This week, the world’s greatest democratic experiment was front and center as the American people made their voices heard in local, state, and national elections across our great country. I am honored that the constituents of Virginia’s Sixth District have allowed me to continue to take their views, concerns, hopes and dreams to Congress as their Representative. In a fitting follow to the election, we celebrated the 247th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and honored those who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces. Due in part to their sacrifices, we experience the blessings of democracy and liberty offered to this great Nation.
Democracy Prevails
The Framers intended the House of Representatives to be the elected body most responsive to the people, with all 435 seats chosen every two years, along with one-third (33) of the 100-member Senate. While some falsely claimed that democracy would end if certain outcomes happened, the exact opposite became clear as record numbers of voters exercised their right to vote. The election saw mixed results with both parties excited and disappointed, but the real winner of the evening was the victory for the democratic process.
I am humbled and grateful for the confidence residents of the Sixth District showed by giving me the honor of representing them and their hopes and concerns in Washington. It is with them in mind that I’ll go to Washington and fight for a better future for Virginia and our Nation.
Veterans Day
President Abraham Lincoln first highlighted the need to care for our Nation’s Veterans in his second inaugural address. Out of the 700-word speech, Lincoln set forth a mission that is as important now as it was then when he uttered the words, [that America must] “care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” These words greet every Veteran as they enter a VA facility.
Few things in Congress are more important than taking care of those who took care of us by making sure Veterans have access to quality and timely health care services and to the benefits they earned.
I am grateful for each of our Veterans and their families for the service and sacrifice they made to our great Nation.
It was an honor to join many Veterans at Veterans Day ceremonies across the Sixth District. First, I attended the ceremony at Grottoes Town Hall with Grottoes Mayor Jo Plaster, and I met some great Sixth District patriots.
Finally, I was pleased to attend W.E. Cundiff Elementary School’s Veterans Day program. It is always a special experience to see our young people honor those who defended our freedom.
Semper Fi and Happy 247th Birthday Marines
Not only were we fortunate to celebrate Veterans Day last week, but also the United States Marine Corps’ birthday! As we celebrated the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps, we honored, cherished, remembered, and thanked our Marines for their service. From “the Halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli,” to the beaches of Iwo Jima, Americans can count on the Marine Corps to keep us safe. Semper Fidelis!
COVID-19 Update
Last week in Virginia there was an average of 12 daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents, down from 13 last week. This week’s COVID-19 test positivity rate was 8%, down from 9% last week.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
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