Now, she's a third-term Virginia congresswoman who was just named to one of two committees that oversees the work of U.S.. This button displays the currently selected search type. [40][41] In the 2019 Speaker of the United States House of Representatives election on the opening day of the 116th United States Congress, Spanberger voted for U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos, an Illinois Democrat, joining 11 other Democrats who did not back Nancy Pelosi. She attended J.R. Tucker High Schools Spanish immersion program and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia. examining federal efforts to prevent, detect, and prosecute pandemic relief fraud to safeguard funds for all eligible americans She stressed that she'd supported appropriation bills that maintained or increased federal. In 2018, she became the first Democrat since 1968 to be elected to represent Virginias 7th Congressional district. So don't feel sorry for don't cry for me, Argentina. She represents a central Virginia seat that went for President Donald Trump by 6 points in 2016 - and where she appears to have barely eked out a victory by. Retrieved March 18, 2020. This is the intersection of law, policy and politics, he said. And now we're having wonderful conversations about how to help the American people in their day-to-day lives. She formerly produced the NPR Politics Podcast and got her start in radio at as an intern on NPR's Weekend All Things Considered and Tell Me More with Michel Martin. Education. The top issues on her campaign website are health care, gun violence prevention and protecting social security and Medicare. As a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, she will continue to voice her unwavering support for U.S. diplomats, law enforcement, intelligence officers, and civil servants who work every day at home and abroad to identify dangerous threats, prevent tragedies, and save American lives. Why Republicans and Democrats will be watching this race on election night. "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. [44][45], On January 31, 2023, Spanberger was among seven Democrats to vote for H.R.497:Freedom for Health Care Workers Act, a bill which would lift COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. Spanberger also co-sponsored the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which grants Medicare Part D the power to negotiate prescription prices directly with drug companies. Staff Sergeant Gonell, Aquilino (@SergeantAqGo) October 31, 2022 . [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. After eight years, Spanberger had several choices for her next posting, from Kenya to Costa Rica. [54][55], Spanberger has called climate change "one of the greatest and most imminent threats to our economy, our national security, and our way of life" and promised to "stand up to attacks against science. Rep. Abigail Spanberger is an experienced leader and a deeply committed public servant who ran for reelection to Congress to expand economic opportunity for Virginia working families. The relationship between Congress and the U.S. intelligence services can be uneasy and is often adversarial. 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. Look, I love the Senate. Those votes can be tricky because we dont have very much time.. 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. In February 2022 Chesterfield mother Shannon Davis and her son, Joshua, appeared with President Joe Biden and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, R-7th, in Culpeper to urge lower prescription drug prices . [70], Spanberger is married to Adam Spanberger, and they have three daughters. The reality is other countries perceive that and they perceive that in a way that can't be good, she said. Her race was catapulted into the national spotlight over the summer when a Republican PAC obtained and released an un-redacted version of one of her security clearance forms from the U.S. I will always love the Senate, Jones said. . [50], As of June 2022, Spanberger had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. When I was a CIA officer we would have meetings and you dont know what people's politics are We were there to serve a mission that we were focused on that mission.. Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare Coverage [51] In November 2020, Spanberger led a bipartisan effort to secure the 340B Drug Pricing Program against changes that would lead to significant increases in prescription medication costs. Abigail Spanberger lives with her family in Virginia. 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. Abigail Spanberger has served as the Democratic congresswoman for Virginia's 7th Congressional District since 2019. If your intention was to visit my official House of Representatives website, please, Checks payable to "Spanberger for Congress". 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. [25] She was also boosted by Joe Biden narrowly carrying the district;[26] Biden is the first Democrat to win what is now the 7th since 1948. "[57] Spanberger called for a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who abide by the laws, work, and pay taxes. Following her love of country, public service, and languages, Abigail joined the CIA as a case officer. Abigail Spanberger spoke with voters at a campaign event in June in Midlothian, . President Biden and House Democrats are mounting a full-court press to take their legislative record on the road and into districts across the country to remind voters of what they've already accomplished. Abigail Spanberger has always served her country and community. Shes spoken to too many families who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose. She's someone that works hard and is focused on the mission. 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." Spanberger is a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer. Rep.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D-VA, 7th) named Hill Veteran Roscoe Jones as her incoming chief of staff, in what is her first Congressional hire as a freshman representative.. Jones has an extensive public service record and is currently the legislative director to Sen. Dianne Feinstein.Jones was previously senior counsel to Sen. Cory Booker and the Senate Judiciary Committee. "This is news to me and I'm very disappointed," said Del. It was watching that example that led me to decide that I too wanted to step forward and run.. But Im sure there will be points of frustration probably for me and for them, frankly speaking.. Copyright 2023 NPR. Virginia Republican Police Chief Endorses Spanberger; Denounces Yesli Vega's False Comments on Rape-Related Pregnancy and her Defense of January 6th Insurrectionists. She won with 51% of the vote to Freitas's 49%. If Spanberger were to flip the seat, it would be a big win for Democrats. RM2GAEXGB - Washington, United States. 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. 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. ", She underscored: "One thing that's been really nice this session is there's just tremendous unity.". The House has this really kinetic, fast pace, Jones said in an interview this week, after rushing back to the office. Bush. [21], A number of sources claimed Spanberger was the first Democrat to win this seat since 1970, when four-term Democrat John Marsh retired and was succeeded by Republican J. Kenneth Robinson. Here's what to watch, Monroe County names new chief diversity officer, Consumer advocates and environmentalists try to block RG&E, NYSEG rate increases, City to spend COVID relief dollars to replace ozone-depleting ice machinery at BlueCross Arena, Muler parties like it's 2003 on melodic, moody new album 'Get Well', CHOW HOUND: What's happening in Rochester's dining scene. As for his leap from the well-oiled machinery of the Senate to the front lines of the House, he has no regrets. After years of working for an incumbent senator holding a safe seat, Roscoe Jones Jr. was ready to build something from scratch. 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. Corporations got permanent tax cuts, permanent tax cuts, Spanberger responded. That came after a job in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and a stint as a federal prosecutor. "Those are the kinds of stories that people stop to think 'Oh, I have a better commute' or 'Oh, I'm working from home because I have better internet service.' [76], 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment, 2019 Speaker of the United States House of Representatives election, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, Women in the United States House of Representatives, "Abigail Spanberger's passion for languages led her to the CIA", "Virginia Election Results: Seventh Congressional District", "Spanberger narrowly defeats GOP challenger in closely watched House race in Virginia", "Candidate Conversation - Abigail Spanberger (D)", "Saudi School Dominates TV Ads in Race for Suburban Richmond Congressional Seat", "This former CIA officer says she can beat Virginia Rep. Dave Brat", "Former CIA Officer Abigail Spanberger is on a mission for Virginia's 7th District", Who are they? Spanberger knows of what she speaks. [48][49], In May 2020, Spanberger voted against the HEROES Act, a proposed $3 trillion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I know the culture, Spanberger told The Associated Press in a recent interview in her office. Note that the salary index for a given time period does not necessarily reflect exactly who is on staff at the present time. Republicans have been particularly adept this year at using those procedural motions to send a message and put moderate Democrats like his boss in a tight spot. 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. Rep. Spanberger told The New York Times that voters didn't elect President Biden to govern like FDR. Currently serving Virginia District 7 [17], In August, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC closely aligned with Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, conducted a smear campaign against Spanberger. Speaking in 2002 in Nashville, during the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, Bush had this to say about Iraqs threat to the United States: There's an old saying in Tennessee I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee that says, fool me once, shame on shame on you. Abigail Anne Spanberger[1] (ne Davis, August 7, 1979) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative from Virginia's 7th congressional district since 2019. 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. As Rep. Spanberger meets with families, patients, providers, and community healthcare organizations across Virginias Seventh District; she repeatedly hears about the financial struggles facing seniors, families, and those with chronic conditions as their prescription drug costs continue to rise. Like others with access to America's top secrets, she will be called on to review intelligence matters in private and explain what she can to fellow lawmakers and the public. In Congress, Rep. Spanberger is committed to providing our servicemembers with the compensation, training, equipment, and benefits they need to successfully carry out their vital missions and protect their fellow citizens. Even before the attack [], Bipartisan Bill Would Give Borrowers Regular, Pertinent Information Related to Projected Payments, Accrued Interest, & Other Personalized Details WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. You can't be. She was hired by Royall & Company (now EAB). Please subscribe to keep reading. '', 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.. I know the lingo. She began her career of public service as a federal law enforcement officer working narcotics and money laundering cases with the U.S. And we're making that connection to your precious tax dollars, hard at work making a difference in your life. In some ways, Abigail Spanbergers story parallels dozens of other first-time female candidates across the country this year: a successful, smart woman driven to get involved in politics for the first time after President Trump was elected and eventually inspired to take on her Republican congressman. [18] She won the November 6 general election by just over 6,600 votes. A vote for my opponent will be a vote for the Nancy Pelosi liberal agenda, he said. [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. She attended John Randolph Tucker High School. I talk in broad brush terms about what it is that I did, because thats all I am permitted to do There are at times when I say I wish I could talk about something in a little bit more detail, but thats just never a path that Ill go down, she explained. 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.