The FFRF Action Fund is pleased to endorse U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat, in his reelection bid to Virginia’s 8th Congressional District, which he has represented since 2015.
Beyer is a prominent member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus and has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the separation of state and church. He established himself as a leader in Congress on religious freedom when he first introduced the Freedom of Religion Act in 2016, and later reintroduced the bill in 2017 and 2019. The legislation intended to end discrimination against immigrants of any religious belief, including those with no religion. Beyer introduced it in response to hostile rhetoric and actions related to Trump’s malicious “Muslim ban.” Beyer is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Beyer made for an appealing interview on FFRF’s past TV show, “Freethought Matters,” where you can learn more about him.
Beyer has vigorously opposed attacks on the U.S. secular public education system through legislation and votes and has signed onto lawsuits challenging anti-public education actions by the Trump administration. Beyer has additionally contended with the climate crisis during his time in Congress, siding with science and calling climate change “the most significant existential threat of our time.” Beyer serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus, a group of more than 70 Democrats pushing solutions to move the country away from carbon pollution.
Beyer also serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over key matters such as health care, trade and tax policy, and is the senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee.