Dear friends,

Most of the Commonwealth is under a sheet of ice this week, and Richmond is no exception. But our work continues!

Richmond did not get as much snow as Fairfax, but did get the same layer of ice that has made travel difficult all across the Commonwealth. Many of the constituent groups that had planned to visit chose to cancel, but fortunately members of the public are able to participate in the committee process by providing their testimony virtually. To learn more about how you can view or participate in committee hearings from home you can visit the Senate's website.

Assault Weapons Ban Passes Courts of Justice

On Monday morning, SB749, my bill to ban assault weapons in the Commonwealth, reported out of the Courts of Justice committee on a party line vote. It will have its next hearing in the Finance & Appropriations committee before it goes to the full Senate for a vote.

A similar bill, HB217, reported out of the Firearms subcommittee in the House of Delegates. I am working closely with that bill's patron to ensure we get the language exactly right for this crucial public safety bill.

No Secret Police

Over the course of this year, I have heard from many constituents with concerns about the actions of Immigration & Customs Enforcement. The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have captured the attention of the entire nation, but they come as no surprise to anyone who has been paying attention to ICE's conduct in our community.

The three bills I have introduced to address this injustice, SB351, SB352, and SB783, reported out of the Courts of Justice committee on party line votes Wednesday evening. My bills would put reasonable guardrails around cooperation between the federal government and our state and local law enforcement.

I am grateful to have the support of my Democratic colleagues, but frustrated that the folks on the other side of the aisle refuse to acknowledge this danger to public safety.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to show support of the people impacted by the actions of ICE.

Trump Watch

Late yesterday we learned that the journalist Don Lemon has been arrested for his reporting on protests against ICE. As of this morning he remains in federal custody despite a magistrate judge rejecting the charges against him.

This is an alarming assault on the first amendment, and yet another instance of this administration using force and intimidation against Americans exercising their legal rights. I will be monitoring this situation closely.

In addition to the resources linked below, I hope you will reach out to my office at [email protected] if you are dealing with challenges related to federal workforce reductions or other Trump administration efforts and are in need of information or assistance.

Resources (PDF)

Resources (Web)

Legislative Agenda Update

Less than two full weeks into session, I have made great progress to turn my legislative agenda into law.

Of the 26 bills that I filed this year, three have passed the full Senate and crossed over to the House of Delegates. Four more have reported out of committees to the Senate floor where they will soon be voted on. 10 of the 26 have not yet had their first committee hearing.

Only one bill, SB587, has failed. This bill would have created a minimum wage for Transportation Network Company partners, commonly known as Uber and Lyft drivers. I believe strongly that gig economy workers deserve the same labor rights as everyone else, and I will continue fighting for fair wages for all workers.

Drivers came to Richmond to speak in support of their rights and better wages for all.

Winter Weather Update - Another Snowstorm?

Snow will return this week in modest amounts. More significantly, the current layer of ice will not be melting on its own.

Be advised, this weekend it will continue to be below freezing and it is important to dress adequately for the weather!

Check out your local weather channels and stay connected on how the upcoming inclement whether will be effecting your area. Click here to learn more at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

Commonwealth Spotlight

SB783 is one of my three bills on immigration reform this session. This bill prohibits state and local law enforcement from collaborating with ICE unless they agree to certain conditions. This legislation ensures that not only are our immigrants safe, but all Virginians in the Commonwealth. Successfully, passed out of Senate Courts of Justice committee (9-Y, 6-N).

Members of Mothers Dreamers in Action and Centreville Immigration Forum visited my office to discuss how we can make our community safer for our immigrants.

Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action came by to advocate for environmental conservation and renewable energy legislation that effect their patients and the Commonwealth.

As an alumni, I was happy to welcome George Mason University's President, Dr. Gregory Washington, to my office to discuss various proposals that would impact the GMU community. Go Patriots!

Thank you to everyone who braved the icy roads to still lobby and advocate for important and impactful legislation for the 2026 session this week!

As always it is an honor to continue to represent you.

Sincerely,