The Shadow
Last week, Congress worked to advance policies that protect our communities, uphold the Constitution, and restore accountability throughout the federal government. From confronting judicial overreach to standing firmly against attempts to revive the unconstitutional practice of proxy voting, I remain focused on ensuring Congress serves the American people. Last week, I met with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to discuss the importance of strengthening our military. In addition, I was proud to cosponsor legislation supporting President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran—reaffirming our commitment to peace through strength. As always, I welcomed constituents from across the district who continue to serve their communities and make our region stronger. I look forward to building on this momentum in the week ahead and will continue fighting for the values we share.
Addressing Judicial Overreach
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and the Subcommittee on the Constitution recently held a joint hearing to examine the growing problem of judicial overreach. We focused on how certain federal judges have issued nationwide injunctions that go well beyond their jurisdiction and undermine the authority of the executive branch. These rulings have increasingly been used to block President Trump’s agenda and interfere with the enforcement of immigration law and public safety efforts.
During the hearing, we heard testimony from Cindy Romero, a resident of Aurora, Colorado, who shared her firsthand experience living in an apartment complex overtaken by the violent gang, Tren de Aragua, known as “MS-13 on steroids.” Stories like hers make clear what is at stake. When activist judges, like Judge Boasberg in Washington, D.C., issue sweeping injunctions that halt the deportation of these gang members, they prevent law enforcement from keeping our communities safe.
Keeping Congress Accountable: No Proxy Voting
The Constitution makes it clear that Members of Congress are elected to show up, vote in person, and represent the people they serve. Proxy voting goes against that responsibility. Lawmakers should be present in Washington, casting their own votes and doing the work the American people sent them here to do.
Under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, proxy voting was introduced and quickly misused for reasons unrelated to medical necessity or parental leave. This practice weakens transparency and undermines the integrity of the legislative process. Fortunately, the push to adopt proxy voting by Rep. Luna was abandoned this week in favor of greater accommodations for new mothers in the Capitol building. I joined Newsmax’s Wake Up America to share my thoughts on proxy voting and more. Click below to watch the full interview.
Restoring Peace Through Strength
Last week, I joined Speaker Johnson and several colleagues for a productive conversation with Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. We discussed the importance of strengthening and modernizing our military while remaining fiscally responsible. Under the Biden Administration, weakness abroad and wasteful spending at home have put our national security at risk. The Trump Administration is working to reverse course by restoring a strategy rooted in peace through strength and ensuring that every defense dollar is used to support our servicemembers and protect the American people.
Legislative Update: Holding Iran Accountable
Iran continues to be a leading state sponsor of terrorism and poses a serious threat to the national security of the United States. From targeting American service members to plotting attacks against U.S. officials, including a plot against President Trump, the Iranian regime has made its hostility toward our country clear. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration chose a path of appeasement. Its failure to confront Iran only emboldened the regime and allowed it to expand its aggression across the region.
That is why I am proud to cosponsor the Maximum Pressure Act, legislation supported by the Republican Study Committee. This bill would reinstate the Trump Administration’s maximum pressure strategy by codifying sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and other key sectors. It would also prevent future administrations from easily undoing these critical national security measures. Congress must take every step necessary to hold Iran accountable and ensure the safety of the American people.
Casework Update: Helping Resolve a Social Security Issue
Recently, a resident of Grottoes contacted my Harrisonburg District Office for assistance with a delayed Social Security card application. Although he applied in August 2024, he had not received the card by February 2025. Because he was born at home, he never received a birth certificate. While he later obtained a court order to verify his birth, he still needed a Social Security card in order to obtain other forms of government-issued identification.
My staff promptly contacted the Virginia Department of Health, which provided the necessary documentation. As a result, the constituent received his Social Security card on March 28, 2025.
Whether it’s cutting through red tape or assisting with a federal agency, I remain committed to delivering results for the people of the Sixth District. Please reach out to the district office nearest you with questions or concerns about assistance with a federal agency.
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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