Press Releases

Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-) voted today to support passage of the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. The measure sets defense spending levels for programs and authorizes funding for the remainder of the fiscal year which began on October 1, 2010. The bill includes funding for the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the war on terrorism.  The measure also authorizes a 1.4 percent pay raise for military personnel.

“I’m pleased the House passed this measure, to ensure we continue funding for essential defense operations,” Wittman said. “This measure ensures our servicemembers get the support they need at this critical point in our Nation’s history.  This bill provides our warfighters, in the air, on land, and at sea, whether deployed around the world or training here at home, with the resources they need to succeed in defending our Nation. In addition to furthering our investment in shipbuilding as we work towards the goal of a 313-ship Navy, this legislation shows a commitment to the increased role of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense program and the work they are doing at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. Aegis BMD gives our Naval Fleet the capability to conduct surveillance on and track intercontinental ballistic missiles. These ships can detect, track, and engage a threat while forward deployed from the shores of our Nation. This provides our Navy with the ability to continue to project power and provide maritime security around the globe. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this measure giving the confidence to our military to continue their mission in bravely serving and protecting this country.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.