Happy Monday! The House returns to session after a district work period. It was nice to be back in the Fourth District meeting with constituents, community leaders, and welcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrators to the district. Check out what you may have missed.
Regional EPA Administrator Visits Fourth District
Last week, I was excited to welcome Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz to Richmond to discuss environmental justice initiatives. We met with Virginia Community Voice, Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation, and the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to learn more about initiatives to enhance sustainability and foster social equity within the Southside Richmond community. Our tour included a tour of community gardens that neighbors have built in the Oak Grove community and the site of a proposed Southside healing hub, a bilingual multipurpose space dedicated to healing the mind, body, spirit and land of this historically marginalized community.
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Afterwards, Administrator Ortiz visited Virginia State University to discuss its partnership with the EPA through the Linking Environmental and Academic Programs (LEAP) agreement signed in 2019.
Specifically, the meeting focused on collaborative efforts between EPA, VSU, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, expanding faculty and student participation in programs, and increasing student exposure to careers in environmental sciences.
I look forward to continuing to work with Administrator Ortiz and the EPA to advance sustainability and environmental justice and to support our communities across the Fourth District.
Navy Reserve Center Richmond Change of Command
Richmond is home to one of 122 Navy Reserve Centers (NRCs) across the country, which provide administrative, training and readiness support to Navy Reserve Sailors. The Navy Reserve’s mission is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team and Joint forces. The Navy Reserve provides essential naval warfighting capabilities and expertise, strategically aligned with mission requirements. As a member of the House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, I have come to appreciate the critical role the Navy Reserve plays in our national defense.
Last week I was privileged to join Vice-Admiral John Mustin, USN Chief of Navy Reserve for a Change of Command ceremony in which Commander Amy Thomas, USN relieved Commander Eric Wynn, USN as the commanding officer of the NRC Richmond. After nearly two years at NRC Richmond, Commander Wynn takes command of the Navy Reserve Forces in Norfolk, VA this week. He will be assigned as Director of Force Protection and Explosive Safety for the Navy Reserve Force.
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Will Congress Pass a Supplemental Aid Package…?
For months, congressional Democrats stood ready to pass a supplemental aid package to support our allies and global partners around the world. We need to pass a legislative package that delivers crucial resources to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and innocent Palestinians in Gaza; however, extreme MAGA Republicans have held up our legislative process, demanding border and immigration reforms to be included in the package.
It’s clear we must meaningfully address border security and pass comprehensive immigration reform, but we should not delay critical, life-saving aid to our allies to achieve it. The Biden-Harris Administration and congressional Democrats continue negotiations with Republicans, and they were nearing a deal. However, former President Trump recently attempted to sink the bipartisan deal, because he wants to run on immigration in 2024. This is yet another example of Republicans prioritizing their own politics over the American people. Despite this recent hurdle, we are still expecting a framework to be released in the coming days. I urge my colleagues to continue negotiations in good faith, and I look forward to reviewing a proposal as soon as possible.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces a Temporary Pause on New LNG Exports
Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a temporary pause on pending approvals for exports of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) until the Department of Energy (DOE) can update underlying analyses for authorizations. This is historic, welcomed news and follows my bicameral letter to DOE in November 2023, calling on the agency to update how it determines whether new licenses for LNG exports are in the public interest. As the impacts of climate change become more frequent and more severe, we must do everything in our power to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, advance environmental justice, and transition to cleaner, more sustainable technologies.
President Biden Announces Student Loan Opportunities
This month, President Biden announced new student loan opportunities for borrowers. If you are enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, initially took out $12,000 or less for college, and have made 10 years of payments, you are immediately eligible for loan forgiveness. According to new data, over 177,000 borrowers across Virginia are eligible for the Administration’s most affordable repayment plan.
As the cost to pursue higher education continues to rise, I will always work to make sure education remains a powerful tool to build intergenerational wealth and enable economic mobility. If you’re a student loan borrower or you know of one, you can view more resources and tools at StudentAid.gov/restart. You can find more information on the SAVE Plan at StudentAid.gov/save.
Valentines for Veterans
Show your appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Virginia’s Fourth by participating in my Valentines for Vets program. You can deliver or mail Valentine’s Day cards to my Richmond or Brunswick offices by February 2nd for distribution to District veterans by Valentine’s Day.
Black History Month Essay Contest
Do you know a middle or high school student in the Fourth District who is a good writer? Encourage them to participate in my Black History Month Essay Contestby submitting an essay by February 12th.
Women of Excellence Awards
Do you know a woman in the Fourth District who makes meaningful contributions to the community and improves the lives of those around her? Nominations are open for the inaugural Fourth District Women of Excellence Awards through Friday, March 1st.
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!
