U.S. Rep. Robert Wittman (VA-1)
Recent News About U.S. Rep. Robert Wittman (VA-1)
-
Congressman Wittman announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge
Congressman Wittman (VA-01) has announced the commencement of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge, which is open to all middle and high school students in Virginia’s First District. The competition deadline is set for Oct. 24, 2024.
-
Lawmakers urge Secretary Austin to deploy US-made drones in Ukraine
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA), along with 10 other lawmakers, has written a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, advocating for the deployment of more American-made drones in Ukraine. The move is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian aggression and reducing its reliance on Chinese-made drones.
-
Congressman Wittman criticizes Biden's decision on withholding arms from Israel
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) has issued a statement regarding the Biden administration's decision to withhold arms shipments to Israel. He expressed his concern, stating, "President Biden’s decision to withhold critical arms shipments to Israel is an insult to our only true democratic ally in the Middle East. It is more critical than ever that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself and its mission to eliminate Hamas terrorists."
-
Wittman’s Protecting Access For Hunters and Anglers Act Passes U.S. House
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA-01) Protecting Access For Hunters and Anglers Act has successfully passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill aims to prevent the banning of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulations align with state law and scientific support.Expressing his dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's attempts to limit access to traditional hunting and fishing gear on federal territories, Congressman Wittman, a dedicated hunter and fisherman, emphasized the significance of affordable lead...
-
Wittman, Warner, Kaine, McClellan Address Mail Delays in Meeting with Postmaster General DeJoy
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) along with U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, and Rep. Jennifer McClellan gathered to meet with U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding the ongoing mail delays affecting communities in Virginia and the recent reforms implemented by the United States Postal Service (USPS).During the meeting, Wittman expressed, “Today, we met with Postmaster DeJoy for a productive conversation and voiced what we’ve been hearing for months: mail delivery in the Commonwealth is falling short for Virginians who rely on it....
-
Wittman Congratulates Winners of VA-01 Congressional App Challenge
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) congratulated the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Virginia’s First District. The winning app, PatriotPerks, was developed by Deep Run High School students Yashvanth Singamaneni, Sujash Joseph, Sidhartha Basu, and Abhijit Somala from Glen Allen. PatriotPerks connects veterans with local businesses that offer affordable prices and discounts. While the app aims to boost customer traffic for small businesses and food banks, it also strives to cultivate a sense of community support amongst veterans."The creativity, empathy,...
-
Wittman Chairs Hearing on 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Defense’s Fixed-Wing Tactical and Training Aircraft Programs
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) led a subcommittee hearing focusing on the fiscal year 2025 budget request for the Department of Defense's fixed-wing tactical and training aircraft programs. Wittman expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in defining the tactical fighter force structure and capabilities, emphasizing the need for affordable replacement aircraft and expedited deployment of TR-3 hardware and Block 4 software.During the hearing, various officials from the Department of Defense provided testimony, addressing the challenges and uncertainties surrounding...
-
Wittman, Magaziner Launch Bipartisan Congressional Toy Caucus
Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Congressman Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02) have relaunched the bipartisan Congressional Toy Caucus to provide a platform for the U.S. toy industry and emphasize its crucial role in the education and development of American children.Wittman expressed the significance of the toy industry, stating, “America’s toy industry is a major economic driver, creating thousands of jobs and enhancing communities across the nation.” Magaziner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of toys on children's development, saying, “Toys are...
-
Wittman Hosts Mental Health Seminar in Williamsburg
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted an informational mental health seminar in Williamsburg, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources for the community. Wittman, a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus and Military Mental Health Caucus, expressed his dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Virginia’s First District."It is imperative that we collaborate across local, state, and federal governments to inject adequate mental health resources into our health systems," Wittman stated during the seminar. He thanked the mental...
-
Wittman Statement on Mayorkas Impeachment
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) has expressed his support for the impeachment of U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Wittman accuses Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law and breach of public trust." In a statement, Wittman stated that Mayorkas's actions have led to a "complete humanitarian and national security catastrophe."Wittman claims that Mayorkas has neglected his duty to enforce laws passed by Congress and has abused his authority as a cabinet secretary. He further accuses Mayorkas of misleading both Congress and the...
-
Wittman, Virginia Lawmakers Address USPS Inspector General Report on Richmond Processing Center
Congressman Rob Wittman, along with Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, and Representatives Jennifer McClellan, Bobby Scott, Abigail Spanberger, Bob Good, and Jen Kiggans, expressed concerns over the United States Postal Service's handling of mail services in Virginia. In response to the USPS Inspector General report on the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) in Sandston, the lawmakers emphasized the need for improved coordination and resources at the facility.Wittman stated, "It couldn’t be clearer that USPS has not been providing reliable...
-
Wittman Statement on Further Consolidated Appropriations Act
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) expressed his thoughts on the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, emphasizing the importance of timely and individual consideration of government funding bills.Wittman acknowledged the delays in passing the funding bills, stating, "Nearly six months after the original deadline, the House has finally passed all 12 government funding bills. It is outrageous that it’s taken this long, and it shouldn't have been done this way."Despite recognizing that the bill was not flawless and included provisions he did not support due to the...
-
Wittman, Ryan Launch Defense Modernization Caucus
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY) have come together to announce the establishment of the Congressional Defense Modernization Caucus. The purpose of this caucus is to promote the integration and adoption of emergent technologies in order to enhance the national security ecosystem.In a joint statement, the founding co-chairs of the caucus expressed their commitment to advancing the technological evolution of the U.S. Department of Defense and associated national security functions. Congressman Wittman emphasized the importance of staying ahead...
-
Wittman Announces 2024 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) has officially opened the 2024 Congressional Art Competition to all high school students in Virginia’s First District. The competition, with a deadline of May 1, offers young artists a chance to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from other congressional districts across the country.Speaking about the competition, Congressman Wittman stated, “The Commonwealth is home to incredible artistic talent and many bright young students — I encourage all young artists in Virginia’s First District to submit an original...
-
Wittman, Kiggans Urge DOD to Utilize Virginia’s Nuclear Energy to Power Indo-Pacific Command
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) have written a letter to Admiral John Aquilino of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to take advantage of Virginia's nuclear energy capabilities to enhance sustainable power for military facilities, long-range missile defense systems, and command and control centers.In their letter, the lawmakers highlight the advantages of using micro-nuclear reactors in the expansive Indo-Pacific theater. They emphasize the reliance of critical military installations on imported fuel...
-
Wittman, Virginia Colleagues Express Concerns Over USPS Mail Delays
Congressman Rob Wittman and several Virginia lawmakers have raised alarm over mail disruptions and delays within the Richmond Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) in Sandston. In a letter to the United States Postal Service’s Inspector General, the lawmakers highlighted various instances of mail problems affecting constituents across Virginia.The lawmakers expressed their concern, stating, "Since last summer, we have seen a significant uptick in mail disruptions and delays within the Richmond RPDC’s covered area." They further added, "These developments are...
-
Wittman Statement on President Biden’s Defense Budget
Today, Congressman Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, shared a critical response to President Biden's defense budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).Wittman expressed strong concerns about the budget, stating that it is disconnected from the current global security environment. He emphasized the need for the U.S. defense budget to address the escalating threats posed by countries like China, Russia, and Iran.Regarding the Navy, Wittman highlighted President Biden's proposal to decrease the Navy force structure from 296 ships to 287 in FY25,...
-
Wittman Statement on President Biden’s State of the Union Address
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) responded to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address by criticizing the impact of Biden's policies on American families. Wittman expressed his concerns, stating, "The impact of President Joe Biden's policies on American families has been detrimental from day one." He highlighted issues such as skyrocketing prices, violent crime surges, an unprecedented border crisis, and weakened national security.Wittman further addressed the economic challenges faced by Americans, noting, “Americans are facing record-high gas and grocery bills,...
-
Wittman, Kelly Amplify Pressure on CAPE to Support Cost-Effective 31-Amphib Floor Requirement
Senior leaders of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Congressman Trent Kelly (R-MS), have emphasized the importance of meeting the congressionally-mandated 31 L-class amphibious ship floor requirement in a cost-effective manner. In a letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Defense's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, the HASC leaders underscored the significance of achieving this critical requirement affordably."In the unclassified Battle Force Ship Assessment and Requirement (BFSAR) and Chief of Naval Operations...
-
Wittman Advocates to Protect Children from Vaping by Prohibiting Illegal Imports from China
Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) have joined forces in sending a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, urging action to prevent illegal vaping products from China from entering the United States. In the letter, the lawmakers highlighted the impact of these illegal products on youth vaping rates.In the letter, the lawmakers emphasized the need for action to prevent the influx of illegal vaping products from China, which they state make up more than half of all vaping products sold in the United States. They pointed out that...