Moore touts FEMA funding for Rutherford County

U.S. Rep. Tim Moore highlighted more than $4 million in federal disaster recovery funding for Rutherford County in his latest weekly update, while also promoting law enforcement legislation and banking reforms during a weekly update from Washington.

Moore, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, is seeking reelection in November and will face Democrat LaKesha Womack.

The congressman announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved $4,083,442.65 in reimbursement funding for debris removal operations tied to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Rutherford County.

According to Moore, the funding reimburses cleanup work already completed by North Carolina Emergency Management, including removal of vegetative debris from roads, public spaces and rights-of-way throughout the county.

County and local crews worked for months clearing storm debris after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across western North Carolina. Moore said the project exceeded $4.5 million, with FEMA covering 90% of eligible costs under the federal cost-share program authorized through the Robert T. Stafford Act.

“Projects like this help ensure that local governments are not left to carry the financial burden of large-scale disaster recovery operations alone,” Moore said.

Moore also used the update to recognize National Police Week in Washington, where lawmakers honored officers killed in the line of duty and acknowledged law enforcement personnel serving communities nationwide.

The congressman criticized efforts to reduce police presence and highlighted two crime-related bills passed by the House that he cosponsored.

One proposal, H.R. 6260, known as the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, would restrict charitable bail organizations from posting bail for individuals charged with violent crimes by classifying certain bail bond activities as insurance products under federal law.

A second measure, H.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act, would require the U.S. attorney general to maintain a public list of jurisdictions using cashless bail policies.

Moore said the legislation is intended to increase transparency and improve public safety.

“Our communities are safer because of their service, and they deserve our support and appreciation not just this week, but every day of the year,” Moore said of law enforcement officers.

The congressman additionally promoted passage of his bipartisan TRUST Act, legislation designed to ease regulatory burdens on community banks.

The bill would raise the asset threshold allowing community banks to qualify for extended periods between federal examinations from $3 billion to $6 billion. Moore said the change would help local banks focus more resources on serving customers rather than federal paperwork requirements.

Community banks remain important lenders for small businesses, farms and homebuyers across Rutherford County and western North Carolina.

Moore also attended a recognition event at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, celebrating federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

He called the recognition a historic achievement after more than a century of advocacy efforts by the tribe.

The congressman concluded the week by hosting students from St. Mark's Catholic School at the U.S. Capitol for a tour and discussion about the legislative process and civic engagement.