Wittman Stresses Importance of Action on Looming Cuts in Advance of President's Newport News Shipyard Visit

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement upon the news that President Barack Obama will visit the Newport News shipyard next week:

"While the President speaks in Newport News at the shipyard, five American aircraft carriers sit idle, capturing the stark reality of the readiness crisis that hasn't waited until March 1 – it has already begun. Work for shipyard workers has been delayed and many men and women in uniform have been asked to stay home just days before they were set to deploy, injecting a great deal of stress on servicemembers and their families. The Hampton Roads military community and shipyard already know firsthand the effects of sequestration. I hope to hear from the President his willingness to work with both the House and the Senate to avert these devastating forced budget cuts and their massive impact on our Commonwealth and our nation."

Wittman, along with his fellow Virginia colleague Rep. J. Randy Forbes, has advocated to prevent the stoppage of work on critical Naval shipbuilding programs, including projects to be completed at the Newport News shipyard.

More: Chairman Forbes, Chairman Wittman Urge Lawmakers to Prioritize Vital Defense Programs

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.

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