Two of the candidates vying for a seat in the U.S. House are making visits to the Valley.

Democratic Sam Rasoul stopped in New Market and Mount Jackson Tuesday afternoon. He visited with the leaders of both towns and got a tour of local historical sites.

He spent the day talking with small business owners along Route 11. He says many have spoken to him about the need to get traffic along the congested road under control.

"But one big thing, of course, is how do we divert some of this traffic that's coming through the towns? And, one possible scenario is to do something with the rail, and maybe building a new inland port somewhere up and down the I-81 corridor," says Rasoul.

Rasoul says an important part of dealing with the country's energy needs is to "bring the rail infrastructure into the 21st century."

Meanwhile, veterans learned more about the benefits Uncle Sam provides them Tuesday morning.

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R- 6th) spoke to vets at the Weyers Cave Community Center. He says veterans are concerned with rising gas prices and how that will affect their health care.

Washington is working on benefits that would refund vets for the gasoline used driving to the nearest VA hospitals in Salem and Martinsburg, West Virginia. Goodlatte says gas prices are a growing concern among vets.

"With gas prices as high has they are, veterans like to be able to get as many of these services that can be provided on an out-patient basis, prescription drugs being filled, routine check -ups, follow-up visits, can be done at these outpatient clinics."

Advocates for veterans' benefits were there Tuesday to answer questions on the newly signed GI bill, disability rights and any other questions vets may have.