Weekly Updates

Hey Folks,

April was a busy month for me! I spent time speaking with constituents at a variety of different events in the district, received the Navy League’s Sea Services Award for my efforts on behalf of the Navy, promoted STEM and CTE programs, sponsored Chaplain Scott Foust to offer the opening prayer in the House of Representatives, and more. Check out my happenings in April through the photos, op-eds, and news clips below.
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I spoke with Veterans in Fredericksburg about how Congress has fully funded our national defense strategy as they arrived home from their Honor Flight.


I met with constituents over breakfast in Kilmarnock to discuss ways Congress has created an environment for our small businesses to thrive, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.


I was honored to receive the Navy League’s Sea Services Award for my legislative record of rebuilding our nation's military and work to grow our Navy’s Fleet.


I got to spend some quality time with residents at The Orchard in the Northern Neck discussing how we take care of our seniors while protecting future generations


I visited NASA Langley Research Center to hear about how their work impacts our Commonwealth’s economy and their partnerships with high schools and universities to recruit students in STEM fields.


I received the “Award for Conservative Excellence” from the American Conservative Union for my legislative record of reforming the tax code to rolling back burdensome regulations.


I spoke with the Center for Excellence In Education about how STEM and CTE programs play an essential role in making sure our students have the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st-century job market.


I got hear about the work Tech For Troops Project and Checkpoint One do to help veterans transition back into the workforce and civilian life. I spoke with them about how Congress passed legislation that extends the Veteran's Choice Program, allows the VA to open more clinics, and expands education benefits.


I was honored to welcome U.S. Air Force Chaplain Scott Foust to offer the House’s opening prayer. Scott resides in the First District and is stationed as a chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery.


The President just signed my bipartisan bill into law. The Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act(H.R. 3979), which I’ve been worked on with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), reauthorizes the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, community partnership, and education programs.


MY OP-EDS:
America's dangerous submarine shortage (Politico)

US Navy’s unmanned vehicle efforts are the answer to deterring adversaries (Defense News)

THIS MONTH'S CLIPS:
Break and Remake the U.S. Navy Surface Fleet (Real Clear Defense)

Mississippi Coast, Ingalls ready for role in stronger Navy (Sun Herald)

The Navy, once again, soft-pedals its own 355 ship-count assessment (Defense News)

Military Service Academy Night: May 5 at Quantico (Prince William Living)

The Navy wants just one littoral combat ship this year, but it may get three (Washington Examiner)

It’s Time to Radically Remake the U.S. Navy Surface Fleet (War is Boring)

Wittman confident on the case for a two-carrier purchase (Daily Press)

Wittman: Aircraft carrier block buy will be in mark-up, 'confident' Navy can make the case (Inside Defense)

Lawmakers want no changes to Reagan National perimeter rule (Fairfax News)

A 355-ship fleet picks up steam. Navy says it'll get there 20 years sooner. (Daily Press)

Norfolk-based Navy vessels play key role in strikes against Syrian targets (WAVY)

WATCH: Dem rep doubts Trump’s ‘wherewithal’ to reach ‘peaceful’ deal with North Korea (The Hill)

Stafford student promotes science on Capitol Hill (Free Lance Star)

House panels propose boosted military pay, new ships and innovation in defense policy plan (Stars and Stripes)

Bipartisan, bicameral Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act becomes law (Hockess in Community News)


I really enjoyed getting out in the community this past April to interact with constituents regarding the issues most important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me so I can best represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob