Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement in response to the Democratic Majority’s passage of a seven bill minibus package.

“As Speaker Pelosi previously said, ‘Show me your budget, show me your values.’ And President Biden told us for years, ‘don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.’

“If we take them at their word, then it’s clear that neither sufficiently values the safety and security of the American people. Despite this Not-So-Mini-bus package increasing budgets for some non-defense agencies by as much as 30-40%, the Majority has failed to fund the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security before absconding for their taxpayer-funded August Recess. 

“By leaving without having passed either of these bills, the Majority has abandoned their responsibility to America’s national security. By failing to pass the Department of Defense Appropriations bill in a timely manner, our National Guard will now be forced to consider cutting training as they await reimbursement for mobilizing to defend the Capitol. Instead of building the ships we need to stand firm against Communist China, the Majority instead would retire a net of seven ships as they fail to meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy. The Majority would further bolster China’s position by increasing American dependence upon China’s critical minerals. And even as our border is being overrun during one of the worst border crises in our nation’s history, the Majority leaves future Homeland Security funding undecided, with some of their most radical Members calling to defund the Border Patrol. 

“The Majority’s bloated spending bill comes as working-class Americans continue to be crushed by inflation, which serves as President Biden and Speaker Pelosi’s stealth tax. Thanks to this tax, prices of everything - from lumber to milk to gasoline - continue to rise. And in turn, the American Dream slips further and further out of reach with each passing day. 

“Finally, hidden within this minibus are egregious anti-life provisions. These provisions would force taxpayers to fund abortion, no matter personal beliefs. Specifically, this minibus would eliminate long-standing, bipartisan, pro-life language, including the Hyde, Weldon, Smith and Dornan Amendments, despite the Hyde Amendment alone saving nearly 2.5 million lives from abortion. 

“It sadly seems the Majority has revealed itself to be a one trick pony, responding to each and every challenge with yet another massive spending package packed to the brim with waste. This is not how a serious government operates. That is why I have repeatedly urged Speaker Pelosi to cancel August Recess until we pass all 12 appropriations bills and get our nation’s fiscal house in order. I will continue fighting to balance our budget, rein in out-of-control spending, and restore commonsense in government.” 

Congressman Wittman has twice this year urged Speaker Pelosi to cancel August Recess. Congressman Wittman has also introduced the Stay on Schedule (S.O.S) Resolution which would force Speaker Pelosi to keep Congress in town until all 12 appropriations bills are passed, instead of adjourning for the August recess. Additionally, Congressman Wittman has introduced the No Budget, No Pay Act, which would prevent Members from being paid until we pass a budget, as well as the Inaction Has Consequences Act, which would hold Congress Members’ salaries if we do not pass regular appropriation bills before the end of the Fiscal year.