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November 24 –Tennessee Valley Corridor founder Congressman Zach Wamp led the TVC Southeast Partnership Event in Asheville, N.C., with Congressman Heath Shuler. The focus of this fall’s event was “Exploring Collaborative Opportunities” and featured sessions focused specifically on how to create manufacturing opportunities in new technologies for the future.
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November 21 – “Some of the best jobs will come out of our new technologies to protect our natural environment, like the energy-efficient cars and buildings of the future,” said Congressman Wamp. Zach joined the Alton Park community and the Calvin Donaldson Science Academy for the grand opening of the new outdoor classroom that borders a creek near the school and will play a major role in implementing the school’s focus on environmental science.
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November 18 - Congressman Wamp thanked DOE Assistant Secretary James Rispoli for his efforts to get DOE approval for nuclear cleanup planning at the Oak Ridge Site. “This essential step in moving forward on one of the most important missions on the Oak Ridge reservation is a welcome announcement at a time of economic uncertainty for many in East Tennessee,” Zach said. “The Integrated Facility Disposition Program must go forward to clean up the World War II and Cold War legacy assets within the fences of ORNL and Y-12 and finish modernizing these world-class institutions.”
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November 17 – “The SimCenter’s simulation mission at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a great new frontier of science. With a partnership between Y-12 and UTC, there is an extraordinary opportunity to advance our country in the field of science and technology,” said Congressman Wamp at a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between UTC and Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12.
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November 10 – “A business incubator tied to an institution of higher learning is exactly how is should be done,” Congressman Wamp said at the ribbon cutting unveiling the newest section of the Cleveland/Bradley Business Incubator. “It is innovative, appropriate and smart for Cleveland State to integrate the preparation of the workforce to manufacturing jobs that are investing in our region.” Since it’s inception in 2000 the incubator has graduated 69 businesses creating about 350 jobs.
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November 4 - Congressman Wamp welcomes a crowd to the opening reception of the Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association’s (ETEBA) annual Business Opportunities Conference. “We have a few major missions like nuclear energy, reducing the carbon footprint and changing the world for the better with U.S. leadership and entrepreneurship,” said Zach. ETEBA is a nonprofit trade association that provides environmental, technology, energy, engineering and construction services to both government and corporate clients.
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October 31 – At a groundbreaking ceremony, Congressman Wamp and many regional leaders welcomed Blaine Business Park as the newest industrial land available in Grainger County for development. “East Tennessee has once again looked at the needs of its communities and created a solution that will help a ready and willing work force find jobs, as well as bring new economic opportunities to the region,” said Wamp. “The Blaine Business Park’s 172 acres will provide a unique opportunity for those looking to locate to the area and invest in East Tennessee.”
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October 31 – This was no ordinary day at Washburn School - students were in costume and busy celebrating the Halloween festivities. To make the day even more extraordinary, Congressman Wamp paid a special visit to the students to present them with a wooden statue of their mascot – a Pirate. Washburn School in northern Grainger County serves children in grades K-12.
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October 24 – “The heart of a growing economy is manufacturing, and that is what Schering Plough is all about,” Congressman Wamp said. “Other companies look at you and see an innovative and intelligent work force, the low cost of doing business and high quality of life, and they decide to invest in our region.” Zach celebrated the plant’s expansion that will add 120 new manufacturing jobs to the company.
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October 23 – "You've been given the opportunity to be a citizen of the United States of America. And it comes with responsibility to be an active citizen. In this country, there is so much freedom guaranteed to you, that if want, you can ride in the wagon, but I would encourage you to help us pull the wagon," said Congressman Wamp at a naturalization ceremony. Zach congratulated Sergio Plecas and his mother, from Croatia, who were sworn in as American citizens with 46 others from 36 different countries.
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October 14 – Farmers and small business owners talked about the future with Congressman Zach Wamp at the groundbreaking of a first of its kind bio-refinery plant. The Vonore, TN pilot-scale refinery and a state-of-the-art research and development facility will produce fuel from locally grown switchgrass and is a joint public-private partnership between the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Congressman Wamp has worked for almost a decade with UT and ORNL to fund cutting edge research in alternative energy sources.
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October 9 – Congressman Wamp was the keynote speaker at the weekly meeting of the Chattanooga Rotary Club. After the meeting at the Chattanooga Trade Center, the Congressman answered a variety of questions from the overflow crowd. Rotarian Bob Main was one of many to share his thoughts with the Congressman at the close of the luncheon.
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October 8 - “It’s laboratories like MCLinc that are investing and creating opportunities for others that will lead us back to a more competitive place in the world,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. The small business research lab and consulting organization celebrated it’s 10th anniversary of business at the East Tennessee Technology Park under DOE’s reindustrialization program. Zach joins Barry Stephenson, MCLinc President/CEO to cut the anniversary cake.
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September 30 - “Three ponds were built to help alleviate flooding in the downtown business district. This is a perfect example of how good government works together,” Congressman Wamp said at the detention pond ribbon cutting in Cleveland. Cooperation at the local, state and federal level helped make the community’s important water project a reality.
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September 30 - Congressman Wamp spoke at the first annual Court Watch Partners awards luncheon honoring Judge Bob Moon as the “Judge of the Year.” Volunteers from Court Watch Partners follow court cases through the criminal justice system to send the message that crime affects everyone in every neighborhood. These volunteers are a vital frontline group to help combat crime in Chattanooga’s neighborhoods.
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September 25 - The Alliance to Save Energy held a conference to hear from leaders about their work to implement energy efficiency and make sure we have adequate supplies of energy. Energy efficiency is the quickest, cleanest and cheapest energy resource available. Congressman Zach Wamp, co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, addressed the role Congress can play in increasing energy efficiency, including through long-term tax incentives that could lead to meaningful growth in the industries that will lead us to energy independence.
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September 24 - The Campaign to End Obesity presented Congressman Wamp a “Champion” award for all of his work through the Congressional Fitness Caucus and his support of the FIT Kids Act and other legislation aimed at reducing obesity at their first annual Breakfast with Champions. Zach said, “Obesity is sentencing our young people to a life of chronic illness, but we can change their course if they understand the importance of physical activity, diet, wellness and prevention.”
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September 18 - Pat Lindley and Sharon White of Chattanooga-based AAA Women’s Services, Inc. shared with Congressman Wamp that the pregnancy resource center will receive a President’s Volunteer Freedom Award from the White House USA Freedom Corps on Friday. The President's Volunteer Service Award program was created to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
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September 17 - “Advancements in robotics should be driven by the private sector, but supported by federal investment in research and development,” said Congressman Wamp, co-founder of the Congressional Robotics Caucus, at a briefing on robots operating in urban environments. “Robotics is the key to U.S. global competitiveness and the growth of the nation's manufacturing base.”
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September 10 - “Regionalism is the way to go, and VW’s selection of Chattanooga for its new automotive plant is an example of what you can do when we’re cooperating at the local, state and federal levels,” said Congressman Wamp at a legislative lunch for members of the Blount County Chamber, Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Oak Ridge Chamber & East Tennessee Economic Council in Washington, D.C. “We have the experience, institutions, momentum and quality of life to grow tremendous economic investments in our region.”
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September 8 - Students chanted, “The human body was made to move!” along with Congressman Wamp at the dedication of the Big Ridge Elementary School Fitness Course. “If you take good care of yourself physically, you’ll sleep better, feel better and learn better,” said Zach. “Big Ridge is leading the challenge of implementing more physical activity into our schools.”
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September 6 - “To recruit, activate and retain our nation’s best soldiers, we must show our support by dedicating ourselves to honoring their sacrifice and commitment for the rest of their lives,” said Congressman Wamp. The Vietnam Veterans of America-Chapter 942, the third largest in the country, held its annual meet and greet at the Soddy-Daisy Veterans Memorial Park. The Tennessee Army National Guard 1/230th Air Cavalry Squadron surprised attendees with a helicopter flyover.
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August 28 - “This is a whole lot more than a piece of cloth. It’s a symbol with tremendous meaning and it is important that we have symbols that stand for things that are bigger than us,” Congressman Wamp said about the flag at Polk County High School. Zach talked with about 250 juniors and seniors answering questions ranging from the war in Iraq to the economy.
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August 26 - Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson County was able to replace its old tanker truck with a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Congressman Wamp met with Fire Chief Joe Devotie to inspect the new truck, which now meets all fire fighting safety standards. The new truck will increase response time and give the department the ability to safely and efficiently respond to emergencies in the 27-square-miles it covers in Jefferson County.
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August 25 – The new Grainger High School, which covers nearly 60 acres, was built to ease over-crowding at other area schools and can accommodate as many as 1,500 students. Congressman Wamp tours the new state-of-the-art facility with administrators who offer him a first-hand look at the spacious library, complete with two large computer labs. Grainger County students are proud of their new school and new mascot, the ‘Grainger Grizzlies.’
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August 21 - “This is the kind of technology that will help make Chattanooga nationally competitive”, Congressman Wamp said at the AquaShield Stormwater Technology Showcase. “Water, energy, and climate change are all tied to global security, and we’ve got to take a leadership role in addressing these challenges” Zach and Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield listen as Kelly Williamson describes the stormwater treatment and water technologies that have been incorporated at AquaShield’s headquarters.
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August 18 - Congressman Wamp and Oak Ridge officials celebrated the announcement of the city’s designation as a Preserve America Community. "Historic preservation is important and difficult because we are moving so fast but we must hold on to the history in Oak Ridge and preserve it for future generations," said Zach. The Preserve America program provides grant funding to historic preservation, tourism and education projects of national significance including $150,000 for Oak Ridge.
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August 13 - “Public-private partnerships, such as the strategic partnerships among Y-12, Adaptive Methods and The Enterprise Center, will help move technology created by the government to the marketplace while increasing our manufacturing sector,” said Congressman Wamp at a licensing agreement signing ceremony. Zach says that the partnership “takes advantage of the resources available in the Tennessee Valley Corridor and is a model of successful technology transfer. This is where preparation and opportunity meet.”
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August 11 - “Since we do not fund infrastructure like we do battleships, which is all up front, the Chickamauga Lock requires annual funding – so we are giving this project our total attention to keep it moving from year to year,” Congressman Wamp said of the Chickamauga Dam replacement lock. He toured the progress of the cofferdam construction with Lt. Col. Lindstrom of the Army Corps of Engineers and local elected officials.
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August 11 - “As long as we are putting our service members in harm’s way, we owe it to them to have quality space available like we have at the Chattanooga National Cemetery,” said Congressman Wamp. Zach invited VA Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs Bill Tuerk on a tour of the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Mayor Ron Littlefield and Cemetery Director Paul Martin to survey potential sites for expansion, both within the grounds and on adjacent land at the south end of the cemetery.
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August 10 - “From the time you departed your families as they wept, our prayers have sustained you, and it is undeniable the success in Iraq was made possible because of the men and women of our National Guard,” said Congressman Wamp at the Freedom Salute honoring the members of the TN Army National Guard’s 1/181st Field Artillery battalion. The 1/181st FA was responsible for operating and maintaining Camp Bucca, which is the largest detention facility in the world. Brigadier General Max Haston presented each soldier a cased American Flag, ceremonial coin, medallion and commemorative lapel pin for their service.
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August 8 - “The kids that will enter these halls next week will be filled with enthusiasm, willingness and a desire to learn and achieve,” said Congressman Wamp. The Congressman teamed up with the Soddy community to open the new Soddy Elementary School. Becky Hart, school secretary, thanked the Congressman for bringing a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.
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August 3 - “We must have an approach to young people that involves a mental, spiritual and physical approach to educating them,” Congressman Wamp said during his comments on the importance of physical education at the Hamilton Co. Department of Education Third Annual Healthy Choices Summit. Zach was welcomed by guest speaker Brian Shulman of Learning Through Sports and Robert Rabon of the National Center for Youth Issues.
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July 31 - “The House will make a historic commitment to every man and woman in uniform with this bill, those serving now and those that have served in the past,” said Congressman Zach Wamp. Zach managed floor time during general debate on the Military Construction-VA spending bill through his role as the Ranking Republican on the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. This is the only one of the 12 spending bills for fiscal year 2009 to pass this year. |
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July 28 - At a lively bipartisan debate in New Orleans on resolving the nation’s energy crisis, Congressman Wamp made the case for the Republican “all of the above” energy strategy that includes new supply plus new technologies and conservation. “We need to diversify our solutions. We can’t limit supply or we’re going to keep paying more for energy,” said Zach. C-SPAN will replay the debate in the coming weeks.
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July 24 - The Healthcare Leadership Council held an event on "Health Innovations for the New Millennium” with several of the nation's premier health care companies and institutions. Congressman Wamp visited some of the interactive displays of new technologies and treatments and heard about new health care breakthroughs.
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July 24 - “By taking action to increase physical activity and reduce obesity amongst our youth, we can improve academic performance, decrease medical costs and save lives,” said Congressman Wamp during a House Education and Labor Committee hearing. Zach and Congressman Ron Kind of Wisconsin testified on their bill, the FIT Kids Act, to improve PE in schools and bolster efforts to fight childhood obesity.
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July 15 - “It was just a matter of time before a major auto manufacturer decided to locate at Enterprise South – and our time has arrived,” said Congressman Wamp about Volkswagen’s selection of Chattanooga for its new $1 billion U.S. plant. “We can do great things. This is next-generation manufacturing in the heart of the technology corridor.”
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July 13 - “Whether it’s a Field Artillery Battalion or a Sustainment Brigade, the Tennessee Army National Guard has always answered when called, and remains instrumental to our preparedness and national security,” said Congressman Wamp. Soldiers of the 196th will be absorbed into new positions within the 230th Sustainment Brigade as part of the Army’s transformation into a lighter, more mobile organization. Zach is greeted by Tony Seagrove, Staff Sgt. TANG, and his son Sgt. Thomas Seagrove, USMC.
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July 9 - “Thoughtful people know that the short-term energy solution is to increase supply and capacity,” Congressman Wamp said during a teleconference on energy at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “A comprehensive, ‘all of the above’ energy approach is needed to address the problem long-term. Nothing should be off the table.” |
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July 8 - “This new technology has tremendous potential to produce energy in an environmentally-sound way,” Congressman Wamp said at the demonstration of synthetically-produced methane by King Power in Ooltewah. “Congress shouldn’t pick winners and losers, but look to the marketplace to determine what is possible as part of an “all of the above” energy strategy.”
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June 30 - Congressman Wamp was part of a congressional delegation to Pakistan and Kazakhstan that discussed security and economic concerns with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. The Prime Minister is from the same political party that was headed by Zach’s friend, the late Benazir Bhutto, who died trying to save her country from the threat of radicalism.
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June 26 - Congressman Wamp congratulates Callie Smith of Hixson, a junior at the Girls Preparatory School, for her first place win in Tennessee for the 21st Annual National Peace Essay. Callie wrote her paper on resolving water conflicts through the establishment of water authorities. As the state winner, she’ll receive a $1,000 scholarship and compete in the national competition.
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June 19 - Congressman Zach Wamp presented Chattanooga student Jacquelyn Cox with a Congressional Award Gold Medal for her commitment to community service and personal improvement. Part of her service included volunteering at Chattanooga’s Creative Discovery Museum and gaining an in-depth understanding of another culture by exploring Costa Rica in an Outward Bound challenge.
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June 18 - “It is critical that the United States maintains our competitive edge in manufacturing. The only way we can do this is through the use of technology, and robotics is the next generation technology solution,” said Congressman Zach Wamp, co-founder of the Congressional Robotics Caucus. Zach welcomed participants to the Robotics Caucus’ briefing on industrial robotics.
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June 13 - “Trust, support and relief are characteristics that have made the American Red Cross more recognizable in the world than the flag of the United Nations, and today it represents what it means to extend our way of life from this generation to the next,” said Congressman Wamp. The American Red Cross kicked off a weekend of appreciation throughout the community for the 1/181st Field Artillery Brigade that recently returned from a yearlong deployment at Camp Bucca, Iraq.
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June 11 - East Tennessee high school students met with Congressman Wamp in the Capitol during their 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus trip, which helps bring citizenship to life. Zach brought them to the House Gallery to see Congress in action during session. On this trip, the students will become more familiar with how our national government works, learn more about the country’s history and heritage and increase awareness of their citizenship responsibilities.
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June 4 - On a tour of the new Capitol Visitor Center with acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers, Congressman Zach Wamp views Emancipation Hall. The 20,000-square-foot hall will be the largest public space in the Capitol. Zach sponsored legislation to designate the great hall as Emancipation Hall, which was signed into law late last year. The Capitol Visitor Center is expected to open by the end of 2008. |
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May 29 - "The nexus between energy, the environment and national security is the greatest policy challenge of our generation," said Rep. Wamp during the Tennessee Valley Corridor Summit in Huntsville. Zach led a panel discussion on energy innovation and economic opportunity in the Tennessee Valley Corridor with participants from the TVA, Oak Ridge National Lab and Y-12 National Security Complex.
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May 28 - Congressman Wamp welcomes a crowd to the opening reception of the 19th Tennessee Valley Corridor Summit regional meeting in 14 years. "The sun is shining in Huntsville and Oak Ridge right now. Through regional collaboration and cooperation the Tennessee Valley Corridor can lead the country in meeting the challenges we face in today's changing world," Zach said. Participants at this year’s Summit in Huntsville, Ala., included Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Y-12 National Security Complex, Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center. |
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May 26 - “The best way we can honor the dead is to continue to honor those who are alive and in the uniform of the armed forces,” said Congressman Wamp, who joined hundreds of folks at the Chattanooga National Cemetery for Memorial Day services to pay honor and tribute to our Nation’s fallen heroes. Among those present was Gold Star Wife Wanda Colston Gee whose husband, James D. Gee, made the supreme sacrifice for our nation in the Vietnam War. |
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May 20 - “Conservation is not for wimps, it’s for warriors. Former President Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ While we must do all we can in Washington to help people who are suffering through high fuel costs, we do all have the power in our hands to lower our own energy costs through conservation,” Congressman Wamp said at an Alliance to Save Energy event promoting the “Drive Smarter Challenge,” a fuel-efficiency campaign to help Americans lower their gasoline costs.
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May 19 - “It’s going to take a comprehensive, bold agenda to address the rising energy costs we face today. We must increase domestic capacity so prices can come down, but we must also continue to invest in alternative energy and next generation vehicles to become energy independent,” Congressman Wamp said at a transportation luncheon in Chattanooga. “I’m for an all-of-the-above approach to leading the world on energy solutions.” |
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May 14 - Photographer Nacho Hernández showed Congressman Wamp his exhibition about the Sahrawi people in the refugee camps of Tindouf, Algeria, where about 165,000 Sahrawis fled following Morocco’s invasion in 1975. “The amazing thing is that the camera takes us into the soul of the people in these photos. We stand with the Sahrawi people and we will not give up on this critical human rights issue of our time,” Zach said.
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May 14 - “As the economy cools, the Specialty Equipment Market Association continues to be hot as a match,” Congressman Wamp said at the SEMA Washington Rally that honored NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his Victory Junction Gang charity. “We need a motor vehicles aftermarket, and you are a world class organization representing a true American industry,” Zach said. |
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May 9 – Congressmen Zach Wamp and Bart Gordon joined Senator Lamar Alexander at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to announce his proposed New Manhattan Project for Clean Energy Independence to allow America to deal with rising gas prices, electricity prices, clear air, climate change and national security first. "It is important this discussion was brought to Oak Ridge, the heart of the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor, where for the last 70 years, we have provided solutions to the free world. The best is yet to come,” Zach told the participants. |
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May 6 – Kaylee Marie Radzyminski and her grandfather visited Congressman Wamp while in Washington to give an update on the Tunes 4 the Troops program that she founded as a freshman at Cleveland High School in 2005. This week the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards named Kaylee Marie one of America’s top ten youth volunteers. |
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April 30 – “Fifty percent of who you are is what God made you, the other 50 percent is up to you to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain your body,” said Congressman Wamp at the second annual National Walk at Lunch Day event. Zach is the founder of the Congressional Fitness Caucus and helped lead the walk. “The most effective anti-depressant people can have is sweat and regardless of our size, we all should sweat more,” he said. |
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April 30 – Team Wamp prepares for a three-mile run to benefit the D.C. Special Olympics. Congressman Wamp was one of 29 members of the House of Representatives to lead a five-member team in today’s race. Zach is the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Fitness Caucus, and is a strong proponent of physical activity to help prevent obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle. |
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April 21 – “Earth Day is not just about our natural resources, but how humans can co-exist with their natural resources to create economic opportunities and do it in a responsible way,” said Congressman Wamp in Copperhill to announce a USDA Rural Development grant for improvements to the wastewater treatment plant. At the event, Zach also congratulated the winners of the elementary school Earth Day poster competition. |
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April 18 – “Serving the public is a noble cause,” Congressman Zach Wamp told Clinton High School seniors. Zach answered students’ questions about why he chose to become a Congressman and what a day in the life of a Congressman is like. “Success in life is not measured by what you have, but what you do for other people. You should be motivated by helping others,” Zach told the students. |
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April 16 – “Our tax policy ought to incentivize the energy industry, but one and two year tax credits aren’t enough. We need to talk about five and ten year tax credits to bring sustainability and investment to energy technology,” Congressman Wamp said at a briefing to the Alliance to Save Energy. “We need a whole energy portfolio that includes conservation and renewable energy and makes nuclear part of the mix.” |
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April 11 – "The public needs to understand more and more that children with special needs are exceptional children with some brilliant abilities," said Congressman Wamp. Zach welcomed Tourette Syndrome Association Youth Ambassador for Tennessee, Hunter Lindberg of Ooltewah, in a press conference. The goal of TSA’s Youth Ambassador Program is to educate children all over the country about Tourette Syndrome and foster understanding and tolerance. |
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April 8 – Congressman Zach Wamp, Senator John McCain and others welcomed veterans to Washington at a Vets for Freedom event. More than 400 veterans from around the country with first-hand combat experience in Iraq or Afghanistan came to Capitol Hill as General David Petraeus testifies before Congress this week. America’s 21st Century patriots will meet with their legislators about the importance of supporting General Petraeus’ strategy. Zach visits with Tennessee veterans at the event. |
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April 3 – The House Nuclear Cleanup Caucus hosted a briefing this morning in Washington on the progress of the Department of Energy Oak Ridge Office Environmental Management Program. DOE officials and contractors have completed four of the six major cleanup projects at Oak Ridge. “Our site has done well, all things considered. We are laboring through the difficult budgeting challenges and will squeeze out as many resources as we can to get this done,” said Congressman Zach Wamp, an original member of the Cleanup Caucus. |
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April 1 – Don Mathis of Dayton and Carl Levi of Chattanooga visit with Congressman Wamp in his Washington office following their meeting. The American Legion members discussed legislation important to our nation’s veterans with Zach, who serves as the ranking member on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. |
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March 28 – “The input I receive from you, who are on the front lines delivering care to our nation’s 24 million and growing veterans, is essential as I carry out my responsibility as the ranking member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee,” Congressman Wamp said during a tour of the VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro. This center carries the namesake of World War I Medal of Honor recipient and honored Tennessean, Sgt. Alvin C. York, and a memorial was placed at the heart of the facility when it was renamed 1985. |
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March 26 – The East Tennessee Regional Water Coalition briefed Congressman Wamp on plans to address inadequate water supplies throughout Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, Knox and Union Counties. “A regional approach is the only approach,” said Congressman Wamp. “This coalition can play a significant role in water conservation and promote regional cooperation by planning how to best manage the area’s water resources in times of drought.” |
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March 25 – “The students that are here tonight are the standard barriers for other students to look up to, and your parents should be proud of your hard work and their commitment to your success. Our greatest public servants in this community are our educators who sacrifice to improve the quality of life for so many young people,” said Congressman Wamp. Zach brought special remarks at the Hamilton County Superintendent's 27th annual honors banquet to honor the top ten percent of each graduating class. |
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March 24 – “Life is not always going to be easy, and sometimes you’re going to fail, but the question is how do you deal with it? Do you get back up and go again or go home and quit? Everything that has happened to me, both good and bad, has prepared me for what I do today,” Congressman Wamp told seventh graders at Loftis Middle School. Zach spent the morning answering questions ranging from preventive health care to his role as an appropriator in the U.S. House of Representatives. |
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March 18 – "If you want to be a great leader, you must possess a heart of submission, courage, love and tenacity," said Congressman Wamp. Zach participated in the annual Tennessee Temple University Honor Society Banquet with students Brittany White and Caleb Hargraves. The banquet honors some of the most talented students in the freshman class, the English Department and the senior class. |
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March 12 – General Burwell Bell testified before his friend Congressman Wamp during the House Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the Pacific Command about the ongoing partnership between the United States and South Korea. General Bell is from the Chattanooga area and serves as the commander of U.S. forces in the Republic of Korea. Established to deter the North Korean threat, South Korea-based U.S. forces are the only American forces present on the East Asian Mainland and provide a strategic presence in that area of the world. |
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March 12 – At an event promoting physical activity for youth, Congressman Wamp spoke along side professional athletes including a member of the Detroit Shock women’s basketball team Swin Cash, college football Hall-of-Famer and Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker, pro-football Hall-of-Famer Kellen Winslow, former member of the USA Women’s soccer team Julie Foudy and three-time U.S. Olympic gymnast and 1996 gold medalist Dominique Dawes. |
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March 3 –Zach’s passion showed through at the Visitor’s Center groundbreaking at the Cherokee Memorial Park when he thanked the people of Cherokee ancestry for what they’ve done “to help advance the character of the Cherokee people to bring us to this moment. We can take part in something that collectively will really make a difference in history.” |
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March 3 – “It is my privilege to convene this meeting every year. I come up here to connect with the natural environment and beauty of this special place,” Congressman Wamp said at the Ocoee stakeholders’ annual meeting in Copperhill. Approximately 55 stakeholders gathered at the Ocoee Whitewater Center for a regional update on Corridor K, economic development and tourism activities of the area. |
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February 27 – Congressman Wamp speaks with Lieutenant General John W. Bergman at the National Guard and Reserve Component Caucus breakfast. This Caucus serves as a forum for Congressional oversight and represents the Guard and Reserve Components of the U.S. military. At the briefing, Zach heard from the seven chiefs at each branch of the service about their top priorities for the coming year. |
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February 26 – “The future of robotics will provide economic growth and U.S. leadership in manufacturing exports that will generate increased revenues and lead to a balanced budget. But the biggest potential benefit of the robotics explosion is in saving lives,” said Congressman Wamp, co-chair of the Robotics Caucus. Zach spoke at a National Center for Defense Robotics briefing on defense robotics. |
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February 20 – “Some countries we should have free trade with and some we shouldn’t. China is not one of them,” Congressman Wamp told the Claiborne County Manufacturer’s Association. “Free trade needs to be reexamined in this country. China is a big problem for the world and a big problem for manufacturers. We need to incentivize U.S. based manufacturing with tax benefits to compete.” |
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February 11 – “Right out of a place like this is where the leaders of tomorrow come. You are the best and brightest in Jefferson County,” Congressman Wamp told a group of students from Jefferson County High School as he encouraged them to consider a life of public service. “Our country needs good leaders, but the two things that will determine what you do in life are tenacity and perseverance,” Zach said. |
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February 11 – “I thank the Rotary Club for what you do throughout the world. You truly represent what is good in America,” said Congressman Wamp during the Jefferson City Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon. Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who volunteer in their communities and carry out humanitarian projects to address such issues as poverty, health, hunger, education and the environment. |
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February 7 – “Outside of my family, this is the highest honor of my life – to serve those who serve our country,” said Congressman Zach Wamp during his opening statement at his first hearing as Ranking Member of the MilCon-VA Appropriations Subcommittee. During the hearing, Zach questioned top enlisted service members of our armed forces on the quality of military life. |
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February 7 – “We have to tie physical education and wellness into learning because the mind and body are connected. Physical activity at every level is important,” said Congressman Zach Wamp at the first Congressional Fitness Caucus event of the year. During the event, Zach sat with Eddie Pope, former soccer champion who now runs a foundation to help youth in underserved communities. |
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January 30 – Congressman Zach Wamp paid tribute to five ORNL researchers for their work on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. "I'm grateful for your service, your expertise, your excellence and your commitment to helping our nation and the world to address this major challenge in a responsible way,” Zach said to researchers Tom Wilbanks, Virginia Dale, David Greene, Paul Hanson and David Erickson as he presented them with copies of remarks he made in the Congressional Record. |
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January 30– Congressman Wamp joined Ron Nelson and Staci Ferguson to announce the formation of VETCO, LLC at a signing ceremony with Restoration Services Inc. VETCO is a veteran-owned small business that will provide innovative environmental services to the federal government. “I strongly support their commitment to give back to the community, and particularly veteran support organizations,” said Zach. Under this agreement, Restoration Services Inc, a local woman-owned small business, will support VETCO and help the company get started. |
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January 21– "What an honor to take part in a celebration that still represents the vision, principals and ideals of Dr. King," said Congressman Wamp, as he addressed a packed auditorium at the Tivoli Theatre hosted by the Chattanooga Unity Group. Zach also spoke about his yearlong effort to pass legislation to name the largest public room in the new capitol visitor center "Emancipation Hall" to honor the slaves that build the Capitol and one of the most important movements in American history. Before the program, he marched along with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member Marcus Holt and the Chattanooga community in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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January 15 – Wayne Cropp, president and CEO of the Enterprise Center, and Congressman Zach Wamp discussed economic growth and entrepreneurial opportunities in Hamilton County. The Enterprise Center in Chattanooga capitalizes on advanced technology projects to ensure the economic future of the area. |
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January 3– “If you make a profit in this country, you have a responsibility to reinvest in the people who helped bring it to you. Profit is a good word, but it must be attached to responsibility,” Congressman Wamp said at his address to the National Electrical Contractors Association. “This partnership between industry, labor and government coming together is extraordinary, and I consider it a great privilege to be supported by NECA and be a supporter of NECA.” |
