US Rep. Abigail Spanbarger (D-VA-7) visits PW Police Dept. ad Dale City Elementary

US Rep. Abigail Spanbarger, who represents part of Prince William County in Congress, was out in the 7th District Oct. 14-18 meeting constituents and looking at local projects that federal dollars are supporting.

“This week, I was glad to join U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, local officials, and Virginia workers to break ground on a new Long Bridge connecting Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. This project is partly funded by $729 million awarded from the bipartisan infrastructure law, which I proudly voted to pass.

“This groundbreaking is yet another example of the real ways in which the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Virginians and make good on the promise of investing in our communities. I’m glad that this smart investment in Virginia passenger rail is officially underway!

“On Tuesday, (Oct. 15) I visited Dale City Elementary School to learn more about the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education’s teacher residency program and its partnership with Prince William County Public Schools. I was grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand how this partnership enriches the lives of local students, sets aspiring educators up for success in the classroom, and inspires mentor teachers.

To help expand these successful partnerships to more communities, I was proud to announce at Dale City Elementary School that I am leading a new bipartisan bill to help school divisions recruit, train, and retain educators and school administrators. Helping educators-in-training get hands-on experience in the classroom as they earn their degree is a proven way to grow a strong education workforce. These programs provide aspiring educators experience in the classroom with a mentor teacher or in the school with a mentor principal for a full year, and my legislation would help more of these programs receive federal grant dollars.

Also on Tuesday, (Oct. 15) I had the opportunity to tour the Prince William County Police Department’s new Scenario Based Training Center. I enjoyed learning more about the advanced simulation training this facility provides to help our law enforcement officers prepare for real-world scenarios. I am continually impressed by the dedication shown by Chief Newsham and the entire Prince William County Police Department to keeping our neighbors and communities safe.

I was proud to help secure nearly $75,000 in federal funding to get more body-worn cameras into the hands of deputies in the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. These grant dollars will help them do their jobs safely and effectively, and increase trust between law enforcement and members of the Culpeper community.

hank you to the Northern Virginia Technology Council for having me at Thursday’s (Oct. 17) board meeting. And thank you for your work to make sure Virginia remains the best place in the country to live, work, raise a family, and start a business!

Last week, I was in Richmond to meet with U.S. Postal Service Postmaster General DeJoy to learn more about the agency’s plans to guarantee timely delivery of mail-in ballots. Because Virginians deserve to trust that USPS is prepared.

My team was excited to attend the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy’s Basic Law Enforcement graduation ceremony this week! Congratulations to all of the graduates — and thank you all for pursuing a career of service and working to keep our communities safe.

On Wednesday (Oct. 16), my team was glad to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Culpeper Baptist Church! I was proud to enter this exciting milestone into the Congressional Record. I’m wishing the church — a landmark of the Culpeper community — another 250 years of continued faith and service.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with my team at the King George Fall Festival on Saturday! (Oct. 19) My office is always here to assist you.

Seventh District Veterans — join me on MONDAY (Oct. 21) for a telephone town hall focused on the issues facing Virginia’s Veterans, military families, and caregivers. I look forward to hearing your experiences and taking your questions alongside representatives from Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Medicare open enrollment is now ongoing! Because of the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors on Medicare will pay less for vital treatments like insulin and other drugs. Visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to sign up, compare options, and find the right plan for you.

The 2024 Congressional App Challenge registration closes on Thursday! (Oct. 24) at 12:00 pm ET. The annual Congressional App Challenge works to inspire students in congressional districts across the country through hands-on practice with coding and computer science. Students can click here to register and start coding their apps for 2024. For more information, visit my website.