Walsh's home state of Illinois is voting today. Brat shocked the nation when he defeated sitting House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in the Republican primary in 2014. examining federal efforts to prevent, detect, and prosecute pandemic relief fraud to safeguard funds for all eligible americans The Climate Crisis Democrats strongly believe in our responsibility to serve as stewards of our environment and public lands for current and future generations WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after speaking one-on-one with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain about the ongoing formula shortage in Virginia and across the country. RICHMOND, Virginia - Congressmen Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Donald McEachin (D-VA-04) touted the recently-passed $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, highlighting funds for Virginia's infrastructure and the benefits the measure will bring to Virginia workers. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The mission is I want to change the lives of ordinary people.. You can't be. [58], Spanberger has called for a new version of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban that expired in 2004. "We continue to draw the contrast with Republicans who voted 'no' but want to take the dough," said Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar. She was seen as one of the most vulnerable incumbents of the 2022 election cycle, with pre-election polls projecting a close race with Republican nominee Yesli Vega, a law enforcement officer endorsed by Governor Glenn Youngkin and former President Donald Trump. Even when you don't agree on something, you're able to build trust with her, which is something I always appreciated. After eight years, Spanberger had several choices for her next posting, from Kenya to Costa Rica. Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare Coverage Lyndon B. Johnson once had this to say about Gerald Ford: Gerry Ford is so dumb he can't fart and chew gum at the same time. Ford was a congressional leader while Johnson was president. "[56], She described the Green New Deal proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a "bold compilation of ideas meant to address global climate change" but criticized it for allegedly including unrelated policy proposals and not identifying specific resolutions to the problems that it identifies. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, she is working to make sure Virginia employers and employees are able to recover and succeed. She won with 51% of the vote to Freitas's 49%. Spanberger knows of what she speaks. After dipping his toe in all three branches of government, Jones said hes found the right place to serve: The Hill is a special place. "As a former CIA officer, I know this playbook, and I know the president's actions are betraying the very foundation of the rule of law he purports to support, the U.S. Constitution", she said. Legislative Director to Rep. Abigail Spanberger at U.S. House of Representatives Washington, District of Columbia, United States 1K followers 500+ connections "We just have a buffet of accomplishments to offer, and he just rolled them out in such a way that it can really resonate with the everyday person," Ohio Rep. Shontel Brown told NPR. [2], Spanberger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from a joint program between the GISMA Business School in Germany and Purdue University's Krannert School of Management. Rep. Spanberger recognizes that the addiction and overdose crisis is the other deadly pandemic happening in our country. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. "I am already seeing a number of my Republican colleagues who voted against these historic pieces of legislation want to claim credit. But I have never had this much fun on the Hill as Im having now., The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955. Freitas carried eight of the district's ten counties, as Brat had done two years earlier. At the top in all caps are the words "President Joe Biden.". Postal Service. This is the intersection of law, policy and politics, he said. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) on Friday called for new House leadership because of Speaker Nancy Pelosi's handling of legislation that would ban members of Congress from trading stock,. The relationship between Congress and the U.S. intelligence services can be uneasy and is often adversarial. You can cancel at any time. . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Send GMA your Why It Matters video about which issues inspires you to vote. CIA Democrat Abigail Spanberger [Source: yahoo.com] Did they have outside help? Biden's cuts to Medicare Advantage will cost seniors hundreds more per year, but Abigail Spanberger is silent. [33][34] In the general election, Spanberger defeated Vega with 52.3% of the vote. Spanberger is challenging Republican incumbent Dave Brat and the prospect of flipping the seat is a long-shot. [50], As of June 2022, Spanberger had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time. In the past week, LegiStorm added: To see staff salaries for aides in the personal office of Rep. Abigail Spanberger, select a time period below. She supports maintaining federal funding to Planned Parenthood and other providers that provide essential healthcare screenings and preventive services to both women and men. She believes that an effective response involves working directly with community leaders, law enforcement officials, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to build an actionable strategy to provide treatment, recovery, and wraparound services to everyone impacted by the opioid epidemic. When she saw partisan politics and division threatening the country she dedicated her life to defend, Abigail decided to run for Congress. Subscribe to receive news alerts and updates on issues important to you and your family. "We were right in the midst of one of the more challenging political debates and discussions about strategy and timing," Kuster said. She began her career of public service as a federal law enforcement officer working narcotics and money laundering cases with the U.S. At least two other former CIA officers became members of the committee Republicans Will Hurd of Texas and Porter Goss of Florida, who was chairman before being named CIA director in 2004 under President George W. Bush. In February, for example, she joined 25 other Democrats to help the GOP push through a provision that would alert U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement if an undocumented immigrant tries to buy a gun. Additionally, she has led many bipartisan efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, increase transparency in the prescription drug marketplace, and prevent shortages by manufacturing essential medicines here at home. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), a former CIA case officer and one of a bevy of national security-savvy freshmen Democrats, took to the House floor last Tuesday as part of a bipartisan group. Democrat running for U.S. Congress in Virginias 7th District. "I spoke with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain yesterday and today about the urgency of this shortage. Eleanor Holmes Norton of D.C. It's like it was like Special Olympics, or something." "That's why the big job in front of us is implementing the laws we passed, so people start to see it in their lives all the benefits that are there because you produced it for them.". This button displays the currently selected search type. [70], Spanberger is married to Adam Spanberger, and they have three daughters. Spanbergers career took her around the globe. 30th July, 2021. Spanberger, who spent years in law enforcement herself, offered a model on how to do that in a recent half-day tour that demonstrated her support for the Culpeper Police Department speaking to. Obama later apologized. Obama told this unfortunate joke about his bowling skills during an appearance on The Tonight Show in 2009. After earning her MBA, Rep. Spanberger began her public service . WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after speaking one-on-one with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain about the ongoing formula shortage in Virginia and across the country. . Chief of Staff - USDA-RMA. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., speaks about her past work as a Central Intelligence Agency officer and her recent appointment to the House Intelligence Committee during an interview at her congressional offices on Feb. 8 in Washington. Addressing the Opioid Abuse & Addiction Epidemic '', President Bill Clinton cut to the heart of the matter during his grand jury testimony in the Monica Lewinsky affair in 1998 when he infamously said: It all depends on what the meaning of the word is is.. It gave me chills. Yes, she said, she had disguises and a cover story. But Spanberger again prevailed by winning the district's shares of Henrico and Chesterfield counties by a combined 43,400 votes, five times her overall margin of 8,400 votes. But Im sure there will be points of frustration probably for me and for them, frankly speaking.. [Podcast: These Democratic women dont want to be show ponies]. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Americans who served in World War II with the Canadian and British militaries prior to Americas declaration of war. [43], Spanberger supports the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). In the U.S. House, Abigail serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Agriculture Committee. Abigail grew up in Henrico County. [5] When she was 13, her family relocated to the Short Pump area in Henrico County in Virginia, outside Richmond. Copyright 2023 NPR. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., arrives as Democrats hold elections for their new leadership for the next Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 30, 2022. Spanberger, a former CIA case officer who unseated former Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA) in 2018, has been in a heated battle to retain her swing seat, with nonpartisan handicapper Cook Political Report. Protecting Womens Healthcare Access I've committed adultery in my heart many times. If Spanberger were to flip the seat, it would be a big win for Democrats. Adapting to the tempo. [2], Spanberger defeated Republican incumbent Dave Brat in 2018, ending the Republican Party's 36-year hold on the district. "As a former CIA officer who worked terrorism cases, I find it particularly disgraceful that they would try and make that some sort of leap or claim when I was in fact a long-term substitute teacher for a bunch of kids, she said in response. I was able to get involved in those races and watch really great people step forward and stand up for what they believe in and want to be a part of the political process, Spanberger said. Even so, Jones father went on to serve in the Marines during the Vietnam War. [11], In July 2017, Spanberger announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Virginia's 7th congressional district in the 2018 election against incumbent Republican Dave Brat, a Tea Party movement member. She attended John Randolph Tucker High School. When you put capital in the hands of the American worker, the American worker knows what to do with it, Brat said during their debate. Spanberger ( Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District. In the weeks since she was named to the intelligence committee, Spanberger says she's already recognizing some of the names and programs in the classified materials she's receiving. [50] She said the bill went "far beyond" pandemic relief and had no chance of passing the Republican-controlled Senate. She doesn't get overwhelmed by stuff.. She's running unopposed in her party for a third term, and there will be no. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The mission isnt just Go, Democrats, go, he said. [8] She said she gathered intelligence about nuclear proliferation and terrorism. Abigail Spanberger ( Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Virginia's 7th Congressional District. By Lindsey McPherson. She is working in the U.S. House to find additional ways to support military families as their loved ones serve abroad and as they eventually transition to civilian life. Remember Lincoln, going to his knees in times of trial and the Civil War and all that stuff. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. she mused. That's especially true now as lawmakers demand answers about classified documents found in the private possession of two presidents and the Biden administration's response to a suspected Chinese spy balloon. Their hope: flip the handful of seats needed to regain control of the chamber next year. A vote for my opponent will be a vote for the Nancy Pelosi liberal agenda, he said. [50] In November 2020, she described reducing the cost of prescription drugs as "the top priority of families in [her] district". In a statement to BuzzFeed News, Joe Pounder, the chief executive of America Rising, said, "America Rising . Brown said this is all part of the strategy to keep the impact of Democrats' votes in Washington top of mind for their constituents. The reality of divided government means it's unlikely Democrats will pass any major legislation, forcing them to instead go on the defensive and tout the legislation they've already passed. Before vaulting to the House, Jones spent just under two years with Feinstein and served as senior counsel to Sen. Cory Booker both Stanford grads like him. [52], In January 2020, Spanberger sponsored the Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act, which passed the House unanimously. House Democrats in competitive districts elected Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday to represent them in the caucus leadership . 11/11/22 3:30 PM ET News Five midterm surprises in the House "[69] She also said the Democrats had not sufficiently recognized that "inflation is a problem". Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), Mike Waltz (R-FL-06), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05) today introduced bipartisan legislation to increase transparency in the federal student loan process and to give borrowers additional tools to understand and decrease [], At Least 519 Protesters Have Been Killed by the Regime & More Than 19,000 Iranians Have Been Arrested Since the Death of Mahsa Amini In September 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger joined a bipartisan, bicameral effort urging the Biden Administration to impose stricter sanctions against members of the Iranian Parliament or [], The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Voted Unanimously to Pass the Congresswomans China Financial Threat Mitigation Act WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House Financial Services Committee voted unanimously 40 to 0 to advance U.S. Representative Abigail Spanbergers bipartisan bill that would build up Americas response to emerging financial threats from the Chinese []. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester speaks with Rep. Abigail Spanberger ahead of President Biden's speech during the annual House Democrats Issues Conference in Baltimore, Md. She recognizes the tremendous sacrifice of those who serve in our military, and she believes we have a sacred obligation to honor their dedication to our country and to give them the support they deserve. The top issues on her campaign website are health care, gun violence prevention and protecting social security and Medicare. In 2017, three local state seats within Spanbergers own congressional district flipped from Republican to Democrat and some of the volunteers making phone calls and sending letters in her campaign offices described volunteering on local races in 2017 and then heading straight into helping Spanberger next. Biographical Data, Abigail Spanberger. His first challenge? Spanberger defeated Brat in 2018. Thank you for visiting my campaign website. She applied for a job with the CIA and had a confidential offer by 2002. [59], Spanberger objected to Trump's travel bans from certain predominantly Muslim countries and argued that they would aid jihadist propaganda by allowing a portrayal of the United States as an anti-Muslim country. Currently serving Virginia District 7 And now we're having wonderful conversations about how to help the American people in their day-to-day lives. The days go by so quickly., The toughest days are probably MTRs motions to recommit, he said. Spanberger, 43, is part of a small group of former intelligence officers to have been elected to Congress. So far, Spanberger, who unseated Republican Dave Brat last fall in a historically red Virginia district, has broken with her party several times on motions to recommit. Rep. Abigail Spanberger on Twitter: "RT @PWCPolice: Thank you to Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for meeting with #PWCPD @ChiefNewsham and Senior Staff today at our Central District Station to review current concerns in our #community. Why Republicans and Democrats will be watching this race on election night. I bowled a 129. She is a member of the Democratic Party. In an interview, Goss described his experience with overseeing intelligence while in Congress as frustrating., The tensions are greater than when I was there, he said, blaming polarization both in Congress and within the spy agencies. Charlotte McWilliams met Spanberger when they were trainee officers before going to the CIA's academy in rural Virginia known as The Farm. They were both sent on to overseas postings Spanberger in Europe, McWilliams in Africa and bonded over their shared experiences doing clandestine work while becoming new mothers at the same time. [67][64], Spanberger opposed Democrats' attempts to amend the Insurrection Act of 1807, saying that amending the rarely used law would not accomplish what Democrats intended. Those votes can be tricky because we dont have very much time.. Abigail Spanberger May 2020 - Nov 2020 7 months. The Virginia mother of three told Good Morning America during a sit-down interview in her kitchen this summer that she always had a desire to serve her country, an interest in government, and a love of languages. Spanberger is a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer. Going to turn now to Representative Abigail Spanberger. Abigail Anne Spanberger (ne Davis, August 7, 1979) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative from Virginia's 7th congressional district since 2019. Reinforcing the Importance of Diplomacy & Our Relationships with U.S. That means what members ask of the administration will vary from district to district depending on the president's popularity. If your intention was to visit my official House of Representatives website, please, Checks payable to "Spanberger for Congress". She's someone that works hard and is focused on the mission. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania woman, 29, killed in crash Thursday morning, Woman pleads guilty to bashing former roommate with bat, Police cite medical emergency in Spotsylvania crash, Spotsylvania approves rezoning, making way for 'techno campus', Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Virginia aerialist wins 'Americas Got Talent: All Stars', New commuter bus routes coming to Fredericksburg area, Spotsylvania man convicted after being caught in child pornography sting, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Spotsylvania schools' new chief of staff will be "legislative liaison" for school division, Spotsylvania School Board member charged with forgery, Virginia State Police seek public's help in fatal crash investigation, Spotsylvania man convicted of felony in driveway shooting, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. Although most of the conference was marked by strong support of the president, there was a brief interruption on Thursday, when news of Biden's decision not to use his veto power to block a GOP-effort to repeal D.C.'s new crime law broke during a press conference with the Congressional Black Caucus. I hope that helps me do my job better. Jacob Bliss 29 Dec 2021, 5:33 PM PST 0 The House has this really kinetic, fast pace, Jones said in an interview this week, after rushing back to the office. Rep. Spanberger is actively focused on advancing legislation that grows the Seventh Districts small businesses, reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens, cuts red tape, and invests in critical physical infrastructure improvements that support growth like expanded broadband internet access. Rep. Spanberger supports giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, so that more senior citizens in the Commonwealth do not have to choose between putting food on the table or affording their life-saving medications. To see staff salaries for aides in the personal office of Rep. Abigail Spanberger, select a time period below. Spanberger has said she thinks the Democratic Party needs new leaders and that she would not back Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, as the next Speaker of the House if Democrats won the majority. RM2GAEXGB - Washington, United States. She worked undercover her entire time at the Agency collecting intelligence, managing assets, and overseeing high-profile programs to combat terrorism and keep Americans safe. Rep. Spanberger released a statement : Spanberger Votes with Bipartisan Majority to Condemn World's Worst Dictators, Calls for House GOP Leadership to Also Bring Bills to the Floor to Address. [6] In the early 2000s, she was a postal inspector, working on money laundering and narcotics cases. [28] Calling the elections "a failure" from a congressional standpoint, she singled out Republican attack ads decrying "socialism" and the movement to "defund the police" as prime reasons the Democratic Party lost seats in swing districts. She has voiced her support for stronger border security measures but opposes Trump's proposed wall. Her current term ends on January 3, 2023. Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, who's being targeted by the GOP as she runs for re-election in a competitive district, spotlights her efforts to lower gas prices. President Barack Obama is highly regarded as an orator, but he sometimes stumbles when he veers away from the Teleprompter. Democrats in Baltimore repeatedly talked about the need to make sure their constituents know who voted and didn't vote for federal dollars on infrastructure. Any plan released by this administration must make sure that formula is stocked on our shelves for all Virginia parents, crack down on price gouging, and increase imports of formula from abroad. Abigail has consistently been ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia as well as the one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress overall. They co-wrote a Washington Post opinion piece explaining their support for an impeachment inquiry, writing: "Congress must determine whether the president was indeed willing to use his power and withhold security assistance funds to persuade a foreign country to assist him in an upcoming election." Shes spoken to too many families who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose. "As a former intelligence officer, I know that countries are watching us. [52], Spanberger supports banning members of Congress from trading stocks. Abigail Spanberger spoke with voters at a campaign event in June in Midlothian, . [50], According to FiveThirtyEight's congressional vote tracker, Spanberger voted with President Donald Trump 6.9% of the timeabout one seventh of the expected tally (49.1%) when factoring in the district's partisan leaning and general partisanship in Congress. WASHINGTON As former CIA Director David Petraeus recently told the House Intelligence Committee about the needs of the agency's workforce, one of the committees youngest members flashed a knowing smile and began to nod. How many more do you need to look at?, Gerald Ford once said: If Lincoln were alive today, hed roll over in his grave., Abigail Spanberger spent almost a decade as a CIA operations officer. [74][75] She is a Protestant. Also, aides for any relevant committees, leadership offices, campaign committees and leadership PACs will not be included here, nor do we have data for unpaid staff such as interns or people who are "detailed" from the GAO, executive branch or private sector. [53] She has introduced legislation that would require lawmakers, as well as their spouses and dependent children, to place assets in a blind trust while in office. [7] On June 12, 2018, Spanberger defeated Dan Ward in the Democratic primary election with 73% of the vote, receiving more votes than any other candidate in the Virginia primaries that day. She'll know how to fix things., You could fill a book with the eyebrow-raising Bush-isms of President George W. Bush. Barbara Sprunt is a producer on NPR's Washington desk, where she reports and produces breaking news and feature political content. [19] While Brat won eight of the district's ten counties, Spanberger dominated the two largest counties, Henrico and Chesterfield, by a combined margin of over 30,000 votes. "Most of the intelligence community doesn't understand Congress and most of Congress doesn't understand the intelligence community.. May it please the court, I am Roscoe Jones on behalf of the United States of America, Jones recited. [63], On June 1, 2020, Spanberger tweeted criticism of Trump's reaction to the George Floyd protests, a series of protests against police brutality that began in Minneapolis on May 26. She said she does not support "sanctuary cities" but also called the term "a campaign slogan a lot of people get caught up in." It was wonderful to have this dear friend who was working hard to kick butt as much as she could, professionally and personally at the same time," McWilliams said in an interview. Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger narrowly held onto her seat in Virginia on Tuesday, defeating Republican Yesli Vega in a contest both parties saw as an early bellwether in the battle for the.