Congressman Rob Wittman should get his stories straight. On May 22 Wittman published an editorial in the “Washington Times” newspaper in which he stated:
Virginia’s First District encompasses some of the most unique transportation challenges in the country.
From congested highways to strained commuter rail systems and deteriorating roads and bridges to sediment-filled waterways, our infrastructure faces significant hurdles.
Addressing rural transportation infrastructure is crucial for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness on the world stage.
What Wittman did not say is that he voted AGAINST the November 2021 Infrastructure Act that included millions of dollars for the very transportation needs he described. Here is a partial list of what Wittman voted AGAINST.
- $25,000,000 to expand I-64 in New Kent County;
- Hanover County Municipal Airport upgrades: $1,480,000;
- $790,000 EACH for upgrades at these airports: New Kent County; Tappahannock-Essex County; Middle Peninsula Regional;
- $3,712,000 for improvements at the Richmond Marine Terminal/Port of Richmond;
- $72,371,000 to expand capacity and improve navigation in Norfolk Harbor;
- $1,500,000 for Essex County for community transit planning.
The Biden administration’s Infrastructure Act did exactly what Wittman says needs to be done “. . . address rural transportation infrastructure.” The problem is that Wittman voted “NO” to transportation improvements in the First District.
However, after voting NO, Wittman has made it a point to show up at construction sites and claim credit for the funds — he is a charter member of the “Vote No But Take The Dough Club”.
He has been in Congress for seventeen years. He does not deserve to serve any longer and should not be re-elected in November.