Congressman Butterfield’s roots in Wilson, N.C. taught him the values of hard work and responsibility. His father, Dr. G. K. Butterfield Sr., was a respected dentist and elected official. Dr. Butterfield graduated from Meharry Dental College and practiced dentistry for 50 years in the poor, segregated community of East Wilson. Many of his patients had never received dental services because they were unable to afford care. However, Dr. Butterfield did not turn anyone away because they were unable to pay. To him, access to care was a right for everyone, not a privilege for the few.
Congressman Butterfield’s mother, Addie, was passionate about education. She taught elementary school for 48 years in some of the poorest communities in North Carolina. Mrs. Butterfield was keenly focused on making sure her students learned to read--a right that was denied to many Blacks in the South.
Congressman Butterfield understands that a weakened U.S. economy depresses incomes, strains households, and eliminates entire job markets, making it harder for families to stay healthy and provide for their loved ones. He will continue to protect and improve crucial safety net programs that help families get back on their feet after unexpected challenges.
As Co-chair of the Out of Poverty Caucus and member of the Democratic Whip’s Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, Congressman Butterfield will continue to protect and strengthen crucial safety net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which help families get back on their feet after unexpected challenges. These critical programs are absolutely essential to keep children and families from going hungry while helping get people back to work.
As an influential leader on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, Congressman Butterfield is committed to ensuring that Americans have access to health care. He played a supportive role in the development of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has given millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans access to affordable healthcare.
Congressman Butterfield believes that homeownership is a key part of achieving the American Dream. Homeownership constitutes the bulk of wealth for the majority of American households and represents a stepping stone into the middle class.