Gerald Connolly

Gerald Connolly was elected to the United States House of Representatives in the election held on November 4, 2008. He won the congressional seat for Virginia's 11th district, a position he has held since then. His election victory was significant as it marked the continuation of a Democratic presence in the district, succeeding Tom Davis. Connolly's prior experience as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was instrumental in his campaign, focusing on transportation, the environment, and fiscal responsibility.

On March 23, 2010, Gerald Connolly voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a landmark health care reform law aimed at making health insurance more affordable and accessible. The ACA, also known as Obamacare, was one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed in the 111th Congress and has had a substantial impact on the American healthcare system. Connolly's support was consistent with his Democratic colleagues and aligned with his advocacy for expanding healthcare coverage to more Americans.

On January 30, 2017, Gerald Connolly was vocal in condemning the executive order issued by President Donald Trump that temporarily banned travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. Connolly, representing a diverse district in Northern Virginia, argued that the travel ban was un-American and discriminatory, and joined protests and efforts to challenge the executive order. He emphasized the impact such policies could have on communities and America's standing in the world.

On July 16, 2019, the House of Representatives, including Gerald Connolly, voted to condemn President Donald Trump's comments about four Democratic congresswomen, which were widely criticized as racist. Connolly supported the resolution on the grounds that the President's language was divisive and threatened the social fabric of the United States. The vote was a significant moment of collective dissent from Congress against what was seen as a breach of official decorum and civility by the President.

During President Trump's impeachment trial beginning January 22, 2020, Gerald Connolly was active in reflecting on the seriousness of the charges against the President regarding abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Connolly emphasized the importance of holding the President accountable to protect democratic principles. His statements were part of the broader discourse among House Democrats who were advocating for a fair trial and urging the Senate to carefully consider all evidence presented.

On January 6, 2021, during the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Gerald Connolly spoke out against the violence, calling the riot an attack on democracy itself. He urged accountability for those who incited and participated in the insurrection. Connolly's response included support for immediate action to certify the election results and maintain the peaceful transfer of power. The event underscored his commitment to upholding democratic institutions and ensuring that such events do not undermine governance.

Gerald Connolly voted in favor of establishing a bipartisan commission to investigate the events surrounding the January 6 attack on the Capitol. On May 20, 2021, he expressed support for the commission as a necessary step to uncover the truth behind the events and prevent future attacks. The proposal was aimed at providing a comprehensive account of what led to the insurrection, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding democratic processes in the future.

On July 27, 2022, Gerald Connolly introduced the TRICARE Fairness for National Guard and Reserve Retirees Act. This legislation aimed to ensure that retired National Guard and Reserve members receive the same TRICARE benefits as their active-duty counterparts. Connolly argued that the current disparity in benefits was unfair to those who have served the country with distinction and advocated for equitable health benefits as a matter of justice and support for military families.

On February 14, 2023, Gerald Connolly criticized the response of Norfolk Southern to a significant train derailment in East Palestine. He highlighted the environmental and safety concerns raised by such incidents and called for stronger regulatory oversight of the rail industry. Connolly's stance emphasized accountability and the prioritization of community safety in the face of corporate negligence, reflecting on the broader issues of transportation safety and environmental protection.

On September 27, 2023, Gerald Connolly supported the Honoring our PACT Act, which was aimed at expanding VA healthcare and benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Connolly's support underscored his commitment to veteran affairs, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that veterans receive the care and respect they deserve for their service. The act was a significant legislative step in addressing the long-term health needs of veterans.