Spanberger, who has also worked for the U.S. "As a former CIA officer who worked terrorism cases, I find it particularly disgraceful that they would try and make that some sort of leap or claim when I was in fact a long-term substitute teacher for a bunch of kids, she said in response. I know because I wrote up those reports you know, theres fighting with these two factions and this is what it means.'. They wrote that if the allegations were true, they amounted to "a flagrant disregard for the law" and "a threat to all we have sworn to protect. She is working in the U.S. House to find additional ways to support military families as their loved ones serve abroad and as they eventually transition to civilian life. Rep. Spanberger is actively focused on advancing legislation that grows the Seventh Districts small businesses, reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens, cuts red tape, and invests in critical physical infrastructure improvements that support growth like expanded broadband internet access. CQ Roll Call is a part of FiscalNote, the leading technology innovator at the intersection of global business and government. The congresswoman said that voters sent Biden to the White House "to be normal and stop the. [42], On February 1, 2023, Spanberger was among twelve Democrats to vote for a resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency. . Theyre grossly overqualified, he boasted of the full-time staff of 17. After earning her MBA, Rep. Spanberger began her public service . Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), Mike Waltz (R-FL-06), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05) today introduced bipartisan legislation to increase transparency in the federal student loan process and to give borrowers additional tools to understand and decrease [], At Least 519 Protesters Have Been Killed by the Regime & More Than 19,000 Iranians Have Been Arrested Since the Death of Mahsa Amini In September 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger joined a bipartisan, bicameral effort urging the Biden Administration to impose stricter sanctions against members of the Iranian Parliament or [], The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Voted Unanimously to Pass the Congresswomans China Financial Threat Mitigation Act WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House Financial Services Committee voted unanimously 40 to 0 to advance U.S. Representative Abigail Spanbergers bipartisan bill that would build up Americas response to emerging financial threats from the Chinese []. She stressed that she'd supported appropriation bills that maintained or increased federal. Ronald Reagan had this to say to a room full of logging industry officials when he was running for governor of California in 1966: A tree is a tree. Abigail Spanberger, a congressional candidate, had a 12-year career with the CIA. [29] The Washington Post digital editor James Downie criticized Spanberger's view, remarking that if a losing officeholder "couldn't manage to tie his or her Republican opponent to almost a quarter of a million COVID-19 deaths in the United States, a tanked economy or a dozen other policy fiascos, that's the candidate's fault. Even when you don't agree on something, you're able to build trust with her, which is something I always appreciated. "I am already seeing a number of my Republican colleagues who voted against these historic pieces of legislation want to claim credit. CIA Democrat Abigail Spanberger [Source: yahoo.com] Did they have outside help? 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. 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." Currently serving Virginia District 7 The top issues on her campaign website are health care, gun violence prevention and protecting social security and Medicare. She favors requiring background checks on private gun sales and supported a ban on bump stocks. Rep. Spanberger is also working to reduce premiums in the insurance marketplace and to lower out-of-pocket costs. She grew up in Henrico County, Virginia, and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia. Spanberger, a former CIA agent, distanced herself from the defund movement during her 2020 campaign. $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, sweeping climate, health care and tax bill, Biden's decision not to use his veto power, Big stores see how we spend. Now, shes a third-term Virginia congresswoman who was just named to one of two committees that oversees the work of U.S. spy agencies. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. March 3, 2023. Abigail Spanberger spent almost a decade as a CIA operations officer. Corporations got permanent tax cuts, permanent tax cuts, Spanberger responded. [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. I bowled a 129. [28] Calling the elections "a failure" from a congressional standpoint, she singled out Republican attack ads decrying "socialism" and the movement to "defund the police" as prime reasons the Democratic Party lost seats in swing districts. She supports maintaining federal funding to Planned Parenthood and other providers that provide essential healthcare screenings and preventive services to both women and men. [29], CNN political editor Chris Cillizza described Spanberger's remarks as "some hard truth" for the Democratic Party, adding that in order to succeed in the 2022 and 2024 elections, the party should "listen to the likes of Spanberger" instead of pushing for "the boldest possible progressive legislation". The relationship between Congress and the U.S. intelligence community can be uneasy an. If Spanberger were to flip the seat, it would be a big win for Democrats. I know the . Subscribe to receive news alerts and updates on issues important to you and your family. Thank you for visiting my campaign website. Spanbergers chief of staff says House is like a startup, Roscoe Jones Jr. relishes chambers fast pace after move from the Senate. The days go by so quickly., The toughest days are probably MTRs motions to recommit, he said. She's someone that works hard and is focused on the mission. At the top in all caps are the words "President Joe Biden.". [48][49], In May 2020, Spanberger voted against the HEROES Act, a proposed $3 trillion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her love of country, public service, and languages, Abigail joined the CIA as a case officer. [46][47], Although not a member of Congress when it passed, Spanberger criticized the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act supported by President Donald Trump, arguing that its permanent tax cuts for corporations would increase the national debt. Biden ticked through a list of legislative accomplishments, including the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, the first major gun safety legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years, legislation to boost the domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips and a sweeping climate, health care and tax bill. Jacob Bliss 29 Dec 2021, 5:33 PM PST 0 She says it was her daughter, then in kindergarten, who asked them if they could move back to Virginia. So don't feel sorry for don't cry for me, Argentina. Democrats in Baltimore repeatedly talked about the need to make sure their constituents know who voted and didn't vote for federal dollars on infrastructure. Look, I love the Senate. She attended J.R. Tucker High Schools Spanish immersion program and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. [50], As of June 2022, Spanberger had voted in line with Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time. To see staff salaries for aides in the personal office of Rep. Abigail Spanberger, select a time period below. And we are blessed. Proudly Serving Virginias Seventh District. [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. This is the intersection of law, policy and politics, he said. Abigail Spanberger spent almost a decade as a CIA operations officer. Freitas carried eight of the district's ten counties, as Brat had done two years earlier. "Overall I am not a supporter of the Green New Deal", she said. [20], In a visit to the district, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon described it as "an absolute bellwether of the entire country", adding that losing the district would mean the GOP losing control of the House. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Send GMA your Why It Matters video about which issues inspires you to vote. It may not be having the Cabinet or the president in your district every other week," New Hampshire Rep. Ann Kuster told NPR. RICHMOND, Virginia - Congressmen Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Donald McEachin (D-VA-04) touted the recently-passed $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, highlighting funds for Virginia's infrastructure and the benefits the measure will bring to Virginia workers. 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 Rindo at King. "[62] Spanberger later announced that she would vote in favor of impeachment. Spanberger is challenging Republican incumbent Dave Brat and the prospect of flipping the seat is a long-shot. He told voters in 1992: ''You cannot be president of the United States if you don't have faith. "Abigail Spanberger is . After dipping his toe in all three branches of government, Jones said hes found the right place to serve: The Hill is a special place. We discussed all possible avenues for getting formula back on the shelves so that parents who rely on it as I did to feed my three daughters know they will be able to feed their babies. [2], Spanberger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration from a joint program between the GISMA Business School in Germany and Purdue University's Krannert School of Management. 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. Vice-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., and other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus hold a news conference to show support for their bipartisan infrastructure bill, which was written by both Democrat and Republican senators and representatives at the US Capitol in Washington, DC., on Friday, July 30 . RM2GAEXGB - Washington, United States. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester speaks with Rep. Abigail Spanberger ahead of President Biden's speech during the annual House Democrats Issues Conference in Baltimore, Md. Charlotte McWilliams met Spanberger when they were trainee officers before going to the CIA's academy in rural Virginia known as The Farm. They were both sent on to overseas postings Spanberger in Europe, McWilliams in Africa and bonded over their shared experiences doing clandestine work while becoming new mothers at the same time. examining federal efforts to prevent, detect, and prosecute pandemic relief fraud to safeguard funds for all eligible americans Biographical Data, Abigail Spanberger. She applied for a job with the CIA and had a confidential offer by 2002. The House has this really kinetic, fast pace, Jones said in an interview this week, after rushing back to the office. That language added to a bipartisan background check bill may have angered some progressives and dismayed party leadership, but Jones said hes always thinking of whats right for Spanbergers 7th District, which cuts a long vertical path through central Virginia, west of Richmond. "Most of the intelligence community doesn't understand Congress and most of Congress doesn't understand the intelligence community.. I will always love the Senate, Jones said. Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) announced she will run for reelection in Virginia's new seventh congressional district which she currently represents after the redistricting maps were unanimously approved, putting her current residence outside the new lines. 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 548-5280 Visit our sister site: The Heritage Foundation [50] In November 2020, she described reducing the cost of prescription drugs as "the top priority of families in [her] district". And we're making that connection to your precious tax dollars, hard at work making a difference in your life. The reality of divided government means it's unlikely Democrats will pass any major legislation, forcing them to instead go on the defensive and tout the legislation they've already passed. His team wrestles with every vote, even when time is tight and the night has been long. The security clearance form listed another one of Spanbergers former jobs as a substitute English teacher at a Saudi Arabia embassy school. "The President's actions violate his oath of office, endanger our national security, and betray the public trust", she said. She was studying overseas on Sept. 11, 2001, and the terrorist attacks marked a turning point in her life. Spanbergers career took her around the globe. Even so, Jones father went on to serve in the Marines during the Vietnam War. [60] In the 2016 presidential election, Trump defeated Hillary Clinton with 50% of the vote to her 44% in Spanberger's congressional district. They live in Glen Allen, Virginia. Spanberger's background in intelligence and her moderate politics representing a swing district south and west of Washington will be assets on the committee, Goss and Hurd said. [43] She supports a public option for healthcare via the proposed Medicare-X Choice Act. "I know the lingo. Despite this, Spanberger ran for reelection in the seat. 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. [33][34] In the general election, Spanberger defeated Vega with 52.3% of the vote. As for his leap from the well-oiled machinery of the Senate to the front lines of the House, he has no regrets. Fool me you can't get fooled again.. She supports universal coverage through the adoption of a public option and, in Congress, she advocates for solutions that achieve real progress, respond to the unique challenges of Virginias rural communities, support the Commonwealths expansion of Medicaid coverage, and preserve funding for critical programs like the Childrens Health Insurance Plan. She was hired by Royall & Company (now EAB). This year, staff for both the national Republican and Democratic Parties say they will be looking to this race on Election Night as potentially an early sign of how the night will unfold across the country. "[43] During a Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting in 2019, Spanberger asked the Trump administration to reverse its isolationist policies, saying, "its in [the US's] national interest to reinforce our stature as a global leader on international environmental and energy issues. 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. She is a member of the Democratic Party. She decided ultimately to leave the CIA. Staff Sergeant Gonell, Aquilino (@SergeantAqGo) October 31, 2022 . [6] In the early 2000s, she was a postal inspector, working on money laundering and narcotics cases. [10] In 2017, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe appointed her to the Virginia Fair Housing Board. 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. . In 2018, she became the first Democrat since 1968 to be elected to represent Virginias 7th Congressional district. Retrieved March 18, 2020. 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 . She had briefly worked for the USPS on an inspection team, investigating narcotics and money laundering cases. Not a lot of people would do that, Jones said. Rep. Spanberger believes that protecting womens access to reproductive healthcare is a social and economic necessity. Please subscribe to keep reading. Two former CIA officers, Abigail Spanberger and Elissa Slotkin, won reelection on Tuesday night, while anti-CIA candidate Geoff Young was defeated in Kentucky's 6 th district.. Spanberger, a Democrat, defeated her Republican challenger Yesli Vega with 51.9 percent of the vote in Virginia's 7th district, while . 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. Postal Inspection Service. Jones doesnt take them lightly. She attended John Randolph Tucker High School. Now, shes a third-term Democratic congresswoman from Virginia who was just named to one of two committees that oversees the work of America's spy agencies. Rep. Spanberger supports giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, so that more senior citizens in the Commonwealth do not have to choose between putting food on the table or affording their life-saving medications. "As a former CIA officer, I know this playbook, and I know the president's actions are betraying the very foundation of the rule of law he purports to support, the U.S. Constitution", she said. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), a former CIA case officer and one of a bevy of national security-savvy freshmen Democrats, took to the House floor last Tuesday as part of a bipartisan group. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., arrives as Democrats hold elections for their new leadership for the next Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 30, 2022. I take my commitment to protecting the people who are still doing the job that I once did and the foreign nationals who are risking their lives as well to provide information the U.S. government very seriously.. Two Eau Claire natives, sisters Abigail and Rachel Rindo, have been working in the video game industry for a combined 17 years and now work for some of the biggest names in the business. "As we start to see more shovels in the ground, as we start to see more cranes in the air, we can start to point to that and say, 'Hey, that's what Democrats did for you,' " she said. But I have never had this much fun on the Hill as Im having now., The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955. "Getting this legislation to President Biden's desk and signed into law was one of my top priorities this . Any plan released by this administration must make sure that formula is stocked on our shelves for all Virginia parents, crack down on price gouging, and increase imports of formula from abroad. She is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania native. Spanberger's chief of staff says House is like a startup Roscoe Jones Jr. relishes chamber's "fast pace" after move from the Senate Roscoe Jones Jr. compares his move from Senate aide to House. Rep. Spanberger supports a national response that invests in preventing overdoses, expanding access to treatment, and supporting individuals in recovery from addiction as they seek to reclaim their health and well-being. 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. Prince William County supervisor and former law enforcement officer Yesli Vega defeated five GOP opponents on her way to a tight 29-24-20 percent victory spread. She has cut a centrist profile and criticized more liberal Democrats who have identified themselves as socialist.. You have to think of multiple levels; you have to be very strategic. If anything, being a Republican target means youve got to be more collaborative than a lot of other offices, he added. I was able to get involved in those races and watch really great people step forward and stand up for what they believe in and want to be a part of the political process, Spanberger said. Adapting to the tempo. New delegates to the Virginia Assembly, like Danica Roem, the first openly transgender legislator in the country, made national headlines. Democratic U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger held onto her seat Tuesday evening, per the Associated Press, beating back a challenge by Yesli Vega, a Trump-endorsed county supervisor who made national headlines for her inaccurate comments on pregnancies resulting from rape. [57], In February 2023, during the Russo-Ukrainian War, Spanberger signed a letter advocating for President Biden to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. "[69] She also said the Democrats had not sufficiently recognized that "inflation is a problem". [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. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. To ensure our communities stay protected, Rep. Spanberger is fighting to reaffirm the importance of our countrys relationships with its key allies, including member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Spanberger ( Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District. When she saw partisan politics and division threatening the country she dedicated her life to defend, Abigail decided to run for Congress. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after speaking one-on-one with White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain about the ongoing formula shortage in Virginia and across the country. The daughter of a nurse and a federal law enforcement officer who also served in the Army, she says she was drawn to national service and the idea of learning new languages and cultures. 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. Spanbergers blue and white yard signs have a single, small star a subtle reference to her work in the agency but apart from that she actually does not reference her work much when campaigning, though she does emphasis service, honor, and American values in her speeches. [18] She won the November 6 general election by just over 6,600 votes. ", "This Democrat thinks Joe Biden fundamentally misunderstood his mandate Chris Cillizza", "Moderate Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger says Americans didn't elect Biden to be FDR", "Election 2018: Dave Brat and Abigail Spanberger", "Faith on the Hill: The religious composition of the 116th Congress", Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, United States representatives by seniority, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Abigail_Spanberger&oldid=1142575641, This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 05:22. Jayapal told reporters that while "nobody is surprised that Biden was not my choice in the first election for the primary," the CPC and the administration have formed an "incredibly strong partnership.". 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. Virginia's fresh faces in Congress, "RESULTS: Nick Freitas squares off against Democratic incumbent Abigail Spanberger in Virginia's 7th Congressional District", "Eric Cantor loses GOP primary to tea party challenger Dave Brat", "Abigail Spanberger becomes the fifth female candidate vying for the Democratic nomination to run against Republican Congressman Dave Brat", "Abigail Spanberger easily defeats Dan Ward in 7th District Democratic primary", "Spanberger wins Democratic primary in Virginia's 7th Congressional District", "Open Secrets breakdown of the 7th District", "Democratic House candidate Abigail Spanberger suffers the kind of election year smear John McCain would recognize", "Virginia's 7th House District Election Results: Dave Brat vs. Abigail Spanberger", "Abigail Spanberger Just Beat Tea Party Darling Dave Brat in Virginia", "After nearly 50 years of Republican control, this Virginia House district could flip to the Democrats", Virginia presidential results by congressional district, "Abigail Spanberger declares victory over Freitas in 7th Congressional District race", "Spanberger criticizes Democrats' strategy in caucus call", "Analysis: This Democratic congresswoman just spoke some hard truth to her party", "Democratic leaders play a ridiculous blame game with progressives", "State of the Union: Interview with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)", "Trump endorses Yesli Vega, Spanberger's GOP challenger", "Virginia Seventh Congressional District Election Results", "SPANBERGER SELECTED TO SERVE ON U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS & U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE", "Peterson Announces House Agriculture Subcommittee Chairs for the 116th Congress", "New Democrat Coalition Inducts 30 Members-Elect and Elects New Leadership", "Democrats Didn't Always Pick The Most Progressive Candidate And That Might Help Them In November", "The moderate squad: swing-state Democrats wary of leftward path", "Virginia congresswoman one of 12 Democrats to oppose Pelosi's bid for speaker", "A look at where Brat and Spanberger stand on the issues", https://thehill.com/homenews/house/3839808-house-gop-passes-bill-to-end-covid-19-national-emergency/, https://projects.propublica.org/represent/votes/118/house/1/104, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/seven-democrats-join-house-gop-lift-vaccine-mandate-healthcare-work, https://projects.propublica.org/represent/votes/118/house/1/98, "Spanberger Pushes for Final Progress on USMCA: "We Need to Get this Done", "Why these Democrats want to make a trade deal with Trump", "In a historically Republican stronghold, Democrat Abigail Spanberger looks to hang on", "Spanberger opposes latest stimulus package, saying it 'goes far beyond pandemic relief', "Spanberger leads bipartisan effort to save 340B Drug Pricing Program", "Pelosi faces pushback over stock trade defense", "Congressman Schiff, Bipartisan Group Introduces Act to Ban Members of Congress & Their Families from Trading Individual Stocks", "Citing Threats to National Security, Representative Elaine Luria, Va.-2, Takes Climate Change Head On", "Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger quizzed on immigration in first town hall", "Seven more lawmakers including six Democrats have signed on to a letter pushing Joe Biden to send F-16 jets to Ukraine", "Spanberger bill aims to shed light on prescription drug pricing", "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index", "Seven freshman Democrats: These allegations are a threat to all we have sworn to protect", "Vulnerable Democrats to vote to impeach Trump", "Trump's Response to Protests Draws Bipartisan Rebuke in Congress", "CIA veterans who monitored crackdowns abroad see troubling parallels in Trump's handling of protests", "George Floyd White House Protest: Donald Trump Acting Like Dictator During Racial Tensions, Intelligence And Defense Officials Warn", "Trump's tear gas photo-op was 'frightening' to authoritarianism experts, who warn that his behavior will only get worse without 'fierce opposition', "Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden?