It was a productive week in Washington as Republicans, joined by a few House Democrats, worked together to pass a continuing resolution to end the shutdown, along with three full-year appropriations bills. This vote resulted in the reopening of the federal government and restored much-needed stability for American families. I also supported the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, which expands rural community access to tests and treatments, making it easier for Medicare recipients to receive these services. I also backed legislation to bring greater transparency to taxpayers by requiring the federal government to disclose the true cost of shutdowns, promoting greater accountability for every dollar spent. Additionally, November marks Veterans and Military Families Month, a time when we honor the loved ones who stand behind our service members. Back home, I was grateful to thank our local heroes at the Lexington Veterans Day Parade and to recognize the next generation of leaders at a Civil Air Patrol meeting. As we head into another week, I will continue working to advance common sense policies that strengthen our communities and move the Sixth District forward.
Republicans Lead the Way to Ending the Democrat Shutdown
The Democrat-led government shutdown has finally come to an end, thanks to House and Senate members who stayed focused on reopening the government for the American people. For weeks, Democrats refused to come to the table, leaving millions of families facing uncertainty, from travelers stranded in airports to troops unsure if they would receive their next paycheck. Despite fifteen votes to attempt to reopen the government, Democrats continued to block efforts to end the shutdown. Republicans remained united and ultimately passed the continuing resolution with bipartisan support. The measure that ultimately passed includes three vital bipartisan appropriations bills and extends government funding through January 30, 2026. This shutdown should never have happened, and Virginians should never have had to endure the resulting hardships.
A small group of Democrats admitted the shutdown caused unnecessary harm to hardworking Americans without achieving any meaningful outcome. I am grateful that six House Democrats ultimately joined Republicans in voting for the continuing resolution to fund the government through the end of January, recognizing that their party’s obstruction had gone on long enough. For nearly seven weeks, families across the country bore the burden of the shutdown. Republicans stood firm in rejecting the Democrats’ bloated $1.5 trillion partisan wish list and instead worked to ensure critical programs, like SNAP and veterans’ medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs, remain fully funded through October 2026.
Americans deserve steady, responsible leadership that prioritizes their needs, not political theater that risks their livelihoods. To highlight this point, I spoke with WDBJ 7 to emphasize the importance of the vote that keeps the government running and ensures essential services remain uninterrupted. Since September 19, I have supported a clean continuing resolution, and I am glad this unnecessary federal shutdown has finally come to an end. Federal employees across Virginia’s Sixth District can now move forward without the uncertainty they have faced for far too long. This continuing resolution allows families and communities to plan with confidence, ensuring that vital services continue without disruption.
Improving Healthcare Access for Seniors and Rural Communities
Access to a local pharmacy should never be a luxury, especially for seniors and those in rural communities. That’s why I cosponsored the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, a bipartisan bill that gives seniors more options to meet their healthcare needs. Pharmacists are trusted partners in patient care, and this bill allows them greater flexibility to test for and treat common respiratory illnesses, including influenza and strep throat, so seniors can receive care quickly and safely. Pharmacists have long played a crucial role in maintaining the health of Americans, from administering vaccines to preventing the spread of disease. This legislation ensures they can continue providing these services while receiving appropriate Medicare reimbursement. Modernizing Medicare in this way empowers pharmacists to meet public health needs efficiently, particularly during respiratory illness seasons and other public health challenges.
The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act strengthens Medicare coverage for pharmacist-administered tests and treatments. Seniors, especially in rural areas like ours, should be able to access care without unnecessary delays. Our local pharmacies are at the heart of our communities, and this legislation gives pharmacists the support they need to continue delivering vital care and protecting seniors from illnesses that can be easily treated.
Holding Washington Accountable for the True Cost of Shutdowns
Every day the government remained shut down, taxpayers paid billions in lost productivity and back pay. That’s why I cosponsored the Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act, which requires federal agencies to disclose the number of furloughed employees and the total cost to taxpayers. Americans deserve a clear accounting of the scope and price of any shutdown, especially when it is completely avoidable. The bill requires agencies to report the total number of employees and contractors, the number who were furloughed or continued working, and the compensation associated with each group.
This information would be publicly available and reviewed by congressional oversight committees, with a Congressional Budget Office analysis of the economic impact. With shutdown-related costs estimated at $400 million per day and total economic losses potentially reaching $7 to $14 billion, taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability. This legislation helps ensure that American families understand the true cost of government shutdowns and supports needed oversight and accountability.
Honoring the Loved Ones Behind Our American Heroes
November marks Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to recognize the incredible support provided by the loved ones of our Sixth District heroes who have selflessly served our great nation. Your unwavering dedication and sacrifice at home do not go unnoticed. We honor you today and every day for the strength you provide to those who protect our freedom.
Military families are the backbone of our Armed Forces, standing strong through long deployments, missed milestones, and countless sacrifices. Throughout this month, and always, we extend our deepest gratitude to every spouse, child, and parent who serves alongside our veterans and servicemembers in their own incredible way.
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Out and About In the Sixth District
It was an honor to join the Roanoke Civil Air Patrol Meeting, which included an Awards Presentation and Drill Performance. During the event, I was proud to present Cadet Thomas Frieben with a certificate recognizing his achievement of earning the Billy Mitchell Award and to pin Cadet Patterson for a promotion in rank.
It was great to be in Covington to sit down with Gene Mundy on The Value Prop podcast for their inaugural episode, discussing how we can work to sustain economic growth across the Sixth District.
It was an honor to attend the Veterans Day Parade in Lexington and join our community in honoring the heroes of Virginia’s Sixth District who have worn our nation's uniform. Thank you to everyone who made this parade possible and to all our veterans for their service.
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.
For the latest updates from Washington and across the Sixth District, please follow my Facebook and Twitter pages.
