abigail spanberger chief of staff
She favors requiring background checks on private gun sales and supported a ban on bump stocks. Spanberger is a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer. Spanberger defeated Brat in 2018. We live in a stream of history.. [59], Spanberger objected to Trump's travel bans from certain predominantly Muslim countries and argued that they would aid jihadist propaganda by allowing a portrayal of the United States as an anti-Muslim country. Following her love of country, public service, and languages, Abigail joined the CIA as a case officer. [52], In January 2020, Spanberger sponsored the Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act, which passed the House unanimously. Posted December 6, 2022 at 5:16pm. For the majority of her time with the agency, her own mother did not know what she was doing for a living.People worry, because people watch Hollywood movies, people dont know how extensive our training is, she said, adding how she wanted to protect her mother from the stress of it all. [2], In 2002 and 2003, Spanberger taught English literature as a substitute teacher at the Islamic Saudi Academy in Northern Virginia. The Virginia mother of three told Good Morning America during a sit-down interview in her kitchen this summer that she always had a desire to serve her country, an interest in government, and a love of languages. she mused. . [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. "I think he's the most progressive president we've had in a long time," she added. House Democrats in competitive districts elected Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday to represent them in the caucus leadership . ABC News Send "GMA" your Why It Matters video about which issues inspires you to vote and explore our midterms coverage. She stressed that she'd supported appropriation bills that maintained or increased federal. Additionally, she has led many bipartisan efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, increase transparency in the prescription drug marketplace, and prevent shortages by manufacturing essential medicines here at home. Spanberger decided the time to serve her country was then no more waiting. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Jones doesnt take them lightly. She is a member of the Democratic Party. "[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. 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. New delegates to the Virginia Assembly, like Danica Roem, the first openly transgender legislator in the country, made national headlines. Abigail Spanberger has always served her country and community. On November 5, days after winning reelection by a margin of 1.8%,[27] Spanberger criticized the Democratic Party's strategy for the 2020 elections in a phone call with other Democratic caucus members that was subsequently leaked. She applied for a job with the CIA and had a confidential offer by 2002. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. Moving to northern Virginia, Rep. Abigail Spanberger's (D-Glen Allen) politically marginal 7th CD produced a general election Republican challenger last night. Whether they choose to go to college or not, Rep. Spanberger believes that all Virginia workers should have access to the education and training they need to achieve career success, earn a good living, and keep the Commonwealth the best state in the country for business. Freitas carried eight of the district's ten counties, as Brat had done two years earlier. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., speaks about her past work as a Central Intelligence Agency officer and her recent appointment to the House Intelligence Committee during an interview at her congressional offices on Feb. 8 in Washington. She attended J.R. Tucker High Schools Spanish immersion program and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia. Senator Chuck Robb. She had briefly worked for the USPS on an inspection team, investigating narcotics and money laundering cases. 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. President Biden and House Democrats are mounting a full-court press to take their legislative record on the road and into districts across the country to remind voters of what they've already accomplished. I really started getting more politically involved after the 2016 election, watching how partisan and how angry our political conversations became, she said. 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. [19] While Brat won eight of the district's ten counties, Spanberger dominated the two largest counties, Henrico and Chesterfield, by a combined margin of over 30,000 votes. Kuster, who said she lives in "purple world," said members have been in close talks with Cabinet officials and the White House about how to work together to make intricate legislation like the infrastructure bill accessible to their constituents. Abigail Spanberger Spanberger, a mother of three school-aged girls, has been juggling homeschooling, protecting her family from Covid-19, and protecting her district from the pandemic.. Postal Service. "How do you make that real; how do you tell that story?" Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Americans who served in World War II with the Canadian and British militaries prior to Americas declaration of war. She says it was her daughter, then in kindergarten, who asked them if they could move back to Virginia. Education. "This is news to me and I'm very disappointed," said Del. Congresswoman: They Ran to the Sound of the Guns WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Their hope: flip the handful of seats needed to regain control of the chamber next year. Note that the salary index for a given time period does not necessarily reflect exactly who is on staff at the present time. Spanberger also co-sponsored the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which grants Medicare Part D the power to negotiate prescription prices directly with drug companies. 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. Even so, Jones father went on to serve in the Marines during the Vietnam War. Although Biden hasn't officially announced his reelection bid, it's widely expected he will seek another term, which means his fate and those of House Democrats are likely tied together. After earning her MBA, Rep. Spanberger began her public service . I hope that helps me do my job better. Rep. Spanberger is also working to reduce premiums in the insurance marketplace and to lower out-of-pocket costs. We have each others backs.. All rights reserved. [43] She voted for a bill that included funding for border infrastructure, technology at ports of entry and more customs and border patrol agents. Democrat running for U.S. Congress in Virginias 7th District. Spanberger knows of what she speaks. [42], On February 1, 2023, Spanberger was among twelve Democrats to vote for a resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency. 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. and staff to file reports after . When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. She applied for a job with the CIA and had a confidential offer by 2002. Rep. Abigail Spanberger's 2020 Report Card Representative from Virginia's 7th District Democrat Serving Jan 3, 2019 - Jan 3, 2025 These statistics cover Spanberger's record during the 116th Congress (Jan 3, 2019-Jan 3, 2021) and compare her to other representatives also serving at the end of the session. Abigail Spanberger spoke with voters at a campaign event in June in Midlothian, . Rep. Spanberger released a statement : Spanberger Votes with Bipartisan Majority to Condemn World's Worst Dictators, Calls for House GOP Leadership to Also Bring Bills to the Floor to Address. By Lindsey McPherson. Barbara Sprunt is a producer on NPR's Washington desk, where she reports and produces breaking news and feature political content. She attended John Randolph Tucker High School. Postal Inspection Service before becoming a CIA officer focused on counterterrorism. "It's by working together, having Cabinet members and officials from the government come to our districts.". Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger greets voters on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Woodbridge, VA. . ", She underscored: "One thing that's been really nice this session is there's just tremendous unity.". The degree of unity among House Democrats was in stark contrast to last year's retreat. She's someone that works hard and is focused on the mission. [30] Spanberger's remarks were disputed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who noted that Democrats kept the House, and progressive Representative Rashida Tlaib, who said the Democratic Party should "study the results" before dismissing progressives who represent their districts. But Im sure there will be points of frustration probably for me and for them, frankly speaking.. The two also sparred over issues like the recent Republican tax reform law. It still does.. In 2017, three local state seats within Spanbergers own congressional district flipped from Republican to Democrat and some of the volunteers making phone calls and sending letters in her campaign offices described volunteering on local races in 2017 and then heading straight into helping Spanberger next. Spanberger grew up in the district in west of Richmond, Virginia, where she now lives again with her family and is running for office. She began her career of public service as a federal law enforcement officer working narcotics and money laundering cases with the U.S. [21], A number of sources claimed Spanberger was the first Democrat to win this seat since 1970, when four-term Democrat John Marsh retired and was succeeded by Republican J. Kenneth Robinson. Chief of Staff - USDA-RMA. His team wrestles with every vote, even when time is tight and the night has been long. [18] She won the November 6 general election by just over 6,600 votes. Fool me you can't get fooled again.. Spanberger faced a close reelection contest against State Delegate Nick Freitas, who represents much of the congressional district's northern portion. In some ways, Abigail Spanbergers story parallels dozens of other first-time female candidates across the country this year: a successful, smart woman driven to get involved in politics for the first time after President Trump was elected and eventually inspired to take on her Republican congressman. [76], 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia District 7, Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment, 2019 Speaker of the United States House of Representatives election, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, photo op in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, Women in the United States House of Representatives, "Abigail Spanberger's passion for languages led her to the CIA", "Virginia Election Results: Seventh Congressional District", "Spanberger narrowly defeats GOP challenger in closely watched House race in Virginia", "Candidate Conversation - Abigail Spanberger (D)", "Saudi School Dominates TV Ads in Race for Suburban Richmond Congressional Seat", "This former CIA officer says she can beat Virginia Rep. Dave Brat", "Former CIA Officer Abigail Spanberger is on a mission for Virginia's 7th District", Who are they? "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. We can't let that happen.". She argued that Democrats should watch Republican ads before deciding how to talk about issues and "not ever use the word 'socialist' or 'socialism' ever again". @RepSpanberger" You can cancel at any time. Addressing the Opioid Abuse & Addiction Epidemic I talk in broad brush terms about what it is that I did, because thats all I am permitted to do There are at times when I say I wish I could talk about something in a little bit more detail, but thats just never a path that Ill go down, she explained. She is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania native. 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. Abigail has consistently been ranked as the most bipartisan Member of Congress from Virginia as well as the one of the most bipartisan Members of Congress overall. Another element is uniting around Biden himself. Spanberger, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Americans Who Served & Fought Bravely in WWII Prior to Americas Entry. That came after a job in the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and a stint as a federal prosecutor. In the weeks since she was named to the intelligence committee, Spanberger says she's already recognizing some of the names and programs in the classified materials she's receiving. Virginia Republican Police Chief Endorses Spanberger; Denounces Yesli Vega's False Comments on Rape-Related Pregnancy and her Defense of January 6th Insurrectionists. But I have never had this much fun on the Hill as Im having now., The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955. It was his father who shaped his sense of public service and taught him to go where the problems are. His parents went to segregated schools in Meridian, Mississippi, and his father marched across the bridge in Selma, Alabama, on Bloody Sunday, as white state troopers wielded their nightsticks against proponents of civil rights. "You tell us what you need to help us understand the impact that it's having on all of your district and your folks, and we're going to get it done," Biden said. Brat beat his last Democratic challenger by 15-percentage points, and the district went for President Trump in 2016 by a margin of 6.5 points, though Democrat Hillary Clinton won the state overall. Look, I love the Senate. In the past week, LegiStorm added: To see staff salaries for aides in the personal office of Rep. Abigail Spanberger, select a time period below. The Virginia Democrat and former CIA officer won reelection in a race that was considered a toss-up. Spanberger, a former CIA case officer who unseated former Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA) in 2018, has been in a heated battle to retain her swing seat, with nonpartisan handicapper Cook Political Report. She worked undercover her entire time at the Agency collecting intelligence, managing assets, and overseeing high-profile programs to combat terrorism and keep Americans safe. Supporting 7th District Businesses & Entrepreneurs Protecting Womens Healthcare Access Not a lot of people would do that, Jones said. Part of that unity is aimed at opposing what members call "an extreme Republican agenda." Abigail and her husband Adam are parents to three daughters. 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. Despite this, Spanberger ran for reelection in the seat. Abigail Spanberger has served as the Democratic congresswoman for Virginia's 7th Congressional District since 2019. I will always love the Senate, Jones said. 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." [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. This is the intersection of law, policy and politics, he said. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania woman, 29, killed in crash Thursday morning, Woman pleads guilty to bashing former roommate with bat, Police cite medical emergency in Spotsylvania crash, Spotsylvania approves rezoning, making way for 'techno campus', Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Virginia aerialist wins 'Americas Got Talent: All Stars', New commuter bus routes coming to Fredericksburg area, Spotsylvania man convicted after being caught in child pornography sting, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, Spotsylvania schools' new chief of staff will be "legislative liaison" for school division, Spotsylvania School Board member charged with forgery, Virginia State Police seek public's help in fatal crash investigation, Spotsylvania man convicted of felony in driveway shooting, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. Spanbergers career took her around the globe. In the U.S. House, Abigail serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Agriculture Committee. The days go by so quickly., The toughest days are probably MTRs motions to recommit, he said. Message: I care. "Abigail Spanberger is . "[56], She described the Green New Deal proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a "bold compilation of ideas meant to address global climate change" but criticized it for allegedly including unrelated policy proposals and not identifying specific resolutions to the problems that it identifies. [17], In August, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC closely aligned with Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, conducted a smear campaign against Spanberger. [50] She said the bill went "far beyond" pandemic relief and had no chance of passing the Republican-controlled Senate. You can't be. The Postal Service said the un-redacted document, that included social security numbers and health information, was released by mistake in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. You have permission to edit this article. Spanberger has said she thinks the Democratic Party needs new leaders and that she would not back Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, as the next Speaker of the House if Democrats won the majority. Shes spoken to too many families who have lost loved ones to addiction and overdose. That's especially true now as lawmakers demand answers about classified documents found in the private possession of two presidents and the Biden administration's response to a suspected Chinese spy balloon. "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. "Overall I am not a supporter of the Green New Deal", she said. Her current term ends on January 3, 2023. Lyndon B. Johnson once had this to say about Gerald Ford: Gerry Ford is so dumb he can't fart and chew gum at the same time. Ford was a congressional leader while Johnson was president.