This week began with a great visit to the United States Naval Academy. 46 midshipmen at the Academy hail from America’s First District, and it was great to have the opportunity to visit with them during their lunch at the Academy. These midshipmen are this nation’s future leaders, and after just a brief visit, it was clear to me their training, attitude and love for their country will take them far. I’m honored to have the privilege to nominate high school students each year to the academy, and encourage young people to learn more about these opportunities on my website.
Following my academy visit, I made the drive up to Washington, DC, as Congress returned this week to resume legislative work before the new Congress is sworn in during January. I spoke out on the House Floor about my concern that Congress must chart a new path of more responsible spending, and extend tax cuts for hard-working Americans. You can watch my floor speech on my YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/RobWittman. Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section or by contacting my office.
One of the issues that constituents share their frustration with us concerns toxic Chinese drywall, which affects many folks in the greater Hampton Roads area. On Wednesday I sent a letter to the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It has almost been a year since they released interim guidance on this issue, and in my letter I asked the CPSC to issue the final remediation guidelines. This instruction is critical for homeowners to make their homes livable or to put their homes on the market. This toxic Chinese drywall has caused horrible problems for families owning affected homes. These troubles include corrosion of copper piping, the advanced deterioration of appliances and even electrical wiring. I will continue to be a voice for these homeowners to help them regain what they’ve lost.
On Thursday, I was proud to support legislation, H.R. 1722, the Telework Enhancement Act, which will foster the use of telework by Federal agencies, resulting in cost savings and improved readiness and emergency preparedness, in addition to alleviating traffic congestion. Virginia has thousands of Federal employees, many of whom face long commutes each day. Telework can help ease congestion on the roads but can also ensure continuity of government in the case of a national emergency, or weather related shutdowns. Just last year, winter storms nearly brought the Federal government to a halt. With telework, operations can continue even if folks cannot make the trek to work. This bill is now awaiting the President’s signature.
As always, if we can help with a federal agency issue, or simply hear your thoughts on legislation, please continue to contact my office online http://wittman.house.gov or by phone 202-225-4261.
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.
