[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         BURDEN OF RISING COSTS

  (Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to shed light on a 
pressing issue weighing heavily on residents of eastern North Carolina: 
the burden of high costs.
  One constituent shared: ``On a retired educator's budget and as a 
part-time employee, it is impossible to keep up with rising costs. I 
can't win for losing. I find myself borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.''
  Many are finding it extremely difficult to put food on the table. 
Another constituent shared: ``Groceries are extremely expensive. We are 
just a family of two and have to budget so much of our paychecks for 
groceries.''
  In North Carolina, approximately 10 percent of the population is 
battling food insecurity. The need for good-paying jobs in eastern 
North Carolina is more critical now than ever.
  I strongly encourage Congress to prioritize the Southeastern Crescent 
Economic Empowerment Act and broader access to healthy, safe, and 
affordable foods.

                          ____________________