Wittman, Rob RSS Articles

How Virginia Can Prevent the Next Public Safety Tragedy

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The tragic killing of a Virginia mother at a Fairfax County bus stop is a devastating reminder that public safety is not theoretical. It is about real lives, real families and real consequences when systems meant to protect our communities fail.

Stephanie Minter, a 41-year-old mother from Fredericksburg, was fatally stabbed while waiting at a bus shelter along Richmond Highway. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) filings, the suspect charged in the killing is 32-year-old Abdul Jalloh, a Sierra Leone national who entered the United States illegally in 2012. Jalloh was also charged with petty theft for a separate offense earlier that same day.

Federal officials report that Jalloh had been arrested more than 30 times on charges including rape, malicious wounding, assault, drug possession, identity theft, trespassing, larceny, firing a weapon, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and pickpocketing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement previously lodged a detainer against him in 2020, and an immigration judge issued a final order of removal after determining he could be deported to a country other than Sierra Leone.

A family is grieving. A community is shaken. And Virginians are asking a painful but necessary question: how could this happen?

Preventing tragedies like this should not be a partisan issue. It should be a shared responsibility across every level of government.

Earlier this year, members of Virginia’s Republican congressional delegation raised concerns about decisions made by Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In a February letter to Gov. Spanberger, we urged her to reconsider terminating Virginia’s participation in 287(g) agreements — partnerships that allowed state and federal officials to work together to identify and remove dangerous criminals who were in the country unlawfully.

These programs were never about routine immigration paperwork. They were designed for a simple purpose: when dangerous offenders are already in custody for criminal activity, they should not be released back into our communities.

Cooperation between state and federal authorities helped remove violent offenders and gang members from Virginia’s streets. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 4,200 illegal immigrants were arrested and more than 130 gang members were brought to justice through coordinated enforcement efforts.

Yet when we raised these concerns and asked the governor to restore those partnerships, her response was blunt. She wrote that continuing cooperation with federal immigration authorities “was a bad idea, and Virginia will not do it any longer.”

That response should concern every Virginian.

Law enforcement officers across the commonwealth deserve every tool available to protect the communities they serve. Eliminating structured cooperation between state and federal authorities weakens our ability to ensure dangerous individuals do not slip through bureaucratic cracks.

The question Virginians should now be asking is simple: how do we make sure this never happens again?

First, Virginia should restore cooperation between state and federal law enforcement that allows officers to identify and transfer dangerous criminal illegal aliens to federal custody instead of releasing them back into our communities. Programs like the 287(g) agreements were designed precisely for that purpose.

Second, we must ensure that individuals with extensive violent criminal histories are not allowed to repeatedly cycle through the justice system without meaningful consequences. When someone accumulates dozens of arrests for serious offenses, the system has clearly broken down.

Finally, state leaders must recognize that public safety partnerships matter. Local law enforcement, federal immigration authorities and prosecutors all play a role in protecting our communities. Weakening that cooperation makes it harder — not easier — to keep Virginians safe.

Public safety should never be a partisan issue. Virginians of every political background want safe communities, effective law enforcement and policies that prevent violent offenders from slipping through the cracks of our system.

The tragedy that took Stephanie Minter’s life should force us to confront difficult questions about whether our policies are truly putting the safety of Virginia families first.

Virginia’s law enforcement professionals stand ready every day to protect our communities. They deserve the partnerships, tools and support necessary to do that job. And Virginia families deserve leaders who will put public safety first.

Read the full article in the Richmond Times Dispatch here.

Wittman Secures Funding for Bethel Manor Elementary School

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) presented $3,254,000 to Bethel Manor Elementary School for an expansion project. The funds, submitted through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act, 2026, were signed into law on February 3rd.

“I want to ensure that students in our district have every opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Wittman. “That’s why I secured $3,254,000 for Bethel Manor Elementary School’s expansion. This funding is critical to meeting the growing education capacity needs of students from the area.”

The funding will be used by Bethel Manor Elementary to construct six new, modern classrooms, restrooms, and a secure Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) room, which will house critical networking and communications infrastructure. The school has a highly mobile student population that is 97% military-connected, and adding additional classrooms will meet the growing enrollment demand. The new IDF room will house critical networking and communications infrastructure that will enable teachers to use modern technologies in their curricula.

Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects—rather than leaving those decisions to unelected bureaucrats in Washington who lack a direct connection to the community. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits, reinforcing Congress’s control over the power of the purse. Rather than allowing that money to fund projects in different states, Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in determining where budgeted funding goes.

Wittman Secures Funding for Powhite Parkway Extension Phase II in Chesterfield County

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) presented Chesterfield County with $8 million for the Powhite Parkway Extension Phase II. This Community Project Funding request was secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Act and signed into law on February 3rd.

“Fostering economic growth in the First District is one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Wittman. “That's why I fought for funding for the Powhite Parkway Extension project. My $8 million funding request will provide for the completion of the parkway expansion between Woolridge Road and U.S. Route 360 — connecting Chesterfield county to the Richmond area and expanding economic opportunities for residents.”

The funding will be used by Chesterfield County to support geotechnical exploration, surveys, and preliminary bridge design efforts, including hydraulic modeling, for phase II of the Powhite Parkway Extension project. The project will complete the parkway between Woolridge Road and U.S. Route 360, connecting the Upper Magnolia Green economic development site and the growing western area of Chesterfield County with the greater Richmond region. This connection will foster economic growth and enable the county to attract industries to the Upper Magnolia Green area that will generate economic expansion and provide high-paying jobs for Virginians across the region.

Wittman Introduces Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act — legislation that requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct an ongoing study assessing how much aluminum is disposed of in U.S. landfills and how aluminum scrap moves through domestic and international markets.

“This Global Recycling Day, I am proud to introduce the CANS Act — which will reduce waste and promote resource efficiency, ” said Rep. Wittman. “This legislation is not only critical for conservation and recycling efforts, but also for defense supply chain security and U.S. economic competitiveness. I look forward to supporting the CANS Act as it moves through the legislative process.”

Why It Matters:

Supply chain security: Aluminum is critical for defense, transportation, and manufacturing.
National security: Reducing exports of aluminum scrap limits reliance on foreign entities of concern.
Economic competitiveness: Improved recycling supports U.S. manufacturers and domestic jobs.
Environmental benefits: Diverting aluminum from landfills reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency.

“Every year, nearly $1.2 billion worth of aluminum is lost in landfills across the country. Aluminum is too valuable a resource to bury underground and remove from our supply chain. The CANS Act will give policymakers the clear, transparent data necessary to strengthen domestic recycling and support American manufacturers while cutting waste and improving supply chain resilience. Ball Corporation is grateful to Congressman Wittman for his leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance this policy in the months ahead.” - John Campbell, Vice President, Government Relations, Ball Corporation

“The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) applauds Congressman Wittman for introducing the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act of 2026. This bill will assess how much aluminum is being lost to landfills or exported instead of being recycled domestically,” said CMI President Scott Breen. “By studying aluminum disposal and recycling flows, policymakers will have actionable data to boost U.S. recycling systems and keep valuable materials, like aluminum, in the domestic supply chain. Improving aluminum recovery and keeping recyclable materials in the United States ultimately will help strengthen American manufacturing and protect our national food security.”

“Every year, thousands of tons of recyclable aluminum end up in landfills, material that should become new products and create economic value. The CANS Act brings the data we need to see where aluminum is being lost so we can capture more of it, recycle it, and keep it working in the American economy. When we recover valuable materials instead of burying them, we strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and build a more resilient domestic manufacturing system." - Anthony Tusino, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership

Read the full bill text here.

Wittman’s Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act Passes House of Representatives

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA-01) Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (H.R. 556) was passed by a vote of 215-202 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will prohibit the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. The measure now moves on to the Senate.

“As a lifelong hunter and recreational fisherman, I understand the importance of balancing conservation with preserving access for sportsmen,” said Rep. Wittman. “The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 achieves that balance by ensuring future generations of hunters and anglers can continue to participate in these activities while promoting responsible stewardship. By preventing executive overreach in the future, this legislation is critical to preserving access for sportsmen and women who rely on traditional lead fishing tackle and ammunition, and it reinforces the use of sound science in decision-making. I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate.”

“House passage of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act wouldn’t have been possible without Rep. Wittman’s leadership,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. “H.R. 556 ensures that decisions about the use of fishing equipment are grounded in science and respect the role of state fish and wildlife agencies. Maintaining access to affordable fishing equipment is critical for the 58 million Americans who fish and the jobs and economic activity supported by the recreational fishing industry.”

“The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act represents a critical step forward in ensuring that America’s sportsmen and women can continue to access our public lands and waters using traditional, affordable fishing tackle and ammunition,” said Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice-President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “By grounding federal decision-making in sound science, protecting state wildlife management authority, and preventing arbitrary restrictions on fishing tackle and ammunition, this legislation protects both outdoor traditions and the conservation funding they support.”

Background:

Congressman Wittman originally introduced this legislation in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) decision to enter settlement negotiations with activist litigants like the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) over a lawsuit regarding the use of traditional ammunition and lead on over 3 million acres of federal land. In October 2023, the Biden-Harris administration issued a final rule to prohibit the use of lead ammunition and tackle in eight national wildlife refuges. The concern over the potential ban of lead ammunition and tackle is due to the fact that lead ammunition is easier and cheaper to make and more readily available for consumers. Banning its use would make hunting less accessible by increasing the financial barriers for sportsmen and women. Earlier this spring, Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Secretarial Order mimicked the legislation and Congressman Wittman applauded that step.

The bill is supported by the American Sportfishing Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Safari Club International, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and National Rifle Association.

Read the full bill text here.

Wittman, Elfreth’s MAWS Act Passes House of Representatives

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth’s (MD-03) Mitigation Action & Watermen Support (MAWS) Act of 2026 was passed by a vote of 320-66 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will combat the invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. The MAWS Act of 2026 will bolster the seafood industry and preserve the health of the Bay by facilitating a new market for blue catfish in the pet and animal food industry. This legislation instructs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office to collect data on the impacts of this program on the biodiversity of the Bay and the health of fish and crustacean populations. The measure now moves on to the Senate.

“The MAWS Act will facilitate a new market for invasive blue catfish — protecting the biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Rep. Wittman. “I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate. Preserving the health of the bay remains one of my top priorities, and I am proud to have joined Congresswoman Elfreth in leading this critical legislation.”

“With House passage of the MAWS Act, we are one step closer to creating new opportunities in a growing market for blue catfish, which pose a direct ecological and economic threat to the Chesapeake Bay. While we can all do our part and order blue catfish when we see it on a menu, this is not a problem that we alone can eat our way out of,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “That’s why we need bipartisan, innovative solutions, like the MAWS Act, that strengthen our local economy and preserve the health of the Bay. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this legislation past the finish line. If we can prove this innovative strategy works in the Chesapeake, my hope is it can utilize similar tools in waterways across the country – like invasive carp in the Mississippi and Great Lakes.”

Supporters include: Pet Food Institute, American Feed Industry Association (AFI), CITIZEN’S Pet Products, Virginia Marine Products Board, American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Virginia Watermen’s Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Chesapeake Bay Commission, National Aquarium, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Read the full bill text here.

Watch Rep. Wittman’s remarks here.

Wittman Secures Funding for Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center of Excellence in Environmental Forecasting

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) presented the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s (VIMS) Center of Excellence in Environmental Forecasting (CoEEF) with $1.6 million to invest in high-performance technology. The funds, submitted through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the H.R. 6938 – Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, were signed into law on January 23rd.

“VIMS is an environmental forecasting leader, and I am thrilled to deliver my $1.6 million funding request for their CoEEF program,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding will contribute to the development of coastal and estuarine environmental forecasting and expand the impact of VIMS’ research across the United States and the world. ”

The CPF will be used to purchase a high-performance computing cluster and develop IT programming to disseminate forecasting and modeling tools for use by policy makers, community leaders, and the public. This will expand the reach of outcome-driven scientific solutions produced by VIMS. Ultimately, this investment will create cost savings by developing strategies for environmental resilience, supporting effective emergency response and mitigation planning, and providing data and expertise to millions of Americans living and working in coastal areas.

Wittman Urges Naming of Next U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging that the next United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN-84) be named the USS Yorktown in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.

“An aircraft carrier represents more than a warship — it is a forward-deployed symbol of American presence, deterrence, and global leadership. In 1781, the Continental Army’s decisive victory at the Battle of Yorktown secured our American independence. In 1942, USS Yorktown fought with extraordinary courage at the Battle of Midway, helping secure victory in the Pacific during World War II. The next USS Yorktown will help secure the next century of American maritime power.

A nuclear-powered carrier bearing the name Yorktown in the 250th year of American independence would represent 250 years of sovereignty, from the evolution from wooden ships and iron cannon to nuclear propulsion and fifth-generation airpower, and the continued strength of American sea power.

Naming the next aircraft carrier USS Yorktown would appropriately honor the nation’s founding victory, celebrate our naval heritage and strength, and project American resolve as the United States enters its next 250 years.”

Read the letter here.

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Congressman Rob Wittman represents Virginia’s First Congressional District. He serves as vice chairman of both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the chairman of the Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcommittee.

wittman.house.gov

Wittman, Virginia Files Amicus Brief Supporting Veterans

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and individual veterans and their families. Rep. Wittman expects that the court will find the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) current rules limiting GI Bill use as unlawful. In 2023, Congressman Wittman filed a similar brief to the Supreme Court and applauded the Court’s ensuing 7-2 decision to restore full educational benefits to veterans. In filing today, Representative Wittman continues to fight for veterans to ensure that they can access the benefits they earned through honorable service.

“America’s servicemembers honored their commitment to defend this country, and we must honor our commitment to them. I applaud the steps the Department of Veterans Affairs is taking to move forward on ensuring veterans receive the education benefits they earned through their service to our nation,” said Rep. Wittman.

“The GI Bill remains one of the most important commitments our nation makes to the men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform,” Rep. Wittman continued. “Ensuring full access to these benefits supports military families and ensures our veterans have the opportunities they need to contribute to a strong workforce. I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress and the administration to ensure our veterans receive the education benefits they have earned through their service.”

Representative Wittman was joined in filing this brief by a bipartisan, bicameral delegation including Sens. Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Richard Blumenthal; and Reps. John McGuire, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Jennifer McClellan, Eugene Vindman, Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, and James Walkinshaw.

Background:

In Rudisill v. McDonough, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Richmond Army veteran James Rudisill, affirming that veterans who qualify for both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill are entitled to access the full education benefits they earned through their military service. Since the ruling, the Department of Veterans Affairs has not fully implemented this rule.

Wittman, Virginia Republicans Send Letter Raising Alarm Over Political Interference at Virginia Military Institute

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Congressman John McGuire (VA-05), Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) in sending a letter to President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to share their continued concern about legislation advanced by the Virginia General Assembly that would restructure the governance of the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and establish a legislative task force to examine, evaluate, and potentially recommend changes to its military training model, governance framework, and officer-producing role — asserting political control over the institution.

“At a time when the United States faces increasing global threats when a stronger, larger military is more important than ever, weakening VMI, one of the nation’s premier leadership development institutions, sends the wrong signal,” said Rep. Wittman. “Measures targeting VMI’s governance raise serious concerns about politicizing a historic military institution that plays a critical role in developing leaders for our Armed Forces. I will continue to stand firmly against any attempt to politicize or diminish VMI’s mission.”

Background:

For nearly two centuries, VMI has produced military officers, public servants, and principled leaders who have strengthened both the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation. That includes the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, and even former Governor Northam. This oversight insinuates that VMI doesn’t provide effective leaders to the U.S. military, which is patently false. Its contribution to our Armed Forces and our national security infrastructure is real and measurable. If improvements are needed, those conversations should be serious, measured, and mission-focused. Instead, what we are seeing is an attempt to weaken VMI’s independent governance and impose political control.

Read the letter here.