Wittman’s defense industry ties draw scrutiny as he seeks Armed Services gavel

(VIRGINIA MERCURY) - U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman has received tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from defense contractors and reported stock holdings in companies with military ties, as he seeks another term representing Virginia in Congress and to become chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee.

The Westmoreland Republican, who has supported U.S. military operations in Iran, says his national security decisions are not influenced by campaign donations or personal investments.

In an email to The Mercury, campaign director Will Dieterich said Wittman’s investments are managed independently and that the nine-term incumbent has never directed individual stock trades or used nonpublic information to make financial decisions.

“House ethics rules prohibit linking political contributions to official actions,” Dieterich said. “Congressman Wittman is subject to those requirements, including restrictions governing the use of official congressional resources for political activity.”

Dieterich said Wittman has also told his financial adviser that he would like to begin moving his portfolio away from individual stocks and into exchange-traded funds, or ETFs.

The issue has become part of Wittman’s reelection fight against Democrat Shannon Taylor in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District, where early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

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