WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) voted today in favor of H.R. 2219, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2012. H.R. 2219 appropriates spending levels approximately three percent below the previous year’s allocated budget level, and cuts $8.9 billion from the President's fiscal year 2012 budget request. Wittman released the following statement:

“This legislation provides an acceptable framework for the Department of Defense budget, meeting the military's needs to defend this nation while reducing proposed funding levels. This is especially important as we work to rein in out-of-control federal spending and reduce waste, fraud and abuse. As I have stressed, responsible governing means tough choices. Everything must be on the table, but we must especially look with a careful eye at the resources provided to our nation’s servicemembers as they defend this nation around the globe. Virginia is rich in proud military history. Especially in America’s First District, these men and women are our neighbors and our friends. Each servicemember sacrificing so much for our nation’s security around the world and here at home deserves our support, and that includes the resources provided to them through the Department of Defense. This legislation today provides support for our servicemembers while at the same time reducing government spending.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.