DWC and CBC Leaders Slam Secretary Hegseth’s Attack on Women and Black Military Officers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, March 27, 2026, Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC Vice Chairs Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03), DWC Servicewomen, Women Veterans, and Military Families Task Force Chair Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke (NY–09) released the following statement on United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s outrageous and unprecedented move to strike two women and two Black officers from a list recommending their promotion to one-star generals. This action is just the latest of numerous attacks on women by Secretary Hegseth, President Trump, and the Department of Defense.
“Secretary Hegseth’s unprecedented removal of two women and two Black officers—who each have literal decades of exemplary service—from the one-star promotion list is outrageous and wrong. The claim that Hegseth’s Chief of Staff told the Army Secretary ‘Trump would not want to stand next to a Black female officer at military events’ is racist, sexist, and extremely concerning. Our country needs qualified leadership to keep us safe at home and abroad. We stand with these distinguished officers being targeted by Trump.
Time and time again, Trump and his administration have shown us exactly who they are—attacking and undermining Black people and women in the military, public servants, and women in power.
It is clear they are trying to erase Black and women’s leadership and history. At the Department of Defense specifically, Secretary Hegseth has launched countless attacks against our servicewomen and women veterans since day one. Hegseth has wrongly claimed that women don’t meet the standards to serve in combat roles, ripped away resources to help integrate women servicemembers, and disrespected women in uniform at every turn. Today’s news isn’t an anomaly, it is a part of a coordinated and sustained strategy to undermine and erase women and people of color. Servicewomen have sacrificed their safety, security, and even their lives, for our country. We are outraged and deeply alarmed by Secretary Hegseth and this Administration’s continuous attempts to attack their merits.
We’ve long known that Pete Hegseth is an unfit and unqualified Secretary of Defense appointed by Trump. So it is absurd, ironic, and beyond inappropriate that he of all people would deny these promotions to officers with records of exemplary service. America’s servicemembers deserve so much better.”
Background:
United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is blocking two women and two Black Army officers from becoming one-star generals in a highly unusual move. The New York Times reported that Hegseth had spent months asking senior military leaders to remove these four officers from the promotion list, but Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, “citing the officers’ decades-long records of exemplary service, had repeatedly refused.” The remainder of the promotion list, which has about three dozen officers, is made up of mostly white men.
Since he was nominated to be Secretary, the DWC has led the charge in holding Pete Hegseth accountable for his countless attacks on women, failures, and incompetence. DWC members have demanded he reinstate programs he cut that support women in combat, condemned his view that women shouldn’t work, vote, or serve in combat, and called out his alarming lack of experience. Hegseth has also proposed eliminating the Defense Department’s Women, Peace, and Security Program and removed several women in top military leadership positions throughout his disastrous tenure.
DWC Members do critical work to support our servicewomen and veterans. DWC members and veterans Rep. Houlahan and Rep. Goodlander are leading an effort to codify the role of women in the military. Rep. Browley leads the work to protect women veterans’ access to reproductive care. Every single day, DWC members fight for the health care, sexual assault reporting resources, and other support for our servicewomen and veterans.
Outside of the Department of Defense, the Trump administration has also attacked women, leaders, and communities of color by firing qualified government leaders, stripping away workplace protections and services, and attacking civil rights at every turn.
From the Office of Jeion A. Ward, From the Capitol – Week Seven of Session
87th District, D – City of Hampton
March 13, 2026
The penultimate week has drawn to a close. We are now done with regular committee meetings, which take up most of our time and are where bills are primarily debated and amended. What we have left are floor votes and “conference committees,” which are bicameral working groups that reconcile House and Senate bills that are similar but not identical and have both passed. Then the governor will get her turn.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Labor and Commerce
This Thursday, I chaired the final Labor & Commerce Committee meeting of the 2026 regular session. I am very proud of everything L&C was able to achieve this year. Many of these bills we’d been pursuing for years and had been previously vetoed. We were finally able to raise the minimum wage and peg it to inflation. We passed collective bargaining, paid sick and family leave, and a number of meaningful improvements for public and private sector workers. We passed measures to lower the cost of electricity. Our goal was to make the lives of Virginians better, safer and easier. I am pleased to see these laws passed, and I look forward to seeing them implemented.
Collective Bargaining Conference
On Wednesday I gave a joint press conference with Lieutenant Governor Hashmi, Attorney General Jones, and home care and campus workers. We had many different voices and perspectives arriving at the same simple point – EVERY WORKER deserves the right to organize and collectively bargain with management.
A representative from the “fired six” professors at VSU spoke about having no recourse to resist wrongful termination, a university medical resident spoke about how hard it is to provide quality medical care with a staff that is demoralized, underpaid, and exhausted, LG Hashmi talked about the need for unions to resist President Trump’s attacks on higher education, AG Jones talked about being the first AG with a union card, and I tried to demystify collective bargaining a bit by explaining how it’s really just a right to be heard.
We are working to include all public employees, which includes higher education and home health care workers, who should have the right to collectively bargain. Conference committees have been named to work out differences in our bills and present a bill that supports all workers.
(Click here to view the March 4 press conference in Richmond’s General Assembly Building)
The Governor Kicks Off Her Listening Tour
Hampton City Schools is a model of success. Yes, we have room to grow, but the improvements in our school district over the past decade have been immense. As many schools in the commonwealth have declined, we’ve gone the other way. We now outperform many school districts with significantly higher per-student tax revenues.
So, it makes complete sense that Governor Spanberger would begin her listening tour by visiting Bethel High School and Kecoughton High School in Hampton!
A Day in the Life
On Thursday, my legislative assistant found some time to follow me around and capture me at work.
Sometimes, we have two places to be at the same time and miss a vote. Thursday morning, I had a Labor and Commerce docket meeting that kept me away from the Transportation Committee. Here I am recording my votes with the Transportation clerk after the committee adjourned.
Redistricting Referendum
Early voting for the Virginia Redistricting Referendum began THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 6th. The final day of voting will be April 21. You can expect a lot of advertising and campaigning on both sides between now and then. I know this is a tough vote for some, because we all want a country free from district lines that confer partisan advantage, but let me tell you why I will be voting yes.
- Sometimes, the high road leads to a cliff. President Trump has demanded mid-decade redistricting in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, and Florida. This referendum is responsive to that. It explicitly says that IF other states break the normal once-a-decade schedule, so will Virginia. We would rather no states did so, but if those states are redistricting for the midterm elections, we have to respond.
- It is temporary. The bipartisan redistricting commission we use for once-a-decade redistricting will still draw our 2030 map.
Around the Capitol
As always, it was a pleasure to meet with everyone who came to see us in Richmond.
On Wednesday, Lt. Governor Hasmi hosted an interfaith Iftar dinner in her office.
Final Notes
Session is not over until all women, both Democrat and Republican, join together with Governor Spanberger and women in her administration for a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Wearing comfy, fuzzy slippers is an added bonus.
Readout of Congressional Black Caucus Roundtable on the State of Black Farmers and Agriculture
In recognition of Black History Month, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) convened a virtual roundtable on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, titled “The State of Black Farmers and Agriculture.” Led by Representatives Sanford Bishop and Shontel Brown, the discussion brought together CBC Members and external partners, including policy experts, advocates and stakeholders across the agricultural community.
The roundtable provided an opportunity to honor the historic legacy and contributions of Black farmers while examining the significant challenges facing Black-owned agricultural operations today. Participants discussed the long history of discrimination in federal agricultural programs and the structural barriers that continue to limit equitable access to resources, land ownership and economic opportunity.
During the discussion, experts and stakeholders highlighted several pressing concerns, including recent administrative actions affecting programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the elimination of “socially disadvantaged” designations, trade and tariff pressures, rural infrastructure gaps, heirs’ property barriers and funding cuts impacting technical assistance organizations that support Black farmers and producers. Participants also raised concerns that many Black farmers have not benefited from the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, citing delays in payments and structural barriers that have limited equitable access to relief funding.
The conversation also underscored the broader economic impact of these policy decisions on the Black farmer economy and the urgent need to protect and restore programs that support historically underserved producers. CBC Members emphasized the importance of strong congressional oversight, advancing legislative reforms in the upcoming Farm Bill and developing strategies to ensure Black farmers have equitable access to federal agricultural programs and resources.
The roundtable reflects the CBC’s continued commitment to uplifting Black farmers and safeguarding the future of Black agriculture. Members and participants also committed to strengthening coordination between the Caucus and Black agricultural advocacy organizations as part of ongoing efforts to support Black farmers and rural communities across the country.
Members in Attendance:
U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02)
U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)
Participants:
John Boyd Jr., Founder & President, National Black Farmers Association
Shirley Sherrod, Co-Founder, New Communities Inc.; Southwest Georgia farmer Christi Bland, Representative, National Black Growers Co
Virginia Organizations Backing Vote YES Call Out MAGA Misinformation as Millions Pour Into Trump’s ‘NO’ Campaign
Richmond, Va. — Millions of dollars in MAGA dark money interests are now flowing into Virginia in support of the ‘NO’ campaign, and just this week, the ‘NO’ effort distributed offensive and deceptive mailers targeting Black voters across Virginia.In response, progressive leaders and organizations championing the vote ‘YES’ campaign — including New Virginia Majority, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, CASA in Action, Progress Virginia, Freedom Virginia, and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia — are sounding the alarm and calling out Trump’s power grab.As reported by the Virginia Scope:
A coalition of progressive organizations says millions of dollars tied to allies of former President Donald Trump are being spent to influence Virginia’s upcoming election, as they denounce what they describe as deceptive mailers targeting Black voters.“The deceptive mailers being sent by the “NO” effort to Black voters across Virginia are offensive, cynical, and deeply disrespectful.These mailers misuse imagery from the civil rights movement and invoke Jim Crow in an attempt to frighten, mislead, and manipulate voters. Exploiting the painful history of racial discrimination in Virginia for political gain is unacceptable.Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are hellbent on pursuing a national power grab, and are now spending millions of dollars spreading misinformation across Virginia to buy this election. But our communities have fought too long and too hard for the right to vote to allow that history to be twisted and weaponized in this way.Virginia voters deserve honesty and respect — not scare tactics by the “NO” campaigns designed to confuse voters and influence the outcome of this election.We call on those responsible for these mailers to stop these deceptive tactics immediately and allow Virginians to make their decision without misinformation or intimidationWe are voting YES, and we are encouraging Virginians to do the same by April 21 to stop Trump’s power grab and level the playing field.”Virginians deserve the chance to level the playing field — not an election distorted by Donald Trump’s misinformation and MAGA dark money interests.
Early voting for the referendum started March 6 and ends April 18. Election Day is April 21. Virginians can find their voting information at iwillvote.com.
For more information, visit www.virginiansforfairelections.com.
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Speaker Don Scott Statement on the Budget
RICHMOND, VA — Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Don Scott, released the following statement on the budget:
“We will take as long as necessary to deliver a responsible, balanced budget that lowers costs where Virginia families feel it most — housing, healthcare, childcare, and energy.
“Our budget is strong; it invests in Virginia’s world-class education system, raises wages, strengthens public safety, prepares Virginia for instability coming out of Washington, and honors our commitment to remain the best state to do business and provide good-paying jobs.
“While we have not yet reached a final agreement, the House will work tirelessly until we do.”
Congressional Black Caucus Reaffirms and Honors the Enduring Legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), First Vice Chair Troy Carter (LA-02), and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:
As the nation continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., the Congressional Black Caucus reaffirms our deep gratitude for his extraordinary contributions to American democracy and global human rights. His impact cannot be confined to a single moment of remembrance; it demands continued recognition and renewed commitment to the ideals he advanced.
For more than half a century, Reverend Jackson stood on the front lines of the movement for justice, equality, and human dignity. From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement to building institutions that empowered millions, his life’s work helped move our nation closer to its founding ideals.
Through his courage, his voice, and his unwavering faith, Reverend Jackson earned a place of honor not only in history but in the hearts and minds of tens of millions of people around the world. People of every race, creed, color, faith, culture, and background found inspiration in his message that dignity belongs to us all. He spoke to the poor and the powerful, to the young and the elderly, to those in small towns and those in the largest cities. His life reminded us that justice is not reserved for some but must belong to everyone.
Reverend Jackson helped organize the Poor People’s Campaign and was present during some of the most defining moments of the civil rights era. After Dr. King’s assassination, he carried the work forward with determination, ensuring that the movement did not end but continued to grow.
Through the founding of Operation PUSH and later the Rainbow Coalition, he built one of the most influential social justice movements in modern American history. These efforts expanded economic opportunity, fought for fair employment, strengthened access to education, and gave voice to communities too often unheard.
He registered and mobilized millions of voters, helping reshape American democracy by expanding participation in the political process. His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broke barriers, inspired new generations of leaders, and brought millions of Americans into civic life who had never before felt seen or represented.
Reverend Jackson also carried the cause of justice beyond our borders. He helped secure the release of American hostages abroad, advocated for peace in areas of conflict, fought against apartheid in South Africa, and stood in solidarity with oppressed people across the globe. His voice for human rights was heard around the world.
At home, he championed workers, farmers, students, veterans, and families striving for opportunity. He stood with sanitation workers demanding dignity, defended family farmers facing foreclosure, advocated for greater access to education, and called for economic fairness long before those conversations reached the national stage.
His message was clear and enduring: every person matters, every voice counts, and our nation is strongest when we lift those who have too often been left behind.
“Keep Hope Alive” was not simply a phrase. It became a moral call that inspired generations to believe that progress is possible when people stand together.
Many of us serving in Congress today walk paths that Reverend Jackson helped clear. He challenged America to live up to its highest ideals, pushed leaders to act with courage, and reminded the nation that democracy works best when it works for everyone.
The Congressional Black Caucus honors his extraordinary contributions to this nation and to humanity. His life stands as a testament to faith in action, courage in the face of adversity, and an unshakable belief in the power of people coming together to build a more just society.
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., made America better. He made the world better. And his legacy will continue to guide generations yet to come.
January 7, 2026
Speaker Don Scott Announces Delegate Rodney Willett as Next Chair of House Health and Human Services Committee
Courtesy, Speaker Don Scott’s Communications Office
RICHMOND, VA – Speaker of the House Don Scott today announced that Delegate Rodney Willett will serve as the next Chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, succeeding Delegate Mark Sickles, who has been appointed Secretary of Finance.
“Delegate Willett brings deep subject-matter expertise and a steady, practical approach to the work of the Health and Human Services Committee,” said Speaker Don Scott. “His proven leadership has already helped improve health care outcomes, and with him at the helm, the committee will continue advancing accessible, affordable care for Virginians.”
“I’m grateful to Speaker Scott for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee,” said Delegate Rodney Willett. “At a time when these issues are more critical than ever, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address Virginians’ health care, behavioral health, and human services needs across the Commonwealth.”
Delegate Willett will assume leadership of the Health and Human Services Committee, which oversees legislation related to health care delivery, behavioral health, social services, and public health programs. Willett previously served as Chair of the House Select Committee on Advancing Rural and Small Town Health Care, where he led bipartisan work focused on access to care, workforce shortages, and health outcomes in underserved communities, and currently chairs the Joint Commission on Health Care and the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority.
News from Del. Jeion A. Ward, House of Delegates, 87th District
Barbara Rose Johns statue replacing Robert E. Lee on Dec. 16!
In 2020, it was my great honor to carry House Bill 1406, which mandated the replacement of Robert E. Lee’s likeness as one of the two statues representing Virginia in the capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
We established a commission to select a more suitable Virginian to honor, and we selected Barbara Rose Johns, the brave student who, in 1951, at the tender age of 16, led a student walk out of Robert Russa Moton High School to protest unequal education facilities. It was a courageous act that helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education and the desegregation of Southern schools.
Our commission then selected sculptor Steven Weitzman. After some pandemic delay, the new statue will be unveiled in DC on December 16th at 3PM! The occasion will be streamed live on the Speaker of the House webpage: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakerJohnson/streams
You can read the story and watch a video by the artist by clicking HERE.
HAMPTON’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor applauds growth in higher education and local schools
On December 3, Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray delivered his first State of the City address, and it was heartening to hear all of the positive trends that continue in our city. Our schools continue to be some of the most innovative and high performing in the commonwealth, with a K-12 on-time graduation rate of 97.5% and a drop out rate of under 1%! Our Associates Degree and Apprenticeship programs continue to make young Hamptonians some of the best prepared students in Virginia. We are once again an “All American City” honoree, and we continue to attract businesses and residents with our community, resources, and policies. The mayor also talked about efforts to curb increasing housing costs, including a decrease in property taxes and increased construction incentives.
New Legislative Assistant Ben Kopit is no stranger to political campaigns
Advocacy and community service are his superpowers
It is my pleasure to introduce a new member of Team Ward, which I believe will greatly enhance our efforts and initiatives. Ben Kopit joins our team as our new legislative assistant, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a dedicated passion for advocacy and community service. As you know, I am a strong supporter of working people and their unions, so Ben will fit in nicely with our values and mission. Ben’s first job in politics was actually a strike job, showcasing his commitment to standing up for those who work hard and deserve fair treatment.
He is a proud member of the Writers Guild of America, West and IBEW Local 666, which demonstrates his long-standing dedication to labor rights and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has worked on multiple political campaigns, gaining invaluable experience that will undoubtedly benefit our team. He comes directly from our local Democratic Committee, where he served as secretary, and was instrumental in organizing vital efforts to support our community.
Finally: Please watch for regular emails from Ben or from me, Delegate Ward. It is not SPAM; these emails are essential updates that you will not want to miss. We are excited to have Ben on board and confident that his contributions will lead to positive changes for all of us.
Happy Holidays!
Jeion A. Ward, Delegate
Eighty-Seventh House District
Virginia General Assembly
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SENATOR!
Aaron Rouse to Celebrate 42nd Birthday At The Hippodrome
NEWS FROM THE CBC’S CHAIR YVETTE D. CLARKE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
On Dec. 4, 2025, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:
“Time and again, the Trump Administration has singled out Haiti with harmful and unjust policies. After spreading misinformation and using dehumanizing, racist rhetoric about Haitian communities, the Administration is now moving to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals on February 3, 2026. and immoral decision threatens to uproot the lives and security of more than 330,000 Haitians who have lived and worked legally in the United States under TPS protections.
“Across the country, Haitian families are now facing profound uncertainty and the terrifying prospect of being forced back to a nation struggling with severe shortages of food and clean water, unstable infrastructure, and escalating violence.
“At our best, America stands as a beacon of hope. We welcome and protect people fleeing humanitarian crises, political persecution, and economic hardship. Haitian TPS holders came here with faith in the American promise, and they have contributed immensely to the strength and vibrancy of our communities.
“The Trump Administration must immediately reverse this decision.”
BND Institute of Media & Culture 