Representative First Last

Dear Friend,

Over a month has passed since Hurricane Helene devastated our state, and while the immediate crisis may have subsided, the road to recovery is still just beginning for many of our neighbors in Western North Carolina. Though Wake County was not directly impacted, I have been working closely with state and federal agencies to ensure that communities affected by the devastating hurricane have the resources and support they need. As we move forward, I remain committed to standing by our friends and neighbors in Western North Carolina every step of the way as they recover and rebuild.

Do you think Congress should pass additional disaster aid?

Yes

No

Fighting for Increased Disaster Relief Funding

I want to assure you that continuing to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene remains a top priority for me. Recently, I spoke on the House floor and urged my colleagues to pass federal disaster funding to support the people of North Carolina as they rebuild from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. I also led my delegation colleagues in urging House leaders to include $25.57 billion in federal disaster relief for North Carolina, as requested by Governor Cooper, in upcoming disaster funding legislation. These resources will address critical needs and help communities to rebuild.

Rep. Ross speaks on the House floor about the need for disaster relief funding.

Last week, I joined Governor Roy Cooper, Attorney General Josh Stein, and leaders from Western North Carolina who traveled up to Washington to meet with the North Carolina Congressional Delegation. We discussed the urgent need for additional disaster relief funding.

Rep. Ross joins fellow lawmakers and leaders to discuss hurricane relief funding.

Tackling Hurricane Misinformation

I led several of my colleagues in urging social media executives at Meta, X, Discord, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to take stronger actions to stop the spread of misinformation that has hindered disaster relief efforts. We called on these companies to work with local organizations to improve fact-checking, strengthen algorithms that identify conspiracy theories, and implement stronger safeguards against scams. I also led my colleagues in the North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida delegations in urging the House Judiciary, Oversight, and Energy & Commerce Committees to investigate and hold hearings on the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In times of crisis, clear and accurate information is essential to ensure that those affected by disaster can get the help they need to rebuild their lives.

Rep. Ross demands answers from social media executives after the spread of misinformation.

Seeking Information on Possible Foreign Efforts to Mislead North Carolinians

After the 2023 Maui wildfires, we saw how foreign adversaries used social media to create chaos. I led my colleagues in requesting a briefing from the Director of National Intelligence on potential foreign involvement in spreading harmful misinformation that has been undermining recovery efforts in North Carolina. Congress must ensure that accurate information gets to the people who need it most and that we protect our communities from forces seeking to disrupt our response. It is critical that we remain vigilant and keep the focus on helping communities in Western North Carolina and across the Southeast.

Rep. Ross leads a letter expressing concern about foreign involvement in hurricane misinformation.

As recovery efforts continue, I want to thank the countless FEMA workers, volunteers, first responders, and local organizations who have been working tirelessly to help those in need. North Carolinians are resilient, and I am grateful for the many inspiring examples of neighbors helping neighbors in the aftermath of the storm. While there is still much work to be done, I’ll keep pushing for the federal resources and support our state and people need. If you have questions about my work or need help with FEMA assistance or other federal agencies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is here to assist. You can send me an email through my website or call my Raleigh office at (919) 334-0840. For updates on my work on behalf of our community, follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @RepDeborahRoss.

Very truly yours,

Deborah