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Dear Friend-
Just like that, we are at the end of 2018 and the 115th Congress. At the beginning of this Congress, we put forth a bold policy agenda to leave folks better off now than they were two years ago. I believe we've seen incredible progress on multiple policy fronts. We put more money back in the hands of hard-working families, cut regulations to allowour businesses to thrive, took historic steps to combat the opioid epidemic, began rebuilding our military, improved veterans benefits and access to care, and made critical investments in rural broadband infrastructure.
From every piece of my legislation that was signed into law to every vote I’ve taken, I’ve put the interests of the First District first. So, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite moments and articles from the last two years. It's been an honor to serve you during the 115th Congress, and I look forward to continuing my work during the 116th Congress.
December 2018
As President George H. W. Bush laid in state at the U.S. Capitol, we honored his legacy serving our nation withintegrity, courage, and honor.
Queens Creek dredging to begin later this month,Gazette Journal
November 2018
Right before Thanksgiving, I traveled to Afghanistanalongside Representatives Jim Banks, R-Indiana; Bill Flores, R-Texas; Conor Lamb, D-Pennsylvania; Larry Bucshon, R-Indiana; and Tom Suozzi, D-New York to meet with our service members and to receive briefs on the progress made in the fight against ISIS and our cooperation with Afghan forces.
Lawmaker fights for change at the Coleman Bridge,13 News Now
October 2018
Earlier this year, the President signed my bill granting federal recognition to the Virginia Indian tribes into law. I visited Werowocomoco to honor this long overdue recognition for the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Monacan, Nansemond, Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi tribes.
For the first time in a decade, the Department of Defense begins new fiscal year with funding in place,WTKR News
September 2018
I received the "Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award" from the 60 Plus Association for my votes in Congress to protect Medicare and Social Security.
Wittman shares legislative highlights with Williamsburg Chamber,Daily Press
August 2018
I got to present the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge with a signed copy of the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act after spending some time cleaning up trash by the river, clearing trails, and weeding in the garden with refuge volunteers and the Youth Conservation Corps.
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman OpEd on a ready Reserve Force,Daily Press
July 2018
I stopped by Carepac Pharmacy in Mechanicsville to talk with folks about solutions to the rising cost of premiums and prescription drug prices. I am still focused on fighting fora health care system where doctors and patients can be in control of their own health care decisions and everyday American families have the option to see a doctor of their choice.
Rep. Wittman wins award for office's transparency and accountability,VA Gazette
June 2018
I hosted another meeting of my Rural Broadband Task Force at the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative. I’ve been working with key stakeholders to develop action items and get broadband out to rural areas across the First District.
Virginia Congressman To House Speaker: Stay In Session And Pass Bills, WVTF
May 2018
I hosted a Career and Technical Education Symposium at UMW Stafford campus as part of my work to bring businesses, school systems, and educators together so we can prepare today's students for high-paying jobs.
Rob Wittman: Many rural areas need access to high-speed internet,Virginian-Pilot
April 2018
I met with constituents over breakfast in Kilmarnock to discuss how repealing burdensome regulations created an environment for small businesses in the First District to thrive.
America's dangerous submarine shortage,Politico
March 2018
I hosted a Transportation Roundtable in conjunction with the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce. Senator Kaine and Representative Brat joined the discussion about what steps we can take to relieve traffic congestion on the I-95 corridor.
COLUMN: Utilizing career and technical education to bridge the skills gap,The Free Lance Star
February 2018
I held multiple veterans forums throughout this Congress to talk specifically about how we’ve improved and expanded veterans access to care.
Wittman calls for stronger military at veterans forum,Daily Press
January 2018
I led a Congressional Delegation with my fellow Virginia Members of Congress to Naval Station Norfolkand Newport News Shipbuildingto learnhow Congress can best support our shipbuilding industry.
Navy’s Fixing Itself, Congress Must Fix Budget: Wittman, Courtney,Breaking Defense
December 2017
I joined Speaker Ryan and other members of the House Armed Services Committee for the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act.
November 2017
I hosted a “Faces of Tax Reform” event in Fredericksburg to talk with small business owners andHouse Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rogersabout the need to reform our nation’s complex and outdated tax code.
Tax reform isn’t about brackets -- it’s about people,House Republicans
October2017
I hosted a Rural Broadband Task Force Summit at the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative in conjunction with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. We had a great discussion about how we can provide broadband to all of Virginia’s First District.
U.S. is overdue for more inclusive history,The Virginian-Pilot
September2017
I joined Governor McAuliffe and Rep. Connolly to commemorate job creation in Virginia’s First District by attending a ribbon cutting for Iron Mountain’s new data center, the first and largest of its kind in Prince William County. In Congress, we have taken many steps to roll back federal regulations so business can do what they do best— create jobs.
Rob Wittman column: Congressional irresponsibility is wrecking the military. That has to stop,Richmond Times-Dispatch
August2017
I was honored to participate in a Veteran Pinning Ceremony to recognize the service of several Veterans at the Commonwealth Senior Living community in Farnham and to discuss my commitment to ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they've earned through their service to a grateful nation.
CODEL on Guam to look into North Korean threats,PNC News First
July2017
I attended the commissioning of the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78).This carrier will house over 2,600 officers and crew. I spoke with the crew and shipbuilders about ways I, as the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, can work with them to help meet our nation's security goals.
Wittman: Strong Navy is best guaranty,Daily Press
June2017
I, along with my colleague U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would make it the policy of the United States to achieve the Navy’s requirement of 355 ships. Under the“Securing the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act,” the fleet would be comprised of the optimal mix of platforms, with funding levels subject to annual appropriations. Currently, only 276 ships are in the battle fleet. This legislation passed under this year's National Defense Authorisation Act.
May2017
I held a press conference with Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, Rep. Scott, Rep. Connolly, and Rep. Beyer. I sponsoredH.R. 984, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, legislation that grants federal recognition to six Virginia Indian tribes.
April2017
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, I spoke with the Choose Clean Water Coalition, the First District Environmental Council, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation on Chesapeake Bay Day. I shared all the work I’ve done to clean up the Bay, protect wetlands, and support water research.
Rep. Wittman fears budget inaction would hurt shipyard,Daily Press
March2017
I met with the National Association of Elementary School Principals to learn about important issues facing schools, students, and administrators. We discussed our mutual support for measures in ESSA that eliminate the one-size fits all federal approach to education, schools, and teacher accountability measures.
Trump wants to end funding of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup. Here’s who’s fighting back,The Washington Post
February2017
I kicked off my healthcare listening tour at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. Throughout the year, I met with healthcare providers and community leaders to discuss what Congress can do to expand access to affordable healthcare.
January2017
I toured Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson. We discussed my legislation, passed in the NDAA, that would make it the policy of the United States to achieve the Navy’s requirement of 355 ships.
To keep up with all of my work around the First District and in Washington, connect with me onFacebook.
It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House. Have a happy new year! I’ll see you in 2019.
Sincerely,
Rob
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