Saturday, November 3, 2018

Putting the First District first

Click here to                      visit my website

Friend-

October marked the beginning of Fiscal Year 2019 where, for the first time in a decade, our military started the year with on-time, reliable funding. Restoring years of decaying military readiness so our service members can complete their mission and come home safe has been a top priority of mine. From funding the military, to fighting back against the opioid crisis, to restoring funds for the Chesapeake Bay Program, to bringing our economy back to life, I'm proud of how I have worked to advance critical First District priorities.

Throughout the district work period this month, I traveled across every county in the district helping constituents with casework issues, visiting businesses, and holding constituent forums to discuss the pressing policy areas facing our nation.

See where I have stopped across the First District this month below:


Earlier this year, the President signed my bill granting federal recognition to the Virginia Indian tribes into law. I visited Werowocomoco to celebrate this long overdue recognition for the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Monacan, Nansemond, Rappahannock, and Upper Mattaponi tribes.

I met with folks in Gloucester and shared an update on my work to rebuild our military, expand broadband access, improve care for our veterans, and connect students with 21st Century jobs.

I hosted an opioid forum in Stafford to highlight resources for those suffering and the work being done to end this crisis once and for all.

I spent an afternoon touring businesses on Main Street in Bowling Green.


One of the most important parts of my job is helping constituents navigate federal agencies. I spent an afternoon meeting with families to hear about their casework success stories.

I joined Falls Run NARFE Chapter 2343 to detail how I've advocated for our nation's federal workforce.


I stopped by Walmart's store and academy in Fredericksburg to chat with employees and see how they are providing opportunities for veterans.


I heard from C&P Offroad Specialists about ways Congress can help sustain current economic growth, keep our businesses competitive, and remove government barriers to success.

I talked with my Young Professionals Council about job creation, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and ways to sustain our current economic growth.

I hosted a seniors' resources forum to discuss recent Medicare improvements and important resources to guard against consumer scams.

I spoke at the 100th Anniversary of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren.

Everytime I attend an honor flight send off, I'm reminded of how much our nation's veterans have sacrificed for us.


I hosted two Career & Technical Education symposiums, one in Hanover and the other in Stafford, to bring schools and businesses together to help our students cultivate the skills needed in today's workforce. 

I stopped by Greencore's operations here in Virignia to hear how regulatory relief has impacted their business. 

I met with government contractors in Prince William County to discuss how I fought for Virginia priorities in this year's National Defense Authorization Act.


I stopped by Iron Mountain Data Center In Manassas to catch up with employees after attending their grand opening last year.

I toured Northern Virginia Community College's workforce development program to hear more about how we are equipping our students with he skill's toot succeed in today's economy

I met with Supervisor Anderson to visit Old Bridge Road and discuss congestion solutions.

I received the Guardian of Seniors Right's Award from the 60+ Association for my commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare for current beneficiaries.

I visited StreetLight Ministries in Prince William County to drop off some donations and talk with their team about the ways they serve the homeless in Northern Virginia.

This Month's Clips

For the first time in a decade, the Department of Defense begins new fiscal year with funding in place (WTKR News)

Interview: Rep. Rob Wittman (Defense News)

Wittman Named "Hero of Main Street" (Prince William Living)

 HDT to hold high-tech ribbon cutting for its new Spotsylvania facility (Free Lance-Star)

Navy, Air Force officials tell Congress that aircraft fixes to help curtail crashes are underway (Stars and Stripes)

Recognition of the tribes (Gazette-Journal)

Virginia's Congressional Republicans Receive NFIB's Guardian of Small Business Award (The Republican Standard)

Wittman wants Navy to take over part of bridge cost (Gazette-Journal)

Wittman fields questions from local veterans (Virginia Gazette)

Wittman updates supervisors on issues affecting county (Richmond Times Dispatch)

Mission accomplished: Honor flight makes final trip (Virginia Gazette)

Greeley history at Dahlgren spans four generations, 85 years (Free Lance-Star)

EDITORIAL: Navy, Dahlgren celebrate first century together (Free Lance Star)

I really enjoyed getting out in the community to interact with constituents regarding the issues most important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me so I can best represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob

Offices

Hanover Office
6501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Ste. 102
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 730-6595
Fax: (804) 730-6597

Stafford Office
95 Dunn Drive
Ste. 201
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 659-2734
Fax: (540) 659-2737

Tappahannock Office
508 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: (804) 443-0668
Fax: (804) 443-0671

Washington D.C. Office
2055 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4261
Fax: (202) 225-4382



*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the First District I have established a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send additional correspondence.


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Saturday, October 27, 2018

Weekly Update: I Support Our Children’s Future

Click here to                      visit my website

Weekly Update: I Support Our Children's Future
By Congressman Rob Wittman
October 27, 2018

Strengthening America's education system is important in fostering innovation and promoting our economic security. This week, I held two Career and Technical Education (CTE) Symposiums in two areas in the district. The first took place on Monday at Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg and the second one in Hanover at American Legion Post 175. I've held these symposiums in order to connect education institutions with local businesses and the private sector, and to help ensure the curriculum for our students reflects the needs of the workforce.

 Currently, businesses across America are facing a severe talent shortage due to a lack of vocational education and technical training. One of my top priorities is promoting CTE and STEM programs as a way to cultivate skillsets needed in today's workforce and connect students with good-paying jobs. We must be preparing our young people and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in a global economy.

These symposiums are a great way for students to see what opportunities are available to them after high school. Not all students are on the path to a four-year college degree. By 2020, demand for STEM jobs will be higher than any other occupational focus including healthcare and service industry, with an estimated 9 million jobs. Almost of half of these jobs will require less than a four-year degree, paying an average of 15% more than non-STEM related jobs to people with similar academic background.

I have made it my mission to meet with all of the CTE programs in the First District and we have a had a lot of success. In May, I held my first symposium at the University of Mary Washington's Stafford campus, where, again, teachers, businesses, students, and education officials came together to discuss partnership opportunities and ways Congress can help our students cultivate tangible skill sets. With students facing record education-related debt averaging $37,000, and less than 30 percent of college graduates working in jobs related to their major, CTE offers a great alternative.


Congress has been working hard to bring even more, real change to our students. I was proud to support the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which is now signed into law. The Perkins CTE program controls over $1 billion in grants for federal, state, and local CTE programs. The reforms include expanding access to CTE programs, helping schools create partnerships with the business community so students can cultivate skills in demand by the labor market, improving and modernizing schools' CTE programs, and giving states and localities more control over how to spend CTE dollars.

Last year, my legislation, the Domestic Maritime Centers of Excellence Act, passed the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and was signed into law by the President. This bill advances the capabilities of two-year community and technical colleges to assist the federal government and industry in securing the talent pipeline for domestic maritime industry jobs. This bill not only helps promote participation in STEM and CTE but will create a talent pipeline for our shipbuilders and repairmen in order to sustain and grow our Navy's Fleet.

It is our responsibility to prepare students for the demands of our current society and to provide unemployed Americans with an outlet to reintegrate into the workforce. I will always continue working for what is right for our young people.

Offices

Hanover Office
6501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Ste. 1o2
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 730-6595
Fax: (804) 730-6597

Stafford Office
95 Dunn Drive
Ste. 201
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 659-2734
Fax: (540) 659-2737

Tappahannock Office
508 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: (804) 443-0668
Fax: (804) 443-0671

Washington D.C. Office
2055 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4261
Fax: (202) 225-4382

 


 


*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the First District I have established a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send additional correspondence.


Click Here to view this email in your browser
Click Here to be removed from this list

Friday, October 26, 2018

WATCH: Why we do this work

You've been Organizing for '18 for so many reasons. Watch this video and get inspired for this push to Election Day.
Organizing for Action
Robert --

For the past two years, you've worked your heart out.

You have given everything to make sure our country reflects the values that you care about. You have talked to your friends and family members. You have marched. You've showed up at your representative's office and at town halls. You have held trainings. And today, you continue to knock on doors and make phone calls to make sure that voters are ready to get to the ballot box.

You have proven this: OFA is only as powerful as the people who choose to get involved in this movement.

With just 11 days until Election Day, we want you to see the impact that you've had, and hold strong to what we need to do before November 6.

Watch and share this video:

Here's why we do our work. Join us: Volunteer.

People from throughout the country joined the team for a variety of different reasons: To protect their health care. To fight back against gerrymandering. To stand with women and LBGTQ communities. To elect better representatives nationwide.

But whatever the reason, one thing has been true: The grassroots energy and communities of action these volunteers and supporters have built since the program's launch has been awe-inspiring.

There are only 11 days until Election Day -- and there is a lot of work to be done.

Everything we care about -- education, affordable healthcare, gun violence reduction, environmental protection, women's rights, to name a few -- is on the line on November 6. And we need to make sure we do everything in our power to elect candidates who will stand up for these issues.

But we can only do that with your help. Get involved and volunteer in this final push.

Volunteer

Thanks,

Bobby

Bobby Brady-Sharp
Field Director
Organizing for Action













Paid for by Organizing for Action.

Contributions or gifts to Organizing for Action are not tax deductible.



This email was sent to: ofa@yorkteaparty.org.
If that is not your preferred email address, you can update your information here. We believe that emails are a vital way to stay in direct contact with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages.
Paid for by Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120 Chicago, IL 60661

WATCH: Why we do this work

You've been Organizing for '18 for so many reasons. Watch this video and get inspired for this push to Election Day.
Organizing for Action
Robert --

For the past two years, you've worked your heart out.

You have given everything to make sure our country reflects the values that you care about. You have talked to your friends and family members. You have marched. You've showed up at your representative's office and at town halls. You have held trainings. And today, you continue to knock on doors and make phone calls to make sure that voters are ready to get to the ballot box.

You have proven this: OFA is only as powerful as the people who choose to get involved in this movement.

With just 11 days until Election Day, we want you to see the impact that you've had, and hold strong to what we need to do before November 6.

Watch and share this video:

Here's why we do our work. Join us: Volunteer.

People from throughout the country joined the team for a variety of different reasons: To protect their health care. To fight back against gerrymandering. To stand with women and LBGTQ communities. To elect better representatives nationwide.

But whatever the reason, one thing has been true: The grassroots energy and communities of action these volunteers and supporters have built since the program's launch has been awe-inspiring.

There are only 11 days until Election Day -- and there is a lot of work to be done.

Everything we care about -- education, affordable healthcare, gun violence reduction, environmental protection, women's rights, to name a few -- is on the line on November 6. And we need to make sure we do everything in our power to elect candidates who will stand up for these issues.

But we can only do that with your help. Get involved and volunteer in this final push.

Volunteer

Thanks,

Bobby

Bobby Brady-Sharp
Field Director
Organizing for Action













Paid for by Organizing for Action.

Contributions or gifts to Organizing for Action are not tax deductible.



This email was sent to: alexanderofyork@yorkteaparty.org.
If that is not your preferred email address, you can update your information here. We believe that emails are a vital way to stay in direct contact with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages.
Paid for by Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120 Chicago, IL 60661

WATCH: Why we do this work

You've been Organizing for '18 for so many reasons. Watch this video and get inspired for this push to Election Day.
Organizing for Action
Robert --

For the past two years, you've worked your heart out.

You have given everything to make sure our country reflects the values that you care about. You have talked to your friends and family members. You have marched. You've showed up at your representative's office and at town halls. You have held trainings. And today, you continue to knock on doors and make phone calls to make sure that voters are ready to get to the ballot box.

You have proven this: OFA is only as powerful as the people who choose to get involved in this movement.

With just 11 days until Election Day, we want you to see the impact that you've had, and hold strong to what we need to do before November 6.

Watch and share this video:

Here's why we do our work. Join us: Volunteer.

People from throughout the country joined the team for a variety of different reasons: To protect their health care. To fight back against gerrymandering. To stand with women and LBGTQ communities. To elect better representatives nationwide.

But whatever the reason, one thing has been true: The grassroots energy and communities of action these volunteers and supporters have built since the program's launch has been awe-inspiring.

There are only 11 days until Election Day -- and there is a lot of work to be done.

Everything we care about -- education, affordable healthcare, gun violence reduction, environmental protection, women's rights, to name a few -- is on the line on November 6. And we need to make sure we do everything in our power to elect candidates who will stand up for these issues.

But we can only do that with your help. Get involved and volunteer in this final push.

Volunteer

Thanks,

Bobby

Bobby Brady-Sharp
Field Director
Organizing for Action













Paid for by Organizing for Action.

Contributions or gifts to Organizing for Action are not tax deductible.



This email was sent to: alex@yorkteaparty.org.
If that is not your preferred email address, you can update your information here. We believe that emails are a vital way to stay in direct contact with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages.
Paid for by Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120 Chicago, IL 60661

WATCH: Why we do this work

You've been Organizing for '18 for so many reasons. Watch this video and get inspired for this push to Election Day.
Organizing for Action
Diane --

For the past two years, you've worked your heart out.

You have given everything to make sure our country reflects the values that you care about. You have talked to your friends and family members. You have marched. You've showed up at your representative's office and at town halls. You have held trainings. And today, you continue to knock on doors and make phone calls to make sure that voters are ready to get to the ballot box.

You have proven this: OFA is only as powerful as the people who choose to get involved in this movement.

With just 11 days until Election Day, we want you to see the impact that you've had, and hold strong to what we need to do before November 6.

Watch and share this video:

Here's why we do our work. Join us: Volunteer.

People from throughout the country joined the team for a variety of different reasons: To protect their health care. To fight back against gerrymandering. To stand with women and LBGTQ communities. To elect better representatives nationwide.

But whatever the reason, one thing has been true: The grassroots energy and communities of action these volunteers and supporters have built since the program's launch has been awe-inspiring.

There are only 11 days until Election Day -- and there is a lot of work to be done.

Everything we care about -- education, affordable healthcare, gun violence reduction, environmental protection, women's rights, to name a few -- is on the line on November 6. And we need to make sure we do everything in our power to elect candidates who will stand up for these issues.

But we can only do that with your help. Get involved and volunteer in this final push.

Volunteer

Thanks,

Bobby

Bobby Brady-Sharp
Field Director
Organizing for Action













Paid for by Organizing for Action.

Contributions or gifts to Organizing for Action are not tax deductible.



This email was sent to: awolofa@yorkteaparty.org.
If that is not your preferred email address, you can update your information here. We believe that emails are a vital way to stay in direct contact with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages.
Paid for by Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120 Chicago, IL 60661

WATCH: Why we do this work

You've been Organizing for '18 for so many reasons. Watch this video and get inspired for this push to Election Day.
Organizing for Action
Pete --

For the past two years, you've worked your heart out.

You have given everything to make sure our country reflects the values that you care about. You have talked to your friends and family members. You have marched. You've showed up at your representative's office and at town halls. You have held trainings. And today, you continue to knock on doors and make phone calls to make sure that voters are ready to get to the ballot box.

You have proven this: OFA is only as powerful as the people who choose to get involved in this movement.

With just 11 days until Election Day, we want you to see the impact that you've had, and hold strong to what we need to do before November 6.

Watch and share this video:

Here's why we do our work. Join us: Volunteer.

People from throughout the country joined the team for a variety of different reasons: To protect their health care. To fight back against gerrymandering. To stand with women and LBGTQ communities. To elect better representatives nationwide.

But whatever the reason, one thing has been true: The grassroots energy and communities of action these volunteers and supporters have built since the program's launch has been awe-inspiring.

There are only 11 days until Election Day -- and there is a lot of work to be done.

Everything we care about -- education, affordable healthcare, gun violence reduction, environmental protection, women's rights, to name a few -- is on the line on November 6. And we need to make sure we do everything in our power to elect candidates who will stand up for these issues.

But we can only do that with your help. Get involved and volunteer in this final push.

Volunteer

Thanks,

Bobby

Bobby Brady-Sharp
Field Director
Organizing for Action













Paid for by Organizing for Action.

Contributions or gifts to Organizing for Action are not tax deductible.



This email was sent to: alexander@yorkteaparty.org.
If that is not your preferred email address, you can update your information here. We believe that emails are a vital way to stay in direct contact with supporters. Click here if you'd like to unsubscribe from these messages.
Paid for by Organizing for Action, P.O. Box 618120 Chicago, IL 60661

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Weekly Update: September Snapshot

Click here to                      visit my website

Friend-

Congress accomplished a great deal of work this September. We passed landmark legislation to combat the opioid crisis. We also sent a government funding bill to the President's desk that delivers on-time, reliable funding for our military for the first time in a decade. These resources will allow our service members to meet current national security threats and plan for the future. 

The House also took the first step to build on the incredible economic growth we've seen this year by passing Tax 2.0. This bill would make the tax cuts for working-class families and small businesses permanent, promote family savings, and spur new business innovation. 

When I wasn't in Washington working on these critical issues, I was out and about in the First District continuing my work to expand access to rural broadband, promote key workforce development programs, and ensure our service members have the tools they need. Check out some of the visits I had this past month below:


The Greater Williamsburg Ducks Unlimited Chapter held its 14th Annual Fall Event, where I joined some area Greenwings in activities including coloring, decoy painting, calling tips, and dog handling. Today's youth are the conservationists of tomorrow. 
 

I stopped by Modern Day Marine at MCB Quantico to speak with some our service members.

         

I spoke at the National Wildlife Refuge Expo about how I worked across the aisle with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to pass the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act that authorizes the volunteer programs critical to keeping our refuges up and running. 
 

I dropped off some school supplies and visited with teachers and school officials at Rosa Parks Elementary in Woodbridge.

I spoke with folks at the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce about the strength of our economy. From record low levels of unemployment to rising wages to record high consumer confidence, the polices this Congress has put in place are working.

I received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Virginia's First District has a plethora of small businesses that are critical to the health of our economy, and I'm proud to fight for the policies that help them succeed. 

I toured Diaz Foods Distribution center in Manassas to hear about the role tax reform has played in their business.


I spent an evening with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3886 to celebrate their 20th anniversary and thank them for their service to our community. 

I joined the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce to talk about ways Congress can work alongside states and localities to eliminate barriers to expanding broadband access in rural Virginia.

I stopped by Brentsville Day in Bristow to talk with the Daughters of the American Revolution.

I spoke with the New Kent Educational Foundation about my work to connect students with good paying jobs through CTE and STEM programs.

I had the pleasure of visiting Rappahannock Goodwill Industries to meet with their CEO, tour the facility, and learn more about their mission and services to folks in our area.

I heard from the firefighters at Stafford Local 4012 about ways Congress can continue to support our first responders.

I received the "Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award" from the 60 Plus Association for my commitment to protect Medicare and Social Security.

I met with the New Kent Chamber of Commerce for a business roundtable discussion to hear from business owners on how I can continue to be a voice for the polices that help our Virginia small businesses succeed.

I stopped by Proclaiming Grace Outreach to hear how they serve folks in New Kent and James City Counties through their food pantry and thrift shop.

I hosted a Hanover Veterans Forum at VFW Post 9808 to learn more about what issues First District veterans are experiencing and share some of the bills we've passed this Congress to expand and improve veterans' access to their hard-earned benefits.

I toured Anton-Paar USA Inc in Ashland to meet with employees, provide a Capitol Hill update, and hear how this Congress can continue working to alleviate the regulatory and compliance burden on businesses.

This month's press releases: 

Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Introduced to Celebrate Urban Wildlife Refuges

Wittman Votes to Fully Fund Military

Wittman Visits with Local Chambers of Commerce

Wittman Continues to Fight for Broadband Access at Fredericksburg Chamber Event

Wittman Statement on CBO Analysis of Public/Private Shipyards

Wittman Applauds Completion of First Funding Bills

Wittman Named "Hero of Main Street" 


This month's news clips:

Wittman shares legislative highlights with Williamsburg Chamber (Daily Press)

Wittman Votes to Fully Fund Military (Prince William Living)

At least 180 lawmakers voice support for federal pay raise as Congress goes to conference (Federal News Radio)

US Navy to launch force structure assessment (Defense News)

355-Ship Navy Will Mean Extending Vessels Past Planned Lifespans: Admiral (Military.com)

New Authorities Helping Navy Save Money on New Weapons; Sustainment Costs Still an Issue (USNI News)

Interview: Rep. Rob Wittman (Defense News)

At least 180 lawmakers voice support for federal pay raise as Congress goes to conference (Federal News Radio)

Editorial: Public shipyards are in dire need for a makeover (Virginian Pilot)

Lawmakers call on Trump to declare federal emergency (Virginia First)

Virginia Lawmakers Call on Trump to Declare Federal Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Florence (Townhall)

Vietnam veteran who's battled for VA benefits gets a respectful sendoff (Free Lance Star)

Wittman Statement on Completion of Appropriations Bills (Prince William Living)

New Navy Force Structure Assessment, 2018 Elections Could Change the Path to 355-Ship Fleet (USNI News)

I really enjoyed getting out in the community to interact with constituents regarding the issues most important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me so I can best represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob

Offices

Hanover Office
6501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Ste. 102
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 730-6595
Fax: (804) 730-6597

Stafford Office
95 Dunn Drive
Ste. 201
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 659-2734
Fax: (540) 659-2737

Tappahannock Office
508 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: (804) 443-0668
Fax: (804) 443-0671

Washington D.C. Office
2055 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4261
Fax: (202) 225-4382

 


 


*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the First District I have established a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send additional correspondence
.




Click Here to view this email in your browser
Click Here to be removed from this list