Abigail Spanberger (D) represents Virginia's 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives
Link to Abigail Spanberger's website: Spanberger.house.gov
Latest Update from Congresswoman Spanberger
Issued via email May 23, 2020
I hope you and your family are staying healthy and safe. I’m writing today to give you a brief update on what I’ve been working on this month.
Expanding Broadband Infrastructure
One issue that unites Democrats and Republicans in the rural counties of central Virginia is the need for fast, affordable broadband services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m focused on procuring results for the people of VA-07 which means pushing for real, bipartisan solutions.
I’ve led an effort of more than 70 Representatives — Democrats and Republicans — from across the country calling for a historic investment in expanding our nation’s broadband infrastructure. We are all adapting to this crisis, and there is no singular, direct path forward. But the only way we’re going to address our challenges is by working together.
IRS Customer Service
I’ve heard from hundreds of Central Virginians expressing frustration that they’ve been unable to reach Internal Revenue Service (IRS) customer service representatives to ask important questions. Earlier this month, I led a multi-member effort calling on the IRS to improve their customer service for taxpayers with questions about their stimulus checks.
On Monday, the IRS announced it will add 3,500 telephone operators to answer Americans’ questions about the status of their stimulus checks. I’m encouraged by this development, but I’ll keep pressing the IRS to improve its telework capabilities and provide faster answers to Central Virginians.
Nursing Homes
Here in Central Virginia, we’ve seen the devastating and fatal effects of COVID-19 on residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As these facilities and their staff struggle on the front lines to care for the most vulnerable people in our communities, it is unacceptable that the support they need has been so delayed.
I’ve led multiple efforts calling for more funding and better supply distribution at nursing homes and long-term care facilities for weeks. The facilities need testing supplies, personal protective gear and staff support, and the American people need clarity on what supply distribution issues or decision-making processes have caused delays. I promise to keep pushing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide answers and deliver long overdue support. We can’t keep losing our neighbors this way.
Lugar Bipartisanship Ranking
The Lugar Center has released its annual ranking of legislators, based on their commitment to coalition-building and bipartisanship. I am proud to be ranked as: The 5th most bipartisan House Democrat and the most bipartisan Member of the Virginia delegation.
The bipartisan index measures how often House Members introduce bills that succeed in attracting cosponsors from the opposite political party and how often they cosponsor a bill introduced by a Member of the other party. I am proud to have a bipartisanship score that demonstrates my strong commitment to working across the aisle on legislative solutions that can expand opportunity for all Central Virginians.
Thank you for supporting my campaign. Although we can’t be together right now, please connect with me on my campaign Facebook and Twitter pages — that’s where you’ll find the most up-to-date information. If you would like to get involved in my campaign, please visit my campaign website.
Thank you,
Abigail
Expanding Broadband Infrastructure
One issue that unites Democrats and Republicans in the rural counties of central Virginia is the need for fast, affordable broadband services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m focused on procuring results for the people of VA-07 which means pushing for real, bipartisan solutions.
I’ve led an effort of more than 70 Representatives — Democrats and Republicans — from across the country calling for a historic investment in expanding our nation’s broadband infrastructure. We are all adapting to this crisis, and there is no singular, direct path forward. But the only way we’re going to address our challenges is by working together.
IRS Customer Service
I’ve heard from hundreds of Central Virginians expressing frustration that they’ve been unable to reach Internal Revenue Service (IRS) customer service representatives to ask important questions. Earlier this month, I led a multi-member effort calling on the IRS to improve their customer service for taxpayers with questions about their stimulus checks.
On Monday, the IRS announced it will add 3,500 telephone operators to answer Americans’ questions about the status of their stimulus checks. I’m encouraged by this development, but I’ll keep pressing the IRS to improve its telework capabilities and provide faster answers to Central Virginians.
Nursing Homes
Here in Central Virginia, we’ve seen the devastating and fatal effects of COVID-19 on residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As these facilities and their staff struggle on the front lines to care for the most vulnerable people in our communities, it is unacceptable that the support they need has been so delayed.
I’ve led multiple efforts calling for more funding and better supply distribution at nursing homes and long-term care facilities for weeks. The facilities need testing supplies, personal protective gear and staff support, and the American people need clarity on what supply distribution issues or decision-making processes have caused delays. I promise to keep pushing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide answers and deliver long overdue support. We can’t keep losing our neighbors this way.
Lugar Bipartisanship Ranking
The Lugar Center has released its annual ranking of legislators, based on their commitment to coalition-building and bipartisanship. I am proud to be ranked as: The 5th most bipartisan House Democrat and the most bipartisan Member of the Virginia delegation.
The bipartisan index measures how often House Members introduce bills that succeed in attracting cosponsors from the opposite political party and how often they cosponsor a bill introduced by a Member of the other party. I am proud to have a bipartisanship score that demonstrates my strong commitment to working across the aisle on legislative solutions that can expand opportunity for all Central Virginians.
Thank you for supporting my campaign. Although we can’t be together right now, please connect with me on my campaign Facebook and Twitter pages — that’s where you’ll find the most up-to-date information. If you would like to get involved in my campaign, please visit my campaign website.
Thank you,
Abigail
Resources for veterans regarding coronavirus
(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 Available
(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 Available
(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