Daily Press

Wittman committed to seeing Congress deliver results

- By U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman Guest columnist

This new year brings an exciting new chapter to Congress and the 1st Congressio­nal District of Virginia. Through redistrict­ing, the 1st Congressio­nal District welcomes new areas and new constituen­ts that I am looking forward to representi­ng.

I have been fortunate to meet so many of the incredible folks of Virginia’s 1st District. With the addition of Henrico and Chesterfie­ld counties, I look forward to representi­ng my childhood home. With the addition of Williamsbu­rg, York and Poquoson, I look forward to once again representi­ng the great people of the Historic Triangle and the city of Poquoson. I am also thrilled to continue serving the people of Hanover, New Kent, the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Representi­ng new areas comes with a responsibi­lity to introduce myself to my constituen­ts, and I am looking forward to continuing my work to understand and address the challenges of our communitie­s, our state and our nation. Virginians, and all Americans, deserve elected officials who will roll up their sleeves and work hard on their behalf, and that is exactly what I intend to do.

I have a proven record of working to achieve real legislativ­e results. I take immense pride in working with anyone, regardless of political party, to enact common-sense policies to help all Virginians. For example, my Long Bridge Act, signed into law as part of the Consolidat­ed Appropriat­ions act of 2021, is a critical component to reducing traffic congestion on Interstate 95 between Richmond and Washington, D.C. Additional­ly, my Serving Rural America Act served as a model for the NTIA Broadband Infrastruc­ture Program, a $288 million funding for partnershi­ps between localities and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband deployment.

As a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee, I have the honor to advocate for, and help pass, the annual National Defense Authorizat­ion Act. The NDAA is historical­ly one of Congress’ most bipartisan bills and is critical for our national security and Virginia’s economy. This bill ensures our armed services are fully funded, and that our nation’s selfless veterans, service members and their families receive the proper benefits and resources they deserve. On the House Natural Resources committee, I’ve acted to preserve and protect our nation’s greatest treasures, including the James River and Chesapeake Bay.

Congress has been broken for far too long, and I intend to keep my promise to bring transparen­cy and accountabi­lity back to Washington. Already this Congress, I have reintroduc­ed my government accountabi­lity legislatio­n, the No Budget No Pay Act, the Stay on Schedule Resolution, and the Inaction Has Consequenc­es Act. These bills would ensure members of Congress are held responsibl­e and do their basic job of funding the government on time.

American families and businesses have been hit by soaring prices, skyrocketi­ng energy costs, and burdensome regulation­s for far too long. This Congress, I am committed to working with my colleagues to rebuild our nation’s struggling economy, remain good stewards of hardworkin­g American taxpayers’ dollars, and ensure our nation is a place where individual­s and businesses can grow and thrive.

Tackling today’s challenges requires a whole-of-government approach. I look forward to working with local, state and federal leaders to bring real solutions to the people of Virginia’s 1st District. We have significan­t work to do, and I am excited to work hard and be the advocate my constituen­ts deserve in Washington.

U.S. Rep. 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 chairman of the full committee and as the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommitt­ee.

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