Earlier today, House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert appointed Del. Israel O’Quinn, R-Washington, to serve as Deputy Republican Leader for the 2023-24 General Assembly.

Statement of Speaker Todd Gilbert:

“It’s more critical than ever that Southwest Virginia continues to have a strong voice as part of our leadership team. Israel O’Quinn has proven himself time and time again to be an able leader in not only his community, but also in our Republican caucus and on the floor of the House. I look forward to working with him and the rest of our Republican team as we continue the fight for common-sense solutions to improve the lives of every Virginian.”

Statement of Deputy Republican Leader Israel O’Quinn:

“It’s an honor to once again have been appointed to serve on our House Republican leadership team. Working with Leader Todd Gilbert, Chair Amanda Batten, and Whip Michael Webert, we will promote policies that will make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family and we will also oppose legislative overreach. I’m proud to represent Southwest Virginia and believe every part of our Commonwealth should have a seat at the table.”

###

House Speaker Todd Gilbert issued the following statement:

“Lack of action at the federal level has made every state a border state. I commend and support Governor Youngkin’s actions today in the strongest possible terms. The fentanyl crisis that claims an average of five Virginians lives every day has its roots at the southern border. Drug cartels smuggle their lethal poison into our country among the thousands of migrants who are trafficked across the border every day. In the meantime, House Republicans will continue our efforts to hold those who peddle fentanyl accountable for the lives they take.”

House Public Safety Committee Chairman Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham, issued the following statement:

“On the southern border, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and his team are doing the work that President Biden should have been doing. I commend Governor Youngkin for sending Virginia’s finest citizen soldiers to help stem the tide of fentanyl pouring into the country, and to assist with the humanitarian crisis that has developed due to the President’s inaction. This action will save lives, not only on the border, but in every community in Virginia.”

Statement of Speaker Gilbert on Disruption of Students for Life Event at VCU

“The incident at Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday is another sad episode of free speech being shouted down on college campuses across our nation. The behavior and actions of the students opposed to the pro-life speakers is appalling. So was the reaction of university officials who shut down the event, rather than protecting the free speech of those invited to campus.

“College campuses are supposed to be crucibles of free speech and debate. It is where we are challenged to think for ourselves, defend our ideals, and develop different and better understandings of the people around us. What we are seeing on campuses across the nation, and now in Richmond, are students intentionally insulating themselves from challenges to what they believe and instead, demanding an echo chamber that validates what they already believe. This does not prepare them for life after college.

“Students who matriculate from our public colleges and universities should be prepared to intellectually engage with the world around them in a constructive way. Shouting down speakers with whom you disagree accomplishes the opposite. VCU must do a better job of protecting the rights of those who speak on their campus while teaching students to engage with ideas they find objectionable.”

Statement of Speaker Gilbert on Disruption of Students for Life Event at VCU

“The incident at Virginia Commonwealth University yesterday is another sad episode of free speech being shouted down on college campuses across our nation. The behavior and actions of the students opposed to the pro-life speakers is appalling. So was the reaction of university officials who shut down the event, rather than protecting the free speech of those invited to campus.

“College campuses are supposed to be crucibles of free speech and debate. It is where we are challenged to think for ourselves, defend our ideals, and develop different and better understandings of the people around us. What we are seeing on campuses across the nation, and now in Richmond, are students intentionally insulating themselves from challenges to what they believe and instead, demanding an echo chamber that validates what they already believe. This does not prepare them for life after college.

“Students who matriculate from our public colleges and universities should be prepared to intellectually engage with the world around them in a constructive way. Shouting down speakers with whom you disagree accomplishes the opposite. VCU must do a better job of protecting the rights of those who speak on their campus while teaching students to engage with ideas they find objectionable.”