Grieving
Like you, I am heartbroken by the tragic incident in Franklin County on August 26 during which WDBJ7 journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward were killed and Vicki Gardner, head of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, was injured. Both Alison and Adam grew up in our area, with Alison graduating from high school in Martinsville and Adam from high school in… Read more »
Iran Agreement – A Suspect Side Deal
In a previous column, I noted my opposition to the proposed Iran deal, as well as the opposition of Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and several other notable Democrats. At that time, I identified several of my concerns: Why did the Administration negotiate this deal without having included the handful of American prisoners being held in… Read more »
Defending the Authority of the Legislature
Having served in Congress as well as previously in the Virginia General Assembly, I believe the Commonwealth’s government generally functions more efficiently and effectively than the federal government. That’s not to say there aren’t occasional situations in Virginia that become ugly, unfortunate, and/or unfair.
One of those… Read more »
Iran Deal
In a 2010 commencement speech at the University of Michigan, President Obama said, “[One] way to keep our democracy healthy is to maintain a basic level of civility in our public debate. … You can disagree with a certain policy without demonizing the person who espouses it. You can question somebody’s views and their judgment without questioning their motives or their… Read more »
A Tale of Two Cities: Washington, D.C. and Bristol, VA
In his great novel about the French Revolution, 19th century author Charles Dickens writes of the horrors taking place in Paris, France, and the relative calm in London, England. On Monday, August 3, we saw a less violent but still troubling scenario that calls to mind Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.
In Washington, D.C., the… Read more »
Sanctuary Cities: Fugitive Harbors
Like many Americans, I am heartbroken by the tragic death of 32-year-old Kate Steinle, who was murdered earlier this month while on a walk with her father, Jim, in San Francisco. Accused of committing this crime is Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an illegal immigrant who had previously been deported five times and convicted of seven felonies.
San… Read more »
The Iran Nuclear Deal – Many Tough Questions
I, like many, am very concerned and skeptical about the announced agreement between the United States, five other nations, and Iran. I am studying the terms of the deal, but continue to have reservations.
Interestingly, it is not just Republicans expressing concerns about this agreement. Among other examples:
… Read more »
21st Century Cures Passes House
On several occasions since the launch of the 21st Century Cures initiative in May of 2014, this column has made mention of this bipartisan initiative being undertaken by lawmakers such as myself who serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee. As you may recall, this important effort is about saving more lives, keeping this country the leader in… Read more »
Supreme Court Slaps EPA – Did They Learn Anything?
As you may recall, last week the Supreme Court found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must consider costs of regulations of the Clean Air Act before deciding to adopt Mercury and Air Toxics (MATS) rules requiring power plants to cut emissions of mercury, etc.
I am of the belief this ruling stands for principles under the… Read more »
Independence Day
Last week before a Republican Conference meeting, a wonderful brass quintet from the U.S. Air Force Band was playing. As I was entering the room, they were playing one of the more popular songs of the World War I era, “Over There” written by George M. Cohan, a versatile playwright, composer, singer, dancer, producer, etc.
They followed that well-known song… Read more »
