The Shadow
It has been a busy week in Washington as House Republicans work to get our country back on the right track. In a House Intelligence Committee hearing, we heard from President Trump’s national security team about the growing threats facing our nation. Just one day later, one of the top MS-13 gang leaders in the country was arrested in Virginia, underscoring the urgent need to secure our border and keep violent criminals off our streets. The House Judiciary Committee also passed legislation to ensure that law-abiding gun owners can exercise their Second Amendment rights across state lines. It is always a privilege to meet with folks from the Commonwealth, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure a brighter future for Virginia’s Sixth District.
Confronting Global Threats Head-On
The threats to our nation from adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia continue to grow and must be taken seriously. Last week, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I participated in a hearing focused on worldwide threats, joined by intelligence leaders including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. They highlighted critical successes under President Trump’s leadership, including the operation that captured a senior terrorist responsible for planning the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 13 brave U.S. service members.
During the hearing, I had the opportunity to question DNI Gabbard about the Chinese Communist Party’s increasing cyberattacks on America’s critical infrastructure, which only intensified under the Biden administration. She emphasized the need for more robust cybersecurity measures and greater collaboration with the private sector to counter these threats effectively.
I share Director Gabbard’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the American people. Our national security is not up for negotiation. I’ll continue working closely with President Trump’s experienced intelligence team to protect American families and confront these threats head-on.
Keeping Our Communities Safe from Violent Criminals
Last week, thanks to strong leadership from the Trump Administration, a senior MS-13 gang leader was apprehended right here in Virginia. Authorities on Thursday arrested 24-year-old Henrry Josue Villatoro Santos during an early morning raid in Dale City, Virginia. This successful arrest is proof that the newly formed FBI and DOJ task force is delivering results, empowering local law enforcement to work directly with ICE to remove dangerous criminals from our communities.
For far too long, the radical Left’s weak border policies and sanctuary cities have allowed violent gangs like MS-13 to spread drugs, crime, and violence across our neighborhoods. Under the previous administration, ICE officers were handcuffed by red tape, and local police were blocked from partnering with federal authorities, leaving Virginians vulnerable and criminals free.
However, President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel are reversing these failed policies. This arrest sends a clear message: when we back our law enforcement officers and give them the resources to do their jobs, our streets become safer.
Defending the Second Amendment and Advancing Concealed Carry Reciprocity
The Second Amendment guarantees law-abiding Americans the fundamental right to protect themselves and their families, and that is a right I will always defend. Last week, the House Judiciary Committee considered legislation that takes a commonsense step toward safeguarding that freedom. I was proud to support the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill I cosponsored.
This legislation ensures that individuals with valid concealed carry permits can exercise their rights across state lines, just like a driver’s license, while still respecting each state’s laws. For too long, responsible gun owners have had to contend with a confusing and inconsistent set of laws that vary from state to state, often putting them at legal risk for simply traveling. This bill restores fairness and reinforces our commitment to the Constitution.
The Judiciary Committee took an important step in advancing this legislation, and I look forward to supporting it further when it comes to the House floor. I’ll continue fighting to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners in Virginia and across the country.
Legislative Update: Standing Up for American Farmers
Agriculture is the backbone of the Sixth District, and our farmers play a vital role in feeding Virginia and the nation. Unfortunately, the U.S. has grown far too reliant on imported produce, leaving us vulnerable and undercutting American producers.
That’s why I cosponsored the Grown in America Act, which encourages the purchase of domestically grown agricultural products and creates a tax credit for businesses that buy from American farmers. This commonsense legislation will help lower costs at the grocery store, strengthen our supply chain, and put American agriculture first.
We don’t need to look abroad when we have the resources and ability to grow fresh, quality produce right here at home. I’ll always support legislation that puts our farmers first.
Casework Update: Helping Those Who Served
One of the most important responsibilities of my office is helping constituents resolve issues with federal agencies.
Recently, a veteran from Botetourt County reached out to my Roanoke office after months of frustrating delays with the Department of Veterans Affairs. After medically retiring from the Coast Guard in 1981, he had been receiving benefits based on a 60 percent disability rating. In August 2023, his classification was updated to 100 percent medically disabled, entitling him to a higher level of compensation. He submitted the required paperwork in August 2024 to switch from receiving retirement pay to receiving full VA compensation. But for months, the VA failed to process his claim or respond to his inquiries.
Concerned that his case had been lost in the system, he contacted my office on March 6, 2025. My staff quickly stepped in, contacted the VA directly, and worked to resolve the issue. Just 11 days later, the veteran received $77,951.82 in retroactive compensation and had his monthly payments adjusted to reflect his correct disability rating, significantly increasing the support he receives going forward.
Veterans deserve more than delays and red tape. I will always fight to ensure those who served our nation get the benefits they have earned.
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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