Chuck Edwards
Representative for North Carolina · Republican · United States
“His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina. Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties.”
“His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina. Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties.”
“He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement.”
“He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E722] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SHERIFF RICKY T. BUCHANAN ______ HON.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E722] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SHERIFF RICKY T. BUCHANAN ______ HON.”
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“On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sheriff Buchanan and offer my best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement. ____________________”
“His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina. Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties. He is a committed partner in community health, substance abuse prevention, and local philanthropy, offering steady leadership on numerous boards and initiatives that strengthen McDowell County and improve lives. Today, he continues to serve as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, a testament to the trust and admiration he has earned statewide. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Buchanan's career reflects a rare combination of service, sacrifice, and heart. His legacy is one of honor, devotion, and deep love for the community he has protected for decades.”
“He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement. He became the first person from McDowell County to be selected as a full- time Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration before moving onto the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau, where he advanced to Assistant District Supervisor in both the Charlotte and Asheville Districts. Over the course of his career, Sheriff Buchanan distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication to justice, and ability to lead with strength and compassion.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E722] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SHERIFF RICKY T. BUCHANAN ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan on his retirement after over twenty years of exceptional and steadfast service to the people of McDowell County. Sheriff Buchanan has devoted his life to public service, demonstrating integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community.”
“On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sheriff Buchanan and offer my best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement. ____________________”
“His leadership as an instructor preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers has earned the respect of colleagues and ensured the future of justice across North Carolina. Sheriff Buchanan's impact extends far beyond his official duties. He is a committed partner in community health, substance abuse prevention, and local philanthropy, offering steady leadership on numerous boards and initiatives that strengthen McDowell County and improve lives. Today, he continues to serve as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, a testament to the trust and admiration he has earned statewide. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Buchanan's career reflects a rare combination of service, sacrifice, and heart. His legacy is one of honor, devotion, and deep love for the community he has protected for decades.”
“He began his public service as a volunteer firefighter with the Pleasant Gardens Volunteer Fire Department and as an EMT-Intermediate with McDowell County Medical Services. He went on to serve in numerous roles, including Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy, SWAT Operator, and Detective with McDowell County Drug Enforcement. He became the first person from McDowell County to be selected as a full- time Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration before moving onto the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau, where he advanced to Assistant District Supervisor in both the Charlotte and Asheville Districts. Over the course of his career, Sheriff Buchanan distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication to justice, and ability to lead with strength and compassion.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E722] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SHERIFF RICKY T. BUCHANAN ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan on his retirement after over twenty years of exceptional and steadfast service to the people of McDowell County. Sheriff Buchanan has devoted his life to public service, demonstrating integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his community.”
“The American people deserve a government that lives within its means, just as they do every day. It is time to restore fiscal responsibility, reduce the deficit, and leave the next generation with a far stronger financial future.”
“That means supporting our national defense, strengthening border security, helping communities recover from disasters like Hurricane Helene, and funding the essential functions of government while still looking for every opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. {time} 1810 Through the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, House Republicans continued efforts to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars by identifying several savings, reducing unnecessary spending, eliminating wasteful programs, and ensuring funding is focused on the Federal Government's core responsibilities. We didn't create a $39 trillion debt overnight, and we are not going to solve it overnight, but every responsible spending decision moves us in the right direction.”
“Mr. Speaker, our national debt has now surpassed $39 trillion, and every second that we fail to address it, that number continues to grow, placing an even greater burden on future generations. Families across western North Carolina understand just a simple truth: You can't spend money that you don't have. They balance their budgets, make difficult decisions, and expect their government to do the same. Unfortunately, Washington has spent far too long doing just the opposite. Decades of unchecked spending have left us with rising interest payments, growing deficits, and fewer resources available for the priorities that really matter. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have worked to ensure that we are good stewards of every taxpayer dollar.”
“Under his guidance, new nonprofit organizations were launched, key mergers strengthened collaboration across Western North Carolina, and the foundation emerged as a driving force in empowering and uplifting the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Mr. Benson's career defined by vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people of Henderson County and the State of North Carolina. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I extend my deepest gratitude to McCray and offer my heartfelt best wishes as he enters a well-earned and fulfilling retirement. ____________________”
“Benson earned his master's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has devoted his life's work to public and nonprofit service since 1977. His commitment to strengthening communities led him to Henderson County through his role with the Foundation for the Carolinas, where he served as Senior Vice President of Community Affiliates, supporting a broad region stretching from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. During his remarkable tenure at CFHC, Mr. Benson helped triple the foundation's core assets and ensured those resources were invested directly back into the community. He built an exceptional professional staff and sustained a board of directors whose leadership has been central to the foundation's success.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E674-E675] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING McCRAY BENSON ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Monday, July 13, 2026 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. McCray Benson as he concludes his distinguished tenure as President [[Page E675]] and CEO of the Community Foundation of Henderson County, marking more than two decades of extraordinary and selfless service to the people of Hendersonville. Mr.”
“She graduated from Western Carolina University where she earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Olivia was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation with her positive attitude and impressive work ethic. It was a pleasure to work with Olivia, and I am so proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Olivia exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that our Nation has to offer. I congratulate Olivia on the successful completion of her internship and thank her on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E350] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING OLIVIA BATES ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Monday, April 28, 2025 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Olivia Bates, for her work as an intern serving in my Hendersonville office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions she has made to the office this spring. Olivia is originally from New York but now calls Henderson County, North Carolina home.”
“Fred was honorably discharged from active duty following the war and returned home to Cherokee County, North Carolina where he would go on to be licensed to preach the Gospel on October 23, 1949, by Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Murphy, North Carolina and was ordained in 1950. On behalf of all of Western North Carolina, I would like to take a moment to honor the life of Fred Bruner Lunsford. ____________________”
“Fred graduated from Andrews High School in Andrews, North Carolina in the spring of 1943 and he and his wife, Gladys, were married on March 17, 1944, before Fred enlisted in the United States Army. Fred served as a Staff Sergent during World War II and was deployed to the European Theater, with service at the Normandy Invasion, Battle of the Bulge and the Liberation of France. Fred was highly decorated for his bravery, leadership, and courage he displayed during those years of service. These decorations include the Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Victory Medal, the Army Occupation Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E343] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF FRED BRUNER LUNSFORD ______ HON. CHUCK EDWARDS of north carolina in the house of representatives Monday, April 28, 2025 Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Staff Sergent Fred Bruner Lunsford of the United States Army, who passed away on March 1, 2025. Fred was born on March 7, 1925, and was enrolled as a member of the eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”