Weekly Updates

This week brought an opportunity to visit with and attend an array of events around America’s First District.

On Sunday, I visited Tangier Island where they unveiled their new, modernized health clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dr. David Nichols has unselfishly given of himself to care for others on the island week after week, for years. He has committed his career to preserve and enhance the health of this special island community. The residents on the island have enjoyed better access to basic medical care through his weekly visits. Because of the vision of Dr. Nichols, and with the steadfast help and commitment of Inez Pruitt, the families, children, parents and grandparents of Tangier will benefit in the future from these great new medical facilities . This new clinic brings modernized, life-sustaining medical care that will last for years to come. Good health is one of life’s most basic needs, and the residents on Tangier Island will benefit from the diligent work of Jimmy Carter and the generous donations of many  who made Dr. Nichol's dream a reality.

On Tuesday I met with my Historic Preservation Advisory Council (HPAC). The purpose the First District HPAC is to provide a discussion forum on issues of concern regarding preservation of historic and cultural resources, and how our efforts can be strengthened over the coming years through innovative practices and policies.  Those who participate on the council include owners of historic homes, administrators at historic sites, county historical societies, historians and other interested citizens in Virginia's First District.  The council addresses many issues, including ways to develop public awareness and participation in developing and saving cultural resources on public lands, creation and maintenance of federal and state rehabilitation tax credits, and influencing public policy to benefit historic preservation.  It was great to meet with many folks involved in Historic Preservation in the First District and learn how we can help in their effort.  If you are interested in joining this Advisory Council, please contact my Yorktown office at 757-874-6687.

On Wednesday morning, I was able to join with the folks at the Jefferson Lab in Newport News for the groundbreaking ceremony for the forthcoming Technology Engineering and Design Facility. This new facility will bring even more modernized and state-of-the-art technology to Jefferson Lab, giving them  a greatly enhanced ability to expand upon the impressive research they have already done. Jefferson Lab has made important advances in so many realms – health care, nuclear technology, and high-tech devices that Americans use each day. Jefferson Lab is a big part of the movement in Hampton Roads to develop a high-tech community, which helps our region in so many ways; bringing jobs, high-tech research, and the development of math and science professionals right here in our area.

As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with me on the best solutions to this nation’s challenges. Please feel free to contact me by email on my website, http://wittman.house.gov or at 202-225-4261.