My Recent Vote to Protect the Chesapeake Bay

Statement

Friend-

Like you, I care deeply for the Chesapeake Bay; unfortunately, the Bay faces many ecological challenges. Prior to serving in Congress, I conducted field research in the Bay as a state health official--so I know firsthand the necessity of its restoration. Cleaning up the Bay by restoring water quality, protecting critical habitats, and restoring plant and animal life is a smart investment for the long term economic prosperity of all Virginians. As such, I wanted to update you on some of the work I have been doing recently.

As you may know, I always put the interests of Virginia's First District ahead of everything else, which is why I recently voted against an amendment to H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, that would have delayed cleanup efforts and prioritized a battle for bureaucratic power over our efforts to save the Bay. I want to be very clear, restoring the Chesapeake Bay is a top priority for me, and I will not let jurisdictional debates prevent the people of Virginia's First District from getting what they need--a clean bay.
In addition to my vote, I had to pleasure of meeting with the members of The Trust for Public Land's Chesapeake Advisory Board; we discussed urgent land conservation issues, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program. The Trust for Public Land conserves working farms, ranches, and forests; lands of historical and cultural importance; rivers, streams, coasts, and watersheds; and other special places where people can experience nature close at hand. And as a lifelong sportsman and conservationist, I am committed to restoring and maintaining the places that make our Virginian way of life unique.

Moving forward, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, please know that I am committed to protecting our natural resources and believe they play an important role in the cultural, economic, historic, and recreational fabric of our great nation. I will continue to work to conserve our natural resources and encourage responsible stewardship of our land, water, and wildlife.

Please don't hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before Congress, especially if it pertains to the Bay or our environment.

It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.

Sincerely,
Rob

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