Weekly Updates

This week, I attended the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon, along with Reps. Forbes, Nye and Scott. The event brought together many local officials and business leaders who expressed their thoughts and ideas on how to get our economy growing again. As I talked with the group, I outlined some of the provisions I'm supporting to stimulate and enhance job creation not just here in the First District, but across Virginia. I have been and will continue to be an advocate for policies to eliminate the uncertainty that is felt everywhere.

One of the most proud moments I've had in recent memory was a send-off of World War II veterans last Saturday morning. The "Greatest Generation" living in and around Williamsburg had an opportunity to travel to Washington, DC, to our monuments in an Honor flight trip that day. These veterans, who fought for us across the world during that time, are a true example of what it means to selflessly serve our nation and to be recognized as American heroes.

This past week I had the opportunity to meet with the Peninsula Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees, where we discussed current issues, as well as issues pertinent to federal employees. I am proud to represent the tens of thousands of federal employees living in the First District, and continue to work to represent them well in my work in Congress.

This week, I authored an editorial piece, "Getting Virginians Back to Work," to present solutions for our struggling economy. As we heard Friday morning, the unemployment rate remains at 9.6 percent. It's clear that we must focus on measures that will allow for businesses and entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive, and keep Virginians working.

This week began with a great event to focus on one of the most important founding documents of our country: the Constitution. William and Mary law school kicked off its "Constitutional Conversations" event on Monday evening, and I was pleased to join students to help introduce this great educational series. These types of discussions are so relevant to the conversations going on around the country today, with the focus on the role of government in our lives. As citizens, we're afforded opportunities and rights to influence the making of public policy by the government.

This week, Congress came to Washington again without taking action on the tax relief that our economy - and families - need. With tax rates scheduled to rise at the end of the year if Congress doesn't take action, I will continue to advocate that taxes not be raised as families and businesses work to regain steady financial footing.

This past week, I had the honor to speak at an event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His daughter, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, also attended and spoke about the vision of Dr. King. When we revisit and remember the past, and what earlier citizens of this nation went through so we can thrive today, we remind ourselves of what is great about this country. Dr. King was focused on the positive, on bringing out the best inside each of us, and he encouraged everyone to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our community, and our fellow Americans.

It has been a busy week in America's First District. As September gets underway, and I prepare to return to Washington this week, your input and the feedback I received from you during August will serve me well as I work to represent you in Congress.