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July 29, 2010: Congressman Wittman Applauds Air Force F-22 Basing Announcement |
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Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) made the following statement upon the news that Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) will receive additional F-22s to its two squadrons, resulting in six additional jets and over 100 additional jobs at the base. A decision by the Air Force on how to re-align the total F-22 Raptor force was announced today.
“This is a great boost for Langley Air Force Base, and a sound decision by the Air Force to utilize existing assets,” Wittman said. “Langley has ready, capable facilities to house the additional aircraft in their squadrons without putting a substantial burden on the taxpayer. I’m pleased to see the base gain over 100 new personnel, boosting jobs in our region. This announcement will result in an increase of three jets per squadron, bringing the total number of jets per squadron up from 18 to 21 combat-ready Raptors.
LAFB currently houses two combat coded regular Air Force F-22 squadrons. Today’s announcement by the Air Force is the result of an evaluation of the home basing plan for the F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft based on the 2009 decision to limit total aircraft production from 381 to 187. Following last year’s decision to curtail acquisition at 187 F-22s, there were growing inefficiencies from spreading the Raptors too thin, based on the initial basing plan for 381 jets. As a result, the Air Force initiated a study to determine how best to consolidate the total F-22 force from four to three locations. Bases were assessed for their potential to accept or donate aircraft because of the limited production of the Raptor to balance the force.
Three operational F-22 squadrons were originally slated for LAFB, and approximately $95 million was appropriated to construct three hangars specially designed for them. Due to reductions, only two of Langley’s new hangars currently house F-22 aircraft. The third will be vacated this September when an F-15 squadron is retired. Langley’s operational capacity and modern infrastructure would enable operations with additional F-22’s to commence immediately.
Congressman Wittman has worked closely with the Air Force on this issue for over two years, and has spoken to Air Force Secretary Michael Donley on a number of occasions regarding LAFB and its positive attributes for potential growth opportunities. The Hampton Roads Congressional delegation, including Senators Webb and Warner, has sent two separate letters to the Secretary in the last year, with the most recent letter sent in support of LAFB last week.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
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July 28, 2010: Congressman Wittman Supports House Passage of Key Veterans, Military Construction Annual Funding |
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Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today supported H.R. 5822, the FY 2011 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations annual spending bill. The House passed the legislation 411-6.
"This measure goes beyond simply funding war efforts, by providing resources here at home to support our heroes with the benefits they have earned and deserve,” Wittman said. “As they dutifully serve our country, our military men and women and their families must have adequate housing, health care and other services. America’s First District has a rich heritage of military service and dedication to the defense of our nation, and one of my top priorities in Congress is to support our military heroes and veterans. I’m proud to vote for this bill today.”
H.R. 5822 provides funding for military construction and veterans programs administered by the Federal government, and includes $1.2 billion in emergency spending for military construction overseas. It provides $18.7 billion in funding for military construction projects, improvements, and planning and design for a variety of military facilities including operations, training, barracks, and medical care; $121 billion in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans’ programs, including compensation for veterans and survivors, pension payments for disabled veterans, widows and children, housing credits, training and tuition assistance, and veterans’ medical care and treatment. $50.6 billion is allocated in advance appropriations for VA medical care in FY 2012, $10.4 billion is dedicated for the GI Education Benefits program, and $39.6 million for Arlington National Cemetery.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
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July 27, 2010: Congressman Wittman Supports Legislation Funding Troops |
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Washington, DC - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after the House passed legislation to fund combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan:
“I’m pleased that the House finally passed legislation to support our men and women and uniform,” Wittman said. “It’s unfortunate that for weeks, this funding has languished because of attempts to add on unrelated, unchecked domestic spending measures. Our troops deserve our unwavering support. This legislation provides our men and women in uniform with the funding they need to accomplish their critical missions.”
The House today passed the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 to cover combat operations, U.S. disaster assistance, Haiti relief and reconstruction, and benefits for Vietnam veterans. On June 30, 2010, the House voted on an $81 billion version of the bill, which contained only $33 billion for the Department of Defense to conduct ongoing war operations and $23 billion in unrelated domestic spending.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
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July 26, 2010: Congressman Wittman Announces Two Veterans’ Town Hall Events |
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Veterans Town Hall
Where: VFW Post 3103, 2701 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA
When: Tuesday, August 3 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: VFW Post 4639, 106 Jester Lane, Williamsburg, VA
When: Thursday, August 26 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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July 22, 2010: Congressman Wittman Votes to Halt More Unchecked Federal Spending |
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Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) made the following statement after voting to prevent an additional $34 billion to the national deficit. The House passed legislation today to extend unemployment benefits for six months, bringing total benefits to 99 weeks, effective retroactively on June 2, 2010.
“I’m deeply concerned for folks who are struggling to find work, and I’m disappointed that instead of debating responsible legislation to provide a safety net, the House passed a bill that leans on future generations to cover another $34 billion in unpaid, deficit spending,” Wittman said. “It’s time that Washington focuses on commonsense policies that encourage innovation and investment in job growth and provide certainty to small businesses. By creating an atmosphere of growth, businesses can put Americans back to work, and get our economy back on track.”
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
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