I enjoyed spending last Monday in Fredericksburg meeting with constituents and receiving constructive feedback on what folks want to see happening in Washington. As Congress considered a variety of issues, I take those helpful suggestions and put them into action in my work as the representative of America’s First District. On Wednesday, I supported several bills aimed at curbing government spending and encouraging responsible use of taxpayer dollars. One, H.R. 3835, freezes pay for Members of Congress. Another, H.R. 3582, establishes new standards by which the Congressional Budget Office analyzes the potential effects of legislation on the economy, thereby providing Congress with more accurate budget projections before it considers a bill. I also supported H.R. 1173, which repeals a portion of the President’s 2010 health care overhaul. This program, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program, was recently suspended by the president’s own Secretary of Health and Human Services due to concerns over its implementation and future sustainability. It is vital for the government to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and I will continue to support efforts to eliminate wasteful programs and ensure accountable governing in Washington.
Finally, on Friday afternoon I co-chaired a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing to review progress at Arlington National Cemetery in the wake of gross mismanagement in the past. We heard from various officials associated with the Arlington National Cemetery Gravesite Accountability Task Force. I am encouraged that positive changes are being made, but I also believe that those who are responsible for past mistakes should be held accountable for their actions. As Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to reforming and preserving this hallowed ground so that it can remain a sacred final resting place for our fallen heroes.
Please keep in touch with me so that we can continue to work together to restore accountability and responsibility to the way Washington does business. As always, I am available by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RepRobWittman), or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/RobWittman).
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.
