Congressman Rob Wittman, who represents Virginia’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement after the passage of Senate amendments to H.R. 7148, which ended the partial government shutdown.
Wittman stated, “Government shutdowns are costly, ineffective, and threaten the livelihoods of hardworking Americans and their families. As we saw in October, families go without paychecks, and critical services are disrupted, creating uncertainty. I voted for this funding measure to prevent more harm from being done to the American people.”
He continued, “The House did its job by passing all twelve appropriations bills through regular order. For years, I have called for a return to this process, and I have introduced legislation to hold Congress accountable.”
“This funding measure brings five of the remaining six appropriations bills across the finish line, while extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13th. While this action reopens the government, it is not a permanent solution,” Wittman said.
He added, “Passing extensions of funding is not an effective way to legislate, and we have the Constitutional responsibility to keep the government operational for the American people.”
Wittman has put forward several legislative proposals aimed at holding members of Congress accountable during budget negotiations. These include the No Budget, No Pay Act—which would withhold congressional pay until a budget is passed—the Stay on Schedule Resolution that requires lawmakers to remain in session if all funding bills are not completed by July’s end instead of taking recess—and the Inaction Has Consequences Act that withholds member pay if all twelve appropriations bills are not finished by fiscal year’s end.
Additionally, Wittman supports bipartisan efforts such as cosponsoring both the Pay Our Troops Act—ensuring military personnel receive pay during shutdowns—and the Shutdown Fairness Act requiring federal agencies to pay employees on time if a shutdown occurs.
Wittman has served in Congress since 2007 after succeeding Jo Ann Davis. He previously held positions in Virginia’s House of Delegates and on Westmoreland County’s Board of Supervisors from 2006 to 2007. Born in Washington D.C. in 1959 and currently residing in Montross at age 64, Wittman graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in 1981.
