American Flood Coalition Recognizes Representative Virginia Foxx as a Federal Champion
As North Carolina faces stronger storms and more frequent flooding, Rep. Foxx commits to leading smart, proactive flood solutions.
WASHINGTON, DC — July 25, 2023 — The American Flood Coalition today recognized Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) as a Federal Champion for her leadership, public service, and commitment to finding solutions to challenges posed by flooding.
“In Western North Carolina, we’ve seen how major storms can bring overwhelming rainfall in a matter of hours, triggering destructive floods and landslides that can burden communities for years,” said Rep. Foxx. “I am proud to work with the American Flood Coalition on practical solutions to these challenges in my district, and more broadly, to safeguard lives, local economies, infrastructure, and military installations against hazardous flooding.”
Rep. Foxx joins 36 bipartisan AFC Federal Champions, those members of Congress dedicated to advancing solutions to stronger storms, more frequent flooding, and higher seas. She is the fourth Federal Champion representing North Carolina, joining Sen. Thom Tillis, Rep. Greg Murphy, and Rep. David Rouzer.
“We’re increasingly seeing more rain come in shorter amounts of time, compounded with mountainous terrain that can overwhelm communities like those in Western North Carolina,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. “Rep. Foxx has shown strong leadership to help protect North Carolina communities from stronger storms and more frequent flooding. We’re pleased to welcome her as a Federal Champion.”
North Carolina’s 5th Congressional district, which Rep. Foxx represents, has experienced major flooding in recent years. In October 2017, the town of Boone was hit with historic flash floods from torrential downpours that damaged dozens of residences, submerged vehicles, and shuttered businesses. In August 2021, Tropical Storm Fred brought heavy rains and led to a governor-declared state of emergency in Watauga County.
As Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, Rep. Foxx oversees how the issue of flooding impacts our nation’s educational system, as well as how the U.S. can develop a strong workforce of engineers, planners, and other specialized resilience and adaptation professionals.
As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Representative Foxx works to ensure that federal disaster programs deliver for flood survivors while safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
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About the American Flood Coalition
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. The Coalition advances solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. AFC has over 370 members across 22 states, as well as 37 Federal Champions. For more on the organization’s work or how to become a member, visit floodcoalition.org.
About Federal Champions
The American Flood Coalition is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The American Flood Coalition is not a Congressional Member Organization, nothing on this website shall be read to imply official sponsorship by either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or any of their respective Members, and Federal Champions have no membership obligations or fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the American Flood Coalition. Federal Champion is an honorary title awarded by the American Flood Coalition to recognize Members of Congress who have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.
