"Who are to be the electors of the federal representatives? Not the rich, more than the poor; not the learned, more than the ignorant; not the haughty heirs of distinguished names, more than the humble sons of obscure and unpropitious fortune. The electors are to be the great body of the people of the United States.” - (J. Madison, Federalist #57, The Federalist Papers)
The founders of our great country intended for the government to be elected by the people, for the people. The founders also intended to provide checks and balances in government. On November 2nd, the American people chose a new majority to lead in the next Congress, providing an absolute check on the actions taken by Congress and the federal government.
In the last weeks of this session of the 111th Congress and into the 112th Congress, I intend to serve as I have in the past three years: to uphold the Constitution and to support responsible governing. In order to build a firm foundation for the future, I believe we first need to slow the rate of spending and pass measures to bolster our economy. I opposed bloated, ineffective spending measures such as the stimulus package and the bailout packages, and believe we need to bring our federal budget back into balance. We cannot build a firm foundation for the future while at the same time bankrupting our children’s future with more federal debt.
One critical element of our past and our future is the freedom we enjoy today. That freedom is not free; it has been paid for by the service and sacrifice of so many men and women in uniform. On Thursday, November 11, we observe Veterans Day. In America’s First District, many active duty military, veterans, and their families surround us, so this day is especially noteworthy as we honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in our military and the sacrifices their families make with them. We also remember those veterans who have sacrificed something greater. Some are wounded and injured in war. Some of them even pay the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of these veterans and their service that the United States remains the strongest and best country in the world. Please join me in a special remembrance of these heroes this week.
Your comments, thoughts, ideas, and questions are always welcome. Please continue to call (202-225-4261) or email me (http://wittman.house.gov) and stay in touch.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
