Abigail Spanberger (D) represents Virginia's 7th District in the
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. House of Representatives
Valentine's for Vets. Read More...
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, my team will be delivering valentines to local veterans and caregivers! This is a small way for us to show our appreciation for those who have protected our nation. Through February 10, you can mail or drop off a card to my office at:
4201 Dominion Blvd, Suite 110
Glen Allen, VA 23060
4201 Dominion Blvd, Suite 110
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Latest Update from Congresswoman Spanberger
Issued via email January 15, 2022
This week, we made progress moving forward my longstanding effort to increase transparency and block Members of Congress — as well as their spouses — from trading individual stocks while serving in office. I also helped introduce three bills — two to increase funding for our local police departments and one to make the next generation of electric vehicles more accessible for Virginia's farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. Please keep reading for more information, as well as important updates for Virginia homeowners and families. As always, I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you in Congress.
WHAT I'M WORKING ON
We are making strides toward enacting long overdue good governance reforms within the halls of Congress. My longstanding, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and reduce opportunities for insider trading by Members of Congress, as well as their spouses, is now a bicameral effort!
When the American people hear accusations of insider trading by lawmakers, they react not with shock, but with a shrug. Even the perception of insider trading by Members of Congress, let alone the practice of it, erodes public trust.
My bipartisan TRUST in Congress Act would help restore this trust and make it clear that lawmakers serve the people — not their own interests. In Congress, we sometimes have access to privileged and potentially market-moving information as a part of the job, and we must avoid even the perception that we may use that information to our own financial benefit. READ MORE FROM BUSINESS INSIDER
We are making strides toward enacting long overdue good governance reforms within the halls of Congress. My longstanding, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and reduce opportunities for insider trading by Members of Congress, as well as their spouses, is now a bicameral effort!
When the American people hear accusations of insider trading by lawmakers, they react not with shock, but with a shrug. Even the perception of insider trading by Members of Congress, let alone the practice of it, erodes public trust.
My bipartisan TRUST in Congress Act would help restore this trust and make it clear that lawmakers serve the people — not their own interests. In Congress, we sometimes have access to privileged and potentially market-moving information as a part of the job, and we must avoid even the perception that we may use that information to our own financial benefit. READ MORE FROM BUSINESS INSIDER
Today, it was announced that more than $107 million is on its way to Virginia to fix bridges in poor condition. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law — which I was proud to negotiate and support — a total of more than $563 million is coming to Virginia over the next five years to help prevent congestion, increase weight limits, make our bridges safer for drivers and first responders, and create good-paying construction jobs across the Commonwealth.
Such an urgent issue of public safety cannot be ignored, and the incoming Youngkin Administration must use this major investment to make improvements as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to nearly TRIPLE federal funding for local police departments to recruit, train, and retain officers — as well as strengthen relationships between our officers and the Virginia communities they serve. In conversations with local law enforcement officers, I constantly hear about these challenges. And as a former federal law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of keeping Virginia's police forces strong.
This bill would nearly triple federal funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office within the U.S. Department of Justice, which is responsible for advancing community policing and providing federal grants to local police departments. By allowing COPS grants to be used to increase wages for officers, boost mental health support for law enforcement, and cut red tape for rural police departments, this legislation can both protect our neighbors and keep our communities strong. READ MORE
Many Virginia police departments rely on the federal COPS Program to make sure their officers are well-trained, receive competitive pay, and stay on the force.
Such an urgent issue of public safety cannot be ignored, and the incoming Youngkin Administration must use this major investment to make improvements as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to nearly TRIPLE federal funding for local police departments to recruit, train, and retain officers — as well as strengthen relationships between our officers and the Virginia communities they serve. In conversations with local law enforcement officers, I constantly hear about these challenges. And as a former federal law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of keeping Virginia's police forces strong.
This bill would nearly triple federal funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office within the U.S. Department of Justice, which is responsible for advancing community policing and providing federal grants to local police departments. By allowing COPS grants to be used to increase wages for officers, boost mental health support for law enforcement, and cut red tape for rural police departments, this legislation can both protect our neighbors and keep our communities strong. READ MORE
Many Virginia police departments rely on the federal COPS Program to make sure their officers are well-trained, receive competitive pay, and stay on the force.
Resources for veterans
(Copied from email of March 24, 2020)
Hello everyone,
I wanted to make sure you saw some relevant updates and resources for 7th District veterans. The coronavirus pandemic is upending everyone's daily life, and I want to ensure no one is left behind – including the Central Virginia men and women who have served to keep us safe.
RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
CLICK HERE to learn about calling ahead and other safety procedures you should expect when you arrive for your appointment at a VA clinic or facility.
CLICK HERE to visit the VA's telehealth page. You may be able to get assistance without leaving your home.
CLICK HERE to read the Department of Veterans Affairs' FAQ page on the coronavirus pandemic.
CLICK HERE to learn more about what the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing to respond to the outbreak.
CLICK HERE to locate a VA healthcare facility near you.
RELIABLE INFORMATION
This rapidly-changing situation can feel quite chaotic, and it's important to know which sources of information you can trust. I encourage everyone to stay up to date on the CDC's recommendations for keeping you and your family safe during this pandemic. CLICK HERE
You can also find reliable information and updates on the Virginia Department of Health's website. CLICK HERE
My own office has put together a coronavirus pandemic page on my website, and we will continue to update it often with new information. CLICK HERE
Finally, please follow @RepSpanberger on Twitter and Facebook to receive my quickest updates on how we are responding to this crisis at the local, state, and federal level. I will be doing regular posts and video updates to keep you informed. CLICK HERE and HERE
CLOSURES AND DELAYS
All local Virginia Department of Veteran Services offices are currently closed for in-person service. Service will still be provided during normal business hours via phone and email. CLICK HERE to find contact information for your local office.
The Central Virginia VA Health Care System is currently screening all visitors and employees at select entrances across the McGuire VA Medical Center facility and community clinics. All patients coming for an appointment should plan to arrive approximately one hour early, as we expect some delays in entry to the facility.
This is a challenging time. If you want to speak to my team and me about a question, casework issue, or any other concerns on your mind, we are here to listen.
You can call us at (804) 401-4110 and (202) 225-2815. We will help however we can.
Sincerely,
Abigail
Coronavirus Updates: SBA Emergency Loans
(Copied from email of March 20, 2020)
Hello everyone,
The coronavirus pandemic situation continues to evolve quickly. I want to keep you updated on how we responded this week, and ask for your input during this challenging time.
ALERT: SMALL BUSINESSES
Important update before we go further – Virginia was approved yesterday for the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Small businesses can apply for relief by visiting http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. If anyone cannot apply online, please call 1‐800‐659‐2955 for help.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VA-07
Today, I took a virtual tour of VCU Health and spoke with workers there about the challenges they're encountering on the frontlines of this crisis. Many of you have called and written to my office to raise concerns about health workers experiencing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). I'm closely monitoring the flow of supplies in our district, and I've been in touch with state labs, regional hospitals, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the distribution of supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. I've also raised this concern directly with Governor Northam.
Yesterday, I held a call with local business owners and chambers of commerce from across Central Virginia. I gathered their direct feedback and suggestions for what help they want to see in the next legislative package from Congress. More details on the Small Business Administration's emergency loan program below.
This week, I've held many other individual calls with local doctors, nurses, hospital workers, elected officials, school administrators, first responders, food banks, chambers of commerce, and the Governor of Virginia. I'm checking in with leaders in our communities every day to stay informed on what they're seeing, what they need, and how we can work together to serve Central Virginians during this time.
I'm working to make sure that the Department of Education has a plan for our students who can't access schoolwork due to lack of broadband internet connectivity. No child should be left behind during this crisis because of their zip code. READ MORE
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CONGRESS
This week, the Senate passed the second package of coronavirus-related legislation and the president signed it into law. Widely supported by both Republicans and Democrats, this set of initiatives will:
- Ensure that COVID-19 tests are free, without a copay or deductible.
- Expand nutrition assistance for our nation's children who are out of school.
- Provide emergency paid sick leave for an estimated 22 million American workers.
Is a third package of legislation coming?
Additional steps need to be taken, and I am in continued conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm also collecting as much information as I can from you, Central Virginians, about what we need to include in a third package of legislation to help our health workers, people who have lost their jobs during this time, small businesses struggling to stay open, and others who need our immediate help. READ MORE
What else has been done so far? The House and Senate passed the first package of coronavirus legislation earlier this month. The first package includes measures to support rapid vaccine development, help for small businesses that are taking a financial hit during the crisis, and reimbursements for local and state health departments that are shouldering rising costs.
RESOURCES
I've set up a coronavirus pandemic page on my website. We will continue to update this space often with new information. We are working on a resource guide for Central Virginians who many need help with nutrition and other immediate needs. Please stay tuned. CLICK HERE
I encourage everyone to stay up to date on the CDC's recommendations for keeping you and your family safe during this pandemic. CLICK HERE
You can also find reliable information and updates on the Virginia Department of Health's website. CLICK HERE
Please follow @RepSpanberger on Twitter and Facebook to receive my quickest, most current updates on this rapidly-shifting situation. I will be doing regular posts and video updates to keep you informed. CLICK HERE and HERE
ONE MORE NOTE
We have a lot more work to do before this pandemic is over. I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to keep Central Virginians safe, prepared, and well-informed. I'll continue working across the aisle with my House colleagues to pass legislation that gets help into the hands of those who need it fast.
This week, I've heard incredible examples of courage and selflessness from the healthcare workers and others on the front lines of this crisis across Virginia's 7th District. As we grapple with the anxiety and uncertainty this crisis has brought, I'm so thankful for the compassion and unity we are seeing play out in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores across the Commonwealth and the country.
Before we are Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans. We will get through this together.
If you have any questions we could help with or concerns you want to share, my office is here to listen and help however we can. Even as we work remotely, you can call us at (202) 225-2815 or (804) 401-4110. We are here to serve you and your family.
Sincerely,
Abigail
by Weebly
(Copied from email of March 24, 2020)
Hello everyone,
I wanted to make sure you saw some relevant updates and resources for 7th District veterans. The coronavirus pandemic is upending everyone's daily life, and I want to ensure no one is left behind – including the Central Virginia men and women who have served to keep us safe.
RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
CLICK HERE to learn about calling ahead and other safety procedures you should expect when you arrive for your appointment at a VA clinic or facility.
CLICK HERE to visit the VA's telehealth page. You may be able to get assistance without leaving your home.
CLICK HERE to read the Department of Veterans Affairs' FAQ page on the coronavirus pandemic.
CLICK HERE to learn more about what the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing to respond to the outbreak.
CLICK HERE to locate a VA healthcare facility near you.
RELIABLE INFORMATION
This rapidly-changing situation can feel quite chaotic, and it's important to know which sources of information you can trust. I encourage everyone to stay up to date on the CDC's recommendations for keeping you and your family safe during this pandemic. CLICK HERE
You can also find reliable information and updates on the Virginia Department of Health's website. CLICK HERE
My own office has put together a coronavirus pandemic page on my website, and we will continue to update it often with new information. CLICK HERE
Finally, please follow @RepSpanberger on Twitter and Facebook to receive my quickest updates on how we are responding to this crisis at the local, state, and federal level. I will be doing regular posts and video updates to keep you informed. CLICK HERE and HERE
CLOSURES AND DELAYS
All local Virginia Department of Veteran Services offices are currently closed for in-person service. Service will still be provided during normal business hours via phone and email. CLICK HERE to find contact information for your local office.
The Central Virginia VA Health Care System is currently screening all visitors and employees at select entrances across the McGuire VA Medical Center facility and community clinics. All patients coming for an appointment should plan to arrive approximately one hour early, as we expect some delays in entry to the facility.
This is a challenging time. If you want to speak to my team and me about a question, casework issue, or any other concerns on your mind, we are here to listen.
You can call us at (804) 401-4110 and (202) 225-2815. We will help however we can.
Sincerely,
Abigail
Coronavirus Updates: SBA Emergency Loans
(Copied from email of March 20, 2020)
Hello everyone,
The coronavirus pandemic situation continues to evolve quickly. I want to keep you updated on how we responded this week, and ask for your input during this challenging time.
ALERT: SMALL BUSINESSES
Important update before we go further – Virginia was approved yesterday for the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Small businesses can apply for relief by visiting http://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. If anyone cannot apply online, please call 1‐800‐659‐2955 for help.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VA-07
Today, I took a virtual tour of VCU Health and spoke with workers there about the challenges they're encountering on the frontlines of this crisis. Many of you have called and written to my office to raise concerns about health workers experiencing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). I'm closely monitoring the flow of supplies in our district, and I've been in touch with state labs, regional hospitals, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the distribution of supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. I've also raised this concern directly with Governor Northam.
Yesterday, I held a call with local business owners and chambers of commerce from across Central Virginia. I gathered their direct feedback and suggestions for what help they want to see in the next legislative package from Congress. More details on the Small Business Administration's emergency loan program below.
This week, I've held many other individual calls with local doctors, nurses, hospital workers, elected officials, school administrators, first responders, food banks, chambers of commerce, and the Governor of Virginia. I'm checking in with leaders in our communities every day to stay informed on what they're seeing, what they need, and how we can work together to serve Central Virginians during this time.
I'm working to make sure that the Department of Education has a plan for our students who can't access schoolwork due to lack of broadband internet connectivity. No child should be left behind during this crisis because of their zip code. READ MORE
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CONGRESS
This week, the Senate passed the second package of coronavirus-related legislation and the president signed it into law. Widely supported by both Republicans and Democrats, this set of initiatives will:
- Ensure that COVID-19 tests are free, without a copay or deductible.
- Expand nutrition assistance for our nation's children who are out of school.
- Provide emergency paid sick leave for an estimated 22 million American workers.
Is a third package of legislation coming?
Additional steps need to be taken, and I am in continued conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm also collecting as much information as I can from you, Central Virginians, about what we need to include in a third package of legislation to help our health workers, people who have lost their jobs during this time, small businesses struggling to stay open, and others who need our immediate help. READ MORE
What else has been done so far? The House and Senate passed the first package of coronavirus legislation earlier this month. The first package includes measures to support rapid vaccine development, help for small businesses that are taking a financial hit during the crisis, and reimbursements for local and state health departments that are shouldering rising costs.
RESOURCES
I've set up a coronavirus pandemic page on my website. We will continue to update this space often with new information. We are working on a resource guide for Central Virginians who many need help with nutrition and other immediate needs. Please stay tuned. CLICK HERE
I encourage everyone to stay up to date on the CDC's recommendations for keeping you and your family safe during this pandemic. CLICK HERE
You can also find reliable information and updates on the Virginia Department of Health's website. CLICK HERE
Please follow @RepSpanberger on Twitter and Facebook to receive my quickest, most current updates on this rapidly-shifting situation. I will be doing regular posts and video updates to keep you informed. CLICK HERE and HERE
ONE MORE NOTE
We have a lot more work to do before this pandemic is over. I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to keep Central Virginians safe, prepared, and well-informed. I'll continue working across the aisle with my House colleagues to pass legislation that gets help into the hands of those who need it fast.
This week, I've heard incredible examples of courage and selflessness from the healthcare workers and others on the front lines of this crisis across Virginia's 7th District. As we grapple with the anxiety and uncertainty this crisis has brought, I'm so thankful for the compassion and unity we are seeing play out in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores across the Commonwealth and the country.
Before we are Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans. We will get through this together.
If you have any questions we could help with or concerns you want to share, my office is here to listen and help however we can. Even as we work remotely, you can call us at (202) 225-2815 or (804) 401-4110. We are here to serve you and your family.
Sincerely,
Abigail
by Weebly
