ASHEVILLE, N.C. — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, presented “a Report on Washington” and fielded questions afterwar during a presentation to the pro-business, Asheville-based Council of Independent Business Owners in UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center on April 10.

About 60 people attended the early-morning presentation that was preceded by a breakfast buffet. Edwards spoke for roughly 40 minutes and answered questions for about 20 minutes.

Following a prayer and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, John Carroll, CIBO’s past president and meeting moderator, recognied candidates in the audience, including Gary Parris, who is a Republican running for Buncombe County sheriff; Ron Penland, who is running for the N.C. House District 115 seat; and Andrew Nagle, who is seeking re-election to Weaverville Town Council.  

Next, Carroll introduced Edwards, noting that he represents 16 counties in Western North Carolina, He added that, “in November 2022, Chuck was elected to Congress.”

Carroll then called on the CIBO audience to welcome Edwards with applause — and the pro-business group responded with enthusiasm. 

Edwards began his talk by noting that “I don’t always get such a warm welcome in Asheville.” 

He also said he especially appreciates “being around fellow businesspeople.”

Then he asked everyone who owns their own business to raise their hand.

Many hands shot up — and Edwards said he expecte such a response from the hard-working members of CIBO.

The congressmen next said, “(DHS Secretary) Markwayne Mullin came to visit (the Lake Lure area) and the media has given him much attention — and he has, unfortunately, become a political lightning rod for this area.”

He noted that the federal government continues to be partially shut down, noting that “one of those (agencies) is the Department of Homeland Security (which) is shut down. Today is day 51.

“How many of you knew it was shutdown?” Edwards asked.

Most hands were raised in the affirmative.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is being an ‘appropriator’ — that’s the most important committee in all of government. The Appropriations Committee touches every single dollar of federal tax money that is spent.

“We’ve got a broken system in Washington, where the two parties can’t come together. So what we’ve ended up with is an endless CR (continuing resolution).

“We passed all 12 spending bills across the House floor. These were pre-negotiated with Democrats and Republicans.

“Then you saw a lot of angst out in Minnesota, with ICE trying to remove the worst of the worst. So the Democrats went back on the deal we already had. So this part of government (Homeland Security) is not funded. 

“What they did shut down, though, is TSA agents being paid. Fortunately, the president found a way to get a few paychecks into their hands. There’s a suspicion that there won't be more money...”

Since Tropical Storm Helene ravaged the area on Sept. 27, 2024, “there has not been a day that has gone by that we haven’t worked on hurricane recovery,” Edwards said.

At that point, he introduced some of his staff that was present, including, among others, Desiree Mitchell, legislative assistant; Desiree’s father-in-law Henry Mitchel, a director of the campaign, and Chris Burns, a district director.

Edwards then returned to the topic of what he termed “hurricane recovery,” noting that “we have a lot to be proud of here in Western North Carolina... With neighbors who didn’t know one another coming together. So many church groups. So many people coming from around the country. Helping to restore houses and rebuild roads... We recovered, despite FEMA and the federal government. The latter two have their roles. FEMA is shut down right now.  It’s hard to get anyone to answer the phone right now.” 

He reitereated that “they (the Democrats in Congress) voted “no” to restoring funding to the DHS.”

Edwards added that the “things we can be proud of are this:”

• “I authored the $100 million in December 2024.

• “I continued to press with federal officials and DHS to make sure what we need in WNC.

• “We’ve gotten about $9 billion into the hands of WNC residents.”

• “We’ve gotten homes and roads repaired

• “I-40 reopened one lane each way.”

• “Blue Ridge Parkway restoration is way ahead of schedule. We originally was told it would take eight years to get it repaired. The BRP is projected to be open by the end of this year,”

At that point, the CIBO crowd again applauded Edwards.

The congressman then added, “There’s clearly lots of work still to be done... We’ve got to get DHS up and running again.

“There’s two immediate things, besides DHS, is a FISA 702 (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act).

“ It gives government permission to monitor activities of foreign persons on foreign soil. This is intended to keep bad things from happening in the United States. 

“Keep in mind this provision was implemented shortly after 9/11. This provision was misused against President Trump. FISA should not be misused, but it should be in place.”

Further, Edwards said, “Eighteen months ago, we put into place 53 provisions to prevent misuse of FISA 702. The number of over-monitoring dropped from 25,00 to just eight. 

“We’re asking for another 18 months next week. The president will be directly acting Congress to renew this to help keep America safe.

“The funding for the border patrol and ICE was effectively stripped out of this resolution. So we are going through …

“I’m going to hit some things that we thought business folks would be interested in:

“We’ve made North Carolina the most business-friendly state in the United States — we cut red tape and made sure a workforce was available.

“In cutting red tape, I’ve worked on and supported the Small Business Reduction Act, so that businesses have a net-zero cost. I suggested calling it the Dump Red Tape Act. This bill essentially puts together a way to …

“Also, President Trump has gone through executive order after executive order…. and now we’re working to codify as much of that as possible.

“The president started out with the goal of eliminating five regulations for every one that is passed. Well, we did even better than that — we eliminated 11 regulations for every one passed.

“I don’t want you to forget the significance is Family Tax Act. We prevented a big tax increase and put some permanent fixes in place. You’re aware of the Main Street deduction.

“We renewed and made permanent the ability to write-off research and development. That will incentivize people to continue to do R&D (research and development). 

“Housing is something I hear about all over Western North Carolina. I still believe local governments have more to offer with that than anyone else. But there are some things we can do on a local level. Federally, we are eliminating regulations to make it easier to building housing.

“The Modular Housing Act — the road to housing bill, includes 34 ideas on how to make housing more affordable.”

Edwards ended his “Report on Washington” to CIBO by noting that “I could say more, but I’d rather here what’s on your mind,” which led into a question-and-answer session.