Scott Rigell U.S. Congress

Our Constitution was founded on principles of individual liberty and limited government. The right of Americans to own firearms is confirmed by the Second Amendment. Gun control serves only to penalize law-abiding citizens, not criminals.

In states where firearm ownership regulations have been enacted there is no evidence that it has proven effective in reducing violent crime. Federal licensing of law-abiding gun owners and national gun registration would violate our Second Amendment rights.

Gun ownership is responsible citizenship, enabling Americans to defend themselves, their property, and our communities.

More info...

To remain a vital political and military presence in the world and ensure future prosperity, America must become energy independent. Americans send about $700,000,000 per year to Middle Eastern and Latin American countries that are not our allies or strategic partners. This spending weakens the U.S. economy while simultaneously providing financial resources to countries that harbor terrorists, turn a blind eye to terrorism and maintain repressive foreign powers against their own citizens.

America has abundant natural resources, including those 50 miles off Virginia’s coast. America has the technological know-how and research capacity to find safe, clean, cheap, environmentally sound and innovative ways to use our fossil fuel, hydro-electric, nuclear, geothermal, wind and solar resources more effectively to move from a nation of dependence to a nation of abundance.

More info...

The security of our country is the responsibility of every American, and we are obligated to those who serve and defend it with their lives. We owe our brave men and women in uniform the training, equipment and leadership to succeed at their mission. Just as importantly, we owe their families our full and unwavering support. This includes the wages, healthcare, education and housing they need while in our country’s service and veteran’s benefits that are not empty promises or subject to shifting political climates.

America’s all volunteer military force, including our Reserves and National Guard, are second to none. Assuring they have access to the best technology, training, weapons, support and equipment will require significant improvements to our defense budgeting and procurement process and a healthy competitive environment.

More info...

The family is the basic building block of every strong community and nation. America’s greatness is strengthened through hard work, personal responsibility, strong marriages and the family unit pulling together through the tough times we face today. As a nation, we must support legislation that will reaffirm marriage and family life as the foundation of a healthy society.

Over the last decade we have seen an assault on the institution of marriage and our core family values. In 2006, I was proud to have joined a majority of Virginians as we voted to protect traditional marriage in our state Constitution.

It is time we have public servants in Washington who will promote a culture that values life and protects the most vulnerable amongst us, at the beginning of life and at the end. That is why I am proudly pro-life.

As a nation, we must support legislation that will reinforce marriage as the bedrock of a healthy society. That means providing benefits for those who stay married through tax credits and lowering the tax burden for those who choose to raise up the next generation of Americans.

We must always remember that parents are responsible for the up-bringing of their children and not the government. While we are making progress in improving public education, for those who choose to home-school or send their children to private and alternative schools, I will defend their freedom to do so in Washington.

More info...