CONGRESSMAN
It was a productive week back in Washington following a great August district work period connecting with folks across Virginia’s Sixth District.
In the Judiciary Committee, I had the opportunity to question Nigel Farage during a critical hearing about censorship online.
At the same time, House Republicans worked to roll back costly regulations that drive up energy prices and weaken American energy independence. The House passed two bipartisan bills, the Made in America’s Defense Act and the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, to strengthen our national security.
As the Representative of Virginia’s largest agriculture district and a proud 4-H alumnus, I was honored to join the new 4-H Caucus in Congress, which is helping prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. This week also carried moments of reflection as we paused to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to recognize the heroism of the first responders who answered the call that day.
We also look ahead to celebrating National Virginia Day, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of our great Commonwealth. I am looking forward to America250’s “Our American Story” tour that will be making stops in the Sixth District in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase our shared heritage.
As Congress continues its work, I am excited to continue to meet with constituents and advance commonsense policies that defend free speech, lower costs, and restore America’s energy dominance while delivering results for every corner of our country.
Defending Free Speech, Fighting Censorship from Abroad
Last week’s hearing in the House Judiciary Committee looked at how European laws are threatening American free speech and innovation. Laws like the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act and the European Union’s Digital Services Act could force online platforms to limit what Americans can say, even here in the United States. Other laws like the UK’s Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act and the EU’s Digital Markets Act, unfairly target U.S. companies and make it harder for them to compete and innovate.
The UK’s Online Safety Act in particular is an overreaching law that opens the door for government censorship with serious ripple effects. During the hearing, I asked former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage about repealing the law. He confirmed that a reform government would take steps to overturn it. Laws like these don’t just affect companies, they shape what people are allowed to say online, limit ideas, and threaten the free flow of information. Protecting free speech means keeping censorship from spreading across borders and ensuring Americans can speak freely online. This hearing was a strong reminder that defending our God Given First Amendment right requires constant vigilance.
Standing Against the Green New Scam
House Republicans are taking real action to lower energy costs and strengthen American energy independence for hardworking families, including folks in the Sixth District. This week, Congress advanced three key measures that reverse Biden-era restrictions and put more American energy back into the market. H.J. Res. 104 secures access to 37.8 billion short tons of coal, enough to meet U.S. demand for the next 73 years and keeps energy reliability affordable for families and businesses alike. H.J. Res. 105 protects 12,000 jobs and prevents leasing closures on hundreds of thousands of acres of federally owned oil and gas in North Dakota, ensuring continued production that helps stabilize energy prices nationwide. H.J. Res. 106 removes land use restrictions on 3.6 million acres in Central Yukon, Alaska, opening the door for active management and responsible energy development. Together, these bills unleash American energy, create and protect jobs, and deliver more affordable, reliable power to Virginians and families across the country.
This Week in Washington: Legislative Highlights
Protecting our Nation means standing strong against threats abroad and at home. This week, Congress advanced two critical bipartisan bills that do just that. The Made-in-America Defense Act strengthens our defense industrial base by empowering trusted American manufacturers to supply our allies with the tools they need, all while maintaining strict national security safeguards. Complementing this effort, the bipartisan Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act directly targets the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for fueling the fentanyl crisis that is devastating communities across America by sanctioning producers and cutting off the supply chains that cartels rely on.
Together, these bills reinforce America’s security and send a clear message to our adversaries: we will defend our citizens and our way of life. By strengthening our defense industry, the Made-in-America Defense Act ensures our military stays ready and our allies remain strong. At the same time, the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act protects American families by disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into American communities and holding those malicious actors accountable.
Honoring the Anniversary of 9/11
This week marks the 24th anniversary of September 11th, a dark day in our Nation’s history. We pause to honor the heroism of the first responders who rushed in to save lives and remember the thousands of innocent Americans taken too soon. The memory of that day serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the American people. May we always stand united against those who wish to do us harm. We will never forget.
Celebrating National Virginia Day
I’m proud to be a Virginian, and it is the honor of a lifetime to represent the Sixth District. On National Virginia Day, we take a moment to appreciate all that the Commonwealth has to offer, from bustling cities like Roanoke and our small rural towns to the breathtaking mountains of the Shenandoah Valley and our rich history. On Sunday, we celebrate the spirit that makes Virginia a truly special place to call home.
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.
