12 Months. 12 Stories. 12 Photos.

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Dear Friend- Just like, that we are at the end 2017. It's been a historic year for our country. There have been highs and lows along the way. However, I am confident the American spirit remains unshaken. Our shared values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness draw us together far more than any division may drive us apart.   As this year comes to a close, I've looked back on all that the last twelve months had in store. I've traveled all across our district, talked with thousands of constituents, worked to rebuild our nation's military, and helped provide tax relief for our working-class families and small businesses. For each month of the year, I want to share a photo an article. January I toured Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson. We discussed my legislation, passed in this years NDAA, that would make it the policy of the United States to achieve the Navy's requirement of 355 ships. Familiar faces in new places: Lawmakers to watch on defense in 2017, Military Times February I kicked off my healthcare listening tour at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. Throughout the year, I met with healthcare providers and community leaders to discuss what Congress can do to expand access to affordable healthcare.   Rep. Rob Wittman, the latest in a line of influential chairmen, Defense News   March I met with the National Association of Elementary School Principals to learn about important issues facing schools, students, and administrators. We discussed our mutual support for measures in ESSA that eliminate the one-size fits all federal approach to education, schools, and teacher accountability measures.  Trump wants to end funding of the Chesapeake Bay cleanup. Here's who's fighting back, The Washington Post April As Co-Chair of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, I spoke with the Choose Clean Water Coalition, the First District Environmental Council, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation on Chesapeake Bay Day. I shared all the work I've done to clean up the Bay, protect wetlands, and support water research. Rep. Wittman fears budget inaction would hurt shipyard, Daily Press May I held a press conference with Chief Stephen Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, Rep. Scott, Rep. Connolly, and Rep. Beyer. I sponsored H.R. 984, the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, legislation that grants federal recognition to six Virginia Indian tribes. It passed the House and is awaiting consideration by the Senate. Caroline County commemorates anniversaries of WWI and WWII, The Free Lance Star June  I, along with my colleague U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would make it the policy of the United States to achieve the Navy's requirement of 355 ships. Under the "Securing the Homeland by Increasing our Power on the Seas (SHIPS) Act," the fleet would be comprised of the optimal mix of platforms, with funding levels subject to annual appropriations. Currently, only 276 ships are in the battle fleet. This legislation passed under this year's National Defense Authorisation Act. Wittman comfortable on the water, devoted to the bay, Richmond-Times Dispatch  July   I attended the commissioning of the USS Gerald Ford (CVN 78).This carrier will house over 2,600 officers and crew. I spoke with the crew and shipbuilders about ways I, as the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, can work with them to help meet our nation's security goals.  Wittman: Strong Navy is best guaranty, Daily Press August  I was honored to participate in a Veteran Pinning Ceremony to recognize the service of several Veterans at the Commonwealth Senior Living community in Farnham and to discuss my commitment to ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they've earned through their service to a grateful nation. CODEL on Guam to look into North Korean threats, PNC News First September  I joined Governor McAuliffe and Rep. Connolly to commemorate job creation in Virginia's First District by attending a ribbon cutting for Iron Mountain's new data center, the first and largest of its kind in Prince William County. In Congress, we have taken many steps to roll back federal regulations so business can do what they do best— create jobs.  Rob Wittman column: Congressional irresponsibility is wrecking the military. That has to stop, Richmond Times-Dispatch October  I hosted a Rural Broadband Task Force Summit at the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative in conjunction with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. We had a great discussion about how we can provide broadband to all of Virginia's First District.  U.S. is overdue for more inclusive history, The Virginian-Pilot November  I hosted a "Faces of Tax Reform" event in Fredericksburg to talk with small business owners and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rogers about the need to reform our nation's complex and outdated tax code.  Tax reform isn't about brackets -- it's about people, House Republicans December I joined Speaker Ryan and other members of the House Armed Services Committee for the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act. President Trump signed the NDAA later in December; I am confident the NDAA will provide the U.S. Armed Forces with the resources to continue keeping our great nation safe.  A congressional perspective on the Fitzgerald, McCain collisions, Defense News To keep up with all of my work around the First District and in Washington, connect with me on Facebook. It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House. Have a happy new year! I'll see you in 2018. Sincerely, Rob

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