This was a somber week in Congress as the House passed a resolution to honor the victims of the tragedy in Tucson.
I was deeply saddened and disturbed by the senseless attacks on Representative Giffords, members of her staff, and all of the victims in Tucson, Arizona. Our prayers are for speedy and full recoveries for those who are still in critical condition as well as for everyone who was affected by this horrific act of violence in some way.
This kind of violence has no place in our society, and I am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of my staff and constituents. But in order to demonstrate the strength of our democracy, we cannot let this attack deter us from fulfilling our most important duty: serving the people we were elected to represent.
The direct relationship between constituents and the people who represent them is fundamental, inalterable, and is the very underpinning of our free society. It is critical that we, as elected officials, make time to meet with and listen to the people of our Districts to learn their thoughts on the important issues facing Congress and our nation.
Constituent services has been a top priority for me throughout my time in public service, and it will continue to be as I represent the Fifth District in Washington, D.C. Nothing is more important than ensuring that I remain accessible and available to the people of Central and Southside Virginia.
Over the next two years, I look forward to talking to and hearing from Fifth District Virginians across the political spectrum as we work together to find real and lasting solutions to the immediate problems that affect our present and our future: unacceptable unemployment, reckless government spending, and an ever-expanding federal government.
I encourage you to visit our website at hurt.house.gov, where you can get congressional updates, sign up for our newsletter, send me an e-mail, and find our office contact information.
Nothing shows our resolve and our faith in our representative democracy more than continuing to serve the public despite trying and difficult circumstances. That is why it is important for Congress to get back to work, and next week the House will resume the thoughtful consideration of the health care bill.
There is a lot to be done, and we have many tough challenges ahead, but I am confident that together we can change course and move the Fifth District and our nation forward.
Column by Fifth District Congressman Robert Hurt
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