Wittman, GOP Conference Chair pitch Virginians on Big Beautiful Bill

HENRICO, Va. (WRIC) -- Republican Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (MI-09) are trying to sell President Donald Trump’s recently signed, so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” to Virginians. 

The pair spoke to residents at a gas station in Henrico County on Friday. 

“This bill goes back to the first of the year, so when people begin to file their taxes the beginning of next year, they’re actually gonna to see even more dollars come back in their pocket in the form of a return from the IRS in addition to a reduced tax rate from this point on,” Wittman told 8News. 

Wittman and McClain said the bill ensures that tax cuts approved during President Trump’s first term don’t expire, something they say will save Virginians money. 

Plus, they highlighted the effect that no tax on tips and overtime will have on Virginia’s workers. 

“This will have an impact on people’s lives. It’ll make it easier on families,” Wittman said.

However, key Democrats like Virginia Senator Mark Warner (D-Virginia) say the bill is anything but beautiful, citing the millions of people who could lose their health insurance because of the bill, and the trickle-down effect that could have on rural providers. 

“Look simply at what happened in Augusta County, where not one, but three rural health centers, one in Buena Vista, one in Weyer’s Cave, one in Churchville, all closed down. Why? Because of the cuts coming from this awful bill,” Warner told reporters on Thursday. 

When asked about the closures mentioned by Warner, Wittman said the bill invests $50 billion in rural healthcare facilities. 

“I would love to talk to those folks at these rural healthcare centers, and let them know, there's the opportunity for them to stay open,” Wittman said.