CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, released the following statement Thursday night, after President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. The local congresswoman, wearing white with female colleagues for reproductive rights, could be seen during the one-hour speech, at the back of the House chamber frequently standing to applaud the president’s remarks.

“Tonight, I was glad to hear President Biden focus on protecting our fundamental freedoms, supporting our allies in Ukraine, combating the fentanyl crisis and lowering costs for working families. Additionally, I appreciated that the President made starkly clear the dangers of the ongoing threats to our democracy. He was unequivocal.

“In the weeks ahead, we must pass a national security package that continues America’s support for the people of Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s army. We must deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and security assistance to Israel. We must tackle the security crisis at our southern border — one that would be addressed through the bipartisan border deal. “We must pass a Farm Bill that prevents hunger and delivers for Virginia’s farmers and producers. And we must preserve the basic functions of our government by avoiding a reckless government shutdown, which would devastate Virginia’s economy and workforce.

“This Congress has a long to-do list. Going forward, I will respectfully remind Speaker Johnson about the President’s overarching message tonight: one of unity during a moment of nationwide and global uncertainty. We should be united in our desire to get things done for the people we serve — and the Virginians I serve expect us to govern, not to dither,” said Spanberger.