Listening To You

Two months into the 115^th Congress, I received more contacts from constituents than during any other two-month period since I took office. It is heartening to see such strong, widespread engagement in the political process.

I wanted to give you a short update into the topics which received the highest levels of concern and contact from you, and to tell you about my efforts in those areas.

By far, the topic about which we heard the most was the president: his tax returns, whether his business involvements pose conflicts of interest, and his handling of Russia vis-à-vis U.S. elections. I voted for Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr.’s measure to obtain the President’s tax returns through the Ways and Means Committee. I also cosponsored Rep. Jerrold Nadler’s bill, H. Res. 111, to obtain records for Congress “relating to the financial practices of the President,” and Rep. Eric Swalwell’s bill, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, to create an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate Russia’s possible role on our elections.

Civil Liberties/Immigration

Thousands of you wrote or called to voice opposition to the President’s travel ban in January. I vocally opposed that measure, and went to Dulles Airport to see its enforcement and talk about the problems it created for Northern Virginians. I heard from organizations and local and national leaders advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes families.

Healthcare

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a major policy focus for Congress in the past few months. I have received hundreds of contacts per month on this topic. Most of them support retaining the ACA and fixing perceived issues with it rather than repealing the bill entirely.

Environment

My office receives calls nearly every day from constituents concerned about the environment and the future of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I will continue to speak up for full funding for the EPA and other agencies that have roles in environmental protection, and will oppose bills such as HR 861, which would abolish those agencies or undermine their mission.

Education

During January, I received hundreds of calls and letters voicing concerns about the confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. In February and March, more constituents voiced concerns about bills that would turn funding for public schools into voucher programs. I oppose such legislation, and will remain a steadfast supporter of funding and high standards for public schools, including programs for students from working class backgrounds and special needs students.

Though these issues were the ones which produced the largest numbers of emails, calls, and letters from 8^th district constituents, we have also heard from you on many, many other issues.

My town hall event in Arlington on January 16^th filled a high school auditorium with standing room only. I just held a telephone town hall with an invited list of over 40,000 constituents, and my staff and I are planning more in-person town hall events in the next few months. We will live-stream video of these events on my Facebook and Twitter pages for those who are unable to attend.

As Congress moves forward to consideration of new topics and policies, I will continue listening to you.