While it was a great week visiting with folks up and down the Shenandoah and Roanoke Valley, last week also marked the observance of President Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. This historic tragedy left thousands of Americans and Afghan allies stranded and took the lives of 13 American service members. On a brighter note, the elected members of the Roanoke County School Board agreed with the recommendation of myself and Rep. Morgan Griffith that they, along with parents and taxpayers, are the ones making decisions on local school matters – not unelected bureaucrats in Washington. We also honored 107 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and congratulated the Northside High School Men’s Basketball team on their state championship win. Rest assured, as Congress is set to return this fall, I am continuing my work to advance our shared priorities in Washington.
A Sober Remembrance: The Fall of Afghanistan
Two years ago, President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan reversed two decades of progress and gifted the Taliban $80 billion in taxpayer-funded weapons. Worse still, in the midst of this chaos, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest near the Abbey Gate of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport. Thirteen U.S. service members were tragically killed in the blast.
President Biden’s flawed withdrawal from Afghanistan was a slap in the face to all those who served, were wounded, or paid the ultimate price in defense of our Nation. May they never be forgotten, and may we forever honor their sacrifice and service.
Fighting Against DOJ’s Attempted Overreach in Roanoke County School Board Issues
President Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) should not be trying to insert itself into important local matters facing parents and students. Unfortunately, according to a recent report, the DOJ’s Community Relations Service (CRS) is seeking to intervene as an unwanted “mediator” in Roanoke County School Board’s deliberations over whether or not to adopt Governor Glenn Youngkin’s new initiative in public schools.
Elected school board members should be the ones making the decisions that are in the best interests of Roanoke County parents and students without unelected bureaucrats in Washington getting in the way. That is why I, along with Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) sent a letter to the Roanoke County School Board Chairman urging that the Board rejects the agency’s attempt to overstep its authority, and I’m pleased that the Board agreed. Read more in The Daily Wire here.
Drought Warnings Across the Sixth District
Recently, many parts of our area and across the Commonwealth have been issuing a drought warning due to high temperatures and extremely low water levels, including Winchester, and Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, Rockingham, and Augusta Counties by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. While droughts are not uncommon, they can have far-reaching impacts on agriculture, water availability for municipalities and industry, and wildfires. I am working with officials to ensure that resources are available for all affected by these severe drought conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions will most likely persevere for a while. For more information and to stay up-to-date on drought conditions in our area, visit www.drought.gov/states/virginia.
Marine Corps Reserve 107th Birthday
For 107 years, the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, “Relevant, Ready, Responsive,” has been demonstrated by the Reserve’s service in both World Wars, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and numerous other conflicts, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. It is because of their sacrifice and dedication that we are able to live freely and enjoy our way of life. To all of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve service members, Veterans, and their families – thank you for being always ready to protect our Nation and fight for freedom.
Koppers Plant
The Koppers facility in Salem produces railroad products, including 1 million railroad crossties annually for Class 1 railroad customers. I enjoyed touring and meeting with employees this week and learning more about their work in the industry.
High School State Champions: Northside High School Men’s Basketball Team
Virginia’s Sixth District is the district of champions, and it was an honor to present the Northside High School Men’s Basketball team with a plaque commemorating their state championship win.
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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