I’m not sure how many of you know this, but I drive home to my family in Montross, VA every night after working for you in DC. I don’t have an apartment on Capitol Hill like most of my colleagues. As I drive past your businesses, homes, churches and schools in the First Congressional District, it serves as an incredible reminder as to why I take the commute to Washington: I am here to represent your interests.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve listened to your frustrations regarding traffic, our children returning to school in the fall and the impacts of the pandemic on our economy and future. Here are a couple of the actions I’ve taken on your behalf to help address some of these concerns:
Yesterday, I sent a letter to the White House Coronavirus Task Force requesting the continued public release of data relating to COVID-19 across the United States to better assist understanding and combatting the Coronavirus. America’s scientists, researchers, health officials, modelers, and federal, state, and local agencies rely on this data to make projections and decisions on how best to implement responses to the coronavirus pandemic.
Going forward, I encourage the CDC to work to protect and maintain the quality and transparency of data shared with the public. During this pandemic, data sharing has been critical in informing ongoing university research, federal partner agencies, states and the general public in the fight against COVID-19. I believe that this shared data will continue to be crucial to our Nation’s response. Read my letter here.
Earlier this month, I joined forces with colleagues throughout Virginia introducing the Computers for Veterans and Students Act. This would allow certified, nonprofit refurbishing companies to directly obtain, refurbish, and distribute surplus government computers to serve veterans, students, and seniors in need. Additionally, the legislation would require each nonprofit computer refurbisher receiving computers to provide training programs in the use of this technology.
This is a prime example of innovative non-profits working hand-in-hand with the government to provide effective solutions for our nation’s veterans. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been working hard to close the digital divide and to provide for those who fought for us. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid plain how important it is for all Americans to have access to technology, and this legislation helps provide access to the people who have served our nation and to those who need it most. Check out our interview here.
At the beginning of this month, I introduced the Long Bridge Act of 2020. A new Long Bridge will ease congestion along the I-95 corridor and cut down on the commuter travel time that plagues many Virginia residents. The construction of a separate passenger-only bridge will allow freight to move more freely from the Port of Virginia, taking thousands of large trucks off of Virginia roadways. Check out my most recent testimony on the legislation here.
As we look forward to the week ahead, remember that I take that commute up to DC every day to work on your behalf, not mine. If you ever need help, I’m always an email or phone call away.
