This week, I attended the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Congressional Luncheon, along with Reps. Forbes, Nye and Scott. The event brought together many local officials and business leaders who expressed their thoughts and ideas on how  to get our economy growing again. As I talked with the group, I outlined some of the provisions I'm supporting to stimulate and enhance job creation not just here in the First District, but across Virginia. I have been and will continue to be an advocate for policies to eliminate the uncertainty that is felt everywhere. It's difficult to make decisions for a family or a business, if you don't know how much you will have to pay Uncle Sam next year.  With the current tax rates set to expire at the end of the year, action is needed to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts for individuals, families and businesses. I'm a cosponsor of several measures to reduce the tax burden for hard working Americans and businesses.  You can read more on this legislation in one of my recent opinion pieces on my website, or by visiting thomas.gov: H.R. 25, H.R. 205, H.R. 470, H.R. 982, H.R. 4100.

Later, I joined with the Poquoson City Council in a meeting to discuss Chesapeake Bay issues. Since coming to Congress I have made it a priority to focus on restoring the Bay. There has been a lot of Bay related activity on the Federal level lately, and there's also been a dialogue around legislation in Congress to address Chesapeake Bay issues. After the House passed my Chesapeake Bay legislation which aims to enhance coordination, flexibility and efficiency of restoration efforts, we've been pushing for its passage in the Senate. We have also been advocating for other measures to ensure that we're working towards a healthy, responsible restoration of the Bay. The challenges facing the Bay will require all stakeholders, citizens, and elected leaders working together. Despite differences of opinions and views on specific methods, the key to cleaning up the Bay is finding common ground. A clean Bay will not be achieved without action; action will not happen without common ground. I look forward to continuing to meet with groups to discuss this issue, as well as working with my colleagues in Congress to achieve meaningful, effective Bay legislation.

As we turn our calendars to November, the holiday season is approaching quickly and with that, the deadline to send holiday mail to troops overseas. The U.S. Postal Service recently announced the recommended date to send economy-priced packages to troops overseas as November 12, 2010. So many families in the First District know firsthand the experience of a loved one spending a holiday overseas, and we cannot thank them enough for their service and sacrifice. I know many families and organizations gather to send packages to our troops; please share this date with your friends and neighbors. More information is available online at defense.gov.

Please continue to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns with me, by calling my office (202) 225-4261 or on my website: http://wittman.house.gov.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.