Weekly Newsletter 3.24.23
Dear friend,
It was another busy, productive week. I am excited to share some important updates with you.
THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON
Opposing H.R. 5
To protect the interests of students and parents in Virginia’s Fourth and throughout the nation, this week, I voted against H.R. 5, the “Parents Bill of Rights”. I am the proud mother of two young children in Richmond Public Schools, and I speak with parents frequently about their concerns and hopes. I know parents are not concerned with banning books, censoring our curriculum, or dictating what bathrooms students use. They want expanded resources for mental and behavioral health, inclusive environments that foster learning and critical thinking, improved academic performance and achievement, and increased resources to repair crumbling school buildings. Unfortunately, H.R. 5 does nothing to address these issues.
It is disappointing to see this legislation disregard the priorities that parents really care about. This bill brings unnecessary culture wars into the classroom and places burdensome requirements on teachers and schools. This extreme bill would open the door to dictate what books students can read and the curriculum educators can teach. It contains exclusionary provisions that would disproportionately impact LGBTQI+ students and threatens federal funding for nutrition programs as a punitive measure for those that do not comply.
All these requirements are onerous, time consuming, and costly for already overworked and underpaid teachers and staff. Our focus should be on providing our students and teachers with the resources they need to succeed. During debate on the House floor, I spoke out in opposition to the legislation.
Unfortunately, H.R. 5 passed the House on a 213 to 208 vote. It now heads to the Senate, where I hope it will be defeated.
House Armed Services Committee Hearing
This week, I attended a House Armed Services Committee hearing focused on our nation’s military posture in the Greater Middle East and Africa. I questioned General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, and General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, to learn more about the national security challenges in the region. The hearing was informative and helped us better understand how we can maintain our national security interests abroad.
US Black Chamber Women’s Luncheon
This week, I spoke at the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.’s 2023 Women of Power Luncheon. It was an honor to be named to their “Power 50” List, and humbling to be among such a distinguished group of Black women who make a difference in their communities and the world. I am committed to making a positive impact in our community and will work every day to help my constituents.
LETTERS & LEGISLATION
The A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act
This week, I joined Representatives Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03) and Barbara Lee (CA-12) in introducing the A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice for All Act, the most comprehensive piece of environmental justice (EJ) legislation in history. This bill was previously introduced by my predecessor as his top priority in Congress. I am proud to be an original cosponsor on this bill named in his honor. The legislation seeks to address the long-standing environmental inequities that disproportionately impact low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities. Environmental injustices can manifest in many ways, such as proximity to toxic landfills, lead-ridden pipes, poorer air quality, and more. I am honored to carry on Donald’s legacy with this important legislation and fight for underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.
HOLIDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
100th Anniversary of the Equal Rights Amendment
One hundred years ago, the Equal Rights Amendment was introduced. It took Congress nearly fifty years to pass the legislation, at which point 38 states needed to ratify it to officially make it the 28th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In 2020, I led the charge to make Virginia the 38th and final state to ratify the ERA. Unfortunately, an arbitrary deadline was included in the proposing clause to the Equal Rights Amendment, stating it had to be ratified within seven years. That deadline is now keeping it from being published in the Constitution.
It is absurd that women do not have the same constitutional protections as men in the 21st century. There are renewed efforts on Capitol Hill to remove this deadline and finally make the ERA law. Our daughters and granddaughters deserve this – equality must be enshrined in the Constitution, and I will continue to work towards this as your Congresswoman.
Celebrating Ramadan
This Wednesday marked the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Islamic Center of Virginia’s pre-Ramadan dinner with State Senator Ghazala Hashmi. As Muslims around the globe begin their holy month of fasting and reflection, I wish them Ramadan Mubarak.
DISTRICT DEADLINES
Congressional Art Competition
I am excited to announce the launch of the Congressional Art Competition for high school students living in Virginia’s Fourth. Hosted by the Congressional Institute, this annual competition seeks to cultivate artistic talent.
The deadline to submit an original piece of artwork is May 1st, 2023. The winner will be determined by a panel of judges that I convene. The winning artist will have their piece hung in the U.S. Capitol for one year and will be invited to Washington D.C. to attend the awards ceremony with me.
For further information and detailed rules, please visit my website.
WHAT YOU MISSED
Tour of Richmond Virginia Temple
This week, I had the opportunity to join Representative John Curtis for an open house and tour of the newly constructed Richmond Virginia Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Glen Allen. This is the first such temple built in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and its design reflects a blend of Geofgian, Federal and Jeffersonian architecture and other Virginia elements, such as Dogwood patterns. The general public is invited to tour the temple from March 25 - April 15 in advance of its dedication on May 7th.
Virginia Speaker of the House Portrait Unveiling
Last week, I was able to attend the portrait unveiling of the first woman and Jewish Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Eileen Filler Corn. Eileen and I have been colleagues and friends for over a decade. She was an invaluable leader in the General Assembly, and it was wonderful to celebrate her historic Speakership. Her portrait in the Virginia Capitol will remind young girls that anything is possible. Congrats Eileen!
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan