Henrico Times

On January 9, 2025, Congressman Rob Wittman from Virginia's First District was appointed vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119th Congress. He will continue his service on both the Energy & Mineral Resources Subcommittee and the Water, Wildlife, & Fisheries Subcommittee.

"As a lifelong outdoorsman, conservationist, and former marine scientist, I am deeply honored to serve as vice chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and use my leadership role to advocate for a cleaner, safer, and healthier Chesapeake Bay," stated Congressman Wittman. "America – and particularly Virginia – is home to an abundance of natural resources that we have a responsibility to properly steward for future generations. I look forward to serving alongside my friend Chairman Westerman, who has done a phenomenal job leading our committee, and I thank him for putting his trust in me."

Congressman Wittman brings extensive experience in water quality and fisheries issues as a longtime member of the House Natural Resources Committee. He also serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, working across party lines to advance bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting the Bay and promoting conservation efforts nationwide.

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman expressed his support: "I’m pleased to announce Rep. Wittman as the vice chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Rob has been a leader on this committee, especially in the fisheries space, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table and delivering win-after-win for his constituents. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the 119th Congress on important issues for sportsmen and women, as well as for Americans across our great country."

In previous legislative sessions during the 118th Congress, Congressman Wittman's America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act became law. His Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act along with Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act were passed by the U.S. House.

Before entering Congress, Wittman spent over two decades in state government roles including field director for Virginia Department of Health's Division of Shellfish Sanitation and as an environmental health specialist in local health departments within Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.