Today

Friend – There's a lot at stake at the polls today. Not just for any single person, but for the future of our region as a whole. If you believe in what I stand for – defending our men and women in uniform, defeating ISIS, and stopping the Syrian refugee program -- I ask for your vote today. Too many Americans feel this country is slipping through their fingers. I believe that together, we can change that. We can fight to restore our Constitution, strengthen national security, secure the border, and make sure our veterans get the care they have earned and deserve. Here in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, we can fight to protect jobs, grow our economy, and rebuild our military. I'm so grateful for your support and partnership over these past months. As I'm traveling across the Second District today, a day buzzing with excitement, I can't help but hope we never lose sight of how significant it is to be able to freely and peacefully participate in our country's governance. I hope we never lose that pride in being able to say, "I voted today." Thank you for exercising your rights, and for using your voice to influence the future of this nation we all call home.   Yours in service, Randy P.S. SHARE on Facebook if you are proud to have voted your values today. Hope to see you at the Victory Party tonight! Join us at 37 North Restaurant and Bar  (2105 West Great Neck Road, Unit 200, Virginia Beach) at 7PM to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship, as we celebrate all of your hard work. Your invitation is here.   Forbes For Congress | 911 First Colonial Road | Virginia Beach | VA | 23454

-=-=- Randy Forbes for U.S. Congress · United States This email was sent to alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. You can also keep up with Randy Forbes on Twitter or Facebook. -=-=-

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Vote Tomorrow -- Click to find your polling place

Friend --  Tomorrow is the BIG day for the Second District! Polls are open 6am -- 7pm so be sure to schedule time during your day tomorrow to get out and vote. You can find your polling location here. There's some back story about this election, though, that I want to share with you... Soon after I announced my decision not to seek reelection, I called Randy Forbes to ask, and strongly encourage, my friend to seek reelection in our district, VA02. My call came as a surprise to Randy. We had not had any prior conversations about my decision and the clear need for him to run in VA02. Randy is a thoughtful leader and to his credit, his response that day was simply: "Scott, I'm humbled by your call. You've given me a lot to consider and pray about."  A long week went by before I heard from Randy. He let me know that he and his wife of 38 years, Shirley, had agreed that he would answer the many calls he had received (in addition to mine) to run in VA02 – and he was running to win. I implored Randy to run for three compelling reasons: 1.      Randy's district (VA04) was radically redrawn by two activist judges and a California law professor 2.      Randy's influence on national security and jobs across Hampton Roads 3.      Randy's proven character and leadership Radical Redistricting For the past months, Randy, myself, and the entire Virginia Republican congressional delegation have vigorously fought a lawsuit filed by Democrats which sought to drastically redraw Virginia's Congressional districts. Unfortunately the Courts have ruled and the Democrats succeeded in completely redrawing the lines, especially in VA04. As I see it, about the only thing in common between the old VA04 and the radically redrawn VA04 is just the number 4. All else has been altered in favor of Democrats. Hampton Roads Jobs and Families Randy is Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower. His influence on defense is critical to our nation and our region. Vital decisions about where ships and submarines are homeported are made by his subcommittee. Randy is putting to good use his knowledge, wisdom, and authority to fight for our Navy and our region, and his subcommittee has a major impact on all of our Marines, Airmen, and Sailors. To lose his voice and influence would be a tremendous loss not only to our region, but to our country as well. Character and Convictions I believe that the foundation of good leadership is good character, and not all who seek office, or seek higher office, are worthy of the honor. I have worked closely with Randy for more than five years, including four years serving on his Seapower Subcommittee. Randy is guided by principle. He is a man of character and a man of faith. I trust Randy Forbes and would rest easier at night knowing that this good man is fighting for our families, our district, our men and women in uniform, and their families. Randy Forbes is running in the right district for the right reasons. No candidate could match his ability to fight for a stronger Navy, a stronger region, and a stronger country. I thank him for being willing to serve and fight for this district. He's a good man and a great leader for Virginia. Please join Teri and me in voting for Congressman Randy Forbes TOMORROW on Tuesday, June 14th to ensure Virginia's Second District has the strongest voice possible fighting of our military, our national security, and our Virginia jobs.  Yours in Freedom, Scott Rigell P.S. - Polling locations and precinct lines may have changed since the last time you voted - make sure to check your polling location before you head out to vote. Click here to share this information with your friends on Facebook. -=-=- Randy Forbes for U.S. Congress · United States This email was sent to alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. -=-=- Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

Newport News Now

MONDAY.JUNE 13.2016                                                                         Hampton Roads Cities Work Together to Adapt to Sea Level Rise Leaders throughout the region are looking for ways communities can better adapt to living near large bodies of water. Over the past few years sea level rise and recurrent flooding have been an issue in the Hampton Roads area and will be an increasing challenge for the region through in the. Fortunately, Newport News sits on higher ground than the other communities and less than two percent of the City’s total area is expected to be affected by sea level rise.  However, the City is still pursuing several initiatives to reduce the impacts in areas that may be affected. Ironically, one of the affects on Newport News could be accommodating additional residents moving from other cities to the higher ground in our city.  We are actively participating in the Hampton Roads Sea Level Rise Adaptation Forum, which was initiated in 2012 as an effort to promote discussion of climate change on Hampton Roads by Old Dominion University—in partnership with Virginia Sea Grant and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. Read more...                                                                       Free Program to Help Seniors Properly Fit their Cars Make a reservation now for a free assessment at the June 16th CarFit program for seniors. Teams of trained technicians and/or health professionals will spend about 20 minutes with each older driver making sure they “fit” properly in their vehicles.   Checks include proper seating and making sure the driver’s seat, seat belt, mirrors, steering wheel, head restraint, and gas and brake pedals are in the proper positions. The Newport News Sheriff’s Office is participating in this event along with  members of S.A.L.T. - Seniors and Law Enforcement Together. The event is 9 AM to noon in the parking lot of Northside Christian Church, 1300 George Washington Highway in Yorktown. Drivers should sign up now to make sure they’re CarFit! Read more... Tires! Tires! And More Tires! Many residents are unsure of what to do with spare tires when they are ready to get rid of them; however, it’s important to know in Newport News tires are not accepted for collection at the curb. Residents can have their old tires recycled at the Recovery Operations Center (formerly known as the Residential Waste Drop-Off and Compost Facility) located at 550 Atkinson Way. As long as the tires are removed from the rim, they are happy to accept up to four tires on any given visit, limited to twelve tires per year. For questions, call the Recovery Operations Center at 757-886-7947. Follow us on our social media pages @CityofNN or City of Newport News for more updates! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email This newsletter is produced by City of Newport News. Content may be used with attribution. 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607 If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, you may Unsubscribe. Powered by Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

What Forbes Means to Virginia and the Country

Friend -- Each time I view the awesome, mighty battleship USS Wisconsin, I am reminded of the resounding support the Tidewater community gave the bipartisan Congressional team, which I led, to secure legislation authorizing the Navy to prepare the ship for transfer to the City of Norfolk. With serenity, the ship symbolizes the many generations of Tidewater citizens who have "manned the watch" to protect and expand our nation's largest collection of Naval and maritime facilities, all committed to vital missions protecting our nation's national security and freedom of international navigation. Since my retirement from the Senate in 2009, I have, by choice, been on the sidelines of state and national politics. But with such unprecedented complexity looming over the coming elections, I believe I have the duty to step up now in support of a former colleague, Chairman Randy Forbes. Randy, in many ways, is following in my footsteps. He is now Chairman of the House Seapower Subcommittee; I was a former Senate Chairman of the Navy Seapower Subcommittee. As my seniority increased, I became Full Committee Ranking Republican and eventually was elevated by the Full Committee to serve as Chairman. Through persistence and hard work, Forbes continues to move up to where he will be eligible to take "the helm" and become Chairman of the House Full Committee.  Randy and I served together in the Congress for nearly a decade before my retirement; and I remember so very well how he sought my advice, when he was first elected, in setting up his Tidewater district offices to function in sync with my state constituent service offices, thereby providing Tidewater the broadest help possible to its residents and the many valued retired military and their families. During his years in Congress, Forbes has become nationally recognized as one of the leading advocates for modernizing and enlarging the U.S. Navy. He has consistently led efforts to strengthen America's naval and maritime services. For example, the most recent defense authorization bill, which passed the House of Representatives last month, included language written by Forbes specifically growing the Navy's shipbuilding budget -- possibly to the highest level since the Ronald Reagan era. Assuming the Senate passes it, and it becomes law, it represents a historic achievement in the constant challenge to enable our Navy to better maintain its cutting edge of superiority over the growing strength of other Navies worldwide, particularly China and Russia. The record clearly reflects that a large measure of credit for this Congressional effort is owing to Randy Forbes' persistent and convincing leadership among his colleagues.  As one works in Congress to achieve such goals, there is no "playbook," "textbook," or other "manual" on "how to do it!" The path to success is earned by long hours, presiding over long hearings, and long separations often from families and friends, that lawmakers endure as they work with and learn from their fellow colleagues on both sides of the aisle. There is no substitute for years of hands-on experience. Seniority is built up by leadership, persistence, and earning the respect and confidence of your colleagues. Randy Forbes has been among the most consistent voices warning against the dangers of both budget sequestration and the President's repeated efforts to lower national defense spending. His position, which required overcoming some opposition in his own party, foresaw accurately the dangers of sequestration and its impact on the men and women who proudly wear our nation's uniform. Now, as the House strongly supported defense spending this year, it is our hope that we will soon have a strong joint House and Senate defense bill for the coming fiscal year that will begin to reverse some of these devastating cuts.  Apart from budget considerations, there is always the fierce competition from other states to acquire parts of the extensive defense structure geographically located throughout the Tidewater area. I experienced it day in and day out -- as does the current Congressional Virginia Delegation. It is unfortunate that the Tidewater is losing two very respected Members of Congress; all the more reason to keep in Congress the strong, persistent voice of Randy Forbes.  An example of this occurred when the Administration proposed retiring the aircraft carrier USS George Washington from the Fleet -- Forbes worked on a bipartisan basis to keep this critical capability in active status and maintained properly. He was similarly effective in leading joint efforts to "squash" plans to remove the Navy's cruisers from service, and to inactivate a Carrier Air Wing. The citizens of Hampton Roads have a centuries-long tradition of supporting a strong national security, going back to before the American Revolution. The economy of this region is intimately connected to an adequately financed military. Decisions made in Washington can directly impact tens of thousands of well-paying jobs. During my 30 years in the Senate, Virginia was blessed with legislators of talent and integrity, with a deep commitment to national defense, and the needed level of seniority in Congress to protect the Hampton Roads defense industrial base – truly a national asset. I've been privileged to know and work with Forbes off and on for nearly 40 years, and have watched him continue to grow and to assume more and more responsibility and leadership. I can attest he is truly a man of strong character, humble about his commitment to patriotism, and one who believes his highest duty is serving the men and women in uniform who serve our country.  On June 14th, this Tuesday, your vote is most important. I urge you to consider fairly and objectively Forbes' long, dedicated period of public service to Tidewater, to the full state of Virginia, and to our country.   And, may I humbly thank you for the opportunity to share with you my views. In years past, your support made my career possible!  John Warner U.S. Senator, VA, Retired (1979-2009) Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Former Secretary of the U.S. Navy -=-=- Randy Forbes for U.S. Congress · United States This email was sent to alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. -=-=- Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

Next week [high priority]

Dear Neighbor -- As a Member of Congress who has had the privilege of representing some of you, I'm writing today to share why I'm supporting Randy Forbes on June 14th as our trusted choice for Virginia's Second Congressional District. Here in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, we need Randy Forbes representing us.  Randy's leadership is a tremendous asset to our region's jobs and to our nation's security. I have worked alongside Randy on the House Armed Services Committee where I have seen firsthand the difference his powerful position has made in preserving thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity for the region. As Senator John Warner, Former Secretary of the Navy and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has said, "Forbes' strong leadership and accomplishments in the cause of freedom have been critical to Virginia and vital to our national defense." But my support of Randy is deeper than his powerful leadership on the Armed Services Committee. Randy Forbes is a man of strong character and integrity, deeply committed to his faith and to the service of this nation. As Chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, Randy has led the charge to protect our religious freedoms. And, with his deep Hampton Roads roots, he has long been a standard of true "servant leadership" to the people of this region.  In today's day and age, individuals of Randy's character, humility, and dedication to service are rare. I'm proud to be supporting him and urge you to vote Randy Forbes THIS TUESDAY on June 14th. Yours in service, Rob Rob Wittman U.S. Congressman, VA-01 P.S. Can you commit to bringing 5 friends with you to the polls this Tuesday on June 14th? Every vote counts and it is critical that we ensure Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore are best positioned for a bright future. -=-=- Randy Forbes for U.S. Congress · United States This email was sent to alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. -=-=- Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

This Matters

Friend –

A lot has happened in Congress these past few months that have a big impact on our region and our national security. Here's a quick breakdown:

• My Seapower Legislation – As Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, it's my job to author key portions of the annual defense policy bill that have to do with the Navy, Marine Corps, and the Air Force (and have a huge impact on Hampton Roads). This year, my Subcommittee's legislation did several critical things, including 1) Authorize the highest level of shipbuilding funding since the Reagan era 2) Protect 1/12^th of the Navy Fleet from being inactivated 3) Stop the Administration's efforts to scrap 1 out of 10 Carrier Air Wings and 4) Put down a "down payment" on the 350-ship Navy America needs. 

• Annual defense policy bill passed the House – After my legislation passed out of my Subcommittee, it also passed the House Armed Services Committee, and was included in the annual defense policy bill. The annual defense policy bill passed the House. 

• Bipartisan push to base Triton at Wallops Island – Recently, I led 18 Members of Congress from both parties in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations urging the use of Wallops Island, Virginia as the permanent East Coast base for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft. Wallops Island is already home to innovative work in the commercial space industry as well as supporting critical NASA and U.S. military missions – it would be an ideal location to permanently station this important asset.

• Founded the NASA Caucus – I'm excited by the cutting-edge work that NASA is doing, and proud that so much of it is happening right here in Virginia. NASA is poised to make exciting new breakthroughs and reach new horizons in the years ahead. Recently, I founded the bipartisan Congressional NASA Caucus to help enhance the understanding of Members of Congress about the important work being done at places like the Langley Research Center and Wallops Flight Facility, and speak directly to the public about the great work NASA does around the country.

There is no higher Constitutional obligation than to provide for our national security. I will continue fighting every day to ensure our nation is secure, our citizens are safe, and our servicmembers are equipped to accomplish their missions and come home to us.

Yours in service,

Randy

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The Diplomat: As South China Sea Verdict Nears, Washington Must Stand with Manila

Friend-

The United States and the Philippines have been allies for decades, and our militaries have fought side by side from World War II to Vietnam to Iraq. Now, as China threatens Philippine sovereignty and destabilizes the Asia-Pacific region, it is more important than ever that Washington and Manila stand shoulder to shoulder.

You can read my recent piece about the importance of the alliance in The Diplomat  here or below.

Yours in service,

Randy

P.S. Here in Hampton Roads, we are privileged to be home to one of the country's most concentrated Filipino-American communities and to benefit from both a strong strategic partnership with this community and from their significant contributions to our region's economy. I'm proud to serve as a Member of the U.S.-Philippines Friendship Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers supporting the U.S.-Philippines alliance and promoting the welfare of Filipino-Americans here in the United States.

As South China Sea Verdict Nears, Washington Must Stand with Manila
The Diplomat
June 9, 2016

With tensions rising in the South China Sea, the United States' alliance with the Philippines may be approaching one of its most important moments in its 65-year history. Over the past few years, the world has watched as China has steadily worked to achieve de facto control of the islands and waters encircled on a map by a "nine-dash line" encompassing the northern two thirds of the sea.  Now, at some point in the weeks ahead, the Permanent Court of Arbitration is expected to rule that China's expansive claims are illegitimate. Such a ruling could bring tensions between China and the Philippines to a boil, right around the time that a new administration will be coming to power in Manila. In these trying and dynamic circumstances, it will be more important than ever that the United States and the Philippines stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter escalation and aggression.

The good news is that the U.S.-Philippine alliance is stronger today than any point since the Cold War and on a trajectory to grow stronger still. Over the past 15 years, shared concerns about terrorism, natural disasters, and China's growing power and aggressive behavior have drawn us back together.  Today, 71 percent of Filipinos support a stronger U.S. military presence in Asia—the highest percentage of any country in the region.  In 2014, our two countries signed a landmark Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) authorizing U.S. military forces to operate at a number of "agreed locations" throughout the country.  Last year, Congress authorized a new Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative that will enable the United States to partner with the Philippines and other countries in the region to improve their maritime security.

These trends are all encouraging. But while the U.S.-Philippine alliance has been gaining strength, so has China.  Over the past two decades, Beijing has been steadily improving its ability to project power into the South China Sea and wage a campaign of "gray zone" paramilitary aggression with its Coast Guard and maritime militia.  Since 2012, the Chinese Coast Guard has effectively occupied the Scarborough Shoal, a small shoal off the main Filipino island of Luzon that China claims as its own, and begun construction of artificial island outposts atop disputed features.  So far, the Philippines' response to the occupation of Scarborough Shoal, China's reclamation efforts, and the frequent harassment of its fishermen has been laudably measured: avoiding violent confrontations and appealing instead to international law and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Now, with international arbitrators expected to rule in the Philippines' favor, our ally may face another uptick in Chinese aggression. According to close watchers of the South China Sea, Beijing's next move may be to declare an "air defense identification zone" (ADIZ) over the South China Sea and enforce it with military aircraft and surface-to-air missile systems based on China's artificial island outposts. Beijing could also begin building another artificial island base atop Scarborough Shoal, just over 200 miles from Manila. China could also increase the frequency with which it harasses and interdicts Filipino and other nations' shipping inside its expansive nine-dash line.

To deter China from taking any of these destabilizing steps, the United States and the Philippines will need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the weeks and months ahead.  The two countries signed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty "so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific." Secretary Carter was right to declare in April that our commitment to the security of the Philippines remains "ironclad."  But to deter aggression in the South China Sea, we should also make clear that—as stated in the treaty—both parties are bound to respond to attacks on the "armed forces, public vessels or aircraft" of the other party, as well as "island territories under its jurisdiction."  To have maximum impact, these words should be backed in the near term by the continuous presence of U.S. naval forces and, in the longer term, by continuing efforts to build up the Philippines' defensive capabilities, offset China's military growth, and maintain a stable balance of military power in the region.

Might does not make right, but it can also be used to deter threats to peace, prosperity, and the rule of law.  While the United States should not take sides in territorial disputes, it should support those parties that are pursuing peaceful resolution. The Philippines is one such party, and its alliance with the United States is an exemplary link in what Secretary Carter recently called a "principled security network" in the Asia-Pacific region.  That link was forged 65 years ago, but by adhering to our shared principles in the trying weeks ahead, the United States and the Philippines can prove that it remains strong.

Read the full Op-Ed here. 

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BREAKING: Former Chief of Naval Operations Greenert Endorses Forbes: "His Record... is Extraordinary"

Former Chief of Naval Operations Greenert Endorses Forbes: "His Record... is Extraordinary" Date: June 9, 2016 Contact: Hailey Sadler, Communications Director, (757) 692-2108 Virginia Beach, VA -- Today, Congressman Randy Forbes announced that former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Jonathan Greenert, the Navy's highest-ranking officer from 2011 to 2015, has endorsed Forbes for his critical leadership on U.S. national security and the future of the U.S. Navy.  As the most recently retired Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Greenert is one of the most well-qualified individuals in the United States to speak to the threats facing America around the globe, the future of our Navy, and the leadership needed to strengthen U.S. national security. "During my time as Chief of Naval Operations, Congressman Randy Forbes was among the most effective advocates in Congress for our Sailors and their families. As Chairman of the Seapower & Projection Forces Subcommittee, he instigated a national awareness and debate of the critical importance of Seapower, maritime security, and the shipbuilding industrial base. His record in supporting and increasing our Navy programs is extraordinary. A unique visionary in the Congress, he has made an enduring and positive contribution to the future of the Navy." A nuclear trained submariner, Admiral Greenert served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for 40 years. In addition to serving as Chief of Naval Operations, his major assignments include Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 2009 to 2011; Commander of Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk from 2007 to 2009; and Commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet from 2004 to 2006.  "Admiral Greenert has dedicated his life to the service of his country, culminating in four years as the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy," Congressman Forbes said. "I am honored and humbled to have the support of this selfless patriot. Admiral Greenert laid an important foundation for the future strength of our Navy during his tenure as CNO. As Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I look forward to building on that legacy and ensuring that our sailors always have the resources they need to keep American safe and come home safe themselves." Born and raised in Hampton Roads, Congressman Forbes is one of the most senior Members of the House Armed Services Committee and serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee that oversees key Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force programs that are the lifeblood of the Hampton Roads economy. He has been awarded the highest civilian honors by both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy for his work on behalf of the military. He has also been awarded the Virginia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America "Legislator of the Year" Award, AMVETS Silver Helmet Award, and Reserve Officers Association's President's Award for his steadfast defense of our veterans and servicemembers. Congressman Forbes has also been endorsed by 7 Former Secretaries of the Navy, top Navy SEAL Commanders, and over 50 retired military officers from across the Armed Forces. Additionally, more than 120 of the region's top executives and business leaders, as well as over 40 elected government officials across the Second District at the local, state, and national levels -- including Congressman Scott Rigell (VA02) and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA01) -- have backed his campaign. # # #

-=-=- Randy Forbes for U.S. Congress · United States This email was sent to alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org. To stop receiving emails, click here. -=-=-

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