Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) received the Leadership Award from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation at their Ocean Awards Reception, held at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The event is part of Capitol Hill Ocean Week , which brings together scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and conservationists to advance ocean and coastal policy.

The Foundation’s Leadership Award honors political leaders who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting our oceans for current and future generations. Past recipients include President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, Senator Ted Stevens, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. This year, Congressman Rob Wittman was recognized alongside Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) for their decades of leadership in environmental conservation and their commitment to preserving America’s marine and coastal resources

“It is an incredible honor to receive this award from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation,” said Congressman Wittman. “I’ve always felt a deep personal and professional connection to the water. From my early days studying biology and working as a deckhand, to my career as an environmental health specialist, and now as a legislator, that connection has only grown stronger. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to ensure that our nation’s coastal communities and marine environments are protected and preserved for generations to come.”

Congressman Wittman began his career as an environmental health specialist focused on water quality and shellfish sanitation, spending over 20 years working on Virginia’s waterways. As Vice Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, he plays a leading role in advancing bipartisan legislation that supports marine conservation and coastal resilience. He is a co-founder of the American Seafood Caucus and co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, and the Congressional Shellfish Caucus.

Congressman Wittman’s legislative efforts have advanced the health of the Chesapeake Bay and he has been a steadfast advocate for conservation and coastal communities throughout his time in Congress. As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Task Force, he leads efforts to secure funding and advance legislation that supports Bay restoration and clean-up. He co-authored the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, signed into law in 2023, which reauthorizes vital programs like the Chesapeake Bay Program, National Fish Habitat Partnerships, and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. He has also championed federal support for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, which includes securing funding to preserve the historic USS Monitor at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News.

“As we look to the future, we must continue to invest in our waterways, our oceans, and the communities that depend on them,” said Wittman. “I remain committed to supporting critical conservation programs, and I will continue working to ensure the Chesapeake Bay remains a national treasure for generations to come.”

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