Rep. Rob Wittman at the YRFV Convention

Speaking to an audience of forty Young Republicans from all across the Commonwealth of Virginia yesterday, Congressman Rob Wittman spoke about the current session in Congress. Touching on the current economic woes facing America, Wittman spoke about the current deficits at the Federal level. Wittman said we have a deficit of $1 trillion dollars, and the government has continued to add to this deficits by approving $1 trillion dollars with the stimulus, $400 billion dollars in omnibus spending, and now, a $3.6 billion dollar budget. Wittman further emphasized that there has been an increase of spending for all government agencies and the recent defense spending cuts.

During his speech, he said that the tea parties have brought out great dissent for those who are against the massive government spending increases. “They are thirsting for someone to provide direction, and we [the federal government] need to be good stewards of tax dollars.” Wittman mentioned that we need to be focused on helping small businesses and standing up for lower taxes, individual freedoms and liberties.

Wittman also mentioned the recent push by the Obama administration and Congress to pass universal health care. Universal health care is not the way to go, and Wittman said the Republicans in Congress are committed to pushing for an alternative plan for individuals to access care at different points in the system and control the current costs. Right now, only 17% of the GDP is being spent in health care.