In the News

Lawmakers address local threat from rising sea level

July 1, 2014

By Rachel West, WAVY TV

Lawmakers address local threat from rising sea level

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Several members of Congress representing Virginia and Hampton Roads hosted a regional conference on Monday about the local threat from sea level rise, particularly in Norfolk. The conference was held at the Ted Constant Center at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Rep. Scott Rigell (VA-02) and Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03) organized the event, alongside mayors Paul Fraim of Norfolk, Will Sessoms of Virginia Beach, and Kenny Wright of Portsmouth.

Issues:Energy & Environment

The Hill Op-Ed: The cheapest way to reduce crime is to prevent it. Cites Youth PROMISE Act as path forward.

July 1, 2014

In The News

By Jerry Madden

Juvenile justice reform should focus on our communities

In the United States today, we have a problem with our prisons. We incarcerate our people at nearly six times the rate of most other industrialized nations, and yet we have higher rates of crime. While our crime rate has dropped substantially over the past 20 years, crime and our high level of incarceration continue to have massive social and economic costs to our nation. According to the Pew Center on the States, state and federal spending on corrections has grown 400 percent over the past 20 years, from about $12 billion to about $60 billion. Corrections spending is currently among the fastest growing line items in state budgets, and 1 in 8 full-time state government employees works in corrections. Clearly we have a long way to go still, but there are methods we can use to make our communities safer while reducing incarceration, with its massive associated costs.

Issues:Youth PROMISE Act

South Hampton Roads lawmakers' take on VA care

June 27, 2014

In The News

By Bill Bartel, The Virginian-Pilot

South Hampton Roads lawmakers' take on VA care

By Bill Bartel, The Virginian-Pilot Hampton Roads' congressional delegation, who all favor the VA overhaul, commented Thursday about the bill's status and the financing debate: U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, Newport News Democrat: Scott said the financing problem goes back to Congress's decision last year to keep intact the so-called Bush tax cuts, preventing the government from collecting $3.9 trillion in revenue over ten years. "My feeling is the veterans' health care would take priority over a $3.9 trillion tax cut," Scott said. "We have been going along for decades with many members finding no relationship with services provided and the budget."

Issues:Veterans

Scott: Overwhelming opposition to getting re-involved in a ground war in Iraq

June 23, 2014

In The News

By Bill Bartel, The Virginian Pilot

Local lawmakers hesitant on U.S. involvement in Iraq

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott said he's pleased Obama has flatly ruled out sending ground troops back into Iraq.

"I think there's just an overwhelming opposition to getting re-involved in a ground war in Iraq," Scott said, adding that the president should keep the option open to intervene in some other way if necessary.

"It's an evolving situation," said Scott, a Democrat whose district includes Portsmouth and parts of Hampton and Newport News. "If there's something we can do that would be constructive, he didn't want to rule that out."

Issues:Defense & National SecurityForeign Affairs

Scott to Join Senator Kaine at ODU Forum on Sea Level Rise

June 21, 2014

In The News

By Aaron Applegate, The Virginian-Pilot

Kaine plans forum at ODU on sea level rise

Yes, it's another forum on sea level rise. But, this time, the organizer is a U.S. senator.

That could be a good sign for regional efforts to attract federal attention - and money - for solving what might be Hampton Roads' trickiest problem.

A combination of rising water and sinking land make the region one of the most vulnerable areas in the country to sea level rise.

Issues:Chesapeake BayEnergy & Environment

Rep. Scott and Staff volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads

June 8, 2014

In The News

By WAVY News 10

Congressman Scott helps Habitat for Humanity in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Congressman Bobby Scott helped renovate a house Saturday for Habitat For Humanity. Congressman Scott and his staff members helped with the project on Bold Street in Portsmouth. Habitat For Humanity South Hampton Roads recently shifted from building new homes to rehab projects. The upcoming projects support the organization’s Rebuilding The American Dream Initiative.

Newport News residents pack Scott forum on gang violence

June 6, 2014

In The News

By WAVY News 10

Wavy: Newport News residents pack forum on gang violence

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Congressman Bobby Scott put on held a forum for frustrated residents in Newport News Thursday night. The town hall meeting was about gang violence prevention. People packed An Achievable Dream Middle and High School to be a part of it. They wasted no time venting their frustrations to the audience and their representative, who was in town from Washington.

Issues:CrimeJudiciaryYouth PROMISE Act

Scott sits down with the Colbert Report's Stephen Colbert

May 5, 2014

In The News

Congressman Scott sits down with "conservative talk show pundit" Stephen Colbert to talk about the fight'n 3rd.

Comedy Central