Weekly Updates
My number one priority is listening to the people I represent and using their thoughts, concerns, and insights to better represent them in Washington and to help them through these difficult times. I am so grateful for my staff as they, too, are public servants dedicated to constituent service. We have a one-stop-shop mentality in my office, and we work tirelessly to ensure that constituents contacting our office get the best service possible.
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It is hard to believe that we are now just three months from the end of 2020. To say this year has been unprecedented would be an understatement. Throughout these times, though, Virginians have proved their resolve and resiliency as we work together to get through the economic and health impacts of the Coronavirus.
Please, if you or your family needs any assistance through these times, , we are standing by to help.
Teachers hold a special place in my heart: my mom was a teacher and my wife, Kathryn, is also a teacher. Their presence in my life has given me a deep understanding of the importance teachers play in the lives of our children. In this age of online classrooms and virtual learning, I have seen teachers work with great patience to educate young children through a computer screen, a task that we can all admit is not easy. Similarly, I have heard from folks as I meet with them across our region about the difficulties of accessing childcare services as they return to work.
A passion for public service is what drives me as I work for you. My dad served in World War II, and he instilled in me the spirit of putting service to others above self, which still drives me to achieve every day. The greatest honor of my life is to serve you as your Representative in the First District. I still make the drive from my little town of Montross each day because I believe the best ideas don't come from Washington, but from my constituents.
To say this year has been unprecedented is an understatement. It is safe to say that there is not a single person in the United States whose life has not been impacted in some way by the Coronavirus or the economic impacts resulting from the global pandemic.
Growing up, one of the fondest memories I have is seeing my mother work the polls on Election Day. I don't think she ever missed an election. She worked on behalf of candidates who shared the same dreams she held. Candidates who believed in keeping our communities and neighborhoods safe. Candidates who believed American ingenuity could produce a booming economy. Candidates who believed every person could obtain the American Dream.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II when the Imperial Japanese Forces surrendered. The treaty was officially signed two weeks later on September 2nd on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Over 400,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines lost their lives in WWII, and countless more were wounded either physically or in unimaginable ways by the ravages of years of war.
My dad is the most impactful role model in my life. I think back fondly to the times growing up when he would sit me down on the tailgate of our green truck to listen to a story, an explanation of what was going on in politics back then, or a funny anecdote he thought I would enjoy. But no matter what the subject, I knew when I sat on the back of that truck, it was my job to listen. I'm glad to say that was one of the most memorable lessons he ever taught me: you have to listen.
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.