Friend- As you may know, the debate over immigration reform has heated up again in Washington. Since Congress is expected to vote on immigration legislation in June, what do you think should be included in an immigration proposal considered by the House? Provide legal status to DACA recipients Fund a southern border wall Mandate use of E-verify End the diversity visa lottery program Defund sanctuary cities Increase the criminal penalties for deported criminals who return to the U.S. illegally En...
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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 passed a funding bill that included all 12 appropriations bills. Appropriations bill lay out exactly ...
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Friend- Did you know my staff and I strive to make sure you get answers to your questions, have easy access to every constituent service, and know what is happening both in Washington and across Virginia’s First District? Did you know I was recently named a finalist for the Congressional Management Foundation's Democracy Award for Transparency and Accountability? This recognition is for the work my office has done to provide clear, relevant information to constituents and publicly acknowledge me...
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Friend- If you have been following the news lately, chances are you’ve heard that the debate concerning the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients is starting to heat up in Washington. Congress has until March 5, 2017, to decide if DACA recipients will be granted continuing legal status—either as citizens or other. A major point of contention within negotiations has been the request for funding for additional border security, and as negotiations come to a head, I ...
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Friend- Next week, members of Congress return to Washington to kick off the second session of the 115th Congress. Ahead of Congress returning next week, Congressional leaders and White House officials will meet to discuss priorities for this year’s legislative agenda. As your Member of Congress, I would like to know more about your priorities and thoughts on key issues likely to come up this year so that I can best represent you and all the people of Virginia’s First District. Please take a minu...
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Friend- Earlier this week the Trump Administration announced the end of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). President Obama created DACA through an executive order in 2012 to give children illegally brought into the country temporary legal immigration status, provided they meet certain criteria. Since the President’s announcement does not immediately revoke permits, Congress has the time to come together to create a workable, permanent solution for those in the program. We must come t...
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WASHINGTON- Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) issued the following statement following the Trump administration’s announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “Congress, not the executive branch, should be writing the laws of our nation. President Obama’s DACA program, was a clear example of executive overreach. President Trump’s announcement is trying to right this wrong by calling on Congress to act. Since the president’s announcement does not immediately revoke ...
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WASHINGTON -- With Saturday marking 100 days into the Trump Administration, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted his constituent engagement efforts during that time in an email to First District residents. The email spotlighted the overall number of constituent contacts Rep. Wittman made during the first 100 days and also included figures for constituent correspondence received, responses sent, bills introduced, and forums held. "Listening to constituents is my top priority and helps me b...
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The safety and security of Virginians is my greatest concern and top priority. We must never forget that there are individuals, groups, and indeed, entire countries that seek to do harm to our citizens and destroy our way of life. So we must be ever vigilant in protecting our homeland to ensure all of our citizens can live in peace and security. This is one of the fundamental roles of the federal government, and one which I am personally committed to working on every day on your behalf. For year...
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WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today released the following statement on the recent executive order regarding refugee resettlement. “The safety and security of Virginians is my greatest concern and top priority. We have a long history of standing for religious freedom and providing a safe haven for many of the world's most vulnerable refugees. It’s part of who we are as a nation. However, we must ensure terrorists aren’t able to exploit refugee resettlement to gain entry to the U.S...
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