Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released a statement following his vote in support of a measure to reopen the government: 

“For the past six weeks, our nation has endured a federal government shutdown, causing significant hardships for millions of Americans. Workers have gone unpaid, air traffic control functions have slowed to a near halt, and critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have expired, leaving countless families to seek assistance from food banks or face hunger. Seniors have experienced the suspension of vital telehealth services, and Head Start education programs for children have been forced to close their doors.”

“Today, I voted in support of a measure to reopen the government and reinstate stability for Virginians. The American people deserve a government that works for them and does not come to a complete halt in pursuit of political games. This bill not only includes funding to reopen the government, but also includes three bipartisan full-year appropriations measures for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, and Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration. These bills have been carefully negotiated between both chambers, reflecting a final and bipartisan agreement.”  

“With the passage of these measures, we will secure funding for essential programs, ensuring our military construction needs are met, and vital services for our veterans are fully funded. The legislative branch will receive necessary enhancements for Capitol Police and member security; while the measure includes funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), ensuring that pregnant women and young children receive the nutrition they need to thrive and funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accelerate the review of treatments for rare diseases.”

“However, we have much more to do. Year after year, members of Congress find themselves in this situation, waiting until the last minute to complete our funding bills and relying on short-term measures to keep the government running. This is inefficient, wasteful, and completely unacceptable. Let this shutdown be a lesson: After witnessing the consequences of this historic shutdown, Congress must return to regular order and pass Appropriations bills as intended.” 

Congressman Wittman has consistently introduced numerous pieces of legislation to hold Members of Congress accountable for the budget process. 

• No Budget, No Pay Act: Withholds members’ pay until a budget is passed.

• Stay on Schedule Resolution: would require the House to stay in session through August instead of taking a month-long recess – if all government funding bills are not passed by the end of July.

• Inaction Has Consequences Act: would withhold Member pay if all 12 government funding bills are not done by the end of the fiscal year.