September was a busy month, and I wanted to share with you a look back at some highlights. Working on behalf of the people of the First District is always my top priority in Congress. Although the House was in session for most of the month, I was consistently advocating for Virginia priorities. Scroll down to take a look.

I met with members of the American Cancer Society to discuss the steps Congress can take to continue supporting research that helps fight the diseases that affect so many individuals and families.

I had the honor of meeting Dan Beyer from Veterans of Foreign Wars to learn about the issues they face as the individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country. I have much gratitude for their service and will continue to fight for their benefit in Congress.

I was proud to receive the Heartbeat Hero award for co-sponsoring the Heartbeat Bill (H.R. 490). The Heartbeat Bill protects unborn children from abortion once their heartbeat is detected.

I stopped by Northern Neck Burger for a bite to eat and to hear about the issues facing small businesses in our district.

I joined Governor McAuliffe and Rep. Connolly to commemorate job creation in Virginia’s First District by attending a ribbon cutting for Iron Mountain’s new data center, the first and largest of its kind in Prince William County. In Congress, we have taken many steps to roll back federal regulations so business can do what they do best— create jobs.

I had the honor of meeting with National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 1270 to connect with federal retired employees in our community. We discussed a myriad of important issues—from healthcare to defense to tax reform.

I had a wonderful time speaking with pastors in Northern Neck about issues that affect our community. I was honored to be able to share my own testimony with them and to be on the receiving end of the prayers given for our government officials.

I participated in a RSC press conference to reaffirm my promise that I will work toward tax reform, securing our borders, and repealing the Affordable Care Act.

I met with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and other individuals involved in U.S. wildlife protection to discuss migratory bird conservation. As a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, I’m working with Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke to protect and conserve important wetlands habitats in the Chesapeake Bay and across the nation.

I was delighted to meet and introduce Rear Admiral Galinas at our Shipbuilding Caucus breakfast. I learned a lot of critical information about the state of our nation’s ships and what I, as Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, can do to ensure the United States continues to be kept safe.

I enjoyed meeting with students from the United States Naval Academy, and I joined several of my colleagues in Congress in hearing the USNA’s updates. We discussed the future of the United States Navy with regards to shipbuilding and cyber-security. As Chairman of the Board of Visitors at the Naval Academy, it is always an honor to meet such honorable and bright individuals.

I met with the Williamsburg Realtors to discuss tax reform and flood insurance reauthorization.

I hosted two Service Academy Days to give students the chance to hear an overview of each academy and the respective admissions processes. All students who wish to attend a service academy must receive a nomination, and I am able to nominate one student per academy each academic year.

I also wanted to share with you the op-eds I wrote this month:

Congressional irresponsibility is wrecking the military. That has to stop.

House committee seeks answers for naval collisions

A Window of Opportunity

To keep up with all of my work around the First District and in Washington, connect with me on Facebook.

Remember, you can share your thoughts and ideas with me and see the latest news on my work representing the First District by visiting my Facebook page, Twitter account, or Instagram feed.

As always, I want to hear from you when issues that concern you come before Congress. You can send me an email by visiting my website. You can also sign up to participate in my telephone town hall meetings by clicking here.

I look forward to hearing from you, and it's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.

Sincerely,

Rob