For a country to maintain economic leadership in the world, it must continually create, innovate, and improve in the technology sector. The United States remains at the cutting edge in many fields. Several recent news items show that our region, in fact, is where some exciting developments are taking place. As an example, you may have heard by now that commercial drone deliveries will soon be an o... Read more »
The world watched on April 15 as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned. No one was killed in the blaze, but the cathedral’s spire collapsed, and the wooden interior was consumed. The damage was calamitous. People across the world expressed their sorrow and have contributed to the rebuilding effort. The flames have been extinguished, but it is still worth considering how an accidental fire in one bu... Read more »
In February, I wrote in this column about a series of hearings that were planned in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The Subcommittee, on which I serve, wanted to launch an in-depth examination of rising insulin prices. Insulin is a necessity for millions of Americans suffering from diabetes, and soaring prices are a hardship for them. We have... Read more »
The men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are among the finest our nation has to offer. It is essential that we provide them with the best equipment and supplies available. In Shakespeare’s Richard III, the king famously laments, “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!” He loses a battle, his realm, and his life because he lacks a horse at the pivotal moment. We cannot allow our libe... Read more »
When not in Washington, D.C., voting in the U.S. House of Representatives during March, I was able to visit several sites where exciting research projects are underway. Previously, I wrote about some of them at Virginia Tech. More recently, I visited a farm site where scientific accomplishments once seemingly from the realm of a futuristic novel promise to make a difference in our daily lives. You... Read more »
During the recent congressional district work period, I had a chance to spend some time at Virginia Tech. While on campus, I met with some of the talented people who work and study there and heard firsthand about their important research and development projects. Some of their work promises great benefits for the economy and the quality of life, both here in Virginia and across the country. My fir... Read more »
FDA Commissioner Gottlieb Dr. Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has announced his intention to step down from his post. President Trump originally appointed him to the position in 2017 at the beginning of his term. Before Dr. Gottlieb departs, I would like to offer my thanks for his service and his notable accomplishments. I have worked with numerous exec... Read more »
We Must Call Out Anti-Semitism On March 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning hate, including anti-Semitism. It is unfortunate that a resolution and a vote on the topic was even necessary. Religious liberty is a bedrock principle in our country. We understand this in Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson wrote, and the General Assembly passed, the Statute for Religious Fre... Read more »
Jobs in the Energy Sector “There’s no place like home.” Many Americans understand what Dorothy means when she says those words in The Wizard of Oz. We certainly do in Southwest Virginia, which is a fine place to live, work, and raise a family. Southwest Virginians are ready to work in the economy of the 21st century. Part of this economy will no doubt include energy production. Energy has long bee... Read more »
Insulin Prices I recently held a meeting in the Ninth District with board members of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as children who live with juvenile diabetes. They told me their stories. One of the challenges of living with juvenile diabetes is unfortunately too familiar to many, even those with other medical conditions. That problem is high costs for medicine. According to t... Read more »
