OTD in 1933, FDR appointed Frances Perkins as Secretary of Labor. As the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet, Frances became a driving force behind the New Deal and a passionate advocate for labor rights during her 12-year tenure. #WomensHistoryMonth

As AI is integrated into telecomm networks, we must address the security and reliability risks. Today, I introduced the bipartisan AI-Ready Networks Act with Rep. Olbernote to examine AI use in telecommunication networks and the implications for security, reliability and the workforce.

Holding the families of the six service members killed in the line of duty in Iran over the weekend in my prayers. The Defense Department released the names of four of them: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35 Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42 Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39 Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20

Over the weekend, the Trump Administration unilaterally authorized U.S. armed forces to join Israeli forces to launch a “massive and ongoing” military campaign in Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Read more about Iran, Trump’s State of the Union and more in my newsletter ⬇️

To facilitate departure, U.S. citizens in the Middle East should enroll in the State Department’s STEP program and continue checking Travel.State.gov for latest guidance. My office is prepared to assist any constituents who may need help returning home during this time of uncertainty.

Wishing everyone a joyful and vibrant Holi! May the Festival of Colors remind us of the light, hope and goodness that live within our communities.

Happy Birthday, United States Navy Reserve! Congratulations on 111 years of supporting our fleets and protecting the open seas. Thank you for your service.

113 years ago, over 5,000 suffragists marched through Washington to demand the right to vote for women, including the founders of Delta Sigma Theta in their first public act. #WomensHistoryMonth

Wishing a happy Purim to all who celebrate. May the holiday remind us of the values of courage, faith, survival, community and taking care of those less fortunate among us.

Happy Birthday, Peace Corps! Congratulations on 65 years of serving the global community and fostering intercultural connection. As we work to maintain our international relationships in this difficult moment, the Peace Corp’s work is more important than ever.

To close out #BlackHistoryMonth, I joined @kaine.senate.gov and @bobbyscott.house.gov for @markwarner.bsky.social’s annual Commonwealth Coffee with Black leaders from across Virginia. February may be over, but we will continue to celebrate and protect Black history all year round. #BHM2026

"Speaker Johnson must immediately reconvene the House so that we may vote on a war powers resolution." Full New Dem Leadership statement:

Without evidence of an imminent threat, the Trump Administration should refrain from major military action. These latest strikes in Iran without Congressional approval risk throwing the region into chaos and put our servicemembers in harm’s way without a clear long-term strategy. 🧵

This week, the Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariffs and he gave the State of the Union Address to Congress. Keep watching for more highlights.

I am humbled to be one of only four Black members of Congress to serve our Commonwealth in Congress. 🧵 #BHM2026

Had a great morning yesterday celebrating Black History Month with @bobbyscott.house.gov and @mcclellan.house.gov at our Commonwealth Coffee! Thank you to everyone who came out, especially the Hampton University Choir for the beautiful music!

We must strengthen our ability to combat wildfires caused by our climate crisis through manned and unmanned aerial technology. That’s why I co-led the ACERO Act to reauthorize and strengthen NASA’s program to fight wildfires. This week, the House unanimously passed this bipartisan bill!

The Trump Administration declaring a state of emergency to take over federal elections would be a 5 alarm fire for democracy. Trump swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, not rip it to shreds. This is an attempt to thwart the will of the people by suppressing their vote.

This Black History Month, I was thrilled to sit down with my Soror, @cbc.house.gov Chair and historymaker @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social! We discussed the importance of community and how to maintain hope in this moment. Check out the full interview on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/IWtyeUsS4tY?...

As the “Harlem of the South,” Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood served as a center for Black business, advocacy, arts and culture, until parts of it were destroyed by “redevelopment” in the mid-20th century. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, Jackson Ward thrives today. #BHM2026

Happy birthday to my friend and mentor, @kaine.senate.gov!

Today, the Virginia delegation led a moment of silence in memory of Delegate Barry Knight, whom I served with in the Virginia House of Delegates. A dedicated, humble and kind public servant, Barry will be greatly missed.

Today, I introduced the Career-Connected Learning Pathways Act to support each state in creating a public directory of CTE programs and pathways to make these opportunities more accessible to our workforce of tomorrow and strengthen the American economy.

We’re kicking off Season 3 of Moments with McClellan with @cbc.house.gov Chair, my Soror in Congress and fellow historymaker @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social! This BHM, stay tuned as we talk about where she finds hope as we look ahead, what progress demands in this moment and what DST means to her.

OTD in 1870, Hiram R. Revels took his oath of office as a U.S. Senator, becoming the first Black man to serve in Congress. A minister, college president and public servant, Revels fought for equality in the Senate and beyond. Today, I stand on his shoulders in @cbc.house.gov. #BHM2026

Tonight, Governor Spanberger spoke for the majority of Americans, who are sick and tired of paying the price for Donald Trump’s reckless economic policies. It’s an honor to have Virginia represented so well on the national stage.

Statement from New Dem Leadership on Trump's State of the Union address.

My guest and co-owner of Mama J’s, Lester Johnson, shares his reaction to the State of the Union — in none other than the U.S. Capitol.

What is the state of the Union? Hard working families are struggling to afford health care. We’re fighting for a better future.

Before Trump gives his speech tonight, we asked New Dems to describe the actual State of the Union in one word.

I’m honored to host Lester Johnson as my State of Union guest. His family owns Mama J’s in Richmond. When enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired, Lester’s health insurance premiums spiked, even as groceries and utility bills continue to rise. I’m grateful Lester joined me to share his story.

Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968, serving seven terms as the representative for New York’s 12th District. As the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress, I stand on her shoulders and proudly carry on her legacy. #BHM2026

OTD 66 years ago, 34 students sat at the whites-only lunch counter of Richmond’s Thalhimers Department. Arrested for trespassing, the Supreme Court overturned the Richmond 34’s convictions. Continued protests put enough pressure on Thalhimers to lead it to integrate its facilities. #BHM2026

As we commemorate President George Washington’s 294th birthday, let us continue to heed his words on the importance of upholding checks and balances to protect our freedom.

The Trump Administration’s tariffs imposed a sales tax on the American people that raised the costs of everything from groceries to technology and more. SCOTUS recognized these tariffs as an executive overreach. I joined Henry Graff on @12onyourside.com to share my initial reaction and more.

Today, SCOTUS struck down Trump’s tariffs as an unconstitutional overstep of congressional authority. After months of skyrocketing grocery prices, inflation and energy bills, this decision helps restore the separation of powers and takes a stand against this Administration’s executive overreach.

On Friday, funding lapsed for DHS as Congressional Republicans refused to rein in ICE and Border Patrol agents who have created a public safety crisis in our communities. As a result, we are once again in a partial government shutdown. Read more in my newsletter below ⬇️

Calling all high school students across Virginia’s Fourth! Applications are now open for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Submit your original artwork by Monday, April 20 at 5 PM for a chance to have it displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year! 🎨

Happy Birthday, United States Coast Guard Reserve! Thank you for your service protecting our nation's coasts, ports and waterways, working to keep us safe on land and at sea. Congratulations on 85 years of Professionalism, Preparedness and Patriotism!

The SAVE Act doesn’t actually protect election integrity: it suppresses the vote by design using costly hoops that restrict voting rights. I joined @zerlinamaxwell.bsky.social on @zerlinamornings.bsky.social to discuss why the SAVE Act is a modern-day poll tax, in violation of the 24th Amendment.

Maggie Lena Walker made history as the first Black woman to charter and serve as president of an American bank. She founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond and aspired to help her community “turn nickels into dollars. She helped more than 600 Black families pay off their homes. #BHM2026

Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you a reflective and peaceful Ramadan.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security ran out on Friday, and we’re in a partial government shutdown because Republicans don’t want to hold DHS accountable for this public safety crisis. I joined @zerlinamaxwell.bsky.social on @zerlinamornings.bsky.social to discuss the situation and more.

Happy Lunar New Year! I wish everyone a prosperous and healthy Year of the Fire Horse!🐴

Today, we lost civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson. May he rest in peace as we continue his work towards liberty and justice for all and heed his words to “keep hope alive.”

As the case with many enslaved people, Frederick Douglass never knew his birthday. After escaping enslavement, he chose his own birthday: Valentine’s Day. Today, we honor his life, which reminds us that freedom and equality demand accountability, courage and action. #BHM2026

This week, DHS funding runs out as Republicans refuse to hold ICE accountable for the public safety crisis it’s created. Now we enter another partial government shutdown. Keep watching for what you may have missed.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the veterans in Virginia’s Fourth District! Today, I delivered Valentines from across the district to the Richmond VA Medical Center to thank our vets for their service and continued contributions to our community.

As the climate crisis worsens, we need greater coordination across and between nations. I published an op-ed with Climate Lens News on how Africa is building the clean energy future — and how the U.S. can join as a global partner in this work.

Tune in at 8:15 AM this morning!