Weekly Updates
This past week the House resumed its work after a much-needed pause to reflect on the tragedy in Arizona. As scheduled, the House considered legislation to repeal the onerous health care overhaul law enacted last year. I voted for the repeal in order to continue debate on how to improve our health care system. There is no doubt that America's health care system is in need of fundamental reform.
This week we continue to mourn the tragedy in Arizona that took six precious lives and wounded many others, including my colleague Gabrielle Giffords. This tragedy has shaken so many, and yet it also provides a lesson for us. It was a senseless act of violence at a time and a place where there should be none. We cannot deny that there is evil in the world, but as the President said this week: "Heroism is here . . . just waiting to be summoned." While we saw an act of evil, we saw so many acts of courage.
Over the weekend, our nation gasped as the news of the tragedy in Arizona spread. I hope you join me in praying for continued health and healing for those still in the hospital, and peace for those families of the victims. This was a senseless attack on our democracy, and I hope we see swift justice for all involved in this tragedy.
Happy New Year to the folks of America's First District! This past year I enjoyed meeting and visiting with many of you at various events and meetings in Fredericksburg, Tappahannock, Yorktown and Washington, DC. 2010 brought a year of action in Congress and an election where folks spoke out about the state of this country's government. Since Election Day, we have seen changes forthcoming for the new Congress to make the work of the people more transparent. The first task for the new Congress will be to read the Constitution on the House Floor to set the tone for business.
This week as we wrapped up the last hours of the 111th Congress, many folks went about their holiday shopping, planned last minute details for holiday gatherings, and prepared for time with their families. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Earlier this month, those in the Jewish faith celebrated Hanukkah to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Folks, this past week in Washington, DC, Congress passed an important measure to prevent a looming tax increase for all Americans on January 1, 2011. The simple truth is higher taxes do not get anyone hired. Our economy continues to struggle, and unemployment is too high because of the uncertainty and skyrocketing spending coming out of Washington. To get our economy moving again, people must get back to work, bring income home to pay their bills, put a roof over their heads, and inject life into the economy.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to speak to the 2010 Virginia Coastal Partners Workshop, with State Natural Resources Secretary Doug Domenech. I was pleased to join these great folks in kicking off the workshop focusing on an important issue to America's First District and to Virginia. The First District is historically, economically and culturally closely tied to the water. Our region faces several challenges but also many great opportunities.
As many of us enjoyed turkey, ham, and all the fixins' on Thanksgiving, thousands of troops continued to honorably serve our country overseas. It is because of their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families, that we celebrated peacefully here in Virginia and across the country. We have much to be thankful for, but we especially thank those troops and their families for their service and sacrifice.
This week began with a great visit to the United States Naval Academy. 46 midshipmen at the Academy hail from America's First District, and it was great to have the opportunity to visit with them during their lunch at the Academy. These midshipmen are this nation's future leaders, and after just a brief visit, it was clear to me their training, attitude and love for their country will take them far.
This past week began with a great visit to one of the government classes at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. It was a very thoughtful and direct dialogue about the current state of government and where we should go from here. We continued our day on campus and stopped by to speak with some of the law school students, and had the opportunity to tour the veterans' benefits clinic, to learn more about all the clinic does to help veterans.