Guest Columns
Is climate change really an existential threat?
Remember John Stossel? For those who don’t remember him or never heard of him, Stossel made it big a generation or two ago when he ... Read more
3 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Thanks to those on the front lines of COVID-19
I hope you had a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration with your loved ones last week. Although this holiday season looks different for many ... Read more
3 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN — Opioid Grant Act passes House unanimously
I am proud to announce that earlier this week, my original bill, H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Grant Authorization Act of 2020, passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. ... Read more
3 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Some taxes unfairly affect rural Virginia
We all want to be treated fairly. Sometimes we do not like government policies at the federal, state, or local levels, but if it affects ... Read more
3 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Working to keep promises to veterans
This week, we paused to pay special tribute to all the brave men and women who serve our country and risk their lives to keep ... Read more
4 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
November is a great time for a gratitude challenge
In 2015, National Day Calendar established November as National Gratitude Month in the United States and Canada. The designation had been advocated by Stacey Grewal, ... Read more
4 months ago by Quentin Johnson.
COLUMN — After 83 days, the special session is over
Monday, Nov. 9, after 83 days, the 2020 Special Session adjourned. We were initially called into the Special Session to develop a revised two-year budget ... Read more
4 months ago by Matt Fariss.
Can we thrive as a mediocracy?
Once upon a time, not that long ago, one received things from earning them. You merited a raise. You merited a promotion. That system was ... Read more
4 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Legislation sponsored to help seniors with timely medical care
I hope that you all had a productive and safe week. It is my pleasure to provide you with an update on my work in ... Read more
4 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Looking forward to a brighter future
Thankfully, it is human nature to have faith in a brighter future. If not, 2020 would drive us crazy. Most of the year, COVID-19 has ... Read more
4 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Treat the voters with honesty and respect
In slang, the phrase, “Come on, man,” is used to convey the speaker’s frustration or annoyance with someone else. The term has been used repeatedly ... Read more
4 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Housing, trade were last week’s initiatives
It remains an honor to represent the 5th District, and I am pleased to provide you with an update on my work in Congress last ... Read more
4 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN — Special session laws will bring changes to law enforcement
Last Friday’s budget action should be the final votes this chamber must cast on the budget until the reconvened session. Yet Democrats have still found ... Read more
4 months ago by Matt Fariss.
Column – ‘I will always strive to put people over party’
I am honored to be serving as your representative in Congress, and I am proud to share some of the progress we have made this ... Read more
5 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN — Transparency is needed from the parole board
As Sen. Mark Obenshain said last week during the Senate session, something is foul at the Virginia Parole Board, even beyond the situation surrounding Vincent ... Read more
5 months ago by Matt Fariss.
Fair Care Act would protect those with preexisting conditions
Recently, I co-sponsored I cosponsored H.R. 8527, the Fair Care Act of 2020, which will lower the cost of health care while increasing consumer choice ... Read more
5 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Success at SVCC is transferable
Every October, the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students celebrates National Transfer Student Week. This year Southside Virginia Community College will participate with ... Read more
5 months ago by Quentin Johnson.
COLUMN — Democrats reject moderate police reforms
The 2020 Special Session to date has largely focused on police and criminal justice reform even though the General Assembly’s primary charge was to address ... Read more
5 months ago by Tommy Wright.
COLUMN — Prayers to all those affected by COVID-19
Our prayers go out to our president, governor, their wives, and to all who have been infected with COVID-19. We wish them fast recoveries. Likewise, ... Read more
5 months ago by Frank Ruff.
House votes to condemn QAnon
I was glad to be back in Washington this week voting on the issues that matter most to the 5th District. First, I want to ... Read more
5 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
COLUMN — House begins budget work
Last Friday, Sept. 25, the budget bill was passed out of the House Appropriations Committee. Democrats have spent $251 million over and above the governor’s request ... Read more
5 months ago by Matt Fariss.
Amendment would keep court at nine
Thursday, Sept. 24, I introduced a Constitutional Amendment with Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MD). The Keep Nine Amendment would permanently set the number of U.S. Supreme ... Read more
5 months ago by Denver Riggleman.
Legislature protects renters, hurts landlords
Compassion is a good thing when you are using your resources in assisting others in a time of their need. It is far different when ... Read more
5 months ago by Frank Ruff.
Vote ‘yes’ on the redistricting amendment
The 2021 General Assembly Special Session continues to move slowly, as the House did not meet at all last week. We were called back to ... Read more
5 months ago by Tommy Wright.
Law enforcement changes happening quickly
All over America, there are efforts to change law enforcement. In some cities, there has been an open effort to defund the police. In other ... Read more
5 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Support redistricting amendment
Last week, I wrote about the several laws that were changed during the 2020 regular and the on-going special session. My focus was on how ... Read more
6 months ago by Frank Ruff.
COLUMN — Special session focuses on police reform bills
Early in-person voting begins this Friday, Sept. 18. The 59th District is composed of five counties and all information for your registrar’s office is listed ... Read more