We rely on medical supplies – from prescription drugs to hospital machines to personal protective equipment (PPE) – for our personal health and wellness. They are made for that purpose. But making medical supplies in the United States benefits our national health – the American economy, job growth, and ability to respond adequately to emergencies.
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed… Read more »
Barbara Mandrell once sang, “I was country, when country wasn't cool.” I understood what she meant recently on a different topic: resuming in-person learning at schools.
I have been calling for schools to reopen since last summer. Now, the Biden Administration indicates it is moving in that direction. Further, on February 5 Governor Northam issued a statement urging the same outcome,… Read more »
On February 4, I attended this year’s National Prayer Breakfast.
As with many other events, the coronavirus pandemic changed how the breakfast this year took place. Instead of gathering at the usual location, a hotel in Washington, D.C., with attendance numbering as great as 5,000 people, I joined other masked Members of Congress, from both parties and both the House of Representatives… Read more »
Throughout my time in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have been honored to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee. It is the oldest standing legislative committee in the House with broad jurisdiction over domestic policy issues including health, energy, environment, telecommunications, and more.
Many of these issues have a direct impact on the lives of constituents in Virginia’s… Read more »
Since 1789, the inauguration of a president of the United States every four years has functioned as an important civic ritual that transcends partisan politics.
The Constitution originally said very little about inaugural ceremonies, only stating that the president must take an oath before assuming office. The 20th Amendment set the time for the transfer of power at noon on January 20.… Read more »
Closing the digital divide is a challenge for American society in the 21st century that must be met. Internet connectivity brings with it economic growth, educational opportunities, individual quality of life, and many other assets, but rural areas lag behind urban ones in access to reliable internet service. Making the American dream available to all citizens requires building out… Read more »
On January 20, Joe Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States. I will attend his inauguration, which I consider one of my duties as a Member of Congress.
I also consider it my duty to conduct rigorous oversight of any Administration to ensure it upholds the Constitution and carries out the laws we enact.
Earlier this year, I was sworn in for a new term. I am honored to… Read more »
The year 2020 was a difficult one, but as the year draws to a close, I want to highlight something about the year that went right.
Operation Warp Speed accomplished what had been considered nearly impossible: the development, manufacture, and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine to combat COVID-19.
President Trump announced Operation Warp Speed in May. His Administration… Read more »
Christmas is a time of tradition, for families, communities, and throughout our society. For those of us who celebrate, like me, we each have our favorite customs about this season, whether attending a family gathering or town parade or just hearing a favorite Christmas carol.
How those traditions become things we return to year after year make for interesting stories on their own.
One… Read more »
Candy Apples and Toads
An analogy I like to use for the legislative process invokes candy apples and toads. Legislation rarely includes only things I like – the candy apples – or omits the things I really dislike – the toads. Considering whether to support a bill usually means weighing whether there are enough candy apples to cover up the bad taste of a few toads.
End-of-year… Read more »
