Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Rob Wittman today voted in favor of H.R. 3181, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act for 2010.  The legislation, which funds agencies and programs under the Department of Energy, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and various regional water and power authorities, passed by a vote of 320 to 97.

"Today's legislation contains critical funding for Virginia's First District.  The dollars provided by this bill will help fund oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake and promising research at Jefferson Lab, in addition to other important projects," said Wittman.

During consideration, Wittman spoke on the Floor in support of increasing the funding for Jefferson Lab when the final conference report for the bill is considered.  In its current form, the legislation funds Jefferson Lab at $12 million, $10 million shy of the Administration's original request.

"The Thomas Jefferson Lab is a world leader in nuclear physics research and education.  We must find a way to fully fund the major upgrade to their Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility. This upgrade will significantly increase their research potential, and I'm hopeful we'll be able to work something out before consideration of the conference report," said Wittman.

Wittman also spoke in support of an amendment that will increase Army Corps of Engineer Oyster Restoration funding by $7 million.  The amendment passed on a vote of 362 to 69.

"Oysters play a critical role in both the commercial and environmental livelihood of the Chesapeake. Adding the additional $7 million was an important step in bolstering oyster restoration activities," said Wittman.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee, where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.