Press Releases

Wittman, Roe Host Veterans Forum in Fredericksburg

WASHINTON – Congressman Rob Wittman hosted a “Voices of Veterans” event featuring House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe, along with several representatives from the Veterans Administration (VA). The event was held at VFW Post 3103 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

“Congress and the American people are dedicated to our veterans’ needs. I have long believed that the benefits afforded our men and women in uniform have been earned through sacrifice and hardship, and that those benefits should be protected,” Wittman said. “The VA is the largest integrated health care system in the country, which serves over 9.3 million enrolled veterans, with a budget of nearly $200 billion. Veterans deserve greater access, choice, and control over their healthcare. The work we are doing in Congress will attempt to modernize, resource more efficiently, improve timeliness, and prevent veteran suicide. We will never stop working for improvement.”

Chairman Roe offered his expertise as Chairman of the House VA Committee on the work he has done to help our nation’s veterans. He specifically outlined his work on the VA MISSION Act, which was recently signed into law by President Trump, the Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, and the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Chairman Roe concluded his remarks by saying, “Let’s turn it over to get some questions from these heroes.”

John Brandecker, Director of the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, was present and reported on the new VA facility being built right here in Fredericksburg that will be 375,000 feet and will be outfitted with a variety of services including prosthetics. Anthony Coltrane of Roanoke Regional Benefits Office was present as well to answer questions and offer his perspective.

The Congressmen, along with VA representatives, took questions from veterans in attendance. They answered questions specifically about the implementation of the VA Choice Act and the newly passed VA MISSION Act, along with other issues local veterans are having with their benefits.

Congressman Wittman urged all in the audience, “We have the people here who are able to help veterans with their cases, and I encourage all who have an issue, or know anyone who does, to call my office. We will work with you to make sure your case is resolved.”

A full live stream of the event is available here.



Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.

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