Opinion Pieces by Rob

The cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay has been lauded recently, as Gov. Bob McDonnell announced last month that Virginia was "exceeding its commitments" under the Chesapeake Bay Program and was recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as achieving the greatest reduction of nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This earned Virginia the distinction by the EPA of the… Read more »

From Yorktown to Fredericksburg and A.P. Hill to Quantico, the spirits of patriotism and selflessness are powerful in Virginia’s First District; it is truly a place where folks understand the sacrifices that are an unforgettable part of the history of our nation. It is also a region where we remember those who have served selflessly in the past and honor those who are currently defending… Read more »

“Catastrophic.” That’s just one of the words used to describe the effects of the additional $600 billion in cuts set to strike our nation’s military, resulting from the abject failure of the 12-member super committee charged with shaping cuts in the federal budget as directed by the Budget Control Act. The Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction is becoming but a memory of another failed… Read more »

In my three short years traveling back and forth from Montross to Washington, D.C., in my 2005 tan Toyota Corolla, I have learned that change is a tough goal inside the Beltway. Keeping the status quo or kicking the can down the road is the easy way out but is unacceptable. With almost 280,000 miles on my odometer, sometimes I think the only thing going up at a faster pace is our nation's… Read more »

Congressman Rob Wittman and Congressman Scott Rigell April 9, 2011 In response to “Logic, not hype, on offshore drilling,” (April 4, 2011): The simple truth is Virginia can and will benefit from policies promoting job creation and American energy production. As a scientist and a small business owner, we bring distinct environmental and economic perspectives on this issue. We… Read more »

Just a few short weeks ago, Washington, DC was brought to a standstill by an ill-timed, quick-hitting snowstorm that blanketed the region in just a few inches of snow but revealed a mountain of issues in its aftermath. Thousands of commuters in the Washington Metropolitan Area were stranded by a weather event mimicking an emergency evacuation of the Capital city.  I myself had a… Read more »

The announcement of an “Efficiency Initiative” by Defense Secretary Robert Gates last August still resonates in the Commonwealth as we continue to monitor the prospective changes that will be implemented as a result of the Secretary’s proposal.  Initial reports suggest significant effects upon military installations, programs, and private contractors within the Commonwealth. With a… Read more »

Over the last few months, I have traveled across the First Congressional District, speaking with Virginians, small business owners, city and county government officials, and so many others. I hosted town halls, met with many of my First District Advisory Councils, and even visited schools as the new school year began. The input and the feedback I receive from constituents are critical, as… Read more »

The announcement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to make cuts at the Defense Department, specifically the decision to eliminate the Joint Forces Command, is shortsighted, devoid of strategic decision-making and could harm national security.   I strongly agree that we must find and implement efficiencies in both the department and throughout the federal government. However, I'm… Read more »

The Gulf oil spill and the resulting environmental impact have made big headlines these last several months. We’ve watched with deep concern over oiled birds and ruined marshes. To many Virginians, the damage in the Gulf has turned attention towards our backyard and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.   We are familiar with the constant refrain about the poor health of the Chesapeake… Read more »