Donald G. Davis

Reps. Davis, Finstad, Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect US Pork Producers from Animal Disease

Position: The release announces bipartisan legislation (H.R. 10911, US Swine Health Improvement Plan Act) to establish a voluntary USDA herd health certification program to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever.

WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Don Davis (NC-01), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) have introduced H.R. 10911, US Swine Health Improvement Plan Act, bipartisan bill that would formally establish a voluntary US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulatory program to be known as the US Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) to certify that herds at pork farms and pig breeding facilities across the country meet strong health standards. This legislation would aim to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever, which have appeared in recent years in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. “North Carolina is the third-largest hog-producing state in the country. Our swine industry is a large part of the state’s agricultural economy and food supply,” said Rep. Don Davis. “A voluntary US Department of Agriculture framework for animal disease monitoring and herd health certification can help farmers and allow for a more timely response to disease outbreaks in order to protect our economy and food supply.” “With this legislation, we are supporting our Nation’s agricultural trade economy and helping to protect animal health, public health, and the security of our food supply by preventing future animal disease outbreaks,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “We are also helping US pork producers reach international markets, and, most importantly, we are protecting the economic livelihood of family farms, including those I represent across Northwest Ohio.” “I’m proud to represent one of the top pork-producing congressional districts in the country,” said Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01). “This critical, bipartisan legislation to formally establish the US Swine Health Improvement Plan will ensure our pork producers in southern Minnesota and across the country have the support and resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to ensuring our farmers and producers have the tools they need to succeed.” A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here. ### Issues:Agriculture

Congressman Don Davis Calls on FCC to Preserve the E-Rate Program

Position: Congressman Davis urges the FCC to preserve the E-Rate program for schools and libraries and to restore E-Rate support for school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspot services.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr calling on the FCC to protect the E-Rate Program for schools and libraries. The E-Rate Program helps schools in rural communities afford the reliable broadband connectivity their students need. “For nearly 30 years, E-Rate has helped give students in rural communities, including across eastern North Carolina, the tools they need to learn and succeed. Since 1998, North Carolina’s public schools and libraries have received more than $1 billion in E-Rate discounts, helping our state to become the first to connect all K-12 classrooms to high-speed broadband,” said Congressman Don Davis. North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction reports that for every dollar of state funding spent on E-Rate-eligible goods and services, schools received over three dollars in value in Fiscal Year 2025, and that in 2024 the state recouped 99 percent of the fees the Commission collected from North Carolina residents and businesses. E-Rate provided about $30 million to public school districts in North Carolina's First Congressional District from 2021 through 2025. "If the FCC pulls back on E-Rate, we will be at risk of losing vital services many of our families and rural communities depend on," added Davis. Congressman Davis also called on the FCC to restore E-Rate program support for school bus Wi-Fi and internet hotspot services. The full letter is available HERE. ### Issues:Education

Congressman Don Davis Joins Congressional Ferry Caucus to Advocate for Eastern North Carolina’s Coastal Communities

Position: Congressman Davis joined the Congressional Ferry Caucus and states he will advocate for more federal investment in the ferry system so coastal communities in eastern North Carolina can remain connected.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) announced he has joined the Congressional Ferry Caucus. As a member of the caucus, he will join 17 of his colleagues to focus on federal investment in our nation's ferry system. "Ferries in eastern North Carolina's coastal communities are essential. They connect kids to school, residents to doctor visits, and workers to their jobs," said Congressman Don Davis. "As a new member of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus, my focus is to advocate for more federal investment in the ferry system so that coastal communities can remain connected." The State of Washington operates the largest ferry system in the nation, and North Carolina's ferry system follows as the second-largest. There are a total of seven scheduled ferry routes that link eastern North Carolina communities. Ferries provide access to basic needs and necessities, support the local economy through tourism and trade, and are still a significant part of their daily lives. Ferry transportation is vital to our residents and businesses along the coast. Representatives Emily Randall (WA-06), Nick Begich (AK-AL), John Garamendi (CA-08), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) are the founding members of the caucus, which was created in June 2025 to raise awareness in Washington, D.C., of our nation's ferry system among Congressional members and their staff. Image

Reps. Davis, Bergman, Van Drew, Golden Introduce SMILE for Veterans Act

Position: Introduces bipartisan legislation to create a VA pilot program reimbursing local dentists for dental care provided to rural veterans, arguing that rural veterans face barriers to dental care and that existing community providers can close the gap without new federal dental systems.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Don Davis (NC-01), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) and Jared Golden (ME-02) have introduced the SMILE for Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation which will create a Department of Veterans Affairs Pilot Program to pay for local dentists providing care to America's rural veterans. "Too many rural veterans experience difficulty obtaining necessary dental care, and quality dental care is essential for maintaining overall health," said Rep. Don Davis. "The SMILE for Veterans Act provides community-based providers with a means to provide that care closer to home. We owe it to our veterans to maintain our promise to provide them with the best care possible.” At this time, only approximately 15 percent of the nearly 9 million veterans receiving their healthcare through the VA are eligible for VA-funded dental care. In most cases, eligibility for dental care is based on whether a veteran has a service-connected dental issue, a 100 percent disability rating, or was a former prisoner of war. The SMILE for Veterans Act addresses the lack of accessibility to quality dental care in rural areas by allowing local dentists already in place to be reimbursed for treating rural veterans. The legislation would allow for increased access to dental care in underserved areas using the current provider base and infrastructure, without creating additional costs or requiring the VA to develop new dental systems. “For too many veterans in rural communities, basic dental care is either too far away or simply out of reach,”said Rep. Jack Bergman.“The SMILE for Veterans Act offers a practical solution by connecting veterans with trusted dental providers already serving their communities. Rather than building an expensive new federal system from the ground up, this legislation uses existing local providers to deliver care efficiently and closer to home.” “I spent 30 years as a dentist, and I can tell you that putting off dental care usually only makes things worse,”said Rep. Jeff Van Drew.“For veterans living in rural communities, sometimes the hardest part is simply finding a dentist close enough to get the care they need. That should not be the case. The SMILE for Veterans Act is a practical way to connect veterans with that care closer to home. To me, that is common sense.” “VA health care is an essential benefit for our nation’s veterans, but for too long a lack of dental coverage has been a massive gap in care. The mouth is part of the body, and our veterans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get basic dental care. I’m proud to work with Reps. Bergman, Davis and Van Drew on the SMILE Act, which takes a smart first step toward more comprehensive coverage by focusing on rural areas where barriers to care are the highest and community providers that can help close the gap,”said Rep. Jared Golden. The SMILE for Veterans Act is supported by AMVETS, the National Rural Health Association, and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. ### Issues:VeteransHealth Care

Congressman Don Davis Introduces Bill to Ban Federal Candidates from Betting on Their Own Elections

Position: Congressman Don Davis introduced the No Betting on Your Own Race Act, which would prohibit federal candidates, their spouses or dependent children, and authorized campaign committees from trading contracts tied to the candidate's own election, with civil penalties for violations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) introduced the No Betting on Your Own Race Act, which would ban federal candidates seeking elected office from trades tied to their own races. The No Betting on Your Own Race Act would prohibit federal candidates, their spouses or dependent children, and authorized campaign committees from buying, selling, acquiring, disposing of, or holding contracts tied to the candidate’s election. "We don't want our athletes to bet on their games. A candidate running for federal elected office should be treated exactly the same and should not be allowed to trade on their own election," said Congressman Don Davis. "The No Betting on Your Own Race Act aims to prevent market interference, insider trading, as well as candidates and their family members from cashing in. To establish consistency and ensure all federal candidate campaign committees understand this, Congress must pass this common-sense legislation." Violators will incur a $10,000 civil penalty for each violation. If there is a net financial gain, the penalty will be three times the gain, or $10,000, whichever is greater. The new law also provides that a candidate who is running for office at the federal level must be notified during the filing period. The legislative text can be found HERE. Issues:Jobs and the Economy

Congressman Davis Urges IRS to Provide Emergency Diesel Relief for North Carolina Farmers

Position: Congressman Davis urges the IRS to grant North Carolina the longest available federal penalty relief for highway use of dyed diesel fuel to ease record diesel prices facing farmers during harvest season.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) is urging the Internal Revenue Service to grant North Carolina the longest available period of federal penalty relief for highway use of dyed diesel fuel, providing temporary relief as farmers face record diesel prices during harvest season. Diesel prices in North Carolina have reached all-time highs. According to AAA, the average price of diesel in North Carolina reached $6.2473 per gallon on September 19, up from $3.46 a year earlier. Nationally, the average price of on-highway diesel reached a record $6.529 per gallon for the week of September 21. As of September 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that farm-sector fuel and oil expenses will increase by $4.8 billion, or 28.8 percent. Farmers are price takers, and many are operating on thin margins. “Eastern North Carolina is the heart of our state’s agricultural industry. Our growers are paying for the increased expense of fuel after a severe drought. In July, USDA designated over a dozen counties in our region as primary natural disaster areas because of the drought. The growers cannot afford to wait for the cost of diesel to decline. It is vital that growers have access to lower cost diesel on highways to move their crops, livestock, and equipment over long distances,” wrote Congressman Davis. Image

Congressmen Davis and Vindman Introduce Legislation to Help Fund Childcare for First Responders

Position: Introduces H.R. 10614, the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, which would authorize HHS to award competitive grants to states to fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.

Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) introduced H.R. 10614, Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, legislation that would help states fund childcare services for the minor children of firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics during shift work and non-traditional hours. The Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to help states fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules and non-traditional work hours of covered first responders. “First responders across eastern North Carolina work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep our communities safe, but finding childcare that works around those hours can be a real challenge,” said Davis. “I am proud to co-lead the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act to help communities expand childcare options that reflect the realities of first responders’ schedules. Our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are there for us at all hours of the day, so we should ensure their families have the support they need to continue serving our communities.” Grants would be awarded for three-year periods, with matching requirements increasing over the grant term. Eligible beneficiaries would include career and volunteer firefighters, certified emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics who are employed by or affiliated with state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies. “As a father, I know how important reliable, affordable childcare really is for families across Virginia. Our community's firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics deserve to know their kids are taken care of when they answer the call to serve,” said Vindman. “This legislation will support more childcare options for our neighbors that work long hours. I will always fight for Virginia’s families and first responders to succeed.”

Congressman Don Davis Votes to Advance Bipartisan Farm Bill for Eastern North Carolina

Position: Congressman Davis voted in support of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, citing provisions that expand risk management tools, support specialty crop growers, improve credit access, strengthen flood protection, and promote precision agriculture in eastern North Carolina.

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) stood with eastern North Carolina farmers and voted in support of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 224 to 200. Davis, one of fourteen Democrats to support the bill, fights for eastern North Carolina priorities, including flood recovery, crop insurance, rural water, and the next generation of family farms. “An estimated 15,000 farms closed this past year, and farmers in eastern North Carolina are feeling real pressure. Rising fertilizer and fuel costs, tighter margins, drought, and uncertainty are putting strain on the people who feed and clothe us. A Farm Bill matters for our farmers and our region. While not perfect, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) provides necessary support: expanding access to risk management tools, opening new markets through trade promotion, strengthening support for specialty crop growers, and improving access to credit and loans. I didn't just vote for this bill; I helped shape it, rolling in six bills I introduced, an amendment, and more than 25 measures I've supported. While I'll keep working to make it stronger, we can't afford to fall short because too much is at stake for eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis. Key Provisions Championed by Congressman Davis: Promoting precision agriculture: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1985, Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Establishes a partnership between the federal government and the private sector to create voluntary interconnectivity standards. Prioritizes the cybersecurity needs for precision agriculture technologies. Protecting farmers and rural communities from natural disasters: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1858, Flooding Prevention, Assessment, and Restoration Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Empowers communities to restore flood protection in watersheds to levels above pre-disaster conditions through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program—a federal initiative for emergency recovery. Directs the USDA to conduct a comprehensive national agriculture flood vulnerability study. This study will provide vital insights into flood risks on agricultural lands, equipping producers with actionable data to make informed decisions and implement effective mitigation strategies. Reduces the local cost-share requirement to access the Watershed Rehabilitation Program for communities in limited resource areas. This NRCS program was designed to rehabilitate aging dams that no longer meet federal or state safety criteria, ensuring the continued safety of communities downstream. Prioritizing underserved and distressed rural communities: (Includes provisions from H.R. 2109, Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act, H.R. 6433, Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act, and H.R. 7530, Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Authorizes USDA to provide technical assistance to strengthen local capacity and improve access to rural development programs for geographically underserved and distressed rural areas, directly or through cooperative agreements. Allows the USDA Circuit Rider Program to provide cybersecurity technical assistance to rural water systems. Provides low-interest loans and loan forgiveness for rural communities seeking to upgrade their water systems. Expanding rural entrepreneurship in persistent poverty counties: (Includes provisions from an amendment led by Congressman Davis during markup of the bill) Reduces the matching requirement for organizations participating in the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) from 15 percent to 5 percent in persistent poverty counties—areas where poverty rates have remained at or above 20 percent for decades. Helping military veterans find careers in agriculture: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1230, AG VETS Act, co-led by Congressman Davis) Codifies the Agriculture Grants for Veteran Education and Training Services (AgVets) program to establish farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Keeping family farms in the possession of farm families: (Includes provisions from H.R. 6385, Farm Transitions Act of 2025, introduced by Congressman Davis) Reauthorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commission on Farm Transitions and requires the Commission to deliver a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to Congress within two years, focusing on ensuring that next-generation farmers have access to the land, resources, and support needed to keep family farms strong for the future. Doubling funding for crucial agriculture trade programs: Doubles the Market Access Program (MAP) funding from $200 million to $410 million. Doubles the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program from $34.5 million to $82 million. Congressman Don Davis is the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

Congressman Don Davis Votes to Stand with Farmers, Producers, and Rural Communities across NC-01

Position: Congressman Davis supports passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which includes provisions for precision agriculture, disaster protection, rural water system upgrades, and support for underserved rural communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to report out of Committee favorably H.R. 7567, Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. “Over the past year, about 15,000 farms have closed, taking with them livelihoods, family legacies, and dealing a huge blow to rural America. Farmers are facing rising costs and uncertainty. Congress must pass a Farm Bill to invest in the hands that feed, clothe, and fuel American agriculture,” said Congressman Davis. Key Provisions Championed by Congressman Davis: Promoting precision agriculture: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1985, Promoting Precision Agriculture Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Establishes a partnership between the federal government and the private sector to create voluntary interconnectivity standards. Prioritizes the cybersecurity needs for precision agriculture technologies. Protecting farmers and rural communities from natural disasters: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1858, Flooding Prevention, Assessment, and Restoration Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Empowers communities to restore flood protection in watersheds to levels above pre-disaster conditions through the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program—a federal initiative for emergency recovery. Directs the USDA to conduct a comprehensive national agriculture flood vulnerability study. This study will provide vital insights into flood risks on agricultural lands, equipping producers with actionable data to make informed decisions and implement effective mitigation strategies. Reduces the local cost-share requirement to access the Watershed Rehabilitation Program for communities in limited resource areas. This NRCS program was designed to rehabilitate aging dams that no longer meet federal or state safety criteria, ensuring the continued safety of communities downstream. Prioritizing underserved and distressed rural communities: (Includes provisions from H.R. 2109, Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act, H.R. 6433, Rural Uplift and Revitalization Assistance Act, and H.R. 7530, Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act, introduced by Congressman Davis) Authorizes USDA to provide technical assistance to strengthen local capacity and improve access to rural development programs for geographically underserved and distressed rural areas, directly, or through cooperative agreements. Codifies the USDA Circuit Rider Program by allowing funds for the program to provide cybersecurity technical assistance to rural water systems. Provides low-interest loans and loan forgiveness for rural communities seeking to upgrade their water systems. Expanding rural entrepreneurship in persistent poverty counties: (Includes provisions from an amendment led by Congressman Davis during markup of the bill) Reduces the matching requirement for organizations participating in the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) from 15 percent to 5 percent in persistent poverty counties—areas where poverty rates have remained at or above 20 percent for decades. Helping military veterans find careers in agriculture: (Includes provisions from H.R. 1230, AG VETS Act, co-led by Congressman Davis) Codifies the Agriculture Grants for Veteran Education and Training Services (AgVets) program to establish farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans. Keeping family farms in the possession of farm families: (Includes provisions from H.R. 6385, Farm Transitions Act of 2025, introduced by Congressman Davis) Reauthorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commission on Farm Transitions and requires the Commission to deliver a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to Congress within two years, focusing on ensuring that next-generation farmers have access to the land, resources, and support needed to keep family farms strong for the future. Doubling funding for crucial agriculture trade programs: Doubles the Market Access Program (MAP) funding from $200 million to $410 million. Doubles the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program from $34.5 million to $82 million. Issues:Agriculture

Congressman Don Davis Co-Chairs the First-Ever Berry Amendment Caucus, Strengthening American-Made Military Gear

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) announced the creation of the first-ever congressional Berry Amendment Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan group, co-chaired by Congressman Davis and Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), will focus on keeping U.S. defense manufacturing strong, supporting American jobs, and ensuring our servicemembers receive the highest-quality, 100% American-made uniforms, body armor, helmets, and other essential gear. “As North Carolina invests in a stronger future for our textile industry, we must strengthen the Berry Amendment, guaranteeing that every thread of the defense supply chain is American-made. Protecting local jobs, backing our manufacturers, and providing our military with the dependable, high-quality materials it deserves is vital,” said Congressman Davis. Founding members of the caucus also include Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), David Rouzer (NC-07), Tim Moore (NC-14), John Carter (TX-31), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), and Brian Mast (FL-21). The Berry Amendment, first enacted in 1941, requires the U.S. military to purchase certain essential items, such as clothing, footwear, body armor, tents, and food, from American companies. This law helps keep our supply chains safe and supports U.S. workers who make these products. Rep. Davis led a bipartisan effort through the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to secure the strongest Berry Amendment language via section 865 since its permanent codification in 1994. The Berry Amendment Caucus will focus on: Protecting U.S. national security by keeping key industries, like uniforms, armor, and specialty materials, in America; Supporting workers and factories that make Berry-compliant products; Educating Members of Congress about all the products covered by the Berry Amendment; and Ensuring the law is enforced and updated to meet the changing needs of our military. “You cannot be the strongest military in the world while depending on foreign supply chains for mission-critical gear. The Berry Amendment protects our warfighters, protects American manufacturing, and protects our national security. As co-chair of this caucus, I am doubling down on a simple principle: the equipment that defends the United States should be made in the United States,” said Congressman Harrigan. “The formation of the Berry Amendment Caucus marks an important step in sustaining and growing the domestic industrial base that equips the American warfighter,” said David Costello, Executive Director of the Warrior Protection & Readiness Coalition. “For decades, the Berry Amendment has ensured that our servicemembers have a secure supply chain for critical equipage and are never dependent on foreign supply chains for mission-essential gear. In war and in peace, the Berry Amendment guarantees that the United States is always capable of manufacturing the full spectrum of products needed to keep our troops combat-ready. Our association is deeply appreciative of the leadership demonstrated by Reps. Harrigan and Davis in founding this new caucus.” Issues:Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families