jessica.kerman@heraldbulletin.com

ALEXANDRIA — Children, teenagers and adults crowded around the podium for a town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Mike Pence, R- Indiana, in the Alexandria Community Center on Thursday morning.

In one of several stops Pence made in his district this week, he addressed several issues on the minds of his constituents in Alexandria.

From gas prices to relations with China, Pence candidly answered questions from the audience.

“We do town meetings every month somewhere,” he said. “As Mrs. (Karen) Pence puts it, these are my antidote to Potomac Fever.”

A woman from the audience asked about gas prices and why they fluctuate so much.

“Gasoline is a commodity,” Pence answered. “It responds to supply and demand.”

Pence said he would like to see less dependence on imported fuel and less regulation on local supply.

“That’s a very real impact on families,” he said. “Hopefully, after a new administration comes in, we can get something done.”

Pence said the political nature of Congress right now hinders its ability to pass legislation.

For example, Pence said he has drafted an immigration bill that would reinforce border security issues, create solutions for employers who use foreign workers and require long-term foreigners to learn English.

“After the presidential election, hopefully, we can get things done,” he said. “I’m going to stay on it. There’s no reversing this pickup truck.”

Much of the conversation Thursday leaned on government relations with China.

“Our relationship with China is the greatest challenge in the 21st century,” Pence said.

Pence, who is the leading Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he wanted to go to China to investigate the situation there. However, he said, he would not go while the Olympics are there.