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 to discuss my 2018 legislative priorities
President Trump signed my legislation, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017 (H.R. 984), into law. This bill grants long overdue federal recognition to the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan, and the Nansemond tribes. It was a pleasure to meet with tribal leaders throughout the process to discuss this important legislation.
I visited the Spotsylvania Career and Technical Center (SCTC) which serves students enrolled in Spotsylvania County High Schools by providing training programs that develop tangible workplace readiness skills. We discussed what Congress can help do to educate the next generation on future career opportunities, whether that’s a certification, a credential, or a four-year degree.
I led a Congressional Delegation with my fellow Virginia Members of Congress to Naval Station Norfolk and Newport News Shipbuilding to learn how Congress can best support our shipbuilding industry.
During the government shutdown, I had my pay withheld and donated it to veteran-related charities. I also worked with Rep. Don Beyer to introduce legislation that ensured federal employees furloughed due to the shutdown received backpay.
I held a joint hearing with the Readiness Subcommittee entitled, “Surface Warfare: At a Crossroads.” Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer and Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson testified on the Secretary of the Navy’s independent Strategic Readiness Review in light of the collisions last year
I visited Cornerstone Moving & Storage in Fredericksburg to hear about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will enable them to serve their customers better, put more trucks on the road, and grow their business.
I spoke at the opening of the new Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) program at Quantico about the work I’ve done to make sure veterans across our district can get access to the benefits they’ve earned. MSSA provides cyber and technology training for Marines as they prepare to transition out of the military into the workforce.
I went aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), a highly capable amphibious assault ship, to receive a brief on its operations.
I visited the Mooney Advance Water Reclamation Facility to learn how Prince William County ensures the health and safety of the environment and residents it serves.
Here are some of the articles I was mentioned in this month.
Trump signs bill giving federal recognition to Virginia Indian tribes (Richmond Times Dispatch)
Local congressmen, senator say on Twitter they will donate pay during shutdown (Daily Press)
Federal recognition of “first contact” tribes long overdue (Free Lance Star)
Reps. Beyer, Wittman bill would protect federal workers’ pay (Fairfax News)
Navy’s Fixing Itself, Congress Must Fix Budget: Wittman, Courtney (Breaking Defense)
Shutdown-ending CR also provides back pay for furloughed feds (Federal News Radio)
Block Buy of Icebreakers Could Save Money (National Defense Magazine)
Multiple Virginia politicians donate or decline pay during government shutdown (WTKR)
Congressmen seek to assure feds, service members are paid during shutdown (Federal News Radio)
Navy at a crossroads after string of deadly disasters (New York Post)
Wittman Previews HASC Hearing on Navy Readiness Reviews, Punishments After Fatal Ship Collisions (USNI)
William & Mary celebrates movement toward federal recognition for six local tribes (William & Mary)
Bill passes to give 6 Va. Native American tribes federal recognition (WTVR)
Opinion/Editorial: Bill on Va. tribes merits signature (Daily Progress)
Navy Looking to Add Rigor to SWO Candidate Training Ahead of Assignment to Ship Crew (USNI)
Lawmakers chide Navy, DoD on step back from transparency(Defense News)
Two Lawmakers Want ‘Groundbreaking’ Changes in How U.S. Navy is Organized, Communicates (USNI)
Lawmakers seek more funding for Virginia-class subs (Daily Press)
After Collisions, Lawmaker Presses Navy to Specialize Surface Forces (Military.com)
Navy chief: On scale of 1 to 10, adequate funding 'scores an 11' (The Hill)
House lawmakers worry budget talks could nix a hike in Navy attack subs (Washington Examiner)
Shallow dredging projects often overlooked (Daily Press)
Trump's offshore-drilling plans cement U.S. energy security (World Net Daily)
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It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.
Sincerely,
Rob
