We recognize African American history during the month of February as an integral part of American history, and celebrate the many achievements of African Americans to our great nation. It is also a time to remember Virginia’s checkered history. From massive resistance to the integration of public schools, to the […]

Since the election, I have heard from many constituents who are concerned about the Trump presidency or uncertain about his policies and plans. I share many of these concerns and questions.  As ever, I will listen to my colleagues from across the aisle, and will consider reasonable policy proposals, even […]

Virginia’s 8th congressional district is home to over 50,000 veterans and active duty service men and women. I am proud to represent a district with such a strong ethic of service. As the son of a 92-year-old Korean War veteran, I am deeply committed to caring for those who sacrifice […]

The 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote nearly a century ago. Today, despite enormous progress in other areas of our society, we continue to disenfranchise women in the workplace. This makes no economic sense. After 40 years in business, I know that when women succeed, America succeeds. That […]

Last month we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of our National Park Service. Historian Wallace Stegner once called our national parks “the best idea we ever had,” and I could not agree more. My first job in the early 1970s was as a Park Ranger at the Lincoln Memorial on the […]

I was moved and inspired last week by my colleagues – starting with the great civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis – who had the tenacity and creativity to launch a sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives to demand a vote on solutions to gun violence. In […]

You know the headlines on climate change: Last year was the hottest year ever recorded. Since 2001, we have experienced fifteen of the 16 warmest years on record. Each of the past 12 months was the hottest on record. The sea level is rising, wild storms are more frequent, and […]

“No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law;” — U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 9, Clause 7 Every spring Congress begins to draft legislation to fund the federal government after receiving the President’s budget request. Traditionally, Congress will hold hearings on the […]

Last month, the White House Office of Management and Budget released President Obama’s final budget to fund the government through fiscal year 2017. Funding the federal government is ultimately Congress’ obligation, but the President’s budget serves as an indication of his priorities, what direction he feels the country ought to […]