We’ve all heard the famous phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” Well.. nowhere is this more true than in Washington. In a city full of people who like to talk, it is actions and progress that truly matter.
Since my first days in Congress, I have striven to not only be a man of my word, but also to be an agent for change. That’s why I’m honored to receive the American Conservative Union’s Conservative Achievement Award for the third consecutive year for my work to defend our Constitution and the traditional values that make our country strong.
The ACU is the oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization in the nation and presents its award once a year to those who fight for “liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values and strong national defense.”
As one of the leading conservative members of Congress — and the 12th-most conservative Republican in the House — I’m working to advance conservative solutions that preserve our rights and get our country back on track.
Specifically, I voted to end the administration’s mandate on Common Core and replace No Child Left Behind. This legislation was an important step to get Washington’s bureaucrats out of our local classrooms and return control back to you, our teachers and students’ parents. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, it was the largest return of control to states and localities from the federal government in a quarter-century.
In addition, I took the lead on legislation to protect our country from the threat of radical Islamic terrorists posing as refugees from Syria and Iraq. While our hearts break for these refugees, our first priority must be defending America. And as far as I’m concerned, if we don’t know who you are, you are not getting into our country.
Although my bill, the American SAFE Act, passed the House with a bipartisan veto-proof majority, it was blocked by Senate Democrats. I am committed to getting this legislation to the president’s desk to bolster vetting of refugees, help keep terrorists out and protect the American people.
While I am working to protect our homeland, I am also fighting to ensure that you can protect yourself. You and I know that our Second Amendment is our right that guarantees we can defend our other rights. That’s why I refer to it as our first freedom. It must be protected, which is why I introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to ensure that a valid concealed carry permit in one state is valid for carrying concealed handguns in other states that also recognize their own citizens’ right to carry.
I will continue to be a strong and vocal defender of our Second Amendment rights, and I am committed to getting this legislation across the finish line.
While I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand up for our conservative principles, there is still a lot of work to be done. As your voice in Congress, I will continue to fight to preserve our rights, promote job creation, rein in Washington’s overreach and secure our nation.
U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-Concord, represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, which currently includes Anson County.