Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after voting for the American Relief Act:

“The American people gave Congress a clear mandate: secure the border, lower costs, and ensure responsible governance. In a matter of weeks, Republicans will have the opportunity to chart a fiscally responsible path forward and advance an American First agenda. I am frustrated that Congress has once again resorted to a short-term funding measure, but I am assured that the incoming Republican administration will now have a voice in shaping the final Fiscal Year 2025 government funding bills. This legislation averts a costly government shutdown that would handcuff the new administration. It also provides much-needed assistance for farmers and relief for those severely impacted by devastating hurricanes.

“As a longtime advocate for fiscal responsibility, I am disappointed that Congress has once again failed to return to regular order to pass all 12 government funding bills before the end of the fiscal year. I’ve continually said that Members of Congress should work through August instead of taking a break for recess in order to get our funding bills passed on time. 

“We have a responsibility to ensure government functions responsibly and effectively for the American people – shutting down the government is irresponsible and wastes taxpayer dollars. I remain committed to providing a path to fiscal certainty for our federal government, which is why I’ve continued to introduce legislation to bring transparency back to the funding process and hold Members of Congress accountable for not completing their work on time.”

Congressman Wittman has consistently introduced legislation to hold Members of Congress accountable and bring transparency back to the budget and funding process:

• No Budget, No Pay Act: withholds Members’ pay until a budget is passed.

• Stay on Schedule (S.O.S) Resolution: prevents Congress from adjourning for August recess until all 12 government funding bills are passed.

• Inaction Has Consequences Act: withholds the salaries of Members of Congress if the 12 regular government funding bills are not passed in a timely manner.

Background on the American Relief Act:

• Provides emergency aid to states affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters

• Provides economic assistance to farmers dealing with crop loss, government overregulation, and market forces outside of their control.

• Provides support for the submarine industrial base essential to the Virginia economy and necessary to meet U.S. production goals.

• Extends current farm bill programs for Virginia farmers through Sept. 30, 2025.

• Extends the National Flood Insurance Program through March 14, 2025.

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