Since the election, I have heard from many constituents who are concerned about the Trump presidency or uncertain about his policies and plans. I share many of these concerns and questions. As ever, I will listen to my colleagues from across the aisle, and will consider reasonable policy proposals, even if I do not fully agree with them. But I will not compromise on our basic values. I will forcefully oppose plans to privatize and cut Medicare, or strip healthcare coverage from millions of Ameri... Read more

The historic accord to close off Iran’s pathways to a nuclear bomb is an enormous win for U.S. national security and President Obama. In the coming weeks, I plan to vote in support of this landmark achievement and urge my colleagues to do the same. I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of diplomacy as ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. I commend our diplomats for skillfully averting a global showdown with Iran as part of a deal that blocks its efforts to obtain a nuclear weapo... Read more

In the coming weeks, I expect to vote to support a package of four critical trade bills requested by President Obama and passed through the Senate with significant bipartisan majorities, including both of Virginia’s Democratic Senators. These bills, including Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), will establish historic multilateral negotiations with our international trade partners while securing important worker protections for American jobs and trade support to developing economies, critical to gl... Read more

Fifty years ago this week, President Lyndon Baines Johnson became the first President to speak about the dangers of climate change in an iconic environmental address to the nation. He spoke of the need for “a new conservation,” whose object was “not just man’s welfare but the dignity of man’s spirit.” And he warned of the dangers of climate change: “This generation has altered the composition of the atmosphere on a global scale through radioactive materials and a steady increase in carbon dioxid... Read more

My first two weeks in the U.S. House of Representatives have been challenging, interesting, busy, and fulfilling. Every day is different, and full of surprises. I loved my eight years presiding over the Senate of Virginia, and have been amazed at how differently the U.S. House works. For example, in Richmond, everyone is sitting at their desks, ready to work, at noon sharp. The Senators stay in the chamber, quiet, listening, orating, and voting until the day’s work is done. Electronic recorded v... Read more

January 6th What a day. Last year, Jim Moran’s retirement launched Megan and me on an incredible adventure -- capped off when I opened the doors to my office in the Cannon Building this morning. This is the start of another journey, working for and with 8th District residents, some of the most educated and engaged constituents in the country. I had my first interview, 20 minutes on CSPAN, at 0730, followed by an open house for 300 Northern Virginia friends who braved the first snow of the season... Read more

Congressional lawmakers face many difficult votes over the course of their careers. Thankfully, with the help of my excellent staff, many advisors, and countless engaged constituents I know that I will have all the advice I need to make the decisions that are best for the 8th District, Virginia, and the country. While I know that I will spend a great deal of time deliberating on such votes, the vote on whether or not to authorize the building of the Keystone XL pipeline was easy. Our planet is c... Read more

It’s been exactly 51 weeks since Congressman Jim Moran announced his retirement after 24 years. His announcement launched me, and my wife Megan, on an incredible journey beginning in January and ending Tuesday, when I swore my oath of office as Congressman for the 8th District of Virginia. But the truth is that was really only the beginning of a much bigger journey, a journey that Megan and I feel like we have been preparing for our whole lives. Northern Virginia is one of the most intelligent, ... Read more