The Shadow
It was another productive week in Washington as the House continued advancing the priorities of our community and Nation. From defending the rights of American citizens to supporting our law enforcement officers on the front lines, we are tackling the issues that matter most. We also addressed important concerns like the ongoing avian flu outbreak, which is causing egg prices to rise and impacting families and businesses across the country. Additionally, I had the honor of meeting with outstanding organizations that are making a difference in communities throughout the Sixth District and across our Nation. As we continue working to get America back on track, rest assured, I’ll keep fighting for the values and interests of the Sixth District.
Fighting Back
Against Censorship
As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I recently participated in a hearing titled “The Censorship-Industrial Complex”, where we examined the Biden-Harris Administration’s failed censorship campaign and the rising threats to free speech in Europe and elsewhere. One of the most concerning issues we discussed was the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund the iVerify tool, an AI-driven fact-checking initiative developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). During the hearing, I raised serious concerns about the UNDP’s misuse of taxpayer funds to create and implement this censorship tool, which is nothing short of Orwellian. This initiative has the potential to suppress free speech not just in the U.S., but worldwide, and it is wrong for American taxpayers to be footing the bill.
That’s why this year I reintroduced the End U.N. Censorship Act—a bill that would stop U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting this dangerous initiative. We cannot allow the UN or any foreign entity to use AI to censor speech in the name of combating misinformation. This is a direct attack on the First Amendment and a clear violation of the rights we hold dear as Americans.
I will continue fighting to protect free speech and ensure that our taxpayer dollars are not used to promote censorship on a global scale. The End U.N. Censorship Act is a critical step in stopping this overreach and defending the fundamental rights that make our country great.
Defending Those
Who Defend Us
On December 7, 2022, Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr. tragically lost his life in the line of duty while pursuing illegal immigrants fleeing near Mission, Texas. High-speed chases, whether involving migrants being trafficked, innocent Americans, or law enforcement officers, often result in devastating consequences. It’s clear we need stronger measures to protect our communities and ensure those who endanger the lives of others face meaningful consequences.
That’s why I was proud to support the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, a critical piece of legislation designed to hold criminals accountable for putting our law enforcement officers and citizens at risk. This bill creates tough new penalties for individuals who flee Border Patrol within 100 miles of the southern border, including jail time and permanent inadmissibility to the U.S.
By passing this legislation, we are honoring Agent Gonzalez’s sacrifice and sending a clear message: we will not tolerate criminals who put our communities in harm’s way. No one who harms our law enforcement officers has a place in this country.
Monitoring
the Avian Flu
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has placed significant strain on the agriculture industry, driving up the cost of eggs nationwide and presenting new challenges for our farmers. Agriculture is not just an industry in Virginia’s Sixth District—it’s a way of life, and I’m closely monitoring this situation as it unfolds. With Virginia ranking seventh in the Nation for the number of birds affected, it’s essential that we continue to support our farmers and protect our local agricultural economy.
My team and I are staying engaged, working closely with local leaders to ensure our farmers have the resources they need to navigate these challenges. From ensuring access to the necessary support, to advocating for policies that protect and strengthen our agriculture industry, we’re committed to standing with our local farmers during this difficult time.
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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