WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to drop the misguided attempt to advance the largest tax and spend bill in American history, and to instead accomplish the most basic of Congressional responsibilities: funding the government and providing for our national defense.
As it stands, Congress is currently scheduled to be in session for only three weeks before Christmas; however, we have yet to complete fiscal year 2022 funding or conference and complete the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a result, the likelihood of a massive omnibus spending bill, a disruptive continuing resolution, or a shutdown becomes all the more likely. Additionally, across the Capitol, the Senate Majority Leader has delayed considering this major defense policy measure that provides critical programs and authorizations for the men and women in uniform.
As Congressman Wittman explains in his letter, these national priorities are too important to delay any further. To read Congressman Wittman's full letter, click here or read below.
November 15, 2021
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
United States House of Representatives
H-232, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Pelosi:
As it stands, Congress is currently scheduled to be in session for only three weeks before Christmas. Time is running out to accomplish the most basic of Congressional responsibilities – funding the government and providing for our national defense. However, instead of focusing on these must pass bills, the House will once again attempt to pass President Biden’s partisan reconciliation bill. I urge you to drop this misguided attempt to advance the largest tax and spending bill in American history. Instead, Congress must complete its work to fund the government and send the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the White House.
The end of the year is right around the corner and Congress has yet to complete fiscal year 2022 funding or conference and complete the NDAA. None of the 12 annual appropriations bills have made it to the President’s desk. As a result, the likelihood of a massive omnibus spending bill, a disruptive continuing resolution, or a shutdown becomes all the more likely. None of which is good government or fiscally responsible. And while the Pentagon faces uncertain funding and without critical policy updates and authorizations in the face of rising existential threats, Congress is also late in completing the FY2022 NDAA. Across the Capitol, the Senate Majority Leader has delayed considering this major defense policy measure that provides critical programs and authorizations for the men and women in uniform. These serious national priorities are too important to delay.
Congress has not done its job. Our constituents expect us to complete the work of the American people. They expect Congress to work diligently to pass critical defense priorities and fund the government through regular order. Instead of continuing to waste valuable floor time attempting to pass the divisive partisan reconciliation bill, we must finish the basic responsibilities of government – fund the military and defend the nation.
I ask that you and the Senate Majority Leader abandon the partisan socialist tax and spend reconciliation bill and commit to addressing appropriations and NDAA.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Wittman
Member of Congress
