Five Appropriations Bills Signed Into Law—Results for Virginia
Widening Interstate 81 remains one of my top priorities because it is essential to the safety of our communities and the economic vitality of Southwest Virginia. I’m proud to have secured an additional $17 million in federal funding through the transportation appropriations bill, which is dedicated to necessary improvements along I-81 and helps protect a critical corridor for the Commonwealth that moves billions of dollars of goods annually. This funding builds on my consistent advocacy since coming to Congress for federal support of I-81, including the construction of a third lane, to address congestion, reduce fatal accidents, and ensure this vital freight corridor can keep up with today’s growing demands. The urgency of these improvements cannot be overstated. I-81 carries a disproportionate share of commercial truck traffic along the East Coast, yet for years it has lacked the infrastructure needed to safely and efficiently support that volume.
With this additional investment, which I secured and which was signed into law by President Trump, we are now moving closer to long-overdue upgrades. Improving I-81 is not just a transportation priority; it’s a public safety imperative that Virginians and frequent travelers of I-81 know all too well. Beyond these critical infrastructure investments, the broader appropriations package was also signed into law and included additional appropriations bills, leaving only one of the total twelve annual appropriations bills remaining. House Republicans also prioritized national security and advanced a peace through strength approach by supporting our allies, countering adversaries, bolstering border security, and combating the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. At the same time, the package delivers meaningful spending reductions and reins in funding for unaccountable international organizations by eliminating wasteful overseas pet projects that failed to serve the America First agenda. Together, this appropriations package delivers on critical priorities and ensures taxpayer dollars are directed toward projects that provide meaningful benefits to the American people, rather than toward policies that fail to prioritize their best interests.
Faith, Fellowship, and Service at the 74th Annual Prayer Breakfast
The National Prayer Breakfast is a historic event that brings together lawmakers and global leaders of all faiths to pray for our great nation. This longstanding tradition dates back to the Eisenhower Administration. As we reflect on the approaching 250th anniversary of our founding, we remember the Judeo-Christian values that helped shape our nation’s history. No matter the party, leaders come together in prayer for the President and for our nation’s strength. This year, I had the honor of co-chairing the event alongside my Democratic colleague, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, as we joined in prayer for our leaders and for the continued resolve of the American people. Following this event, I joined the Special Report with Bret Baier for the Common Ground segment alongside Rep. Jackson to discuss the highlights of the event and the importance of bringing people together across the aisle. May we continue to seek wisdom and guidance as we serve our country and remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles that have sustained our nation and its people for generations.
Fighting to Balance the Budget and Cut Wasteful Spending
In the Judiciary Committee last week, I spoke in support of a constitutional amendment that would rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending and put our nation back on a path toward fiscal responsibility. I refuse to sit back while our country faces a national debt exceeding $35 trillion. We cannot continue spending our way deeper into a crisis while leaving future generations to bear the consequences. That’s precisely why this amendment would permanently prohibit deficit spending by limiting total federal expenditures to the average annual revenue collected during the previous three years, adjusted for population growth and inflation. It includes limited exceptions for national emergencies and times of war, but requires approval from a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers of Congress to exceed the spending limit. Importantly, the amendment also requires a two-thirds supermajority vote for any legislation that creates a new tax or increases an existing tax rate, ensuring Washington cannot simply tax its way out of fiscal irresponsibility.
Washington’s reckless spending has jeopardized our nation’s financial stability and placed an unsustainable burden on American families and future generations. This proposed amendment restores a basic principle of fiscal responsibility in Washington: you cannot spend what you do not have. Families and businesses live by that budget every day, and it is long past time for the federal government to do the same. Trillion-dollar deficits have become routine, and we need binding guardrails that force Congress to live within its means and protect the financial future of the American people.
Advocating for Virginia Agriculture in Washington
Our farmers and agriculture leaders are the backbone of our local communities. As the representative for the Commonwealth’s largest agricultural district, I remain committed to ensuring their voices and concerns are heard in Washington. Late last year, I hosted an agriculture conference that allowed me to hear directly from farmers and industry leaders across the Sixth District about their challenges with USDA programs and where improvements are needed to better support their operations. I took those concerns with me to the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, where I questioned officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General.
During this hearing, I appreciated the opportunity to hear from USDA Inspector General officials, including John Walk and Nicole Gardner, about the steps they are taking to strengthen oversight and improve how the department serves local communities. Specifically, our discussion focused on ensuring the USDA is operating effectively and is prepared to meet farmers’ needs ahead of the busy spring season.
I also raised specific concerns from Sixth District producers, including ongoing issues with Farm Service Agency loans that are critical to their livelihoods. Farmers need timely access to credit, as it can determine a season’s success or failure. Moving forward, I will keep working with the USDA, the Office of Inspector General, and my colleagues in Congress to advance solutions, strengthen accountability, and ensure federal programs deliver for the farmers who feed and fuel our nation. At the end of the day, when agriculture succeeds, so do our communities, our economy, and our country.
Keeping Our Promise to Those Who Served
When our veterans return to civilian life, they deserve a system that delivers results, respects their service, and uses taxpayer dollars responsibly. That is why I am proud to support bipartisan legislation that strengthens accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensures veterans and their families receive the benefits and opportunities they have earned. The first piece of legislation, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act, focuses on ensuring the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program effectively helps veterans succeed after service. It prioritizes outcomes, transparency, and oversight so veterans are not left waiting or pushed through a system that lacks accountability. The bill requires the VA to report employment outcomes and annual wages for VR&E participants to better measure whether veterans are securing meaningful, long-term careers. Additionally, it mandates reporting on the average wait time from application to a veteran’s first meeting with a counselor, addressing concerns about delays that can prevent timely access to support. The legislation also calls for an independent third-party review of each VR&E track, along with recommendations to modernize and strengthen the program.
Right now, the VA lacks clear performance measures, making it difficult to determine whether this program delivers real value to veterans and taxpayers. This legislation brings needed accountability to a program that should be focused on results, not bureaucracy. Ensuring accountability in employment and training programs must go hand in hand with delivering benefits efficiently and without unnecessary red tape.
In addition, I also supported the bipartisan Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act, which fixes a flaw in the VA’s pension process by ensuring accrued benefits are paid for the month of a veteran’s death, including in cases where payment was approved but later withdrawn due to a bureaucratic error. This means families will receive earned benefits they may otherwise lose, helping reduce the risk of financial hardship during an already difficult time. No veteran’s family should be forced to fight the VA while grieving the loss of a loved one. Together, these bills reflect a clear priority that the VA must be transparent, accountable, and focused on serving our American heroes. Whether helping veterans transition into civilian careers or ensuring families receive earned benefits on time, Republicans remain committed to delivering for those who served us.
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.
