Weekly Newsletter 03.04.24

March 4, 2024

Last week we closed out Black History Month and began Women’s History Month during a busy week in Washington and the District. I celebrated state and local leaders in the District with my first Black History Month Coffee and joined Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Senators Warner and Kaine to recognize Black leaders from across Virginia at the Commonwealth Coffee.

For the fourth time this Congress, House Democrats delivered the necessary votes to pass another Continuing Resolution (CR) to avoid a partial government shutdown for another week. This time, we extended funding to March 8 for approximately 20% of federal agencies, and to March 22 for the remaining 80%. You can read my full statement in support of the CR here.

The good news is it looks like we will finally pass actual appropriations bills this month. Yesterday, House and Senate leaders unveiled The Consolidated Appropriations Act to provide funding for six appropriations bills at levels set by the bipartisan budget agreement for

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies;
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies;
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies;
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies;
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and
Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

You can read a summary of the bill here.

THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON

Since the fall of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision, we have seen constant attacks on reproductive freedom and access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion, contraception and in vitro fertilization (IVF). This week, I continued fighting back against these attacks.

For years, some insurance companies have failed to fully comply with contraceptive coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), forcing patients to pay out of pocket or face administrative red tape to access the birth control that works best for them. In response, I joined over 150 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) in a letter urging health insurers to fully comply with the requirements. I also joined Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), the National Women’s Law Center, and Power to Decide for a press call discussing our efforts. Read our full letter here and more about our efforts in The Hill.

As I shared during my remarks, patients choose specific contraception in consultation with their provider for a variety of medical and personal reasons. Unfortunately, we have seen a concerning pattern of noncompliance with the contraception coverage requirement by insurance companies. The thought that an insurance company would deny a patient the contraception they feel best meets their needs is outrageous. I will continue fighting to ensure every American has access to the contraception they need. Watch my full remarks here or below.

I also fought back against the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent ruling that imperils IVF services in that state, which I reported on last week. Not only does the ruling drastically restrict Alabamans’ access to IVF, it sets a dangerous legal precedent that could jeopardize access to crucial fertility treatments nationwide. To protect IVF services nationwide, I signed on to cosponsor the Access to Family Building Act. Sponsored by Rep. Susan Wild (PA-07, the bill would protect IVF and reproductive health care at the federal level. Too many couples rely on fertility treatments to allow this ruling to go unchecked. House Democrats will continue fighting back against Republicans’ efforts to strip reproductive freedoms away from patients. DWC held a press conference demanding action on the bill last week, which you can watch here.

Meanwhile, I took to the House floor to push back against these constant attacks on comprehensive reproductive healthcare in remarks you can watch here or below.

Perfect Score on LCV’s Scorecard

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) released its 2023 National Environmental Scorecard, which grades lawmakers’ voting record on key climate and environmental bills. I received a perfect 100% score!

I joined LCV and Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) to announce the scorecard and discuss our efforts to address the climate crisis and advance environmental justice. I began my environmental advocacy while in the General Assembly, where I championed major pieces of climate legislation like the Virginia Clean Economy Act to make our Commonwealth the first state in the South with a 100% renewable energy standard. Now in Congress, I am continuing my leadership and building off the legacy of my predecessor, the late A. Donald McEachin. I will continue fighting to ensure every Virginian can breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy environment free from harmful pollutants. You can watch my remarks here or below.

THIS WEEK IN THE DISTRICT

Honoring John Mercer Langston

Last week, I introduced new legislation to rename the historic Petersburg Post Office in honor of John Mercer Langston. Mr. Langston was a staunch civil and voting rights advocate, attorney, diplomat, higher education administrator, and politician. He played a critical role in the abolitionist movement and helped recruit Black soldiers to fight for the Union’s cause during the Civil War. After the war, he served as the Inspector General of the Bureau of Freedmen, Refugees, and Abandoned Lands while he practiced law in Washington, D.C. He would later serve as Dean of Howard University Law School. Following the founding of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute – what is now Virginia State University – he moved to Petersburg to serve as its first President. In 1890, Mr. Langston became the first Black member of Congress to represent Virginia - representing the Fourth Congressional District. His story is one of inspiring perseverance, as he redefined what was deemed possible for Black Americans in the late 19th century.

As a child, I would go to the Petersburg Post Office with my parents. As the first Black woman to represent Virginia, I stand on his shoulders and am committed to honoring his legacy. Hopefully soon, a child will go to that post office, see Mr. Langston’s name, and be inspired to learn more about his incredible contributions to our community, Commonwealth, and country.

Episode 4 of Moments with McClellan ft. Rep. Bobby Scott

To close out Black History Month, I released Episode 4 of Moments with McClellan featuring special guest, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03). The Dean of the Virginia delegation, Congressman Scott was the second Black Congressman elected from Virginia, and the first since Reconstruction! We discussed everything from our work as history makers to his favorite snacks. You can check out the episode here or below.

Visiting Petersburg

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham and Petersburg City Manager John “March” Altman to discuss their priorities and our shared efforts on behalf of our constituents. Following the meeting, I toured the historic South Side Depot to see the ongoing restoration project. The project seeks to modernize and convert the 170-year-old depot into a visitors’ center and will help stimulate tourism and economic development in the region. Learn more about the project here.

REMINDERS

Telephone Town Hall

This week will mark the one year anniversary of my taking the oath of office representing the Fourth District as the first Black woman elected from Virginia. In honor of my one-year anniversary, I am hosting my first Telephone Town Hall of 2024! I will be sharing updates about my work in Washington and answering your questions. We will also have representatives from the IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service on the line in case you have questions about filing your 2023 taxes. If you would like to join, please dial (833) 746-0071 at 6:30pm ET tonight. I hope you can join us!

Mobile McClellans Around the District

Looking for assistance with a federal agency without driving to my Richmond or Brunswick offices? Join my caseworkers at three Mobile McClellans this month around Virginia’s Fourth. While these Mobile McClellans will be focused on Medicare and resources available to seniors, my constituent caseworkers are available to assist you with any issues you are experiencing.

Brodnax, Virginia: Tuesday, March 5th from 10:00am - 1:00pm ET. Register here.
Hopewell, Virginia: Monday, March 11th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm ET. Register here.
Henrico, Virginia: Tuesday, March 12th from 10:30am - 1:30pm ET. Register here.

I look forward to hearing from you. Make sure to follow @RepMcClellan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Threads to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington and Virginia’s Fourth and to catch the next episode of Moments with McClellan!

Sincerely,

Rep. Jennifer McClellan
Member of Congress