It was another packed and productive week back in the House of Representatives. As we see our colleges and universities being overrun with protests, I introduced legislation that will ensure universities are using taxpayer funded grant dollars for scientific research, not to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Additionally, I asked USDA’s Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux how we can better support our famers in Virginia’s Sixth District. Further, I asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about I-81 traffic and the impact of the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse. The Judiciary Committee also held a hearing in Philadelphia to hear from victims of crime due to radical prosecutors’ pro-crime policies. I also enjoyed meeting with various constituents and organizations on the issues most important to them. As we head into another busy week of session, I will continue to fight in Washington for the people of Virginia’s Sixth District.
Introducing A Bill To Curb Subsidies For Wealthy Universities
Universities across the country are receiving tens of billions of taxpayer dollars intended for scientific research. While some are using their grant money appropriately, others are misusing the grant money to fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. We saw intimidated university officials bowing to the woke mob last week and allowing their campuses to be destroyed by leftist violence. This cannot be supported by US taxpayer dollars.
That is why last week, I introduced the No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act, which will ensure that higher education institutions are using your taxpayer dollars for conducting legitimate research, rather than pushing the Left’s radical agenda. This legislation eliminates indirect cost reimbursement on federal research grants for institutions with endowments over $5 billion and caps indirect cost reimbursement for institutions with endowments larger than $2 billion but less than $5 billion at 8 percent. The bill also caps indirect cost reimbursement for all other institutions at 15 percent.
Upholding the Justice System
The House Judiciary Committee has the oversight responsibility to ensure that federal funds going to law enforcement are used to uphold justice under the law and to keep communities safe. Sadly, the pro-crime, anti-victim policies of prosecutors in big cities, like Philadelphia, have led to a rise in crime.
During a field hearing in Philadelphia last week, I heard firsthand how the refusal of George Soros-funded liberals to prosecute crimes is a betrayal of victims and justice itself. This spike in crime is not just happening in Philadelphia, it is happening in cities throughout the US, including in Virginia’s Sixth District.
As a former assistant prosecutor, I know that the solution for a safer America continues to be:
Law enforcement willing to arrest and charge individuals.
Prosecutors willing to pursue guilty verdicts.
Judges willing to adjudicate, sentence, and incarcerate convicted criminals.
Standing Up for Farmers
Farmers are struggling in the Sixth District and across the country with high inflation and high prices for labor, equipment, and fertilizer as a result of Joe Biden’s out-of-control spending and economic policies. In one example, USDA’s Farm Service Agency guaranteed loan size limits haven’t kept up despite skyrocketing costs in farming across America.
During a hearing in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration last week, I asked FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux how raising these limits can better support our farmers. Rest assured, I’ll continue fighting for fiscal responsibility and ways to support our farmers and rural communities in Virginia’s Sixth District and across the nation.
Concerns with Transportation in Virginia
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the six lives lost in Baltimore in March was a tragedy that has impacted not only the Baltimore region, but also Virginia. Union officials have said that some coal trains are being rerouted through Roanoke to coal piers in Norfolk, which could require Norfolk Southern to double the amount of export coal loaded each month at the Lambert’s Point Terminal. During a hearing last week, I asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg how their Department has been working with the railroads and the Port of Norfolk to ensure rail is able to accommodate without delays to passenger rail.
I also had the opportunity to ask Transportation Secretary Buttigieg about their Department’s support for adding a third lane to I-81 and their plan to help reduce traffic fatalities on the interstate. As you all know, I-81 has been overburdened with truck traffic for decades. As a fellow I-81 driver, I am concerned with the improvement and safety of the interstate. High usage has had a major impact on congestion and safety that has lead to increased traffic fatalities. These problems will not end without addressing the need for a third lane, and I will continue to fight for the dire need for congestion relief and safety improvements on the interstate.
National Day of Prayer
I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and with God, our best days are still to come. National Day of Prayer is a great day to remind ourselves of that. May we give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given us and ask for His grace to bless our nation.
Military Appreciation Month
This Military Appreciation Month is a time to honor and remember the patriotic men and women in uniform who serve our great Nation. It is because of their selfless sacrifice and dedication to defend our freedoms that we are able to live freely and enjoy our way of life. To all our service members, Veterans, and their families — thank you for your sacrifice and service.
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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