Defense & National Security
More on Defense & National Security
September 14, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro urging him to appoint a Director of Psychological Health at each Navy and Marine Corps installation. “There have been over 30,000 estimated deaths [of servicemembers and veterans] by suicide since 2001,” the letter states.“Each death is a tragedy and together they represent a widespread failing to properly treat, manage, and understand the mental health needs of America’s military personnel. This crisis requires decisive and immediate action, and few incidents demonstrate that urgency more than the recent string of suicides among sailors serving on USS George Washington in Newport News, Virginia.”
August 5, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03), along with U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), and Representatives Rob Wittman (VA-01), A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging further federal interagency collaboration to boost resilience efforts in the Hampton Roads region. “As Members of Congress representing the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, we write to request your assistance in enhancing the region’s climate resilience through improved interagency coordination,” the letter reads.
August 1, 2022
Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:“After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we promised to pursue all of those responsible and bring them to justice. Tonight’s announcement by President Biden about the successful counterterrorism operation that resulted in the death of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri shows that the work to hold those responsible for that horrific day continues. I commend the Biden Administration and all those in our armed services and intelligence community who have worked tirelessly during the last two decades to pursue these terrorists and secure our national security."
July 28, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4346, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act: “I was proud to vote for the CHIPS and Science Act, which will lower costs for American families and will create good-paying jobs here in America. Only 12 percent of semiconductor chips are currently being manufactured domestically, down from 37 percent in the 1990s, and many foreign competitors are investing heavily to dominate this critical national security industry. The current shortage of semiconductor chips has been a key driver of inflation and led to massive increases in costs of many consumer goods, including automobiles.
July 20, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) voted to pass H.R. 8294, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Agriculture and Rural Development; Energy and Water Development; Financial Services and General Government; Interior and Environment; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for FY 2023. This package of six government funding bills focuses on helping families and communities across America. “As we fight growing inflation and rising costs of living, I was proud to vote for a government funding package that makes the critical investments my constituents need,” said Congressman Scott.
July 14, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. “I was proud to vote for this year’s NDAA, which invests in our military, guarantees our national security, and supports our allies. This legislation includes a much-deserved 4.6 percent pay raise for servicemembers and civilian employees as well as inflation bonuses for those earning less than $45,000 a year. The legislation also codifies a $15 minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.
May 24, 2022
Press Release
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Elaine Luria (VA-02) sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Michael Gilday urging the Navy to expand mental health services and use Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) funds to immediately improve the quality of life for sailors assigned to USS George Washington. “There is an urgent need for the Navy to engage with the local community and shipyard to explore opportunities to improve quality of life for sailors. This must include additional off ship accommodations, increased mental health services, and improved parking.
May 3, 2022
Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – TODAY, May 3rd, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) will be joining Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) for a tour of the USS George Washington and to discuss recent suicides and working conditions aboard the ship while it has been homeported at Newport News Shipbuilding for its midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). At least seven sailors stationed aboard the George Washington have committed suicide over the course of its RCOH.
May 2, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh visited Thomas Nelson Community College and The Apprentice School and hosted a roundtable with students, higher education professionals, and local business leaders to discuss the importance of workforce development programs.
March 30, 2022
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC —Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott and Elaine Luria (both D-VA), issued the following statement, applauding an additional $223,871,000 in federal funding for key Virginia projects, including the Norfolk Harbor Widening and Deepening Project, the City of Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, and the Virginia Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Study: “We’re elated to see the bipartisan infrastructure law continue to deliver wins for Hampton Roads. This funding will advance key infrastructure projects in the region that will invest in the Port of Virginia, boost the local economy, create good-paying jobs, and preserve Virginia’s status as a leader in maritime trade and defense.