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 collaborative university and industry partnerships in aquaculture research. Sea Grant Virginia, headquartered at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), is a great example of federal, state, and local partnerships that thrive and enhance private sector innovation.
I met with constituent Amanda Souza of the Chris Souza Foundation to discusss steps Congress can take to better care for our veterans. The Foundation helps veterans and active duty families with home improvement, wheelchair ramps, service dogs, temporary housing, and counseling.
I joined Webelo Pack 845 in Stafford for a discussion about conservation, proecting our environment, and servant leadership.
I spoke at the Riverland Insurance Farmer's Breakfast to talk about how we can make sure the 2018 Farm Bill is good for Virginia farmers.
I met with the students I have nominated to apply to our nation's service academies this year! Thank you for your willingness to serve our country, and good luck to you as you move forward through the application process.
I talked with students, teachers, non-profits, and businesses from across Virginia about STEM education at the Fredericksburg STEM Summit. Proud of how the First District continues to lead in preparing our students to enter the workforce with useful and applicable experiences!
At one of my three vetereans forums this month, I gave a quick update about what's happening in Washington and opened the floor up to our veterans to ask questions.
I met one-on-one with dozens of constituents this month to listen to their concerns and hear about how my staff has assisted them in navigating issues with federal agencies.
It is our primary constitutional responsibility to provide for the common defense, and that's why I voted for a spending agreement to reopen the federal government. In the past year, we have had 80 military casualties during peace time training and operations, and the Bipartisan Budget Act is the most important thing we can do to ensure that our Armed Forces will be funded at the correct levels to do the job we've asked of them.
In case you missed them, here are some articles I was featured in this month too:
Virginia Delegation SOTU Reaction: Military Spending and Infrastructure (WVTF)
Trump signs bill federally recognizing 6 Virginia tribes (NBC 12)
Wittman calls for stronger military at veterans forum (Daily Press)
Finally, a strong federal step forward for Virginia tribes (News Leader)
The Score: SOTU, Medicaid, Internet, and Rob Wittman (Bearing Drift)
Trump signs spending bill, ending early morning government shutdown (Federal News Radio)
Navy's decision to move workers from Dahlgren perplexes local officials (Free Lance Star)
Trump takes aim again at Chesapeake Bay cleanup funding (Daily Press)
Wittman: Navy needs at least three more ships in fiscal 2019 budget (Politico)
Wittman: Armed Services Committee Won’t Accept Proposed Navy Shipbuilding Plan; More Hulls Needed (USNI)
Lawmakers Blast 'Inadequate' Shipbuilding Budget, 30-Year Plan (Military.com)
HASC Seapower Chair Wittman Presses For Hypersonic Focus (Breaking Defense)
Congressional Offices Announced as Democracy Award Finalists to Help Establish Trust in Congress (Roll Call)
Congressman honors students for nominations to service academies (DVIDS)
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Sincerely,
Rob
