Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA-01) America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives as an amendment to S.3791. This comprehensive legislation will enhance the preservation of America's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats.

(Watch Rep. Wittman’s House floor remarks.)

“Before coming to Congress, I spent 20 years as a shellfish specialist monitoring water quality and environmental health issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Congressman Wittman. “From this experience, I know how critical it is that we protect and manage our natural resources wisely. I couldn’t be more proud to see my America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act pass the House. Through this legislation, we will continue record investment in our nation’s precious natural resources, support our agricultural communities, and preserve our wildlife, waters, and lands for generations to come. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill so we can swiftly send the ACE Reauthorization Act to the president’s desk."

Congressman Wittman serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which he works across the aisle to advance bipartisan legislation to protect the Bay and conservation efforts nationwide.

The following legislation that Rep. Wittman previously introduced or co-led is included in the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act:

North American Wetlands Conservation Act:

• Protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitats 

• Supports local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture

• Preserves American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act:

• Strengthens partnerships and projects to help maintain healthy fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act:

• Reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program, a successful federal-state partnership that coordinates efforts to reduce pollution in the Bay, through Fiscal Year 2030.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act:

• Supports efforts to improve the condition of habitats and enhance public access to the Bay and its rivers.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Act:

• Helps local entities rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitats through the Bay Watershed

While making major investments in conservation of natural resources, the bill also includes important measures to enhance accountability and reporting to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of funded projects.

Prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Wittman spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.

Read the full bill text here.

###