news

Wittman’s Bipartisan Effort to Protect American Wildlife Refuges Passes the Senate WASHINGTON – Last night, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act, a bill introduced by Reps. Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Senators Carper (D-DE) and Barrasso (R-WY), passed the Senate and now awaits the president’s signature. In December, H.R. 3979 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 371-14. This legislation will reauthorize t... 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 passed a funding bill that included all 12 appropriations bills. Appropriations bill lay out exactly ... 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 to rebuild our military. I believe it is our primary constitutional responsibility to provide for th... Read more

Wittman emphasizes local issues at Natural Resources hearing WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) advocated for local, Virginia issues today at the Committee on Natural Resources’ oversight hearing with Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke. Rep. Wittman focused on five local issues: Virginia tribal funding, Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, Fones Cliffs, Atlantic menhaden management, and wildlife refuge volunteer programs. The hearing was titled, “Policy Priorities at the Department of the I... Read more

Friend- As you may know, last week President Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. Simply put, a tariff is a tax on an imported or exported commodity. The president’s particular proposal puts a tariff of 25% on foreign-made steel and 10% on foreign-made aluminum when brought across the U.S. border. There’s been a robust discussion over the past week about the potential costs and benefits of this new trade policy proposal. Critics of this plan argue that ... Read more

Friend- I spent a majority of this month back in the district meeting with folks from all across VA-01. Take a look at what I was up to during February: I met some government students from Stafford High School outside the Capitol to give them a quick update on the latest happenings in Washington and answer their questions about public service. Since Virginia is a leading innovator in the emerging industry of aquaculture, I joined Sea Grant Virginia for a critical discussion on the state of colla... Read more

Weekly Update: The President's Budget By Rob Wittman February 24, 2018 Last week, President Trump released his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019. The President’s budget is only the first step in the annual budgeting and appropriations process. And I’m sure you know, the Administration’s FY19 proposal is simply that - a proposal. Any changes in actual funding levels requires Congressional approval. This budget proposal rightly prioritizes defense and national security. The proposal also aims t... Read more

Friend- In the coming weeks, I’ll hold a meeting with my First District Environmental Advisory Council to discuss the critical policy issues surrounding a healthy Chesapeake Bay and clean environment. Knowing our shared interest in our the district’s environment and natural resources, I wanted to get your feedback on the most pressing issues that I should discuss with my advisory council. What is your greatest environmental policy concern? Federal funding for Chesapeake Bay cleanup Ensuring clea... Read more

Friend- What a start to 2018! In just the last few weeks, I saw my legislation to recognize six Virginia Indian Tribes become law, introduced bipartisan legislation that made sure federal employees were backpaid during the government shutdown, and led a Congressional Delegation down to Naval Station Norfolk. In case you missed the work I was up to at the start of the this year, I've compiled some of my favorite pictures from January below. I met with my Fredericksburg Veteran’s Advisory Council ... Read more

Bipartisan Effort to Protect American Wildlife Refuges Passed WASHINGTON – In October, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), in a bipartisan effort to protect American wildlife, joined eight colleagues from both the House and Senate to introduce the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act. Yesterday, H.R. 3979 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 371-14. This legislation will reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, commu... Read more