The Shadow
It was a productive week back home in the Sixth District. I was proud to see my Hearing Protection Act included in the Senate’s initial version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, as support for this commonsense legislation continues to grow. In our effort to restore the rule of law and keep our communities safe, a record ZERO illegal immigrants were released into the country last month. Additionally, I was honored to receive the “Champion of Limited Government Award” from the Institute for Legislative Analysis, in recognition of my consistent record defending limited government principles. This week, we also pause to observe PTSD Awareness Day and stand with the brave men and women who carry the invisible wounds of their honorable service. Back in the District, I had the honor to attend the ribbon cutting for the new Carilion Crystal Spring Tower in Roanoke, a vital extension which will expand healthcare access for families across the Sixth District. As we head into another session week, I remain focused on fighting for commonsense policies that move our Commonwealth and country forward.
Hearing Protection Act Moves Forward
Last week brought a major victory: the Hearing Protection Act, of which I’m the proud sponsor, was officially included in the Senate’s draft of the One Big Beautiful Bill. This is a strong step toward defending our Second Amendment rights and advancing commonsense firearm policy for law-abiding Americans.
I introduced this bill because no citizen should have to navigate outdated regulations or pay excessive taxes simply for exercising their constitutional freedoms. Suppressors are a practical safety tool for hunters and sportsmen, and this provision cuts through the unnecessary red tape that has long made them difficult to access.
This commonsense provision will remove suppressors from the outdated National Firearms Act of 1934, bringing firearm policy into the 21st century. This is a long-overdue win for law-abiding gun owners and a significant step forward in defending our Second Amendment freedoms. Its inclusion in the Senate package reflects growing momentum for restoring constitutional rights. I will continue fighting to ensure this important provision remains in the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Restoring Law and Order at the Border
A strong nation enforces the rule of law, and that begins at our borders. Just last month, the Trump Administration reached an important milestone: not a single illegal immigrant detained at the border was released into the United States. That stands in stark contrast to the chaos we saw under President Biden, when more than 62,000 illegal immigrants were released into our country in May 2024 alone, overwhelming our communities and straining vital resources.
This meaningful change is the result of President Trump ending the disastrous “catch-and-release” policy, which allowed illegal immigrants to enter our country with minimal oversight. By eliminating policies like this, we restored the authority of our Border Patrol agents and empowered them to do what they do best: enforce the law and protect our nation. For too long, open-border policies invited disorder and weakened our legal system.
But this Administration is sending a clear and long-overdue message: our borders are secure and our laws will be enforced. In Congress, I will continue to support policies that provide our Border Patrol with the tools, resources, and authority they need to safeguard the American people.
Champion of Limited Government Award
I was honored to receive the “Champion of Limited Government Award” from the Institute for Legislative Analysis in recognition of my voting record in defense of limited government principles.
Since I came to Washington, one of my top priorities has been reining in the size and overreach of the federal government and protecting the constitutional freedoms of Virginians. I remain committed to advancing policies that safeguard our God-given rights and uphold the Constitution.
Recognizing PTSD Awareness Day
This week, we pause to recognize PTSD Awareness Day and support those affected by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is often an invisible wound, one that many of our brave men and women carry long after their service has ended. We stand with our veterans, service members, and all individuals living with PTSD. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
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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