Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Virginia’s record low unemployment held steady and employment levels continued to rise in November.
Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued at 2.6 percent in November, which is 0.2 percentage point below the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in November, the labor force expanded for the seventeenth consecutive month by 13,326, or 0.3 percent to set a new record high of 4,441,018, as the number of unemployed decreased by 521. Household employment increased by 13,847 to set a new high of 4,324,922. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate, which decreased 0.1 percentage point to 3.5 percent.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is gearing up for another record holiday travel period at both Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
As the holidays approach, the Airports Authority expects to see heavier traffic and passenger volumes traveling through its two National Capital Region airports from now through Dec. 30, 2019 and again on Jan. 5, 2020.
Washington D.C.-area Simon centers are offering special holiday hours to accommodate busy holiday shoppers at Clarksburg Premium Outlets, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Leesburg Premium Outlets.
Saturday, Dec. 21: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Today, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) gave floor remarks during the House of Representatives debate on articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. Beyer argued for voting in favor of both articles, which would impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
I will vote to impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act, legislation that would bolster NASA’s efforts to reduce emissions from the aviation industry while also reducing the impact of airplane noise in airport-adjacent communities.
“The Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act would address climate change and noise pollution from aircraft, two of the most persistent problems I hear about from Northern Virginians,” said Rep. Beyer. “As the climate crisis continues to inflict damage on American communities, Congress must look at every available option to reduce emissions, and that should include the aviation industry. In addition to being better for the planet, this legislation will also lead to quieter skies above and peace of mind to communities near airports. I appreciate the support for this bill on both sides of Capitol Hill, and will be making the case for it in the House as our Committee takes up NASA’s authorizing legislation.”
On Wednesday morning, contracted workers at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports will be available for interviews when the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) votes on a new policy that would increase workers’ hourly wages from $12.75 to $15 by 2023. Over 8,000 contracted baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, lobby agents, skycaps, cabin cleaners, airport concessions and airline catering workers are part of the National Fight for $15.
Before the first-of-a-kind MWAA policy, which passed in 2017, contracted airport workers earned as little as Virginia’s minimum wage of $7.25.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan House Suicide Prevention Task Force, today praised the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) unanimous vote to approve a proposal designating 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Hotline.
“Creating a National Suicide Prevention Hotline will save lives. The growing epidemic of Americans lost to suicide is an emergency, and establishing this hotline makes that fact clear and takes meaningful action to address it,” said Rep. Beyer. “Congress should support the FCC’s action and strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by passing my bipartisan legislation to create an education campaign to tell people about the hotline. Our bill would also promote a better discourse around suicide prevention. I will continue to press for Congress to take action on this and other suicide prevention measures in 2020.”
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement regarding articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump:
“For nearly three months, I have listened to accounts of the President’s abuses of power. I read testimony, watched hearings, and weighed the growing mountain of evidence indicating historic presidential misconduct. I received messages from thousands of constituents, most of whom expressed the opinion that President Trump should be impeached.
Rep. Don Beyer today released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:
“I encourage all Americans to read the articles of impeachment against President Trump for themselves.
December 10, 2019 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today issued the following statement upon the announcement that negotiators had reached an agreement in principle on the substance of the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement:
“The announcement of an agreement on USMCA is an important and positive step forward.
December can be a difficult time for families spending their first holiday without a loved one. For those who’ve suffered loss–whether recently, or even years prior–the holiday stress can make the season more difficult.
To help those grieving in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia during the holidays, Capital Caring Health, a local non-profit, offers a wide range of free counseling and support services.
