Media
Latest News
President Abraham Lincoln described our democracy as a government "by the people, of the people, and for the people." Our founding fathers designed a government where the people are the source of power and elected officials serve in their trust. Our government was intended from the beginning to involve the American citizens. With the rise of the tools of the 21st century and ever-increasing online engagement, so should the voice of citizens rise to communicate with their government.
I had the opportunity during the Congressional District Work Period this week to travel across the district and talk with folks about what issues are important to them. I was honored to speak to and meet with Cub Scout Pack 175 as they completed their annual flag project, placing flags on the graves of veterans to honor their service as we observed Memorial Day. These young people are an inspiration to the older generations as they showed their honor and appreciation for the service of veterans, and their dedication to the enduring spirit of freedom in this country.
As we wrap up another week in Washington, DC, the nation will pause as we honor America's Veterans on Memorial Day. The remembrance of this day was especially poignant this week. I was honored to attend the fifth annual Gold Star Wives reception in the U.S. Capitol building on Thursday. This organization was founded in 1945 by the widows of World War II, and continues today to serve and bring together those spouses who lost a loved one during active duty service. Their courage, in the face of tremendous loss, is indescribable.
Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) made the following statement today following the Administration's announcement canceling the offshore lease sale off the coast of Virginia:
"My visit to the Gulf, and this week's Natural Resources Committee hearings have made clear to me that the federal government must focus 100% on stopping the Gulf oil spill and cleaning up the impacted coastlines. It is increasingly frustrating that 38 days into this crisis, industry and the federal government have not been able to stop the spill.
Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement today on the House Natural Resources Committee oversight hearing, "Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Strategy and Implications of the Deepwater Horizon Rig Explosion":
Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today applauded the introduction of AmericaSpeakingOut.Com, an effort by House Republicans to engage the American people in the process of building a new policy agenda for America. Through America Speaking Out, the American people will be given a voice in setting the priorities for a national agenda, and through this new communications tool, all Americans will have an opportunity to be a part of this effort."
Our United States Constitution clearly outlines one of the primary roles of Congress – to "to raise and support Armies" and "to provide and maintain a Navy." I spent most of last week working on legislation to fulfill that Constitutional duty and provide for our brave men and women in uniform. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I worked with my colleagues on the annual National Defense Authorization Bill, which sets the course for Department of Defense spending levels and programs.
Washington, DC – Today, the House Armed Services Committee adopted an amendment authored by Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) aimed at helping military spouses with employment programs and opportunities. The amendment was accepted during consideration of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (NDAA) and will be included in the annual legislation as it moves forward.
Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman participated in a press conference on Thursday, May 13, 2010, with other Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee, to unveil a plan to Defend America. The strategy, based on several simple truths which have spanned our nation's great history, will guide Republican efforts as the House Armed Services Committee considers the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 on May 19.
View Congressman Wittman's remarks here.
This week, the U.S. committed billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to be spent in Greece to stabilize their economy, and we could be on the hook for billions more.
On Tuesday, the Congressional Budget Office announced a new estimate that the recently-passed health care overhaul will cost another $115 billion over the original cost of the legislation, $940 billion. The next day, Wednesday, the Treasury Department announced that we are in the 19th straight month of deficits in federal spending.