
Virginia’s Rep. Rob Wittman Faces Criticism Over Fundraiser Amid Shutdown
Virginia Congressman Rob Wittman is under scrutiny following his decision to host a fundraiser at a D.C. steakhouse just hours before a government shutdown, raising questions about his personal financial interests and his legislative priorities.
On September 30, Wittman met with donors at the event, which coincided with the impending shutdown that led to federal workers being furloughed. A video taken outside the steakhouse captured Wittman appearing uneasy when questioned by a reporter about prioritizing fundraising over efforts to prevent the shutdown. “I’m just here for a short period of time,” Wittman responded. “That’s the reason we’re here—to make sure we are working to prevent a shutdown.”
The shutdown ultimately proceeded, affecting approximately 900,000 federal employees nationwide, including 19,000 in Wittman’s district. The shutdown occurred due to Congress’s inability to pass funding legislation. Wittman supported a continuing resolution (CR) to maintain government funding through December, a measure backed by House Republicans.
However, Democrats argue that such a resolution effectively gives President Donald Trump unchecked control over federal spending. They demand concessions from Republicans, including the extension of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies, which are set to expire soon. If these subsidies lapse, enrollees might face health care premium increases of 18% or more.
While Wittman showed willingness to consider extending these subsidies, he did not support a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing premium hikes, which would affect the 34,750 Obamacare recipients in his district, according to estimates from KFF.
Critics suggest Wittman’s approach to rising premiums and the plight of furloughed workers may alienate voters, particularly as his net worth has increased significantly from $1.6 million in 2007 to an estimated $5.43 million. As Wittman campaigns for another term in 2026, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has marked him as a vulnerable Republican incumbent.
“After nearly 20 years in Washington, career politician Rob Wittman clearly prefers cozying up with high-dollar donors than actually working for the Virginians he was elected to represent,” remarked DCCC spokesperson Eli Cousin. “Wittman has become the exact kind of out-of-touch D.C. politician that voters hate, and that’s why he will lose next November.”
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