Stafford County, Va. –– As budget negotiations between House Republicans and President Barack Obama continue over raising the nation’s debt ceiling, Virginia First District Congressman Rob Wittman (R) took the discussion to his constituents in late June with a Town Hall.
The June 28 gathering at Stafford County’s England Run Library brought a standing room only crowd; all of who were not the least bit hesitant to stand up to voice their opinion.
Wittman presented a briefing on the status of the federal budget and told the crowd, “Every effort must be made to get our economy moving again and get folks back to work.”
When the floor was open for questions the crowd who submitted their names in advance immediately fired back.
An oft-repeated concern was the amount of federal funds being spent on foreign aid.
“Why are we spending money on nation building,” asked one attendee who felt those dollars could be better spent at home.
Still another voiced very specific about concern over exactly what type of religious buildings were being constructed with those funds.
Defense spending levels were also a concern of many, and they wanted to know if Wittman, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, was willing to make necessary cuts.
The congressman responded saying nothing was off the table, including defense.
The mostly boomer generation crowd also had concerns about proposed reductions in Medicare and changes to Social Security.
Wittman told the crowd he was committed to protecting Medicare for those currently receiving benefits and sustaining the program for future generations.
He said he supports the recent House budget proposal that will maintain current benefits for anyone 55 years old.
“I firmly believe that we must not change benefits for those that depend on them most,” said Wittman.
Wittman voted against the government-run health care legislation, which cut $500 billion from Medicare to pay for other programs
The cost of gas and efforts to increase production along with concerns about natural resources and the environment were among the hot topics.
The congressman replied saying, “I have supported legislation to address those issues.”
In the current budget debate, Wittman who does not support arbitrarily increasing the debt ceiling.
Wittman says the country’s fiscal future is one of the most critical issues facing the nation and direct input from his constituents is an important part of the process of representing the people he serves.
A National Debt calculator is continually running on his Wittman’s web site.
Background research for story provided by Marty van Duyne.
