Hi Folks-
This has been a historic month in Washington. I'm proud that the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and now Congress is well on its way to delivering tax reform for the first time in decades. This was our once in generation opportunity, and I believe tax reform is just what our economy, small-businesses, and working class families need. The House and Senate also passed The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report sending the NDAA to the President's desk. I believe this NDAA provides the authorities and resources for our men and women of the Armed Forces to do the job we've asked them to do, gets us well on our way to achieving our goal of a 355-ship Navy, delivers a much-needed pay raise to our men and women in uniform, and addresses our current military readiness shortfalls.
Working to pass tax reform and ensure our servicemembers have the resources they need was not all that I was up to this November though. As always, I wanted to give you a look at what I was up to here in DC and back in our district.
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I joined a bipartisan congressional delegation to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I met with senior military and diplomatic leaders in the region to receive updates on continued anti-terrorism efforts and to learn how Congress can support these efforts along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) and Congressmen David Young (R-IA) and Keith Rothfus (R-PA).
I stopped by the American Traffic Safety Services Association at their headquarters in Fredericksburg to discuss infrastructure. We discussed legislation Congress has passed to ensure the continuation of roadway safety in the U.S.
I enjoyed participating in a press conference with Speaker Ryan and many of my colleagues in the House to discuss the National Defense Authorization Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
I enjoyed reading to the students of Cople Elementary School. I got to speak with students and teachers about the role Congress plays in ensuring we provide our students with the best education possible to equip our nation’s future leaders!
On Veteran's Day I was honored to be with some men and women in Spotsylvania who, through their sacrifice, give us our strength and our freedom; I was also able to give a Congressional update on veterans issues. I will continue to fight for our veterans in Congress and support legislation that ensures they get the benfits they've earned.
I introduced the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, to the Republican Study Committee. We spoke with my colleagues about the need to grow our Navy fleet to 355 ships.
I sat down with constituents to talk about what the legislative and executive branch have done to help our fellow citizens recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. After hearing from those who have friends and family on the island, I know there is still more to be done. I’ll be continuing to work with officials at FEMA to ensure we are getting the manpower, resources, and support to all those in Puerto Rico during their time of need.
I spent opening day of waterfowl season here in DC working to preserve access to refuges. I met with Dan Ross from Ducks Unlimited who testified on behalf of the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act.
I was proud to sign the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as a conferee to the NDAA Conference Committee, which resolved the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Congress passed the NDAA and sent it to President Trump’s desk; I am confident the NDAA will provide the U.S. Armed Forces with the resources to continue keeping our great nation safe.
I had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS Ford (CVN-78), and her crew off the coast of Virginia! During this visit, I was able to hear firsthand from servicemembers about how Congress can better support our men and women in uniform to complete their missions and keep our nation safe.
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rogers and I hosted a “Faces of Tax Reform” event in Fredericksburg to talk with small business owners about the need to reform our nation’s complex and outdated tax code.
Take a look at the different op-eds I’ve written this month:
Tax reform isn’t about brackets -- it’s about people (House Republicans)
Getting the Defense Topline Right (Real Clear Defense)
And some of the news articles I was mentioned in:
Representative Rob Wittman on President Trump's Asia Trip (CSPAN)
Wicker initiative to build bigger Navy heads to Trump’s desk (The Clarion-Ledger)
House easily passes $700 billion defense policy bill (Washington Examiner)
Editorial: Defending our dollars. (Daily Press)
Luncheon honors WWII Veterans (Westmoreland News)
Rep. Rob Wittman visits USS Ford at sea (WAVY)
Broadband Task Force talks continue in Warsaw(Northern Neck News)
Wittman pitches House Republican tax plan during Fredericksburg stop (Free Lance Star)
Fredericksburg-area congressmen weigh in on House Republican's tax plan (Free Lance Star)
Ernst Leads Congressional Delegation to Visit Troops and Engage with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East (KIOW)
Chesapeake Bay funding could get a big boost under new farm bills (Daily Press)
To keep up with all of my work around the First District and in Washington, connect with me on
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It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.
Sincerely,
Rob
