WASHINGTON- Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released this statement following the passage of the FY18 budget:
“Passing this budget paves the way for a reconciliation process that allows Congress to move forward with tax reform. At the end of the day, Americans should be paying less in taxes than before, and I believe this budget resolution sets up Congress to deliver a tax plan that supports working-class families, protects jobs, and gives the American economy the boost it needs.
“I do however have serious concerns about defense funding levels included in this budget. The resolution puts defense funding back at sequestration levels, which is inadequate to remedy the very serious readiness challenges we currently face. However, this budget also creates a mechanism that permits both the House and Senate Budget Committee chairmen to adjust budget allocations and other spending levels if there is future legislation signed into law that revises the Budget Control Act [BCA] discretionary spending caps for defense and national security. Trust me, I am going to fight as hard as I can to make sure that our defense topline spending gets up to the $631 billion passed in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act. I have spoken to Speaker Ryan personally and he shares my concern with regarding defense spending, and I plan to work closely with him to ensure adequate funding for our military.”
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.