Weekly Updates

Friend,

As we start the new year, I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together. Representing my constituents in Virginia’s First District is my number one priority and a distinct honor. Last year was no doubt a year filled with challenges, but even in the face of hardships, folks in Virginia’s First District consistently proved resilient. As your Representative in Congress, especially during challenging times, I want you to know that I am listening to your thoughts, insights, and concerns to bring you real solutions and results. In 2022, I am confident we will achieve these solutions for our communities together. 

Far too often, what we see coming out of Washington is nothing but red tape and political bureaucracy. As I travel throughout Virginia’s First District and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, I am reminded of what matters most to people and that we have more in common than we realize. Virginians want a government where Members of Congress are held accountable and answer to those they represent. They want a strong economy that allows small businesses and families to flourish, not one saddled with debt, inflation, and excessive government spending. They want a strong education system that gives students the opportunity to think for themselves and prepares them for success in the future workplace. They want to live in a nation that provides for our men and women in uniform and keeps us safe. 

Since coming to Congress, I have consistently worked to hold Members of Congress accountable. Through direct outreach, legislation, and other calls to action, I have always reminded my colleagues that we must answer to those we represent. Unfortunately, the last year has been filled with heavy-handed government overreach, burdensome regulations, and excessive government spending. Instead, we should be pushing for policies that incentivize rehiring, remove regulatory barriers to job creation, and return our supply chain from China. If we want to rebuild our struggling economy and allow businesses, families, and individuals to flourish, then government must get out of their way and allow them to do so. The government’s role should be to eliminate barriers to success, not create them.

Given the largely rural geography of Virginia’s First District, bringing reliable, high-speed broadband access to those who are underserved and unserved is critical. In 2022, I will continue to expand access to broadband service for folks in these areas across the Commonwealth. Last year, we made great strides toward closing the digital divide, but the work is just beginning. As the co-chair of the House Rural Broadband Caucus, I will be working with my colleagues to improve current maps, promote public-private partnerships, and increase available funding to localities.

A strong education remains fundamental in a child’s growth. As the husband of a now-retired teacher, I have an extraordinary appreciation for our education system and for the need to set up students for success by teaching them how to think, not what to think. We must continue to prepare students for success and provide them with the resources they need for an ever-changing and demanding workforce. In 2022, I am committed to continuing to ensure our educators, parents, and students have what they need for success. 

As the Vice Ranking Member on the Armed Services Committee, and the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I will continue to lead the fight to rebuild our military to ensure that we are adequately prepared to combat increasing global threats. Virginia is the largest per-capita recipient of defense spending and jobs and the First District is home to many men and women in uniform, those who support our nation’s defense, and a significant population of our nation’s veterans. As such, support for our nation’s defense and servicemembers is not only vital to the entire country, but specifically to the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

These are just a few of the ways I am committed to getting real results for the people in the First District. But this is just the beginning. Regardless of party, federal agencies, or localities, I am committed to working with my colleagues for the results you deserve. We have a lot of work and rebuilding to do in 2022, but together, I know we will.

Sincerely,
Rob