CONGRESSMAN
The federal government remained shut down this past week because Senate Democrats are still refusing to provide the 60 votes necessary to pass a clean continuing resolution, leaving Americans uncertain about critical programs like SNAP. Thanks to Governor Youngkin’s leadership, Virginians’ benefits will continue uninterrupted. To protect healthcare access in rural Virginia, I joined Rep. Morgan Griffith in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in support of additional funding for rural hospitals across the Commonwealth. I was also proud to introduce the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, ensuring firearm applications and licenses continue to be processed even during a government shutdown and that Americans’ God-given constitutional rights are not infringed upon. Additionally, I was proud to have co-led the ADINA Act to improve labeling on medications and help prevent unnecessary allergic reactions. As we head into another week, I remain committed to ending this government shutdown and restoring stability for the people of Virginia and our great nation.
Federal SNAP Funding Running Out Across the Country
Senate Democrats continue to hold our government hostage for yet another week, marking over than a dozen times in which they have refused to provide the 60 votes necessary to pass a clean continuing resolution. Because of their refusal to act, federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now being impacted. It is deeply discouraging that Democrats have chosen to put their party over the most vulnerable, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. One in eight Americans relies on SNAP benefits. Without federal support, millions of families face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from.
I commend Governor Youngkin for his leadership to ensure Virginians continue to receive SNAP benefits during this prolonged, Democrat-driven shutdown. Governor Youngkin’s declaration of a State of Emergency established the Virginia Emergency Nutrition Assistance Program, which will keep benefits flowing to families in need. While there may be a short one to two-day delay in processing, to help offset these delays, an additional $1 million was made available to food banks to help prevent any disruption in service. Senate Democrats must stop playing politics and join Republicans in voting to reopen the government.
Ensuring Quality Care for Rural Virginians
The Rural Health Transformation Program will mark a significant step forward in expanding access to quality healthcare for rural communities. Several hospitals in Virginia’s Sixth District are classified as rural hospitals, including LewisGale Hospital – Alleghany, Bath Community Hospital, Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, and Page Memorial Hospital. To further support these rural hospitals, I recently joined my colleague Congressman Morgan Griffith in sending a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to express our strong support for Virginia’s Rural Health Transformation application.
These facilities are lifelines for families across our region in providing essential services to communities that are often hours away from the next closest provider. These rural hospitals often face workforce shortages and transportation barriers, which limit access to care for patients. The Rural Health Transformation program, created through H.R. 1, is designed to help address these challenges head-on. The program advances five key goals: making rural America healthy again, ensuring sustainable access to care, strengthening the health care workforce, promoting innovative care models, and expanding the use of technology to reach more patients. I remain committed to improving access and outcomes for those living in rural areas, and this vital program offers a meaningful opportunity to deliver that to every Virginian, regardless of their zip code.
Defending Law-Abiding Gun Owners During a Shutdown
During the prolonged government shutdown, law-abiding Americans shouldn’t lose their Second Amendment rights just because Congress can’t keep the government open. That’s why I joined Senator Jim Risch in introducing the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act, ensuring firearm applications and licenses continue to be processed even during a federal shutdown. During past shutdowns, the FBI and ATF have stopped processing firearm applications, bringing lawful firearm commerce to a halt. This not only hurts responsible gun owners but also small businesses across the country that depend on the firearm industry.
Yet time and again, Democrats have allowed political games to interfere with the rights of law-abiding citizens. Our bill makes sure federal agencies continue processing firearm application so the exercise of our Second Amendment rights will continue. The right to bear arms is a cornerstone of our freedom, and it must be protected at all times, not just when the government is open for business. This Democrat-led shutdown has already stalled firearm sales and left Americans waiting on applications that should never have been delayed. The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act restores fairness, accountability, and common sense. At the end of the day, this is simple: government shutdowns should never shut down our constitutional rights.
Protecting Patients Through Clear Drug Labels
Americans should know exactly what is in the medications they take, especially when hidden allergens can cause life-threatening reactions. As the Chair of the Food Allergy Research Caucus, I am proud to have co-led the bipartisan Allergen Disclosure in Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act to bring greater transparency and safety to drug labeling. The ADINA Act requires pharmaceutical companies to clearly label common allergens in both prescription and over-the-counter medications, just as they are required to do with food products. This commonsense reform will help protect millions of Americans who live with severe allergies and deserve to make informed choices about their health.
The common sense bill is named after Adina, a girl who suffered a serious allergic reaction to an unlabeled ingredient in an antibiotic. After recovering, she turned her experience into advocacy and helped bring this important issue to Congress. Her story is a powerful reminder that clear labeling can save lives, for every American deserves to know what is in the medicines they need.
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.
