WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement as she began her second term serving the people of Central Virginia in Congress. On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Spanberger did not vote for Speaker Pelosi and instead cast a “present” vote. 

“As the U.S. Representative for Virginia’s Seventh District, my chief responsibility is to fight for the priorities of Central Virginia’s communities – and to support leaders and strategies that can deliver these priorities over the next two years. In a time marked by historically low trust in our government, new voices are necessary to moving forward and achieving real progress. Last Congress, I kept my promise to vote for new leadership upon my swearing-in – and in this Congress, I remain consistent in my commitment to ushering in new leadership. Accordingly, I did not vote for Speaker Pelosi.

“January 2021 represents a crucial moment in American political history. With this incoming administration, we have a unique opportunity to achieve long overdue progress on a wide range of pressing issues – such as lowering healthcare costs, tackling the climate crisis, working towards inclusive justice in all policy areas, investing in our infrastructure, and building an economy that creates opportunity for everyone. While we will not have new leadership in the Speaker’s Chair, it is my hope that the American people will witness a broader breadth of voices in Congress leading in pursuit of these policy objectives.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Central Virginia in the U.S. House, and I’m honored to fight for our district’s families and businesses each day in Congress.”

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