Opinion Pieces by Rob
As vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I often get asked by my constituents why my work on the committee matters directly to Virginians. My answer is twofold: The work we do on HASC serves the large population of veterans, active-duty service members and their families throughout the commonwealth, and a strong national defense directly and indirectly fuels Virginia's economy.
One year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, which began a ground war in Europe not seen at this scale in over 70 years. This simultaneous land, sea and air assault rocked not only Ukraine itself, but the West's understanding of the global balance of power. The 118th Congress must adjust to this new reality. We learned lessons over the past year; we must not be forced to learn them twice.
This new year brings an exciting new chapter to Congress and the 1st Congressional District of Virginia. Through redistricting, the 1st Congressional District welcomes new areas and new constituents that I am looking forward to representing.
Congress is building a stronger fleet than the Navy
By Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01)
December 15, 2022
We find ourselves at an unprecedented time in history — one that demands material progress in transitioning critical commercial technology into the U.S. Department of Defense.
In recent years, lawmakers on the Armed Services Committees in Congress have attempted to work with Republican and Democratic administrations to strengthen the posture of the United States military in the Indo-Pacific and confront the challenge posed by China. Yet U.S. efforts to truly align resources accordingly have been frustrated since President Barack Obama's administration first acknowledged that a shift was required.
As Congress returns to Washington after spending the last two weeks out of session, we find ourselves with just three session weeks left in Washington to complete our legislative business before we adjourn again on July 29 for six weeks of August recess. I know the value of spending time in our districts, which is why I make the almost two hour drive in from my home in Montross, Va., and back home each day. I spent the June recess visiting 13 businesses, hearing from my constituents, and traveling throughout the 1st District of Virginia.
Congress must deliver an NDAA that meets the world as it is
By Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01)
July 7, 2022
Breaking Defense
What it looks like when competing with China comes last
By Rep. Rob Wittman
June 17, 2022
Defense News