As Congress is wrapping up its Winter District Work Period, I've spent a great deal of time attending events and visiting with folks around the First District. I was pleased to visit with Advanced Placement Government students at Fredericksburg Academy and 5th Graders at Cople Elementary in Hague. I was also supposed to meet with Ni River Middle School's 7th graders, but this morning's… Read more »
Two weeks ago the House wrapped up its work for the 1st session of the 111th Congress. While I have taken exception with many pieces of controversial legislation this year, I was most concerned by the final vote of the session; a vote to increase this Nation's debt limit by $290 billion to a total limit of $12.39 trillion. This is the fifth time since 2007 the majority has voted to rack… Read more »
As we come to the close of 2009, I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you and your families a happy holiday season. It is this time of year that we gather to celebrate with our families the birth of Jesus Christ. Earlier in the month those of the Jewish faith celebrated Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. I'm glad to have this opportunity to… Read more »
After speaking with many commuters in the First District, this week I introduced H.R. 4348 the Telework Tax Incentive Act, to help alleviate traffic congestion, ease the burden on our transportation infrastructure, and help stem the effects on our environment from pollution. If passed and signed into law, the bill would provide eligible taxpayers with an annual tax credit for qualified… Read more »
As you read here last week, I've been reaching out to commuters to hear their thoughts and concerns about how they make their way to work. On Wednesday morning I visited the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Fredericksburg Station to talk with rail riders. Although it was a cold and wet morning I was joined by Matt Kelly of the Fredericksburg City Council and Mark Roeber of VRE from 6 -… Read more »
In the First District, transportation is a constant problem which affects those who are trying to get to work, school, and any number of destinations. Whether you're in Dumfries or Stafford trying to make it to work in Washington or in the Hampton Roads area trying to get to the beach, we face constant gridlock. For over 20 years and to this day, I commute just like the rest of you.… Read more »
Recently we all have learned that Attorney General Eric Holder has planned to bring several of the 9/11 attack masterminds to New York City for trial. As you know, I've been a voice from the beginning, against bringing these terrorists to the Commonwealth for trial or detention, and I hold the same feelings towards their arrival to any location in the U.S. Many of us in Washington,… Read more »
This week we will be celebrating the time of Thanksgiving. Many folks have had very challenging times over this past year and may even find it difficult to find reasons to be thankful. While our economy has struggled and more folks have found themselves unemployed there are things to be thankful for no matter how small. It was Charles Dickens that said "Reflect upon your present… Read more »
Last week the House passed a healthcare reform bill by a largely partisan vote of 220-215. This vote represents what frustrates folks at home as they watch the legislative process in Washington unfold. They see Congress needing to listen to the folks they represent and find common ground to develop common sense solutions to the problems facing the Commonwealth and… Read more »
This next week is Veteran's Day, and many of us either have a friend, neighbor or family member that has answered the call to serve our Nation. I'm fortunate to interact daily with veterans in my district, including those who serve on my staff, those on my Veterans Advisory Council, and those I meet in my role as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. These are men and women who… Read more »
