Summary
Donald McEachin represents his constituents, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), the House Committee on Natural Resources (Natural Resources), and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. As a member of E&C, McEachin sits on the Environment and Climate Change, the Communications and Technology, and the Energy subcommittees. As a member of Natural Resources, McEachin sits on the Energy and Mineral Resources as well as the Oversight and Investigations subcommittees.
Leon Benjamin is the Senior Pastor and Bishop of New Life Harvest Church in Richmond, VA. Bishop Benjamin, a former Democrat and Gulf War veteran, is an emerging evangelical leader on the national front as a media spokesperson and conservative political activist. He operated as a surrogate for Trump on the presidential campaign trail and worked on the Faith-Based Initiative support team during the President-Elect’s transition to the White House
OnAir Post: US House District 4 – VA 2020
Donald McEachin
Current Position: US Representative for US House District 4 since 2017
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2020 US Representative for US House District 4
Former Position(s): State Delegate from 1995 – 2007
Congressman McEachin has been selected by his colleagues to serve as a Regional Whip, co-chair of the House Democratic Environmental Message Team, Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus, co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force, and vice-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). During his first term in Congress, Rep. McEachin co-founded the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Congressional Task Force and continues to lead the task force as a co-chair.
For more information, go to Donald McEachin’s post.
Ryan McAdams
Current Position: Ministry
Affiliation: Republican
Candidate: 2020 US Representative for US House District 4
Ryan McAdams was a 2018 candidate to be the United States Representative for Virginia’s 4th congressional district. He is a member of the Republican Party. Currently he does not have a website. Information below is from his 2018 campaign site.
For more information, go to the Ryan McAdams post.
Issues
Governance
Donald McEachin
August 1, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the Funding Attorneys for Indigent Removal (FAIR) Proceedings Act with Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to guarantee legal counsel for eligible individuals navigating the nation’s complex immigration court system.
July 25, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) re-introduced the Disabled Access Credit Expansion Act today with Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02) to make it easier for small businesses to become accessible for people with disabilities and help those businesses comply with the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation bolsters the existing Disabled Access Credit (DAC), which helps businesses pay for renovations by doubling the maximum tax credit and allowing more small businesses to receive it.
July 24, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted for House passage of the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, also known as the Butch Lewis Act. The Congressman co-sponsored this important bipartisan legislation, which will ensure multiemployer pension plans remain solvent and continue providing retirees and workers with the retirement benefits they have earned.
Ryan McAdams
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Civil Rigths
Donald McEachin
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Ryan McAdams
Civil Rights
The Declaration of Independence says that our government exists to protect our God-given rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. Many who are elected merely give lip service to this tremendous responsibility and sacred charge. The Founding Fathers warned us of a growing Federal Government that would usurp the power, rights and privacy of citizens. I am a leader who is wholeheartedly committed to honoring the Constitution, fighting tyranny, and protecting the unalienable rights of all Americans.
Protecting the First Amendment
The free exercise of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of assembly are sacred rights and liberties enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. The First Amendment is absolutely vital to the health and prosperity of our society and great nation. Unfortunately, these freedoms are currently under assault. Regardless of one’s strong religious, cultural or ideological convictions, our Republic is built upon the free and unhindered exercise and practice of faith and individual conscience. This is a country built upon diversity and the freedom of expression. I strongly believe that we can get along and move forward together as a people if we choose to unite under the principle of liberty and cultural civility. I am committed to protecting and defending the First Amendment rights of ALL Americans.
Protecting Gun Rights
Protecting individuals and liberty is the job of government, but it is not the exclusive job of government. The Constitution affirms the rights of “we the people” to keep and bear arms as the first defense against criminal threats to our person and property and to protect against a tyrannical government. The facts show that lawful gun ownership reduces violent crime and makes communities safer. I strongly support this inalienable right and will oppose any actions or attempts to restrict or undermine this vital constitutional liberty.
Economy
Donald McEachin
July 24, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted for House passage of the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, also known as the Butch Lewis Act. The Congressman co-sponsored this important bipartisan legislation, which will ensure multiemployer pension plans remain solvent and continue providing retirees and workers with the retirement benefits they have earned.
July 18, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted for House passage of the Raise the Wage Act of 2019, legislation he cosponsored to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in 10 years. The bill will gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour over a six-year period. Additionally, the act would phase out the subminimum wage for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities. To keep up with inflation, the Raise the Wage Act indexes future minimum wage increases to median hourly wage growth.
Ryan McAdams
Economy & Jobs
America is at her best when our economy is strong and when people are working and prospering. The creation of jobs, higher take home pay, and greater opportunities for the average American must be a priority. I wholeheartedly support the tax bill that will help do that and put more money in the pockets of wage-earners and families. Congress can do it’s part by cutting bureaucratic red tape and regulations and facilitating free market principles. I want to see the federal government out of the pockets and out of the way of the American worker and businessman. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and create over 70% of the new jobs in the United States. I will support legislation that lowers taxes and promotes job growth, innovation and productivity.
Budget Reform
Federal government spending is wildly out of control, and the lack of fiscal responsibility of leaders on both sides of the aisle is unacceptable. Our national debt has risen to over $17 trillion dollars and this unrestrained spending poses a real threat to our future and the next generation. Those in Congress must act to end the problems of gross negligence and willful government bloat and not allow them to continue unchecked. We need to have a fiscal policy that will allow us to keep our promises to retirees and fund Social Security and Medicare while providing a sound future for our children and grandchildren without strapping them with the crippling burden of national debt. I support a balanced budget which will set us on a clearer path to continued prosperity and economic stability.
Defense & Security
Donald McEachin
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Ryan McAdams
Defending the country is the primary and most essential function of the federal government as stated in the Constitution. A strong nation is a secure nation and we must support our troops wholeheartedly both here and abroad without reservation. Yet, a strong military force does not mean that defense bureaucrats or the President should have unlimited authority to wage war. The Constitution gives Congress the sole power to declare war for it is the branch of government most accountable to the people. Wars are extremely expensive and the human toll is even more costly. I believe we will be much stronger as a nation if we have a powerful and well-funded military that is guided by a clear set of priorities that will guide us to wisely assess all future military interventions.
Our brave men and women of the Armed Forces and their families have made a tremendous sacrifice to defend us and our liberties and they deserve to be honored and provided for. We must always fulfill our obligation to our heroes with the very best benefits and medical care possible. It is unacceptable and a national disgrace when veterans are not rightly cared for by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The highest priority of the federal government is to provide for the common defense of the nation, which includes providing for the care of those who defend us. I believe we must fully fund and support our troops on the field and equally support them when they return and are in need.
Democracy
Donald McEachin
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Ryan McAdams
Government has a very important role to play. Civil society depends on a just, transparent, and accountable government to enforce the rule of law and serve the common good. History has proven that the more power a government has, the less freedoms the citizens enjoy. The Constitution was written to limit the role and scope of government and safeguard us from abuses. Today, most Virginians agree that the federal government is too large, too powerful and spends far too much of our money without any real accountability. I support legislation and reforms that will better serve citizens and stream-line the government making it more efficient, productive and just.
Criminal Justice Reform
The criminal justice system is broken. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world and our prison system is incredibly overcrowded and costly. The aim of the justice system is to be fair and punish the most dangerous and violent members of our society. Unfortunately, our criminal system largely punishes non-violent drug offenders with long mandatory sentences – which includes a disproportionate number of African-American men. These policies have torn families apart and created a cycle of poverty, disfunction, and incarceration. I believe it is fiscally and morally imperative that we advance responsible justice reforms like ending mandatory minimum sentencing that will ease taxpayer burdens and give nonviolent offenders the opportunity to be productive citizens.
Education
Donald McEachin
July 15, 2019 Press Release
McEachin Announces Education Grant from the National Science Foundation to Virginia State University
July 10, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) today announced a National Science Foundation grant of $1,373,217 to Virginia State University (VSU) for programs for increased student success in introductory biology, including a mentoring program, a rigorous evaluation procedure and working on ways to integrate improvements in the course to other STEM classes.
July 8, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) today announced the Virginia Fourth Congressional District App Challenge, open to any middle or high schooler within the district to submit any type of original app on any platform in any language. Students can submit their applications here.
Ryan McAdams
Educating our children is absolutely vital to promoting the prosperity of our nation and the next generation. Successful education policy always starts at the local and state level rather than at the federal level. I believe in more local control over education, where parents can play a much more significant role in the design of their children’s schooling whether it be public, private, charter, or homeschooling. I oppose Common Core and support actions that empower and reinforce parental rights and choice.
Environment
Donald McEachin
Energy
Rep. McEachin and Chair Grijalva Applaud Historic Launch of Equitable and Just National Climate Platform
July 18, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and Natural Resources Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), co-hosts of the recent Congressional Convening on Environmental Justice, released the following statement after the unveiling of an Equitable and Just National Climate Platform by more than 70 leading environmental justice and national environmental groups.
Check out the Science Museum of Virginia’s Podcasts!
July 15, 2019 Page
The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to educating the community about issues such as climate change and alternative energy. There are hundreds of podcasts available, answering a variety of questions including, “Are Richmond schools adding solar power?” and “How do allergy medicines work?” Learn more here.
Rep. McEachin and Chair Grijalva Launch Historic Effort to Draft Environmental Justice Bill Based on Public Feedback at Environmental Justice Convening
June 28, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and Natural Resources Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) released the following statement after co-hosting the first-ever environmental justice convening at the U.S. Capitol. Hundreds of environmental justice (EJ) advocates, leaders, and practitioners flew in from across the country to discuss long-standing injustices and areas of collaboration between advocates and policymakers.
Ryan McAdams
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Health Care
Donald McEachin
August 6, 2019 Press Release
July 16, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin today announced a grant of $14,715,665 from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Virginia Department of Health for public health emergency response activities.
July 9, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin today announced a grant of $242,318 from the Department of Health and Human Services to Virginia Commonwealth University to study e-cigarettes (vaping) in real time through smartphones and a grant of $7,451,285 from the Department of Health and Human Services to the Virginia Department of Health for immunizations.
Ryan McAdams
Obamacare has proven to be an economically disastrous law and an unconstitutional power grab by our federal government that has restricted the freedoms of all Americans. The Affordable Care Act is neither affordable or an acceptable vehicle to provide better healthcare services. We all recognize that healthcare is an extremely important and necessary part of people’s lives. We must put politics aside and work on a caring solution that removes government control and inefficiencies, lowers the costs of services and medication, and restores the vital relationship between doctors and their clients. I believe Congress should repeal and defund the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a sensible free-market solution that makes quality healthcare accessible and affordable to the masses
Immigration
Donald McEachin
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Ryan McAdams
America continues to be an incredibly generous country. Over 1 million legal immigrants are accepted into the United States every year. Yet our generosity must have a limit. We need to enforce our laws and borders and reject illegal immigrants coming into this country. Illegal immigration is unfair to the many people from around the world who want to come into this great nation legally. Open borders are also a clear national security threat and economic drain. The average illegal immigrant household received over $24,000 in government benefits and services, much of which is a cost borne by the U.S. taxpayer. The Federal Government’s job is to prioritize the citizens of America and to serve their best interest. I oppose granting amnesty to illegals and support proposals to secure our borders and enforce our laws.
Veterans
Donald McEachin
July 12, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted for House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Enactment of this bill would authorize the funding needed for a strong, smart national defense strategy. The bill authorizes $733 billion for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the defense-related activities of the Department of Energy, as well as Overseas Contingency Operations.
July 3, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the introduction of H.R. 3615, the Honor and Remember Flag Recognition Act to honor members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This legislation will designate the Honor and Remember Flag as an official symbol to acknowledge all such servicemembers. It would require the flag to be displayed at civically important locations, from the U.S.
May 10, 2019 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman A. Donald McEachin joined many of his colleagues in co-sponsoring H.R. 553, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. This bill would remove the “widows’ tax” which currently prevents surviving spouses of servicemembers killed in the line of duty from receiving full payments from multiple death benefit fund programs. If enacted, the bill would make surviving spouses eligible to receive funds from both programs in full. Congressman McEachin was a cosponsor of this bill in the 115th Congress.
Ryan McAdams
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