Henrico Times

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 combination of six bills into one, Wittman highlighted the necessity of supporting the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act. He explained, "However, since the bill included essential funding for the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, I ultimately felt supporting it was in the best interest of our country. I cannot in good conscience vote against our troops or critical initiatives that will secure our border."

Wittman also outlined the positive aspects of the act, noting that it will result in substantial savings for taxpayers over the next decade, increase defense spending, and provide benefits such as a pay raise for military members and enhanced border security measures.

Looking ahead, Wittman expressed his intent to address the issues of timely consideration of appropriations bills by advocating for the Stay on Schedule (S.O.S.) Resolution. He emphasized the need for Congress to stay in session to focus on each bill individually and ensure responsible and timely decision-making, aiming to prevent last-minute additions that could compromise the quality of the legislation.

In conclusion, Wittman's statement reflects his commitment to advocating for a more structured and efficient process for passing government funding bills, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and the best interests of the nation.