
Robert Hurt: Bipartisan budget agreement
I am pleased to report that last week, for the first time in five years, Congress agreed upon a federal budget. The House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a vote count of 332-94.

I am pleased to report that last week, for the first time in five years, Congress agreed upon a federal budget. The House of Representatives passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 by a vote count of 332-94.

Frank Wolf, whose congressional district stretches from the Washington, D.C., suburbs to the Northern Shenandoah Valley, will not run for re-election in 2014. The news means there will be an interesting and competitive race for the seat held by the Republican since 1980.

The Virginia women’s basketball team (4-5) defeated Maryland Eastern Shore (3-7) 81-46 Tuesday night (Dec. 17) at John Paul Jones Arena. After UVa trailed 8-0 three minutes into the game, the Cavaliers outscored the Lady Hawks 36-15 in the final 17 minutes of the period, including scoring eight unanswered points in the final 1:14 of the half, to take a 36-23 advantage into the break.

Throughout the first session of the 113th Congress, the House of Representatives has continued to pursue an agenda designed to create jobs, end economic uncertainty, and make America more competitive in the global economy. The House Republican Plan For Economic Growth & Jobs is based on a simple concept – pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation.

The Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Legislative Preview Breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 8-9:15 am at Brightview Baldwin Park in Staunton. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast as you listen to state and federal legislators review 2014 bills and issues affecting our businesses.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow could slow down the Eastern Mennonite basketball women Saturday, as they scored the first 10 points and never trailed in a 76-62 win at Mt. Aloysius in Cresson, Pa. In an effort to beat an impending snowstorm in the region, the Royals drove up Friday night and moved the start time to 11:00am.

The Terry McAuliffe Inaugural Committee announced the first round of parade participants for the inauguration of Terry McAuliffe as 72nd governor of the Commonwealth. “We are excited to announce such a diverse and talented group of parade participants,” said Executive Director Brynne Craig.

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced an additional $4.1 million in Community Development Block Grants for four projects in Virginia. The seven community improvement projects are in addition to the $6.8 million of funding provided this year. During this year’s competitive cycle, 35 proposals were submitted by 34 localities, and 11 projects received the initial funding.

Two Virginia public universities are ranked in the Top 5 of Kiplinger Magazine’s annual ranking of the “Best Values in Public Colleges.” The University of Virginia was ranked second, while The College of William and Mary stayed at number four. Five other Virginia universities also ranked in the magazine’s top 100, including James Madison University (22), Virginia Tech (27), The University of Mary Washington (61), George Mason University (72), and Christopher Newport University (84).

Iranian hunger strikers turn the worst of times into the best of times. By example, they turn Charles Dickens’ winter of despair into a spring of hope. Like Nelson Mandela’s pursuit of justice and reconciliation never wavered when facing persecution, so hunger strikers gain unity and resilience in face of tyranny.
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