While Congress began three weeks of a lame-duck session, I began the week hearing directly from constituents in town hall meetings in Rockbridge, Rockingham, Waynesboro, and Shenandoah — stay tuned for another town hall coming your way soon. The message from constituents was clear: rescue our economy, secure our borders, take back our streets, and regain our energy independence. I also joined my colleagues in urging a delay of a provision that would make Americans fill out a 1099-K form for payments as menial as $600 (formerly $20,000) through mediums like Venmo and PayPal. I was also pleased to honor the legendary meteorologist and news anchor, WDBJ7’s Robin Reed, and enjoyed visiting Shickel Corporation’s metal fabrication plant. As we look upon the holiday and Christmas season with joy, I’ll do my part to ensure Washington does not become the Grinch that stole Christmas during this Democrat-run lame-duck session.
Connecting with Constituents, Bringing Their Voices to Washington
It is always great to be able to meet with and receive firsthand feedback from the residents I am privileged to represent in Congress. I was proud to host four town halls last week in Rockbridge County, Waynesboro, Rockingham County, and Shenandoah County. Sixth District residents expressed frustration with the sour economic situation in America, with near 40-year high inflation hitting paychecks and savings accounts hard, as well as crushing energy costs from the pump to home heating bills. Additionally, I heard their concerns about crime and the border crisis, and demands to hold big government accountable. I found the feedback from constituents constructive and I appreciated the dialogue we had, no matter their stance on the issues. This type of direct communication is helpful in a representative government, and I look forward to seeing you at one of my next town halls coming your way soon.
On the Agenda: Get the IRS Off Our Backs
In addition to the 87,000 IRS agents provided under the misnamed “Inflation ‘Acceleration’ Act,” the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” contained a provision that would directly impact most Americans who use applications such as PayPal and Venmo to pay bills, transfer money to friends and family, or purchase items. Under this intrusive rule, reporting requirements for third-party transactions would be lowered from $20,000 to $600, subjecting millions to fill out a 1099-K form or face consequences from the IRS. I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the IRS urging they delay the implementation of this law and provide additional details related to the execution and privacy concerns of this law. Rest assured, I will continue demanding accountability and work to rein in the out-of-control bureaucracy.
Honoring a Weatherman Turned Local Journalism Legend
It was a privilege to recognize the journalism career of WDBJ7’s legendary meteorologist and news anchor, Robin Reed, as he recently announced his well-deserved retirement from local news. I join the southern Sixth District in wishing Robin a great retirement and thank him for his lasting contributions to local journalism.
Shickel Corporation
It was great to stop by the Shickel Corporation in Bridgewater, which provides design, fabrication, and installation of custom, high-quality metal products on sites all around the Mid-Atlantic. I got to see firsthand one of their latest projects — handrails for the House Chamber floor in the U.S. Capitol.
COVID-19 Update
Last week in Virginia there was an average of 14 daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents, up from 10 last week. This week’s COVID-19 test positivity rate was 10%, up from 8% 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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