October 29, 2021 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

This week, my team and I have been working hard to ensure that the needs of the Fourth District are being met.

As we moved forward with the Build Back Better Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, I wanted to reiterate the importance of addressing climate change in our future legislation and advancing environmental justice priorities.

I also want to remind you that if you’re having an issue with a federal agency, you can join my office next month for our virtual Mobile McEachin.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate the wining photographs of the VA-04 Photo competition. You can see all the submissions we received here.

As a reminder, Tuesday is also Virginia’s Election Day. Be sure to play your part in our democracy and vote!

Finally, I wanted to extend my condolences to the family of Former Governor Linwood Holton. He was an exemplary citizen and a model politician.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Passing of Linwood Holton

I am sorry to hear of the passing of former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton. Governor Holton was a trailblazer and the true essence of what a leader should be. He stood up for what was right – he didn’t wait for others; he didn’t ask his party; he did what he knew was morally and ethically correct. He set an example for all Virginians. Although Governor Holton led our state fifty years ago, his actions still reverberate and inspire us today. 

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing and comfort during this difficult time.

Climate Protections in Build Back Better

Last week, I joined the League of Conservation Voters at a press conference to reiterate the critical importance of including robust investments for climate protections and environmental justice priorities.  We are at an inflection point, and the decisions we make now will directly impact the health of our planet and the future of our children and grandchildren. For the sake of all of our futures, we simply must prioritize these issues in our Build Back Better plan.

This week, President Biden released an updated framework for the Build Back Better Act. I was pleased to see robust investments – over half a trillion dollars – included for mitigating the impacts of climate change. While negotiations are ongoing, this framework is another important step in finalizing the legislation and moving it forward to ultimately be signed into law. These investments are what we need to ensure a healthy and livable future for our children and grandchildren.

I look forward to advancing both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and the Build Back Better Act to make historic investments in our nation, modernize America’s infrastructure, and take decisive action against the climate crisis.

Environmental Update

We have a moral and ethical obligation to protect the Earth and ensure a healthy, livable planet for future generations. Not all that long ago, there was a lack of consensus surrounding humankind’s role in the intensifying impacts of climate change. Now, the science is irrefutable. We must take action to curb our role in the climate crisis or face disastrous consequences.

AP-NORC released a recent poll that demonstrates Americans recognize the severity of climate change and the critical need to address it.

Three-quarters of Americans believe climate change is happening, 10% do not, and 15% are unsure. A majority of both Democrats and Republicans recognize climate change is real.  Among those who believe it is happening, over 50% say it is caused completely or primarily by human activity. According to 59% of Americans, the warming of the Earth is very or extremely important to them. 54% said scientists have a great deal of influence on their perspective on climate change, and 51% said their opinion has been impacted by the serious weather events, like increased hurricanes, wildfires, and deadly heat waves.

As more Americans begin to recognize the severity and urgency of this problem, our leaders have a responsibility to act and to pass legislation that will address and reverse climate change. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the environment and fight to make the changes we need.

Mobile McEachin
Our next Mobile McEachin is November 17 from 10am to 3pm. Mobile McEachins are an opportunity for constituents who are having an issue with a federal agency to sign up for a one-on-one meeting with one of my expert constituent services representatives. My representatives can help with a wide variety of issues such as missing benefits, lost tax return, visas, passports, veterans’ benefits, social security payments, or Medicare benefits. Due to the ongoing threat of the pandemic, we will continue hosting our meetings virtually. To sign up for an appointment, go to https://bit.ly/mceachinnovember.

Winners of the VA-04 Photo Competition

I have always had such an appreciation for the beauty of our district and enjoy seeing the unique vistas and landscapes as I travel through it for events and meetings with constituents. The photos submitted for our annual photography contest are superb and let me see the district with new eyes. I know when you see these pictures, you will appreciate how beautiful this part of Virginia truly is!

I want to congratulate our first-place winner and our runner ups. Heath Covey, City of Chesapeake, won the competition for his photo entitled “Great Bridge Sunrise.” I was also proud to announce the following runner ups:

• 2nd Place: Heath Covey, City of Chesapeake, “Chesapeake Public Safety Memorial”
• 3rd Place: Daniel Jones, Hopewell, “Hopewell Riverwalk at Dawn”
• Honorable Mention: Brittany Hahn, Dinwiddie, Untitled

I want to extend my thanks to everyone who participated in the competition. As always, I was so impressed with the talent and creativity of our residents here in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Don’t Forget to VOTE!

Election Day is November 2nd here in the Commonwealth. Perhaps you have already voted absentee, but if not, please go vote on November 2nd. Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. Check the website of your locality’s registrar – sometimes your precinct is moved! 

Our democracy is strongest when all eligible registered voters participate in our elections and vote. Let every voice be heard!