STATEMENT: Wittman Again Votes Against Partisan Reconciliation Package, H.R. 1319

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting "no" on the Democrats' Partisan Reconciliation Package, H.R. 1319, which passed for a second time on the House floor today:

"The Majority has decided to finance their political interests on the backs of the American people. "Congressman Wittman continued, "Wasteful provisions in the bill do more to achieve Democrats' political goals than responsibly dealing with the challenges facing our nation. This reckless pork package saddles every American household with an additional$14,000 share of the national debt--in the midst of historic unemployment-- and only sends 9% to actual COVID-19 health relief. It only directs 1% to vaccinations, ignores the science on reopening schools, and is stuffed with non-COVID-related spending. In fact, the remaining 91% of the $2 trillion package goes to a wish list of Democratic political priorities, like state bailouts and checks to prisoners and illegal aliens. As if that were not bad enough, even liberal economists say this bill is wrong for this recovery and are concerned the inflation caused by this "relief" package will burn out our economy and delay its recovery."

Wittman continued, "This is bill is a missed opportunity for our nation. Government should serve the people, and not the other way around. I voted NO the first time, and I am voting NO once again. The American People deserve real, targeted relief, not to serve as pawns in the Democrats' game. If the Majority wishes to serve the American people, then I invite them to join me in working to reopen our schools and rebuild our economy."

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the full Committee and Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.