Congressman Rob Wittman, who represents Virginia’s 1st district in the U.S. Congress, released a statement regarding the recent federal government shutdown. Wittman has been serving in Congress since 2007 after succeeding Jo Ann Davis and previously held positions in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors.
In his statement, Wittman criticized the shutdown as unnecessary and harmful to families across Virginia. He said: “This government shutdown is unnecessary and harmful – not just in Washington, but to the pocketbooks of hardworking families. From missed paychecks for federal employees to delays in benefits for our veterans and uncertainty for Main Street businesses, this shutdown will create real financial strain for Virginians. On September 19th, the House, in a bipartisan fashion and with my support, passed a government funding bill in order to keep the government open and ensure stability for seniors, veterans, military families, and more. Since then, Senate Democrats have blocked movement of this bipartisan bill. In order to reopen the government, I would encourage my colleagues in the Senate to do what’s best for the country and vote on the House passed bill. As we wait for action by the Senate, I will continue to work on behalf of my constituents and my office will continue our operations.”
Wittman also addressed his ongoing advocacy for changes in how Congress manages federal budgets: “Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently called for Congress to return to regular order, passing each appropriations bill individually so that we can eliminate wasteful government spending, streamline programs, and address the national debt. In addition, I have supported numerous measures to hold Congress accountable and prevent government shutdowns in the future.”
He further commented on political divisions affecting budget negotiations: “Unfortunately, Americans are now left to shoulder the cost of government inefficiency and party politics. The Continuing Resolution I voted for is the same short-term funding extension that virtually all Democrats voted to pass 13 times during the Biden Administration, yet this time, those same Members chose to vote against it to appease their far-left base. We have the Constitutional responsibility to keep the government operational for the American people. Government shutdowns are costly and disrupt the lives of many. I remain committed to delivering results, ensuring critical programs are available, and providing certainty for Virginians.”
Wittman has introduced several legislative proposals aimed at holding members of Congress accountable during budget processes:
– The No Budget, No Pay Act would withhold members’ pay until a budget is passed.
– The Stay on Schedule Resolution would require House members to remain in session through August if all funding bills are not completed by July’s end.
– The Inaction Has Consequences Act proposes withholding member pay if all twelve appropriations bills are not finished by fiscal year-end.
Additionally, Wittman is a cosponsor of a bipartisan measure known as the Pay Our Troops Act that seeks continued payment for military personnel during any future shutdowns.
Wittman was born in Washington D.C., graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS degree in 1981 and currently resides in Montross.
