Congress at Home: Take Advantage of the District Work Period

Congress is wrapping up its traditional August district work period, giving members of Congress an opportunity to spend time back home meeting with constituents, businesses and community organizations before returning to Washington after Labor Day.

For members of the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, this is a particularly good time to engage with Congressman Ben Cline and his staff. Members should keep an eye on the Congressman's website, newsletters and social media accounts for opportunities to attend local events and meetings throughout the Sixth District.

Congressman Cline has been active throughout the district during August, and another local opportunity is coming up this week: he is scheduled to participate in a congressional candidate forum Thursday, September 3, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at West Oaks Farm Market in Frederick County.

District work periods provide businesses with an opportunity to interact with their federal representatives outside of Washington and, more importantly, to make sure lawmakers understand how federal policies are affecting employers here at home. Whether the issue is taxes, workforce, health care, energy, permitting, federal regulations or another concern affecting your business, don't wait until Congress is considering legislation to establish that relationship.

Richmond: Quiet Doesn't Mean Inactive

While the General Assembly is out of session, work is already underway that will help shape the 2027 legislative session. Legislative committees and commissions continue meeting during the interim, state agencies are implementing legislation enacted earlier this year, and stakeholders are beginning to develop their priorities for next January.

Virginia's new two-year budget is also now in effect. Among the provisions of particular interest to the business community are funding for economic development and business-ready sites, changes affecting employer paid sick leave requirements, Virginia's return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and a new tax on electricity consumed by data centers.

The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet again September 15 as lawmakers continue monitoring state revenues, spending and Virginia's broader economic outlook.

For businesses with an issue they would like addressed during the 2027 General Assembly session, now is the time to begin the conversation. Waiting until legislators arrive in Richmond in January can often mean waiting too long.