Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) convened a roundtable with local government officials and industry professionals to discuss strategies to strengthen Virginia First District’s robust seafood industry. Following the roundtable, Rep. Wittman toured several Gloucester-area seafood companies to hear about the challenges facing their businesses.

“Virginia’s First District boasts a rich maritime heritage and a vibrant seafood industry, which have been a major economic driver for generations,” said Rep. Wittman. “During today’s roundtable and tour, we heard directly from local stakeholders about the challenges they face, and I reaffirmed my commitment to supporting our seafood industry, strengthening our coastal communities that depend on this vital piece of our economy, and ensuring the competitiveness of Virginia and American seafood in global and domestic markets.”

Congressman Wittman serves as co-chair of the American Seafood Caucus, which serves as a platform for championing the nation's seafood industry by promoting sustainable practices, economic growth, and job creation in coastal communities. He also serves as a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee and on its Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee.

As an advocate for the Chesapeake Bay and seafood industry, Rep. Wittman has supported several pieces of legislation:

- Introduced the Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act (H.R. 614): This bill expands a provision that exempts certain H-2B visas (temporary nonagricultural laborers) from the annual cap of 66,000 on such visas.

- Introduced the Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act (H.R. 5133): This legislation focuses federal resources on approximately 83,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to boost voluntary conservation efforts that help achieve water quality goals, increase soil health, and provide economic benefits.

- Co-led the Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act (H.R. 6641): This legislation will protect communities along coasts by supporting maritime industries, protecting vital jobs, and preserving natural resources.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is vice chairman of the full committee and chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

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