NATCA Members Attend Event with U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman

Potomac TRACON (PCT) Legislative Rep. Brian Schmelzel and Taylor Warren (PCT) represented our Union at a reception with U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (Va.-1) on May 7. The event was also attended by other prominent members of Congress including Majority Leader Steve Scalise (La.-1), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (Minn.-6), Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (Penn.-14), U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (Va.-9), U.S. Representative Jenn Kiggans (Va.-2), and U.S. Representative Dale Strong (Ala.-5).

Schmelzel and Warren had a productive discussion with Rep. Wittman about the importance of passing the FAA Reauthorization Act, addressing staffing and funding issues. “Rep. Wittman was very supportive of NATCA’s needs and offered his help,” Schmelzel said. “He and his staff were well-informed about our issues.”

They also spoke with Rep. Kiggans, whose husband is a United Airlines captain and whose son recently began flight school in the military. A facility tour is being planned for her. In conversations with Reps. Scalise and Reschenthaler, both expressed support for NATCA’s priorities.

NATCA Political and Legislative Representative Annika Olson also attended the event from NATCA’s Government Affairs office. “Having someone from GA at large events is incredibly helpful. They know the staff and representatives, making us more effective,” Schmelzel said.

Pictured left to right: Taylor Warren, Rep. Scalise, Rep. Kiggans, and Brian Schmelzel; and Taylor Warren (PCT), Rep. Wittman, and Brian Schmelzel (PCT).