Staff Reports
Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton from Virginia is facing a challenging health condition and has turned to technology to help her continue serving her constituents. She was diagnosed with a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy, which affects her ability to speak, hear, and move. Despite these challenges, Wexton displayed determination as she utilized a text-to-voice application to communicate with her fellow lawmakers during a recent session in the House of Representatives.
Using the assistive application, Wexton spoke about a bill she introduced to rename a post office in her district. The legislation aims to honor former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who Wexton described as a “fearless trailblazer for women and a devoted public servant.” Wexton, who has represented Virginia’s 10th Congressional District since 2019, emphasized the importance of recognizing Albright’s contributions and mentioned the significance of renaming the post office in her honor.
.@RepWexton – who has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – uses an assistive device to speak on the House floor. pic.twitter.com/ZoA5PAohKR
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) May 6, 2024
Despite her health challenges, Wexton focused on the legislative work at hand, displaying commitment to her duties as a representative. She briefly mentioned her health condition during her speech, underscoring her determination to continue her work despite the difficulties she faces. Wexton’s dedication to serving her community was evident as she addressed her future plans, announcing that she would not seek reelection in order to prioritize her health and spend time with her family and loved ones.
Wexton’s use of assistive technology in Congress is groundbreaking, as she becomes the first member of Congress to employ this type of technology. Her counterparts in the Senate, like Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, also utilize technology to assist them with health-related challenges. Wexton’s use of technology to navigate her health condition while carrying out her congressional duties reflects her determination to continue serving her constituents despite the obstacles she faces.
In highlighting Wexton’s use of technology to overcome her health challenges, it is important to recognize her commitment to her constituents and her dedication to public service. Her decision to step down from her congressional role to prioritize her health and spend time with her family demonstrates her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
