I frequently hear from constituents concerned about the false myth of free, lifetime benefits and health care plans for Members of Congress after serving one term, which is not true. While there are many things in Washington in need of reform and even some of the benefits of Members of Congress need to be looked at, misleading information continues circulating on the Internet and in… Read more »
No Budget, No Pay
This past week, the House of Representatives passed legislation in hopes of breaking the budget logjam and to push the Senate into passing its first budget proposal in nearly four years.
The House has passed a budget resolution the last four years - two were under Democrat leadership, two were under Republican leadership. In the House, we intend to pass a… Read more »
This morning at the Capitol, I joined government leaders from around the world, Senators, my colleagues in the House, and people from Virginia’s Ninth District and congressional districts across these United States as President Obama was sworn in for his second term. While there may be disagreement about who we would have liked to have won the election, he is the President. … Read more »
Early in the 112th Congress two short years ago, members of the House of Representatives read the Constitution aloud for what is thought to have been the first time in the history of the House. I participated in its reading, and remained on the floor as my colleagues filed in for their turn to read. As I listened to different voices from across the country speaking the words… Read more »
Last Thursday, I had the privilege of being sworn in to represent the people of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District in the 113th Congress. I’m honored to serve the people of Southwest Virginia, Southside Virginia, and the Alleghany Highlands, and will continue to work hard to protect our way of life, our jobs, and to serve you to the best of my ability.
As you know, in the… Read more »
As a father to three young children, I was heartbroken upon hearing of the heinous, criminal act that took place Friday morning in Newtown, Connecticut. No words can describe this senseless crime that took the lives of many. As details of this tragedy continue to emerge, let us give thanks for the school faculty, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and brave students… Read more »
I’ve been hesitant to write about the fiscal cliff for some time now, because the status of negotiations has been changing rapidly. I sincerely hope that by the time this column makes it to print, the situation changes and we’re on the way to having a solution. For that to happen, Republicans and Democrats alike must be open to reasonable compromise.
As of this writing,… Read more »
Standing with our Ally
As you may have heard, last week the United Nations voted to declare Palestine a ‘non-member state,’ meaning that Palestine is now able to participate and speak – but not vote – in General Assembly meetings. This may allow Palestine to pursue claims against Israel through the U.N. Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, the latter of… Read more »
Meningitis Health Scare
Before Thanksgiving, the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held a hearing on the fungal meningitis outbreak caused by an unsterile facility in Massachusetts called the New England Compounding Center. Sadly, there are approximately 1,415 people in Southwest Virginia who received injections made by this company, meaning they… Read more »
Good Process, Good Policy / Bad Process, No Policy
Last week’s e-newsletter reflected on our Founding Fathers’ design that our government be deliberate and cumbersome so as to build consensus and compromise before taking action. While that can be frustrating, it helps to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and given due consideration. However, I believe that our Founding… Read more »
