Today, our nation celebrates independence. Over the past 244 years, the United States has proven itself to be a resilient nation. Through the sacrifice, determination and fortitude of its citizens, the United States will continue to be a great democracy, one that fights for justice, strives for economic success, and prioritizes national security. Right now, we find ourselves in an exceptional and trying time in our nation’s history. How we move forward from these difficult times will shape the future of the United States.
I am incredibly hopeful.
This great country thrives because those who seek liberty do so by coming together to improve and build up our communities. During our 244 years, we have seen the challenges of war, civil unrest, disease, and poverty, but through this the American people continue to show their inner strengths and belief in a great America. It is my job in Congress to ensure our nation is on the road to recovery. I will continue working hard for my constituents and this nation by advocating for our hardworking Americans, our military service members and those who support them, our small businesses, and our communities.
This week, I was in Washington working towards real results: from supporting the brave men and women who fight each and every day to keep our nation safe and promoting Virginians who are navigating the economic recovery to meeting with local leaders working to improve our communities. I have been taking action on issues that matter most to folks in our region.
On Wednesday, I was pleased to support the advancement of important provisions in this year’s FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I know that a strong Navy and a strong national defense means a strong Virginia economy. This bill provides much needed support to our nation’s warfighters and Virginia’s workers. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military service members, their families, and the dedicated Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these patriots is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA that put our military community first.
This year’s Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee legislative efforts were laser-focused on providing our sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen the tools they need to keep our nation safe. It accelerated a number of our nation’s priorities, including the Navy’s undersea strike capabilities and the number one unfunded priority of the Chief of Naval Operations - a second Virginia Class submarine - which will equal jobs for Virginians and is a critically needed undersea capability.
I believe that our nation has the world’s best ground forces, but if the Army and Marines can’t get to the fight, they can’t win the fight. This is why we have taken important steps to recapitalize the sealift and airlift forces that transport troops to complete their missions. The measure also establishes a Tanker Security Fleet to address the sea logistics gap. With these mobility forces, we can ensure our nation’s logistics are ready to respond to global threats.
Other vital measures in this year’s defense bill include: strengthening the DOD’s ability to counter weapons of mass destruction; expanding job placement programs for unemployed guardsmen or reservists; defending againstadvanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats; and requiring that the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect members of the Armed Forces from the threat of infectious diseases.
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, countries such as Russia and China continue to expand their naval presence and look to outpace the capabilities of the United States. This defense bill seeks to roll back the recent gains of our competitors.
In addition to supporting our military, I am focused on our economy. Last week, I met virtually with the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS to provide a critical update on my efforts leading our region’s economic recovery. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of my top priorities has been ensuring the economic success of the Commonwealth through these difficult times. That is why I supported the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, providing support to American workers, families, and businesses, including the expansion of paid sick leave and family medical leave. It also included refundable tax credits for small businesses and self-employed individuals to cover the cost of this leave. I also was proud to support the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (The CARES Act), and the additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program. This will replenish these critically important programs to help individuals and businesses.
Moving forward with the economic recovery, I believe that we must assess our nation’s spending and see where the currently allocated funding has gone and how much remains to be distributed. It is vital that we set up our communities and individuals for success through these times, but it is also important to look towards our fiscal future and govern responsibly.
Lastly, I held the third meeting of my Unity in Diversity Council last week in Williamsburg – in addition to my Council meetings in Fredericksburg and Manassas – to bring together minority community, religious, educational, health, and government leaders to discuss issues facing the first district and our nation. From these meetings, we will be creating action items to make our communities a better place for all. As your representative in Virginia’s First Congressional District, it is important that I listen to and hear from everyone in our region on the issues that face our community. I will continue to advocate for all citizens who call VA-01 home.
Together, with our neighbors, our nation will come through these times stronger than ever. Today, as you celebrate our freedoms, I ask that you remember the words of President Ronald Regan in his farewell address to the nation and acknowledge what an incredible honor and privilege it is to live in our great country:
“We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise - and freedom is special and rare. …
“‘We the People’ tell the Government what to do, it doesn't tell us. ‘We the people’ are the driver - the Government is the car. And we decide where it should go, and by what route, and how fast. Almost all the world's constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are. Our Constitution is a document in which ‘We the People’ tell the Government what it is allowed to do.
“‘We the people’ are free.”
I am incredibly hopeful.
