What Robert J. Wittman said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable service of Mr. Marvin Russell. Marvin is the embodiment of bravery, service, and unparalleled devotion to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caroline Kuhn for her outstanding service and many contributions to Virginia's 1st Congressional District and to our Nation. Caroline joined my office in January 2025 after serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means.”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support today of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in putting together this critical piece of legislation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Sharon O'Neal, a cherished member of our community. Sharon was an extraordinary individual who lived a full and truly beautiful life.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Commander Christopher Ragsdale on the occasion of his taking command of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee. This milestone is a testament to his professionalism and unyielding commitment to serving our Nation.”

“Ragsdale distinguished himself as a professional of the highest caliber. Commander Ragsdale has judgement that is unmatched and a commitment to excellence that is second to none. These traits made him an invaluable asset to our team.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Susan Lascolette, a cherished member of our community. Susan was an extraordinarily dedicated individual who worked tirelessly and persistently to make her country, commonwealth, and Nation a better place.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the National Speech & Debate Association's 2026 National Tournament, which will be hosted in Richmond, Virginia, this June. This prestigious national tournament will welcome more than 10,000 students, educators, and families from across the United States to the Commonwealth's capital.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Brian Tanaka on the occasion of his departure from North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program as Commanding Officer and retiring from the Navy after serving for 30 years as a Submarine Officer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my extraordinary granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth Gooch, on the occasion of her graduation from high school as valedictorian of her class. Morgan's achievement reflects not only academic excellence, but also perseverance, devotion, and sacrifice.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Alan Black on the occasion of his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), where he served as Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs.”

“Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Katherine Getty Koohmaraie and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation. Katherine joined my team in March of last year from Emergent BioSolutions, where she was head of federal affairs, after serving at the NRCC for two cycles.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sarah Roberts, an incredible Girl Scout from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, for demonstrating remarkable leadership, inspiring creativity, and a commitment to making a lasting impact by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sara Miller, an incredible Girl Scout from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, for demonstrating extraordinary leadership, refreshing creativity, and a devotion to making a lasting impact by earning the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mathews Museum in Mathews County, Virginia, as it proudly sponsors the County's annual spring festival, May Faire, to be held May 2, 2026, and May 3, 2026.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this piece of legislation to designate the New Kent Post Office in honor of a remarkable public servant, Patricia Paige.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional Marine and a valued member of our congressional family, Alexander Feldman, on the occasion of his well-earned promotion to the rank of Major.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. This legislation safeguards the rights of sportsmen and -women who play such a critical role in the conservation of our lands and resources across our Nation.”

“Madam Speaker, H.R. 6380 recognizes the national significance of the Chiricahua in southeastern Arizona while helping unlock more tourism and investment for surrounding communities. Elevating this site to national park status will raise its profile, attract more visitors, and support local jobs without expanding its boundaries or changing its management.”

“House of Representatives, Committee on Agriculture, Washington, DC, September 5, 2025. Hon. Bruce Westerman, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual understanding regarding H.R. 528, the ``Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025.'' Thank you for collaborating with the Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our jurisdiction.”

“The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3073 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia for being named 2026 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional public servant and partner to Congress, Kathryn Yurkanin, Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, as she retires after 41 years of dedicated service to our Nation.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of critical minerals. They are the backbone of our economy, but the U.S. has ceded supply chain dominance to China, our primary adversary.”

“We have outsourced our supply chains to them, allowing them to engage in unfair trade practices that put our Nation's strategic and economic security at great risk. The Trump administration has long recognized the threat China poses to our critical mineral supply chains and has taken bold actions that I applaud.”

“Madam Speaker, recently the House Committee on Natural Resources voted favorably to report H.R. 4294, the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support Act, better known as the MAWS Act.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joe Schumacher in honor of his 25 years of dedicated public service to Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Joe has had a profound impact on my work in Congress, and he is truly one of the finest leaders I know.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize an exceptional young student, Madeline Brobst, a senior at Franklin Christian Academy who has received a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT exam.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) Program in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Launched in 2016, Sheriff Karl Leonard initiated the program after recognizing the alarming rate of overdose deaths in his own county.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe Schumacher for his 25 years of dedicated service to the great folks in Virginia's First Congressional District and to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will speak briefly about community project funding. Through fiscal year 2026, the appropriations process, I was able to advocate and secure 20 million taxpayer dollars, money to come back to the First Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Captain Alexander Feldman, United States Marine Corps, and his service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Alex joined my office in January and quickly became an indispensable member of my team.”

“Whereas Specialist Beckstrom worked a civilian job as a community engagement specialist at a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center in Summersville, West Virginia that provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment; Whereas United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, a graduate of Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, enlisted on February 5, 2019, while still in high school, and was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard; Whereas, in his civilian job, Staff Sergeant Wolfe has worked as a lineman with Frontier Communications since 2023, which has benefitted his community by bringing connectivity to more homes and businesses in West Virginia; Whereas Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe have both received an outpouring of support and praise from their communities and from around the country as individuals who served with distinction, earned the admiration and respect of their communities, and acted selflessly and courageously on behalf of others; and Whereas Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe had both recently volunteered to extend their deployments in Washington, D.C. and continue their service to help keep the Capital of the United States safe: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) honors the memory, service and sacrifice of United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom for her dedicated service to her State and to her country as a member of the West Virginia National Guard; (2) honors the service and sacrifice of United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe for his dedicated service to his State and to his country as a member of the West Virginia National Guard; (3) extends its sympathies, gratitude, and support for the Beckstrom and Wolfe families for all they have endured and will face because of this attack, as their love and support have been the foundation of the service of Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe to their State and the United States; (4) honors the bravery of National Guard members on the scene who displayed courage and strength while under attack; (5) expresses gratitude for the swift action of members of the National Guard and first responders on the scene who responded to the attack and apprehended the attacker; (6) condemns in the strongest terms the horrific, violent assault on United States servicemembers in the Capital of the United States; and (7) recognizes that the men and women who volunteer to serve their communities and their country as members of the National Guard represent the very best of the United States of America.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from West Virginia for his heartfelt comments, as well as Mrs. Miller. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate National Adoption Month this November, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact adoption has had on my life. When I was born, my birth mother made the courageous decision to place me up for adoption, and I spent my first few months in the loving care of the Children's Home Society of Virginia in downtown Richmond.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tabb High School Tigers Golf Team of York County, Virginia, for winning the Virginia Class 3, Region A Golf Championship--their first regional title since 2001.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major Aaron Reep's distinguished service as a Marine Corps House Liaison Officer from January 2024 to December 2025. Following his exemplary service as a Department of Defense Legislative Fellow in my office, Major Reep continued his dedication to our Nation by serving as a legislative liaison in the Marine Corps House Liaison Office.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its impact on Special Olympics Virginia. Special Olympics Virginia has provided year-round sports training and competition to thousands of athletes for decades, empowering them to achieve their personal best while fostering inclusion, respect, and community engagement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1047, the GRID Power Act. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Balderson for leading on this bill and Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie and his staff for their incredible work on this.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hallie Coyne and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation. Hallie joined my office in 2022 and quickly became one of the most effective and recognized personal office defense staffers in the House.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kathryn Rexrode and her service and contributions to Virginia's 1st District and the Nation. Kathryn joined my district team four years ago and has served our office well.”

“As the United States faces pacing threats from China, this NDAA ensures the United States remains peerless by reforming and modernizing the Pentagon's acquisition policies. This bill includes my provision instituting a minimum assignment period of 6 years for acquisition program executive officers, strengthening institutional memory in the acquisition process.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Bonamassa, a celebrated blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter, for his tireless efforts in preserving and promoting the blues genre. Through the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA), Bonamassa has become a beacon of hope for aspiring musicians, educators, and enthusiasts alike.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the well-deserved retirement of William W. ``Bill'' Crow. Born and raised in Morganfield, Kentucky, Bill Crow graduated in 1980 from the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as Ensign in the United States Navy.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carroll Lee Ashburn for his community service and civic leadership to the Northern Neck. The influence Carroll has shown on his community over the years has cemented his legacy as a legendary softball coach, manager, sports broadcaster, and local historian.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. James Horn on his upcoming retirement as President and Chief Officer of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation. After over a decade as the leader of Jamestown, the site of America's first permanent settlement, Dr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and mourn the passing of Mr. Donald R. Dwight of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr. Dwight was a Marine, newspaper executive, and dedicated public servant.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Crane on his upcoming retirement as President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). Mr. Crane will conclude his illustrious career after over forty years of public service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and mourn the passing of Mr. Donald Dwight of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Mr. Dwight was a Marine, newspaper executive, and dedicated public servant.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liz Martin on her retirement as President of the VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. She wrapped up her time in June after an esteemed thirty-six-year career in healthcare.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Willa Shannon and her service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Willa joined my office as Press Assistant after working for Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dale W. Sisson, Jr., on his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), after a distinguished career dedicated to serving our nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Darrell S. Tremblay. Darrell S. Tremblay first joined the fire service in February of 1987 as a volunteer fireman in Stafford County, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Julianne Heberlein and her service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Julianne served as a mentor and leader for the communications team and the entire office, sharing her expertise and experience with the rest of my team.”

“Mr. Speaker, I ask you to rise with me to celebrate the graduation of Seth Cella from Fork Union Military Academy. Seth Cella, born in 2007, is graduating with honors later this month.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I have had the honor and privilege to know Gerry Connolly for over three decades. He and I served in local government together for years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Darin Coward who worked for 23 years at Colonial Williamsburg. He was beloved by all his co-workers and many guests over the years due to his hospitality and welcoming nature.”

“Imbuing The Sprit of 76 in all his sharing. Born in Michigan in 1976, later to cross the heartland for a career to pursue. To work in one of our forefather's bastion of freedom true.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, known as the FACT Act. I introduced this bill in January, and I have been pleased to see it advance through committee and now onto the House floor.”

“Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Vernon L. Michael for his 40 years of outstanding Federal service both as a military member of the United States Navy, and as a civilian for the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of the General Counsel (OGC).”

“In December 2008, Mr. Michael was appointed to the position of Special Assistant for Administrative Matters in DON OGC. In this role, he directly supports the General Counsel of the Navy (GC), a Presidentially Appointed, Senate-confirmed official, and the Principal Deputy General Counsel (PDGC).”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Sergeant Major Andrew Brown for his exemplary and distinguished 22 years of service to our Nation. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Sergeant Major Brown has represented the great state of Texas and the city of Lubbock with honor, dedication, and distinction throughout his remarkable military career.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Patsy Pettus, a cherished member of our community. Patsy is an extraordinary individual whose life has exemplified nothing short of the beauty in living life curiously.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary of a beloved couple. I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. and Mrs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Marion Cockrell, a beloved member of Virginia's First District Republican Committee. It was with immense sadness that I learned of her passing late last week and would like to take a moment to highlight her many contributions to Virginia's First District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fauquier County and Vicinity Ministers' Coalition. Since their establishment at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown, Virginia in 1991 the coalition has focused on faith-based community service, advocacy, and leadership development.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Regan Hinson and her service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Regan always served our office and our team well.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of studying the implementation of automated software tools that will improve and expedite the organ donation referral process. The United States has one of the best organ donation and transplantation systems in the world.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 300th anniversary of the King William County Courthouse, which stands as the oldest courthouse building in continuous use in the United States.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Will Sroka and his service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation. Will earned his bachelor's degree from the reigning NCAA college football champions Ohio State University, where he majored in sociology.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions of Major Mansfield, a cherished member of our community and a native son to the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Shirley Kenneth Jones, a cherished member of our community who sadly passed away on January 3, 2025.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, H.R. 207, the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act, also known as the SHARKED Act.”