E-Newsletter

Lawmakers take actions on various issues to make a difference. In the health care space, it often seems I work around the clock to assess federal policy, hear perspectives from the medical community as well as patients and explore ways to help lower health care costs. One way I do this is by looking at the health care landscape in our region. Accordingly, I am a leader of H.R. 2191,… Read more »

At the close of June, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) weighed in on various issues that impact the country. Perhaps the SCOTUS decision to receive the most media attention is Trump v. Barbara. This case concerns the Citizenship Clause in the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Citizenship Clause specifically states, “all persons born or naturalized in… Read more »

A core pillar of the economy for Virginia’s Ninth District is agriculture. Whether they raise corn or cattle, cut timber or Christmas trees, agricultural producers all play a vital role in rural America’s success. Thanks to our agricultural communities, we can deliver fresh produce, supply grocery stores, feed American families, spur small business economic activity, support local… Read more »

The Republican Congress continues to use the reconciliation process to produce conservative wins for the American people. Not only were the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) done in a reconciliation bill, but earlier this June, Congress passed another reconciliation bill to fully fund federal immigration enforcement agencies through the rest of President Trump’s term. This had to happen… Read more »

250 years of independence not only demonstrates endurance and perseverance through hardship, but it elevates the foundations of our country. My column last week focused on some of the figures who contributed to these foundations. These leaders, whose names are honored in our Ninth District communities, helped light the revolutionary flames for independence. Our region served as a… Read more »

America’s 250th anniversary is an exciting time for Virginia communities and the United States. Because this is truly a big deal, I will dedicate two columns to honor this remarkable moment in our history.  Our 250th birthday is a historic milestone that inspires patriotic celebrations, festivities and traditions. As the State at the epicenter of the independence… Read more »

The U.S. Constitution outlines three branches of government. Article I concerns the functions and duties of the Legislative Branch. The Constitution provides for Congress to lay and collect taxes, raise and support Armies and make laws, among other powers. Then comes Article II. An Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws. Taking the mantle of Executive power is the… Read more »

Rural community representation is important for Virginia and the United States. Our communities have unique needs and special interests. This applies in agriculture, health care and many other fields. Virginia’s Ninth District is overwhelmingly rural. This contrasts with other urban and suburban parts of the Commonwealth, like Northern Virginia. I usually hear people express their… Read more »

At the core of the American dream is homeownership. The home is where we grow as families, unwind after a hard day’s work, feel safe and enjoy privacy. Homeownership often changes the lives of struggling families. A big day in my family’s life came several years after my parents divorced, leaving my mother to raise my sister and I in several different apartment complexes before she was… Read more »

“I AM ALS.” That was the message promoted by a May public service announcement in support of ALS research and treatments. The minute-long video in honor of ALS Awareness Month features several celebrities and includes a posthumous message from the late Eric Dane. In February 2026, Dane passed away due to his struggles with ALS. Dane, the beloved actor from the Grey’s… Read more »