url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-announces-passage-critical-health-care-priorities,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Announces Passage of Critical Health Care Priorities in COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced the inclusion of several vital health care provisions in theConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which the President recently signed into law. These provisions would bolster COVID-19 vaccine and testing deployment, reverse planned budget cuts to Medicare, and provide additional funding for personal protective equipment (PPE).As our nation faces record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we must continue providing robust funding for critical health care imperatives,said Congresswoman Elaine Luria.While neither perfect nor all-inclusive, this much-overdue COVID-19 relief package allocates resources needed to improve our nation's response to this pandemic. I am pleased the President signed this package into law, and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue finding common ground as we continue addressing this public health emergency.Included in the COVID-19 relief package are: $69 billion for COVID-19 testing, vaccine deployment, contact tracing, and other critical health care needs; $3.25 billion for a national stockpile of PPE; A reversal of the 2021 Medicare Sequester; and, An end to surprise medical bills by ensuring patients are only responsible for in-network cost-sharing amounts in emergency and non-emergency situations, in which they cannot choose an in-network provider. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congresswoman Luria helped develop aframework for a COVID-19 relief package, whichthe Caucus introduced with a bipartisan group of Senators earlier this month. The relief package that just became law shares striking similarities with this framework, which prioritizes support for families, students, small businesses, and health care providers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=441,Rep. Wexton’s EFFORT Act to Expand Opioid Addiction Research Headed to President’s Desk,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Today, the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment (EFFORT) Act was passed by the House of Representatives, after being amended and passed by the Senate last week. The EFFORT Act is bipartisan legislation authored by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and co-sponsored by Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN). The Senate companion bill was carried by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), and now goes to the President for his signature. While much of our attention is focused on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid addiction crisis continues to ravage our communities,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.In fact, the crisis has gotten worse. Virginia is seeing a record number of fatal overdoses this year as isolation and anxiety brought on by COVID add new challenges for those who are in recovery. We need to vigorously study and treat addiction like the disease that it is. Once this bill is signed into law, scientists and researchers can provide us with greater resources to end this crisis. As our nation confronts the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we also continue to grapple with an opioid epidemic that is increasingly devastating families in Delaware and across the country,said Senator Chris Coons. The recent record-breaking success with a vaccine for COVID-19 shows that when the federal government invests in research and partners with leading minds in all sectors we can do amazing things. This bill would put our collective resources and know-how to work deepening our understanding of opioid addiction and finding tools and treatments to end this crisis. I'm proud that it will be signed into law. We have lost hundreds of lives here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to the opioid epidemic. The effects of this public health crisis have been seen in the number of children in foster care, babies born substance exposed, and grandparents now raising their grandchildren. The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition supports the EFFORT Act and is proud to see it pass through the House and Senate because research will help to decrease preventable deaths caused by opioid overdoses and will drive better treatment approaches,said Lauren Cummings, executive director of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. The EFFORT Act expands research into the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction, seeking to promote collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts and close existing gaps in research. The bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF), in consultation with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to support research that will allow for further understanding of the science of opioid addiction. 2020 is on track to be theworst year by farfor fatal drug overdose deaths in Virginia. Overdoses have spiked during the pandemic, and the Commonwealth is on track to surpass 2,000 overdose deaths this year after setting a record last year with 1,626 lives lost. Congresswoman Wexton is a founding member of the bipartisanFreshmen Working Group on Addictionwith Representative David Trone (D-MD) and has been a strong advocate for addiction prevention and recovery efforts since her time in the Virginia state Senate where she served on the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee. The full text of the EFFORT Act can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-support-small-businesses-covid-19-relief-package,Congresswoman Luria Votes to Support Small Businesses in COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria highlighted several small business wins within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which the President recently signed into law. I am glad the COVID relief package included significant aid for small businesses and our workforce during this challenging time,said Congresswoman Luria.Small businesses are the engines of our local economy, and they continue to experience catastrophic losses.This package will provide a lifeline to small business owners and help workers stay employed across Coastal Virginia and our nation. This bipartisan, bicameral deal provides important funding and provisions for small businesses, including: $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through March 31, 2021; $20 billion for emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan grants and extension of the covered period for emergency EIDL grants to December 31, 2021; $15 billion in grants for eligible live event venue operators, an industry that has lost nearly 90% of their revenue; Expansion of expense eligibility under the PPP to include personal protective equipment and supplier costs; Clarification that forgiven PPP expenses like rent and payroll are tax-deductible; and, Modifications to the Employee Retention Tax Credit by increasing the credit rate from 50%-70%. As a former small business owner, Congresswoman Elaine Luria has been a staunch advocate for locally owned small businesses during this economic crisis. Previously, shevoted for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Although the PPP was a necessary step to assist small business owners, it was not perfect, which is why the Congresswomanadvocated for bipartisan initiativesto allow business owners to use PPP loans over longer time periods, to provide flexibility for businesses struggling to meet the SBA's requirement that 75% of loan proceeds go toward payroll costs, and to increase the SBA's transparency. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-blasts-gop-lawmakers-pledge-challenge-biden-victory-during-congress,McEachin Blasts GOP Lawmakers for Pledge to Challenge Biden Victory During Congress Certification,2020-12-30,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,A. McEachin,M001200,mceachin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)today released the following statement afterPolitico reportedthat Sen. Josh Hawley (MI-R) pledged to challenge President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Pennsylvania and possibly other states on Jan. 6, when Congress is set to certify the results of the 2020 election: ""After multiple recounts, state certifications and the Electoral College vote, it is reckless and disrespectful to American voters that a U.S. Senator is entertaining challenging the results of a free and fair election,""said Congressman McEachin.""Even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris on their victory in November. The American people have spoken It is time for Senator Hawley and his Republican colleagues to put what's best for our country ahead of their personal politics and end this wanton obstruction of a peaceful transfer of power to the duly-elected Biden-Harris administration.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-secure-vital-energy-and-infrastructure-priorities,Congresswoman Luria Votes to Secure Vital Energy and Infrastructure Priorities in Government Spending Bill,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Luria highlighted several critical energy and water wins for Coastal Virginia that were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which the President recently signed into law. I am pleased that the Fiscal Year 2021 government funding bill included significant funding to support clean energy, improve our waterways, and invest in environmental cleanup efforts,said Congresswoman Luria.This package will create jobs, improve Coastal Virginia's infrastructure, and allow our economy and environment to thrive for future generations. This bipartisan, bicameral deal providesrobust funding for critical energy and water development priorities advocated for by Congresswoman Luria, including: Provisions from the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, which authorizes an advanced reactor technology program and establishes a nuclear energy university program; $1.5 billionto improve our nuclear reactor fleet, including $250 million for an advanced nuclear reactor program; $156 million to support efforts to secure our nation's energy infrastructure through investments in cybersecurity protections and energy resiliency; $7.8 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers construction projects and navigation maintenance; and, $113 million for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, which funds construction and maintenance expenses for navigable waterways. The legislation also directs the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct ecosystem restoration projects and flood and storm damage reduction projects. Additionally, it directs the Department of Energy to optimize Nuclear Physics user facilities, which includes the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in Newport News, Virginia. Directing the Department of Energy to optimize user facilities will ensure investment in JLab's research and scientific discoveries. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-urges-additional-covid-19-relief-votes-increase-direct-payments-assist,"McEachin Urges Additional COVID-19 Relief, Votes to Increase Direct Payments to Assist Struggling Virginia Families",2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,A. McEachin,M001200,mceachin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)released the following statement after voting for House passage of H.R. 9051, the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act, legislation which would raise recently enacted economic impact statements from $600 to $2,000: While it is good news that help is finally on its way to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the stopgap package signed into law on Sunday cannot mark the end of our efforts to provide relief for all of the struggling families, workers, and small businesses that have had to wait months for federal support,said Congressman McEachin.Even President Trump recognizes we can and must do more to help Virginians and Americans across the country stay afloat during this crisis. I urge the Senate to join my House colleagues and I in voting quickly to increase direct relief payments to $2,000 and put more money in the pockets of Virginians impacted by this pandemic. BACKGROUND The CASH Act builds on the direct relief payments provided for Americans in H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, which was signed into law on Sunday. A product of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, the government funding bill consisted of all 12 Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bills, as well as coronavirus relief and authorizations. As part of the emergency relief and omnibus package, Congressman McEachin secured provisions consistent with his legislative priorities, including: Infrastructure Investments Grants a cost adjustment to allow work to continue on the Deep Creek Bridge in Chesapeake to address traffic concerns; Authorizes over $102 million in federal funds for construction of the North Landing Bridge Replacement; and Includes a provision for the construction of a new Long Bridge on the Potomac River, which will double the capacity of rail crossing between Virginia and D.C. Appropriations and Other Funding Funding for an additional Virginia-class submarine; Over $87 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program; $65 million to the Federal Communications Commission to create broadband data maps required under the Broadband DATA Act, which included Congressman McEachin'sMAPS Act; Funding for several programs advocated by Congressman McEachin in hislettersto House and Senate leadership, including: $3.75 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); $90 million for Diesel Emissions Reductions grants; $125 million for Low or No Emissions program; and $1.21 billion for Superfund; and $638 million to Health and Human Services to create a new low-income water assistance program to help households with water utility bills, which follows Congressman McEachin's push for a national water shutoff moratorium during the pandemic. Legislation Championed by Congressman McEachin Inclusion of H.R. 5534, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act. Overall, the spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Among its provisions, the bill provides: Billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis; A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child up to $2,400 for a family of four, depending on income; A $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work; $25 billion in critically-needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium; $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans and $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street; $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for childcare assistance to help get parents back to work and keep childcare providers open; and An additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3434,President Signs into Law Spanberger’s Legislation to Name a Midlothian Post Office After World War II Code Breaker Dorothy Bruce,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. President Donald Trump has signed into law U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger's legislation to name a Chesterfield County post office after World War II code breaker and former Midlothian resident Dorothy Braden Bruce. Dorothy Bruce was recruited by the U.S. military during World War II to serve in a top-secret group of code-breaking women. Sworn to secrecy, Dorothy's unit worked to disclose the locations of Japanese ships in the Pacific, identify and intercept enemy supply movements, and protect the lives of American servicemembers. Bruce passed away at the age of 99 last year. With Spanberger's legislation now law, the U.S. Post Office facility located at 1201 Sycamore Square Drive in Midlothian will be renamed the Dorothy Braden Bruce Post Office Building. Spanberger's bipartisan bill was cosponsored by Virginia's entire U.S. House delegation. We thank Congresswoman Spanberger for her skill in achieving enactment of a public law dedicating the Sycamore Square Post Office to our mother, Dorothy Braden Bruce, said Nancy Robertson, Jim Bruce, and Virginia Evans Children of Dorothy Braden Bruce. We also thank author Liza Mundy for revealing the secret story of women code breakers in WWII, a story almost lost to history. Even at age 97, our mother's remarkable memory helped Liza interpret and validate declassified archive records and bring to life the challenges and successes of these 10,000 women code breakers who kept their secret for nearly 70 years. There is no monument to these young women, handpicked and secretly summoned to hasten the end of WWII, saving the lives of thousands of Americans. We are grateful that this public building is a part of that remembrance. For decades, the pioneering and lifesaving efforts of women codebreakers were kept a secret, and American heroes like Dorothy never knew if their efforts would be recognized in history books or even remembered by future generations. With the Dorothy Braden Bruce Post Office Building' now a reality, Virginians who look to live a life in service to their country, particularly young women and girls, will have the opportunity to gain inspiration from a remarkable life of service, honor, and determination, said Spanberger. I look forward to visiting this facility and celebrating this historic moment in the near future, and it is my true honor to help preserve the legacy of Dorothy Bruce and her contributions to our Commonwealth and our country. Ahead of the bill's passage in the U.S. House in September 2020, Spanberger spoke on the House floor to honor Dorothy's life. Click here to watch her full remarks. BACKGROUND As a cryptanalyst with the U.S. Army Signal Corps' Signal Intelligence Service, Dorothy Bruce was one of thousands of American women serving as codebreakers throughout World War II. Dorothy's story is featured in the bestselling book Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy. According to Mundy in a 2017 interview with the Chesterfield Observer, the contributions of women like Bruce were key factors in delivering an Allied victory in the Pacific: While it might not sound as significant as cracking the Enigma machine, Mundy says it's one of the three most important Allied codebreaking efforts of the conflict, up there with the sinking of Nazi U-boats or intelligence gained ahead of the crucial Battle of Midway. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cline.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cline-statement-vote-increase-emergency-relief-checks-without-offsetting,Rep. Cline Statement on Vote to Increase Emergency Relief Checks Without Offsetting Cuts to Wasteful Spending,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 9051 the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act. Virginians across the Commonwealth are hurting, and that is why I fully supported President Trump's call to raise the dollar amount of Emergency Relief Checks from $600 to $2000 by offsetting it with cuts to wasteful spending included in the bill. Sadly, Democrats voted down our attempt to make these changes last week. Therefore, because the bill only included half of President Trump's proposal, I could not support the bill as written, Cline said. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1063,Rep. Cline Statement on Vote to Increase Emergency Relief Checks Without Offsetting Cuts to Wasteful Spending,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 9051 – the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act. ""Virginians across the Commonwealth are hurting, and that is why I fully supported President Trump's call to raise the dollar amount of Emergency Relief Checks from $600 to $2000 by offsetting it with cuts to wasteful spending included in the bill. Sadly, Democrats voted down our attempt to make these changes last week. Therefore, because the bill only included half of President Trump's proposal, I could not support the bill as written,"" Cline said. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-enhanced-covid-19-relief,Congresswoman Luria Votes for Enhanced COVID-19 Relief,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Luria voted in favor of the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act to increase the amount of direct payment support for Coastal Virginians. Under this standalone legislation, eligible Coastal Virginians would receive a second economic impact payment (EIP) of $2,000, up from $600. This legislation also retroactively fixes a flaw in the first round of economic impact payments, which excluded non-child dependents from receiving economic relief. Throughout this public health emergency, I have heard from families throughout Coastal Virginia that they are struggling and need additional economic relief, said Congresswoman Luria. Tonight, I voted to increase direct economic impact payments to families throughout Virginia because Congressional support must match constituents' needs in order to quickly recover from this economic crisis. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3432,"President Trump Signs into Law Spanberger’s Legislation to Expand Broadband Internet Access, Lower Prescription Drug Prices, Support Veterans, & Prevent Tax Hikes on Local Breweries & Distilleries",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. President Trump last night signed into law a bipartisan fiscal year (FY) 2021 funding deal as well as an emergency COVID-19 relief package that contains several wins for Central Virginia small businesses, working families, and veterans that U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger fought to include. In addition to the COVID-19 relief provisions she pushed to include in the overall legislation, the year-end funding package incorporates many of Spanberger's key priorities and pieces of legislation including increased funding for broadband internet projects through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) ReConnect Program, her legislation to lower drug prices and increase access to generic drugs, and her bipartisan bill to fix the federal financial aid process for veterans and their families. Additionally, the government funding deal includes permanent tax relief for Central Virginia craft breweries and distilleries something Spanberger pushed to include in the FY 2021 funding bill and heard about directly from Central Virginia distillers earlier this year. Without congressional passage of this legislation, craft distillers in Virginia would have faced a potential 400 percent tax increase in 2021, which would hinder the local industry's recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. As our communities look to rebuild and recover from ongoing crisis, the federal government must make smart investments and reforms that allow families and businesses to succeed long into the future. While I fundamentally disagree with the procrastination and repeated shutdown threats that characterized this recent funding process, I am relieved to see an agreement cross the finish line as we prepare for a new Congress and a new administration, said Spanberger. This package includes several priorities I pushed to include such as continued, increased funding for high-speed internet infrastructure and a commonsense fix to help the families of veterans afford a high-quality higher education. Additionally, I'm glad to see our local breweries, distilleries, and vineyards will receive some much-needed tax relief in this uncertain economic time. And as we look forward to our priorities in the next Congress, my legislation to knock down barriers for biosimilar drugs makes me hopeful that we can achieve additional progress in lowering prescription drug costs over the next few years. I was proud to support this agreement combined with COVID-19 relief, as it is a necessary component of maintaining government operations, funding critical services, and keeping millions of Americans employed. Nothing could be more critical in a moment of nationwide crisis. The impending FET Relief expiration on Dec. 31, 2020 was the single greatest threat to our industry, and we thank Representative Spanberger and other Members of Congress for stepping up with support, said Gareth Moore, President, Virginia Distillers Association. We were looking at a 400 percent federal tax hike, which would have been catastrophic to our industry even without the setbacks of the pandemic this year. We've been making trips to Washington for several years now, to not only plea for Congress to support distilled spirits FET relief, but to make it permanent. Imposing the same federal tax load on small businesses as multinational corporations was counterintuitive to growing our industry here in Virginia, which is predominantly craft in scale. Now that relief has passed, we expect our industry will be able to focus on growth opportunities. In the past, with FET up for renewal each year, it set a tone of not being able to plan for the future. How could any business plan with the uncertainty of a looming 400 percent federal tax increase potentially going into effect each year? Now that relief is permanent, we can focus on investing capital in our businesses, our employees, the Commonwealth and growing the spirits industry as a signature industry for Virginia. After my husband, Matthew Ruzicka, retired from the United States Army and began to collect Disability Payments for his service-connected injuries, the amount of financial aid our children received for college was reduced dramatically. To our surprise, the reason for this drop in aid was because my husband's disability benefits were considered income in calculations for financial aid, said Annette Ruzicka, Midlothian. I am grateful to Representative Spanberger for her tireless work on rectifying this injustice and making sure that these earned benefits don't end up actively hurting student veterans and veteran families like my own. Electric cooperatives are deeply invested in the health of America's rural economies and elevating underserved people around the globe who lack access to electricity. As a member of the Agriculture and Foreign Affairs Committees, Representative Spanberger has a unique perspective on both those essential challenges, said Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The USDA ReConnect program and other new broadband programs included in year-end legislation will work to connect rural Americans who lack access to high-speed internet. And the USAID Cooperative Development Program is critical to connecting people around the world to affordable, reliable electricity. We are grateful for Representative Spanberger's commitment to the health of rural communities, domestically and abroad. There is a tremendous need for policies to help biosimilars developers navigate through the significant patent estates constructed by brand name drug companies, said Christine Simmon, Executive Director, Biosimilars Council, a Division of the Association for Accessible Medicines. Section 325 is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with Rep. Spanberger on further initiatives to enhance patient access to more-affordable biosimilars. Spanberger successfully fought to include many provisions in the FY 2021 funding deal in addition to her COVID-19 relief priorities passed as part of the package, including: Strengthened funding for broadband internet projects. The bipartisan funding deal includes $635 million for USDA ReConnect Program, which partners with businesses and local officials to expand high-speed internet infrastructure and increase e-Connectivity in rural and underserved communities across the country. Earlier this month, Spanberger led a bipartisan effort calling on appropriators to prioritize funding for high-speed broadband internet infrastructure projects and reject proposed cuts to the ReConnect Program included in the Senate version of the FY 2021 funding bill. In February 2020, Spanbergerannounced $28 millionin ReConnect funding for broadband internet infrastructure in Central Virginia including in Louisa, Orange, Goochland, and Powhatan Counties. Last year, Spanbergersuccessfully led the fightto protect ReConnect Program funding fromelimination in the FY 2020 funding deal. Spanberger's bipartisan legislation to fix a flaw in the federal financial aid system for veterans and their families. The bipartisan package includes legislation Spanberger introduced on Veterans Day 2020 to fix an issue in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that has unfairly penalized disabled veterans and their families. Currently, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, including VA Disability Compensation, must be reported in the FAFSA and is taken into consideration when calculating an applicant's Estimated Family Contribution. Because these tax-free payments remains a factor in the FAFSA process, this requirement has caused many veterans and their families to take on an additional financial burden when sending their children to college. Spanberger's Honor Our Nation's Oath to Remember (HONOR) Our Veterans' Sacrifice Act would fix this issue by excluding veteran benefits, including VA Disability Compensation, from the list of benefits required to be reported in the FAFSA. Spanberger's bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug costs and allow cheaper, generic alternatives to enter the consumer market. The funding package includes major provisions from Spanberger's Biologic Patent Transparency Act, which will take a first step in stopping this practice of patent gaming and seek to level the playing field for biosimilar drugs. By increasing patent transparency in the prescription drug market, this law will help stimulate competition between biosimilars and established biologic medicines and these provisions will likely deliver biosimilar treatments to patients faster and help lower drug prices for Central Virginia consumers. Spanberger introduced the bipartisan legislation in October 2019. A permanent extension of the craft beverage tax credit. Spanberger is a cosponsor of the bipartisanCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, which is included in this funding deal and makes permanent the federal excise tax cut on distilled spirts that was enacted in 2017. Earlier this month, Spanberger joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in urging Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to pass this legislation in the FY 2021 funding agreement particularly as brewers and distillers would've faced a significant increase in their federal excise taxes at a time when so many are struggling to stay open and keep employees on the payroll. In August 2020, Spanberger hosted a discussion in Powhatan with Central Virginia distillers to learn more about how they are innovating in response to the COVID-19 crisis as well as to hear about the need for the extension of this crucial tax credit. In addition to Spanberger's funding deal wins for Central Virginia, the legislation includes many critical COVID-19 relief priorities such as extended unemployment benefits, strong funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, additional loans for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), direct payments to individuals, telehealth investments, and assistance to independent entertainment venues. Additionally, the legislation extends the deadline for state and local governments to use Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) awards beyond the end-of-year deadline, allowing Central Virginia communities to continue ongoing COVID-19-related projects. Click here to read more about Spanberger's COVID-19 relief priorities included in the overall emergency and omnibus package. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3433,Spanberger Statement on Vote to Override President Trump’s Veto of the National Defense Authorization Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger tonight released the following statement after voting with an overwhelmingly bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes U.S. Department of Defense funding and sets the country's national security priorities for the upcoming year. The United States and its allies face a growing range of threats around the world as we've witnessed with the latest cyberattack from Russia and this year's NDAA is a critical step in protecting the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to keep Central Virginia's families safe. This vote is not a difficult decision whatsoever, because our servicemembers and their families deserve the strongest support possible, said Spanberger. The President's veto of the NDAA was not only misguided, but it sent a poor message to our allies as well as our adversaries around the world. As Commander in Chief, the President has a unique responsibility to protect our servicemen and women, and it is beyond embarrassing and a show of weakness that the President chose to veto this legislation. I look forward to welcoming a new President into office who demonstrates the commitment necessary to maintain our military advantage, confront the dangers on the horizon, and honor the selfless service of those who put on the uniform in defense of their country. The fiscal year 2021 NDAA focuses on maintaining the strength of the U.S. military, protecting servicemembers, and building resilience against future threats. Among its provisions, the bill includes a measure to provide U.S. servicemembers with a three-percent pay raise. The defense authorization bill also includes provisions Spanberger co-led to hold the Turkish government accountable for purchasing Russian defense systems, increase transparency in federal spending, and address rising rates of suicide across rural America. Click here to learn more. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=439,Wexton Applauds Passage of CASH Act,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wexton Applauds Passage of CASH Act Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass the CASH Act, to ensure Americans receive $2,000 in the next round of stimulus payments in the wake of the impact of COVID-19. The House took an important first step to help Americans get some of the desperately needed support they deserve,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. I've been advocating for greater direct relief payments for families in need for months, and I'm hopeful that the momentum behind this bipartisan effort between House Democrats and President Trump gets it through the Senate. It's been 8 months since Americans last received a stimulus check and $600 is embarrassingly low for this next round. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=440,"Wexton, Beyer, Perlmutter Urge OCC to Delay Rushed Fair Access to Financial Services Rulemaking",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Today, Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to delay its misguided Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Fair Access to Financial Services. In a letter the Members urged acting Comptroller Brian Brooks to extend the deadline for public comment by at least 30 days to allow the incoming Administration enough time to evaluate it. This midnight rulemaking is purely political and would have far-reaching consequences,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.It's clear the motivation behind this policy is not safety nor soundness, but rather an effort to punish financial institutions for adopting policies that recognize the financial and reputational risks from financing high-risk industries. Banks should not have an obligation to finance irresponsible gun manufacturers and dealers, especially when those activities present risks to the communities they serve. Financial institutions doing their part to prevent gun violence should be applauded, not cut off at the knees by a gun lobby-backed rule. This rulemaking is a last-ditch effort by the waning Trump administration to quickly and quietly bolster the gun industry at the expense of the American people. We stand with Rep. Wexton, Beyer and Perlmutter as they demand that the incoming administration be given the time necessary to consider this incredibly consequential rule,said Nick Suplina, managing director of law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. The proposed rule would force financial institutions to lend to every industry, regardless of qualitative factors the lender may want to take into account such as financial and reputational risks, as well as undermine corporate responsibility efforts to protect the communities they serve. The proposed regulation can be foundhere. The full text of the letter can be foundhereand below. December 28, 2020 The Honorable Brian Brooks Acting Comptroller of the Currency 400 7th Street SW Washington, DC 20219 Dear Acting-Comptroller Brooks: We are writing to request that you delay the proposed rule by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to restrict responsible lending practices from large financial institutions. Given the recent change in Administration, your midnight rulemaking proposal should be delayed until a new Administration can evaluate it. At a minimum, given the considerable controversy over the proposed rule and its far-reaching implications, the comment period before finalizing the rule should be extended beyond the closing date of January 4, 2020, by a minimum of 30 days. The OCC plays an important role in ensuring that our nation's largest financial institutions are operating in a safe, sound and fair manner, but your current rulemaking appears to threaten the fairness your agency is purported to enforce. On November 20, 2020, the OCC announced a proposed rule (Federal Register Docket ID OCC-2020-0042a) that would prohibit large financial institutions from adopting risk-based policies that ensure responsible lending practices. Indeed, many of the nation's largest financial institutions have developed corporate social responsibility programs that recognize the threats to their reputations and the communities they serve from banking clients in high-risk industries, including firearms. We are particularly concerned that this rulemaking appears like it was designed to chill commonsense policies that some financial institutions have adopted in an effort to reduce gun violence. After the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, many large institutions and corporations strengthened their existing corporate social responsibility programs related to firearms sales. Citibank announced a new US Commercial Firearms Policy that required retail clients to abide by best practices for reducing gun violence including requiring all of their partners to require a background check before selling a firearm and prohibiting the sale of dangerous devices that can simulate automatic gunfire like bump stocks. Bank of America announced similar steps including prohibiting lending to the makers of military style assault rifles. These steps are not out of the mainstream of corporate America. Wal-Mart, our nation's largest retailer, already refuses to sell a gun without the completion of a background check and Dick's Sporting Goods removed assault weapons from their stores. Many of America's leading companies have taken a public stand against gun violence because they recognize the risks to their communities and their business reputation. Our financial institutions should be allowed to make the same risk-based determinations. As you are well aware, Congress has a strong interest in ensuring that the public is able to adequately evaluate the merits of the proposed rulemaking. Regrettably, your rushed rulemaking process requests all public comments by January 4 which leaves little time for the agency to consider the merits of the proposal prior to the next Administration. The deadline for comments should be extended. Given the potential impact of the proposed rule and the controversy surrounding this important issue, we urge you to delay finalizing this rule so that it can be appropriately considered by Congress and the general public. Prohibiting the ability of corporations to make decisions in the best interest of their customers, stakeholders and shareholders is too important to be rushed in a midnight regulation. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3450,Wittman statement on voting to override FY21NDAA veto,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting to override the presidential veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), the legislation to fundourUnitedStates military and vital defense-related programs into the next year: Let me be very clear:the FY21 NDAA does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. It will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. The Commonwealth of Virginiais home to one of the largest populationsof military members and their families in the country and many more hardworking Americanswho develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe.FY21 NDAAgoes a long way to support our region's path to economic recovery. While I understand the concerns of President Trump, simply put,this is a defense bill and thePresident's concerns are notdefense-related.Lawmakers have been ableto pass this bill for 59 years on a bipartisan and bicameral basis by taking painstaking measures to keepthe NDAA focused on our national security and setting aside non-related policyitems.There are better ways to address the issues brought up by the President that do not jeopardize our nation's security interests or punish our military members. I agree that we must address President Trump's concerns regarding Section 230.That is why I support Rep. Paul Gosar's(AZ-04)Stop the Censorship Act. Section 230 currently provides online platforms with immunity for the removal of anything they perceive to be otherwise objectionable.' This legislation revokes immunity for the removal of competition and lawful political speech, extends free speech online, empowers users to protect themselves from objectionable material. This provision also incentivizes platforms to be more transparent and abide by their own terms of service.Most importantly, separating this bill from FY21 NDAA gives us the opportunity to pass the requisitedefense legislation to ensure our men and women in uniform are given the resources they need to keep our Country safe. Our servicemembers andour national security professionals need this legislation and the authorizations and policies it provides. I refuse to put them at riskthis legislation is too important not to pass. Through his work as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and as a core conferee in the Conference Committee process for the FY21 NDAA, Congressman Wittman was able to work with his colleagues to secure the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the necessary two-per-year build rate to keep pace with shipbuilding goals. These submarines are critical to both national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, the FY21 NDAA saw the inclusion of Congressman Wittman's bill, H.R. 7195, which will allow for the multi-year procurement of three smaller amphibious ships and one large deck amphibious ship that will save the taxpayers roughly a billion dollars. Ultimately, the shipbuilding account procures nine battle force ships including one Columbia-class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships; and one expeditionary fast transport ship (EPF). Outside the Seapower portfolio, the FY21 NDAA included another bill written by Congressman Wittman, H.R.8263, which ensures opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This measure will establish accountable objective, measurable criteria for conservation results, giving the Department of Defense additional tools to advance military readiness. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. The FY21 NDAA also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. The FY21 NDAA includes several other provisions Congressman Wittman is proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects done in Virginia's First District (such as the railgun and directed energy projects), and making sure the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4995,Trump Will Cost Millions Of Americans One Week Of Permanently-Lost Unemployment Benefits If He Fails To Act By The End Of The Day,2020-12-26,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Unemployment benefits are set to expire for an estimated twelve million Americans tomorrow unless recently-passed appropriations and relief legislation is signed into law. A substantial amount of those benefits, totaling billions of dollars, will be irretrievably lost for those dependent on them unless President Trump signs that bill today. Unlike the larger expiration of unemployment benefits which will go into effect tomorrow, this consequence of the President withholding his signature would not be reversed if he changes his mind and subsequently signs the bill. If Donald Trump does not sign the relief bill by the end of the day he will deny billions of dollars in support to some of the neediest people in this country during the holidays season, said Beyer. If he really wants to help people who are struggling amid the pandemic and economic crisis, he will sign this bill and then press his Republican allies in Congress to expand direct payments. The House will send legislation to the Senate within days to increase $600 direct payments to $2000, but Trump must sign this bill into law for it to take effect. Trump's refusal to sign this relief legislation immediately would result in devastating and unnecessary hardship for millions, and soon a government shutdown. These consequences are unacceptable, and he must act now. The unemployment titles of the appropriations and relief legislation (beginning on page 1927) extend authorization and funding for federally-supported unemployment programs including Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) into mid-March [An explainer for these programs is available here with a flowchart here]. However, new $300 payments of enhanced benefits (FPUC) cannot begin until the President's signature gives the bill force of law, and states are barred from processing payments for weeks ending before the bill is signed. Once signed, the bill will still cut off funding and authorization at the mid-March date demanded by Senate Republicans, and there is no provision to restore the first of the 11 weeks of enhanced benefits, which will be denied to unemployment insurance recipients. The impact could be significantly worse depending on agency guidance that will determine the impacts of a delayed signature on the other programs. Outdated state unemployment systems have been put under tremendous strain by the massive numbers of applicants for assistance and the sudden transformation of unemployment programs, which will mean weeks or months of delays to process extensions to benefit payments that will ultimately be made retroactively. Senate Republicans balked at the cost of making federal support for and authorization of enhanced benefit payments retroactive before the bill's date of enactment, and because the White House pressed lawmakers to approve the bill and gave every assurance to Congress that the President would sign it, the bill was drafted to provide an eleven-week extension of benefits beginning at the end of December. Delayed enactment of the bill will effectively cut the overall number of benefit weeks to ten, at a cost of at least $300 per recipient depending on the state and recipient's circumstances, and on federal guidance about how such a delay would impact some of the programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/sen-warner-on-the-passing-of-hampton-sheriff-b-j-roberts,Sen. Warner on the Passing of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts,2020-12-26,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Mark Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on the passing of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts: B.J. Roberts served the people of Hampton faithfully for many decades. He was a trailblazer who was deeply committed to improving relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve. He was also my friend for close to 30 years, and even nominated me when I first ran for Senate in 1996. My thoughts are with the Roberts family and the deputies and staff of the Hampton Sheriff's Office during this time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3449,Wittman combats controversial spending on House Floor,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wittman combats controversial spending on House Floor f t # e Washington, December 24, 2020 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after offering a unanimous consent (UC) request to remove controversial foreign aid spending from the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief to small businesses, American workers, and more. The UC request I put forward today to revisit the State and Foreign Operations title of the Consolidated Appropriations Act was offered in an effort to reexamine spending and address concerns of President Trump at a time when many believe that taxpayer dollars should go towards helping Americans most affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government's top priority must be our families, communities, and small businesses as we get through this pandemic and restore our country. Unfortunately, my UC request failed to be agreed to without support from Democratic House Leadership. The House does much of its noncontroversial work by ""unanimous consent"" (i.e., when one Member stands up and asks that something be done or permitted by unanimous consent and no other Member objects to the request). Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4994,Beyer Seeks Federal Agency Guidance On Coronavirus Vaccinations,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) wrote National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, and U.S. Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Michael Rigas, urging them to release plans and guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution for federal employees. Beyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over health care. Beyer wrote: After weeks of no substantive response to my staff's inquiry, I write to request any and all COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans or guidance for federal employees. In the interim, we have learned through reporting that some agencies have begun vaccinating their employees and have developed their own plans or guidance on vaccine distribution. ... Without this notification, States and localities will not know which federal employees need to be covered under their distribution plans rather than under the federal distribution plan. It is imperative that States and localities be able to properly identify the members in their community to whom they will be responsible for administering vaccines. The letter specifically requested that vaccine guidelines be shared for each agency outlining whether federal employees can expect their employing agency to administer their vaccine, what will be required to access it, and the process for communication with state and local public health departments for vaccine qualification. Beyer yesterday urged CDC Director Robert Redfield to improve transparency and data sharing amid the national effort to distribute and administer coronavirus vaccines. Beyer's letters were sent in response to ongoing confusion over reduced and delayed vaccine shipments to states, and amid a troubling absence of communication to Congress and federal employees regarding vaccine distribution. A signed copy of Beyer's letter is available here, and text follows below. *** Dear National Security Advisor O'Brien, Secretary Azar, and Acting Director Rigas: After weeks of no substantive response to my staff's inquiry, I write to request any and all COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans or guidance for federal employees. In the interim, we have learned through reporting that some agencies have begun vaccinating their employees and have developed their own plans or guidance on vaccine distribution.[1] Federal employees need to know the vaccine guidelines for their agency, if they can expect their employing agency to administer their vaccine and what is expected to access it. If not, it needs to be communicated to their corresponding State and local public health department if they qualify as frontline, as an essential worker, and that they make plans to get vaccinated through their healthcare provider. Without this notification, States and localities will not know which federal employees need to be covered under their distribution plans rather than under the federal distribution plan. It is imperative that States and localities be able to properly identify the members in their community to whom they will be responsible for administering vaccines. I request your expediency on this issue given the urgency of vaccine distribution around the country. Please respond with the Agencies expecting to administer their own vaccines, the status of the guidelines of those agencies, the expectations of agencies not administering their own vaccines, and please indicate what is being done to notify States and local public health departments for employees not eligible for an agency administered vaccine, and the number of employees expected to covered through their employer no later than Wednesday, December 30th, 2020. Sincerely, [1] Ogrysko, Nicole. State Department, VA Detail Initial COVID-19 Vaccination Plans for Employees. Federal News Network, 16 Dec. 2020, federalnewsnetwork.com/workforce/2020/12/state-department-va-detail-initial-covid-19-vaccination-plans-for-employees/.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4992,Beyer Presses CDC For Data Transparency On Coronavirus Vaccinations,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today wrote to the Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), urging increased transparency and data sharing amid the national effort to distribute and administer coronavirus vaccines. His letter came amid ongoing confusion over reduced and delayed vaccine shipments to states. Beyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over health care. Beyer wrote: Every phase of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 epidemic has reinforced the importance of publicly available data. Now that the U.S. is offering vaccines to the American public, transparency on real-time vaccine uptake is crucial. The CDC's COVID-19 Data Tracker has been the landing spot for federal data about testing and case numbers, it should do the same in providing robust information regarding vaccine distribution and administration. There are already concerns about incorrect shipment information, or at the very least problematic communication about vaccine allocation numbers, and unexpected delays to long-term care facilities. Transparent, up-to-date information shared with the public is necessary. The letter specifically requested that CDC provide daily, public information totaling doses distributed to and administered in each states, individuals with completed series, data disaggregated by vaccine maker as well as by gender, age, race, and ethnicity, and other key data points. Beyer is the sponsor of legislation to ensure data transparency at the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic. A signed copy of Beyer's letter is available here, and text follows below. *** Dear Director Redfield: Every phase of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 epidemic has reinforced the importance of publicly available data. Now that the U.S. is offering vaccines to the American public, transparency on real-time vaccine uptake is crucial. The CDC's COVID-19 Data Tracker has been the landing spot for federal data about testing and case numbers, it should do the same in providing robust information regarding vaccine distribution and administration. I ask that you provide daily information on the: Doses distributed to each state Doses administered in each state Individuals with a completed series by state Data disaggregated by vaccine manufacturer, gender, age, race and ethnicity Data disaggregated by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices tier and qualifying category Percent of America vaccinated, and percent needed for successful vaccine campaign There are already concerns about incorrect shipment information, or at the very least problematic communication about vaccine allocation numbers, and unexpected delays to long-term care facilities.[i] Transparent, up-to-date information shared with the public is necessary. In addition, Congress must have primary source information about vaccine allocations, including access to Tiberius or comparable platforms. Because the federal government controls the amount of vaccines allocated to states, to pharmacies, as well as to the Indian Health Service, certain federal employees and other federal entities, we cannot understand the full picture of uptake of vaccinations in our congressional districts without full access to this information. I respectfully request that you ensure congressional access to Tiberius or similar vaccine allocation tracking platforms and provide daily updates to congressional staff on vaccine allocations to our respective states. Sincerely, [i] Chappell, Bill. (2020, December 18). Pfizer Says Millions Of Vaccine Doses Are Ready, But States Say Shipments Were Cut. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2020/12/18/948030235/pfizer-says-millions-of-vaccine-doses-are-ready-but-states-say-shipments-were-cu; Knutson, Jacob. (2020, December 19). General apologizes for miscommunication' over vaccine shipments. Axios. https://www.axios.com/army-general-apology-states-vaccine-doses-86a0ef99-f9c1-4a33-b7bf-8b052dc8bcf6.html; Ellis, Ralph. (2020, December 14). Reports: Nursing Home Vaccinations May Be Delayed. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20201214/reports-nursing-home-vaccinations-may-be-delayed; Weise, Elizabeth and Tom Mooney. (2020, December 15). US nursing homes, confused by initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout, will begin immunizations next week, CDC says. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/14/covid-19-nursing-homes-vaccine-dec-21-28-cdc/6547781002/; Newberg, Emma. (2020, December 20). U.S. slashed vaccine numbers for several states due to confusion over FDA requirement. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/20/covid-19-vaccine-shortfalls-due-to-confusion-over-fda-requirements.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-statement-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-and-government-funding,Congresswoman Luria Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief and Government Funding Deal,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Luria issued the following statement on House passage ofabipartisan, bicameral deal tokeep the government openandprovide critical COVID-19 relief to families, students, small businesses, and health care providers. While not perfect, thisdealrepresents a bipartisan agreementbetween both the House and the Senatethat will keep the federal government operating through the end of the fiscal yearas well as provide relief to the families and small businesses suffering from the impacts of this public health emergency and economic crisis,said Congresswoman Elaine Luria.While this is far from the ideal way to govern, I am pleased this bill willprotect our national security andcontinue programs that assist my constituents in Coastal Virginia. This bipartisan, bicameral deal providesfunding for: Supporting militaryservicemembers, families, and communities: A 3% pay raise for our troops; $23.3 billion to procure 10 Navy shipsincludingtwo DDG-51 guided missile destroyers,two Virginia-class submarines, twoColumbia-class submarines, and one frigate; $60 millionfor the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to support projects supporting military bases; $70 millionfor Impact Aid to assist school districts with high concentrations of families living in military housing, including $20 million for children with special needs; $1.3billionfor Family Housing, including$60million to address issues such as mold, vermin, and lead in military family housing; $90 billion for VA Medical Care; $2.6 billion tocontinuethe implementation of the VA electronichealthrecord to mirrortheDoDrecords program $3.18 billion for disability claims processing backlog $316 million for Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) to include $31 million for TAP $1.205 billionfor the Hazardous Substance Superfund, which supports cleaning contamination at Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, and other sites in Coastal Virginia; $30millionforHUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)to combat homelessness among veterans; Protecting our environment and improving coastal resiliency: $87.5 millionfor the EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program to support conservation projects in Coastal Virginia and other states within the Chesapeake Bay's watershed; $31.8 millionfor National Estuary Program, which restores estuaries of national significance; $23.27 billionfortheNational Aeronautics and Space Administrationto support NASA Langleyand NASA Wallops-led missions; $182millionforNOAA Climate Researchto help us prepare for and address environmental hazards; $3.12billion for the National Park Service to preserve public lands, such as Fort Monroe and Yorktown Battlefield. Bolstering COVID-19public healthinitiatives: $73 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services to support research, development,procurement, and distribution of vaccines and therapeutics; diagnostic testing and contact tracing; mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services; child care support; and other activities related to coronavirus; $55 million for the Food and Drug Administration tofacilitate the development of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines to combat the coronavirus. Stimulatingour local economy: $1.68billion for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which is particularly important for the Port of Virginia. The appropriations packageincludes specific language regardingpost-Panamax vessels, a benefit tothe Port of Virginia's terminal, whichis equipped with a fleet of 12 super post-Panamax cranes capable of handling the largest container vessels.A recent study found that397,000jobsnearly 10% of Virginia's workforcehave ties to the Port of Virginia; $3.85 billionin U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance Funding for Norfolk Harbor; $346million for the Economic Development Administration, which provides grants and assistance to communities to create and keep jobs; $778.9 million for the Small Business Administration, including $142.9 million in disaster cap adjustment funds for SBA disaster loans; Expanding educational and workforce development opportunities: $16.5 billion forEducation for the Disadvantaged Grants to Local Educational Agencies; $185 million for apprenticeship programs; $45 million for community college grants; $67 million for the Education Innovation and Research program that includes grants opportunities for STEMto include computer science; $144 millionfortheHistoric PreservationFund, which providesgrantsfor Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Hampton University and Norfolk State University; $1.3 billionfor career and technical education initiatives; $250 millionfor the Head Start program, which provides a comprehensive childhood education; Investing in economic development: $730 millionfor rural broadband investmentand expansion; $3.9 billion for rural developmentto improverural water and wastewaterinfrastructure; $3.5 billionfor Community Development Block Grants, which support low-and moderate-income families with economic opportunities, such as employment and affordable housing. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3454,Wittman delivers wins in funding package to close the digital divide in Virginia,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses and American workers, and measures to close the digital divide across in Virginia and the nation. As our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmost to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning, and telehealth capabilities, Congressman Wittman said. The new realities and the certain upcoming new normal have left millions of rural Americans, who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband, feeling abandoned and in need of relief to compete in the 21st Century economy. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed this week funds many of the critical broadband priorities of the First Congressional District. From additional monies for broadband grants, to funding for the vital ReConnect program, to the inclusion of a temporary FCC telehealth pilot program, this package goes a long way to closing the digital divide in our nation. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to ensure Congress remains accountable to the people we serve. Americans need high speed internet technologies more than ever before during COVID-19 to work, learn, and receive health care from home, said Congressman Greg Walden (R, OR-02). Rep. Rob Wittman has championed efforts to close the digital divide. While we wish Democrats would have come to the table sooner, we are proud to have several bipartisan wins today on smart policies to connect more Americans across communities in all zip codes, and Rep. Wittman's efforts to expand broadband services in rural and underserved areas played a vital role in these successes. The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes key broadband funding directly advanced by Congressman Wittman: Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as envisioned in Congressman Wittman's Serving Rural America Act Provides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act by appropriating $65 million dollars to carry out Title VIII of the Communications Act of 1934 so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide Appropriates an additional $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act and requires that the Commission equitably distributes the funding to the extent feasible As co-chair of the bipartisan House Rural Broadband Caucus, Congressman Wittman has worked tirelessly to close the digital divide for the people of our region, the Commonwealth, and the nation. This year alone, Congressman Wittman hosted two virtual Fireside Chats with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr alongside local government leaders, tribal leaders, and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC's work on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), telehealth, and what the FCC is doing to help communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. At the end of September,Congressman Wittman hosted a public Telephone Town Hall onBroadbandwith Governor Northam's ChiefBroadbandAdvisor Evan Feinmanand constituents of the First District to answer questions related tobroadbandand connectivity, services, and programs to help close the digital divide for rural Americans. Earlier this year, Congressman Wittman authored letters of support to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband advocating for VA-01 counties' FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3455,"Wittman delivers wins in funding package for defense community, military members in Virginia",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of theConsolidated Appropriations Act,which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses and American workers, and measures to support the defense community and military members in Virginia and across the nation. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed is a critical funding bill that funds many of the priorities of the First Congressional District,Congressman Wittman said.This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides funding for sound, strong defense priorities for the coming year and the coming challenges. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in this funding package that put our military community first. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to ensure Congress remains accountable to the people we serve. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludeskey military funding advanced and supported by Congressman Wittman: National Defense Provides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security Includes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests Allocates funding for two Virginia-Class submarines, one above the budget request, both of which are built in Virginia. Provides $2.87 billion for the overall Columbia-Class submarine program, providing a great boost to the economy in the Commonwealth Allocates $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Extends Sec. 3610 of the Cares Act which allows for reimbursement to federal contractors for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave Funds two Virginia-class submarines, one above the budget request and $2.87 billion for Columbia-class submarine program; both of which are built in Virginia Includes $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of our amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Increases the Navy's shipbuilding budget by $3.4 billion to support the National Defense Strategy and allow us to compete on the global stage Veterans Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs Provides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program Provides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach Provides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Provides $661 million for gender-specific care to ensure VA meets the needs of women veterans, including $1 million for peer support programs Virginia's First Congressional District is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of Congressman Wittman's top priorities in Washington, and several measures in this funding package put our military community first.Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4989,Beyer Hails Payroll Tax Win To Help Federal Workers And Military Families,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today welcomed a legislative provision he helped secure in the upcoming omnibus spending bill to alleviate the burden on federal workers and military families of repaying payroll taxes previously withheld under President Trump's executive order. The provision would extend the time period for repayment of payroll taxes to the end of 2021, thereby significantly reducing the impact on paychecks for those who had such taxes withheld. Beyer represents the largest number of federal employees of any U.S. Representative and serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, which has jurisdiction over tax policy. Our payroll tax fix will help lessen the damage of Donald Trump's payroll tax scam for military families and civil servants by minimizing the drop they see in individual paychecks. I thank the Ways and Means Committee staff for their work on this provision and for making it a priority in negotiations, said Beyer. Trump's promises of enhanced government paychecks were a lie, just as we warned, ultimately to be paid back after the election. Of course, Trump immediately dropped any pretense of using this policy to help people after Election Day. Now military families and federal workers will see that repayment spread across a much larger number of pay periods, minimizing their short-term decrease in income. In passing this payroll tax fix Congress is beginning the great task of cleaning up Donald Trump's mess, and we have so much more of that work to do. Beyer was an outspoken critic of the Administration's mandatory payroll tax deferrals for the military and civil service, and an earlier supporter of legislation to block the policy. Text of the provision extending the repayment period for deferred payroll taxes is contained in Section 274 (page 2003) of the Rules Committee print of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4990,Beyer Statement On Relief Legislation,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is expected to chair Congress' Joint Economic Committee in the coming session of Congress, issued the following statement today on the funding and relief legislative package expected to pass the House this evening: The legislation we pass today is a down payment on what Congress owes the American people. It is absolutely not mission accomplished.' This bill should be much bigger, it should put more money in people's pockets, it should provide more help and more certainty to the unemployed, and it should do more to boost the economy. It is better than nothing, but it is not nearly enough. The country needed this relief and this support for a more robust pandemic response long ago. Once again, as I said in March, the shortcomings in size, scope, and duration, and in the failure to help struggling state and local governments, make it clear even as we pass this legislation that Congress will have to pass another aid package next year. I hope Senate Republicans do not waste seven months denying the American people the assistance they need again in 2021. Beyer voted in favor of final passage for the full legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3430,"Spanberger Votes to Pass COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package & Government Funding Deal, Includes Spanberger’s Priorities to Support Central Virginia Families, Healthcare Providers, & Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today voted to pass a bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief package in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month, Spanberger helped kickstart relief negotiations and craft the bipartisan proposal that led to this legislation. The bipartisan relief package includes many Central Virginia priorities that Spanberger pushed to incorporate into the bill such as extended unemployment benefits, strong funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, additional loans for small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), direct payments to individuals, telehealth investments, and assistance to independent entertainment venues. Additionally, the legislation extends the deadline for state and local governments to use Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) awards beyond the end-of-year deadline, allowing Central Virginia communities to continue ongoing COVID-19-related projects. This emergency relief legislation has the opportunity to provide Central Virginia families, businesses, healthcare workers, and schools with some degree of peace of mind as we approach the holidays. While additional relief is long overdue, today's progress should be a sign of hope that Congress can move forward including under the next administration in rebuilding our economy, ensuring the swift distribution of vaccines, and safely reopening schools and businesses, said Spanberger. I'd like to thank my fellow Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus as well as our colleagues in the U.S. Senate for coming together as leaders, hammering out our differences, and refusing to accept complacency in the face of a once-in-a-generation pandemic. This package is just a first step in putting our nation back on a pathway toward recovery, and I'll be pushing in the coming weeks and months for additional measures that will strengthen our economy, stamp out hunger, protect our most vulnerable neighbors, and combat the continued spread of this deadly virus. ChamberRVA, Greater Richmond's Regional Chamber of Commerce, enthusiastically endorses additional federal support for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Brian Anderson, President & CEO, ChamberRVA. Small businesses across our Nation and specifically in the Richmond region have borne the brunt of the economic distress created by the pandemic. Our small businesses want to be open, and they want to safely and responsibly protect their employees and their customers. To do that, they need continued federal support until our economy is back on its feet and we thank Rep. Spanberger and her colleagues for their efforts. We are excited to have additional funding opportunity in the Chesterfield region, as we still have businesses that are hanging on by a thread throughout the Commonwealth, said Danielle MW Fitz-Hugh, President & CEO, Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce. The first round of PPP funding allowed businesses to open back up after initial shutdowns, and the second round of PPP funding will help keep them open. The pandemic has created incredible challenges for business but this stimulus package will help us step up to the challenge and be resilient. As a small business owner, I saw firsthand that the PPP loan program served its purpose in helping us stay in business and keep our workers employed, said David Ogburn, President, Ogburn Construction, Henrico County. A second round of PPP loans provides us a clear path forward for continued recovery and puts our businesses into a position to once again contribute to our economy. I am grateful to Representative Spanberger for her work in pushing this issue forward. We appreciate the work done by Rep. Spanberger and Congress to recognize the critical shortcomings of broadband access in rural areas that has been even more emphasized during the pandemic, said Gary Wood, President & CEO, Central Virginia Electric Cooperative & Firefly Fiber Broadband. With the funding provided in this stimulus package, many more families will have access much sooner to virtual classrooms, remote work, and telemedicine. Broadband access is being recognized as the necessity it has become for all Americans. The CARES Act funding and additional resources sent to localities during the COVID-19 pandemic has been critical to the work we do. We would not be able to work to contain transmission and outbreaks, build relationships with the communities we serve, and provide accurate information to empower our communities, said Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director, Richmond City & Henrico County Health Departments. The COVID-19 vaccine brings so much hope to our communities and we are grateful for the additional resources to make them accessible to our communities with the haste the situation deserves. ""Virginia Loggers Association is grateful to Representative Spanberger and other lawmakers in the House and Senate who supported the relief provision for timber harvesters and timber haulers, said Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association. Our nation's loggers provide the essential products, made from natural, renewable, trees - truly our best and cleanest green energy material. Our loggers in Virginia and across our nation have received a great Christmas gift."" COVID has demonstrated that broadband is absolutely essential for healthcare, education, and economic development, said Beth O'Connor, Executive Director, Virginia Rural Health Association. While telehealth may not be the cure-all for rural healthcare access issues, it can help lower the barriers of transportation and lack of providers in a cost-effective manner. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is thankful for the support of our Congressional delegation in ensuring that the current COVID-19 relief package includes funding to assist airports in dealing with our Nation's public health emergency, said Perry J. Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P., President & CEO, Capital Region Airport Commission. This funding is greatly appreciated and is essential in enabling airports to continue their critical role in the movement of people and cargo during the pandemic. The emergency COVID-19 relief package passed today in the U.S. House contains several provisions Spanberger pushed to include, such as: Strengthening funding for COVID-19 vaccine purchase and distribution. The bipartisan package includes nearly $9 billion in urgently needed funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines to Americans as soon as possible. Additionally, the package provides more than $22 billion for states' efforts to respond to COVID-19 through the purchase of testing supplies, improved public health infrastructure, and investments in other COVID mitigation programs as well as combatting the disparities facing communities of color in accessing the vaccine. The package also provides $9 billion in support for healthcare providers on the front lines of the pandemic. Extending unemployment insurance (UI). Spanberger has long advocated for Virginians experiencing unemployment to receive additional federal support during this economic crisis, and this package includes a $300 per week UI enhancement for unemployed Americans. Specifically, the bill extends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to March 14, 2021 and allows individuals receiving benefits as of March 14, 2021 to continue through April 5, 2021 so long as the individual has not reached the maximum number of weeks. This provision prevents unemployment benefits from expiring on December 26, 2020. Spanberger pushed for additional UI in the package she helped craft and introduce earlier this month. Supporting Central Virginia small businesses and restaurants through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The bipartisan package includes more than $284 billion in forgivable first and second round loans through the PPP program as well as expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits, local newspapers, and local TV and radio broadcasters. Earlier this year, Spanberger cosponsored legislation to create a second round of funding for small businesses and the bipartisan framework Spanberger helped craft in September 2020 with the Problem Solvers Caucus laid the groundwork for additional PPP funding. For smaller businesses, the legislation includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL grants. Making commonsense reforms to the PPP program. Spanberger has long pushed for changes to the PPP program that better reflect the financial challenges facing restaurants, and this legislation includes critical modifications to support restaurants as they look to apply for and receive PPP loans, including a change in the award formula to recognize the unique payroll restrictions of independent restaurants. Additionally, the package reverses rulings from the U.S. Treasury Department and allows PPP forgivable loans to still count towards tax deductions. Spanberger advocated for this change earlier this month. Increasing support for food and hunger initiatives. The Spanberger-supported legislation includes $13 billion a 15 percent increase in funding for increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits. Earlier this year, Spanberger sent a letter to U.S. House and U.S. Senate leadership calling for a 15 percent expansion of SNAP benefits in any year end package. Providing direct payments to Central Virginia families. The package passed in the U.S. House today includes a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child. Extending the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) deadline. Following Spanberger's push for this fix earlier this month, the legislation extends the deadline for Virginia to use awards from the CRF to December 31, 2021. In Virginia, communities have used CRF dollars to invest in wide-ranging COVID-19-related projects including boosting testing and contact tracing efforts, strengthening high-speed internet connectivity, and improving ventilation in public schools. Increasing assistance for schools and daycares. The bipartisan package includes $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, as well as $10 billion for childcare assistance to help get Central Virginia parents back to work and keep childcare providers open. Providing relief to Central Virginia's forestry industry. The legislation includes up to $200 million in funding to support timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses impacted by COVID-19. Spanberger is a cosponsor of the Logger Relief Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make payments to a timber harvesting business or timber hauling business that, as a result of COVID-19, has experienced significant revenue losses. Protecting live entertainment venues. Earlier this month, Spanberger fought to include the Save Our Stages Act in this bicameral relief package. The legislation passed today in the U.S. House includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. Strengthening funding for rural broadband infrastructure investments and telehealth. Spanberger has long called for increased federal investment in rural broadband internet projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bipartisan bill invests $7 billion to increase access to high-speed internet including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families, and unemployed workers better access reliable internet during and beyond the pandemic. Additionally, the package includes nearly $250 million in additional federal funding to expand telehealth services in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Earlier this year, Spanberger led a bipartisan effort calling on Congress to include critical funding for telehealth expansion in the upcoming COVID-19 relief package. Protecting the homes and livelihoods of Central Virginia families. The bipartisan package strengthens the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects. Additionally, the agreement makes sure families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income and it provides necessary emergency rental assistance funding and prevents eviction moratorium provisions from expiring at the end of this year Securing funding for mental health services. 2020 marked the worst year on record for overdoses in Virginia. The bipartisan package provides $4.5 billion in mental health funding, including $1.6 billion for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program and $50 million for suicide prevention programs. Spanberger a Member of the Freshmen Working Group on Addiction joined a bipartisan group of members in urging leadership to include the highest possible amount of funding for these lifesaving services in the relief package. BACKGROUND Spanberger has consistently pushed for a negotiated COVID-19 relief package that can make it to the President's desk and be signed into law. Earlier this month, shecalledon the Trump Administration and congressional leadership in both parties to recommit to the passage of a negotiated COVID-19 relief package before the end of the year. In October 2020, Spanbergervoted againstthe partisanHeroes Act 2.0and called for leadership in both parties to come to an agreement on COVID-19 relief that could be approved by the U.S. Senate and be signed into law by President Trump. Additionally, shepushedHouse Democratic leadership to accept a relief offer from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that would provide much-needed assistance to working families, coordinated testing efforts, state and local governments, and small businesses. And in September 2020, Spanbergerjoinedher fellow Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus to unveil the caucus' bipartisan March to Common Ground framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=436,McEachin-Wexton Joint Statement on the Removal of Robert E. Lee Statue from U.S. Capitol,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"In response to the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue from the U.S. Capitol crypt earlier this morning, U.S. Representatives Donald McEachin and Jennifer Wexton released the following statement: This is a historic and long-overdue moment for our Commonwealth. The Robert E. Lee statue honors a legacy of division, oppression, and racism -- a dark period in the history of our Commonwealth and our country. There is no reason his statue should be one of the two representing Virginia in the U.S. Capitol. We are proud to have led the effort in the House of Representatives to replace Lee's statue. It is thanks to Virginians across the Commonwealth who have stood up to demand a change that we will now have a figure who truly represents Virginia's values in the U.S. Capitol. Rep. Wexton, Senator Tim Kaine, and a representative from Rep. McEachin's office attended the removal of the statue, which was conducted in the crypt of the Capitol by staff from the Architect of the Capitol. The statue will be placed in the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. In December 2019, McEachin and Wextoncalled onGovernor Northam and Virginia General Assembly leaders to replace the statue, asking them to consider what monuments we can add to acknowledge the horrors of slavery, expose the injustices of institutional racism, and honor those who dedicated their lives to fighting for equality. Legislation passed the General Assembly this year to establish the Commission for Historical Statues in the U.S. Capitol. The Commission wastasked with studying the removal and replacement of the Robert E. Lee statue.The Commissionrecently selected Barbara Johnsas a replacement. That recommendation must be approved by the General Assembly during the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session. Images of the statue removal can be foundhereand should be accompanied by the attribution to Jack Mayer, Office of Governor Northam. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=437,Wexton Votes to Provide Urgent COVID Relief,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Today Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass a bipartisan compromise package that delivers emergency relief to Virginia families and small businesses during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Included in the package is also a $1.4 trillion deal to fund the government through September. ""The American people have been waiting months for relief, and today Congress did our job to help Virginia families and small businesses who are hurting,""said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. ""This deal is far from enough, but it is the product of bipartisan compromise and includes many of the priorities I've been fighting for since the spring -- including enhanced unemployment benefits, aid for the hardest-hit small businesses, and a federal rental assistance program. There is light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines on the way, but this pandemic is not behind us yet and more work will need to be done to see our community through to the other side of this crisis. I will continue working across the aisle to support those who are struggling and ensure a full and strong recovery."" The bipartisan compromise relief deal includes many provisions that Congresswoman Wexton has fought months to pass. The legislation includes: $325 billion in aid for the hardest-hit small businesses including $284 billion for another round of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans and other dedicated set-asides for small community-based lenders; Additional $300 weekly federal enhanced unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021 and an extension of eligibility for the self-employed, independent contractors, and gig workers; $25 billion in the first-ever emergency federal rent assistance program and a continuation of the federal eviction moratorium; $69 billion for the public health response, including $29 billion for vaccine procurement and distribution; $13 billion for a 15% increase in SNAP and child nutrition benefits; $600 direct payments for adults and children; $82 billion for schools and colleges and an additional $10 billion for child care assistance; $45 billion for transportation including a continuation of the Payroll Support Program for airline workers, $14 billion for transit including Metro, and support for airports; $7 billion to increase access to broadband including $3.2 billion in emergency funds to help low-income families access broadband; Providing federal agencies with the authority to keep contractors on payroll during the pandemic for those who are temporarily unable to work due to facility closures or other restrictions; and Extension of the availability of federal relief funds provided to states and localities until December 31, 2021. The package also includes an omnibus deal to fund the government through September 2021 which will make strong investments in our schools, expand access to housing through new targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness, tackle food insecurity by fully funding SNAP, child nutrition programs, and WIC, and more. It includes a landmark bipartisan deal to end surprise medical billing. That provision establishes a fair process for health care providers and health plans to sort out out-of-network costs, protecting patients from surprise expenses. A section-by-section summary of the COVID relief deal can be foundhere. A section-by-section summary of the omnibus funding bill can be foundhere. A section-by-section summary of other authorizations included in the package can be foundhere. The full text of the package can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3443,"Wittman statement on voting YES to support First District Priorities, families, small businesses, and provide greater pandemic relief",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wittman statement on voting YES to support First District Priorities, families, small businesses, and provide greater pandemic relief f t # e Washington, December 21, 2020 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of theConsolidated Appropriations Act,which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses, American workers, and more. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed today is a critical funding bill that funds many of the priorities of the First Congressional District including increased and stable funding for our military, support for our Veterans, investments in broadband and our rural communities, assistance to our Law Enforcement Officers, andmuch-needed relief to millions of Americans. Despite months of delays, unnecessary posturing, and piles of ignored legislation by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats, the package passed today reflects key bipartisan priorities. It includes vital provisions supporting our response to the pandemic, including targeted relief to small businesses, additional funding to speed vaccine production and distribution, and also provides assistance to reopening schools and rebuilding our economy. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludeskey government fundingdirectly advancedby Congressman Wittman: Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as advocated for in Congressman Wittman'sServing Rural America Act. Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide. Expands telehealth grants by funding the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act. Allocates funding for two Virginia-Class submarines, one above the budget request, both of which are built in Virginia. Provides $2.87 billion for the overall Columbia-Class submarine program, providing a great boost to the economy in the Commonwealth. Allocates $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap. Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion. Extends Section 3610 of the CARES Act to reimburse federal contractors, a large section of the workforce in VA-01, for the cost of providing pandemic-related leave. Allows the transfer of National Park Service lands for the Long Bridge Project under Congressman Wittman'sLong Bridge Act. Provides $25 million for theVeterans Treatment CourtGrant Program, a program advocated for by Congressman Wittman. Provides additional extensions and funding to vital Chesapeake Bay clean-up programs,advocated for by Congressman Wittman, which have wide-reaching impacts in coastal Virginia. For months, Speaker Pelosi refusedto bring serious legislation to the floor to address the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief for millions of Americans. Instead of working together to pass what we could agree on, the Speaker forced the House to vote on massive partisan bills earlier this year, one that cost over $3 trillion dollars and was filled with Democratic policy riders that had no chance of becoming law. However, today's bill includes a $900 billion coronavirus pandemic relief package specifically designed to help Americans who have suffered as a result of this pandemic. This bill extends the Paycheck Protection Program and provides additional relief to small businesses. It includes an extension of pandemic unemployment insurance, providing relief to the millions of Americans whose businesses have closed or who have been out of work due to the pandemic. And it includes direct payments that will go to most Americans. Once again, this bill represents a bipartisan compromise and one that frankly should have been done months ago with bipartisan approval had it not been for Speaker Pelosi's insistence on playing political games. COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Highlights: Small Business Tax Relief Extends an additional lifeline to small businesses by ensuring additional relief to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, emergency EIDL grants program, and certain loan repayment assistance programs in the CARES Act by providing further guidance that the forgiven loan or grant amount shall not be included as gross income to the businesses and that businesses can still deduct the expenses paid with the proceeds of the forgiven loans or grants. Provides over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program. Businesses under 300 employees and have had a 25% reduction in revenue are eligible for a second round. Increases the PPP loan amount for Restaurants and Hotels from 2.5x payroll to 3.5x, providing an extra month's worth of payroll support Codifies rules for faith-based organizations and churches to ensure eligibility remains intact. Makes eligible 501c6s, destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Creates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 dollars Allows employers to deduct PPP related businesses expenses. Reopening America $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it $8 billion for vaccine distribution $20 billion to assist states with testing $20 billion distribution from existing provider relief fund Stimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment Temporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020 Provide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021 Extends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021 $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen $4 billion for substance abuse significant progress made over past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of impact of COVID lockdowns $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic; extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 For months, I hadcalled on my colleaguesin Washington to come to a workable deal for the American people providing targeted relief, an extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program, and other vital services and programs for individuals, families, and businesses necessary for our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief bill is great news but comes too late for the millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses that suffered for months as Speaker Pelosi refused to pass targeted relief. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to hold Members of Congress accountable to the people we serve. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludes key priorities of Congressman Wittman andthe First Congressional District of Virginia: National Security Wins Provides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security Includes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests Extends Sec. 3610 of the Cares Act which allows for reimbursement to federal contractors for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave Funds two Virginia-class submarines, one above the budget request and $2.87 billion for Columbia-class submarine program; both of which are built in Virginia Includes $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of our amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Increases the Navy's shipbuilding budget by $3.4 billion to support the National Defense Strategy and allow us to compete on the global stage Veterans Wins Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs Provides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program Provides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach Provides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Provides $661 million for gender-specific care to ensure VA meets the needs of women veterans, including $1 million for peer support programsds Broadband Wins Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as envisioned in Congressman Wittman'sServing Rural America Act Provides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act by appropriating $65 million dollars to carry out Title VIII of the Communications Act of 1934 so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide Appropriates an additional $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act and requires that the Commission equitably distributes the funding to the extent feasible Rural Infrastructure Wins Provides $3.9 billion for rural development programs, as well as more than $38.1 billion in loans for rural housing, rural utilities, and rural businesses, which assists in building sustainable rural infrastructure for the modern economy and helps create an environment for economic growth and opportunity Includes $2 billion for highway infrastructure grants Provides $1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants, including a requirement that half of the grants go to rural communities; $400 million for discretionary airport grants; and $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above FY20 Healthcare Wins Extends important public health programs for three years, including community health centers - eliminating several funding cliffs over next several years Ends surprise medical billing True and honest cost estimate for patients three days prior to scheduled procedure Arbitration independent dispute resolution process with no benchmark rate and multiple factors (but not government program reimbursement rates) which can be considered in arbitration process Supports Front Line Health Care Providers by injecting billions of dollars into Medicare physician pay in 2021 and heading off payment cuts due to be enacted next year Improves support for Rural and Underserved Health Care Environment Wins Allows the transfer of National Park Service lands for the Long Bridge Project under Congressman Wittman's Long Bridge Act Funds the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Consolidated Tribal Government Program above the enacted level, to the benefit of Virginia's federally recognized tribes, which Congressman Wittman helped receive recognition in 2018 Funds the vital North American Wetlands Conservation Fund Law Enforcement Wins Rejects efforts to defund the police and provides strong support for our nation's federal, state, and local law enforcement Strongly supports our nation's federal, state, and local law enforcement officers by increasing funding for the Department of Justice and preserving federal grant programs that bolster state and local efforts to keep our communities safe Expands law enforcement resources in support of mental and behavioral health intervention teams, de-escalation training, agencies gaining accreditation, and small and rural law enforcement agencies Provides increased funding for Department of Justice initiatives, such as the STOP School Violence and the COPS Hiring programs, which expand threat assessment, violence prevention, school hardening, and resource officer support Combats the drug epidemic by increasing funds for Office of National Drug Control Policy programs such as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas and Drug Free Communities Reduces violent and gun crimes by: Fully funding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); Increasing funding for U.S. Attorneys; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Marshals Service to address violent crime; and Providing $85 million in grants to states to improve records used in background checks, and $24 million for police active shooter and survivability training Energy Wins Continues to advance the nation's all-of-the-above solution to energy independence through targeted investments in research and development in all energy sources, including nuclear, fossil, geothermal, and hydropower, as well as solar and wind Provides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to increase the efficiency and technological advancement of the nation's electricity delivery system Pro-Life Wins Prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment of the mother Prohibits the creation or destruction of embryos for research purposes Protects the Trump Administration's Title X Family Planning regulations Maintains the Hyde Amendment, Tiahrt Amendment, Helms Amendment, Dickey Amendment, and Kemp-Kasten Amendment, maintaining critical pro-life funding restrictions Border Security Wins Rejects poison pill riders that would have limited the ability of Border Protral to detain illegal migrants in the U.S., and would have allowed taxpayer dollars for legal assistance to illegal immigrants Assists Border Patrol Agents by providing $20 million for new border processing coordinators and $103 million for improvements to border patrol facilities Funds the border wall, providing $1.375 billion in new funding Provides funding for investments in border security technology, including at ports of entry, and $80 million over the request for additional enforcement aircraft and helicopters Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4988,Beyer Statement Marking Three Years Since Passage Of Republican Tax Bill,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is expected to chair Congress' Joint Economic Committee in the next session of Congress, issued the following statement today on the three-year anniversary of the passage of the 2017 Republican tax bill: In negotiating pandemic relief legislation, Senate Republicans argued it would be too expensive to send Americans even one more round of $1,200 checks. Three years ago today they passed tax cuts for large corporations they claimed would pay for themselves,' a claim they knew to be false. Senate Republicans have reportedly cut the enhanced federal benefits in half from CARES Act levels, and halved the duration of federal unemployment benefits compared to House-passed legislation. Three years ago they passed an extraordinarily regressive tax bill that gave most benefits to the very wealthy. Today Senate Republicans are fighting to limit or reduce food and rental assistance to needy families on the edge of disaster. Three years ago these same Senate Republicans passed legislation with a provision that exclusively benefitted households worth over $22 million. Three years ago the economy was still riding the wave of the Obama recovery, and Senate Republicans shrugged off long term fiscal concerns as they cut taxes for millionaires. Today, as Senate Republicans penny-pinch working people, American families are racked with fear and uncertainty, many are suffering some of the worst economic misery they have ever seen. The contrast is utterly appalling.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-coronavirus-relief-and-omnibus-agreement,McEachin Statement on Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Agreement,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,A. McEachin,M001200,mceachin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)today released the following statement regarding the announced agreement on a new COVID-19 relief package: ""More federal support can't come quickly enough for struggling Virginia families, workers and small businesses. ""While this package cannot mark the end of our efforts to provide COVID-19 relief and Congress has more work to do to provide support for state and local government, I am pleased that today's agreement includes nearly $1 trillion in critical funding for unemployment insurance, rental assistance, small businesses, and other essential support Virginians need to stay afloat during this crisis. ""I look forward to quickly passing this relief measure and delivering these funds including direct relief payments for Virginia families to the people of the Commonwealth as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4987,Beyer Introduces Legislation To Support Research Into Long Term Effects Of Coronavirus Infection,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer this week introduced the COVID-19 Long Haulers Act, which would authorize and fund research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PICORI) to benefit so-called long haulers, people who experience long term effects of COVID-19 infections. From the beginning of the pandemic medical researchers have documented a wide array of lingering conditions affecting patients long after they recover from initial infection, but leading public health officials say more research is needed to fully understand and respond to the phenomenon. Over ten months after coronavirus was first documented in the United States, some of the worst suffering is still being borne by people who got sick and recovered from their initial infections early in the year, said Beyer. Given the alarming pace of the virus' spread right now, we may see significant proliferation of individuals suffering long term effects of coronavirus infections. We need to do everything we can as soon as we can to help those people, and to get a handle on this problem. My bill would make major investments in research funding at leading institutions, and make this a major priority for American medical research. Beyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over health care. He previously led successful efforts to reauthorize and fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), spearheaded a House push to fund the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and is the sponsor of legislation to ensure data transparency at the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Text of the COVID-19 Long Haulers Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3428,"ICYMI: Spanberger Hosts Telephone Town Hall with Virginia Secretary of Health & Human Resources Dr. Daniel Carey, Answers Questions Focused on Healthcare, Economic Issues Facing Central Virginians Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic",2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger this week hosted an open, public telephone town hall focused on issues facing Central Virginia families, businesses, healthcare providers, schools, and more. During the town hall, Spanberger was joined by Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Daniel Carey to answer questions directly from Central Virginians about the range of healthcare and economic issues facing the Seventh District. Spanberger and Carey discussed constituent concerns related to COVID-19 vaccines, ongoing COVID-19 relief discussions in Congress, unemployment assistance, broadband internet access, and several additional topics. Click here to watch the full event. As we head toward the holidays, my office continues to receive hundreds of requests for assistance related to healthcare, hunger, housing, and unemployment concerns. This pandemic has brought hardships and uncertainty to every community here in Virginia and there remains a dire need for Congress to deliver immediate, much-needed relief to the American people, said Spanberger. This week's town hall was an important opportunity to hear directly from Central Virginians about their current concerns related to the wellbeing of their families, their businesses, and our Commonwealth. I'd like to thank Secretary Carey for bringing his expertise and his insight to this event, and I'll keep fighting to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, keep our healthcare workers safe, and provide some degree of peace of mind to our small businesses in the face of this ongoing crisis. Wednesday's telephone town hall was Spanberger's 10th free, public telephone town hall since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These events have focused on the impacts of the virus on Central Virginia families, small businesses, students, and seniors. Click here to access additional town hall recordings. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4983,New Beyer Legislation Would Require Publication Of Schedules For Heads Of Executive Agencies,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"New Beyer Legislation Would Require Publication Of Schedules For Heads Of Executive Agencies Rep. Don Beyer today introduced the Transparent Leadership Act, which would require the publication of schedules and speeches for the heads of Executive Branch agencies. Beyer began working on the legislation in response to calendar scandals for disgraced ex-EPA Administrator Scott Pruit and disgraced ex-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, and introduced it as a similar scandal embroiled disgraced Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. The American people deserve to know what the public officials who lead their government are saying and doing while drawing taxpayer-funded salaries, said Beyer. The Trump era has been a time of incredible and unacceptable opacity from the heads of U.S. government agencies, who clearly had a great deal to hide from the public. My legislation would put an end to the era of secret schedules. Beyer was a vociferous critic of both Pruitt and Zinke prior to their dismissals, and has previously called for the resignation of Postmaster General DeJoy. Text of the Transparent Leadership Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4984,Beyer Receives Coronavirus Vaccine,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer, who represents the Northern Virginia suburbs of the nation's capital, today received a vaccination for coronavirus [pictures below]. Beyer said: Upon medical advice and the recommendation of the Attending Physician, I received a coronavirus vaccine this afternoon. I am mindful that millions of Americans are still waiting for shots they will get after me, many of whom are workers on the front lines of this pandemic. I do not believe that I am more important than they are, but as national leaders it is important to lead by example. The message from scientists and doctors is clear: the vaccines which have been approved are safe, and they will save lives. A vaccine has been made available to Congress because of the need for continuity of government operations. Anyone who is given the opportunity to receive this vaccine is given an opportunity to protect people around them, and to fight the spread of this awful virus. Everyone should take this opportunity as soon as they can. I will continue working in Congress to help ensure that everyone can get a vaccination as soon as possible. Beyer helped author a provision with Rep. Joe Courtney earlier this year to make coronavirus vaccinations free for the American people, a version of which was subsequently enacted as part of the CARES Act. He is also the author of legislation to address health care disparities in coronavirus treatment. Beyer was previously one of the first Members of Congress to self-quarantine after a coronavirus exposure, one of the first Members of Congress to wear a mask on the House Floor, and was the first U.S. Representative to cast a proxy vote on behalf of a member of the opposing party. Beyer has been a forceful advocate for following listening to scientists and following public health measures, including vocal criticism of colleagues and national leaders who endangered lives by ignoring masking and distancing directives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3427,"Spanberger Statement on Stopgap Government Funding Bill, Status of COVID-19 Negotiations",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after supporting a short-term funding agreement in the U.S. House to prevent the federal government from shutting down this evening. Tonight's vote is just one more example of a broken pattern of moving from one impending budgetary disaster to another. Congress repeatedly refuses to respond to fast-approaching funding deadlines, even though it has months to prepare and plan for these moments. In just a few days, Congress will once again need to vote to maintain the very functioning of our government. The American people deserve better than watching their elected officials use federal employees, government operations, and the security of our borders, airways, and country as bargaining tools particularly when both parties should be in agreement on the obvious and long-overdue need for emergency COVID-19 relief. Early in this pandemic, Congress responded to the COVID-19 crisis as a united, bipartisan front but as a dire, painful need for aid persisted throughout the country, lawmakers in both parties abandoned that spirit. They refused to hammer out their differences and recognize the severity of the crisis at hand. In this current moment when millions of Americans are facing hunger, eviction, or the effects of a job loss, Congress cannot delay in passing a relief package. As we rapidly approach the holidays, I will keep fighting to make sure that neither the House nor the Senate head home until a bipartisan, bicameral bill is sent to the President's desk and signed into law. Central Virginians have waited far too long for progress. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4979,Beyer Statement On Selection Of Barbara Johns For Virginia Statue To Replace Robert E. Lee In U.S. Capitol,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) issued the following statement today on the announcement that a Virginia commission had selected Barbara Johns as the subject of a statue to replace Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the National Statuary Hall Collection of the U.S. Capitol: Barbara Johns was a pioneer in the Civil Rights movement who helped desegregate schools in Virginia and across the country. Her courage and bravery still are not sufficiently appreciated by the country she helped make more just, and it is my hope that this new statue will help make more people aware of her contributions. As we continue to reckon with the history of racism and slavery in Virginia and the United States, it is fitting that we replace symbols of those wrongs with imagery of heroes who helped right them. This is a model that other states should follow, and a step forward for our Commonwealth that makes me proud. I look forward to seeing Barbara Johns' statue in the U.S. Capitol. Beyer introduced legislation earlier this week to remove the designation of Arlington House as a memorial to Robert E. Lee, and voted last week for legislation that included a measure to rename military bases currently named after Confederate generals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cline.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cline-accompanied-medical-professionals-host-telephone-town-hall-focused,"Rep. Cline, Accompanied by Medical Professionals, to Host Telephone Town Hall Focused on COVID-19",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) announced that he will host a District-wide Telephone Town Hall. Cline will be joined on this call by the Chairman of the Congressional Doctors Caucus, Representative Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01), and Dr. Laura Kornegay, Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. The telephone town hall will take place Monday, December 21, 2020, from 6:30p.m. 7:30p.m. Constituents planning to participate should register atcline.house.gov/live or dial (855) 933-0825 during the time of the call. I look forward to hearing from constituents and providing them with the latest information regarding the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine, Cline said. This telephone town hall will allow me the opportunity to engage directly with those I represent and answer any questions related to the coronavirus pandemic. This event will mark the seventh telephone town hall held by Congressman Cline since March and the thirty-second overall since taking office. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1062,"Rep. Cline, Accompanied by Medical Professionals, to Host Telephone Town Hall Focused on COVID-19",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) announced that he will host a District-wide Telephone Town Hall. Cline will be joined on this call by the Chairman of the Congressional Doctors Caucus, Representative Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01), and Dr. Laura Kornegay, Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. The telephone town hall will take place Monday, December 21, 2020, from 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. Constituents planning to participate should register at cline.house.gov/live or dial (855) 933-0825 during the time of the call. ""I look forward to hearing from constituents and providing them with the latest information regarding the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine,"" Cline said. ""This telephone town hall will allow me the opportunity to engage directly with those I represent and answer any questions related to the coronavirus pandemic."" This event will mark the seventh telephone town hall held by Congressman Cline since March and the thirty-second overall since taking office. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-applauds-president-elect-bidens-climate-nominations,McEachin Applauds President-Elect Biden's Climate Nominations,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,A. McEachin,M001200,mceachin.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)today released the following statement after President-elect Biden nominated Gina McCarthy and Michael Regan to serve as White House Climate Coordinator and EPA Administrator: ""Addressing the devastating impacts of our climate crisis must be one of the incoming Biden administration's top priorities, and the President-elect is sending an important message by nominating Gina McCarthy and Michael Regan to serve as White House Climate Coordinator and EPA Administrator. ""President-elect Biden has been clear that climate change is the challenge that will define our future. Both of his nominees are ready on day-one to meet this moment and get to work on the greatest challenge facing our country and our world. ""I look forward to working alongside the Biden administration from Congress to prioritize both an inclusive, clean energy future and federal investment in transitional communities, creating millions of good-paying jobs and protecting our planet for generations to come.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=435,Wexton Appointed to Serve on House Appropriations Committee,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee for the 117thCongress by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. I am honored to receive an appointment to the House Appropriations Committee, and thrilled that Virginia and the 10th Congressional District will once again be represented on this important committee,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.We have a lot of work to do to provide robust support for a strong recovery, invest in chronically underfunded agencies and programs, and fix our country's broken infrastructure. I will work tirelessly on behalf of my constituents, including tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors, and be a strong voice for the priorities of the Commonwealth. The House Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful committees in Congress. The Committee oversees 12 spending bills that fund most of the functions of the federal government. Congresswoman Wexton will be the only Virginian on the Committee, restoring a long history of the Commonwealth having a voice in the appropriations process. The 116th Congress saw no Virginia representative on the Committee for the first time in over a century. Former Representatives Frank Wolf, who previously held Wexton's seat, and Jim Moran were both long serving committee members who successfully advocated for many of Virginia's priorities such as Metro funding, support for road and other infrastructure improvements, and defense and national security projects. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-congresswoman-luria-s-bipartisan-initiative-bring-transparency,House Passes Congresswoman Lurias Bipartisan Initiative to Bring Transparency to Veteran Benefits Process,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed Representatives Elaine Luria (VA-02) and Andy Barr's (KY-06) bipartisan initiative to bring transparency and fairness to the disability benefits process within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their bill, H.R. 7795, was incorporated into the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act as part of a larger reform package and passed the House unanimously/with broad bipartisan support. As a veteran myself and Chair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, I was proud to partner with Congressman Barr to ensure our veterans have access to the resources they need to receive the benefits they've earned, said Congresswoman Luria. This legislation is a positive step toward taking the burden off the veteran when it comes to the disability benefits process. No veteran should have their benefits delayed due to a lack of access to an administrative form or because they were not adequately notified of a bureaucratic change. The Veterans Benefits Fairness and Transparency Act (H.R. 7795) was incorporated as Section 2006 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 7105), which Congresswoman Luria also cosponsored. This section would protect veterans applying for VA disability benefits by requiring the VA to maintain availability of disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs) on the VA website. DBQs are the forms medical providers and others assisting veterans use to submit evidence supporting disability claims. This is an important fix because the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) removed the DBQ forms from their website and closed its offices to in-person meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislative package containing this fix passed the House today and includes pandemic assistance, additional benefits reform, and housing assistance for veterans. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=433,Wexton’s Bipartisan Yellow Ribbon for Overseas Education Act Passes House and Heads to President’s Desk for Signature,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC --Today, the House passed the bipartisan Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, which includes the Yellow Ribbon for Overseas Education Act introduced by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA). The legislation removes barriers that prohibit student veterans from using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Yellow Ribbon Program to attend overseas universities. Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) joined Congresswoman Wexton in introducing this legislation in May 2020. Wexton's legislation is expected to be signed into law by the President, after passing the Senate last week. I'm proud that my bipartisan legislation to help those who have served our country more easily access higher education has passed the House and is on its way to being signed into law,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.The Yellow Ribbon Program offers student veterans an affordable pathway to a degree after they have served our country, and those whose academic careers take them overseas should not be left out. With my bipartisan legislation, student veterans will be able to go to the school of their choice without sacrificing the benefits to which they are entitled. The Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act will go a long way in improving the lives and livelihoods of Virginia's veterans, and I'm pleased that there was broad support on both sides of the aisle to include my bill as part of its passage today. This bill fixes a long-standing problem that prohibited schools with overseas locations from offering the Yellow Ribbon program to student veterans studying at those campuses. With this bill in place, our nation's veterans will be able to take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon Program to its full extent, no matter where they attend school. SVA supports this common-sense solution and hopes to see it signed into law soon so the Department of Veterans Affairs can quickly implement these changes,said Justin Monk, Policy Associate for Student Veterans of America. The Yellow Ribbon Program helps pay higher education costs for student veterans that exceed the amount covered by the Post-9/11 Veterans' Education Assistance Act, known as the Post-9/11 GI Bill. That maximum amount covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill for the 2020-2021 school year is $25,162.14. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, the VA and participating institutions of higher learning agree to match a certain amount of the additional costs not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This helps further reduce the financial burden for veterans pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees, especially those who are attending private or out-of-state schools where costs tend to be higher. The program is available to all veterans who are at the 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit level, including Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship recipients and Purple Heart recipients. However, current law only allows the Program to apply to U.S. institutions. Student veterans have raised this issue after being blocked from using the Program benefits at schools overseas, and their concerns were brought to the attention of Congresswoman Wexton's office. The Yellow Ribbon for Overseas Education Act would clarify the existing VA code to extend Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility to overseas schools, removing the barriers currently in place that are holding back some veterans from pursuing the higher education opportunities of their choice. Wexton's legislation is endorsed by the Student Veterans of America. The full text of the Yellow Ribbon for Overseas Education Act can be foundhere. An overview of other key provisions included in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 can be foundhere. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=434,McEachin and Wexton Statement on Commission’s Recommendation of Barbara Johns to Replace Robert E. Lee Statue in U.S. Capitol,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"McEachin and Wexton Statement on Commission's Recommendation of Barbara Johns to Replace Robert E. Lee Statue in U.S. Capitol In response to today's announcement from the Virginia Commission For Historical Statues In The United States Capitol recommending Barbara Johns to replace Robert E. Lee as one of Virginia's two statues in the U.S. Capitol, Representatives Donald McEachin (D-VA) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) released the following statement: ""Virginia deserves to be represented in the U.S. Capitol by a figure who embodies the values of our Commonwealth, and we believe there is no better choice than Barbara Johns. As the leaders of the effort in the House of Representatives to replace Virginia's Robert E. Lee statue, we applaud the Committee for their hard work and deliberation. We wholeheartedly support their recommendation of Barbara Johns. ""Barbara Johns changed the hearts and minds of people across the country when she stood up against segregation in Virginia's schools. The bravery she displayed at a young age will continue to serve as an inspiration to all those who visit the Capitol."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3421,"Spanberger Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Critical Federal Assistance for Pregnant Mothers, Reauthorize Pregnancy Assistance Fund",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger introduced bipartisan legislation to provide essential services for pregnant mothers and reauthorize funding for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF). The PAF program helps states and tribal governments provide critical services to pregnant and parenting youth, pregnant women who have experienced sexual violence, and other vulnerable individuals who are expectant or new parents. However, the PAF the only federal program targeting these populations saw its funding lapse on September 30, 2019. Spanberger's Pregnancy Assistance Act would extend PAF's funding for five years by providing a clean extension of the program from fiscal year (FY)2021 to FY2025. The legislation is co-led by U.S. Representative Tom Cole (R-OK-03). The PAF program has a proven record of providing vital assistance to at-risk, low-income, and underserved parents in Virginia and across the country. During this pandemic and even beyond, we can't turn our backs on successful initiatives that help our most vulnerable families, said Spanberger. Our Pregnancy Assistance Act takes the commonsense step of reauthorizing PAF and makes clear that an investment in our nation's families is an investment in our long-term future and I'd like to thank Congressman Cole for his partnership in introducing this much-needed bill. By improving access to education, parenting, and employment support services, we are putting pregnant and parenting youth on a level playing field and we are building a pathway toward stronger and healthier communities. This pandemic has put a significant strain on parents and families, particularly in low income communities of Color, said Dr. Danny Avula, Director, Richmond City and Henrico County Health Districts. We need funding streams like PAF more than ever to develop new approaches to support effective parenting. The PAF has a demonstrated record of helping thousands of Virginia families. Fundamentally, it has assisted these young parents in becoming successful and effective role models for their children, said Dr. Owen C. Cardwell, Jr, Co-Director, Rosel Schewel Distinguished Professor for Leadership Studies, Center for Education and Leadership, University of Lynchburg. Over the years, studies have shown that for every dollar spent helping a young person be a good parent while trying to succeed in finishing high school, attending college, or completing trade school, Virginia saves twice as much in criminal justice, law enforcement, health and social services, and other state programs. The Center for Education and Leadership strongly supports Congresswoman Spanberger's legislation and its goal of reauthorizing the PAF. I'm proud to lend my support to Congresswoman Spanberger's Pregnancy Assistance Act. Her legislation addresses an obvious, pressing issue: it reauthorizes the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, which supports the Stronger Parents Brighter Futures (SPBF) initiative here in Virginia, said Barry L. Winston, Pastor, St. Mark Church of God in Christ, Richmond. The incredible assistance provided through the SPBF program to parenting teens, mothers, and fathers in our community is insurmountable and not possible without PAF. My congregation urges Congresswoman Spanberger's colleagues in Congress to support her legislation and give young families in Virginia and across the country the opportunity to thrive. The Virginia Department of Health's SPBF program, which exists thanks to funding from the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF), has significantly improved the health outcomes of pregnant and parenting teens and young adults throughout Virginia, said The Rev. Gary D. Jones, Rector, Ste. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Richmond. Even more importantly, the SPBF program has implemented a multifaceted peer group education model along with whole-family case management support. This initiative brings a much-needed helping hand to struggling families here in the Commonwealth and I'd like to thank Congresswoman Spanberger for recognizing the importance of the PAF for both the current health of our community and our community's future. PAF reauthorization is supported by numerous state and national healthcare, faith, and equal justice advocacy organizations, including the African American Juvenile Justice Project, American Academy of Pediatrics, Power to Decide, Healthy Teen Network, March of Dimes, National Organization for Women, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, National LGBTQ Task Force, Rights4Girls, and many others. PAF grantees may use funds for any of the following purposes: Providing subgrants to institutions of higher education, high schools, or community service providers to enable these subgrantees to establish, operate, or maintain pregnancy or parenting services for the expectant and parenting population, Partnering with the state attorney general's office to provide legal support, hotline, and other supportive services for women who experience domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking while they are pregnant or parenting an infant, and Supporting public awareness about PAF services for the expectant and parenting population, including individuals who are victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. Click here to read the full bill text. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-announces-bill-help-schools-military-communities,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Announces Bill to Help Schools in Military Communities Becomes Law,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced the President signed the Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act (H.R. 8472) into law. This new law will eliminate barriers that could prevent school districts in communities with military bases, including Hampton Roads, from receiving appropriate Impact Aid funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a 20-year Navy veteran and a mother, I understand how important Impact Aid is to give servicemembers' children the public education they deserve, said Congresswoman Luria. The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act provided commonsense solutions to prevent school districts that depend on Impact Aid from experiencing a drop in funding due to the difficulty in receiving a headcount during the pandemic. I am pleased the President signed this bipartisan bill into law, which will protect these school districts during these unprecedented times. The Department of Defense's Impact Aid for Military Connected School Districts Program compensates school districts that collect less in local property taxes due to high proportions of their student bodies living on military bases and students whose parents are employed by the military. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many school districts could lose funding because of the complexity of receiving an accurate student headcount. The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act will remedy this problem by allowing school districts to use their headcount from the 2020-2021 school year for their 2021-2022 Impact Aid application. This simple solution ensures that an undercount of students will not cause school districts to see a decrease in Impact Aid. Last September, Congresswoman Elaine Luria cosponsored the original House version of the Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act (H.R. 8075). After receiving technical updates, the bill was reintroduced as H.R. 8472, which passed the House and Senate and recently became law. Throughout her time in office, Congresswoman Elaine Luria has consistently advocated for more Impact Aid funding. In the National Defense Authorization Act's final conference report, she successfully advocated for the inclusion of $10 million in Impact Aid funds for children with severe disabilities. Last year, Congresswoman Luria played a significant role in securing $70 million for Impact Aid in an appropriations package. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-recaps-victories-national-defense-authorization-act,Congresswoman Luria Recaps Victories in National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Elaine Luria today praised House passage of the conference report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes key provisions she championed on behalf of servicemembers and military families in Hampton Roads and beyond. I was proud to support the National Defense Authorization Act conference report because it will position Coastal Virginia to continue our critical role in securing America, Congresswoman Luria said. This NDAA will ensure the safety of all Americans, give our troops the pay raise they have earned, and help military servicemembers and their families receive the benefits and support they deserve. Prior to the House's vote on the NDAA, Congresswoman Luria spoke in support of the bill. Click here to watch footage of her remarks. The final conference report included many of Congresswoman Luria's priorities. These include: Funding for military construction projects in Hampton Roads: $30.4 million for E-2D Training Facility at Naval Station Norfolk $17.671 million for MH0 & CMV-22B Corrosion Control and Paint Fac at Naval Station Norfolk $9.4 million for Sub Logistics Support at Naval Station Norfolk $19.5 million for Access Control Point Main Gate with Land Acquisition at Joint Base Langley-Eustis $54.5 million for SOF Des Operations Fac and Command Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Story $58 million for SOF NSWG-2 NSWTGCssFacilities at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Story $9.1 million for Generation and Distribution Resiliency Improvements at Wallops Island Rep. Luria's Military Pilots Cancer Incidence Study Act, a proposal to study the incidence of cancer diagnosis and mortality among military aviators and aviation support personnel; The TRICARE ECHO Act, a bill Rep. Luria co-led with Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-04); Rep. Luria's amendment requiring DOD to establish a policy related to small-payload space launches, which will directly benefit the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA Wallops Island in her district; Rep. Luria's fix to the Seaman to Admiral Program to ensure that the Navy adequately credits a servicemember's time in service and calculates accurately their retirement eligibility; $1.4 billion to take steps to protect military communities from PFAS. Rep. Luria advocated to conferees to include PFAS provisions from the House version to protect military communities, like Hampton Roads; $494 million for the Maritime Security Program, which Rep. Luria advocated for given that Hampton Roads is home to one of the most robust maritime communities and many of the ships are home ported in Hampton Roads; Adding Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases sociated with exposure to Agent Orange so Vietnam-Era veterans exposed to Agent Orange receive the benefits they've earned; A 3% pay raise to troops to account for a cost of living adjustment and to reward hard work; Improvements to sexual assault and domestic violence prevention and response programs by creating a task force to study and make recommendations on domestic violence within the military services and empowers victims of sexual harassment to make confidential reports of sexual harassment outside of the chain of command; and, Two-ship buy for Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines, which are partially made in Hampton Roads. The FY2021 NDAA passed the House in July and contained several of Congresswoman Luria's amendments advancing Hampton Roads priorities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=432,Rep. Wexton Statement on New Report Showing Extent of Forced Labor in Xinjiang Cotton Production,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Wexton Statement on New Report Showing Extent of Forced Labor in Xinjiang Cotton Production In response to a new report from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation providing new evidence of systemic forced labor in Xinjiang cotton production, implicating all global supply chains that involve Xinjiang cotton, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) released the following statement: Cotton supply chains in Xinjiang are corrupt down to the root, and all cotton coming out of the region must be considered tainted by forced labor. This report underscores the need for greater scrutiny of the goods and materials that are sourced from Xinjiang. We need serious, sweeping policies to ensure that products made or originated by forced labor are not allowed to make their way to U.S. markets. The Senate Majority Leader is blocking two House-passed bills that would immediately address this problem. Senator McConnell must bring these bills to the floor immediately and stop blocking bipartisan efforts to bring accountability. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-announces-winners-congressional-app-challenge,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Announces Winners of Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"VIRGINIA BEACH, VAToday, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced the winners of the Second District's Second Annual Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual non-partisan competition to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)through creation of original applications. The winning submission is an application called Wellvoyage. Swara Chokshi of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach designed this application to educate travelers about medical information and resources when they are abroad. Wellvoyage allows users to find hospitals and health care facilities in any global destination, translate foreign languages, utilize mental wellness resources, and archive their trips, vaccines, medications, and emergency information securely in the cloud. As a naval officer who operated nuclear reactors, I know how important it is to keep Coastal Virginian students engaged and interested in STEM-related coursework and activities, said Congresswoman Luria. I was impressed with the applications, many of which aim to address critical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also extend my gratitude to the judges and applicants for the time they spent to make this competition a success. I enjoyed participating in Congresswoman Luria's Congressional App Challenge, said Swara Chokshi. My application aims to assist individuals in maintaining their health and wellness before, during, and after traveling to a multitude of low-resource countries. I would like to thank Congresswoman Luria and her entire team for their support of this program in our region, which provides such an incredible platform for young developers to showcase their skills. Coming in second place was CoronAware, which Zahra Rizvi of Yorktown High School developed to keep users informed about the latest COVID-19 developments. The third-place winners were Rohan Nagabhirava and Nandan Sudunagunta, who created Online Assist to aid students participating in distanced learning during the pandemic. Congresswoman Luria has been active in showcasing the talents of students from Virginia's Second Congressional District. Earlier this year, she hosted the second annual Congressional Art Competition to give students a chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-elaine-luria-presses-urgency-and-reform-during-oversight,ICYMI: Congresswoman Elaine Luria Presses for Urgency and Reform During Oversight Hearing on Toxic Exposure Claims Among Veterans,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3417,"Spanberger Fights to Prevent Tax Hikes on Central Virginia Small Businesses, Joins Bipartisan Coalition Pushing for PPP Loans to Remain Eligible for Tax Deductions",2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. In response to concerns expressed by Central Virginia small businesses, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is part of a coalition of Democrats and Republicans calling on congressional leadership to restore the tax deductibility of forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses. Earlier thisyear, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that PPP loans that are forgiven cannot count towards tax deductions meaning many small business owners will be facing a massive tax bill amid an economic crisis and global pandemic. In a bipartisan letter sent to congressional leaders in both parties, Spanberger and her colleagues called on Congress to fix this issue in future COVID-19 relief packages and make sure small businesses are protected from major challenges in the upcoming tax season. Without Congressional action, small businesses are estimated to pay over $120 billion in taxes on forgivable PPP loans, said Spanberger and her colleagues. At a time when many are struggling to keep their doors open each day, we cannot saddle small businesses with a massive surprise tax bill.For this reason, we ask that you include a fix to clarify that recipients of forgivable PPP loans can claim normal business expense deductions in any end-of-year legislation. As a company in the employment business, we saw firsthand that the PPP loan program served its purpose in helping us and our clients keep employees that would have surely been let go. However, given the IRS' ruling that expenses tied to forgiven loans will not be deductible for tax purposes, we once again find ourselves in an uncertain position said Sean P. Harrington, Cofounder & Partner, Employdrive, Henrico. While I don't know the right long-term answer, I know with certainty that a big tax bill in 2021 is not the right answer for small businesses. I thank Representative Spanberger for her leadership on this issue. The PPP was intended to be a lifeline for small businesses like our shop. Unfortunately, the IRS' current guidance on PPP will result in one of the largest tax years my business has ever seen, which completely undercuts the intent of PPP, said Kendall Ickes, Owner, DRP Collision, Powhatan. If the PPP was meant to help small businesses, then the federal government needs to keep working to make that promise a reality. I am grateful to Representative Spanberger for her leadership on this issue. The bipartisan letter was led by U.S. Representatives Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX-07), George Holding (R-NC-02), and Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03). Spanberger is also a cosponsor of the Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act, which would amend the CARES Act to ensure forgiven PPP loans are eligible to receive tax deductions. Click here to read the letter, and the full letter text is below. --- Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader Hoyer, and Whip Scalise, Thank you for your continued efforts to provide assistance to the American people through these challenging times. As we continue working on additional coronavirus assistance measures, we want to bring your attention to an important issue affecting small businesses across the United States and ask for your help in providing much-needed relief. Over the past few months, statewide shutdowns in response to the pandemic have had devastating effects on small businesses throughout the country. Thousands of small businesses have permanently closed, while capacity restrictions and reopening costs have drastically cut revenue streams for those that have remained open. In response to these dire economic conditions, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide more than $600 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to help keep employees on payroll and continue operating. Since its enactment, over 5 million loans have been made to businesses in all fifty states. This program has helped keep our economy from total collapse by providing a lifeline to small businesses with no alternative funding source. The PPP was intended to provide vital tax-free assistance for certain business costs in unprecedented economic circumstances. Congress specifically included Section 1106(i) in the CARES Act to exclude forgivable loan assistance from taxable income. On April 30, however, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2020-32 disallowing the deduction of forgiven expenses. As Chairman Grassley, Chairman Neal, and Ranking Member Wyden wrote in a letter to Secretary Mnuchin on May 5, 2020, this notice is contrary to Congressional intent. Section 1106(i) of the CARES Act was put in place specifically to ensure forgivable loan proceeds would be tax free, stating that any amount which (but for this subsection) would be includible in gross income of the eligible recipient by reason of forgiveness described in subsection (b) shall be excluded from gross income. Notice 2020-32 essentially ignores this section and effectively makes forgivable loans taxable despite Congress's clear intent to allow the deduction of necessary business expenses. To make matters worse, on November 18, 2020, the IRS released Revenue Ruling 2020-27 stating that PPP recipients who had not even received or applied for forgiveness could not deduct normal business expenses if they reasonably expected their loans to be forgiven. These notices are not only contrary to Congressional intent, but in fact changed the terms of the loan after a majority of PPP applicants had already applied for and received funds. Over 84% of total PPP applications were submitted prior to April 17, when the program first expired. This unfairly changed the rules of the program after the overwhelming majority of participants had joined. Without Congressional action, small businesses are estimated to pay over $120 billion in taxes on forgivable PPP loans. At a time when many are struggling to keep their doors open each day, we cannot saddle small businesses with a massive surprise tax bill. For this reason, we ask that you include a fix to clarify that recipients of forgivable PPP loans can claim normal business expense deductions in any end-of-year legislation. Thank you for your consideration of this request. --- ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=431,House Democrats Propose Roadmap for Biden Administration on Fighting Disinformation,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer Wexton,W000825,wexton.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Today, members of theCongressional Task Force on Digital Citizenship sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden proposing a roadmap for how his administration can confront the threat of disinformation and misinformation and work to counter the danger they pose to our democracy. The letter was led by U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and David Cicilline (D-RI). In the letter, the Members recognize that, while a growing number of people in the U.S. are getting their news from social media platforms, many Americans are ill-equipped to recognize and sift through false, misleading, or emotionally manipulative posts. Additionally, there exists a lack of effective information gatekeepers to protect against disinformation threats online. The Members cite the COVID-19 infodemic and warn if robust systems are not put in place, there is a continued danger of rampant disinformation and misinformation, which has the potential to cultivate a rise in extremism and leave the U.S. vulnerable to exploitation by foreign adversaries. The Members proposed the following initiatives that they hope will be included in the President-elect's strategy to confront disinformation and misinformation: Creating a new multiagency Digital Democracy Task Force to develop a strategy focused on building greater national resilience to online threats and equipping federal agencies with the tools to communicate during disinformation events; Addressing the rise of news deserts across the country by supporting media literacy programs and investing in quality public broadcasting; Dedicating resources and attention to programs that counter the growing threat of online extremism, including through engaging civil society organizations; Collaborating with global allies, sharing information, perspectives, and solutions to combat disinformation threats. Disinformation and misinformation will continue to evolve and our job as policy makers is to keep up, while also looking ahead at building a more resilient society,the Members wrote. Infodemics will not go away now that there is a COVID-19 vaccine and conspiracy theories will continue to be exploited. The United States has fallen behind global allies in understanding and working to combat disinformation and misinformation, and foreign adversaries have identified it as a point of weakness for our nation. We encourage you to work with researchers, scholars, and civil society to understand the impact of disinformation and misinformation on American society and we stand ready to assist you in putting forward these new initiatives. In April 2020, the Members launched theCongressional Task Force on Digital Citizenship to assemble experts, stakeholders, and leaders in an effort to advance policies that promote the responsible use of technology and equip Americans with tools to be resilient against online threats and falsehoods. In addition to Wexton, Cicilline, and Beyer, the letter was signed by Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bill Foster (D-IL), Bill Keating (D-MA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). The full text of the letter can be foundhere and below: December 10, 2020 President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Biden-Harris Transition Team 1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear President-elect Biden: U.S. national security experts have long been sounding the alarm on the threat of disinformation and misinformation from foreign adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran, but the past few years have made it clearthat we must also protect against domestic online threats through proactive education, prioritized research, and increased transparency. Disinformation and misinformation are not partisan issues. They affect our collective public health, safety, and democracy. We founded the Congressional Task Force on Digital Citizenship earlier this year in order to focus our policy efforts on countering online harms by equipping Americans with tools to be resilient against online threats and falsehoods. The COVID-19 pandemic has been called an infodemic by the World Health Organization because of the rampant disinformation and misinformation that has spread surrounding it, particularly online. We have seen a drastic rise in online extremism that has only been heightened during the pandemic and recent elections. There will be future disinformation and misinformation events that will attempt to erode the foundations of our democratic society, and foreign adversaries will look to take advantage of a lack of coordinated national response to these events. As your administration begins the challenge of putting in place evidence-based policies to combat online threats, we urge you to utilize a robust, whole of government system to build citizen resilience to disinformation and misinformation. We hope your administration will consider the following actions: Launch a multiagency digital democracy task force. A new digital democracy task force should be comprised of officials from across the federal government who, with dedicated funding and resources, shall develop a federal strategy to create greater national resilience to online threats as well as explore stronger protections for the democratic process. It should be responsible for rolling out media literacy education across the federal government, including guidance for how best to proactively monitor for disinformation and communicate during a disinformation or misinformation event. Communications strategies from trusted members of the government will be needed to counter disinformation and misinformation, especially as your administration works to ensure that Americans across the country are inoculated against COVID-19. Address media deserts and fund media literacy programs with a commitment to truth-seeking. The loss of independent local news in communities and the increasing number of news deserts across the United States has meant that Americans are more frequently being siloed into different news environments online, which report vastly different information and do not offer the same editorial standards to protect against disinformation and misinformation that traditional news media do. As social media platforms post record revenues from engagement, they seldom act as responsible information gatekeepers and, in fact, have financial incentives to direct users to posts that are false, misleading, or emotionally manipulative. At the same time, Americans are left with few tools to discern what is factual reporting. Your administration could prioritize funding for media literacy and education programs that work to build resilience to disinformation and misinformation. Libraries are in every community, serving all backgrounds and ages, and can be a critical resource in arming individuals with the knowledge and skills to evaluate and understand fast-moving digital information. Investments in quality public broadcasting, reporting, and the next generation of truth-seeking journalists will also help to bolster our society against future infodemics. Support collaboration between government and civic organizations to combat dangerous propaganda and increase funding for evidence-based programs. Although social media platforms have taken some steps to limit the spread of harmful disinformation and misinformation over the past year, we can still see how easily this content is posted and amplified by bad actors and unknowing citizens. And, as we mentioned above, platforms have financial incentives for engaging posts to reach larger audiences, regardless of the content. However, computer algorithms still make up a majority of content moderation, and platforms have at times refused to take action against accounts and groups promoting violence and hate speech. In 2019, the FBI labeled fringe political conspiracy theories as a domestic terror threat and it is highly troubling how many Americans have adopted these conspiracy theories as truth. With the targeted amplification of these conspiracy theories online, more individuals will be exposed to this extremist content and may be motivated to commit criminal acts. Your administration could dedicate resources to evidence-based programs within the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice that work to deradicalize individuals in online communities. Civil society and civic organizations also play a crucial role, and your administration could prioritize grant funding for experienced organizations to research the dynamics of radicalization in the online environment, teach vulnerable audiences how to spot propaganda, and build the long-term capacity of civic organizations to provide counter-narratives. Collaborate with global allies. Disinformation and misinformation have become mainstream in 2020; however, our allies have been responding to this threat for years. Canada, as an example, took swift action after watching the events surrounding the 2016 U.S. election and stood up a new government service, the Digital Citizen Initiative, to build citizen resilience to disinformation and support a healthy information ecosystem. France has rolled out several tools that allow for public analysis of platform ad libraries, real-time fact checking to counter disinformation campaigns, and an open resource to help collaboration on countering disinformation and misinformation. Your administration should seek to partner and collaborate with our global allies on these issues to help set global mechanisms on platform transparency, share information on the evolving digital ecosystems, and develop protocols for citizen resilience to online information. This is a complex, shared issue that recognizes no border. Deliberate collaboration with our allies and partners will provide additional perspectives and solutions we cannot imagine nor execute alone. Disinformation and misinformation will continue to evolve and our job as policy makers is to keep up, while also looking ahead at building a more resilient society. Infodemics will not go away now that there is a COVID-19 vaccine and conspiracy theories will continue to be exploited. The United States has fallen behind global allies in understanding and working to combat disinformation and misinformation, and foreign adversaries have identified it as a point of weakness for our nation. We encourage you to work with researchers, scholars, and civil society to understand the impact of disinformation and misinformation on American society and we stand ready to assist you in putting forward these new initiatives. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3424,Wittman applauds passage of vital Long Bridge Act of 2020,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wittman applauds passage of vital Long Bridge Act of 2020 f t # e Washington, December 10, 2020 WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA01) today issued the following statement after the House passage of his legislation, the Long Bridge Act of 2020: I am so glad to see the passage of this vitally important piece of legislation by the House today,Congressman Wittman said.Commuter rail is an important component to reducing traffic congestion in Northern Virginia; Long Bridge, which spans the Potomac River between Virginia and Washington, D.C., is a critical gateway between southeast and northeast rail networks that carries all Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express, and CSX traffic. That is why I introduced this bill: a new Long Bridge will ease congestion along the I-95 corridor and cut down on the commuter travel time that plagues many VA-01 residents. Constituents in my district rely on the services of Amtrak and the VRE to commute throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Fredericksburg. The current Long Bridge structure is the primary constraint limiting VRE's ability to operate more passenger trains which could significantly reduce traffic in Northern Virginia and help with the commutes of First District residents. The construction of a separate passenger-only bridge will also allow freight to move more freely from the Port of Virginia, taking thousands of large trucks off of Virginia roadways. I am proud to see this legislation pass the House today, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation quickly to do the most good for the people of our region. The Long Bridge Act of 2020 allows the National Park Service (NPS) to convey and authorize necessary federal property for the construction of a new commuter rail and pedestrian bridge spanning the Potomac. A new Long Bridge is crucial to continued economic growth and enhanced mobility in Virginia. It will also increase the capacity of the rail network for the Port of Virginia, where 37 percent of goods move in and out by rail. The First District includes the I-95 Corridor in Prince William and Stafford counties, and the City of Fredericksburg, which includes the worst traffic hot spot in the nation, and extends down to the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, which includes some of the most neglected rural roads and bridges in Virginia. Addressing the congestion issue along the I-95 corridor is essential to improving transportation in the region. Congressman Wittman introduced this legislation earlier this year with Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA08) and Senators Warner and Kaine introduced the Senate companion legislation. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3425,Wittman statement on the release of Navy’s 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after the release of the U.S. Navy's updated 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan: This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is all about implementing the National Defense Strategy as it pertains to Great Powers Competition,Congressman Wittman said.I am pleased with the Navy's focus on maximizing our asymmetrical advantages with a focus on attack submarines while simultaneously shoring up our weaknesses by increasing our logistics fleet. It appropriately adjusts the 355-ship goal to a force structure that envisions a 403-ship manned requirement with expanded manned and unmanned teaming. Highlights of this plan include: Supporting 70% of our strategic weapons by recapitalizing the ballistic missile submarine force structure. Continuing aircraft carrier construction to support expanded long-range strike and maintain our 11-carrier requirement while investing in a new class of carriers to follow. Completely arresting the previously programmed 20% attack submarine force structure reduction and immediately sustain and expand attack submarine force structure levels while expanding the industrial base to support three attack submarines per year. Reducing the number of large surface combatants in order to provide a more distributed network of small and unmanned surface combatants. Expanding the amphibious force structure to meet the Commandant's planning guidance and the need for distributed maritime operations. And, finally recognizing the expanded logistics ship requirement to support navy operations and Army and Marine Corps lift requirements. While this plan puts our nation on the right track for dominating the seas, we must recognize that we are in a difficult budgeting environment,Congressman Wittman continued.But one thing is for certain: our budgeting decisions must be as flexible as the strategies we hope to fund, and nothing should be off the table. This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is the right plan at the right time. It is good for our nation, our service members, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I look forward to working with the Navy and the Department of Defense to turn this plan into reality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3453,Wittman statement on the release of Navy’s 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after the release of the U.S. Navy's updated 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan: This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is all about implementing the National Defense Strategy as it pertains to Great Powers Competition, Congressman Wittman said. I am pleased with the Navy's focus on maximizing our asymmetrical advantages with a focus on attack submarines while simultaneously shoring up our weaknesses by increasing our logistics fleet. It appropriately adjusts the 355-ship goal to a force structure that envisions a 403-ship manned requirement with expanded manned and unmanned teaming. Highlights of this plan include: Supporting 70% of our strategic weapons by recapitalizing the ballistic missile submarine force structure. Continuing aircraft carrier construction to support expanded long-range strike and maintain our 11-carrier requirement while investing in a new class of carriers to follow. Completely arresting the previously programmed 20% attack submarine force structure reduction and immediately sustain and expand attack submarine force structure levels while expanding the industrial base to support three attack submarines per year. Reducing the number of large surface combatants in order to provide a more distributed network of small and unmanned surface combatants. Expanding the amphibious force structure to meet the Commandant's planning guidance and the need for distributed maritime operations. And, finally recognizing the expanded logistics ship requirement to support navy operations and Army and Marine Corps lift requirements. While this plan puts our nation on the right track for dominating the seas, we must recognize that we are in a difficult budgeting environment, Congressman Wittman continued. But one thing is for certain: our budgeting decisions must be as flexible as the strategies we hope to fund, and nothing should be off the table. This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is the right plan at the right time. It is good for our nation, our service members, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I look forward to working with the Navy and the Department of Defense to turn this plan into reality. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-statement-short-term-continuing-resolution,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Statement on Short-term Continuing Resolution,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-applauds-passage-fiscal-year-2021-national-defense,Congresswoman Luria Applauds Passage of Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3422,"Wittman applauds House passage of FY21 NDAA, secures wins for Virginia",2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA) After a months-long process of negotiations and discussions, made more difficult by the logistical impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to support such a bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation in this year's FY21 NDAA and am thrilled that the House passed this vital bill. This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. FY21 NDAA will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. The FY21 NDAA supports our military community both throughout our nation and here in the Commonwealth. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA that put our military community first. For 59 years, this piece of bipartisan legislation has been signed into law as it is what is necessary to support our troops and set the defense policy for our nation. I look forward to the passage of this bill by my colleagues in the Senate, and I look forward to its efficacy for our military in the coming year. Through his work as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and as a core conferee in the Conference Committee process for the FY21 NDAA, Congressman Wittman was able to work with his colleagues to secure the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the necessary two-per-year build rate to keep pace with shipbuilding goals. These submarines are critical to both national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, the FY21 NDAA saw the inclusion of Congressman Wittman's bill, H.R. 7195, which will allow for the multi-year procurement of three smaller amphibious ships and one large deck amphibious ship that will save the taxpayers roughly a billion dollars. Ultimately, the shipbuilding account procures nine battle force ships including one Columbia-class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships; and one expeditionary fast transport ship (EPF). Outside the Seapower portfolio, the FY21 NDAA included another bill written by Congressman Wittman, H.R.8263, which ensures opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This measure will establish accountableobjective, measurable criteria for conservation results, giving the Department of Defense additional tools to advance military readiness. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. The FY21 NDAA also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. The FY21 NDAA includes several other provisions Congressman Wittman is proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects done in Virginia's First District (such as the railgun and directed energy projects), and making sure the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-participates-hearing-modernizing-veteran-eligibility,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Participates in Hearing on Modernizing Veteran Eligibility for Care,2020-12-07,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-successfully-advocates-usda-rural-development-specialist,Congresswoman Luria Successfully Advocates for USDA Rural Development Specialist for Eastern Shore,2020-12-05,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-historic-marijuana-reform-legislation,Congresswoman Luria Votes for Historic Marijuana Reform Legislation,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congresswoman-luria-problem-solvers-caucus-and-senate-partners-unveil,"ICYMI: Congresswoman Luria, Problem Solvers Caucus, and Senate Partners Unveil Bipartisan, Bicameral 4-Month COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3412,Wittman Applauds Bipartisan NDAA Conference Report,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and conferee on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA), released the following statement on the release of the conference report: After an arduous process full of months of negotiations and discussions, made more difficult by the impacts of COVID-19, I am proud to have been appointed a conferee to finalize the bills between the House and the Senate and have signed the bipartisan conference report. This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the next year. As a core conferee, I am pleased with the report as it will give our armed forces the tools and resources necessary to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. As the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I am proud that we were able to take an originally undesirable shipbuilding request and turn it into a more reasonable product. Paramount among this final funding result is the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the two-per-year build rate. These submarines are critical to both our national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, I was pleased to see the inclusion of my bill H.R. 7195, which will allow for the multi-year procurement of three smaller amphibious ships and one large deck amphibious ship that will save the taxpayers roughly a billion dollars. Ultimately, the shipbuilding account procures nine battle force ships including one Columbia-class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships; and one expeditionary fast transport ship (EPF). The conference report also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. Outside the seapower portfolio, I was pleased with the inclusion of my bill, H.R.8263, Ensuring opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This bill will establish accountable performance standards and criteria for conservation banking and will maximize available credits and opportunities for mitigation. Ultimately, by establishing objective, measurable criteria for conservation results, this new policy will accelerate the regulatory process while achieving conservation results that are not otherwise being gained. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. Additionally, the conference report includes several other provisions I am proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for our servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects being done in Virginia's First District, such as the railgun and directed energy projects, and making sure our Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases. The FY21 NDAA supports our military community both throughout our nation and here in the Commonwealth. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA that put our military community first. For 59 years, this piece of bipartisan legislation has been signed into law as it is what is necessary to support our troops and set the defense policy for our nation. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3410,Wittman on Navy’s decision to decommission USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6),2020-12-01,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wittman on Navy's decision to decommission USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) f t # e Washington, December 1, 2020 WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the below statement following the decision by the United States Navy to decommission the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) following review of extensive damage from a fire earlier this year: Although I am dismayed at the loss of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), I agree with the Navy's decision to decommission the ship due to excess damaged sustained during the July fire. I am disappointed that fire safety continues to be among the chief problems our Navy struggles with today. We absolutely cannot forget that these ships are most vulnerable when their inherent safety measures are rendered useless, particularly during maintenance availabilities. While the decision to decommission has been made, the investigation into the fire that cause this damage is ongoing. I look forward to working with the Navy in my Congressional oversight role to get to the bottom of this incident and using the lessons learned to prevent future incidents. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-calls-covid-19-relief-contract-poultry-growers,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Calls for COVID-19 Relief for Contract Poultry Growers,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-votes-invest-apprenticeship-programs-and-workforce-training,Congresswoman Luria Votes to Invest in Apprenticeship Programs and Workforce Training,2020-11-20,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-participates-hearing-toxic-exposures-karshi-khanabad,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Participates in Hearing on Toxic Exposures at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-statement-motion-send-national-defense-authorization-act,Congresswoman Luria Statement on the Motion to Send the National Defense Authorization Act to Conference,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3408,Wittman named Conferee for FY21 NDAA,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, has been named by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to the Congressional Conference Committee that will negotiate differences between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Actthe bill that authorizes spending and sets forth the policies for the Department of Defensefor Fiscal Year 2021. Threats to our national security arise every day around the world, but without the necessary authorizations provided by the NDAA, our servicemen and women will not be equipped to face them,Wittman said.As this year's NDAA process proceeds forward into conference, I'll continue fighting to ensure that our force is effectively resourced, trained, and equipped, and that our defense budget and authorizations reflect our strategic needs. Congressman Wittman's selection to the Conference Committee is a great recognition of his tireless advocacy for our nation's military throughout his time in Congress. This important committee is charged with getting national defense policy signed into law to ensure that the Department of Defense has the resources and authorities needed to defend the United States and our national security interests. This legislation is vital to keeping America safe, building and maintaining strong relationships with our allies, and promoting peace around the world. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4951,Beyer Introduces Non-Proliferation Resolution,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ahead of the slated Sunday withdrawal from a foundational U.S. nuclear arms control agreement, the Treaty on Open Skies, and the expiration of another key nuclear arms control agreement, New START, in just over two months, U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced a resolution expressing support for existing arms control and non-proliferation agreements and efforts to reduce nuclear weapon stockpiles. The resolution specifically calls for a five-year extension of the New START Treaty, and for the Trump Administration to reverse its planned exit from the Treaty on Open Skies. Beyer previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Lichtenstein during the Obama Administration. If President Trump is serious in his stated goal of avoiding war with foreign powers, he should commit to diplomatic engagement, said Rep. Beyer. If President Trump will not reverse his course on arms control treaties, I hope President-elect Biden will take the better path. Regardless of who is president, peace remains the central goal of American foreign policy, and we should prioritize efforts to prevent the possibility of a nuclear showdown. We can advance that cause by strengthening America's commitment to non-proliferation and the reduction of nuclear arsenals. This is the only logical, moral, and sane course of action. Text of the resolution (House Resolution 1222), which would express the sense of the House that the United States should reduce the threats caused by nuclear weapons without losing all the agreements that have underpinned strategic stability and nuclear risk reduction, is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4952,Beyer Coastal Resilience Bills to Help Alexandria Flooding Get Natural Resources Hearing,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Beyer Coastal Resilience Bills to Help Alexandria Flooding Get Natural Resources Hearing Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) returned via committee waiver to make a guest appearance today at a hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources, on which he served from 2015-2019, as it considered an ocean climate legislation package which included two of Beyer's bipartisan coastal resilience bills. The bills, the National Oceans and Coastal Security Improvements Act and the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act, were both introduced in partnership with Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL). Today's hearing shows that the Natural Resources Committee continues to lead in addressing climate change, said Rep. Beyer. Ocean climate action is a vital but often overlooked piece of the larger response to the climate crisis, and the bills I and others have offered to address it represent achievable progress in this key area. The legislation we considered today would be important to helping coastal and inland communities like Alexandria prepare for and respond to the worsening impacts of climate change, and I thank Chairman Grijalva and my colleagues on Natural Resources for continuing to move the ball forward here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-s-bill-help-veterans-disabilities-heads-president-s,Congresswoman Elaine Lurias Bill to Help Veterans with Disabilities Heads to Presidents Desk,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Luria announced that S. 3587, the Senate companion bill to Congresswoman Elaine Luria's VA Website Accessibility Act, passed the House and is now headed to President Trump for signature into law. This bipartisan bill will make VA websites functional for veterans living with hearing or vision loss. Before the bill passed the House, Congresswoman Elaine Luria spoke on the House floor in support of it. The VA Website Accessibility Act will direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study of all VA websites and kiosks at VA medical facilities to determine whether they are accessible to veterans with disabilities. The Secretary will then submit a report to Congress highlighting which websites are inaccessible and provide a plan to bring those websites into compliance. This bill marks the 8th piece of legislation that Congresswoman Luria has introduced that will become law during her first term in office. I am proud the House will send to the President's desk this legislation to eliminate barriers that prevent veterans from receiving the care and benefits they earned, said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. This bill will ensure that veterans can use the resources available on all VA websites. Our veterans should not have to wait one day longer. Click here to watch Congresswoman Luria speak in favor of the VA Website Accessibility Act. Since taking office in 2019, Congresswoman Luria has been a prolific advocate for our veterans. Recently, her Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act became law with overwhelming bipartisan support. This new law will implement cost-of-living increases for wartime disability compensation, compensation for dependents, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses, and dependency and indemnity compensation to children. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-rigglemans-bill-address-opioid-epidemic-passes-house,Congressman Riggleman's Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic Passes House,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,VA,Denver Riggleman,R000611,riggleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- Today,Congressman Denver Riggleman's bill H.R. 2466, the State OpioidGrant Authorization Act of 2020, passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. Thebill, co-led byCongressman David Trone (D-MD-6),would aid the fight against the opioid epidemic by providingfunding for State Opioid Response Grants. These grantsprovide significant and much-needed resources to respond to the opioid epidemic, and this legislation provides congressional authorization funding for states and localitiesfor the next 5 years. Over 2 million Americans suffer from opioid addiction, and the opioid crisis has only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, said Congressman Denver Riggleman. The State Opioid Response Grant program helps thousands of Americans every year in their fight against addiction by prioritizing prevention, treatment and recovery. I am proud to see this bill pass the House of Representatives unanimously today. It's a big step forward in combating the very real crisis of opioid addiction, which has devastating consequences for families across this great nation, including my own. Thank you to my colleagues, especially my good friend Congressman David Trone, for supporting this bill. I introduced this bill when I first came to Congress because I spoke to our Governor, state and county leaders, hospital administrators, direct providers, and stakeholders across the country who all said the same thing loud and clear: State, local, and tribal governments need to know the federal government will be a steady partner in the fight against addiction, said Congressman Trone. We need consistent, guaranteed funding because there is no magic bullet or vaccine to fix the opioid crisis that has killed over 550,000 people since 2000 and continues to get worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'd like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for unanimously passing this legislation and supporting those fighting on the front lines of the opioid epidemic in our communities. Before the bill passed the House today,CongressmanRiggleman gave a speech on the floor of the House urging his colleagues to supporthis legislation. You can watch the speech here,and read the transcript below. Transcript: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you to my good friends Representative Walden, Congressman Pallone, and David Trone. Our Freshman Working Group has been incredible on this issue. It is interesting how this has come full circle. Two years ago, in my very first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, Icalled on Congress to act and address the opioid addiction crisis that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year. During the two years since that speech I have been working hard to provide solutions and take positive steps to address the crisis. I have also become more aware of the harm the opioid epidemic has caused in our streets and in our districts. I have seen how the crisis has affected the friends, the family members of so many- including some in this chamber today like my dear friend David Trone who tragically lost his nephew to an opioid overdose. I have been personally affected by this crisis and I know the toll it takes on those affected and the people who love them. I was sitting at my desk in Congress one year ago when I got the call that my cousin, Trey, had overdosed not far from where I was sitting. I talked about this with Congressman Trone. We knew we had to do something and I think that is why we have to thank members like Rep. Sherrill and Rep. Armstrong for their incredible support on this. Trey and Ian, I think this bill is for them, for people who have suffered through this incredible scourge. The bill before us today starts to address some of those challenges and is a positive step towards combating the very real crisis of opioid addiction that has had devastating consequences for families across the nation. Obviously I strongly support H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2020. Not only must Congress act to address this crisis, but we must LEAD. I chose to co-lead this bill because it will help countless numbers of my constituents and it is the right thing to do. I have to applaud the efforts of my dear friend David Trone and all the members of the Freshman Working group on Addiction and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I don't think I can say this any stronger: bill is for Trey & Ian and for all those affected by the overdoses, the awfulness of what happens in these families. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3372,"With One Month Left in Open Enrollment Period, Spanberger Encourages Central Virginians to Sign Up for 2021 Health Insurance",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger encouraged Central Virginia families, individuals, and small businesses to review their coverage and sign up for 2021 health insurance during the ongoing open enrollment period. Between now and December 15, Virginians can visit healthcare.gov to review their options, make changes to their current plan, or sign up for a new plan on the healthcare marketplace. Coverage begins on January 1, 2021. Across Central Virginia, working families, seniors, and small business owners are struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic crisis. Now more than ever, they need stability in the healthcare marketplace, said Spanberger. As the number of Seventh District residents with preexisting conditions continues to grow, we need to make sure everyone is aware of their coverage options. With only a few more weeks in the open enrollment period, I hope everyone will take time to review their plan and look at all their options for 2021, so they can make the best decision for themselves and their family. I will continue to fight at the federal level to protect affordable, accessible healthcare coverage for all Virginians and I won't stop speaking out against hyperpartisan, reckless efforts to destroy coverage at a time when so many Americans are in need. After the December 15 deadline, Central Virginians can only enroll or change their plan is they qualify for the Special Enrollment Period. Click here to learn more. BACKGROUND Spanberger has repeatedly spoken out against the Trump Administration's ongoing effort to dismantle the existing healthcare law in the middle of an ongoing public health crisis. According to the Urban Institute,678,000 Virginians would lose health insurance coverageby repealing the existing healthcare law through the lawsuit, leading to a 90 percent increase in the Commonwealth's uninsured rate. Additionally, protections for those with pre-existing conditions could be gutted. Approximately 3,580,300 Virginians have a pre-existing condition, including more than 444,000 Virginia children. In the Seventh District, 329,600 people have pre-existing conditions, including 42,800 children. In addition to defending access to affordable healthcare from partisan attacks, Spanberger has worked to expand access to necessary services and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Spanberger led 216 House colleagues from both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan effort to stop big pharmaceutical companies from making changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. These extra-legal changes would lead to significant increases in prescription drug costs for many of the hospitals and clinics that serve Virginia's most vulnerable communities. Last month, Spanberger introduced bipartisan legislation to correct a loophole in the CARES Act and ensure that all seniors with traditional Medicare plans would be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost. In August 2019, Spanberger fought for the prioritization of telehealth funding in a future COVID-19 relief package, citing the need to provide accessible, safe healthcare to more seniors and rural Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3407,Wittman demands action on bipartisan COVID relief from Speaker Pelosi,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today sent the below letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting swift and bipartisan action on additional COVID-19 relief legislation to assist small businesses, individuals, and families during the recovery process from the Coronavirus pandemic.This marks thesecond timeRep. Wittman has written Pelosi directly demanding action on a truly bipartisan relief bill. Unfortunately, since this Spring, the House has only considered partisan legislation that has no chance of being signed into law,Congressman Wittman wrote.I believe there is common ground to provide relief to millions of struggling Americans through continued unemployment relief, extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program and an additional round of individual Economic Impact Payments. It is critical that we come together and deliver a commonsense, bipartisan solution for hard working Americans. Read Congressman Wittman's letter in full below. Dear Speaker Pelosi: It is unfortunate that Congress was unable to pass bipartisan coronavirus relief legislation prior to the election to assist struggling Virginia families, businesses and schools. As new Coronavirus cases and deaths increase across the country and millions of Americans continue to suffer economically, it is apparent that additional relief is needed now. I am once again writing to ask that you would bring before the House of Representatives bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation that could also pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President. Unfortunately, since this Spring, the House has only considered partisan legislation that has no chance of being signed into law. I believe there is common ground to provide relief to millions of struggling Americans through continued unemployment relief, extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program and an additional round of individual Economic Impact Payments. It is critical that we come together and deliver a commonsense, bipartisan solution for hard working Americans. In addition, as our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmost to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning, and telehealth capabilities. It is my hope that any legislation specifically focuses on bridging the digital divide and increasing access to quality, reliable broadband services. The new normal has left millions of rural Americans, who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband, to feel abandoned as they are in desperate need of relief to compete in the digital economy. 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. Thank you for your attention and continued work to respond to this public health and economic emergency. Sincerely, Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4948,NO Hate Act Sponsors Respond To FBI Hate Crime Report,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Pete Olson (R-TX), the sponsor and co-lead of the Jabara-Heyer National Opposition to Hate, Assault, and Threats to Equality (NO HATE) Act responded with statements today after the annual release of FBI hate crime statistics showed that 2019 saw the highest level of hate crimes in over a decade and the highest number of hate-related killings on record. While the latest report shows that hate crimes continue to rise in the United States at an alarming pace, we are still missing much of the data on these trends because too many jurisdictions just aren't tracking or reporting it, said Rep. Don Beyer. The House responded to this problem earlier in the year by passing the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, which would plug these holes and strengthen national cooperation among law enforcement to respond to bias crimes. If the Senate does not pass this bill in weeks to come, it should be a major priority for the 117th Congress. The FBI is reaffirming what headlines have been telling us regularly: hate crimes are getting worse and more numerous. Congress must respond to this problem. Hate crimes have no place in our society, yet sadly they are on the rise, said Rep. Pete Olson. Representing one of the most diverse districts in America, I see firsthand the impact these hate crimes have on our communities. This new FBI report sadly revealed that fewer law enforcement agencies provided data to the FBI in 2019 than in 2018. That's why The NO HATE Act introduced by Rep. Don Byer and I, is a critically needed tool in the fight against hate crimes. It will improve how law enforcement agencies track and report crimes. As co-chair of the Victims' Rights Caucus, I also focused on establishing hotlines to give victims the help and support they desperately need. I urge my colleagues to join our effort to pass it this year so we can better track and end hate crimes. The House passed the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act in May. The legislation, which was also introduced in the Senate by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), would help close gaps in existing hate crime reporting and strengthen the national response by: Supporting the speedy implementation of the latest crime reporting standard, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), including training on reporting hate crimes through NIBRS. NIBRS allows law enforcement agencies to record and report detailed information about crimes, including hate crimes, to the FBI. The FBI has promoted NIBRS in every law enforcement agency, but a lack of resources has stalled full implementation. Providing grants for the creation of state-run hate crime hotlinesto record information about hate crimes and redirect victims and witnesses to law enforcement and local support services as appropriate, ensuring that hate crimes don't go unreported and victims get the help they need. Supporting law enforcement activities or programs that prevent, address, or respond to hate crimesby providing grants to states and local law enforcement to adopt policies, practices, and programs that more effectively identify, investigate, report, and respond to hate crimes. Creating accountabilityby ensuring that law enforcement grantees report on their progress and requires the Attorney General to collect and analyze the information to better mitigate hate crimes. Promoting understanding and healingby allowing for judges to require individuals convicted under the Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 to undergo a period of supervised release, to include community service or education centered on the community targeted by the crime.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4949,The GSA Administrator’s Deadly Hypocrisy,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who led the Obama Administration's transition at the Commerce Department in 2008, issued the following statement today on reports that General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy has privately begun a job search even as she continues to withhold GSA ascertainment of President-elect Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election: News of her secret job search shows that Administrator Murphy's refusal to initiate a presidential transition is an act of gross political hypocrisy, but unfortunately it also could prove fatal for some in this country. Incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously said transition officials are being prevented from engaging in pandemic response planning, which Dr. Fauci today warned could delay the distribution of a vaccine. This the worst possible time to refuse to honor one of our country's most sacred democratic norms. The United States had more new coronavirus cases last week than most countries have had in the entire pandemic. Even Donald Trump has tweeted that Joe Biden won this election. Administrator Murphy knows who won the election, and her job search confirms it. While she is prioritizing her own future and helping Donald Trump weaken our democracy, Americans are dying by the thousand in a pandemic that is raging out of control. Murphy must put the country first and allow the transition to move forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4947,Beyer Statement On Reports Of Secret Service Coronavirus Outbreak,2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents the largest number of federal employees of any member of the House, issued the following statement today on reports that over 130 Secret Service officers are either quarantined or infected with coronavirus: The Secret Service officers who put their lives on the line to protect our leaders are courageous professionals, but Donald Trump has shown callous indifference to their health and safety. Trump's total disregard for the lives of his protectors, supporters, and aides shows how dangerous his extreme selfishness has become. With 163,000 new cases, the United States has now reported more new coronavirus cases in November than all but five countries have seen since the pandemic began. The virus is spreading freely across the country, and Donald Trump has only made it worse by holding super-spreader rallies and events like the Election Night party, which appears to have infected several of his closest associates. Trump was warned repeatedly that failure to take precautions could threaten the safety of those around him, but as he makes clear every day, he is only capable of thinking about himself. Donald Trump's refusal to recognize reality, both in the election outcome and in the pandemic, is killing people. The leadership vacuum he has created could not have come at a worse time. Those around him with influence who have any concern for the country or the people who live in it must step in and stop this. We need effective leadership on the pandemic, and it cannot wait any longer. Beyer, who led the Obama Administration's transition at the Department of Commerce in 2008, issued a statement on Tuesday blasting General Service Administration Administrator Emily Murphy's refusal to ascertain President-elect Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, pointing out that a refusal to initiate a transition would hinder the incoming administration's efforts to respond to the pandemic and endanger American lives. A recent Stanford University study found that Donald Trump's campaign rallies may have caused as many as 30,000 additional coronavirus infections and 700 deaths.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-announces-incoming-district-director,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Announces Incoming District Director,2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced that Dr. Charles Stuppard will be joining her team as District Director next week. Dr. Stuppard served 30 years in the Navy and retired at the rank of Captain. He commanded Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51), the Individual Augmentees (IA) Task Group in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and Naval Forces Division in Saudi Arabia. I'm proud to welcome Dr. Charles Stuppard to our team so that we can continue to provide exceptional constituent services and connect with communities throughout Coastal Virginia as we recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. He shares my commitment to making Virginia a better place and his expertise and experience will serve our district well during the 117th Congress. Dr. Stuppard has a Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering degree from Cornell, and worked as an Aerospace Design Engineer on two USAF jets before joining the Navy as a student naval aviator in Pensacola, Florida. He also holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a Ph.D. from Salve Regina University. I'm grateful to outgoing District Director, David Wickersham, for his dedication and efforts during the 116th Congress and wish him the best of luck in his family's next venture in Utah, said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3368,"Spanberger Leads Bipartisan Effort to Save 340B Drug Pricing Program, Preserve Deep Prescription Drug Discounts for Rural and Safety Net Providers",2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today led a bipartisan effort to defend the foundational 340B Drug Pricing Program from reckless and extra-legal changes that would lead to significant increases in the cost of prescription medications for Virginia healthcare providers that serve some of the Commonwealth's most vulnerable, at-risk populations. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was enacted by Congress in 1992 with bipartisan support, and is overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It requires that pharmaceutical companies give safety-net and rural healthcare providers discounts on their drugs, in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid. The program protects patients who are low-income, live in underserved communities, or suffer from serious chronic illnesses from skyrocketing prices for the drugs they depend on the most. Limiting access to 340B discounts would cause safety-net providers and vulnerable patients to face significant price hikes in the middle of a global pandemic, at a time when both providers and patients are under serious financial strain. Recent reporting indicates that private company Kalderos is working with large pharmaceutical manufacturers to implement changes to the 340B program without the approval of Congress or HHS that would replace the 340B system of up-front discounts with post-sale rebates, resulting in a severe increase in the up-front cost of prescription drugs to 340B-covered providers. A post-sale rebate model would also give big drug companies tremendous leverage over participating clinics and hospitals, and potentially put manufacturers in violation of their statutory responsibility to provide 340B pricing. Spanberger's letter is supported by 216 of her colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and urges HHS Secretary Alex Azar to take immediate action to prevent Kalderos and pharmaceutical companies from changing the 340B program from a discount to a rebate model. The healthcare providers that benefit from 340B discounts and who could be facing significant price increases if the change goes through include Federally Qualified Health Centers, Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics, rural hospitals, children's hospitals, and safety-net hospitals that serve low-income Americans. Spanberger led the letter alongside co-leads U.S. Representatives Cindy Axne (D-IA-03), Doris Matsui (D-CA-06), David McKinley (R-WV-01), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), and John Katko (R-NY-24). This blatant attempt on the part of the pharmaceutical industry to rewrite the rules in their favor will directly harm health clinics and hospitals in Central Virginia, said Spanberger. Bringing down the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is the top priority of families in my district, and this change to 340B would be a step in the wrong direction. Our letter has been signed by 216 Members of the U.S. House, both Republicans and Democrats that this effort would attract such strong bipartisan support at this hyperpartisan moment in our politics is a clear indication of how much this program means to patients and providers across the country. I've heard directly from Central Virginia clinics, advocates, and hospital systems, and I have grave concerns about these actions that would threaten the needs of the most vulnerable patients and providers in the middle of a global pandemic. Furthermore, big drug companies do not have the authority to change the operations of a government program to suit their own interests especially if doing so could potentially put manufacturers out of compliance with their statutory obligations. I urge Secretary Azar to quickly provide Congress with more information, and take immediate steps to prevent these changes from taking effect. ""The 340B drug pricing program plays a significant role in protecting Central Virginians' access to affordable healthcare,"" said Paula Tomko, CEO, Central Virginia Health Services. What we're seeing now is big pharmaceutical companies attempting to rewrite the program in their favor to the detriment of thousands of hardworking, vulnerable people in our communities. Those impacted the most by these changes are our neighbors who work in low-paying jobs, who are uninsured or underinsured, and have chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS. Without 340B medications, the people we serve would see severe price increases in many of the common drugs they depend on every day, like insulin. It is shameful that pharmaceutical companies are reporting significant profits while making changes that directly destabilize safety-net healthcare providers. We appreciate Congresswoman Spanberger's continued support for community healthcare providers, and we applaud her efforts to protect the 340B program. This change to the 340B program hits hardest against community healthcare providers and the vulnerable people they serve, said Rick Shinn, Director of Government Affairs, Virginia Community Healthcare Association. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we should be focusing on expanding access to affordable treatment, not threatening it. We applaud Rep. Spanberger's efforts to protect the 340B discount for Virginians. We are so proud to have Rep. Spanberger as a champion for the 340B federal drug discount program, said Matthew Bare, Assistant Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Ryan White Programs. Her work on 340B will have a direct impact for those we serve more than 2,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in and around Central Virginia. ""Thousands of rural Virginians depend on the safety net providers that the 340B program supports. The program facilitates affordable access to substance use disorder treatment, childhood screenings, and other vital care, said Beth O'Connor, Executive Director, Virginia Rural Health Association. At a time when rural facilities are under financial pressure from so many fronts, Rep. Spanberger's support for 340B is most appreciated. ""I am grateful to Rep. Spanberger, members of the Virginia Congressional delegation, and their colleagues for bringing the concerns of safety-net providers like UVA Health about these potential changes to the Department of Health and Human Services' attention, said Dr. K. Craig Kent, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, University of Virginia. The 340B Drug Pricing Program provides us with critical resources we need to put our most-vulnerable patients first and invest fully in their complete care. In short, the savings we see from reduced drug expenditures are important to support our mission to serve those who need us most."" It would be impossible for us to provide comprehensive, safety-net healthcare to underserved communities in Virginia without the 340B program, said Cindy Williams, Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Riverside Health System. The significant discounts on prescription drugs that 340B provides are essential to our mission of providing high-quality, affordable healthcare for our neighbors at every stage of life. On behalf of the more than 2 million patients we serve each year, I thank Representative Spanberger for her leadership in the fight to protect the 340B program. Overhauling the longstanding 340B discount model and replacing it with a rebate system will make it significantly more difficult and expensive for all 340B hospitals and community clinics to access 340B savings, and could result in denial of 340B pricing altogether, said Maureen Testoni, President and CEO, 340B Health. We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Spanberger and this large, bipartisan group of lawmakers standing up for 340B and urging Secretary Azar to take immediate action to protect 340B hospitals and the low-income patients who depend on them. Protecting the sustainability of the 340B program is vital, especially as Central Virginia continues to be impacted by the pandemic. As the Commonwealth's largest safety-net provider, we know first-hand the detriment a change to a post-sale rebate formula would have on our most vulnerable patient populations, said Dr. Arthur Kellermann, Senior Vice President, VCU Health Sciences and CEO, VCU Health. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System is grateful to Rep. Spanberger and her House colleagues for their unwavering support of the 340B drug pricing program and for making this a top priority for lawmakers. ""The proposed changes to the 340B program make ending the HIV epidemic in the United States more difficult, said Jesse Milan Jr., President and CEO, AIDS United. We have the tools to effectively end the HIV epidemic in the United States, but we need to make them as widely available as possible. We don't need any new roadblocks. Access to HIV-related care and medicines is essential to ending the HIV epidemic. The proposed changes, adding new requirements to the 340B program, would drain precious resources from HIV service providers. Black and Brown communities which are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic would suffer the most."" Drug industry players are acting unilaterally to alter the 340B Drug Pricing Program in ways that undermine access to the program for essential hospitals and their vulnerable patients, said Bruce Siegel, President and CEO, America's Essential Hospitals. We thank Reps. Spanberger, McKinley, Axne, Johnson, Matsui, Katko, and their bipartisan colleagues for sounding the alarm about third-party vendors threatening the 340B program and for fighting to protect this vital source of support for our health care safety net. The AHA thanks this bipartisan group of representatives for their important effort to protect the 340B program, and the vulnerable communities it benefits, from big drug companies' efforts to harm the program, said Tom Nickels, Executive Vice President, American Hospital Association. The AHA continues to urge the Health Resources and Services Administration's Office of Pharmacy Affairs to order drug companies and their vendor Kalderos to immediately halt their conversion of the 340B program to a back-end rebate program. We appreciate the bipartisan support of more than 200 members of Congress to prevent drug manufacturers from unilaterally changing how safety-net providers, including many teaching hospitals, receive their discounts from the 340B program. This type of change would harm patients and limit access to affordable drugs, and is contrary to the 340B statute, said Karen Fisher, Chief Public Policy Officer, Association of American Medical Colleges. It is yet another attempt by manufacturers to reduce the scope of the critical 340B program, which would result in a reduction of vital health care services to vulnerable patients in the midst of a pandemic/public health emergency. Click here to read the full text of the letter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3366,"As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Virginia, Spanberger Continues Push for Negotiated Agreement on COVID-19 Relief",2020-11-12,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"HENRICO, V.A. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today called on the Trump Administration and congressional leadership in both parties to recommit to the passage of a negotiated COVID-19 relief package before the end of the year. In a letter sent to President Donald J. Trump, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Spanberger emphasized the urgent need for relief for Central Virginia families, workers, and small businesses particularly as funding has expired for critical programs and COVID-19 cases rise in Virginia. Additionally, she called on both parties to recognize the tremendous economic and healthcare uncertainty facing the nation and work together to pass a strong, bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill. Supports for families have begun to dwindle as enhanced unemployment benefits and other critical aid measures have expired, with more set to expire at the end of this year. Likewise, small businesses are facing increased pressure as this pandemic worsens, said Spanberger. While the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were able to provide short-term relief, it is clear that additional support is needed to help these businesses keep their doors open over the coming months, especially as the winter threatens to further impact those businesses currently relying on the use of outdoor spaces and it becomes increasingly clearer that the holiday shopping and tourism season will be diminished this year. Spanberger continued, We must not allow partisan posturing to stand in the way of the relief Americans so desperately need. Action on another bipartisan COVID-19 relief package is long overdue and though we must all live with our failure to deliver that aid sooner, we need not continue our failed course of inaction. With the holidays and winter approaching, I can think of no better way to provide peace of mind to the American people than through the passage of a robust relief package that helps families keep their homes, ensures they do not face hunger, and supports those who have lost jobs or whose businesses have suffered or closed as a result of the pandemic. Spanberger has consistently pushed for a negotiated COVID-19 relief package that can make it to the President's desk. Last month, Spanbergervoted against the partisanHeroes Act 2.0and called for leadership in both parties to come to an agreement on COVID-19 relief that can be approved by the U.S. Senate and be signed into law by President Trump. Additionally, she pushed House Democratic leadership to accept a relief offer from U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that would provide much-needed assistance to working families, coordinated testing efforts, state and local governments, and small businesses. In September 2020, Spanbergerjoinedher fellow Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus comprised of 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans to unveil the caucus' bipartisan March to Common Ground framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package.Click hereto read the full framework Click here to read Spanberger's full letter, and the full letter text is below. --- Dear President Trump, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McConnell, I write urging you to take immediate action to pass a comprehensive and bipartisan COVID-19 relief package before the end of the 116th Congress. Today, Americans from all walks of life are struggling with the ongoing public health crisis and the associated economic fallout, especially as COVID-19 cases and deaths are again rising daily, surpassing record highs set early in this pandemic. Now more than ever, it is urgent that we come together to build a targeted, timely relief package that avoids partisan posturing and instead prioritizes combatting our national public health emergency, addressing catastrophic unemployment rates, and protecting the security of the next generation. Every day, I hear the personal, heartbreaking stories of dire healthcare and financial situations facing Central Virginians. Working families are struggling to pay the bills after the loss of a job. Small businesses are hurting and unable to give their employees the assurance of long-term employment. Local restaurant owners are facing tough decisions on whether to stay open as the coming winter months threaten to limit outdoor seating options. Schools are unsure of when they will return to normal, and healthcare workers continue to be on the front lines of a global pandemic that has yet to be contained in our country. My district has been home to lines of cars at our local food banks that are so long, they've made national news. And yet, the hardship faced in my district is not unique; unfortunately, it is all too common. From the start of this pandemic, I have been proud to work with both Republicans and Democrats to pass bills providing relief for the American people. In March, with the passage of the CARES Act, Congress took swift action that provided support to millions of Americans as they faced the worst public health and economic crisis in a century. This action saved jobs, prevented businesses from being forced to shutter their doors, and saved lives through money for testing, personal protective equipment, and hospitals. In total, we have passed four bipartisan relief bills that have become law. Sadly, we have failed to sustain these critical supports despite the ongoing and worsening nature of the pandemic. Supports for families have begun to dwindle as enhanced unemployment benefits and other critical aid measures have expired, with more set to expire at the end of this year. Likewise, small businesses are facing increased pressure as this pandemic worsens. While the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were able to provide short-term relief, it is clear that additional support is needed to help these businesses keep their doors open over the coming months, especially as the winter threatens to further impact those businesses currently relying on the use of outdoor spaces and it becomes increasingly clearer that the holiday shopping and tourism season will be diminished this year. Similarly, as the winter approaches, public health experts have warned that outbreaks of this virus may significantly worsen over the next few months. While there have been encouraging signs in the search for a vaccine, Dr. Fauci and other leading public health experts have warned that the distribution of a vaccine, once approved for emergency use by the FDA, could take months. I believe a bipartisan deal on additional COVID-19 relief is within our reach. In September, I was proud to join twenty-four of my fellow Democrats and twenty-five Republicans as a part of the Problem Solvers Caucus to help advance a bipartisan framework for additional COVID-19 relief. This framework contains important provisions to ensure that American families, small businesses, frontline workers, and local governments have the resources they need as this pandemic continues. This package not only provides a policy roadmap for future negotiations but also demonstrates the real opportunity for a compromise that would benefit our shared constituents at this time of crisis and deep economic uncertainty. The campaign is over, and now is a time to heal. We must not allow partisan posturing to stand in the way of the relief Americans so desperately need. Action on another bipartisan COVID-19 relief package is long overdue and though we must all live with our failure to deliver that aid sooner, we need not continue our failed course of inaction. With the holidays and winter approaching, I can think of no better way to provide peace of mind to the American people than through the passage of a robust relief package that helps families keep their homes, ensures they do not face hunger, and supports those who have lost jobs or whose businesses have suffered or closed as a result of the pandemic. Bipartisan compromise is within reach, and I stand ready to work with any of you to ensure a deal is reached before the end of the year. --- ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/veterans-day-congresswoman-elaine-luria-honors-our-nations-heroes-and-reflects,"On Veterans Day, Congresswoman Elaine Luria Honors Our Nation's Heroes and Reflects on Her Work on Behalf of Veterans",2020-11-11,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria reflected on the work she has done on behalf of veterans in Coastal Virginia during her first term in Congress. A 20-year Navy veteran serving a district that is home to numerous military installations and over 100,000 veterans, Congresswoman Luria has been a staunch advocate for our nation's veterans and military families. One of her top priorities is ensuring that all veterans have the resources they need to thrive after their service. On Veterans Day, like every day, it is important to recognize and thank our servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices and irreplaceable contributions, Congresswoman Luria said. In Coastal Virginia, veterans and military families are the fabric and backbone of our community. I am honored to champion the cause of those who have given so much to our nation. Since taking office in January, Congresswoman Luria has led several legislative efforts to uphold her promise to fight for American veterans. As the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) Chair, Congresswoman Luria leads legislative hearings on issues that are pertinent to veterans. Most recently, she led a hearing examining the impacts of toxic exposures on our veterans. During this hearing, the Congresswoman facilitated a discussion about the health ramifications of exposure to burn pits and oil well fires. Additionally, she has been focused on reforming and improving the compensation and pension examinations process for our veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Congresswoman recently sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, urging him to commit that VA will ensure all contractors provide timely, high-quality compensation and pension examinations to disabled veterans. Congresswoman Luria remains committed to advocating for the unique needs of our servicemembers. She will continue fighting to ensure that we uphold our promise to take care of our bravest men and women. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3363,"On Veterans Day, Spanberger, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Correct Flaw in Financial Aid System for Disabled Veterans & their Families",2020-11-11,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to fix an issue in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that has unfairly penalized disabled veterans and their families. Currently, Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation must be reported in the FAFSA and is taken into consideration when calculating an applicant's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Because this tax-free payment remains a factor in the FAFSA process, this requirement has caused many veterans and their families to take on an additional financial burden when sending their children to college. The bipartisan Honor Our Nation's Oath to Remember (HONOR) Our Veterans' Sacrifice Actwould fix this issue by excluding veteran benefits, including VA Disability Compensation, from the list of benefits required to be reported in the FAFSA. Our nation's veterans and their families deserve the strongest possible benefits we can provide and current FAFSA rules unfairly put these families at a financial disadvantage, said Spanberger. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to make a commonsense change to FAFSA forms that will result in increased fairness for those who answered the call, fought to protect their fellow Americans, and kept our nation safe. I'd like to thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his shared commitment to those who put on the uniform, and I look forward to finding additional ways to make sure no individual is unjustly penalized for their selfless service to our country. We need to be doing everything we can to help our veterans. Our disabled veterans put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms, and deserve full access to educational opportunities when they return home, said Fitzpatrick. Our bipartisan HONOR Our Veterans' Sacrifice Act will amend existing law to ensure that VA Disability Compensation is not factored in to FAFSA allocation, to help our veterans receive as much tuition assistance as they are eligible for. We should be making it easier for our veterans to get an education after serving, not harder. My husband, Matthew Ruzicka, served for 24 years in the United States Army, before retiring and beginning to collect Disability Payments for his service-connected injuries. Unfortunately, the amount of financial aid our children received for college reduced dramatically when Matt began receiving these benefits, as they are considered income in calculations for financial aid. These benefits have a specific purposeto help address my husband's service-connected injuries, said Annette Ruzicka, Midlothian. To treat these earned benefits as income is unjust and is actively hurting student veterans and veteran's families like my own. I am grateful to Representative Spanberger for her leadership on this issue. The HONOR Our Veterans' Sacrifice Act is endorsed by Student Veterans of America. Military survivors and disabled veterans receive benefits for the immense losses they have endured and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation, but these same benefitsunfortunately cancount against beneficiaries when they apply for federal financial aid to pursue higher education, said Justin Hauschild, Legal Fellow, Student Veterans of America. SVA supports theHONOR Our Veterans' Sacrifice Actbecause it will remove these benefits from federal student aid calculations to ensure military-affiliated students are honoredfor their sacrifices, and we commend Representatives Spanberger and Fitzpatrick for their leadership on this issue. Click here to read the full bill text. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4946,Beyer: GSA Delay Puts American Lives At Risk,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who led the Obama Administration's transition at the Commerce Department in 2008, issued the following statement today on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy's refusal to ascertain that President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are the successful candidates in the 2020 presidential election: Administrator Murphy's refusal to ascertain President-elect Biden's victory in the 2020 election puts American lives at risk. The refusal to initiate a transition denies the Biden-Harris team access to agency officials, including those responsible for managing the pandemic. The proliferation of infections across the country is out of control, and this situation can only be made worse by the absence of a strong, coordinated government response. The beachheads are being denied the workspace and resources needed to begin working on problems like the nation's economic crisis. Job losses continue to pile up, and American families are suffering. The transition team is being denied access to intelligence and secure facilities it needs to map out defense strategies after the President-elect is sworn in as Commander in Chief. Donald Trump's firing of national security officials adds to this leadership vacuum, and our adversaries are watching. The GSA Administrator must put the national interest above politics and initiate the transition. This should have happened days ago. Lives are at stake, and lasting damage will be done every hour that this is not made right. The nonpartisan Presidential Advisory Board, currently led by Republican Josh Bolten, who served as White House Chief of Staff under President George W. Bush, issued a statement Sunday calling upon the Trump administration to immediately begin the post-election transition process and the Biden team to take full advantage of the resources available under the Presidential Transition Act. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has clarified that it will not provide any information or resources to President-elect Biden's team until the GSA Administrator ascertains his electoral victory, which has been universally acknowledged by American news organizations and the leaders of most foreign nations since Saturday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-applauds-enactment-america-s-conservation-enhancement-act,Congresswoman Luria Applauds Enactment of Americas Conservation Enhancement Act,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"VIRGINIA BEACH, VA Today, Congresswoman Luria announced that President Trump has signed the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (S. 3051) into law. This bipartisan bill contains provisions that would help restore and clean the Chesapeake Bay, including the Congresswoman's bill, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act. This provision will authorize $455 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program over the next 5 years to provide funding for local projects and Bay restoration efforts and help states get the resources they need to clean the Chesapeake Bay. I am thrilled that President Trump has signed into law this critical legislation that will preserve the Chesapeake Bay for future generations, said Congresswoman Luria. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in our country and provides over $100 billion in economic value each year, offering endless recreational opportunities and impressive biodiversity. In Coastal Virginia, our economy and way of life depend on a clean and thriving Chesapeake Bay, and this legislation is an important step toward ensuring a prosperous future for our community. Right now, when Washington is divided on so many issues, we are grateful that Congress rallied together across party lines to restore wildlife populations and conserve our outdoor heritage, said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. At a time when one-third of wildlife are at heightened risk of extinction, the ACE Act will help restore essential wildlife habitat like wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay, address wildlife disease and invasive species, and engage the next generation of sportswomen and men. We thank Rep. Luria for her leadership in advancing bipartisan solutions at a time we need them most. Since taking office, Congresswoman Luria has maintained her promise to be a strong advocate for the Chesapeake Bay. Congresswoman Luria fought to secure $90.5 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations package, which passed the House. This builds on her legislative successes from last year, in which she secured $85 million for the program. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3359,Spanberger Statement on Administration’s Ongoing Efforts to Destroy U.S. Healthcare System While COVID-19 Cases Rise,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger released the following statement as the Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments on the administration's case to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. This week, as the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States soars above 10 million, the Trump Administration is in court pursuing its final effort to dismantle and destroy the Affordable Care Act. This reckless case to destroy the one law that provides protections for tens of thousands of Virginians with pre-existing conditions comes before the U.S. Supreme Court at a time when the pandemic is spiking in many areas of the country and millions of Americans are evaluating next year's options during the open enrollment period. The White House's lawsuit is and always has been about scoring short-lived partisan points but the consequences for working families, seniors, and Americans with preexisting conditions would be all too permanent. Destroying our existing healthcare system, with no alternative plan in place, would reverse Medicaid expansion in our Commonwealth and jeopardize Central Virginians' ability to pay for their prescriptions, access necessary care, and get the preventative screenings and vaccines that are foundational to long term health. Healthcare, particularly the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, is still the number one concern of working families in my district. I strongly oppose the administration's continued efforts to destroy the existing legal framework that so many members of our communities rely on, while also offering no clear idea at any point in the last four years about how to replace it. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3360,Spanberger Thanks Central Virginia Veterans & Military Families for Their Service Ahead of Veterans Day,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Abigail Spanberger,S001209,spanberger.house.gov,,,legacy,"*Click Here for Photos From February 2020 Visit to McGuire VA Medical Center* Today, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger thanked Central Virginia veterans for their service ahead of Veterans Day. Central Virginia has a proud record of military service, and our district is home to more than 50,000 veterans and their families. These former servicemembers have embodied the best of Virginia, consistently serving our nation and defending our people with courage, dignity, and devotion to our shared American ideals. Today, we pause to thank and celebrate everyone who has served in our armed forces. Additionally, today is a chance to renew our commitment to providing our veterans and their families with the strongest possible care and benefits. They had our back now, we need to have theirs. I will continue to work at the federal level for stronger investments in mental health services, suicide prevention efforts, and job training for the men and women who have served our country. In addition to veteran-specific casework completed by her office, Spanberger has worked to improve services and support for Central Virginians by: Strengthening prevention efforts to address the crisis of veteran suicide.In September 2019, Spanbergercosponsored a bipartisan billto improve mental health services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and address the ongoing suicide crisis among American veterans. TheIncorporating Measurements and Providing Resources for Outreach to Veterans Everywhere (IMPROVE) Well-Being for Veterans Actwould enhance coordination and planning of veteran mental health services between the VA and the more than 50,000 organizations providing suicide prevention services for veteransand the bill would develop measurement tools to track the effectiveness of these programs. Lowering out-of-pocket costs for Central Virginia veterans needing emergency transportation.Spanbergerhelped introduce bipartisan legislationthat would make ambulances more affordable for many veterans by allowing the VA to reimburse them for this emergency transportation. Securing benefits that veteran military firefighters have earned. Informed by the story of Powhatan resident and veteran military firefighter Mike Lecik, Spanberger introduced bipartisan legislation in January 2020 to create a presumptive service connection that would allow former military firefighters many of whom develop cancer or other chronic health issues to access the care and benefits they have earned. Helping homeless veterans return to and succeed in the workforce.Spanberger requested strong funding for the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, and theHouse passed this provisionas part of a bipartisan funding bill in June 2019. With this additional funding, more veterans would have access to job training, reintegration resources, and support for mental health issues related to their homelessness and unemployment. Spanberger also introduced the Computers for Veterans and Students Act in July 2020, to connect veterans in need with refurbished, surplus government computers. Passing bipartisan legislation to expand access to childcare for veterans and their families.In February 2019, Spanbergerhelped passtheVeterans Access to Child Care Act, which would make the VA's childcare pilot program permanent and expand the program to offer a safe and cost-free option for childcare during VA medical appointments. Calling on the VA to address the needs of the growing women veteran population.In a March 2019letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, Spanberger called on the VA to prioritize measures to improve treatment of women veterans at VA healthcare facilities. Additionally, the letter urged Wilkie to take necessary steps to prevent sexual harassment at VA facilities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4126,"Connolly, Pascrell, Titus Blast Trump Administration Blocking Presidential Transition",2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reacting toreportsthat the General Services Administration (GSA) is blocking the commencement of the presidential transition process, three House of Representatives chairs are demanding urgent answers. U.S. Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), the Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations,Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, and Dina Titus (D-NV-01), the Chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management have todaywrittento GSA AdministratorEmily Murphy, seeking an immediate explanation of GSA's stunning refusal to follow the law and acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden's decisive victory. The American people resoundingly voted to remove Donald Trump from office. By failing to ascertain Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' resounding victory, you are undermining the urgent need for a prompt and effective transition of power in the midst of a global pandemic that must be focused on the safety and well-being of our citizens, the members write. Donald Trump will be vacating the White House by January 20, 2021. You are directly responsible for executing the Presidential Transitions Act, as amended and ensuring a smooth, effective, and peaceful transition of power during a very difficult time in our nation. We demand that you provide answers to our questions, immediately release congressionally-appropriated funds for the incoming Biden Administration, and cease obstructing the transition to our 46th Presidential Administration. Under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, the GSA is legally required to acknowledge the outcome of a national election and begin the passage of an executive transition immediately following the conclusion of a decided election. The text of the members'letterto the GSA is provided below. November 9, 2020 Ms. Emily Murphy, Administrator General Services Administration 1800 F St NW Washington, D.C. 20405 Dear Ms. Murphy: As we write you, President-elect Joe Biden's overwhelming election victory grows by the day.[1]Having won a decisive popular vote margin and a majority of the Electoral College to become our 46th President, it is essential you uphold your responsibilities under the Presidential Transition Act (Act) of 1963. Yet, the Washington Post reports that your office is withholding certification of President-elect Biden's victory, thereby blocking the expedient and peaceful commencement of the presidential transition.[2] A candidate becomes President-elect and Vice President-elect when they are the successful candidates for the office of the President and Vice President, respectively, as ascertained by the Administrator of the General Services Administration.[3] The law explicitly states that the purpose of a presidential transition is to assure continuity in the faithful execution of the laws because any disruption could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of the United States and its people.[4]Your actions delaying the orderly transfer of the executive power fly in the face of congressional intent and ignore the will of the American people while endangering public health and national security.[5] The American people resoundingly voted to remove Donald Trump from office. By failing to ascertain Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' resounding victory, you are undermining the urgent need for a prompt and effective transition of power in the midst of a global pandemic that must be focused on the safety and well-being of our citizens. We ask that you promptly answer the following questions: Please outline why you believe the clear 2020 Presidential election outcome is not apparent and what actions you are taking to ascertain who the President-elect and Vice President-elect are. Have Donald Trump, adjutants of Mr. Trump, or other White House officials directed you to block commencement of the presidential transition? Please detail any interactions you have had with White House personnel on the presidential transition. Donald Trump will be vacating the White House by January 20, 2021. You are directly responsible for executing the Presidential Transitions Act, as amended and ensuring a smooth, effective, and peaceful transition of power during a very difficult time in our nation.We demand that you provide answers to our questions, immediately release congressionally-appropriated funds for the incoming Biden Administration, and cease obstructing the transition to our 46th Presidential Administration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4944,Beyer Statement On President-Elect Biden’s Victory,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), the Vice Chair and lead Member of the House on Congress' Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today on the victory of President-Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the 2020 presidential election: I extend my warmest congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their massive victory in the presidential election. Though it is taking time to count, they are on track for major wins in every region of the country, with more votes than any candidate in history. When he is sworn as Commander in Chief in on January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden will have a strong governing mandate. I recognize that this election has shown we are a divided nation, but we also have grave challenges that require immediate action. The time has come for President Trump to accept his defeat, pass the torch, and ensure an orderly transition of government for the Biden Administration. He has a unique power in this situation to promote national unity and to spare the country further dangerous civil strife by following the example of every American President, beginning with George Washington: the peaceful transfer of power. We have been bitterly divided, but what unites us including love of country, the Constitution, and our democratic ideals must be stronger. Inflammatory rhetoric which undermines Americans' faith in their national elections threatens lasting harm to our society, and it must stop. The country must come first. Our nation faces serious threats, including the pandemic and the stalling economic recovery. At this time of crisis, all leaders regardless of party must come together to support the President-Elect. He must be given the support he needs to take the helm of government, including swift consideration and confirmation of his team, so that he can take the country forward. We have no time to lose there is serious work to be done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4125,Connolly Statement on the Election of President-Elect Joe Biden,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Connolly Statement on the Election of President-Elect Joe Biden f t # e Washington, November 7, 2020 Today, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, released the following statement on the election of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris: Congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris. Now we get on to the awesome tasks of reconstructing our battered democracy and healing our beleaguered, beloved nation. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4124,Rep. Connolly to Hold 12th Annual Open Season Workshop,2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, will hold his 12th annual Open Season Workshop onSaturday, November 14thto assist federal employees, retirees, service members, and veterans in navigating changes to the 2020 Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans (FEHBP), and dental and vision insurance programs. The program will feature a panel of experts, including representatives from the various health care plans, to answer questions and provide information.The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 10:30 AM. To ensure the health and safety of participants and attendees, this year's workshop will be held virtually. Those interested in attending should register here. Open Season runs from November 9th, 2020 to December 14th, 2020.Federal employees seeking further information about FEHB plans can visit OPM's website athttps://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/. Current TRICARE participants can obtain additional information on dental and vision plan options by visiting:TRICARE.benefeds.com. To register for Rep. Connolly's 12th annual Open Season Workshop, click here. For more information, please contact Congressman Connolly's District Office at 703-256-3071.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4121,Chairs Seek Information on Trump Administration’s Efforts to Withhold Federal Funds from Cities Deemed “Anarchist Jurisdictions”,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jamie Raskin, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, sent aletterto Attorney General William P. Barr and aletterto Russell T. Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), requesting information on unprecedented efforts by the Trump Administration to withhold federal funds from Seattle, New York City, and Portland, Oregoncities that they have spuriously designated anarchist jurisdictions. This bizarre treatment of great American cities appears to be political retaliation by President Trump against municipal authorities that have refused to abet a brutal federal response to peaceful protests for racial equity in law enforcement, the Chairs wrote. We demand that you cease implementation of this plainly vindictive, erroneous, and almost certainly unconstitutional memorandum and policy. On September 2, 2020, President Trump issued amemorandumordering DOJ and OMB to review federal funding given to jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence, and destruction in America's cities. On September 21, 2020, DOJannouncedthat it had designated New York, Seattle, and Portland because they allegedly permitted violence and destruction of property to persist and have refused to undertake measures to counteract criminal activities. Neither the President's memorandum nor DOJ's press releaseexplainedhow these three cities, of thousands in America, were certified to be anarchist while others escaped similar description. It alsoremains unclearwhat federal funding streams have been placed in jeopardy because of these designations, or how OMB will go about determining what, if any, funds to withhold from targeted jurisdictions. Today's letter requests DOJ and OMB to produce documents and information by November 16, 2020, regarding the designation of anarchist jurisdictions and the funding streams that will be affected. Clickhereto read today's letter to DOJ. Clickhereto read today's letter to OMB.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4941,"Larsen, Beyer Introduce Bill to Prepare U.S. Aviation for Future Public Health Emergencies",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, and Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08) introduced theNational Aviation Preparedness Plan Act of 2020, legislation to require the development of a national aviation preparedness plan for future public health emergencies. The bill builds on similar language Larsen championed in the House-passed HEROES Act and the Healthy Flights Act of 2020. Lessons learned from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic show the urgent need for a national aviation preparedness plan to ensure the safety of aviation crews, employees and passengers and restore confidence in air travel, said Chair Larsen. This bill will bring federal agencies, frontline aviation workers and other key stakeholders to the table to develop a clear, comprehensive plan of action for future outbreaks. Our legislation would require better future preparedness to prevent the spread of disease via air travel during a pandemic, said Rep. Beyer. Watchdogs within the U.S. Government and the United Nations have both identified the necessity of a coordinated national strategy to prevent spread of disease by air travel as a crucial element in national and international pandemic response. However, to date, the Administration has taken no steps to implement such a plan. Our legislation would require that they do so as soon as possible, with input from agencies across the government, as well as relevant stakeholders in the aviation sector. Had a national aviation preparedness plan been in place at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may have seen different results that is why this legislation is very important both for this pandemic and for future ones. TheNational Aviation Preparedness Plan Act: Requires the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other relevant federal agencies, to develop a national aviation preparedness plan for communicable disease outbreaks. Directs DOT to consult with the U.S. aviation industry, labor unions and other key aviation stakeholders on the development of such a plan; and Calls for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) assessment of the plan, including whether it responds to public health recommendations, meets the nation's obligations under international conventions and treaties, and the extent to which U.S. aviation is prepared for future public health emergencies. In 2015, Larsen requested a GAO study on the preparedness of U.S. aviation to handle the spread of a communicable disease during the emergence of the Ebola virus. The GAO recommended that a national aviation preparedness plan would help the U.S. aviation and public health sectors to more effectively coordinate on response efforts, while minimizing disruptions to the national aviation system. The legislation is supported by key aviation stakeholders, including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. AAAE and airport executives thank Chairman Larsen and Representative Beyer for their leadership on coronavirus-related issues and for their efforts to enhance national aviation preparedness for communicable disease outbreaks, said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. Better coordination within the Federal government and more effective consultation with airports, airlines and other stakeholders on a consistent planning framework will help make our nation's aviation system safer for passengers and workers alike. The Port of Seattle deeply appreciates Representative Larsen's leadership on ensuring a consistent nationwide approach to keeping passengers and employees healthy and safe, said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), we have implemented a wide range of new FlyHealthy@SEA initiatives, but the lack of consistent, enforceable national protocols throughout the entire air travel system has led to confusion and missed opportunities. The lessons from COVID-19 must be captured and incorporated into federal guidance, and we look forward to working with Congress and USDOT to complete this important work. To read theNational Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4942,Beyer Signs Onto Legislation To Block Trump’s Order Politicizing Civil Service,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"As opposition continues to grow to President Trump's recently-announced Executive Order politicizing the federal civil service, Rep. Don Beyer today cosponsored the Saving the Civil Service Act, legislation which would reverse the order. Beyer represents the largest number of federal employees of any U.S. Representative. Trump's order would create a schedule F for federal employees who, if so classified, would be stripped of basic worker protections. Everyone should be outraged by Trump's radical attack on the federal workforce, which seeks to take America's civil service back 137 years to a time when political loyalty was deemed more important than merit or skill, said Beyer. The conscientious resignation of Federal Salary Council Chair Ronald Sanders, a Trump appointee and self-described life-long Republican named after Ronald Reagan,' should make it clear to everyone just how bad the order is. Federal employees swear an oath to the Constitution, not to the President, notwithstanding the demands for partisan subservience that Donald Trump has made on career officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci. Federal Salary Council Chair Ronald Sanders resigned in protest over the President's schedule F order earlier this week, writing that I have concluded that as a matter of conscience, I can no longer serve him or his Administration after the announcement of an order that seeks to replace apolitical expertise with political obeisance. The National Treasury Employees Union subsequently filed suit against the Administration over the order. The Saving the Civil Service Act was introduced this week by Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4943,"Norton, Beyer Applaud Department of Justice Decision They Fought for to Allow Local Police Who are Part of Federal Task Forces to Wear Body Cameras",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) applauded last night's Department of Justice (DOJ) decision to allow local police officers who are on federal task forces to wear body cameras. Norton and Beyer have introduced two body camera bills: The first bill, which passed the House this year, would require all uniformed federal police officers to wear body cameras and have dashboard cameras in police vehicles, and the second bill would prohibit the federal government from refusing to work with local police departments that require their officers to wear body cameras, which would essentially codify DOJ's new policy. IDOJ had prohibited local police officers on federal task forces from wearing body cameras. In this year of increasing clashes and protests over police violence, it's particularly appropriate that the Department of Justice has taken this small step toward police accountability by allowing local police officers who are part of federal task forces to wear body cameras, Norton said. Local and federal police should always be on the same page, especially on a matter such as body cameras, whose effectiveness has been shown. This should be the first step toward full accountability, when both federal and local police officers will embrace appropriate use of body cameras. I'm glad to see that the Justice Department has reversed course after a year and a half of pursuing a backwards policy of discouraging local law enforcement from using body cameras, Beyer said. This is a step in the right direction, but it should never have been necessary and cost crucial time. Every federal officer should use body-worn cameras, and the Administration must embrace forward-thinking reforms that improve transparency and accountability of policing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-urges-hasc-and-sasc-chairs-and-ranking-members,Congresswoman Elaine Luria Urges HASC and SASC Chairs and Ranking Members to Include Crucial Jones Act Provision in NDAA,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Elaine Luria,L000591,luria.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, Congresswoman Luria led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, urging them include language in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization to clarify that federal laws, including the Jones Act, apply to offshore wind development The Jones Act ensures a level of maritime capability that is critical to our national security, said Congresswoman Luria. Language clarifying that the Jones Act and all federal law applies to offshore wind projects will strengthen the maritime sector and help readiness. Click here to read the letter. In Congress, Congresswoman Luria has been a steadfast advocate for the maritime community.The Congresswoman sent a lettercalling on House leadership to support MSP participants during the COVID-19 pandemic by encouraging all government-generated cargoes to have 100% U.S.- flag cargo preference and to reject Jones Act waivers during the pandemic. She also called for economic relief for operators to cover costs associated with maintaining their vessels and keeping crews employed and safe during the pandemic. Last year, Congresswoman Luria fought to secure $300 million for the DOT Maritime Security Programto ensure that the United States has U.S.-flag commercial sealift capability and trained merchant mariners available in times of war or national emergencies. Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3400,"Wittman Celebrates Signing of Once-in-a-Generation Environmental, Chesapeake Bay Legislation into Law",2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,VA,Robert Wittman,W000804,wittman.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) applauded President Trump for signing the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, arguably the most important piece of environmental legislation for the Chesapeake Bay, national wetlands, and fish habitats in the past twenty years, into law. The ACE Act is a once-in-a-generation advancement to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and protect and conserve our natural environment across America,Congressman Wittman said.As a passionate waterfowl hunter, I am grateful for the hard work put into passing this legislation to conserve critical migratory bird habitat across America. The Bay is a national treasure, and the ACE Act provides additional resources and extends critical conservation programs that preserve wetlands, reduce pollution, and increase recreational opportunities in Virginia. The ACE Act would make record investments in the Chesapeake Bay and establish several programs to boost the health of the watershed. Earlier this month, Congressman Wittman had the incredible honor tomanage suspension debatefor the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act on the House Floor.Click here to watch Congressman Wittman's floor remarks Most notably, the ACE Act contains two pieces of legislation sponsored by Congressman Wittman: National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act, which establishes the National Fish Habitat Board to (1) encourage partnerships among public agencies and other interested parties to promote fish conservation, (2) establish national goals and priorities for fish habitat conservation, (3) recommend to Congress entities for designation as a Fish Habitat Partnership, and (4) review and make recommendations regarding fish habitat conservation projects. America's Conservation Enhancement Act, which Congressman Wittman jointly introduced with Rep. Mike Thompson (D, CA-05), which reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitat while supporting local economies and American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching. The ACE Act also contains several bipartisan bills introduced and advanced by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which Congressman Wittman is a Co-Chair, and on all of which Congressman Wittman was an original cosponsor, including: This year, Congressman Wittman has continued his work in Congress to conserve the Bay and the environment which date back to the beginning of his time in Congress. Earlier this summer, Congressman Wittman voted in favor of theGreat American Outdoors Act(GAOA) to pay down the National Park Service's maintenance backlog and provides permanent funding for theLand and Water Conservation Fund. In July, Congressman Wittman joined Members from the Bay region in sending aletter tothe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighting the severe impacts COVID-19 is having on the seafood industry, requesting that USDA consider establishing a short-term purchasing program for shellfish products, including farmed and wild-caught oyster and clam products, to help sustain markets for local seafood and preserve Virginia's robust seafood industry. Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Wittman served over 25 years as a public health scientist for the Virginia Department of Health, conducting field research in the Chesapeake Bay. From his experience, he is aware of the ecological challenges facing Virginia public lands, waters, and the environment. In 2018, Congressman Wittman's historic and bipartisanKeep America's Refuges Operational Actwas signed into law to reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer, community partnership, and education programs to help ensure Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt and study wildlife for generations to come. Congressman Wittman also serves as a Co-Chair of the Wildlife Refuge Caucus. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4120,Chairs Call on USGS Director James Reilly to be Removed After IG Investigation Determines He Retaliated Against Whistleblower,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations,Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Ral M. Grijalva, the Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources, called for the removal of James Reilly as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) after the Department of the Interior Inspector General found that he targeted and retaliated against whistleblowers: Whistleblower retaliation does not get more clear cut than this. Director Reilly made it a practice to seek out whistleblowers and target them for transfer. Anyone who uses official power to retaliate against whistleblowerswho help uncover waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagementis not fit to hold government office. The Administration must immediately remove Director Reilly. Integrity and accountability matter. Today, the Inspector General issued areportsubstantiating allegations of whistleblower retaliation after determining that Reilly transferred an employee to a different position after learning that the employee had filed a complaint against him with the Inspector General. The Inspector General determined that Reilly sought out information about other employee complaints. The report states: USGS personnel also confirmed that Reilly asked whether employees had filed complaints against him with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Special Counsel, our office, or Congress. The USGS personnel said Reilly wanted to know of anyone filing such complaints so that he could move them'. Clickhereto read the report issued by the Inspector General.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4940,"Disaster Looms: As Republicans Abandon America’s Unemployed, Millions Face Total Loss Of Income",2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Donald Beyer,B001292,beyer.house.gov,,,legacy,"No matter what happens next week, tens of millions of Americans will remain unemployed as the cold season threatens the country with new spikes of coronavirus cases. Already beset by the loss of enhanced unemployment benefits which Senate Republicans allowed to expire in July, over ten million workers face a total loss of income when CARES Act unemployment programs expire if they are not renewed by the end of the year. The Senate adjourned on Monday with no plans to resume work until mid-November, and Senate Republicans remain opposed to a new assistance package to provide relief to American families. Republicans' failure to reauthorize unemployment supports is a catastrophic mistake that threatens to engulf the personal finances of millions of families, said Rep. Don Beyer, Vice Chair of Congress' Joint Economic Committee. Unfortunately, this problem will be compounded by Republican opposition to new economic assistance, which has resulted as we warned it would in a stalled recovery. The economic calamity threatening American households is largely self-inflicted, and will get even more dire unless Congress takes bipartisan action soon. We are no longer talking about stimulus, we are talking about life-preservers for millions people who have been terribly hurt and face worse personal tragedy. In the wake of the economic collapse caused by the pandemic, Congress enacted a series of expansions of existing unemployment programs (see the excellent flowchart created by the Congressional Research Service here). Availability of benefits varies by state based on state law and economic conditions, but key programs set up by Congress expire at the end of the year. If they are allowed to expire, millions of workers in certain jobless benefit situations would be completely cut off and face a total loss of income. The list of expiring programs includes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which currently has over 10 million recipients. Millions more currently receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which also is set to expire at the year's end, would largely be shifted to Extended Benefits in states where they remain triggered on (explainer here). However, the cost-sharing agreement with the federal government for that program will expire, potentially overwhelming state unemployment insurance trust funds with new unemployment recipients. Extended Benefits have significantly shorter duration than regular state unemployment insurance. Enhanced federal benefits passed in the CARES Act achieved significant levels of wage replacement and averted a larger collapse of aggregate demand. In the months since Senate Republicans allowed those benefits to expire, long term unemployment has grown significantly and many have already exhausted regular state benefits. Job growth has stalled, but the bottom has not fallen out of the economy yet largely thanks to widespread increased savings by American households which helped sustain spending after unemployment benefits fell off. President Trump's cut-in-half unemployment benefit was insufficient to the scope of need and ran out quickly without ever reaching many unemployed workers. Though the President claims our economy is doing great, the reality is far worse than many realize. Historically high unemployment continues with regular announcements of mass layoffs, and millions of small businesses report they are on the edge of failure. In the wake of massive job losses millions have already lost health insurance, and many millions more are at risk of losing coverage. The economic damage caused by the pandemic has been uneven across different groups of American workers, hitting people of color especially hard and causing millions of women to leave the labor force entirely. As long-term unemployment spikes, many Americans are simply running out of money. Half of the nation's unemployed were unable to cover basic expenses in August and over 34 million found doing so very difficult. Growing numbers risk losing power and water and 40 million Americans are at risk of eviction, threatening a homelessness pandemic' as temporary moratoria expire. The nation is experiencing simultaneous mental health and child care crises, and millions are just going hungry.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4117,Chair Connolly and Maloney Issue Statements on District Court Ordering Postal Service to Take Further Action to Reverse DeJoy’s Harmful Changes,2020-10-28,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,VA,Gerald Connolly,C001078,connolly.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, issued the following statements after the District Court for the District of Columbia ordered that the U.S. Postal Service must take specific immediate steps to reverse mail collection limits and to increase the on-time delivery of Election Mail less than a week out from the presidential election: I applaud the Court's ruling that demandswith daily judicial oversightthat the Postal Service fully reverse any and all of the sweeping changes rushed through by Postmaster General DeJoy that have caused nationwide delays that persist to this day, Chairwoman Maloney said. These Postal Service delays are now jeopardizing the delivery of election mail, so I encourage all Americans who have not yet voted to vote in person or use designated election drop boxes. This order further emphasizes that Postmaster General DeJoy has either been unable or unwilling to fix what he broke within the Postal Service and to get our mail delivery back to what it was before he started on the job, Chairman Connolly said. I certainly hope that Judge Sullivan's actions work, but with serious delays in performance continuing, particularly in certain urban areas, I urge any American who has not yet voted to do so in person or by delivering their ballot to properly designated election offices or drop boxes. The ruling will require the Postal Service to: Inform employees by today that the guidelines issued on July 14, 2020, by USPS Vice President of Logistics, Robert Cintron, regarding the use of late and extra trips are rescinded. Perform late and extra trips to the maximum extent necessary to increase on-time mail deliveries, particularly Election Mail. Provide employees by 9 a.m. tomorrow a list of state-specific statutory ballot receipt deadlines so that USPS managers and employees can implement the Election Mail guidance that Defendants (the Postal Service) recently issued. Until the Court orders otherwise, file with the Court by 10:00 AM each day: (1) updated data on the number of extra and late trips performed the preceding day, at the Nation, Area, and District level, including any available data that is specific to Election Mail, to the maximum extent feasible; (2) updated data on the percentage of on-time deliveries at the Nation, Area, and District level, including any available data that is specific to Election Mail to the maximum extent feasible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z