On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the nation pauses. We remember those who were lost, Virginians, Americans, and folks from all over the world. Our world has forever changed. Each of us has a memory of that day – our own story witnessing history. I was serving on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, and my children were in high school and college, old enough that this event had an impact on them as it did my wife and me. We worried about them and their safety, and wondered if we knew folks on the planes; there was so much unknown. It is hard to believe that ten years have gone by since that horrible day, filled with feelings of vulnerability, anger and sadness. But amidst rubble and loss, we heard stories of heroes and survivors – stories to share with generations to come. This year, two new memorials have been dedicated in New York and Pennsylvania, following the dedication at the Pentagon a few years ago. Those memorials help preserve the memory of those lost, and the stories of survivors and heroes from that day. Since then, many individuals have stepped up to serve in our nation’s Armed Forces to preserve freedom. Many of those who freely gave have been wounded or given their lives. This remembrance is, too, a memory of their sacrifice.
This week, Congress returned to Washington, DC, for a remembrance, but also to return to business. After a busy district work period in August, I am anxious get to work as so many of you talked about during August. Congress needs to get things done to get our economy back on track. Virginians did not need an August report from the Labor Department in Washington, DC, of “zero job growth,” to tell them the economy is struggling – you already know this because you live it every day. We know so many folks trying to make ends meet, worried about their homes, their jobs, and their very way of life. Each night I drive home to Montross and to meet and talk with you, and those across America’s First District. I share the anger and frustration you feel with the childish, outrageous ways of Washington. It is more important than ever that Congress and the President focus on job-creating measures. We must look to find areas of common ground and take action to encourage job growth. On Thursday we heard from President Barack Obama as he addressed a Joint Session of Congress to discuss jobs. I applaud the President’s focus on job creation. However, government spending is stifling job growth, and therefore the growth of our economy. Unemployment has continued to grow since the “stimulus” bill was signed into law over two years ago. It is time for a renewed approach of working together to instead put the power in your hands: the hands of hardworking Americans, small businesses and entrepreneurs who can lead the country out of this recession. Instead of more out-of-control spending, more taxes, and more regulation, Congress must work together for the opposite: a more responsible government, tax relief and freedom for small business owners across the country. By getting out of the way, Washington will allow job-creators to thrive so folks can get back to work.
If we didn’t have a chance to talk during August, I hope you share your thoughts with me as we continue to fight for reforms in Washington. I always appreciate hearing from you and other Virginians. Reach me by phone at (202) 225-4261 or by email on my website at www.wittman.house.gov.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
