Robert J. Wittman

Wittman Convenes Defense Leaders to Accelerate Military Capability and Strengthen Industrial Base

Position: Rep. Wittman advocates for streamlining defense acquisition processes, expanding military production capacity, and removing bureaucratic barriers to accelerate delivery of military capabilities to warfighters.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. Williamsburg, VA – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) convened senior defense leaders and industry executives alongside Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, Michael Duffey, for a roundtable discussion focused on Virginia’s role in America’s defense, strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base, and accelerating the delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter. The discussion brought together leaders from across the defense ecosystem, including shipbuilding, advanced weapons systems, autonomy, and defense services, to address key challenges facing the nation’s military readiness. Participants highlighted several urgent priorities, including: Expanding production capacity to meet growing demand Accelerating acquisition timelines to keep pace with evolving threats Improving the transition of emerging technologies into operational use Strengthening workforce and supply chain resilience “What we heard today was clear: America has the innovation and industrial strength to lead, but our processes and bureaucracy continue to hamper progress,” said Rep. Wittman. “Ensuring our warfighters have the capabilities they need requires a stronger, more responsive industrial base and a procurement system that can keep pace with evolving threats. The greatest risk is not a lack of capability — it is the pace at which we deliver it. I will continue working with the Department of War and our industry partners to remove barriers and deliver results.” Under Secretary Duffey emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Department of War and industry partners to improve acquisition outcomes and ensure timely delivery of capabilities. The discussion underscored broad alignment among participants that speed, scale, and innovation must be prioritized to maintain U.S. military advantage in an increasingly complex global environment. Congressman Wittman will continue to work with Department of War leadership and industry stakeholders to advance policies that strengthen the defense industrial base, improve the efficiency of the acquisition process, and leverage the contributions of Virginia to our nation’s defense. In fiscal year 2024 alone, defense spending accounted for 10% of Virginia’s GDP, the second highest of any state in the nation. Participating Organizations Included: Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding Virginia Ship Repair Association

Wittman Hosts Working Families Tax Cuts Roundtable

Position: Rep. Wittman expresses support for the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, which he states provides tax relief to families, small business owners, and seniors through increased child tax credits, expanded dependent care credits, higher standard deductions, and other provisions.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted a roundtable to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts delivers real, tangible relief to constituents while grounding the policy in lived experiences. “It was a privilege to hear first-hand how the Working Families Tax Cuts are making a real difference in the lives of Virginians across the First District,” said Rep Wittman. “This legislation is about supporting Americans at every stage of life — from young families raising children, to parents planning for education, to those balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, to seniors on fixed incomes, and to the small business owners driving our local economy. I am proud to have supported the Working Families Tax Cuts and delivered meaningful tax relief to Virginians and Americans.” The Working Families Tax Cuts achieved the following: Increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child and ensured it keeps pace with inflation Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Credit to help offset the cost of childcare Strengthened adoption tax relief to support families growing through adoption Expanded 529 education savings accounts to cover more educational expenses Encouraged employers to offer childcare and paid family leave benefits Increased the standard deduction so families can keep more of their income Cut taxes for millions of small business owners - helping them reinvest in their employees and communities Provided additional relief for seniors living on fixed incomes The roundtable brought together working parents, service industry employees, small business owners, and seniors. Attendees discussed how key provisions—such as expanded family tax relief, no tax on tips and overtime, and small business incentives—put more money directly in workers’ pockets and provide greater financial certainty for all Virginians.

We must protect the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come

Position: The representative supports federal investment in Chesapeake Bay conservation through research coordination, voluntary conservation programs, agricultural support, and invasive species management to protect the Bay's ecosystem and economic vitality.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. For communities across Virginia’s First District, the Chesapeake Bay is more than just a body of water; it is the backbone of the economy and a way of life. The Bay is a major economic driver, supporting thousands of jobs that families in our region depend on and generating over $1 billion in economic activity. Spanning over 64,000 square miles, the Chesapeake Bay is one of the most vital resources in our nation, but it continues to face challenges. I grew up in the Chesapeake Bay watershed region and spent countless hours outdoors hunting, fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of my surroundings. Before coming to Congress, I worked as a marine scientist and director of the Division of Shellfish Sanitation at the Virginia Department of Health. I believe we must do everything in our power to responsibly steward America’s environment and vast natural resources In Congress, I have supported numerous pieces of legislation that aim to preserve and strengthen the Bay’s health. Most recently, I introduced the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act, which strengthens the critical partnership between states and the federal government to coordinate, plan, organize and conduct research at public universities across the nation. This piece of legislation also ensures that water research will continue to address evolving challenges and protect the Bay for years to come. Environmental stewardship is not just a responsibility — it’s an investment in future generations. Protecting our waterways and fisheries has long been a priority of mine. My leadership on the bipartisan America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act focused federal resources to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It strengthens conservation programs that improve soil health, reduce runoff and enhance water quality — all while helping farmers lower costs and boost productivity. This law — signed just last year — enhances wetland protections, reduces pollution, increases recreational opportunities in Virginia and promotes public-private partnerships to restore habitats while respecting state and local expertise. I also introduced the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act this Congress, which works to boost voluntary conservation efforts that help achieve water quality goals, increase soil health and provide economic benefits throughout the region. The bill directs federal funds to the approximately 83,000 farms in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to help create a more robust agriculture workforce throughout the area. Building on these efforts to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, I’ve also focused on addressing threats within the water itself. For decades, the invasive blue catfish have threatened the Bay’s ecosystem, harming biodiversity and creating economic challenges for the region’s watermen. To address this growing threat, I partnered with Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., to introduce the Mitigation Action & Watermen Support (MAWS) Act, which recently passed the House with bipartisan support. This legislation creates a new market for blue catfish, reducing their population within the Chesapeake Bay while supporting the seafood industry. The MAWS Act takes meaningful steps to support the environment and local waterfront economies, thus ensuring that the Bay remains an economic engine for the region. As we put these priorities into action at the local level, it is also essential that we balance conservation with maintaining access to our waterways. Through the Community Project Funding process, I secured federal funding for dredging Winter Harbor in Virginia’s Mathews County, which will restore safe navigation and strengthen the harbor’s waterfront. Investments like these ensure that our coastal communities can continue to thrive while we protect the resources they depend on. Protecting the Chesapeake Bay is personal to me, and I will continue advocating for policies that ensure our nation’s public waters and lands remain healthy for generations to come: generating economic activity, boosting local economies and ensuring Americans can enjoy the great outdoors.

Wittman Sends Letter in Support of Genesis Mission

Position: Rep. Wittman supports the Genesis Mission, an executive initiative to advance AI development through expanded nuclear energy deployment, citing economic competitiveness and national security benefits.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter with 20 Republican members of the House of Representatives to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, expressing Congressional support for the Genesis Mission and the energy needed to power the AI future. The Genesis Mission, established in an Executive Order by President Trump on November 24, 2025, will position the United States as a global leader in Artificial Intelligence, strengthening our nation's economic and national security. “The Genesis Mission correctly identifies that AI is no longer just an economic engine; it is a domain of national security and strategic advantage," said Rep. Wittman. "The economic and national security implications of the Genesis Mission are staggering. By leading the world in fission and fusion deployment, the U.S. will wield energy dominance just as we have with oil and gas. The ‘quantum ecosystem’ this energy enables will unlock new materials for defense, aerospace, energy, and medicine, securing our supply chains against foreign disruption.”

Tax Day Reclaimed: Why April 15 Feels Different This Year

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. Every year, Tax Day arrives with a familiar sense of anxiety, as millions of Americans wait to see what they owe or what they’ll get back. This year feels different. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, April 15 is no longer just a deadline. It is a moment of relief for millions of hardworking Americans who are seeing real, tangible benefits in their paychecks and tax refunds. The results speak for themselves. According to a recent report from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), tax refunds are up nearly 11 percent this year, with the average refund exceeding $3,500. At the same time, millions of Americans are already seeing higher take-home pay as they adjust their withholding under the law’s lower, permanent tax rates. Nearly half of all filers have already benefited from at least one of the law’s key provisions, including No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Tax on Social Security. These policies are delivering meaningful relief to workers across the country, especially those who put in long hours to support their families. Department of Treasury officials have indicated that more than 23 million Americans have taken advantage of the No Tax on Overtime provision. For too long, working extra hours meant sending more of their hard-earned income to Washington. Now, those workers are keeping more of what they earn, providing greater financial stability and rewarding hard work. The same is true for service workers. More than 6 million Americans have already benefited from No Tax on Tips, helping restaurant staff, drivers, hairstylists, and others keep more of their earnings. This is real relief for people who depend on every dollar they make. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, are seeing the impact as well. According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 12 million small business owners are receiving an average tax reduction of about $7,000. The permanent extension of the 20 percent Qualified Business Income deduction is providing an average of $4,600 in relief to millions of entrepreneurs, enabling them to reinvest, grow, and create jobs in their communities. In addition, restoring immediate deductibility for research and development expenses, applied retroactively, is unlocking billions in prior-year deductions, while full expensing allows businesses to invest in new equipment and expansion with greater confidence. These are the kinds of pro-growth policies that strengthen our economy from the ground up. Families are benefiting too. Parents of more than four million children have already claimed Trump Accounts, giving the next generation a head start and introducing young Americans to the power of long-term saving and compound growth. And for seniors, relief is long overdue. More than 26 million filers have claimed the No Tax on Social Security provision, helping retirees keep more of the benefits they earned over a lifetime of work. Taken together, these reforms represent one of the most significant efforts in recent years to return hard-earned money to the American people. And they come despite unified opposition from Democrats in Congress. This Tax Day, Americans aren’t just filing. They’re feeling the difference. April 15, 2026, may well be remembered as the day we began to turn Tax Day back into something it should be—not a burden, but a reminder that when Washington steps back, hardworking Americans get to keep more of what they earn and invest it in their families, their futures, and their communities. Read the article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch here.

How Virginia Can Prevent the Next Public Safety Tragedy

Position: The release argues that Virginia should restore participation in 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements with federal authorities to identify and remove individuals in the country illegally who have committed crimes, citing a fatal stabbing allegedly committed by a deportable individual with an extensive criminal record.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. The tragic killing of a Virginia mother at a Fairfax County bus stop is a devastating reminder that public safety is not theoretical. It is about real lives, real families and real consequences when systems meant to protect our communities fail. Stephanie Minter, a 41-year-old mother from Fredericksburg, was fatally stabbed while waiting at a bus shelter along Richmond Highway. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) filings, the suspect charged in the killing is 32-year-old Abdul Jalloh, a Sierra Leone national who entered the United States illegally in 2012. Jalloh was also charged with petty theft for a separate offense earlier that same day. Federal officials report that Jalloh had been arrested more than 30 times on charges including rape, malicious wounding, assault, drug possession, identity theft, trespassing, larceny, firing a weapon, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and pickpocketing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement previously lodged a detainer against him in 2020, and an immigration judge issued a final order of removal after determining he could be deported to a country other than Sierra Leone. A family is grieving. A community is shaken. And Virginians are asking a painful but necessary question: how could this happen? Preventing tragedies like this should not be a partisan issue. It should be a shared responsibility across every level of government. Earlier this year, members of Virginia’s Republican congressional delegation raised concerns about decisions made by Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In a February letter to Gov. Spanberger, we urged her to reconsider terminating Virginia’s participation in 287(g) agreements — partnerships that allowed state and federal officials to work together to identify and remove dangerous criminals who were in the country unlawfully. These programs were never about routine immigration paperwork. They were designed for a simple purpose: when dangerous offenders are already in custody for criminal activity, they should not be released back into our communities. Cooperation between state and federal authorities helped remove violent offenders and gang members from Virginia’s streets. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 4,200 illegal immigrants were arrested and more than 130 gang members were brought to justice through coordinated enforcement efforts. Yet when we raised these concerns and asked the governor to restore those partnerships, her response was blunt. She wrote that continuing cooperation with federal immigration authorities “was a bad idea, and Virginia will not do it any longer.” That response should concern every Virginian. Law enforcement officers across the commonwealth deserve every tool available to protect the communities they serve. Eliminating structured cooperation between state and federal authorities weakens our ability to ensure dangerous individuals do not slip through bureaucratic cracks. The question Virginians should now be asking is simple: how do we make sure this never happens again? First, Virginia should restore cooperation between state and federal law enforcement that allows officers to identify and transfer dangerous criminal illegal aliens to federal custody instead of releasing them back into our communities. Programs like the 287(g) agreements were designed precisely for that purpose. Second, we must ensure that individuals with extensive violent criminal histories are not allowed to repeatedly cycle through the justice system without meaningful consequences. When someone accumulates dozens of arrests for serious offenses, the system has clearly broken down. Finally, state leaders must recognize that public safety partnerships matter. Local law enforcement, federal immigration authorities and prosecutors all play a role in protecting our communities. Weakening that cooperation makes it harder — not easier — to keep Virginians safe. Public safety should never be a partisan issue. Virginians of every political background want safe communities, effective law enforcement and policies that prevent violent offenders from slipping through the cracks of our system. The tragedy that took Stephanie Minter’s life should force us to confront difficult questions about whether our policies are truly putting the safety of Virginia families first. Virginia’s law enforcement professionals stand ready every day to protect our communities. They deserve the partnerships, tools and support necessary to do that job. And Virginia families deserve leaders who will put public safety first. Read the full article in the Richmond Times Dispatch here.

Wittman’s Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act Passes House of Representatives

Position: Rep. Wittman supports H.R. 556, which prohibits the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture from banning lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless consistent with state law and supported by science. The legislation passed the House and now moves to the Senate.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman’s (VA-01) Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (H.R. 556) was passed by a vote of 215-202 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will prohibit the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters unless such regulation is consistent with state law and supported by science. The measure now moves on to the Senate. “As a lifelong hunter and recreational fisherman, I understand the importance of balancing conservation with preserving access for sportsmen,” said Rep. Wittman. “The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 achieves that balance by ensuring future generations of hunters and anglers can continue to participate in these activities while promoting responsible stewardship. By preventing executive overreach in the future, this legislation is critical to preserving access for sportsmen and women who rely on traditional lead fishing tackle and ammunition, and it reinforces the use of sound science in decision-making. I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate.” “House passage of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act wouldn’t have been possible without Rep. Wittman’s leadership,” said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. “H.R. 556 ensures that decisions about the use of fishing equipment are grounded in science and respect the role of state fish and wildlife agencies. Maintaining access to affordable fishing equipment is critical for the 58 million Americans who fish and the jobs and economic activity supported by the recreational fishing industry.” “The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act represents a critical step forward in ensuring that America’s sportsmen and women can continue to access our public lands and waters using traditional, affordable fishing tackle and ammunition,” said Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice-President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “By grounding federal decision-making in sound science, protecting state wildlife management authority, and preventing arbitrary restrictions on fishing tackle and ammunition, this legislation protects both outdoor traditions and the conservation funding they support.” Congressman Wittman originally introduced this legislation in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) decision to enter settlement negotiations with activist litigants like the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) over a lawsuit regarding the use of traditional ammunition and lead on over 3 million acres of federal land. In October 2023, the Biden-Harris administration issued a final rule to prohibit the use of lead ammunition and tackle in eight national wildlife refuges. The concern over the potential ban of lead ammunition and tackle is due to the fact that lead ammunition is easier and cheaper to make and more readily available for consumers. Banning its use would make hunting less accessible by increasing the financial barriers for sportsmen and women. Earlier this spring, Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Secretarial Order mimicked the legislation and Congressman Wittman applauded that step. The bill is supported by the American Sportfishing Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Safari Club International, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and National Rifle Association.

Wittman Introduces Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act

Position: Rep. Wittman introduced legislation requiring the U.S. Geological Survey to study aluminum disposal in landfills and aluminum scrap market flows to inform recycling policy, supply chain security, and domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act — legislation that requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct an ongoing study assessing how much aluminum is disposed of in U.S. landfills and how aluminum scrap moves through domestic and international markets. “This Global Recycling Day, I am proud to introduce the CANS Act — which will reduce waste and promote resource efficiency, ” said Rep. Wittman. “This legislation is not only critical for conservation and recycling efforts, but also for defense supply chain security and U.S. economic competitiveness. I look forward to supporting the CANS Act as it moves through the legislative process.” Supply chain security: Aluminum is critical for defense, transportation, and manufacturing. National security: Reducing exports of aluminum scrap limits reliance on foreign entities of concern. Economic competitiveness: Improved recycling supports U.S. manufacturers and domestic jobs. Environmental benefits: Diverting aluminum from landfills reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency. “Every year, nearly $1.2 billion worth of aluminum is lost in landfills across the country. Aluminum is too valuable a resource to bury underground and remove from our supply chain. The CANS Act will give policymakers the clear, transparent data necessary to strengthen domestic recycling and support American manufacturers while cutting waste and improving supply chain resilience. Ball Corporation is grateful to Congressman Wittman for his leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance this policy in the months ahead.” - John Campbell, Vice President, Government Relations, Ball Corporation “The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) applauds Congressman Wittman for introducing the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act of 2026. This bill will assess how much aluminum is being lost to landfills or exported instead of being recycled domestically,” said CMI President Scott Breen. “By studying aluminum disposal and recycling flows, policymakers will have actionable data to boost U.S. recycling systems and keep valuable materials, like aluminum, in the domestic supply chain. Improving aluminum recovery and keeping recyclable materials in the United States ultimately will help strengthen American manufacturing and protect our national food security.” “Every year, thousands of tons of recyclable aluminum end up in landfills, material that should become new products and create economic value. The CANS Act brings the data we need to see where aluminum is being lost so we can capture more of it, recycle it, and keep it working in the American economy. When we recover valuable materials instead of burying them, we strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and build a more resilient domestic manufacturing system." - Anthony Tusino, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership

Wittman, Elfreth’s MAWS Act Passes House of Representatives

My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth’s (MD-03) Mitigation Action & Watermen Support (MAWS) Act of 2026 was passed by a vote of 320-66 in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation will combat the invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay. The MAWS Act of 2026 will bolster the seafood industry and preserve the health of the Bay by facilitating a new market for blue catfish in the pet and animal food industry. This legislation instructs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office to collect data on the impacts of this program on the biodiversity of the Bay and the health of fish and crustacean populations. The measure now moves on to the Senate. “The MAWS Act will facilitate a new market for invasive blue catfish — protecting the biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Rep. Wittman. “I am pleased that the House has passed this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it advance to the Senate. Preserving the health of the bay remains one of my top priorities, and I am proud to have joined Congresswoman Elfreth in leading this critical legislation.” “With House passage of the MAWS Act, we are one step closer to creating new opportunities in a growing market for blue catfish, which pose a direct ecological and economic threat to the Chesapeake Bay. While we can all do our part and order blue catfish when we see it on a menu, this is not a problem that we alone can eat our way out of,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “That’s why we need bipartisan, innovative solutions, like the MAWS Act, that strengthen our local economy and preserve the health of the Bay. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this legislation past the finish line. If we can prove this innovative strategy works in the Chesapeake, my hope is it can utilize similar tools in waterways across the country – like invasive carp in the Mississippi and Great Lakes.” Supporters include: Pet Food Institute, American Feed Industry Association (AFI), CITIZEN’S Pet Products, Virginia Marine Products Board, American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Virginia Watermen’s Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Chesapeake Bay Commission, National Aquarium, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Watch Rep. Wittman’s remarks here.