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This week I was proud to sponsor the Computers for Veterans and Students Act with Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), and Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02). 

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified and exacerbated the issues faced in areas without broadband access and has raised to the forefront the importance of broadband access in our society. I am proud to co-sponsor the Computers for Veterans and Students Act, which will provide low-income children and heroic American veterans with some of the tools they need. This bipartisan bill will help address some of the health access and educational issues in communities in Virginia and across the nation.

The Paycheck Protection Program will be accepting applications until Aug. 8. As part of the CARES Act, this program offers loans to small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses and nonprofits should visit www.sba.gov to learn more.

On Thursday, I co-sponsored the bipartisan Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act. The bill would ensure community-led substance abuse treatment coalitions can remain operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this challenging time, it’s critical that the 5th District continues to receive this substance-abuse support.

Earlier this week the Trump Administration sanctioned members of the Chinese Communist Party who are responsible for human rights violations against the Uighur community. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)has committed unconscionable actions to oppress the Uighur people and have consistently violated their human rights. I applaud the administration for imposing these sanctions and taking steps to hold members of the CCP accountable.

If you need help with a federal agency, please contact my Charlottesville office at (434) 973-9631.  At this time, all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., including the National Zoo, are temporarily closed to the public. Additionally, tours of the White House, U.S. Capitol, FBI, and Library of Congress have been suspended to help contain the outbreak and prevent community spread.

Denver Riggleman represents Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached by visiting https://riggleman.house.gov/ or by phone at (434) 973-9631.