents, and he sat down with a resident to discuss how The Gathering Place has transformed their life, providing essential services and serving as a beacon of hope for the community.

[Congressman Davistours The Gathering Place's food pantry.]

Later, he visited Nucor Steel Hertford County, the top steel manufacturer in the United States, to meet with company leadership and discuss the role of manufacturing, workforce development in eastern North Carolina, and trade barriers.

[Congressman Davisdiscusses the impacts of tariffs with Nucor Steel Hertford County employees.]

In the afternoon, Davisheld a conversation with clergy from Hertford, Northampton, and Bertie counties at New Ahoskie Baptist Church, where they discussed faith-based initiatives and community concerns. He then met with constituents at Murfreesboro Creamery to listen to their perspectives and hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the community concerning Medicaid and the H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

[Congressman Davislistens to the local clergy discuss local issues and priorities in the community]

Congressman Davisalso visited the Gates County Library, where he met with Pat Familar, who has served as the county librarian for 42 years and is a beloved figure in the Gates community. Davisthanked her for her decades of dedication to local residents and for helping multiple generations of children fall in love with reading.

[Congressman Davisthanks Gates County librarian Pat Familar for her 42 years of service in the community.]

He concluded his visit in Gatesville by honoring Jonah Dickerson, a Congressional Award gold medal recipient and Gates County High School class of 2024 graduate, for his outstanding volunteer service. Daviscommended Jonah's dedication and stated that he hopes that other young people will follow his example of making a positive impact through service in the East.

[Congressman Davisand Congressional Service Award recipient, Jonah Dickerson]

"Visiting the communities of Hertford and Gates County was an inspiring reminder of our strength and resilience," said Congressman Davis. "From the hard work of our manufacturers to the creativity of our young people at theatre camp, and the care shown by clergy and social service workers, it is clear that when we come together, we can achieve great things and overcome obstacles in eastern North Carolina."

[Congressman Davisstands with local law enforcement of Hertford County after thanking them for their service to the community.]

For more information about Congressman Davis' work in North Carolina's First District, please contact (252) 999-7600 or visit https://www.dondavis.house.gov.

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