Donald S. Beyer
DemocraticQ6 The National Science Foundation, which funds about a quarter of all federally supported basic research at U.S. colleges and universities, is headquartered in Alexandria and employs roughly 1,600 people there. What is your view on the federal government’s role in funding scientific research, and what policies, if any, would you support regarding federal science agencies headquartered in Virginia, particularly in the 8th district?
The National Science Foundation as an independent federal agency has long been a leader in innovation and scientific breakthroughs essential to America’s security. The recent displacement and termination of NSF employees, along with the budget cuts under the current administration, pose serious threats to our national security and scientific development. I fully support our federal science agencies and remain committed to defending their funding and advocating for the reinstatement of unlawfully terminated personnel.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q9 Healthcare affordability and access are major issues for Virginians. A 2025 survey by Altarum found that 72% of Virginians worry about paying for healthcare in the future. If elected, what action would you take to address healthcare affordability and access?
We must expand healthcare access and reduce the cost for American families by protecting the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug prices, and ensuring a public health insurance option is available to all Americans. I helped introduce the Choose Medicare Act, which would grant every individual who is not already eligible the choice to enroll in a new Medicare program. Additionally, I have introduced the National All-Payer Claims Database Act to establish a comprehensive database of healthcare costs. By increasing transparency, we can effectively lower healthcare costs and improve support across our healthcare system.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q10 Healthcare access and affordability can also vary by demographics and need (e.g., rural areas, maternity care, mental healthcare). Are there any targeted programs you would support for specific needs or populations?
Healthcare affordability and access vary across demographics, making it vital to ensure all populations are supported. Expanding access to mental healthcare is one of my top priorities in Congress. As a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus and founder of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, I recently reintroduced the 988 Implementation Act to expand the infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which has received more than 26 million calls and texts since its launch in 2022. Regarding maternity care, I am a cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protect Act to codify federal protections for reproductive healthcare, including prenatal and postpartum care. Additionally, while I represent an urban district, I work closely with my Virginia colleagues to support telehealth, mobile clinics, and rural hospitals facing funding cuts.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q11 Virginia hosts the largest data center market in the world. Dominion Energy has proposed a 14% rate increase for residential customers in 2026, citing data center growth and AI-driven demand. What is your view on how the costs and benefits of data center growth should be divided between developers and residential ratepayers, and what policies, if any, would you support on this issue?
With the growing demands of AI, the expansion of the data center market has significantly strained Virginia’s electrical grid. While I understand the need for additional energy sources, I am opposed to data center infrastructure in residential neighborhoods, and I have serious concerns regarding the environmental impacts and increased household energy costs. In an effort to regulate data center construction and address these issues, I introduced the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act and the AI Environmental Impacts Act.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q12 According to the Virginia Department of Education, there are currently overall fewer vacant teaching positions in public schools than in years’ past. However, teacher shortages are still a major concern, particularly in areas such as special education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and early childhood. Through what policies, if any, would you address teacher shortages in Virginia’s K-12 schools in these high-demand areas, particularly in STEM?
Education is the backbone of our society, and I am deeply committed to protecting and strengthening our public schools. We are facing a nationwide teacher shortage driven by a combination of educator burnout, the failure of salaries to meet the rising cost of living, and a decline in those entering the field. I support robust federal funding for our public schools and full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure all teachers and students have the support they need for a successful, well-rounded education.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q13 As a member of Congress, you would vote on appropriations for federal science agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health. What priorities, if any, would guide your decisions on federal science funding?
I am fully committed to funding federal science agencies, which are crucial to America’s health, economic development, and security. As co-chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus and cosponsor of several pieces of AI legislation, I am particularly focused on the regulation and development of AI technology. Additionally, as the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus, I am a staunch advocate for development and commercialization of fusion energy.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q14 As a member of Congress, you would also vote on appropriations affecting federal civilian positions, and the availability of these positions. Specifically focusing on workforce positions related to public health, science, and research and development, how would you approach appropriations/funding for federal civilian positions?
The recent termination of federal employees in the scientific community, combined with the budget cuts under the current administration, pose serious threats to our economic development and security. To protect independent federal agencies from political interference, I introduced the Scientific Integrity Act. Additionally, in an effort to support federal employees, I introduced both the REHIRE Act to rehire wrongfully terminated employees, and the PREP Act to prevent future abuses against the federal workforce.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy
Q15 Scientific and technical expertise can inform decisions related to healthcare, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. What role, if any, should scientific evidence and expert input play in your policymaking process, and how would you communicate scientific uncertainty or evolving evidence to the public?
Scientific evidence and experts are foundational to my policymaking process. Scientific development should not be political, but it should inform our policy. I surround myself with skilled experts on my staff who advise my work on the AI Task Force and the Congressional AI Caucus. Additionally, to deepen my own understanding of AI, I am a part-time student at George Mason University, pursuing a master’s in machine learning.
KEYWORDS: AI & Fusion Energy