Congressman Edwards Votes to Reopen Government, Secure Funding for Disaster Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) voted to reopen the federal government following the longest shutdown in American history, and added $22.5 billion in much-needed natural disaster relief funding to help restore critical services and provide relief to families, small businesses, and communities across Western North Carolina. 

“After more than forty days of gridlock, this legislation delivers long-overdue relief to the American people,” said Congressman Edwards. “Over the last month, I've worked to ensure the people of NC-11 were not left behind, even as their federal government stood still. I spoke with constituents from every corner of Western North Carolina and witnessed firsthand the unnecessary hardship caused by the Democrats’ failure to fund the government. This package restores critical services like SNAP and WIC, replenishes the Disaster Relief Fund for continued Helene recovery, and ensures support for veterans, service members, and their families. I’ve said from the start we must keep our government working for the people we serve, not holding them hostage to political games. This bipartisan agreement is a step in that direction.”

Congressman Edwards supported the Continuing Resolution (CR) and accompanying FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA); Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch appropriations bills. The legislation passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 222-209.

The CR portion of the package extends government funding through January 30, 2026, while the three full-year appropriations bills fund key programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Together, these measures ensure stability for essential programs that directly impact Western North Carolina and gives Congress time to finalize the remaining appropriations bills.

The reopening of the government will immediately restore operations for programs assisting Hurricane Helene recovery, agricultural services, and nutrition assistance, which are vital to rebuilding and strengthening Western North Carolina’s economy.

Congressman Edwards led the charge in securing funding for four community projects, including:

• $3 million for Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital Expansion – This funding will consolidate six existing outpatient clinics into a single modern facility on the main hospital campus, creating 20,000 square feet of new patient care areas with expanded lab and radiology services. It will also allow the hospital to establish a cardiac catheterization lab, enhancing access to lifesaving cardiac care for residents across WNC.
• $2.97 million for Hazelwood Fire Station Construction – This project will replace a functionally obsolete volunteer fire station with a modern facility featuring three apparatus bays and ADA-accessible sleeping quarters and restrooms. The upgraded station will give Waynesville firefighters the facility and tools they need to deploy swift emergency response services.
• $1.5 million for Transylvania County’s Emergency Services Upgrades – This funding will strengthen public safety and emergency response capabilities by providing essential new equipment for the Sheriff’s Office and EMS, including body camera replacements, a jail body scanner to detect contraband, two new ambulances, and critical EMS equipment upgrades to ensure the highest standard of patient care.
• $1.5 million for McDowell County 911 Center Construction – This investment will support the construction of a new 911 Center to enhance emergency communications and public safety for citizens, visitors, and first responders in McDowell County. The current 911 operation has long outgrown its space due to advancing technology and growing call volume.