Wittman Appointed Vice Chairman of Natural Resources Committee

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was appointed vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119th Congress. Congressman Wittman will continue to serve on both the Energy & Mineral Resources Subcommittee as well as the Water, Wildlife, & Fisheries Subcommittee.

"As a lifelong outdoorsman, conservationist, and former marine scientist, I am deeply honored to serve as vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and use my leadership role to advocate for a cleaner, safer, and healthier Chesapeake Bay," said Congressman Wittman. "America – and particularly Virginia – is home to an abundance of natural resources that we have a responsibility to properly steward for future generations. I look forward to serving alongside my friend Chairman Westerman, who has done a phenomenal job leading our committee, and I thank him for putting his trust in me."

As a longtime member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Congressman Wittman utilizes his professional expertise in water quality, fisheries, and other natural resources issues to advocate for the health of the Chesapeake Bay. He also serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which he works across the aisle to advance bipartisan legislation to protect the Bay and conservation efforts nationwide.

"I'm pleased to announce Rep. Wittman as the vice chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources," said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). "Rob has been a leader on this committee, especially in the fisheries space, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table and delivering win-after-win for his constituents. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the 119th Congress on important issues for sportsmen and women, as well as for Americans across our great country."

During the 118th Congress, Congressman Wittman's America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act was signed into law. Additionally, his Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act and Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act passed the U.S. House.

Prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Wittman spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Department of Health's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.

###