Last week, we invited the two candidates running in the Democratic primary for Congress in Virginia’s 8th District to write an article about why our readers should vote for them on Tuesday, June 21. Find information on how and where to vote in Arlington here.
Here is Rep. Don Beyer’s unedited response:
My name is Don Beyer and I represent much of Northern Virginia, including Arlington, in the United States House of Representatives. I am seeking re-election – and your vote – because I am determined to fight for a strong and fair economy, to protect our democracy from those who threaten it, and to act with the speed and scale we need to address to the climate crisis.
I am focused on getting results for our district. Since I was first elected eight years ago, my office has handled more than 13,000 cases to help voters with federal agencies and other matters, and recovered more than $10 million in their name. This year I got millions in federal funding For local projects, which include flood control in Northern Virginia, expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure and funding for Arlington Mental Health Services.
I am an ardent defender of transportation infrastructure in our region. I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will greatly benefit Northern Virginia and has put the metro on a stronger fiscal footing with additional oversight. I helped secure grants to renovate the Arlington Memorial Bridge and passed legislation that improved safety and repaired the structure of the GW Parkway. I am constantly working to reduce aircraft and helicopter noise in our skies.
As a member of Congress, I helped craft and enact landmark legislation, including Covid relief measures like the CARES Act and the US Bailout, which funded the National Recovery Strategy. vaccination, Direct Economic Impact Payments for most Americans, and the enhanced Child Tax Credit.
Last year, President Biden signed into law my hate crime prevention legislation, the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act. I helped draft legislation to launch the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 next month.
As Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee of Congress and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I lobby to make health care, child care and housing more affordable and to lower the price of lifesaving medicines. like insulin. I am a leader in the House in the fight for universal, paid medical and family leave. I am a strong supporter of working people, as a supporter of legislation to raise the minimum wage, protect union rights, and support American public servants and contractors.
As leader of the House Science Committee, I pledge to be an effective advocate for a strong response to the climate crisis. I drafted climate-friendly provisions to promote direct air capture, green hydrogen, and credits for electric vehicles. I passed legislation to boost funding for climate resilience and “blue carbon” research, and founded the Bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus. Last year, I represented the Chamber at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.
Stopping gun violence has been another focus of my work in Congress. I voted for universal background checks, led the fight for red flag laws, and strongly supported banning assault weapons. I recently introduced legislation to restrict the purchase of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which could circumvent the filibuster and win passage through the Senate by 50 votes.
Finally, like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the threats to our democracy. I voted for the People’s Act, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to protect our elections and guarantee Americans’ right to vote. I was a vocal critic of Donald Trump, voting twice to impeach him, and am a strong supporter of the January 6 Committee investigation.
Northern Virginians are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the work of the federal government, and representing you effectively requires knowledgeable and experienced leadership. As a representative of our district, I work hard every day to make progress that improves your lives.
Thank you for placing your trust in me. I humbly ask for your support and vote on Tuesday, June 21 to continue building on the progress we have made. For more information, please visit www.friendsofdonbeyer.com.