Weekly Updates

This week brought an opportunity to visit with and attend an array of events around America’s First District.   On Sunday, I visited Tangier Island where they unveiled their new, modernized health clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dr. David Nichols has unselfishly given of himself to care for others on the island week after week, for years. He has committed his career to… Read more »

This week I visited local businesses, discussing job creation and speaking with many local employers from America’s First District.  Their message was clear that what’s coming out of Washington, DC, is not helping the atmosphere for small businesses looking to expand and create jobs. On Tuesday, I toured several small businesses in Historic Fredericksburg to discuss the economy,… Read more »

This week I had a chance to sit down with my Seniors’ Advisory Councils in the upper and lower parts of the district to give them an update on issues before Congress of interest to them, and discuss their concerns and questions. The First District Seniors’ Advisory Councils were created to provide constituents with a discussion forum on issues of interest to the senior community, with… Read more »

Last week brought a stunning announcement from Defense Secretary Robert Gates that he intends to close Joint Forces Command in Norfolk. This Command ensures that all of our forces work together in the most efficient way possible to combat the threats our nation faces. This announcement came as a shock to the Commonwealth. I joined with Governor McDonnell and Congressmen Forbes, Scott,… Read more »

Last week came to a great close as I visited with the Hampton VA Medical Center on Friday and spoke with the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed for our nation. They are a true inspiration, as we all recognize their service and sacrifice to defend our nation and their efforts past and present in locations across the world to keep us safe. I was pleased to… Read more »

This past week, we received good news about jobs in our area, and I voted on important legislation supporting our military and veterans. On Thursday, the Air Force announced that Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) will receive six additional F-22s resulting in over 100 additional jobs at the base. I have worked closely with the Air Force on this issue for over two years, and have spoken to… Read more »

This week, I had a chance to speak with a group of realtors, folks concerned about the new financial reform law, and many other constituents during my meetings and telephone town hall calls. On Monday, I had a chance to meet with the realtors and homebuilders in the Fredericksburg area to talk about the latest happenings in Washington, and to hear more about what is affecting them and… Read more »

This week brought action on many issues affecting our region. Legislation regarding telework for federal employees, and the National Flood Insurance Program was passed, and I also introduced legislation to boost economic development in the region. On Wednesday, the House passed legislation to enhance and promote opportunities for telework. Telework is a key part of the solution to… Read more »

Last week Congress was out of session for the July 4th Independence Day District Work Period, and I enjoyed the chance to spend time visiting with constituents and hearing more about what is on their minds and how I can better serve them. On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to join several pastors and educators in Fredericksburg for a joint meeting of my First District Pastors and… Read more »

On Saturday I had the privilege to host the First Congressional District Youth Forum in Yorktown. It’s great to hear from the younger generations on current issues, and understand what is on their minds, too.  We discussed a range of topics, and also talked about school and education-focused issues they face as students. The students were interested in discussing “healthy food”… Read more »