Fall is quickly becoming winter, and across Virginia’s First District you can start to see the signs: boats being winterized across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, high school football playoff games on the radio, commuters on the Virginia Railway Express tightly wrapped in scarves and hats. In Washington, the approach of winter means that Congress has just a short amount of time between now and the New Year to address a number of timely, critical issues that require action. As I have said for months, I believe that Congress must take action on these issues as soon as possible in order to provide stability and certainty to our already struggling economy.

Last week, I was honored to spend time with many of our nation’s veterans as I attended various events over the Veterans Day weekend, including a celebration to commemorate the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Our nation’s servicemen and women and our veterans have truly made the United States the greatest nation in the world, and I am grateful every day for their dedicated service. The sacrifices of their families often go unrecognized as well, and I sincerely appreciate the irreplaceable contributions they’ve made in support of their loved ones in the Armed Forces. At the same time, we must not forget the many brave Americans who have lost their lives in service to this country. That debt can never be repaid.

Veterans Day is certainly a great opportunity to remember the many brave citizens who have served our nation, but I believe that this is something we should do no matter what day it is. Without the service and sacrifice of these brave citizens, we could not wake up to the freedom and liberty that we enjoy each day. To our nation’s veterans, current servicemen and women, and family-members: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patriotism, service, and dedication to this country.

I also enjoyed participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Rear Admiral David Altwegg Missile Defense Complex at Dahlgren last week. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Altwegg served at the Missile Defense Agency, continuing his dedicated service to the United States. Like him, the great folks at Dahlgren have shown resolve and expertise in their commitment to protect this nation from those who wish to harm us. I believe it is critical that Congress support those who defend this nation, both military and civilian alike, and to ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed in their mission.

In the coming days between now and the end of the year, there will be many difficult decisions to make, and I look forward to receiving all of your thoughts and ideas on how to address the important issues facing our nation. As always, it is an honor to serve Virginia’s First District. Please keep in touch with me by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reprobwittman), or via Twitter (www.twitter.com/robwittman).