Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6893, the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act, and I am very proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Representative Kiggans. The Chesapeake Bay is one of our Nation's most important natural resources, and this bill will ensure the bay remains healthy for generations to come. H.R. 6893 reauthorizes the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Program office, which has been a leading partner in bay restoration efforts.
2026 MidtermsLikely SeatR+13$2.5M raised
Robert Wittman
Representative · Virginia · Republican
Robert Wittman
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation will require State utility regulators to examine standards to ensure that data centers pay all the costs associated with their power generation, transmission lines, and grid upgrades needed to serve their facilities. The Commonwealth of Virginia is home to approximately 13 percent of all data centers in the world. Some of these data centers are located in the district that I represent.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of H.R. 7889, the Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act. This legislation would reauthorize the Water Resources Research Act, better known as the WRRA, and it will strengthen Federal investment in the water research that our communities depend upon. It supports a nationwide network of research institutes that address State and regional water challenges. This is locally driven, nationally significant research.
Biography
Robert Wittman began his career as a public health specialist, dedicating years to environmental and community health issues. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia’s 1st District in 2007, Wittman has focused on military readiness, environmental conservation, and strengthening the Chesapeake Bay. He authored bipartisan legislation to support water infrastructure improvements and serves on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees. Wittman is known for his pragmatic approach, working closely with local leaders to address the specific needs of his district and ensure sustainable growth.
Education
- Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA1992
- M.P.H. in Health Policy and Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC1989
- B.S. in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA1981
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2007–PresentRepresented Virginia's 1st congressional district for 10 terms.
State Delegate, Virginia House of Delegates (99th District)
2006–2007Elected in 2005 to represent the 99th district and served on the Agriculture; Chesapeake and Natural Resources; and Police and Public Safety Committees.
Chair, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors
2003–2005Led the county board after serving as a member, working on issues including library development and teacher pay.
Member, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors
1996–2005Served on the county governing body, helping create new libraries and advocating for teacher salary increases.
Mayor, Town of Montross, Virginia
1992–1996Served as mayor and oversaw initiatives including an overhaul of the town sewage system and development of a computerized tax billing system.
Member, Montross Town Council
1986–1996Held local office on the town council for a decade before and during his tenure as mayor.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security32%
Health11%
International Affairs9%
Energy7%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Robert Wittman's record in Congress.
Chesapeake Bay Restoration
Secured increased federal funding for Chesapeake Bay cleanup and conservation efforts.
Military Readiness
Advocated for expanded shipbuilding and naval infrastructure to support national defense and Virginia’s shipyards.
Broadband Expansion
Supported legislation to improve rural broadband access in underserved Virginia communities.
Fisheries Management
Co-sponsored bills to enhance sustainable fisheries and protect commercial fishing jobs in Virginia.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Natural ResourcesVice Chair
- House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
- House Committee on Armed Services
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