House okays critical defense spending plan; Rep. Wittman pleased with details

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), who represents part of Prince William County and who chairs the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, praised passage of the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2014.

The annual appropriations legislation, H.R. 2397, includes $512 billion in non-war funding, a decrease of $5.1 billion below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level and approximately $28.1 billion above the current level caused by automatic sequestration spending cuts.

The legislation does not contain any funding for a Base Realignment and Closure Commission, and prohibits the use of DoD employee furloughs during Fiscal Year 2014, according to a news release from Wittman’s office on Capitol Hill.

“I’m pleased the House has passed this critical legislation providing certainty for our military and our nation’s defense, and prohibiting the harmful practice of furloughs,” Wittman was quoted as saying. “The House passed this legislation to mitigate the effects of these furloughs and more largely, sequestration, on our DoD employees and our nation’s military readiness. I urge the Senate to swiftly consider companion legislation; nothing is more important at this time.”

Wittman also noted the importance of funding for shipbuilding for FY14, including funding for two Virginia-class attack submarines, which would replace retiring Los Angeles-class submarines and would constitute the bulk of the future attack submarine force.

He stated, according to the news release, “I continue to urge my colleagues to stay in Washington to ensure the nation’s business is finished. I believe Congress should not leave during the month of August, but should stay here to get the job done and will oppose adjourning just as I did in last August. It is important to connect with constituents, and I am fortunate to be able to drive home each night and stay connected with reality. However, unfinished business on many pieces of legislation including this defense measure and others must be completed. I believe my constituents – many of them furloughed DoD employees – would agree. Congress has a job to do and should not leave until the job is done.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.