It was a busy week in Washington that began with the annual State of the Union Address from the President. I had hoped to hear first and foremost the ways that Washington would trim its waistline to cut the deficit. However, the President’s address failed to look beyond the “Washington” state of mind by suggesting more deficit spending to fix our economy. He proposed a partial freeze of… Read more »
This past week the House resumed its work after a much-needed pause to reflect on the tragedy in Arizona. As scheduled, the House considered legislation to repeal the onerous health care overhaul law enacted last year. I voted for the repeal in order to continue debate on how to improve our health care system. There is no doubt that America’s health care system is in need of… Read more »
This week we continue to mourn the tragedy in Arizona that took six precious lives and wounded many others, including my colleague Gabrielle Giffords. This tragedy has shaken so many, and yet it also provides a lesson for us. It was a senseless act of violence at a time and a place where there should be none. We cannot deny that there is evil in the world, but as the President said this… Read more »
Over the weekend, our nation gasped as the news of the tragedy in Arizona spread. I hope you join me in praying for continued health and healing for those still in the hospital, and peace for those families of the victims. This was a senseless attack on our democracy, and I hope we see swift justice for all involved in this tragedy.
This past week the 112th Congress began with a vote… Read more »
Happy New Year to the folks of America's First District! This past year I enjoyed meeting and visiting with many of you at various events and meetings in Fredericksburg, Tappahannock, Yorktown and Washington, DC. 2010 brought a year of action in Congress and an election where folks spoke out about the state of this country's government. Since Election Day, we have seen changes… Read more »
This week as we wrapped up the last hours of the 111th Congress, many folks went about their holiday shopping, planned last minute details for holiday gatherings, and prepared for time with their families. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Earlier this month, those in the Jewish faith celebrated Hanukkah to… Read more »
Folks, this past week in Washington, DC, Congress passed an important measure to prevent a looming tax increase for all Americans on January 1, 2011. The simple truth is higher taxes do not get anyone hired. Our economy continues to struggle, and unemployment is too high because of the uncertainty and skyrocketing spending coming out of Washington. To get our economy moving again,… Read more »
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to speak to the 2010 Virginia Coastal Partners Workshop, with State Natural Resources Secretary Doug Domenech. I was pleased to join these great folks in kicking off the workshop focusing on an important issue to America’s First District and to Virginia. The First District is historically, economically and culturally closely tied to the water. Our region… Read more »
As many of us enjoyed turkey, ham, and all the fixins’ on Thanksgiving, thousands of troops continued to honorably serve our country overseas. It is because of their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families, that we celebrated peacefully here in Virginia and across the country. We have much to be thankful for, but we especially thank those troops and their families for their service… Read more »
This week began with a great visit to the United States Naval Academy. 46 midshipmen at the Academy hail from America’s First District, and it was great to have the opportunity to visit with them during their lunch at the Academy. These midshipmen are this nation’s future leaders, and after just a brief visit, it was clear to me their training, attitude and love for their country will… Read more »
