America's dangerous submarine shortage Over the past few years, China has quietly improved the lethality and survivability of its attack submarines, building nine new nuclear attack submarines with quieter engines that will make Chinese submarines harder to locate and neutralize in a wartime scenario.Not to be outdone, Russia is embarking on its own modernization of its nuclear attack submarines. ... Read more »
Wittman Receives Sea Services Award WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was selected to receive the 2017 Congressional Sea Services Award by the National Capital Council of the Navy League. Each year, the council selects a member of Congress who has shown unparalleled support for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Maritime Administration. “Building the Navy,... Read more »
Friend- Last week, President Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard to the southern border to aid Border Patrol in its mission. Following the President’s request—an approach also utilized by Presidents Bush and Obama—Secretary of Defense James Mattis formally authorized the funding for 4,000 National Guard troops. The President’s memo directing the National Guard to the border empha... Read more »
Wittman Advocates for a Bigger Navy WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), released the following statement today after chairing the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee hearing titled, 355 Ship Navy: Delivering the Right Capabilities: “Today, the Navy has finally acknowledged that not only will they seek to obtain a 355-ship Fleet, but they will achieve that by the early 2030s. I a... Read more »
Friend- Imagine being huddled with your family in a small dark place, taking cover as two rival military factions battle over your neighborhood. While you take shelter from conventional strikes and barrel bombs, you start to smell chlorine in the air, and you slowly begin to suffocate to death. This week, this exact scenario played out in Douma, Syria. At least 42 people died and more than 500 oth... Read more »
Weekly Update: Process Makes Perfect By Rep. Rob Wittman March 31, 2018 The Constitution’s Appropriations Clause is the cornerstone to what we in Congress refer to as “the power of the purse.” Article I of the Constitution clearly states: “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Congress exercised that power just days ago. Last week, Congress p... Read more »
Weekly Update: Top 8 VA-01 Priorities in the Ominbus By Rob Wittman March 24, 2018 This week, Congress passed a critical funding bill that finally provides increased, stable funding for our military. More than that though, this bill funded many of the priorities of the constituents of the First Congressional District. Here are the eight reasons why I voted for this spending package: 1. It pledges ... Read more »
Wittman Votes to Rebuild Military, VA-01 Priorities WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released this statement after voting in favor of a full-year funding agreement for fiscal year 2018: “I believe it is our primary constitutional responsibility to provide for our nation’s defense. In 2017, we had 80 military casualties during peace time training and operations versus 21 in comba... Read more »
Wittman, Wicker Applaud Navy’s Decision to Accelerate Production of Aircraft Carriers WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., commended the Navy on its plan to pursue a block buy in FY2019 for the next two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. Wittman and Wicker serve as Chairmen of the House and Senate subcommittees that oversee the Navy and ... Read more »
Friend- As you may know, at the beginning of the 115th Congress, I was named the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces; in this role, I have been fortunate enough to tour the Pacific region accompanied by key diplomatic and military leaders. During our discussions one thing has become clear, North Korea must abdicate its nuclear weapons program and end... Read more »
