CONGRESSMAN
Yet another week passes and Senate Democrats are continuing to keep the government shut down. All House Republicans from Virginia voted for a clean bill to open the government that would ensure stability for those employed by the federal government and maintain essential services for individuals who rely on them. While Republicans in Congress continue to work toward reopening the government, I was encouraged to see real progress toward peace on the world stage. For 738 days, innocent Israeli and American hostages were held captive by Hamas. Last week, in a historic act of strategic diplomacy, President Trump secured the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, reflecting Republicans’ steadfast commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Middle East. Back home, I had the honor of touring Bath Community Hospital to see firsthand how they are serving local patients, and I joined two Roanoke veterans in celebrating their 100th and 101st birthdays. As the government shut down continues, I remain committed to ensuring the needs of Virginians are met and that we restore full operations as soon as possible.
Virginia Struggles Amid Prolonged Shutdown
On September 19th, all House Republicans from the Commonwealth approved a clean continuing resolution to fund the government. In the weeks since, Senate Democrats have refused to pass virtually the same measure they supported multiple times under the Biden Administration, pushing our Nation into a prolonged government shutdown. This clean CR contained no gimmicks or poison pills, just a straightforward plan to keep the government open. Republicans vote to keep the government open reflected a commitment to stability and continuity, especially here in Virginia, where the impacts of a shutdown are felt first and hardest.
Instead, Senate Democrats chose a different and damaging path, holding out for $1.5 trillion in unrelated spending tied to partisan priorities, including funding for politically biased media outlets. They have prioritized politics over governance and dysfunction over responsibility. For years, Virginians have made clear that shutdowns are more than headlines; they are disruptions to livelihoods and communities. I was proud to join Virginia Reps. Morgan Griffith, John McGuire, Jen Kiggans, and Rob Wittman in an op-ed highlighting these real impacts and reaffirming our commitment to reopening the government and restoring stability for our constituents.
Trump Secures Release of 20 Hostages Held by Hamas
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, the terrorist organization governing the Gaza Strip, launched a brutal attack on the people of Israel. More than 1,400 innocent lives were lost, including 30 American citizens, and at least 200 hostages were taken. In response, Israel began a counter-offensive in Gaza to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and prevent future attacks on its people. From the start, President Trump made it a priority to bring this conflict to an end that would restore lasting security for Israel and stability across the region. Through tireless effort and strategic diplomacy, the White House achieved what many thought impossible by securing the release of all remaining hostages. This remarkable success underscored his steadfast commitment to protecting lives abroad and advancing peace through strength.
Even with this progress, caution remains essential as Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to target civilians. The United States continues to stand firmly against terrorism in all forms and remains clear that true peace cannot coexist with the violent extremism Hamas promotes. President Trump’s decisive leadership ultimately led to the release of 20 hostages held in Gaza for over 700 days. This milestone marks an important step toward lasting peace in the Middle East. As we move forward, Republicans remain committed to supporting peace initiatives that protect innocent lives and ensure the safety of Americans abroad. God bless President Trump for leading these efforts and securing this critical victory for American lives and international peace. May God bless the peacemakers who continue to work toward a safer, more stable world.
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.
