Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after Congressman John Boehner (OH-8) was reelected as Speaker of the House:

“Since being elected to Congress, I have consistently fought for accountability from congressional leadership, demanding year after year that the House eliminate the outdated August recess and remain in session to complete the work we were elected to do. I have also consistently urged a return to regular budget order, in which a budget resolution and funding bills are passed on a regular schedule in order to provide certainty and transparency, both of which are missing when Congress funds the government using massive, irresponsible funding bills such as the one passed in December.

“These positions have not necessarily made me popular with congressional leadership, but I believe in doing what is right. The Speaker of the House takes direction from the House Republican Conference, and it is the responsibility of every member of the Conference to hold congressional leadership accountable to the people.

“That being said, John Boehner was the only candidate to put his name forward for Speaker when the Republican Conference met in November to discuss this critical, important position. None of the other candidates put their names forward more than three business days before today’s vote, which did not allow for a fair, open, and honest debate. What’s more, none of the other candidates even contacted me to ask for my vote or explain to me their vision for battling executive branch overreach and passing responsible legislation to get our country back on track. Theirs were not serious campaigns for Speaker – they were merely symbolic. I have heard consistently from my constituents that they do not want me to take symbolic votes. Instead, they want meaningful action.

“No matter who is in the Speaker’s chair, my focus is on representing the people of Virginia’s First District and on upholding our Constitution. I have shown that throughout Speaker Boehner’s tenure, and I will continue to do so during this new session of Congress.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

###