Capitol Week in Review: Jet Fuel, Jammed Roads and a Diet for Spies
Washington rarely hands Ballantyne residents a neat to‑do list, but nine fresh press releases from our two senators and hometown congressman do exactly that. Let’s break down what matters once the coffee kicks in.
Faster Than a Runway Rumor
Representative Tim Moore wants the FAA and NASA to ask whether Charlotte Douglas can support next‑generation supersonic and hypersonic jets. His National Airport Supersonic Readiness Act would order a coast‑to‑coast inventory of runway lengths, noise contours and passenger‑terminal choke points. If the bill lands, expect CLT to update its master‑plan maps quicker than you can say “press release*”.
What It Means Here
- Business flyers could nap in Paris by lunchtime.
- Local construction crews might bid on thicker tarmac.
- Noise‑abate campaigns will get louder.
Blocking Traffic Could Block Your Wallet
Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd re‑introduced the Safe and Open Streets Act, making it a federal crime to sit, stand or samba in the middle of I‑485. Fines and potential jail time would apply. Tillis framed it as a public‑safety fix in his own “press release*”; Budd filed a matching note two hours later.
Ballantyne angle: The bill could deter future climate‑march slow‑downs on Johnston Road, but civil‑rights lawyers are already polishing court briefs.
Who Can Buy the Land Next to Fort Bragg?
Tillis also led the Protect Our Bases Act, giving the Treasury‑run CFIUS new teeth to stop foreign land deals near sensitive bases. Read the “press release*” and you will find annual site lists, real‑estate data scrapes and a talking point about “keeping China at arm’s length.”
Patent Law, But Make It Exciting
Tillis teamed with Delaware’s Chris Coons on the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act. The duo’s “update*” claims Supreme Court rulings have scared investors away from diagnostics, AI and clean tech. If passed, Ballantyne startups may file more patents—and pay more lawyer bills.
NATO: The Senate Fan Club Becomes Permanent
Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen filed a bill that would make the informal Senate NATO Observer Group a standing committee. The “announcement*” says codifying the group will improve oversight and travel budgets. Translation: more bipartisan selfies in Brussels.
Trim the Spy Bureaucracy
Senator Ted Budd grabbed headlines by proposing a staff cap of 650 for the ODNI. His Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act—full text in the “press release*”—also bans diversity‑education spending. Critics call it hollow symbolism, fans call it fiscal discipline.
Pilots Get Privacy, Patients Get Pills
- Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act – Budd wants airports to quit monetizing ADS‑B data. If you own a Beechcraft at Monroe Executive, the “release*” is your new bedtime reading.
- RAPID Reserve Act – Budd teamed with Senator Gary Peters to stockpile generic drugs, per this “release*”. Pharmacies inside I‑485 dream of shorter back‑order lists.
Culture and Conflict
- Border troops medal – Moore filed the Border Operations Service Medal Act. “Press release*” details bronze plating, ribbon stripes and a bipartisan sponsor list that might surprise you.
- Iran strike statement – Moore praised President Trump for hitting Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the regime “a threat to freedom everywhere.” See the full “statement*”.
About the Author
Nell Thomas files most stories from the Einstein Bros Bagels counter at 13736 Conlan Circle, where the staff calls her “the refill repeat offender.” Preferred order: cinnamon‑sugar bagel, turkey‑sausage egg‑white sandwich and a bottomless vanilla‑hazelnut cold brew. Her work also appears on The Charlotte Mercury, because sleep is optional when caffeine is this cheap.
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This article, “Supersonic Airports, Safer Roads, Leaner Spies: How NC’s Delegation Shaped the Week,” by Nell Thomas is licensed under CC BY‑ND 4.0.
“Supersonic Airports, Safer Roads, Leaner Spies: How NC’s Delegation Shaped the Week”
by Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne (CC BY‑ND 4.0)
Post‑script for the Click‑Happy Reader
If your scroll finger still tingles, check out these fresh Ballantyne headlines: the adrenaline‑packed ICE Raids Kings Mountain Factory: 30 Arrested, the marathon‑length civic soap opera Charlotte Council’s June 23 Meeting Recap, and the feel‑good grade‑book Charlotte Schools Spotlight: Teacher Wins, AI Pilot, and a $98 Million Scholarship Haul. Three links, zero pop‑quizzes—consider it your extra credit.
