As we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, we took note of the blessings we have been given throughout the year. And as we move into the Christmas season and the New Year, America faces numerous challenges, but I am optimistic that we will rise to the occasion, as we have always done, and move the country into better days. We must secure the border, tame inflation, make our cities and neighborhoods safe again, and assure the American people that their government will be held accountable. With Congress set to return next week, I look forward to returning to Washington and fighting for you.
Much to be Thankful for as Americans
Though Thanksgiving for many of us may be our favorite holiday, we should all remember every day that, despite the hardships we may face in our own lives from time to time, we wake each morning in the greatest country on earth. I’m thankful for my family, our brave men and women in uniform, the freedoms we get to enjoy every day as Americans, and the opportunity to serve you in the people’s House of Representatives, the greatest honor of a lifetime.
Biden Border Crisis Resignations Growing, and More Needed
Responding to recent pressure from me and my colleagues, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Chris Magnus announced that he has tendered his resignation. This comes after a record-breaking year for the number of migrants attempting to enter the United States through the southern border. Commissioner Magnus failed to uphold the CBP’s core mission: to protect our borders, support our border patrol officers, and keep America safe.
While this resignation is a good start, the lack of enforcement begins with the failure of President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to secure our border from record numbers of illegals and drugs flowing into our country. It is past time they take responsibility for their incompetent handling of the border crisis, and when the 118th Congress convenes in January, one of its first duties will be holding this administration accountable for its willful dereliction of duty.
Toxic Exposure Screenings Available for Veterans
While all Veterans are eligible for screening, if you served in Iraq or Afghanistan and are at an increased risk of toxic exposure, I urge you to take advantage of new toxic exposure screenings offered through the VA. For Veterans enrolled in VA health care, the VA states that Veterans can now receive the screening at their next VA health care appointment. If you qualify and want to be screened sooner, however, contact your local VA facility and ask to be screened by the Toxic Exposure Screening Navigator. For more information, visit Get the New Toxic Exposure Screening.
Small Business Saturday
Last Saturday, we celebrated Small Business Saturday, which serves as a reminder that government must not obstruct but foster economic growth, especially for small businesses that employ over 60 million workers across the Nation. In fact, Virginia alone is home to roughly 750,000 small businesses that employ 1.6 million Virginians. I will always fight for free-market principles and a low tax and regulatory environment that champions and grows small businesses.
COVID-19 Update
Last week in Virginia there remained an average of 10 daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents. This week’s COVID-19 test positivity rate remained at 8%.
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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