{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398506", "Congressman Griffith's Special Edition E-Newsletter 12.24.15", "2015-12-24", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Till ringing, singing on its way. The world revolved from night to day.\r\nThis time of year, I am often reminded of the great carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. After suffering through years of great despair following the tragic loss of his wife and the injury of his son Charles in the War Between the States, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wroteChristmas Bells, the basis for the carolI Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.\r\nThis carol tells of its narrator's despair that \"hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men,\" until on Christmas Day when he hears the ringing of the bells , which celebrate the power of faith and offer great hope.\r\nI heard the bells on Christmas day\r\nTheir old familiar carols play,\r\nAnd wild and sweet the words repeat\r\nOf peace on earth, good will to men.\r\nAnd thought how, as the day had come,\r\nThe belfries of all Christendom\r\nHad rolled along the unbroken song\r\nOf peace on earth, good will to men.\r\nTill ringing, singing on its way,\r\nThe world revolved from night to day,\r\nA voice, a chime, a chant sublime\r\nOf peace on earth, good-will to men.\r\nAnd in despair I bowed my head\r\nThere is no peace on earth, I said,\r\nFor hate is strong and mocks the song\r\nOf peace on earth, good well to men.\r\n\r\nThen pealed the bells more loud and deep:\r\n\"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!\r\nThe Wrong shall fail,\r\nThe Right prevail,\r\nWith peace on earth, good will to men!\"\r\nThis meaningful, moving carol was the result of Longfellow having faced the blues, something many experience this time of year. If you know someone of suffering from the blues, consider reaching out to them. All can benefit from and appreciate the importance of community, caring, and giving.\r\nA hopeful message to remember: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11).\r\nFrom my family to yours, best wishes for a safe and merry Christmas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ashburn-patch-loudoun-county-host-dea-exhibit", "Ashburn Patch: Loudoun County to Host DEA Exhibit", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The national touring exhibit Drugs: Costs and Consequences opens on January 12, 2016 at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite F-1 in Leesburg, Virginia, and will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, free of charge, until September 10, according to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announcement. \nRead more at the Ashburn Patch here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-congressman-robert-hurt-s-retirement", "Comstock Statement on Congressman Robert Hurts Retirement", "2015-12-23", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after Congressman Robert Hurt (VA-5) announced his retirement from Congress at the end of his term:\nCongressman Robert Hurt is a gentleman, statesman, constitutional scholar, and most important of all a true friendto the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am honored to call him my friend.  I have had the pleasure to serve with him in both Congress and the Virginia General Assembly where I have looked for his guidance and legislated alongside him.I am saddened by his announcement to retire today, but I know he will grow and prosper in his next steps of life. I look forward to continue to work with Robert over the course of the next year and I offer my best to Robert, his wife Kathy, and their three sons as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. I know his service to the 5th District and the Commonwealth is greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/winchester-star-starbase-academy-gets-federal-funding", "Winchester Star: STARBASE Academy Gets Federal Funding", "2015-12-22", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Area elementary school students will continue to get a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at the local STARBASE Academy after funding for it  and dozens more around the U.S.  was included in the federal omnibus spending bill signed by President Barack Obama on Friday.\nRead more at the Winchester Star here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398505", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.21.15", "2015-12-21", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Must Do More to Rein In Spending and Overreach Last week, Congress passed comprehensive omnibus spending legislation that will fund the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2016. Meaning for everything, omnibus legislation is a vehicle for combining appropriations funding bills with other items commonly known as riders, which make the underlying legislation more palatable. Because omnibus bills are large in size and scope, last weeks legislation included both good and bad. If we were going to pass the bad, there ought to have been more good riders for balance. I could not vote for it, believing it left out certain items of importance to me and residents of the Ninth District. In an effort to try and improve the bill, I worked with Congressmen Jim Jordan (R-OH), Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), Justin Amash (R-MI), Alex Mooney (R-WV), and others on a proposal that, if it had been adopted, would have added in a number of conservative riders. One of our provisions, for example, would have helped industries including the coal industry by putting a one-year moratorium on the Obama Administrations Stream Buffer Zone Rule. I and others were of the belief that the underlying bill would include pro-coal language to stop the implementation of this rule. I was frustrated to learn that despite these assurances, that language was not included. Others would have protected health care providers who do not wish to provide abortions. A nurse should have a choice, and should not be forced to participate in performing an abortion he or she find is in violation of their moral beliefs. Another item we proposed dealt with cyber security. Unfortunately, our proposals were not ultimately included in the omnibus bill. Accordingly, I voted no. More Certainty in the Tax Code As you know, I believe the current tax code is too lengthy and complex. Making the code simpler and fairer with lower tax rates continues to be a priority of mine. While much of the code needs to be reformed, for many years, Congress has been granting people certain tax credits and deductions. In typical Washington fashion, however, Congress has waited to grant these benefits until December of the year in which the taxpayer was to get the credit. As such, families, farmers, and businesses havent had much certainty as to what the next year would bring. As House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said, We have been extending these provisions for one year at a time, every year. [One of these has] been extended for 34 years. Others for 19, 17 years. We know them well. Recently, I supported an important package, which became law, to improve the tax code and provide more certainty by making permanent many tax benefits. This package makes permanent a research and development tax credit, which should help encourage innovation. This package also includes a permanent extension of the child tax credit, which is intended to help offset some of the costs of raising kids. Another meaningful provision deals with Section 179 expensing, which had been repeatedly extended over the past 12 years. This package permanently extends the small business expensing limitation, helping farmers and small businesses more quickly recover the cost of major equipment purchases by allowing them to deduct, up to $500,000, the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year. On Christmas Eve, I will send out a message which revisits one of my favorite Christmas carols. This message will also be posted to my website. Additionally, so as to enjoy this time with our friends and family, we will not be sending a column the week ofDecember 28. Our schedule of regular weekly columns will resume the week ofJanuary 4, 2016. To quote Clement Clarke Moore inTwas the Night Before Christmas, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! And to quote Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens classic,A Christmas Carol, God bless us, every one! If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at276-525-1405or my Christiansburg office at540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-government-funding-bill", "Comstock Statement On Government Funding Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after the House passed theOmnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016by a vote of 316 to 113:\nI have consistently advocated for policies that stop the defense sequester cuts that threaten our national security. This budget increases our defense funding and adequately funds our troops in the field and helps with our fight against terrorist groups like ISIS. I also support policies that lower taxes on our businesses and hard-working taxpayers, and rein in the IRS. Todays budget and yesterdays tax reform bill with $600billionin tax cuts gets our economy moving again, sets the stage for long-term tax reform, and gets us back on the path to restoring our military. Shutting down the governmentwould have given even more power to a president who grows bolder and more combative by the day as he approaches his final year in office.\nThe legislation includes House-passed homeland security measures to preventterrorists fromexploiting our visa program,and shifts billions to Customs and Border Protection and ICE to monitor the border and enforce our immigration laws. In addition, the billstopsthe presidents efforts to closeGuantanamo Bayortransfer terrorist detainees to the United States.\nThis legislationalso has a major jobs component in that it repealsthe antiquated, 1970s-era oil export ban which will create an estimated 9,000 jobs right here in the Commonwealth by 2018 and add an estimated $170 billion to the nations GDP. The bill provides regulatory relief to small businesses and promotes commerce by addressing our infrastructure needs. It blocks EPA overreaches by lowering its budget to the lowest levels since President Obama took office. It also reins-in the IRS by preventing them from harassing groups based on ideology and by freezing their funding at nearly $2 billion under the presidents request.The bill cuts millions from Obamacares Independent Payment Advisory Board and further delays the Obamacare excise tax on high-cost healthcare plans. This legislation also provides critical healthcare benefits for 9/11 first responders who continue to suffer from complications due to their heroic actions in the aftermath of the attacks. It also provides resources to our dedicated researchers at NIH who are working on medical breakthroughs for diseases like cancer and Alzheimers. Finally, the bill contains a number of provisions to preserve Americans Second Amendment rights, including a prohibition of funds for implementing the UN Arms Trade Treaty.\nI appreciate that Speaker Ryan, after completing this years budget process in a less than ideal situation, has committed to returning the House to the proper appropriations process next year from the ground-up and through the committees of jurisdiction, rather than voting on omnibus spending bills at the end of the year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-tax-relief-aid-middle-class-families-and-stimulate", "Comstock Votes for Tax Relief to Aid Middle Class Families and Stimulate Economic Growth", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after the House passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, or the PATH Act, by a bipartisan vote of 318 to 109:\nNorthern Virginia is an incubator for technology and innovation. The tax relief legislation we passed today makes the critical Research and Development Tax Credit (which I cosponsored) permanent. This legislation brings much needed certainty to Northern Virginias technology community and other innovative businesses. This 21st Century tax provision will allow our start-ups and businesses to plan long-term strategies and make investments to keep them on the cutting edge of their respective fields. This will help grow our local economy and create good-paying jobs.\nThis important legislation also makes charitable deductions permanent, delays for two years Obamacares harmful Medical Device Tax, and maintains the current tax treatment of generous employer healthcare plans. It prevents tax increases on millions of American families by making permanent the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the latter of which provides relief for college tuition expenses. This measure also helps our small businesses by providing deductions for state and local taxes and modifying and making permanent Section 179, the expensing of business-related purchases.\nIn the wake of a number of scandals at the Internal Revenue Service, the bill places commonsense restrictions on the IRS by removing the IRSs ability to selectively apply certain provisions of the tax code. As a whole, this legislation cuts taxes by more than $600 billion, keeps more money in the hands of hard-working families, and allows for private-sector job growth. Finally, this legislation puts Congress on a path toward rewriting our broken tax code.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-secures-full-metro-funding", "Rep. Comstock Secures Full Metro Funding", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart(R-FL) released the following statement after the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016 was introduced with a provision requiring the federal government to meet its full $150 million obligation in resources to WMATA:\nI am pleased that the federal government will fulfill its statutory obligation to provide a dollar-for-dollar match in combination with Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia for Metros budget. This funding partnership stems from a 2008 law that promised a 10-year federal commitment and much of these resources are used for safety improvements and purchasing new rail cars.\nIn recent years, Metro has seen a steady increase in safety lapses and general inefficiencies. From the fatal smoke incident earlier this year, to the Red Line crash in 2009, commuters from the Tenth District and elsewhere are increasingly concerned about using Metrorail. Metro needs a cultural change  a top-to-bottom overhaul in terms of its structure, its facilities, its accountability, and its safety mechanisms. I will continue to be working in the new year to get feedback from both passengers and stakeholders on how to improve Metro going forward.\nI thank Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and my friend and fellow Virginian, Congressman Scott Rigell (R-VA-02), who understood Metros needs and worked with us to include these important, obligatory resources in the Omnibus.\nI want to commend Congresswoman Comstock for her determination and leadership in securing full funding for WMATA, said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart(R-FL). Since arriving in Congress, she has been a vocal advocate for transportation needs in Northern Virginia. WMATA has significant infrastructure and safety concerns, and I'm committed to working with her to continue robust oversight and ensuring these needs are addressed. Congresswoman Comstock's commitment to secure these funds is admirable.\nBackground:\nSince 2009, Congress has worked in bipartisan fashion to fulfill its annual financial commitment to Metro. Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia each contribute $50 million under a partnership created by the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA) for a total of $150 million, which is then matched by an equal federal contribution. However in June, the House considered H.R. 2577, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (T-HUD) which proposed to cut the federal share by 33 percent. Congresswoman Comstock voted against the T-HUD bill and proceeded to work in a bipartisan fashion to reinstate the promised federal match into the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398504", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.14.15", "2015-12-14", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keeping the American People Safe Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) by a vote of 407-19. While I believe we should welcome legal immigrants, we must continually review our policies as threats to our national security emerge. Accordingly, this important bill, which seeks to prevent our enemies from entering the United States through our visa-waiver program, is another step forward in strengthening our national security by improving our system, increasing our border security, and tightening up our laws for those who overstay their work, travel, or student visas. More information on this legislation can be found in my column of December 7, 2015. Bill of Rights Day I was recently reminded by a constituent from Southside that on December 15, 1791, the United States adopted the Bill of Rights, which protects the inalienable rights this country holds dear. To summarize them briefly: the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and religion, the Second the right to keep and bear arms, and the Third restricts the quartering of soldiers in private homes. The Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, the Fifth guarantees the rights to due process, the Sixth establishes a number of rights of a defendant in a criminal trial, and the Seventh provides for jury trials in civil cases. The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bails or fines, the Ninth clarifies that the rights listed are neither explicit nor exhaustive, and the Tenth Amendment makes clear that power not given to the federal government is reserved to the states or the people. These rights, granted by God, have been tested by the storms of history. Even today, the ship that is our Republic continues to be tossed on stormy seas. But through it all, whether on calm waters or in stormy seas, the Bill of Rights has served to protect that ship and all citizens during tumultuous times. We must continue to guard and defend these rights, even if in the short term, doing so may seem inconvenient or troublesome. Bergdahl and the Taliban 5 The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) last week released a report pertaining to the Administrations swap of five Taliban prisoners in order to return to the United States a man who, under the best interpretation, walked away from his post  Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. According to HASC Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Our report finds that the Administration clearly broke the law in not notifying Congress of the transfer. Leading up to the transfer, DOD officials misled Congress as to the status of negotiations, Chairman Thornberry also said. For example, talking points devised by the Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, and the National Security Council advised officials to say they were not involved in active negotiations with the Taliban based on the dubious justification that negotiations with the Taliban were taking place through Qatari intermediaries. Disturbingly, at least three of the Taliban 5 terrorists included in this prisoner swap have been in contact with terrorist organizations. One terrorist apparently attempted to rejoin. The degree of contact for the other two is somewhat uncertain, but the contact has encouraged terrorist organizations. Last year, I joined 248 of my colleagues  including 22 Democrats  in supporting H.Res.644, which condemned the Administrations transfer of the Taliban 5. Unfortunately, many Congressmen including myself may read future DOD statements with a grain of salt. While I want to be supportive of our defense operations, I do not want to be misled. I dont think the American people want to be misled either. Another Broken Promise When trying to sell the American people on their plans for health care reform in February of 2010, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, This [health care] bill is not only about the health security of America. Its about jobs. In its life, it will create 4 million jobs  400,000 jobs almost immediately. But a report released last week by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found, The labor force is projected to be about 2 million full-time-equivalent workers smaller in 2025 under the [Affordable Care Act] than it would have been otherwise. Health care premiums and taxes increasing under Obamacare, and the labor force is being hurt as well. Despite the law not having fulfilled broken promises, Pelosi said last year about Obamacare, I believe its a winner. Many Americans  myself included  strongly disagree. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-beyer-wittman-prepare-legislation-protect-federal-workers", "Comstock, Beyer, Wittman Prepare Legislation to Protect Federal Workers", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC With the clock ticking on the federal governments fiscal calendar, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) Congressman Don Beyer(D-VA) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) are preparing legislation to protect federal employees from a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act would guarantee back pay for all furloughed workers in the event of a shutdown.\nOur dedicated military, federal employees, and contractors are on the frontlines every single day to keep us safe, said Rep. Comstock. We must all come together to keep the government open so that they do not have to worry where they will find their next paycheck. As I have said before, keeping the federal government open means that FBI agents who work day and night tracking down criminals and terrorists do not need to worry about a mortgage payment. Keeping the federal government open means that Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, and National Security Agency officials will be one hundred percent focused on their mission and not concerned about making college tuition payments for their sons and daughters. And keeping the federal government open means that National Institute of Health researchers keep working toward finding new cures. We can't use our military, federal employees, and contractors as political footballs.\nFor the third time this year, Congressional dysfunction threatens the livelihood of federal workers carrying out our countrys vital missions, said Rep. Beyer. Its inexcusable to play politics with their pay and their familys well-being. I hope my House colleagues recognize the hardship these funding battles cause hard working American families.\nFederal employee pay is suspended in the event of a funding lapse or government shutdown. Retroactive pay for all essential and non-essential federal workers must be approved by Congress.\nThere has to be consistency and certainty in government funding for our federal employees to effectively carry out the important work that they do every day to make the U.S. a better, safer place, Rep. Wittman said. This culture of stagnation that plagues the budget process in Washington and makes the well-being of federal employees contingent on unrelated policy measures has to end. Ive said before, and I will say again that this recurring cycle of governing by crisis has to give way to long-term vision and resolve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=983", "Beyer, Wittman Prepare Legislation to Protect Federal Workers", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  With the clock ticking on the federal government's fiscal calendar, Congressman Don Beyer(D-VA) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) are preparing legislation to protect federal employees from a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act would guarantee back pay for all furloughed workers in the event of a shutdown.\r\nFor the third time this year, Congressional dysfunction threatens the livelihood of federal workers carrying out our country's vital missions, said Rep. Beyer. It's inexcusable to play politics with their pay and their family's well-being. I hope my House colleagues recognize the hardship these funding battles cause hard-working American families.\r\nFederal employee pay is suspended in the event of a funding lapse or government shutdown. Retroactive pay for all essential and non-essential federal workers must be approved by Congress.\r\nThere has to be consistency and certainty in government funding for our federal employees to effectively carry out the important work that they do every day to make the U.S. a better, safer place, Rep. Wittman said. This culture of stagnation that plagues the budget process in Washington and makes the well-being of federal employees contingent on unrelated policy measures has to end. I've said before, and I will say again that this recurring cycle of governing by crisis has to give way to long-term vision and resolve.\r\nCongressman Beyer's 8th District and Congressman Wittman's 1st District are home to approximately 120,000 federal employees combined.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-house-passage-visa-waiver-program-improvements", "Comstock Statement on House Passage of Visa Waiver Program Improvements", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act by a vote of 407 to 19:\nThe House has moved in a bipartisan manner today to close a loophole in our visa waiver program. The bill passed today would deny visa waiver status to citizens in any of our 38 partner countries who have traveled to terrorist associated countries such as Syria and Iraq. It is estimated that 5,000 Europeans have traveled to fight with radical Islamic terrorist groups like ISIS and then traveled back to their home countries. This legislation also gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to halt visa waiver status of a partner country that fails to share counterterrorism information with the United States. The bill also provides for more international security mechanisms with which our partner countries must comply, including checks against INTERPOL databases, mandatory reporting and cataloguing of lost or stolen passports, and upgraded standards for passports to prevent counterfeiting. As a nation, we must use every tool at our disposal to thwart the next possible terrorist attack on the homeland. This legislation is just one facet of a larger national security policy that works to ensure the safety of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398503", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.7.15", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keeping the American People Safe This week in the House of Representatives, we will be considering the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) introduced by Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI). This bill seeks to prevent our enemies from entering the United States through our visa-waiver program, a program intended to make it easier for citizens of friendly countries (including Britain, France, Belgium, etc.) to come to the U.S. Currently, citizens of those countries could stay for up to 90 days without a visa. But as Congresswoman Miller recently said, it is no secret that ISIS is recruiting people from many of these same countries. For instance, the suspected mastermind of the attacks in Paris was a citizen of Belgium. Additionally, she said, other countries often dont give us all of the information that we need to identify possible threats. This is a security weakness that we must address. The Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act would strengthen the visa-waiver program, barring citizens of visa waiver nations who have traveled to Syria or Iraq within the past five years (since the start of the Syrian civil war) from participating. This bill would also allow for the Department of Homeland Security to suspend a countrys ability to participate in this program. A similar proposal is working its way through the Senate as well. Consideration of this bill follows House passage last month of the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038), which would immediately suspend the Syrian refugee resettlement program. Though they are significant, targeted first steps, the SAFE Act and the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act will not solve all of our national security problems because no system is perfect. In addition, we are looking for ways to improve our system, increase our border security, and tighten up our laws for those who overstay their work, travel, or student visas. Proposals such as these will strengthen our national security. I will keep you updated on our progress. Progress Made on Returning to Regular Order Those who read this column often are likely aware of my efforts to ensure that the House of Representatives follows a more regular order and better adheres to the principles of Thomas Jeffersons Manual of Parliamentary Practice. I am pleased to report that we have made some progress in this area. According to the office of Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), since he became Speaker, an average of nearly 30 amendments per bill have been given consideration on the House floor. From my observation, prior to Speaker Ryan being Speaker, the number of amendments per bill allowed to be debated on was substantially less. Additionally, last week on the House floor, there was a communications human error. Certain Members had asked for a recorded vote on a bill, but the ball was dropped and the bill initially passed in a voice vote. It was a mere mistake, but I believe that six months ago, the attitude would have been, It was a mistake. Lets move on. Instead of that response, which would have angered some Members, everyone worked together and found a parliamentary process to allow the vote to take place. It is true that time was spent discussing the matter behind the scenes, and it did take an extra 30 minutes on the floor to work this out. But doing so sent a clear signal that the House is running more fairly. In the end, everyone felt good about the process. Finally, the House last week approved two conference reports trying to sort out the differences between similar pieces of legislation passed in the House and Senate. While I am pleased by this progress, I will continue working with my colleagues to return the House of Representatives to a true deliberative body and prove to the American people that we will conduct their business in a more transparent and regular manner. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-president-s-oval-office-address", "Comstock Statement on Presidents Oval Office Address", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after President Obamas Oval Office address last night on the ongoing war with ISIS:\nOurfirst responsibility in Congressis to keep the American people safe during this time of ever increasing threatsfromradical Islamic terrorism and Islamist extremism. Recently we passed the NDAA legislation that the President signed which requires him to have a clear strategy in dealing with ISIS. Unfortunately,last nightdespite two recent deadly terrorist assaults in Paris and in San Bernardinowe did not heara President who seems to appreciate the magnitude of the threat we are facing and did not offermuch in terms of strategy.\nHowever, in the House of Representatives, we will move forward this week andvote to update the visa waiver programto deny visa waiver status to citizensin anyof our 38 partner countries who have traveled to terrorist associated countries like Syria. Thousands of foreign fighters have moved freely between ISIS controlled territory and European countries, and we cannot make the same mistakes.\nBefore Thanksgiving,the House took swift action andvoted on a bill that addressed the Syrian refugee crisis. This bill pauses the Syrian and Iraqi refugee programuntil the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence unanimously certify that each individual applicant does not pose a threat to national security or the safety of the American people.\nWe must also reinvigorate our national security and intelligence capabilities that have been weakened over the last few years.AfterSeptember 11thwewere told that al Qaeda was at war with us, but we werent at war with them. Now it is clear that ISIS is also at war with us  and they are not just abroad, they are here already. As former British Prince Minister Tony Blair said when he spoke to us last week, we must have an active policy of engagement that is sophisticated and informed by our experience  not incapacitated by it.\nThis threat is at our door. In the 10thDistrict of Virginia we already had a 17-year-old criminally charged for recruiting for ISIS online. Defeating ISIS is a necessity. Understanding the scope of the larger threat of terrorism and Islamist extremism and how it must be uprooted will be the challenge of our time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-five-year-transportation-bill-comstock-provisions", "House Passes Five-Year Transportation Bill with Comstock Provisions", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) today voted for the conference report on the five-year surface transportation reauthorization known as the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, or the FAST Act. This legislation passed the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 359 to 65 and must now be approved by the Senate so that it may be sent to the president for his signature. Upon passage, Comstock made the following statement:\nToday the House provided long-term certainty to local and state governments by passing this five-year bill. The FAST Act will improve our roads, bridges, and infrastructure so that families and goods can move more freely, safely, and efficiently throughout our region and the country. This bill also streamlines the environmental review and permitting process so projects can start in a timely manner, eliminates or consolidates six separate offices in the Department of Transportation (DOT), increases transparency at DOT, promotes private investment within our surface transportation system, and will help facilitate economic growth by modernizing our systems and increasing innovation.\nThis bill includes a number of my provisions which authorize the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology to develop strategies to employ cutting-edge tools and high technology to reduce traffic congestion. It must be both a regional and a national goal to meld innovation and technology so that we may bring our transportation systems into the 21st Century.\nWorking with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Rep. Donna Edwards, we were able to include important provisions concerning Metro safety and accountability. Metro is the second-busiest transit system in the United States and with new management Metro needs a top to bottom cultural change and refocused mission to ensure reliable and safe service to its customersmany of whom are my constituents. I appreciate Speaker Ryan naming me as a conferee to the final negotiations, and I thank Chairman Shuster for his tireless efforts to get this legislation across the finish line. I am proud that this vital legislation was supported by a large bipartisan coalition, and I look forward to the benefits this bill will bring to Americas transportation and infrastructure systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=981", "Wittman Statement on Passage of Transportation Bill Conference Report", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement today after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the conference report for H.R. 22, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, by a vote of 359-65:\r\nWhether on the railways or roadways, Virginians spend a substantial amount of time in transit, and they know that mobility is absolutely essential for a higher standard of living and a better quality of life. Today, the House passed the first long-term national transportation spending package in the last decade, and while I have significant concerns about the inclusion of unrelated policy measures, I believe this legislation makes essential first steps toward resolving Virginia's transportation issues. The fully-funded, five-year bill will give us the flexibility we need to combat congestion, improve roadway maintenance and safety, and further develop our infrastructure.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/conferee-comstock-signs-five-year-transportation-bill-conference-report", "As Conferee, Comstock Signs Five-Year Transportation Bill Conference Report", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  In accordance with her duties as a conferee, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) today lent her signature to the conference report on the five-year surface transportation reauthorization, otherwise known as the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act, or the FAST Act. The conference report will now be considered by the full House and Senate.\nWe are one step away from final passage of this important five-year transportation bill that gives local and state governments much-needed stability. This comprehensive bipartisan legislation works toward improving our roads, bridges, and infrastructure so that families and goods can move more freely, safely, and efficiently throughout the country. This conference report includes a number of my provisions that focus on developing technologies and identifying best practices for congestion relief. The conference report will now be considered by the House and Senate so that we may put it on the presidents desk.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398502", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.30.2015", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Green Climate Fund and Us Recently, I spearheaded a letter to House Appropriations Committee leaders signed by 110 Members of the House in which we expressed our opposition to President Obamas unilateral pledge of U.S. taxpayer funds for use in the United Nations Green Climate Fund. This fund, launched in 2009 with the goal of raising $100 billion a year in financing, is a fund intended to help developing nations catch up with the U.S. in addressing climate change. Despite serious domestic budget constraints, as well as Congress never having authorized money for the Green Climate Fund, President Obama unilaterally  on his own, without it having been authorized by those of us in Congress  pledged $3 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding for it. This is significant, because when President Obama is promising billions of dollars for other nations, those nations ought to be aware that money may not actually be there. Also troubling, as we noted in our letter, is that, The United Nations top climate change official, Christina Figueres, has described the current goal of $100 billion as peanuts and envisions trillions of dollars in spending over the next 15 years. If the U.N. expects to spend trillions, you can be sure that they will expect the U.S. to pony up a significant portion of those trillions. And by U.S., they mean you and me. In other words: Us. This week, my colleagues and I in the House will be considering the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 8) as well as two resolutions disapproving of President Obamas Environmental Protection Agency rules for new and existing power plants. Conversely, President Obama and other world leaders arrived in Paris in recent days for the 2015 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, at which it is expected the Green Climate Fund will be discussed. We can debate whether or not we ought to be spending American taxpayer dollars to help our economic competitors, putting our nation further in debt in the process. But the Administration certainly shouldnt do so without first receiving the approval of Congress and, by extension, the people of the U.S. Expiring Passport? Each year around this time, my office generally sees an increase in the number of Ninth District residents contacting us for assistance with requesting or renewing a passport, requesting expedited processing of those documents, and for help with various visa issues. Those who may have upcoming international travel may wish to verify their passports expiration dates early and consider promptly proceeding with renewal if necessary. As a reminder, the State Department recommends that international travelers ensure their unexpired passport has at least six months of validity beyond dates of planned travel in order to avoid any unintended disruptions.  You may call or visit any of my offices for assistance, and can also meet with members of my team in person during our staff traveling office hours. Our schedule for office hours in your locality can be found on my website, www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Congressional App Challenge Its time again for the Congressional App Challenge, an opportunity for high school students to display their talents, engage their creativity, and encourage their participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education fields. The App Challenge will highlight the value of computer science and STEM education, help to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills, and  hopefully  encourage student engagement in these fields. As part of this challenge, a participating high school student or a group of up to four students may create and submit their own software application (referred to as an app) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Students entering the competition must submit their app's source code online by midnight on January 15, 2016 EST, as well as provide a video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process. Interested teachers, parents, or students may contact one of my offices for additional information and resources. Reminder  Medicare Open Enrollment As part of my November 16 column, I noted the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs through Monday, December 7. During this time, seniors can add, drop, or switch their coverage options. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398501", "Griffith Statement on Thanksgiving", "2015-11-26", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 26, 2015  Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement in recognition of Thanksgiving:At Thanksgiving, I am often reminded of the great hymn We Gather Together. I am especially touched by the lyrics, Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own. Today in particular we give thanks and express gratitude for the blessings that this life has bestowed upon us, His own. We also hope that others including our family, friends, and nation are similarly blessed. May God bless you and these United States. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and happy Thanksgiving. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398500", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December", "2015-11-24", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffiths Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of December. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect.\r\nDecember 1, 2015\r\nTazewell County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nAmerican Legion Building  \r\n226 Central Avenue  \r\nTazewell, VA\r\nBuchanan County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGrundy Town Hall  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nDublin Town Hall  \r\nRoute 100, 1 mile North of I-81  \r\nDublin, VA\r\nDecember 2, 2015\r\nSmyth County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA \r\nCovington: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCovington City Hall  \r\nCity Hall Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA\r\nCraig County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castle, VA\r\nBristol: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA\r\nDecember 3, 2015\r\nLee County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nLee County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  Suite U101  \r\n33640 Main Street  \r\nJonesville, VA\r\nMartinsville:  12:00 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nNCI  \r\nRoom 106  Classroom Building  \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA\r\nNorton:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nNorton City Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Avenue NW  \r\nNorton, VA\r\nDecember 8, 2015\r\nGiles County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nPearisburg Town Hall  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA\r\nDickenson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA \r\nSalem:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nSalem Library  \r\n28 East Main Street  \r\nSalem, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nDecember 9, 2015\r\nRadford:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n60 3rd Street NW  \r\nPulaski, VA\r\nDecember 10, 2015\r\nGrayson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  Suite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA\r\nRussell County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA\r\nTazewell County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm   \r\nBluefield Town Hall  Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA\r\nGalax:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Main Street  \r\nGalax, VA\r\nDecember 15, 2015\r\nCarroll County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n605  1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA\r\nFloyd County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nFloyd County Library  \r\n321 W. Main Street  \r\nFloyd, VA\r\nDecember 16, 2015\r\nHenry County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Society  \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA \r\nBland County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA\r\nWythe County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nPatrick County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA\r\nDecember 17, 2015\r\nAlleghany County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA\r\nScott County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nCommunity Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA \r\nRoanoke County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398497", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.23.15", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Keeping the American People Safe Many in the United States remain uneasy following the terrible November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris carried out by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Constituents have contacted my offices to express their concerns, share their views on how to defeat ISIS, and on the Presidents proposed plan to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States next year. I understand and share many of their concerns  ISIS is a serious threat. According to reports, prior to the Paris attacks, one of the ISIS assailants posed as a refugee in order to enter Europe through Greece. Consequently, many are questioning whether the United States could be similarly infiltrated. Adding to these fears is the fact that top national security officials within the Obama Administration have warned repeatedly that there is not sufficient data or resources to significantly vet the vast majority of refugees from Syria. A duty of our government must be to protect the safety of the American people. Thats why my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives on November 19 passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038). The SAFE Act would immediately suspend the Syrian refugee resettlement program, prohibiting the admission of refugees from Iraq and Syria into the U.S. until the FBI Director certifies the background of each refugee, and until the FBI Director, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence certify to the American peoples representatives in Congress that each refugee is not a security threat to the United States. Despite serious concerns regarding national security, this vote was not taken lightly. Many with Middle Eastern backgrounds or descent work, play, and contribute to our communities, and are truly great Americans. Notably, despite the Presidents veto threat, the SAFE Act passed the House with a veto-proof majority. The Hill reports that A number of Democrats who were on the fence about the bill decided to vote yes after hearing administration officials make the case against it. It didnt persuade, said Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who supported the bill. It had the opposite effect  for a number of us. More can and must be done in an effort to keep us safe. The SAFE Act is a targeted, significant first step we are taking in an area in which there is an immediate need for action. FBI Director James Comey said on October 8 that My concern [about bringing Syrian refugees into the United States] is that there are certain gaps I dont want to talk about publicly in the data available to us. Comey also testified in an October 21 House Homeland Security Committee hearing, if someone has not made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interests reflected in our databases, we can query our databases until the cows come home but nothing will show up because we have no record of that personYou can only query what you have collected. The Administration insists the current background check system is sufficient. As an analogy, I recall, however, that 11 days before the launch of Obamacare exchanges, an administration official testified that the exchanges were on track for an October 1, 2013 launch. Whether supportive of or opposed to Obamacare, no rational person argues the Obamacare computer system was ready on time. Of course, the ramifications of the botched launch of Obamacare would pale in comparison to what could happen should the current background check system fail. No system is perfect, but we must pause the Syrian refugee program until the reasonable questions being asked by Congress and the people of these United States can be answered. General Jack Keane, a retired U.S. Army general, said, Im absolutely convinced that youre doing the right thing by pausing and making certain that the Congress takes a look at the executive branchs plans and makes certain that its reasonable what were doing in terms of the vetting process. Our nation has a long history of providing for many of the world's refugees. We remain a compassionate nation, and I acknowledge the plight of those fleeing from war-torn areas of the Middle East and know that we must find a way to help them. But I also acknowledge my first responsibility is to the people I represent. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398499", "Griffith Leads Letter Expressing Opposition to International Climate Funding", "2015-11-23", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a letter led by Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), 110 Members of Congress express their opposition to President Obamas unilateral pledge of U.S. taxpayer funds to the United Nations Green Climate Fund, especially if any international climate agreement emerging from the upcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris is not brought before Congress for approval. \nThe Green Climate Fund is a fund for developing nations that was launched in 2009 with the goal of raising $100 billion a year in financing. In their letter, the Representatives highlight that Congress has never authorized funding for this fund. Yet without the consent of Congress and despite serious domestic budget constraints, President Obama unilaterally pledged $3 billion in U.S. taxpayer funding for the Green Climate Fund. \nAdditionally, the Representatives write that This request from the President appears to be just the beginning of a commitment to the United Nations that could dwarf previous such climate commitments made by the United States government. The Green Climate Funds Executive Director recently stated that estimated funding needed by developing countries would increase to $450 billion per year after 2020. The United Nations top climate change official, Christina Figueres, has described the current goal of $100 billion as peanuts and envisions trillions of dollars in spending over the next 15 years.\nThe letter can be found here.\nIn addition to Griffith, the letter was signed by Representatives Ralph Abraham, Lou Barletta, Andy Barr, Joe Barton, Dan Benishek, Gus Bilirakis, Rob Bishop, Marsha Blackburn, Charles Boustany, Dave Brat, Jim Bridenstine, Mo Brooks, Ken Buck, Larry Bucshon, Earl Buddy Carter, Chris Collins, Mike Conaway, Kevin Cramer, Ron DeSantis, Scott DesJarlais, Jeff Duncan, Jimmy Duncan, Renee Ellmers, Tom Emmer, Blake Farenthold, Stephen Fincher, John Fleming, Bill Flores, Trent Franks, Bob Gibbs, Louie Gohmert, Bob Goodlatte, Paul Gosar, Trey Gowdy, Sam Graves, Glenn Grothman, Gregg Harper, Jeb Hensarling, Jody Hice, Richard Hudson, Tim Huelskamp, Bill Huizenga, Robert Hurt, Lynn Jenkins, Bill Johnson, Sam Johnson, Walter B. Jones, Jim Jordan, Adam Kinzinger, Raul Labrador, Doug LaMalfa, Doug Lamborn, Leonard Lance, Robert E. Latta, Billy Long, Barry Loudermilk, Mia Love, Frank Lucas, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Cynthia Lummis, Michael McCaul, Tom McClintock, David B. McKinley, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Mark Meadows, Luke Messer, Candice Miller, Jeff Miller, Alex Mooney, Markwayne Mullin, Mick Mulvaney, Randy Neugebauer, Dan Newhouse, Devin Nunes, Pete Olson, Gary Palmer, Steve Pearce, Scott Perry, Joe Pitts, Mike Pompeo, Tom Price, John Ratcliffe, Phil Roe, Mike D. Rogers, Dana Rohrabacher, Keith Rothfus, David Rouzer, Steve Scalise, David Schweikert, Austin Scott, F. James Sensenbrenner, John Shimkus, Adrian Smith, Lamar Smith, Glenn GT Thompson, Scott Tipton, Fred Upton, Greg Walden, Mark Walker, Jackie Walorski, Mimi Walters, Randy Weber, Brad Wenstrup, Bruce Westerman, Ed Whitfield, Joe Wilson, Don Young, Todd Young, Ryan Zinke.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-pause-and-review-syrian-and-iraqi-refugee-program", "Comstock Votes to Pause and Review Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Program, Strengthen National Security", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, legislation she co-sponsored, by a bipartisan vote of 289 to 137:\nI am pleased we passed this broadly bipartisan and commonsense legislation today with a veto-proof majority in the House. The first and most important role of our government is to protect the people. This bill will pause the refugee program for both Syrian and Iraqi refugees until the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence unanimously certify that each individual applicant does not pose a threat to national security or the safety of the American people. Just last month, FBI Director James Comey said to Congress,Ifwe dont know much about somebody, there wont be anything in our data, and adding I cant sit here and offer anybody an absolute assurance that theres no risk associated with this. This legislation is an additional step in enhancing our national security efforts in dealing with ISIS and terrorist threats and protecting the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398496", "Griffith Calls for a Pause on Admittance of Syrian Refugees into the U.S.", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding President Obamas plan to resettle at least 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States: During these troubled times, a priority of the federal government must be to protect the American people.  President Obama has proposed that the United States accept at least 10,000 Syrian refugees for resettlement. This would not be without risk, as there is not sufficient data about the vast majority of refugees. Therefore, these refugees cannot be significantly vetted. Vetting is difficult, particularly when we take into account two factors  1) we are now dealing with thousands instead of hundreds of individuals, and 2) ISIS, etc. is using the flood of refugees to smuggle terrorists into Western countries. No plan will be perfect, but our approach must be prudent. Accordingly, I and others are of the belief that the prudent action to take is to pause the admittance of additional Syrian refugees into the United States. As FBI Director James Comey testified in an October 21 House Homeland Security Committee hearing, if someone has not made a ripple in the pond in Syria in a way that would get their identity or their interests reflected in our databases, we can query our databases until the cows come home but nothing will show up because we have no record of that personYou can only query what you have collected. Echoing Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), I say, This is a moment when its better to be safe than to be sorry. In addition to pausing this particular part of the refugee program, other actions may be taken. For example, I have repeatedly noted my belief that the President does not have the authority to wage an extended war on ISIS without Congressional approval. Congress must debate and vote on an authorization for the use of military force against ISIS. Additionally, our Arab allies including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, etc. ought to provide troops on the ground in the field of battle. That all having been said, we cannot disregard the plight of many people in war-torn areas of the Middle East  minority religions, particularly Christians, have been targeted by ISIS. We should consider providing aid to help refugees elsewhere, without bringing them to American soil. In the House of Representatives, a task force is examining and expeditiously developing suggestions regarding Congress role in defeating ISIS, and also concerning potential national security implications of the Presidents plans to resettle at least 10,000 Syrians in the United States. I seek a balanced Congressional response, and look forward to thoroughly reviewing the task forces recommendations. In the meantime, we must pause the admittance of additional Syrian refugees into the United States.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-syrian-refugees", "Comstock Statement On Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement on the current terrorist attacks in Paris:\nAfter September 11, 2001, we tragically learned that al Qaeda was at war with us, but we werent at war with them. Again, with the recent murderous terrorist attacks in Paris, we have learned that ISIS and radical Islam are waging war -- not only with France or the United States, but with the Western world. As has been reported, at least one of the terrorists involved infiltrated France via the Syrian refugee exodus. \nRegarding Syrian refugees, leaders from the FBI, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Department of Homeland Security have told the House Homeland Security Committee that they do not have the necessary on-the-ground intelligence to thoroughly vet Syrian refugees. Recent reports indicate that ISIS leaders have said they want to exploit the refugee crisis to get into countries in Europe and the West. In addition, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said last month, It is true that we are not going to know a whole lot about the Syrians that come forth in this process. It is also reported that thousands of Europeans and dozens of Americans have gone to fight and train in Syria. They now must be better tracked, identified, and rooted out with coordinated intelligence efforts as they seek to make their way into Western democracies and engage in terrorist actions.\nThe Administrations policies and practices do not inspire confidence that they could or would implement proper vetting procedures for Syrian refugees that ensure the safety of the American people. Therefore, the Administrations policies on Syrian refugees should be suspended and a full review of the program and its security risks should be undertaken along with aggressive congressional oversight. These recent attacks also bring to light the need to reinvigorate our national security tracking tools and abilities to defeat terrorism.\nWe are a welcoming nation, and people from many nations seek safety here. But the safety and security of the American people must be our number one priority. The Obama Administration and our allies can provide safe zones in Syria which can provide aid to the Syrian refugees while keeping the American people safe. Contrary to the presidents statements, ISIS is not JV, ISIS is not contained, and the attacks on France are more than a setback. As French President Hollande said, This is an act of war. As terrorists around the world continue to expand networks and upgrade their capabilities, the United States and our allies must upgrade our capabilities and strengthen our resolve to annihilate these networks bent on destroying our way of life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=978", "Wittman Advocates Strengthened Security Measures in Response to Paris Attacks", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) announced today that he is taking a number of legislative and other steps to minimize the threat that terrorist attacks like those in Paris could happen on U.S. soil. \r\nIn April of this year, Wittman introduced the International Conflicts of Concern Act (H.R. 1929), a bill to protect the United States by establishing a framework to temporarily restrict the travel of U.S. citizens to countries of conflict where they may radicalize and then return home to carry out an attack. \r\nFriday's horrific events were perpetrated in part by radicalized French nationals on French soil, Wittman said. In light of those events, we cannot continue to ignore the fact that recruitment is a significant tool in ISIS' arsenal of weapons. Terrorism is an evolving threat, and in order to defeat it, we must anticipate and prevent that evolution. There are already more than 100 documented Americans fighting with terrorist organizations in Syria and Iraq. It is essential that we have a mechanism in place to reduce the risk that U.S. citizens will travel overseas, train, and then return home to carry out acts of violence against the American people.\r\nTheInternational Conflicts of Concern Act would prohibit unauthorized personnel from traveling or distributing material support to entities engaged in armed conflict within those countries designated as countries of conflict concern. The legislation would automatically designate Syria as a country of conflict concern for a one-year period. Perpetrators would be subject to both civil and criminal penalties including up to a 20-year term in prison. This legislation would still allow for legitimate travel by licensed humanitarian aid workers and other groups with the necessary level of clearance.\r\nCongressman Wittman also announced that he will cosponsor the Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act of 2015 (H.R. 3573). Introduced by Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Michael McCaul, the bill would require the President to get approval from Congress before moving forward with any refugee resettlement plan and, if approval is granted, require the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Director of National Intelligence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to establish an effective security vetting process for refugees. The legislation would also mandate that the President give priority to refugees who have been the target of faith-based persecution in Iraq and Syria.\r\nNow more than ever, Americans are concerned about the resettlement of thousands of refugees in the United States without adequate screening or background check processes, Wittman said. ISIS has made clear its intention to use refugee resettlement program as an outlet for terrorist infiltration, and yet the President has remained stalwart in his decision to move forward with the resettlement process. This legislation will offer Congress the opportunity to pump the brakes on the President's plan and implement important security measures that will protect not only American citizens but also innocent refugees.\r\nWittman has also joined with a number of his Congressional colleagues in sending a letter urging the President to halt the admission of Iraqi and Syrian refugees to the United States until adequate vetting procedures can be identified and implemented.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398495", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.16.15", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Defeating ISIS \nI continue to be horrified and heartbroken by the November 13 coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris. I mourn the innocent victims, pray for them and for their loved ones, and pray for the people of France. I strongly condemn these attacks. Mr. President, the world needs strong leadership from the US. Unfortunately, it is all the more clear that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)  which claimed responsibility for these attacks  must not be underestimated.  Merely 12 hours before the attacks, President Obama claimed that ISIS had been contained. I and others including Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), the top Democrat on the Senates Intelligence Committee  disagree. Ive never been more concerned, Senator Feinstein said on November 16. I read the intelligence faithfully. ISIL is not contained. ISIL is expanding. ISIL  or ISIS, as I prefer  is a very dangerous terrorist organization, and it must be defeated. Aggressive American air power hitting numerous ISIS locations simultaneously and boots on the ground provided by our Arab allies (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt) can do the trick. A few American sorties a day are not enough, Mr. President. Working Together to Support Manufacturing Last week, I was fortunate to have joined some local officials and industry experts in Abingdon at the Manufacturing and Legislative Council Meeting organized by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM). Manufacturers present reported that they seek industrial maintenance employees who tend to the repair and upkeep of industrial equipment and machines. It was reiterated to us that manufacturing is more than screwdrivers and wrenches  manufacturers need employees trained in information technology (IT) and electrical/ mechanical engineering. Today, industrial maintenance means not only opening the machine, but being able to work on the machines computer systems. Almost every piece of manufacturing equipment is at least partially computer-driven. If you have these skills, you can find a job. They also need employers who can think for themselves and solve problems. I cant help but think that some laid-off workers in the coal-producing regions of Southwest Virginia, with their skills, could fill available industrial maintenance positions. Others may need additional training. I look forward to continuing to work with SVAM, area manufacturers, and local legislators in this regard, and will continue to look for other methods of supporting and growing manufacturing in our region. Update  Immigration and the Rule of Law As you may recall, earlier this year I joined a number of my colleagues in the House and the Senate in signing an amicus brief challenging the Presidents actions on immigration. This brief was filed with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of a continued injunction against the Obama Administrations immigration actions in the case of Texas v. United States. On November 9, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction blocking the Administration from implementing its plan. Reports indicate the Administration will likely appeal to the Supreme Court for consideration. I have said this before: Though I believe the Presidents immigration actions are unconstitutional, this important debate is not about whether you like these policies. It is about whether you like the rule of law. Medicare Open Enrollment As a reminder for all our seniors, the Medicare open enrollment period runs through December 7, 2015. During this time, seniors can add, drop, or switch their coverage options. Seniors and family members may wish to review the options to find the plan that best fits their needs. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The Volkswagen Diesel Problem  Are You Affected? The German car giant has admitted to cheating emissions tests in the US on certain diesel engines from 2009-2015. My colleagues and I on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are investigating Volkswagens actions. To echo Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Attempting to deceive regulators and customers is a double whammy of betrayal. While VW is attempting to figure out how to fix the diesel problem, they are offering a Customer Goodwill Package. That package is predominantly a $500 pre-paid Visa card and a $500 dealership credit. Consumer Reports notes, Volkswagen is calling for owners to submit information online, wait four weeks, then visit a dealership and present a drivers license, vehicle registration, and title or lease agreement. Owners must claim this award by April 30, 2016. Information about the Goodwill Package, including the Program Rules/eligibility, is available on www.vwdieselinfo.com. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-paris-terrorist-attacks", "Comstock Statement On Paris Terrorist Attacks", "2015-11-13", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement after the Paris terrorist attacks that occurred tonight:\nWe stand with Paris, which has suffered coordinated and unspeakable terrorist attacks. Our prayers are with those who were murdered andtheir loved ones andall those first responders and security officials who are risking their lives to protect those in the aftermath of these attacks.Sadly this is a continuing reminder of the threat that the civilized world faces and the need for our continued vigilance in battling terrorism. Once again we see innocent civilians-- of all races, backgrounds, religions and ages --going about their daily lives who are brutally murdered as an attack on our way of life. We cannot allow these demonic terrorist and ISIS networks to stand. If you have a family member or friends in Paris who are U.S. citizens,the State Department has activated a hotline and you can call1-888-407-4747if you are in the U.S. and1-202-501-4444if you are overseas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-announces-congressional-app-challenge", "Comstock Announces Congressional App Challenge", "2015-11-12", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) released the following statement announcing her offices participation in the Congressional App Challenge:\nThe new jobs of the 21st Century economy necessitate graduates who are proficient in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) so we can be the world leaders in these fields. The Congressional App Challenge will help students in our community improve their programming and computer science skills and give them the ability to interact with high-tech employers in a variety of technological fields -- increasing the job prospects of our students and helping build on our 21st Century economy.\nThe Congressional App Challenge began November 9th, 2015 and runs through January 15th, 2016, challenging high school students to design and create an original app for submission. Eligible high school students in Virginias 10th Congressional District may enter this Challenge as individuals or groups of not more than four students and will be judged by a panel chosen by the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. The submitted app can be on any topic, provided it is original, appropriate, and has been made within a year of January 16th, 2016. For more information, please visit our website at https://comstock.house.gov/services/congressional-app-challenge", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398493", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.9.15", "2015-11-09", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Energy, EPA, Jobs Last week, my colleagues and I on the Energy and Power Subcommittee passed two Resolutions of Disapproval (H.J.Res 71 and H.J.Res 72) under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to block two final rules for new and existing power plants issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  As described by the Congressional Research Service, the CRA is an oversight tool Congress can use to overturn certain agency actions. The CRA requires agencies to report the issuance of rules to Congress and provides Congress with special procedures under which to consider legislation to overturn rules, in the form of a joint resolution of disapproval. ... If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses and signed by the President, or if Congress overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect. Additionally, When a CRA joint disapproval resolution meets certain criteria, it cannot be filibustered in the Senate. The Congressional Research Service notes that the CRA process has been used to overturn one rule, but regardless, it is an important, powerful tool for Congress to have. The Senate needs to join us in this fight, and I am encouraged that bipartisan Resolutions of Disapproval have been introduced there as well. This process is the best chance we have of getting legislation on the Presidents desk to protect consumers of electricity and our mining jobs from a regulatory cap-and-trade scheme imposed by unreasonable, unelected bureaucrats at the EPA. Speaking of EPA bureaucrats, last week I reintroduced the EPA Maximum Achievable Contraction of Technocrats (MACT) Act, H.R. 3939, which would reduce EPA staffing levels by 15 percent over 3 years to bring EPA staffing closer to its historic staffing levels. EPA regulators are waging a war on common sense, American manufacturers, jobs, and more. Real businesses have closed and real people lost their jobs as a result of unreasonable EPA actions. The American people need some relief without delay. As you may remember, I crafted EPA MACT to reflect the same opportunities for the EPA that the EPA has over the last few years given to businesses they regulate. Many of the regulations proposed by the EPA during this Administration have given businesses three years to come into compliance. Often there is a process to appeal if the business cant comply for an extension of one year. If EPA MACT were to pass and the EPA could not make the reductions through attrition, I am sure Congress would listen to the EPAs appeal to lengthen their compliance time. Likewise, I have no doubt Congress would listen to their concerns. This year, I am proud to be joined in introducing this legislation by Congressmen Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), Dr. Phil Roe (TN-01), Mike Kelly (PA-03), Evan Jenkins (WV-03), and Alex Mooney (WV-02). While I appreciate the Congressional support, I am saddened and disappointed by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herrings recent announcement that the Commonwealth is joining in a legal effort to support the Obama Administrations so-called Clean Power Plan regulations for new and existing power plants. Many, including liberal law professor Laurence Tribe, believe this plan is an unconstitutional example of bureaucratic overreach. Regrettably, the Attorney General is not willing to simply remain neutral or voice his opinion but not take action. Instead, he will spend Virginians taxpayer dollars on legal action in defense of a policy that will likely lead to higher electric rates and further job loss in Southwest Virginia. I found it surprising that the Attorney General of all of Virginia has taken this position, since it will hurt the working poor and an entire region of the state. As you know, a part of the Commonwealths obligation is to make sure that all regions have basic K-12 education needs met. With the job losses and loss of dollars from the coal severance tax, I suspect more money will have to be sent from the state to Southwest Virginia to meet that constitutional requirement. But its not just Southwest Virginia that suffers. Jobs across the Commonwealth are affected, and coal exports from the Port of Norfolk are down by a third over the last year. Though Virginias Attorney General seems not to care about jobs in our region, rest assured the fight against the war on coal will continue. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-office-hosting-fehb-open-season-fair", "Comstock Office Hosting FEHB Open Season Fair", "2015-11-09", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstocks (R-VA) office will be hosting an FEHB Open Season fair this Saturday, November 14th, at the George Washington University Science & Technology Ashburn Campus, Enterprise Hall from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM featuring representatives from various FEHB health plans who will be available to provide information and answer questions concerning plan offerings for 2016. This years open season runs from November 9th to December 14th. Federal employees, retirees, or annuitants seeking more information about the FEHB Open Season Fair may call the Congresswomans District office at 703-404-6903.\nWe are excited to bring federal employees and representatives from their health plans together so they can navigate and decide what FEHB plans best fit their needs.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock\n\nWho: Congresswoman Barbara Comstocks Office\nWhat: FEHB Open Season Fair\nWhen: Saturday, November 14th from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM\nWhere: The George Washington University Science & Technology Ashburn Campus, Enterprise Hall, 44983 Knoll Square, Ashburn, VA 20147", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398492", "Congressman Griffith's Special Edition E-Newsletter 11.6.15", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Though we will be sending our weekly e-newsletter on Monday, November 9, I hope you are interested in this special edition e-newsletter in the meantime. Changing the House  Continued Those who have followed my public statements for the last several years know I have been concerned about the rules in the House and in the Senate. The rules we have been working under are not working for the American people or towards an efficient legislative body. I have great hope that we may be seeing the beginning of a change towards a better process, particularly over the last couple of months. I believe that a more transparent rules process and greater input on legislative action from the Republican Conference membership at large will better represent and serve the interests of the American people. Over the last couple of months, I have engaged in discussions with various groups within the House Republican Conference to make changes to our Conference Rules and House Rules. About a month ago, I was asked to serve on a working group to propose rules changes. This group has been regularly meeting in the evenings to review rules change proposals. In fact, one day last week, I had a proposal in my left breast pocket, a proposal in my right breast pocket, a proposal in my back pocket, and a proposal tucked into my copy of Jeffersons Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Then this week, I was named by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-WI) to serve on a new task force working to reform the House Republican Steering Committee, which determines committee chairmanships and helps to set policy. It is too early to tell if these changes will bring about the desired effect, but even if these are just baby steps, I am proud of the fact that finally there is hope of reforming this body. Stay tuned. Changing the Senate  A First Step Speaking of baby steps, the Senate may be willing to make changes to one of its rules  the modern filibuster/cloture process. Those of you who have been following my column and public statements are aware I have been urging the U.S. Senate to abandon its modern filibuster/cloture rules and revert to the historical processes since 2012. Doing so I believe would allow more bills to be considered, debated, and voted on, more compromises to be reached, and more progress to be made on the important issues of the day such as growing jobs and our economy. I am pleased by a recent POLITICO story indicating that some Republican Senators are starting to agree with me on this, at least when it comes to government spending measures, given that Senate Democrats filibustered all funding bills and ultimately [forced] budget negotiations that led to a sweeping fiscal deal last week. The story also notes that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has assigned a group of Senators to see what rules changes are possible. This is an encouraging first step. I will update you on any developments.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-president-obama-rejecting-keystone-xl-pipeline", "Comstock On President Obama Rejecting the Keystone XL Pipeline", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after President Obama rejected the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline today:\nPresident Obamas rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline today flies in the face of logic and bows to job killing extremists. This jobs project brought together a bipartisan group of supporters from the Teamsters and LIUNA, to the Tea Party, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Post. This project would have created thousands of shovel-ready jobs while at the same time putting America on a path toward energy independence. The President's action today is beyond misguided.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=977", "Wittman Statement on Presidents Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Statement on President's Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        November 6, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement today in response to President Obama's decision not to approve the Keystone XL pipeline:\r\nThis administration's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the role that energy plays in this country. Energy independence is not only about our national security, it's about our economic securityit's about our jobs, our standard of living, and the price we pay at the pump. By abandoning the pipeline, the President is choosing to abandon those principles. He is spurning the creation of thousands of good-paying jobs and the injection of billions of private-sector dollars into our economy. This decision discards a comprehensive strategy for energy independence and shows blatant disregard for the will of the American people and a bipartisan majority of Congress.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/multi-year-transportation-bill-passes-house-comstock-provisions", "Multi-Year Transportation Bill Passes House With Comstock Provisions", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House passed its surface transportation reauthorization package by a vote of 363-64:\nThe House has now done its part to give local and state governments much-needed stability in terms of their transportation needs by passing this bipartisan transportation bill today. In Northern Virginia, we are always striving to find innovative solutions to address our transportation woes. This legislation works toward improving our roads, bridges, and infrastructure so that families and goods can move more freely throughout the country. I am honored that this bill includes a number of provisions that I have championed. My provisions focus on developing new technologies, understanding and mitigating congestion, and getting Metros house in order. Overall, this legislation works to solve major problems in a common sense way.\nRep. Comstocks initiatives included in the surface transportation reauthorization package:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=973", "Wittman Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Care", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness, introduced the Accountability, Collaboration, and Transfer (ACT) Now for Veterans legislation, which includes measures to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits claim process and expedite Veteran access to quality care.\r\nIn recent years, Congress has passed major legislation that has gone a long way toward addressing the failure of the VA to adequately serve our nation's military Veterans, Wittman said, but there is still more to be done. Bureaucratic red tape and outdated benefits claim policies have undermined the quality of care that our Veterans receive. The ACT Now for Veterans legislation includes important initiatives that increase efficiency and accountability in the VA and ensure that our Veterans are getting the benefits they have earned and deserve.\r\nACT Now for Veterans includes three distinct reform measures. The Veterans Choice Accountability Act (H.R. 3883) would expand Veteran access to Non-VA medical care and establish a review of the VA's implementation of the Veteran's Choice Program. The Veterans Collaboration Act (H.R. 3884) would create a VA Pilot Program to foster collaboration between qualified non-profit and educational institutions that provide assistance to Veterans. And the Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures between VA and DOD medical Doctors (H.R. 3885) would require separation physical examinations conducted by military doctors to be used to determine service connected disability and also continue to demand that the VA and DOD share medical and service record data electronically.\r\nOur Veterans have answered the ultimate call of duty in service of our country, Wittman continued, and it is our job in Congress is to make sure that they aren't being neglected by an overgrown and inefficient VA. I am eager to continue working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to move this legislation forward on behalf of the men and women who've been willing to go into battle to protect our freedoms.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=974", "Wittman Statement on House Passage of FY16 NDAA", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) supported passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016. The annual legislation, which the House of Representatives approved by a bipartisan vote of 370-58, provides policy guidance and authorization for the Department of Defense.\r\nThe vote comes on the heels of the President's veto of an earlier version of the NDAA over domestic policy differences and the subsequent passage into law of The Bipartisan Budget Agreement Act, H.R. 1314, a measure that includes a $5 billion reduction in the amount the President requested this year for our nation's defense programs.\r\nI could not support the Budget Agreement in part because it did not go far enough to repair sequester-imposed cuts to our military, Wittman said. The spending adjustments that had to be made as a result of the $5 billion reduction were spread acrossmore than 100 separate military programs, including cuts to funding for readiness and equipment.\r\nPassage of NDDA today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to a military that is in the highest state of working order, Wittman continued. It is essential that we push forward and send the President a military authorization bill that contains all the original NDAA provisions, including improved pay and benefits for active duty service members, expanded Veteran care, and reinforcement of our shipbuilding and other military support industries. Assuring military readiness remains the most important aspect of our national defense, and we must maintain our nation's military status as the greatest force for peace the world has ever known.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=975", "Wittman Statement on House Passage of Highway Bill", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement today after supporting the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 3763), a measure that funds Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs for six years:\r\nAs I travel to and from Washington, D.C. every day from my home in Montross, VA, I witness first-hand the frustration that the debilitating traffic on our roadways causes. I've often experienced that exasperation myself as I sit bumper-to-bumper on I-95 with nothing but brake lights for miles ahead and consider the quality-of-life sacrifices that other Virginia travelers have had to make because of gridlock in Washington. I see disappointment on the faces of mothers and fathers who are missing piano recitals and baseball games as they sit helplessly at a stand-still. I see the stress and expense that small business owners have to contend with as they fail, through no fault of their own, to make scheduled deliveries. I've been there, and I know what a precious resource time is to families and businesses across the Commonwealth.\r\nThe men and women of Virginia's First District spend countless hours in transit, whether on the railways or the roadways, and they are ready for reform. Transportation funding is the number one issue that I hear about from both business owners and community leaders from Prince William County to Fredericksburg to Newport News. Gridlock in Washington can no longer contribute to the never-ending stream of traffic that our communities are forced to endure. I've consistently called for Congress to abandon temporary transportation extensions and pass a long-term highway bill so that we can establish a comprehensive plan for dealing with a variety of issues, including congestion, roadway maintenance and safety, and infrastructure development.\r\nThis is by no means a perfect piece of legislation, and I do have some concerns that I would like to see addressed as this bill goes to conference. Specifically, I would prefer a fully-funded bill rather than one that authorizes funding for six years but only guarantees three years of funding. I also take issue with some of the funding mechanisms used to offset costs and with the inclusion of unrelated policy initiatives. I have said repeatedly, however, that I would like to see the House return to regular order, and with the introduction of more than 200 amendments and measured debate on the House floor, I believe that this bill reflects the will of the people. This is a continual process, but I am confident that this legislation is a significant first step in helping resolve the issues that have long plagued Virginia's roadways.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-edwards-amendment-fix-broken-wmata-board-passes-house", "Comstock-Edwards Amendment To Fix Broken WMATA Board Passes House", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House passed an important amendment that transfers authority to appoint the Federal Director of the WMATA board from the General Services Administration to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation:\nThis bipartisan amendment grants the U.S. Secretary of Transportation authority to appoint someone with real transit experience to the WMATA board, said Congresswoman Comstock. It is paramount that Metro meets all the necessary safety requirements. Metro will only win the publics trust again if it changes its culture. Our amendment that passed today is necessary to achieve that goal. I appreciate working with Congresswoman Edwards in shepherding this important amendment through the House.\nIt is no secret that WMATA continues to face significant challenges addressing safety, performance and management, said Congresswoman Edwards. WMATAs board of directors determines the agencys policies and provides oversight for the funding, operation and expansion of transit facilities. Our bipartisan amendment is an important step forward to reforming the leadership and oversight of WMATA by giving the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) the authority to appoint the four federal members to the WMATA board. Currently, the General Services Administration (GSA) has had this sole authority. I thank Sen. Mikulski and Rep. Comstock for this bicameral and bipartisan effort to bring a much-needed overhaul to the selection process for WMATAs board that I am confident will help improve safety and reliability.\nCongresswoman Comstock is the lead Republican on this bipartisan amendment that was sponsored by Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD). The amendment will now be included in the surface transportation reauthorization, otherwise known as the Highway Bill, which is expected to pass the House this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-amendment-traffic-congestion-study-passes-house", "Comstock Amendment on Traffic Congestion Study Passes House", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House passed her amendment that included key provisions from the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill that she has sponsored. The amendment will now be included in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform (STRR) Act of 2015, otherwise known as the Highway Bill, which is expected to pass the House later this week:\nEvery day in our community families get into their cars and tackle the ever-increasing congestion that plagues Northern Virginia roads. My amendment that passed today will help ease that burden by investing in research, development, and new technologies to better understand traffic patterns and combat road congestion. This commonsense bipartisan measure will not only help with traffic congestion, it should also save money for taxpayers at the federal, state, and local levels. I thank my colleagues for their support.\nBackground on Comstocks Surface Transportation Research and Development amendment that passed on the House floor today:\nThe first part of the amendment further clarifies language in the underlying bill regarding universities abilities to submit grant applications for the University Transportation Centers Program as either the lead or partnering applicant.\nThe second part directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop a 5-Year Strategic Plan for Transportation Research and Development. The purpose is to think strategically about the future of federal transportation R&D, and it requires the Secretary to:\n Take input from external stakeholders;\n\tIntegrate the R&D programs of all the Departments modal administrations and joint programs; and\n\tConsider any other R&D conducted by other federal, state, local, private sector, and nonprofit institutions.\n The third part of the amendment provides authority for the Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Research and Technology to conduct research to reduce traffic congestion. Goals and objectives of the research include:\n Helping to accelerate the adoption of transportation management systems that allow traffic to flow in safe and efficient ways;\n\tAssessing traffic, transit, and freight data from various sources;\n\tDeveloping and disseminating strategies to reduce congestion for high-density traffic regions. This would be helpful to the National Capital Region which also affects the district; and\n\tCollaborating with other federal, state, and local governments, as well as industry representatives and universities.\n The fourth and final part of the amendment authorizes the Assistant Secretary to transmit a report to Congress on rail safety issues. Specifically, the report would cover the state of rail safety technologies and an analysis of whether industry is keeping up with innovations in technologies to make rail cars safer for passengers. The report would also have a determination of how much additional time and resources will be required for railroad carriers to meet the positive train control implementation requirements under law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398490", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.2.15", "2015-11-02", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Changing the House Following the September 25 announcement that then-House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) would be resigning from Congress at the end of October, many discussions took place regarding future leadership in the House of Representatives. In recent weeks, I and others have been working together to attempt to craft proposed changes to House Republican Conference rules and U.S. House of Representatives rules in an effort to ensure that the chamber follows a more regular order and to better adhere to the principles of Thomas Jeffersons Manual of Parliamentary Practice. These discussions will continue. Prior to the election of Speaker, Paul D. Ryan (WI-01) spoke with numerous individuals  including members of the House Freedom Caucus  and emphasized his support for rules changes. However, more important than what he may have said privately to any particular group is what he said publicly following his election. On October 29, Speaker Ryan reiterated in his speech, The House is broken. We are not solving problems. We are adding to them.  Neither the members nor the people are satisfied with how things are going. We need to make some changes, starting with how the House does business. Interestingly, he also said, A neglected minority will gum up the works. A respected minority will work in good faith. Instead of trying to stop the majority, they might try to become the majority. Many in the press thought this was a reference to the Democrats. But Speaker Ryan indicated on NBC News Meet the Press Sunday show that it could also refer to a minority of Republicans. I pray that our changes to the process will return the United States House of Representatives to a true deliberative body. And I hope that the body will rise to the occasion and prove to the American people that we will conduct their business in a more transparent manner. I believe Speaker Ryan is sincere about making the House of Representatives  which by design is supposed to mirror the will of the American people  more reflective of the wishes of the people and more respectful of the rights of all Members of Congress to at least have the opportunity to be heard on issues of importance. Accordingly, I voted for Paul Ryan to be the next Speaker of the House. Meningitis Victims Worries Continue As you may recall, the President in 2013 signed into law a bill I worked on  the Drug Quality and Security Act  which ensures the safety of compounded drugs, eliminating perceived confusion as to the oversight of pharmacies like the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that worked the system to skirt both Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulations. Unfortunately, while this law is too late for some, I believe it is helping to save lives by preventing another NECC-type outbreak from occurring. I bring this law up again because I noticed in the October 30 Roanoke Times an article about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing an update on the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak associated with sterile compounded injections from the NECC. According to the CDC report, a patient injected with tainted steroids developed fungal meningitis in November 2014, 26 months after having received the injection. This patient brings the total number of cases to 753. The Roanoke Times reported, Some patients of Insight Imaging in Roanoke and New River Valley Surgery Center in Montgomery County received the tainted injections. In our region, we are currently aware of 2 deaths and 50 reported cases of fungal meningitis associated with this outbreak. The CDC did note in its report that while this case seems to be related to the outbreak, It is unclear whether this late onset case of meningitis is directly attributable to the contaminated steroid injection or arose from an unrelated etiology. The CDC urges doctors and patients to continue remaining watchful for symptoms of infection, as fungal infections can develop slowly and are difficult to eradicate. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-passing-senator-fred-thompson", "Comstock Statement On The Passing Of Senator Fred Thompson", "2015-11-01", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the passing of former Tennessee Senator:\nChip and I and our family are heartbroken about the loss of our dear friend Fred Thompson and our prayers are with his wife Jeri and their children Hayden and Sammy and the extended Thompson family. Fred was a passionate believer in the American Dream that he lived from his start as a Tennessee lawyer to his central role in Watergate in the 70s to his film career starring alongside the likes of Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Paul Newman and other great stars to serving his beloved Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. Fred will be forever missed by his family, his colleagues and his many fans and we are all honored to call him friend.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398489", "Griffith Statement on the Speaker of the House Election", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement on the House of Representatives selection of Congressman Paul D. Ryan (WI-01) to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives:\r\nAfter having been voted Speaker-Designate by the Republican Conference yesterday, Congressman Paul Ryan said we have to start fresh and make rules changes, including some rules changes that are to begin as early as November. I have been working with him and others in recent weeks to craft some of these changes. I believe he is sincere about making the United States House of Representatives more reflective of the wishes of the American people and more respectful of the rights of all Members of Congress to at least have the opportunity to be heard on issues of importance. Accordingly, today I voted for Paul Ryan to be the next Speaker of the House, and I pray that our changes to the process will return the U.S. House to a true deliberative body. It is further my hope that once we show the American people that we will conduct their business in a more open and Member-driven manner that the American people will once again hold the House of Representatives in high regard.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-election-speaker-paul-ryan", "Comstock On The Election Of Speaker Paul Ryan", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives elected Paul Ryan to be the next Speaker of the House:\nPaul Ryan will bring fresh, new leadership to the House of Representatives and be a unifying force within the Republican Conference. Ive always appreciated Pauls passion for innovative policy reforms and commitment to service from the time we both were staffers on Capitol Hill to serving as colleagues in the 114th Congress. I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan and my colleagues in creating opportunities for all and a better and prosperous future for our children.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398488", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffiths Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of November. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect.\r\nNovember 4, 2015\r\nSmyth County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA \r\nCovington: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCovington City Hall  \r\nCity Hall Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA\r\nCraig County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castle, VA\r\nBristol: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA\r\nNovember 5, 2015\r\nLee County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nLee County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  Suite U101  \r\n33640 Main Street  \r\nJonesville, VA\r\nMartinsville:  12:00 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nNCI  \r\nRoom 106  Classroom Building  \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA\r\nNorton:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nNorton City Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Avenue NW  \r\nNorton, VA\r\nNovember 10, 2015\r\nGiles County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nPearisburg Town Hall  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA\r\nDickenson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA \r\nSalem:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nSalem Library  \r\n28 East Main Street  \r\nSalem, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nNovember 12, 2015\r\nGrayson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  Suite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA\r\nRussell County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA\r\nTazewell County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm   \r\nBluefield Town Hall  Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA\r\nGalax:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Main Street  \r\nGalax, VA\r\nNovember 17, 2015\r\nCarroll County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n605  1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA\r\nFloyd County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nFloyd County Library  \r\n321 W. Main Street  \r\nFloyd, VA\r\nBuchanan County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGrundy Town Hall  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nDublin Town Hall  \r\nRoute 100, 1 mile North of I-81  \r\nDublin, VA\r\nNovember 18, 2015\r\nHenry County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Society  \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA \r\nBland County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA\r\nWythe County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nPatrick County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA\r\nNovember 19, 2015\r\nAlleghany County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA\r\nScott County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nCommunity Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA \r\nRoanoke County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nNovember 24, 2015\r\nRadford:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n60 3rd Street NW  \r\nPulaski, VA\r\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-budget-agreement", "Comstock On The Budget Agreement", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement onH.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which passed the House today by a vote of 266-167:\nThis bipartisan budget will bring certainty to our military and federal employees without raising taxes or adding to the annual deficit. The sequester has indiscriminately hurt our national defense and military readiness. This budget strengthens our national security and protects our troops by increasing resources by $40 billion over two years. America continues to face precarious and dangerous international challenges while our military has suffered from across the board and dangerous budget cuts these past few years. These additional resources are desperately needed by our men and women in uniform so they can continue their mission.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=971", "Wittman Opposes Last Minute Budget Deal", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) voted today against final approval of The Bipartisan Budget Agreement Act, H.R. 1314. This deal, negotiated behind closed doors, would lift the debt ceiling until March 2017 and adjust spending caps for two years by $80 billion with an increase of $50 billion in the first year and $30 billion in the second year, equally divided between defense and non-defense discretionary spending. The legislation passed by a vote of 266-167.\r\nThe negotiations that led to this budget deal reflect a longstanding pattern of procedural secrecy and inefficiency that has undermined our ability to adequately do the work of the people, Wittman said. While this legislation takes steps to protect Social Security Disability Insurance from reductions in benefits and Medicare Part B recipients from premium hikes, those provisions could have been put in place much earlier in the process with input from all Members. Congress should have been meeting months ago to talk about a unified strategy and debate the merits of any deal. Instead, the House adjourned for August recess while these talks went on behind closed doors.\r\nThe Bipartisan Budget Agreement would provide $607 billion defense spending in fiscal year 2016, falling $5 billion short of the budget request and House passed defense bill. \r\nForced to act against a deadline, Wittman continued, we are accounting for significant spending increases with questionable offsets. We're cutting $5 billion from an annual defense budget that we have been saying for months is already at the lower end of what our military needs to confidently deter challenges from around the world. This deal does not represent a sustainable approach to governing. What itdoesrepresent is complacency with a management-by-crisis leadership style that leaves the American people and the military in limbo. I believe that the $612 billion in defense spending requested by the President and provided by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is the minimum we need to adequately train and equip our troops, provide for our veterans, and sustain shipbuilding and other support industries. I could not vote to approve this deal because it comes up short for our nation's military, fails to adequately address our readiness shortfalls, does not provide for proper transparency, and creates significant questions about how increased spending will be paid for.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398487", "Griffith Statement on Export-Import Bank Votes", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement on recent votes involving the United States Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank, the official export credit agency of the United States. It expired in late June. In the Ninth District of Virginia, the Ex-Im Bank has been used by numerous small businesses.\r\nThough Griffith opposed and voted against procedural motions which undermined the normal committee process and limited the ability of members to amend the legislation, he supported H.R. 597 to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank and help protect jobs in the Ninth District of Virginia. Congressman Griffith said:\r\nThis bill was about helping small businesses keep and create jobs. Like others, I am frustrated by the process through which legislation dealing with the U.S. Export-Import Bank is being brought to a vote. I would have preferred a process that would have allowed amendments on the floor, amendments which could have strengthened reforms of the bank in the bill.\r\nWhile there are toads associated with this legislation that are hard to swallow, there are also several good candy apples as well. Among other things, the bill does give modest reforms in the way the bank operates, and it helps to protect jobs in the Ninth District and throughout the nation. One way it seeks to keep and create jobs is that it helps to roll back President Obamas plan to limit coal exports and financing. In 2013, the President gave instructions and the Ex-Im Bank Board of Directors voted to ban the use of Ex-Im loans for exporting goods and some coal-related technologies to foreign coal-fired power plants.\r\nAnother way it helps keep and create jobs is that the Ex-Im Bank lends money to businesses, including small businesses which may have difficulty obtaining financing elsewhere so that they can be more successful at exporting their product.\r\nAs I travel throughout the district speaking with constituents, it is very clear that people in the Ninth District want to work. While it may not be the best vehicle possible, this legislation will be a tool to help maintain and increase jobs in our area and throughout the United States. In these times of economic uncertainty and so many damaging government policies, we cannot take steps that further hurt American jobs, businesses, and our overall global competitiveness.\r\nAdditionally, the Obama Administration had called for prohibitions on making loans for some coal-related technologies. This legislation would roll back those anti-coal prohibitions, prevent Ex-Im from denying financing for coal technology projects, and give coal a fighting chance.\r\nWith the reauthorization of Ex-Im, businesses such as Bristol Compressors may continue to have access to financing which may help them to maintain or grow jobs in the Ninth Congressional District. Vicky Kiser, Chief Financial Officer with Bristol Compressors said, In 2015 Bristol Compressors experienced a 20% growth in Sales; of which International Export was a key driver that allowed Bristol to create 100+ jobs due in part to Ex-Im Bank and other resources that the company uses to manage the business. Bristol Compressors appreciates Representative Griffiths support of the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank.\r\nSaid Wil Brush, International Sales Manager with The Turman Group in Hillsville, Ex-Im Bank provides the Turman Group affordable trade credit support to export our products to over 30 countries. The Turman Group is a family owned + operated business based in Southwest Virginia employing over 500 people. We ask that Congressman Griffith encourage the rest of his colleagues to support the reauthorization and help companies like the Turman Group maintain the jobs we have as well as keep us positioned for growth in the future.\r\nRepresentatives for Strongwell Corporation in Abingdon and Bristol said, The National Association of Manufacturers recently completed a study that found America 10th in global exports as a percentage of GDP. Much of that can be attributed to the loss of the credit and liquidity benefits Ex-Im Bank provided since Congress allowed Ex-Im Bank to lapse in June of this year. Strongwell believes large and small manufacturers alike can be put back on track to compete globally with the re-activation of Ex-Im Bank. Congresss actions in doing so will send a strong message of support to American manufacturers competing in a global arena.\r\nAdditionally, without the re-authorization of the Ex-Im Bank, jobs at businesses such as FoxGuard Solutions, Inc., a computing and cyber security solutions provider, could be in jeopardy. According to Gary Overstreet, V.P. at FoxGuard, we provide about 40% of our products to projects that are outside of the United States. Many of those projects require financing from the Ex-Im Bank. If the Ex-Im Bank goes away, those projects would be lost and FoxGuard Solutions could be forced to eliminate jobs in our Christiansburg, Virginia facility. The re-authorization of the Ex-Im Bank is a very positive step toward protecting good jobs in southwest Virginia.\r\nAlso, Congressman Griffith has communicated about the Ex-Im Bank with several in the coal industry, including Alpha Natural Resources headquartered in Bristol, Virginia. Ex-Im reauthorization is important to the coal industry. As said Luke Popovich, a spokesman for the National Mining Association, We welcome the Congressmans help in repealing a misguided Administration policy that unwisely constrains the U.S. Export-Import Bank from financing projects that not only help the developing world but also keep American workers on the job and keep our industries competitive.\r\nCongressman Griffith concluded, Accordingly, I decided to vote in favor of jobs. While certainly a flawed bill that came to the floor in an unusual manner and an unamended state, I could not ignore the significant number of layoffs and higher unemployment in my district.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-jobs-bill", "Comstock Votes For Jobs Bill", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) was joined by Catoctin Creek Distilling Company Founder Scott Harris and Orbital ATK, Inc., CEO David W. Thompson in releasing the following statement after the House passed H.R. 597, To Reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States by a vote of 313 to 118 today.\nI am pleased to have voted for this jobs legislation today so that America may continue to compete globally against our foreign competitors, said Congresswoman Comstock. We received strong support from constituents for this legislation. The reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank means more economic growth and prosperity for the entire region whether it is distilling spirits at Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville or building satellites at Orbital ATK in Dulles. It is estimated that between 2007 and 2015 the Export-Import Bank financed or insured $2 billion of exports for 125 companies within the Commonwealth. At a near-zero risk to taxpayers, these loans promote growth in businesses of all sizes and generate much-needed revenue for the U.S. Treasury. In this time of economic hardship where the job growth in Virginia is anemic, we must provide American businesses with the tools needed to thrive in an ever-competitive global market. Passage of this bill saves and creates American jobs.\nI am very glad to see the Ex-Im bank finally getting its vote in Congress, said Catoctin Creek Distillery Founder Scott Harris. The Ex-Im bank has been crucial to Catoctin Creek Distillery, a small business in Loudoun County, Virginia, as we expand our market into Europe and Australia. The programs offered by Ex-Im enable a small business like mine to offer credit terms to international customers, at no cost to U.S. taxpayers. Without Ex-Im, we'd have a very difficult time expanding our international business.\nI want to thank Rep. Barbara Comstock for her strong support on the reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank, said Orbital ATK CEO David W. Thompson. The men and women of Orbital ATK rely on the good-paying jobs that high-tech satellite export sales create, not only at our company, but in our supply chain as well. We are all very appreciative of Rep. Comstocks support. The Ex-Im Bank is a critical resource to help us remain globally competitive with overseas manufacturers who have access to low-cost government backed financing through their national export credit agencies. Rep. Comstock recognized that this issue is about maintaining American jobs and growing the economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398486", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.26.15", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pipelines, Pipelines Everywhere On October 22, my colleagues and I on the Subcommittee on Energy and Power held a hearing on the Obama Administrations Clean Power Plan regulations for new and existing power plants. 4 out of 5 witnesses at this hearing said at some point that these are cap-and-trade-style regulations. Previously, Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, insisted the Clean Power Plan was not a cap-and-trade program. When I questioned the witnesses, I mentioned American Electric Powers Glen Lyn plant in Giles County, which the Roanoke Times reports shut down because of emissions regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (regulations later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court). I also noted that Appalachian Powers Clinch River plant in Russell County will be closed forever. I then asked witness Raymond L. Gifford, a partner at Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, These power companies are having to make these decisions well in advance, and as the result of that, they are building all kinds of gas pipelines, isnt that true? Across the country?  Absolutely, they have to, Mr. Gifford emphatically replied. In other words, this Administrations anti-coal policies are resulting in some of these pipelines like the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines being proposed throughout the nation. Byrd Baths and Kabuki Dance Last week, the House of Representatives with my support passed H.R. 3762, the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act which, among other things, will repeal major parts of Obamacare, including its slush fund, its individual and employer mandates, the medical device tax, and others. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the reconciliation package will decrease the federal deficit by approximately $130 billion over the next ten years. The bill would also defund the federal monies going to Planned Parenthood, reinvesting those resources into community health centers to help women get the care they need. There are fewer Planned Parenthood locations than there are rural health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers in the Ninth District. It is now the Senates turn. Last week, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued a joint statement in which they lamented that the reconciliation package could go further and repeal Obamacare in full. I, too, would like it to go further, but the House is sending the Senate what we believe is the best proposal which also is in compliance with the Senates complex and sometimes subjective parliamentary rules which looks like a complicated kabuki dance. Reconciliation is a legislative procedure that allows for changes in laws dealing with mandatory spending programs, entitlements, and/or revenues so as to achieve budgetary goals outlined in a budget resolution. Under this process, only a simple majority of Senators is required for passage. This means that the legislation cannot be filibustered using the modern filibuster/cloture rules. But this is Washington, and its not as simple as it may initially seem: because Senators right to unlimited debate is restricted, procedures are in place to restrict the legislations contents. The so-called Byrd Rule generally requires provisions in a budget reconciliation bill to have a budgetary impact. Senators may raise procedural objections to provisions thought to be extraneous, and the appointed Senate Parliamentarian will decide if the provisions pass the test. If the objection is sustained, the offending material is removed from the text and called a Byrd Dropping. The Parliamentarians decision may be overruled and the text in question may be retained with a super majority of 60 votes. Legislation that has been picked apart in this process has gone through a Byrd Bath.  This is a convoluted and frustrating process which, in my opinion, was developed to offset some of the negative aspects of the Senates current modern filibuster/cloture rule, which requires a super majority of Senators in order to take a vote on any issue. Accordingly, when crafting this reconciliation legislation (with its various Obamacare repeals), the House worked to see that the bill would not drown in the Byrd Bath. It is perhaps possible that Senators Lee, Cruz, and Rubio could amend our bill and make it better, and I welcome them to do so. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/federal-transportation-bill-metro-safety-provision-headed-house-floor", "Federal Transportation Bill, With Metro Safety Provision, Headed For House Floor", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously passed a $325 billion highway-and-transit bill last week that included two measures pushed by Rep. Barbara Comstock.\nRead more at the Leesburg Today here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-committee-approves-comstock-backed-metro-proposal-transportation-bill", "House committee approves Comstock-backed Metro proposal in transportation bill", "2015-10-26", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A House of Representatives committee passed a massive transportation and infrastructure bill last week that allows the federal government to assume safety oversight of D.C.'s beleaguered Metro system.\nRead more at the Loudoun Times here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-obama-s-veto-defense-authorization-bill", "Comstock On Obamas Veto of Defense Authorization Bill", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after President Obama vetoed the Conference Report to H.R. 1735, FY16 National Defense Authorization Act:\nI am disappointed President Obama has vetoed this important bipartisan defense authorization legislation today. As the Washington Post said in a recent editorial, What matters now, however, is that the Pentagon have certainty and predictability in a time of mounting tension in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Our Armed Forces need this important funding so they can effectively protect our nation from ongoing threats and have certainty. President Obamas floundering foreign policy has brought less stability throughout the world and has allowed ISIS to be on the march and the Taliban to regain territory in Afghanistan. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines need this funding not only to be provided with the tools necessary to protect our nation, but they also need it for helping wounded warriors suffering from mental-health challenges and enhancing sexual assault prevention and response. This veto only hurts our brave men and women who wear the uniform.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/transportation-bill-passes-committee-includes-comstock-metro-provision", "Transportation Bill Passes Committee, Includes Comstock Metro Provision", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015. The legislation will now go to the full House for consideration. Upon passage, Comstock made the following statement:\nToday we advanced a multi-year transportation bill that will provide much needed stability in terms of building and maintaining our roads, bridges, and transit systems. It will provide states and local governments the stability and flexibility needed to initiate large-scale, longer term projects. It makes important reforms to consolidate redundant offices within the Department of Transportation, streamline project approval procedures, and make the entire process more user-friendly in terms of researching, applying for, and obtaining federal grants. Further, it spurs private sector investment in our transportation system and makes real strides toward public safety.\nI was proud to work with the committee to incorporate a bipartisan amendment into the bill that I sponsored with Congresswomen Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Donna Edwards (D-MD), the Protect Riders of Metrorail Public Transportation Act, which will require Metro to meet the necessary safety protocols that are owed our commuters and taxpayers. As the second-busiest transit system in the United States, Metro must provide safe and reliable service for its customersboth residents and visitors alikeand this amendment promotes much needed change to the failed status quo so that proper oversight can be achieved.\nThe Committee also included some of the language from the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act, a bipartisan bill that I have sponsored which makes battling highway congestion a national research priority. I look forward to continuing our important work on this transportation bill when it comes to the House floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=968", "Wittman Statement on the President's NDAA Veto", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today following the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2016:\r\nFor the first time in this nation's history, the President has chosen to veto the National Defense Authorization Act over domestic policy differences and deny our military critical funding. This bipartisan legislation grants the President the full $612 billion he requested for our nation's defense programs, and yet he has held the bill hostage to unrelated policy measures. At a time when our national security is threatened by terrorist groups like ISIS and national actors like China and Russia, this veto prevents our troops from getting the training and the equipment that they need to keep us safe at home and to fulfill the obligations we have made to our allies.\r\nThe President has spoken repeatedly about the good that domestic spending can do, but in states like Virginia, where more than 10 percent of the population is made up of military families and veterans, defense spending is domestic spending. This veto denies our service members improved benefits and increased pay and does harm to critical support industries like the shipbuilding and ship repair trades, along with the countless small business that support our military. Our troops, their families, and our communities depend on purposeful defense policy devoid of Washington games. It's regrettable that the President could not put aside politics-as-usual to do what is best for our men and women in uniform and for the United States.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398484", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.20.15", "2015-10-20", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogue Iran President Obamas bad nuclear deal with Iran entered a new phase on Sunday, October 18, which supporters of the deal are calling Adoption Day. This day is marked 90 days after the deal was endorsed by the United Nations. While different from full implementation of the deal, as reported by CNN, this means that officials from Iran, the United States and other world powers involved in the deal get started turning it into reality. In other words, Iran is responsible for beginning to freeze parts of its nuclear program while other nations involved, including the United States, will begin working to terminate sanctions. The White House touted Adoption Day, noting the Presidents confidence in the extraordinary benefits to our national security and the peace and security of the world. I, on the other hand, have many concerns and am opposed to this deal. Recent actions by Iran have not relieved me of my fears. For example, as was reported last week by Reuters: The United States has confirmed that Iran tested a medium-range missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon, in clear violation of a United Nations Security Council ban on ballistic missile tests, a senior U.S. official said on Friday. Further, Iranian media reported last week that Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian  who has been jailed in Tehran for more than fourteen months on charges of espionage  was convicted. As you may recall, when the nuclear deal was announced, I and others were shocked and disappointed to learn Rezaian and other American prisoners being held in Iran were not included in the terms of the deal, instead left by the Administration to languish in Iran. Rezaians trail reportedly took place in secret behind closed doors. Additionally, despite the protests of many, information has not been provided by Iranian officials as to his verdict or the sentence. The Washington Post reports Rezaian potentially faces a sentence of 10 to 20 years. While the ink is drying however unfortunately on this deal, Iran continues disregarding most of the international community and acting like a rogue nation. Considering these and other actions by Iran, I find it difficult to believe officials in Tehran will uphold their side of this bad Obama-driven deal. Fightin Ninth in Film In recent weeks, two films have given the nation the opportunity to learn some about the Ninth District. Big Stone Gap, released nationwide on October 9, was shot on location in Wise County. It is based on the novel set in the 1970s by Adriana Trigiani, a Big Stone Gap native. Actor Patrick Wilson has family ties to Big Stone Gap as well. Near the end, the supporting actor suggests visiting the Hob-Nob Drive In, a real-life Gate City family diner still in business, owned by my Emory and Henry fraternity brother Ross Jenkins. Also in the news is Steven Spielberg-directed Bridge of Spies, which was released nationwide on October 16. In one of its subplots, Bridge of Spies  set in the Cold War era  tells of pilot Francis Gary Powers, who spent his childhood in Pound before his family moved to Buchanan County. After graduating from high school and college, Powers joined the Air Force and was recruited by the CIA. While on a spying mission in 1960, Powers U-2 spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory by a Russian missile. He was captured, interrogated, and held prisoner for two years. During this time, Powers was put on trial in Moscow. In Southwest Virginias legal circles, it is well known that Powers parents obtained the services of Norton attorney Carl McAfee. According to the Roanoke Times, below McAfees office was Powers fathers shoe-repair shop. Bridge of Spies gets its name from the 1962 prisoner swap in which Powers was exchanged for a convicted Russian spy. The two walked from opposite ends of the Glienicke Bridge  the so-called Bridge of Spies, which links Berlin with Potsdam  to freedom. Not mentioned in the film is Norton resident Kim Mullins. Ms. Mullins, a local official who is Powers second cousin, told the Roanoke Times Powers took her on her first flight. She is now a licensed pilot, and spearheaded successful local efforts to rename the terminal at the Lonesome Pine Airport in Powers honor. Powers son, Gary Powers Jr., told the Roanoke Times, The Powers family is very honored and humbled that my dad is considered an American hero of the Cold War. Mullins tells us she and others are hoping to collect memorabilia for use in an exhibit at the airport. As always, you can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office by email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-joins-norton-and-edwards-introduce-protect-riders-metrorail", "Comstock Joins Norton and Edwards to Introduce Protect Riders of Metrorail Public Transportation Act of 2015", "2015-10-20", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) joined CongresswomanEleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)andCongresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD)today andintroduced the Protect Riders of Metrorail Public Transportation (PROMPT) Act of 2015. All three Congresswomen serve on theHouse Transportation and Infrastructure Committees Subcommittee on Highways and TransitwithCongresswomanEleanor Holmes Norton serving asranking member of the Subcommitee. The bill implements U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxxs actions earlier this month to assume federal safety oversight of activities for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Metrorail by authorizing the DOT Secretary to administer state safety oversight activities for WMATA Metrorail until the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland develop a state safety oversight agency certified by the Secretary. The PROMPT Act is in keeping with the Moving Ahead for Progress (MAP-21) Act, which already allows DOT to conduct direct federal safety oversight of transit rail. The bill also permits the DOT Secretary to use the existing safety oversight formula funds set aside for the State Safety Oversight agency for rail safety oversight.\nComstockalong with Nortonand Edwardswill offer the bill language as an amendment to the House Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act, which is scheduled to be marked-up by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday, October 22, 2015.\nThe safety failures and the unreliability of Metro threaten our commuters and constituents daily, said Congresswoman Comstock. The Tri-State Oversight Commission has been unable to provide proper oversight of Metro. This bipartisan legislation reinforces and expands the U.S. Department of Transportation's authority to conduct much needed and direct oversight of Metro to provide safety and reliability to our commuters. Under this legislation, the Secretary of Transportation, through the Federal Transit Administration, will be able to force Metro to meet the required and necessary safety protocols that are owed our commuters and taxpayers. As the second-busiest transit system in the United States, Metro must provide safe and reliable service for its customersboth residents and visitors alikeand this legislation promotes much needed change to the failed status quo so that proper oversight can be achieved.\nMy colleagues from the three jurisdictions that use Metrorail and I were able to work together on a bipartisan basis to introduce this bill, which reinforces U.S. DOTs authority to perform direct safety oversight of WMATA, said Norton. MAP-21 directed states to set up State Safety Oversight agencies to perform safety oversight of transit rail systems, but since the bill passed in 2012, only a few states have successfully set up these agencies. WMATA Metrorail is unique because it traverses three jurisdictions, and operates almost like a commuter rail. Metros uniqueness makes safety oversight at a local level more complicated. Particularly in light of safety issues that have arisen, we cannot afford to wait to act. We agree that if the point is to ensure safety for WMATA passengers, many of whom are federal and congressional employees, the PROMPT Act is the fast way to accomplish this mission. We expect the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide assistance as needed to the Federal Transit Administration because of FRAs history of rail and commuter rail safety oversight. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we move forward on this proposal.\nFor years, safety oversight of WMATA has failed to protect the lives of our constituents and ensure consistent operations, said Congresswoman Edwards. That is why in past Congresses, Senator Mikulski, Congresswoman Norton and I worked to establish federal safety standards for heavy rail systems. As that effort continues, todays legislation is a critical step forward to provide the Secretary of Transportation with additional oversight and real enforcement powers to ensure immediate and significant progress is made in improving WMATAs safety record and management. I am proud to join with Congresswomen Norton and Comstock to move this bill forward to help passengers on our nations transit system commute safely on a daily and consistent basis.\nLast month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an urgent recommendation to DOT Secretary Foxx that Congress amend 45 USC 1104(3) to list WMATA as a commuter authority authorizing the FRA to exercise regulatory oversight over WMATA. On October 9, 2015, Secretary Foxx responded to the NTSB recommendation by using existing authority to take over direct safety oversight of WMATA Metrorail from the Tri-State Oversight Committee (TOC). DOT will have available resources from FTA and FRA to implement direct safety oversight, which will include direct enforcement and investigation of the safety oversight of WMATA Metrorail and, and it will perform unannounced facility inspections and issuances of directives to address any safety issues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/loudoun-county-host-dea-exhibit", "Loudoun County to Host DEA Exhibit", "2015-10-14", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Leesburg, VAThe national touring exhibit developed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the DEA Educational Foundation, Drugs: Costs and Consequences, formerly known as Target America, opens on January 11, 2016 in Leesburg, Virginia. In this interactive exploration of the effects of drugs on both individuals and society, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history and the current science behind drug law enforcement, drug prevention, and drug treatment specific to Loudoun County and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Further details and educational resources are available at www.deamuseum.org.\nThe exhibit has been experienced by more than 22 million visitors in 10 cities across the country in the last ten years. Drugs: Costs and Consequences explains the science behind illegal drug addiction, and the countless costs and consequences of illegal drugs to individuals, American society, and the world. Visitors will experience a drug investigation from start to finish, helping them understand the environmental effects of drugs and what law enforcement, drug abuse education, and treatment are doing to break the troubling cycle of drugs and drug-related violence. They will view an actual South American jungle coca processing lab and a re-created Afghan heroin factory as well as analyze brain-scans in a simulated MRI machine and view real wreckage from a drug related car accident. A portion of Drugs: Costs and Consequences will focus specifically on Loudoun County and Northern Virginia, exploring the evolution of heroin abuse and enforcement in the area.\nDEA proudly presents this unique experience that is aimed at educating young people in Northern Virginia to the dangers of drugs and the harrowing effects that drugs place on our communities. This exhibit will provide ample insight into DEAs fight against the worlds most deadly drug trafficking organizations and the programs that we have implemented to prevent drug abuse and addiction, stated Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Field Division.\nIts an honor to co-host this exhibit with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Education is one of the keys to success in fighting the drug problem, said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. It is important for our children and citizens to understand the significant impact drugs can have on our society and how we can best address this problem at all levels, Sheriff Chapman added.  \nThe exhibit also addresses the consequences of drug use, including the growing heroin epidemic. In response to the rising use of heroin and related overdoses in Loudoun County, Sheriff Mike Chapman and United States Congresswoman Barbara Comstock announced the formation of the Heroin Operations Team (HOT) in Northern Virginia earlier this year. Since its implementation, the HOT team has taken a proactive, comprehensive approach through enforcement, education and prevention by incorporating local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as local schools and mental health officials. A comprehensive, integrated, and proactive approach to drug abuse is the only way to truly impact this problem. I have been happy to work with Sheriff Mike Chapman and numerous stakeholders in Loudoun County to address this issue from a variety of angles, and am honored to be a co-sponsor of the US Drug Enforcement Administrations Traveling Museum that will appear in Loudoun this coming January through next September, said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. Education is key to our success in the fight against drugs, and the DEA Museum will help in protecting our children, she added.\nAdditionally, the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office has partnered with the DEA and Loudoun County Public Schools to develop a Drug Awareness program for parents that is being taught at schools throughout the county this school-year. In furthering the educational and prevention efforts in the fight against drugs, Loudoun County Public School students will also be able to tour the DEA exhibit as part of their curriculum. LCPS is pleased to partner with the DEA and the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office in supporting drug education and awareness among our youth. This initiative falls neatly in the school curriculum and provides a unique and important perspective on how drugs affect not just the user, but the economy and the community at large. We are very proud to participate in this meaningful effort, said Dr. Eric Williams, Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools.\nThe traveling exhibit is expected to attract residents from throughout the region and is supported by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce for its educational benefits to the community. The Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office in bringing this word class traveling museum to Loudoun County, said Tony Howard, President and CEO of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. This museum will help further our understanding about the dangers of illegal drug use and the damage caused by addiction. As parents, community leaders and employers, Loudoun County Chamber members are proud to work with our law enforcement partners to bring this museum to our community, he added.\nDrugs: Costs and Consequences was developed in partnership with The DEA Educational Foundation, The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, The U.S. National Guard, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, The Office of National Drug Control Policy, and The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. The exhibit is free. For dates of specific activities, group tours, and more information visit www.deamuseum.org or call 202-307-3463.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398482", "Griffith Statement on EPA Action Stayed", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement: We applaud the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for their decision to grant a stay of the EPAs overreaching rule to revise the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The regulations are extremely burdensome for American farmers, businesses, and landowners, and it is important that the regulatory scheme not be enforced until substantial legal challenges can be resolved.  Unfortunately, this was not done with the MATS regulations, and two coal-powered Electrical Generating Units in the 9th District alone had to close down less than 60 days before the Supreme Court ruled the EPA did not have authority to issue the rules as written.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398483", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.9.15", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stetson and Barter System\n\nIn 2009, President Obamas idea of a cap and trade carbon dioxide (C02) emissions policy passed the House, but failed to pass the Senate. The legislation never became law, and Congress heard public opinion loud and clear in the next elections. In 2010, new members were elected in historic numbers, and many members who voted for the cap and trade scheme lost their seats.  Soon after, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to develop a regulatory program requiring states to create emissions plans, circumventing the legislative process.  (I dont believe they have legal authority for such a plan under the Clean Air Acts Section 111(d). See Burning the Constitution, my column of March 23, 2015.) As a member who won a seat in Congress in part for my opposition to cap and trade, I was pleased to hear, only two months into my service, former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson state, There is no cap and trade scheme provided for under the Clean Air Act in response to Rep. Steve Scalise during a February 9, 2011 hearing. She continued, Sir, what I do know is that we are not planning any cap and trade regulations or standards.  I was also pleased to read several letters from current EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy ratifying that there would be no cap and trade scheme. (August 3, 2011, May 13, 2013, and March 2014)* On August 3, 2015, however, the EPA came out with their Proposed Federal Plan for the Clean Power Plan contrary to assurances to Congress the peoples will would be heard, and the EPA would not, through regulation, propose a back door cap and trade policy. In the plan, EPA has proposed model trading rules for the states. Their model trading rules are found in various parts of the plan and one example on pages 42 and 43 of the Summary is: The EPA strongly encourages states to consider adopting one of the model trading rules, which are designed to be referenced by states in their rulemakings. Use of the model trading rules by states would help to ensure consistency between and among the state programs, which is useful for the potential operation of a broad trading program that spans multi-state regions or operates on a national scale. In my opinion, the EPAs model trading rules are clearly designed to increase the likelihood of regional or national CO2 emissions trading programs, in other words- cap and trade. On October 7, 2015, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing with Janet McCabe, the EPAs Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, about the new proposed regulations. Since the EPA encourages states to pursue emissions trading programs to meet the EPAs regulatory CO2 mandatory goals, I challenged McCabe to confirm that if the states do not meet mandates, will the EPA come in and implement a federal trading plan. I asked for a simple yes or no answer. McCabe refused. She began playing word games, like my young boys do. It was as if she had been instructed before coming to the hearing to deny their plan was a form of cap and trade. She did this notwithstanding the plan is clearly, in my opinion, trying to push the various states into multi-state regions or a national cap and trade scheme. She first claimed she could not answer my question, because the rule was only a proposed rule in draft form. So I clarified: under the proposed rule as drafted, if the states do not comply, will the EPA force a cap and trade program?  Ms. McCabe responded, EPA has proposed trading programs, a rate-based emission one or a mass-based emission one.  This does not constitute a yes or no answer, but I believe based on their plan and her statements, its clear the goal of the EPA regulations is to impose a back door national cap and trade scheme. If you limit emissions, you are capping. If you also set up a trading program, then I cannot comprehend how you are not setting up a cap and trade scheme. I believe the EPA is just refusing to call it cap and trade because that scheme has been so discredited in the minds of the American public. I believe Ms. McCabes attitude is a reflection of the EPAs policy to call it anything but cap and trade. But whether or not they call it cap and trade or Stetson and Barter, its still the same thing.  Or put another way, a skunk by any other name still smells the same. Welcome to Washington, where bureaucrats use a word swap to cover their attempts to circumvent Congress and force their overreaching regulations onto an unwilling American people. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###\n\n*Letters referenced above: I. Administrator Jackson and Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy have stated publicly the agency has no intention of pursuing a cap-and-trade program for GHGs under the Clean Air Act. The agency reaffirms those statements here.  \n August 3, 2011 letter from then-Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy to Chairman Fred Upton. Answer to Question 14.\n\nII. Both former Administrator Jackson and I have said in the past that the EPA has no intention of pursuing a cap and trade program for greenhouse gases and I continue to stand by those statements.  \nMay 15, 2013 letter to Chairman Fred Upton from then-Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy. Answer to Question 1.\n\nIII. [The Clean Power Plan] is not a cap and trade program. Its not going to be designed like a cap and trade program This is not an opportunity for us to impose a cap. Thats not what it looks like.\"  \n Administrator Gina McCarthy in response to Senator Heitkamp at a March 2014 panel. 0:25 in the video.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-lifting-crude-oil-export-ban", "Comstock Statement On Lifting The Crude Oil Export Ban", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 702, To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions, by a vote of 261 to 159.\nThe United States is now among the top oil producing nations in the world and lifting this self-imposed ban will bring us back into the competitive global oil markets. This bipartisan piece of legislation will lower gas prices, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and unleash economic growth. Now is the right time to lift this self-imposed ban and compete in the global economy.\nH.R. 702 lifts the 1970s era, self-imposed crude oil export ban and will generate $1.4 billion for the federal government over the next ten years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-republican-leadership-elections", "Comstock On Republican Leadership Elections", "2015-10-08", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced he would not be running for Speaker of the House:\nI appreciate the leadership of my friend Kevin McCarthy who will now continue to serve our conference as Majority Leader. With the news today that Majority Leader McCarthy is not running for Speaker, Speaker Boehner will remain Speaker until our conference comes together behind a candidate who can receive 218 votes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=963", "Wittman Statement on Race for Speaker", "2015-10-08", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) withdrew his name from consideration for the position of Speaker of the House:\r\nToday's events reinforce the need for strong, united Republican leadership in the House. I will continue to remind all leadership candidates that my top priorities include returning Congress to a regular budgeting and appropriations schedule, getting our work done on time, empowering members of our caucus with a bottom-up leadership style, and ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to complete their missions successfully and return home safely.\r\nThe American people are understandably frustrated with Washington, and change is needed to restore their trust.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=964", "Wittman-sponsored Sportsmen's Legislation Passes Committee", "2015-10-08", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after the House Natural Resources Committee today passed the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act (H.R. 2406), which Wittman introduced with his fellow Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair, Tim Walz (MN-1), as well as CSC Vice-Chairs Congressmen Jeff Duncan (SC-3) and Gene Green (TX-29):\r\nThe SHARE Act is a bipartisan package full of provisions critical for preserving our sporting heritage, and I am pleased that the Natural Resources Committee advanced it today following a substantive debate. I am eager for the full House to consider this legislation, and I will continue working with my Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus colleagues on behalf of our sportsmen and women.\r\nI also look forward to a measured debate through regular order in the Natural Resources Committee on additional conservation measures. Among these are the Sportsmen's Conservation Act, a bill I have sponsored that extends important programs like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and a stand-alone reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program that I have supported in the past and which I believe deserves the Committee's full attention.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/leesburg-today-dulles-criticized-after-passenger-was-told-pump-breast-milk", "Leesburg Today: Dulles Criticized After Passenger Was Told To Pump Breast Milk In Pet Area", "2015-10-07", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10) drafted a letter today scolding Dulles Airport personnel for suggesting a passenger go to the pet relief area to use her breast pump.\nRead more at the Leesburg Today here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-sends-letter-dulles-airport-asking-about-lactation-rooms", "Comstock Sends Letter To Dulles Airport Asking About Lactation Rooms", "2015-10-07", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) sent the following letter to Vice President and Airport Manager for Dulles Airport Christopher Browne on reports that a passenger who was on a layover at Dulles Airport and requesting a private area in order to use her breast pump was given two choices - either use a family restroom that did not have an outlet for her breast pump or a pet relief area. Click here for the letter, a copy of which is below.\n\nOctober 7, 2015\n\nMr. Christopher Browne \nVice President and Airport Manager, Dulles Airport\n1 Aviation Circle \nWashington, D.C. 20001\n\nDear Mr. Browne:\nIt was reported yesterday that a passenger who was on layover at Dulles International Airport and requested a private area in order to use her breast pump was given two options - either use a family restroom that did not have an outlet for her breast pump or a pet relief area. As the woman reportedly said I cant believe that in 2015 this is happening. Mr. Browne, I could not agree more with this sentiment.\nAs Ive discussed with airport leadership, Dulles Airport needs to join other airports around the country that are providing lactation rooms as well as lactation pods by working with private sector providers of baby products such as diapers or baby food. I am sure those businesses would be happy to brand their products in those types of settings, and this could have the potential to create a revenue stream for Dulles Airport. While traveling I have witnessed firsthand the convenience of these rooms and know traveling families appreciate them.\nI would appreciate knowing the progress you are making to address lactation rooms and pods at Dulles Airport. We are all on the same page that Northern Virginia needs Dulles Airport to be a thriving airport to help our regional economy. Putting in lactations rooms and/or pods will be both a profitable thing for the airport to do as well as the right thing to do for moms, families, and customers at Dulles. I look forward to your prompt response. \nSincerely,\nBarbara Comstock\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398481", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.5.15", "2015-10-05", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Great Game is Afoot \nMany are familiar with the 1967 Walt Disney classic film The Jungle Book  the tale of a young orphan boy, Mowgli, raised by wolves but who must leave his wolf family and return to the man village as the result of the fearsome tiger Shere Khan. This animated film was inspired by a book by the same name, which was written by the popular writer Rudyard Kipling. Kipling was born in 1865 in Bombay, and moved with his family to England when he was approximately five years old.\nKipling is also the author of Kim, a novel set against the backdrop of the political rivalry and conflict between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia, a period known as The Great Game. Though Kim is likely set somewhere between 1893 to 1898, The Great Games push-me-pull-me of nations pursuing strategic supremacy in the world continues taking place today.\nThat The Great Game is still afoot is particularly evident in the Middle East.\nLast week, the House made a move in the ongoing Great Game, which also furthered the pursuit of justice. With my strong support, the House of Representatives passed the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act (H.R. 3457) on October 1. This legislation, which I was proud to cosponsor, would prohibit the President from waiving sanctions for Iran until the President certifies to Congress that Iran has paid court-ordered damages it owes to victims of terror. Despite having $43.5 billion in unpaid, court-awarded damages, Iran could receive as much as $150 billion in sanctions relief as the result of the Presidents ill-advised Iran nuclear deal.\nAccording to Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA), the author of the legislation, Among the victims of Iranian terrorism who have been awarded judgments in U.S. courts are victims of the 9/11 attacks, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, the 1983 attack on the Beirut Marine barracks, and numerous other bus bombings, suicide attacks, assassinations and hostage takings. All these attacks were linked in court to Iranian support or financing.\nI am opposed to President Obamas bad nuclear deal with Iran, and I am appalled by the possibility that Iran may be given sanctions relief while American families of those who have lost their lives as the result of Irans terror see nothing. This legislation would see to it that victims be paid what U.S. courts say they are owed before Iran receives even one cent in U.S. sanctions relief. Consequently, this would reduce the amount of funds then available for Iran to use for other potentially nefarious activities.\nWhile I believe the Presidents policies regarding Iran have been irresponsible, when it comes to Syria, I believe he and his Administration have been neglectful.\nNot surprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving to take advantage of the leadership vacuum and strengthen his position in the Middle East. It is reported that Putin is strengthening his ties with Syria while also working with Iran to shift the balance of power in the Middle East toward a more Russia-friendly position, all to the detriment of the leadership position of the United States in the Middle East. The Russian parliament has given Putin permission to put boots on the ground, and the Russian air force began airstrikes on Syrian targets just two days after meeting with President Obama at the United Nations. According to The Hill, Experts say Russia's airstrikes could worsen the Syrian crisis, which has led to more than 250,000 deaths and more than 4 million refugees fleeing the region.\nAdditionally, on October 2, the President himself acknowledged that his Administrations plan to train and equip opposition forces in Syria did not work the way it was supposed to.\nThe Presidents policies regarding Syria and Iran and his Administrations lackluster performance in The Great Game are very concerning and detrimental to Americas position in the world. Unless you favor American isolationism, the absence of leadership from President Obama is having a high cost, a cost that, unfortunately, is getting worse with each passing day.\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/severe-weather-update", "Severe Weather Update", "2015-10-02", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nI wanted to share some information with you to keep handy as we encounter this severe weather over the weekend. Please be aware that the Governor has issued a state of emergency for our Commonwealth. Drive safely if you plan on traveling. See here for immediate information on how to safely prepare forthis weatherand herefor safe driving tips. Hurricane Joaquin has taken a turn out to sea, but hurricanes can be unpredictable so please click here to see how the storm is progressing.\nHere are some useful resources for you as you weather the storm safely:\n Call 911 in a true emergency\n\tFor current road conditions: call 511 or visit 511Virginia.org\n\tReport road problems: 1-800-FOR-ROADS (367-7623)\n\t211 Virginia is serving as the public inquiry number for Virginia residents\n\t#77 on a cell to report a traffic crash or traffic emergency\n\tFairfax County Sheriff non-emergency number: 703-691-2131\n\tLoudoun County Sheriff non-emergency number: 703-777-1021\n\tPrince William County Sheriff non-emergency number: 703-792-6500\n\tClarke County Sheriff non-emergency number:540-955-1234\n\tFrederick County Sheriff non-emergency number: 540-662-6168\n\tWinchester City Sheriff non-emergency number: 540-667-5770\n\tManassas City Police non-emergency: 703-257-8000\n\tManassas Park Police non-emergency: 703-361-1136\n\tLoudoun Water: 571-291-7878\n\tWashington Gas: 703-750-1400\n\tFollow VDOT and VDOTNOVA on Twitter\n Report Power Outages:\n Dominion Power: 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357)\n\tNOVEC: 1-800-335-0500\n\tPEPCO: 1-877-PEPCO-62 (737-2662)\n\tShenandoah Electric Co-op: 1-800-234-7832\n Safety Tips:\n Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov.\n\tUse flashlights for emergency lighting instead of candles.\n\tUnplug electrical equipment until a steady power supply returns.\n\tPractice proper generator and surface heater safety.\n\tLeave one light turned on so you know when power is restored.\n\tEliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion. If you come upon a non-working traffic signal, treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way. Proceed with caution only when traffic permits and enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using your turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.\n\tIf traffic signals are on flash, treat a flashing red as a stop (treat like a stop sign). For flashing yellow, proceed with caution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-two-national-security-bills", "Comstock Votes On Two National Security Bills", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the House passed the Conference Report to H.R. 1735, FY16 National Defense Authorization Act, by a vote of 271 to 156. The House also passed H.R. 3457, the Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act, which Rep. Comstock cosponsored, by 291 to 173.\nI supported the bipartisan NDAA because it is vital for our nations military and it should not be used as a pawn in political games. Our Armed Forces need this important funding so they can effectively protect our nation. As we see Vladimir Putin using the Russian military in Syria, ISIS on the march, and the Taliban taking back territory in Afghanistan, it is distressing that the White House would issue a veto threat on the very legislation that funds our brave men and women in uniform who are battling these challenges.\nThe Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act is commonsense legislation that prevents President Obama from lifting sanctions on Iran until it pays over $43 billion in restitution to Americans and their families who fell victim to Iranian-sponsored terrorism. Three Northern Virginians who were victims of Iranian terrorist acts are entitled to $645.5 million in restitution. Iran is the leading state-sponsor of terrorism in the world and they must be held accountable for the killing and injuring of Americans. I am proud to have cosponsored this legislation and it should become law so justice is finally served.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/important-information-hurricane-joaquin", "Important Information On Hurricane Joaquin", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I wanted to share some information with you to keep handy as Hurricane Joaquin approaches. Please be aware that theGovernor has issued a state of emergencyfor our Commonwealth. Drive safely if you plan on traveling. Seeherefor immediate information on how to safely prepare forHurricane Joaquin andhereto find more information about the hurricane as it progresses.\n\n\tHere are some useful resources for you as you weather the storm safely:\n\t Call 911 in a true emergency\n\t\tFor current road conditions: call 511 or visit 511Virginia.org\n\t\tReport road problems: 1-800-FOR-ROADS (367-7623)\n\t\t211 Virginia is serving as the public inquiry number for Virginia residents\n\t\t#77 on a cell to report a traffic crash or traffic emergency\n\t\tFairfax County Sheriff non-emergency number:703-691-2131\n\t\tLoudoun County Sheriff non-emergency number:703-777-1021\n\t\tPrince William County Sheriff non-emergency number:703-792-6500\n\t\tClarke County Sheriff non-emergency number:540-955-1234\n\t\tFrederick County Sheriff non-emergency number:540-662-6168\n\t\tWinchester City Sheriff non-emergency number:540-667-5770\n\t\tManassas City Police non-emergency:703-257-8000\n\t\tLoudoun Water:571-291-7878\n\t\tWashington Gas:703-750-1400\n\t\tFollowVDOTandVDOTNOVAon Twitter\n\t Report Power Outages:\n\t Dominion Power: 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357)\n\t\tNOVEC:1-800-335-0500\n\t\tPEPCO: 1-877-PEPCO-62 (737-2662)\n\t\tShenandoah Electric Co-op:1-800-234-7832\n\t Safety Tips:\n\t Visitwww.ReadyVirginia.gov.\n\t\tUse flashlights for emergency lighting instead of candles.\n\t\tUnplug electrical equipment until a steady power supply returns.\n\t\tPractice proper generator and surface heater safety.\n\t\tLeave one light turned on so you know when power is restored.\n\t\tEliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion. If you come upon a non-working traffic signal, treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way. Proceed with caution only when traffic permits and enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using your turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.\n\t\tIf traffic signals are on flash, treat a flashing red as a stop (treat like a stop sign). For flashing yellow, proceed with caution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=954", "Wittman, Forbes Lead Bipartisan Letter to Navy Secretary on Health of Hampton Roads Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman, Forbes Lead Bipartisan Letter to Navy Secretary on Health of Hampton Roads Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry\r\nWASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, and Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, today sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus regarding the challenges facing the shipbuilding and ship repair industry in Hampton Roads. The letter was signed by Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-02).\r\nNoting the difficulty of maintaining a robust industrial base despite an anticipated decline in workload across the industry, the letter notes that, Those challenges are especially acute in Hampton Roads, the world's largest center of naval shipbuilding and ship repair and a strategically critical node in our defense industrial base. Further, the letter states that anticipated layoffs will include skilled craftsmen and artisans with decades of experience under their belts. These workers are truly a strategic asset that will be difficult and costly for our shipyards and our nation to replace, should they exit the workforce or move to another area or industry.\r\nWittman's Readiness Subcommittee held a hearing today on the role of public shipyards in meeting operational requirements.\r\nThe letter calls on the Navy to develop a plan to stabilize the workload and mitigate long-term harm to the Hampton Roads defense industrial base. It suggests a range of options for the Navy to consider, including:\r\n Repair of forward-deployed naval forces in the United States for maintenance availabilities that exceed six months; \r\n Using available congressionally-approved appropriations to expedite the cruiser modernization process;\r\n Implementing public-private partnerships to contract out non-core work at the public shipyard;\r\n Outsourcing lower-priority public shipyard work such as Los Angeles-class availabilities to the private sector; and\r\n Seeking to hire former private yard workers as Norfolk Naval Shipyard expands its public-sector workforce by 1,500. \r\nBelow is the text of the letter:\r\nThe Honorable Ray Mabus  \r\nSecretary of the Navy  \r\nThe Pentagon  \r\nRoom 4E686  \r\nWashington, D.C. 20350\r\nDear Secretary Mabus,\r\nWe write to call your attention to the serious challenges facing our shipbuilding and ship repair industry in the Hampton Roads area. \r\nAs you have noted in the past, the U.S. Navy has a critical partnership with the American people and with the shipbuilding and defense industries. That partnership is critical to grow and maintain our fleet at a time when the demand for U.S. naval forces greatly exceeds their supply. Thanks to your leadership and attention, the Navy's relationship with the shipbuilding and ship repair industry is strong. However, the industry faces a number of challenges associated with an anticipated decline in workload.\r\nThose challenges are especially acute in Hampton Roads, the world's largest center of naval shipbuilding and ship repair and a strategically critical node in our defense industrial base. Private shipyards in the Hampton Roads area are currently facing a decline in naval construction and repair work that is prompting them to lay off a large portion of their workforce. Last month, the President of Newport News Shipyard publicly announced that his yard could see 1,500 layoffs between now and 2016. On September 18, 2014, the first 480 employees were notified of their termination. Four days later, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair announced that it will be laying off 650 full-time employees (roughly 40% of its workforce) and 300 temporary workers. Other yards in the area are anticipating further reductions but have yet to make them public. \r\nBased on the Navy's plans and the conversations we have had with industry, we believe the anticipated layoffs could total over 2,500 jobs lost across the Hampton Roads shipbuilding and ship repair industry over the next few years. The employees laid off will include skilled craftsmen and artisans with decades of experience under their belts. These workers are truly a strategic asset that will be difficult and costly for our shipyards and our nation to replace, should they exit the workforce or move to another area or industry. This is problematic as the workload in the region is expected to increase again in FY2018 and beyond.  \r\nWe believe that it is imperative that the Navy immediately prepare a strategic plan to stabilize the workload in the Hampton Roads area and mitigate the harmful impact and costs of the anticipated fluctuations. We believe that you have several options that could be implemented to reduce the harm to the Hampton Roads industrial base, including:   Repair of forward-deployed naval forces in the United States for maintenance availabilities that exceed six months;\r\n Using available congressionally-approved appropriations to expedite the cruiser modernization process;\r\n Implementing public-private partnerships to contract out non-core work at the public shipyard;\r\n Outsourcing lower-priority public shipyard work such as Los Angeles-class availabilities to the private sector; and\r\n Seeking to hire former private yard workers as Norfolk Naval Shipyard expands its public-sector workforce by 1,500.\r\nOf note, many of these options could be executed with funds already allocated in the budget.\r\nThe shipbuilding and ship repair industries have always had to deal with some ebb and flow in the size of their workload and labor force. But the magnitude of the change in Hampton Roads impels the Navy to mitigate its impact. It is our hope that we can work together to increase stability and predictability at the waterfront and sustain the skilled work force that supports our fleet. Steady workloads will ensure that this critical industrial base is maintained at the lowest possible cost to the Navy and the nation.\r\nWe look forward to meeting with you and your staff to consider the various alternatives that should be implemented to provide immediate relief to the Hampton Roads area.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=955", "Wittman Supports Passage of NDAA Conference Report", "2015-10-01", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Supports Passage of NDAA Conference Report\nWASHINGTON  Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee, supported the passage today of the Conference Report for the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, the final version of the bill that establishes the funding authorizations and priorities for the nation's military, passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 270-156. During floor debate over the measure, Wittman delivered the following statement:\nI rise today to ask Congress to vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 16.\nI am proud that this conference report takes significant steps toward rebuilding our military and readiness. We prioritize training for our troops and maintenance and modernization of our equipment and technology. This NDAA is critical to carry out the military missions of this nation effectively and successfully, in an increasingly dangerous world.\nRecently, former Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger proclaimed, \"The United States has not faced a more diverse and complex array of crises since the end of the Second World War.\" This statement holds true today as we combat ISIS in the Middle East, as Russia again tests our commitment to global leadership, and as China continues to increase its defense spending to record levels.\nCongress has a constitutional duty of providing for the common defense of our nation. If Congress and the President fail to act on NDAA, we forgo our constitutional duties and we weaken the security of our nation and our ability to confront crises that occur around the globe.\nIt is also important to point out that this is not the time to play political games with our national security, or to hold hostage funding and authorization for the military for political aim. Our nation and our men and women in the military deserve better, and they deserve the proper support that Congress is under obligation to provide.\nAs we have heard through testimony from our military leaders before the committee, our military is approaching the ragged edge of being able to execute our nation's defense strategy. By not passing this NDAA or by allowing sequestration to continue to devastate our nation's military readiness, we place ourselves in a position where we will be unable to defend against the threats we face today and in the future. \nVideo:\nWittman delivers floor remarks in support of NDAA Conference Report\nRelated:\nWittman Named to NDAA Conference Committee (June 26, 2015)\nWittman Supports House Passage of FY16 NDAA (May 15, 2015)\nWittman Supports Committee Passage of National Defense Authorization Act for FY16 (April 30, 2015)\nWittman Applauds Readiness Subcommittee Language in NDAA (April 23, 2015)\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-cosponsors-pay-our-military-act", "Comstock Cosponsors Pay Our Military Act", "2015-09-30", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after she cosponsored H.R. 3628, the Pay Our Military Act, which was introduced in the House earlier this week. This important legislation will ensure that our men and women in uniform, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors who support service members, as well as National Guard troops activated in the event of a presidential emergency declaration, are paid if the government does not remain open:\nI am voting to keep the government open and working with my colleagues on this effort. Members of our military and those who support them need to be assured that they will be paid in the event Washington fails to keep the government open. These patriots are on the frontlines protecting our freedoms and are engaged in ongoing conflict. We owe it to them to keep the governments promise by paying them on time and in full. Right now in Virginias 10th Congressional District, we have a Winchester and Leesburg based National Guard unit deployed overseas, and this legislation would make sure they are paid on time so they can be focused on the mission at hand.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-ntsb-oversight-recommendation-metro", "Comstock On NTSB Oversight Recommendation Of Metro", "2015-09-30", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that the Federal Railroad Commission should take over safety oversight of Metro. Currently, the Federal Transit Administration has jurisdiction on oversight of Metro: \nSafety for rail passengers should be the number one goal of Metro. With todays NTSB recommendations it is clear that Metro is falling short of that goal and more aggressive oversight to change the culture at Metro is needed. I will work with my colleagues in Congress as we move forward on the next steps following these important NTSB recommendations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-keep-government-open", "Comstock Votes To Keep The Government Open", "2015-09-30", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement on the passage of the Continuing Resolution that funds the federal government through December 11th:\nToday we kept the federal government open to ensure our dedicated military, federal employees and contractors are paid for the work they do to keep us safe and keep our government running. Keeping the federal government open means that FBI agents who work day and night tracking down criminals and terrorists do not need to worry about a mortgage payment. Keeping the federal government open means that Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, and National Security Agency officials will be one hundred percent focused on their mission and not concerned about making college tuition payments for their sons and daughters. And keeping the federal government open means that National Institute of Health researchers keep working toward finding new cures. Our military and federal employees cannot continually be used as a political football by either side for partisan gain, and I have said that ever since the 2013 shutdown.\nI am opposed to federal funding for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother, and I supported legislation last week that defunded Planned Parenthood while the congressional investigations are ongoing. Shutting down the federal government would have taken away the focus on these important hearings. National Right To Life President Carol Tobias in an op-ed echoed those concerns and is against a government shutdown over Planned Parenthood. As the congressional investigations progress, I hope the American people become more aware of these vile videos of Planned Parenthood.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=953", "Wittman Votes Against Temporary Spending Bill", "2015-09-30", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Votes Against Temporary Spending Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        September 30, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Wittman Votes Against Temporary Spending Bill\r\n            WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after voting against legislation to temporarily fund government operations through December 11, 2015:\r\n            As I have said consistently, continuing resolutions are a short-sighted and irresponsible way to fund government operations. Washington's repeated reliance on these stopgap funding measures has prolonged a culture of crisis management, and I could not support this bill.\r\n            My district is home to a large military population and many federal employees who are significantly impacted by both the persistent threats of government shutdowns and the lack of certainty created by continuing resolutions. I asked the Speaker to bring Congress back to Washington in August to prevent exactly the type of last-minute decision making that we have seen this week, and I wish he had listened. There is no excuse for letting such important issues wait until the eleventh hour. At the same time, today's bill simply sets up another showdown in December and does nothing to resolve the devastating cuts to our national defense known as the sequester.\r\n            One of my top priorities is to return Washington to a regular schedule of budgeting and appropriations. We must establish a strategic, long-term budget vision that provides certainty and strengthens our economy while also addressing our significant debt and deficit challenges.\r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n            # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398480", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for October", "2015-09-29", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffiths Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of October:\r\nOctober 1, 2015\r\nLee County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nLee County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  Suite U101  \r\n33640 Main Street  \r\nJonesville, VA\r\nMartinsville:  12:00 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nNCI  \r\nRoom 106  Classroom Building  \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA\r\nNorton:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nNorton City Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Avenue NW  \r\nNorton, VA\r\nOctober 6, 2015\r\nTazewell County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nRichlands Town Hall  \r\n200 Washington Square  \r\nRichlands, VA\r\nBuchanan County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGrundy Town Hall  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nDublin Town Hall  \r\nRoute 100, 1 mile North of I-81  \r\nDublin, VA\r\nOctober 7, 2015\r\nSmyth County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA \r\nCovington: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCovington City Hall  \r\nCity Hall Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA\r\nCraig County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castle, VA\r\nBristol: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA\r\nOctober 8, 2015\r\nGrayson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  Suite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA\r\nRussell County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA\r\nTazewell County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm   \r\nBluefield Town Hall  Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA\r\nGalax:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Main Street  \r\nGalax, VA\r\nOctober 13, 2015\r\nGiles County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nPearisburg Town Hall  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA\r\nDickenson County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA \r\nSalem:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nSalem Library  \r\n28 East Main Street  \r\nSalem, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nOctober 14, 2015\r\nRadford:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA\r\nPulaski County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n60 3rd Street NW  \r\nPulaski, VA\r\nOctober 15, 2015\r\nAlleghany County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA\r\nScott County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nCommunity Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA \r\nRoanoke County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA\r\nWise County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nOctober 20, 2015\r\nCarroll County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n605  1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA\r\nFloyd County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nFloyd County Library  \r\n321 W. Main Street  \r\nFloyd, VA\r\nOctober 21, 2015\r\nHenry County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Society  \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA \r\nBland County:  10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA\r\nWythe County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nPatrick County:  2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA\r\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=952", "Beyer-Wittman Legislation Protects Federal Employees from Shutdown", "2015-09-29", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Beyer-Wittman Legislation Protects Federal Employees from Shutdown\r\nSeptember 29, 2015 (Washington, DC) Congressman Don Beyer(D-VA) introduced H.R. 3635, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, which would secure retroactive pay for all federal employees during a federal government shutdown, regardless of furlough status. Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) is the lead Republican cosponsor.\r\nFederal employees have financial obligations just like everyone else. Congress must not jeopardize their financial security yet again, said Rep. Beyer (VA-08). This bipartisan legislation ensures that these public servants are made whole if Congress cannot keep our government running.\r\nFederal employee pay is suspended in the event of a funding lapse or government shutdown. Retroactive pay for all essential and non-essential federal workers must be approved by Congress.\r\nThe all-too-common uncertainty that plagues budget discussions in Washington is undermining the important work our federal employees carry out on behalf of their fellow citizens. It is critical to protect these public servants and their families from this uncertainty, and at the same time to bring accountability to the way Congress carries out its business. Long-term vision is necessary for ending this recurring cycle of governing by crisis, said Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01).\r\nCongressman Beyer's 8th District and Congressman Wittman's 1st District in Virginia are home to approximately 120,000 federal employees.\r\nThe National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees have each voiced their support for Beyer-Wittman's Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act.\r\nFor the second time in two years, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are facing the possibility of being furloughed without pay or being required to work not knowing when they will get paid, said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. NTEU appreciates the work of Rep. Beyer and other sponsors of this bill to mitigate the impact on our members, who don't deserve to yet again face uncertainty at work, and in their wallets.\r\nAFGE National President J. David Cox, Sr. voiced his support for the legislation, saying: AFGE thanks Representatives Don Beyer and Rob Wittman for their leadership in introducing the Retroactive Fair Pay Act of 2015. The prospect of another government shutdown is unsettling enough for employees, without the added threat of permanently lost income,falling behind on bills and other adverse financial consequences. This bipartisan legislation takes at least one concern off the table, so employees can focus like they always do on securing our borders, keeping terrorists off of airplanes, and caring for our nation's heroes.\r\nThe bill had 64 bipartisan cosponsors when it was introduced today, including the entire national capitol region delegation.\r\nI'm proud to represent tens of thousands of hardworking and dedicated federal employees in Maryland's Fifth District who should not be penalized in the event of a government shutdown, said Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05). I hope that Congress will fund the government so that our federal employees who are responsible for the safety and well-being of our nation can continue the many services they perform for all Americans. I am cosponsoring this legislation with my colleagues so that if a shutdown does occur, we can ensure that our federal employees will receive retroactive pay.\r\nThe callous subjection of millions of our nation's federal workers to near annual fear and uncertainty about federal shutdowns make them first line victims of congressional dysfunction, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) said. Our bill will give all federal workers the peace of mind their hard work has earned that they will receive back pay when the government reopens.\r\nFederal employees should not be harmed if Congress fails to reach an agreement to avoid a government shutdown, stated Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03). I commend Congressman Beyer and Congressman Wittman for working together to give federal employees some peace of mind that they will be retroactively paid if there is a shutdown.\r\n\"I remind those Members of Congress determined to shut down the government that their political gamesmanship hurts federalworkers, including many of my constituents,and the American people they serve. This legislation is the least we can do to help federal employees who are locked out of work through no fault of their own,\" said Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-07).\r\n\"Federal employees should not bear the brunt of Congress' inability to pass a budget,\" said Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02).\r\nAnother government shutdown would be a shameful and fruitless endeavor. But if partisan lawmakers insist on holding the country hostage to their ideological agenda, then the least we can do is ensure our dedicated public servants don't pay the price for Congress' dysfunction, said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-08).\r\nWhile we have seemingly averted this latest crisis, we need to ensure that when the next manufactured threat of a shutdown occurs, our federal workers remain protected, said Rep. John Sarbanes (MD-03). We must prevent partisan politics from harming the financial security of hardworking federal employees and their families.\r\nThe government shutdown in 2013 cost our economy $24 billion and 120,000 private-sector jobs, Rep. Donna Edwards (MD-04) said. It is unconscionable that some would be willing to repeat such a costly mistake, but we are on the brink once again. It is time to move past partisanship and ideology, and instead work to keep 128,000 Maryland federal employees on the job. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act,' and to work with my colleagues to ensure that Maryland's federal employees, and millions more across the country, receive the pay they deserve.   \r\nI am proud to represent thousands of public servants, yet those pushing Congress toward another reckless government shutdown fail to recognize that the vast majority of federal employees actually live outside of this region in their own home states. These are middle class Americans providing vital services on behalf of our neighbors each and every day. Their work should be celebrated and, yes, fairly compensated, said Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11). Our colleagues often say government should be run more like a business, yet they once again are on the verge of allowing narrow partisanship to cleave a self-inflicted wound on our economy.\r\nFederal workers should not be burdened by Washington's dysfunction, said Rep. Scott Rigell (VA-02). We need to make sure these hard working men and women are made whole if there is an unfortunate government shutdown.\r\nHard-working federal employees shouldn't pay the price for partisan dysfunction in Washington, said Rep. John Delaney (MD-06). I'm proud to stand with federal workers and their families in cosponsoring legislation to ensure that they do not suffer needless financial hardship because extremists in Congress cause a shutdown. Maryland is home to over 100,000 federal employees, men and women who make our country safer, more innovative and stronger. It is outrageous that my constituents are facing furloughs because a loud few are pursuing a partisan agenda.\r\nI am working hard with my colleagues to keep the government open because federal employees and contractors should not be used as a political football by either side for partisan gain. We are a nation that faces national security and homeland security threats. Federal employees, including FBI agents are working around the clock tracking down terrorists, in addition to Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, and National Security Agency analysts who are monitoring incoming intelligence and are on the frontlines keeping us safe. These dedicated employees, as well as the rest of our federal workforce such as researchers who are working on medical breakthroughs at NIH and VA doctors and nurses who treat our wounded warriors need to know that their government will honor its commitment to these workers and their families. As we move toward October 1st, I will continue to talk and work with my colleagues to make sure the government remains open, said Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398479", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.28.15", "2015-09-28", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pope and Change We experienced an historic moment last week when Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress, the first Pope in our nations history to do so. I was in attendance to hear his remarks to the people of the United States. Regardless of your religious beliefs or political leanings, Pope Francis words were thought-provoking. While others in the media have focused on other comments, I appreciated his having emphasized the importance of family and marriage, and was pleased when he said, the golden rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of development. Also, fairly early in his remarks, Pope Francis referred to the fight of those aspiring to achieve the American Dream, mentioning the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day's work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and  one step at a time  to build a better life for their families. On this, the Pope and I agree. On how people of other nations might come to the United States and participate in the American Dream, the Pope and I might disagree. Our laws on immigration clearly need to be simplified, but they must be followed. Speaking of the American Dream, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH)  himself a Catholic  has sought to get the Pope to the Capitol for approximately 20 years. And when I reflect now on Pope Francis allusion to the quest for the American Dream, I cant help but think of the Speaker, who grew up working at his familys modest bar in Ohio and who worked as a janitor to help fund his education. In other words, Speaker Boehner spent his whole life chasing the American Dream. In few other nations, if any, could the son of a barkeep rise to such heights  Speaker of the House, second in succession for the Presidency. On September 25, the day after Pope Francis remarks, Speaker Boehner announced he would be resigning from Congress at the end of October. While it is no secret that he and I had some disagreements, Speaker Boehner is an honorable, decent man. I respect him and his service, I respect his decision, and I am truly glad for him that, after many years of persistence and faith, he was able to host the Pope in our nations capital. Leadership  whether leading a religious faith, a legislative body, or a different entity  is a challenging responsibility. As the House of Representatives prepares to move forward, many discussions will continue taking place regarding our future leadership. I will work closely and actively with my colleagues to find for the job a candidate or candidates who will follow regular order and the principles of Thomas Jeffersons Manual of Parliamentary Practice. Currently, with the Republicans in control of the House, this should mean more conservative victories, and if the American people elect a Democrat majority, more victories for the left. After all, the House of Representatives by its design is supposed to reflect the will of the American people across the country. Lately, under both Democrat and Republican speakers, a handful of people in back rooms make all of the decisions. I hope the next Speaker will return to allowing the Committee process and the floor to work its will for the betterment of the American people.  \nChange of a Different Type Speaking of change, lets talk about money  from nickels and dimes to billion-dollar deals. Recently, with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), I led a letter to President Obama calling for strong, enforceable protections against currency manipulation in the final Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. 154 other Members of Congress signed on to our letter. While I have serious concerns about TPP and especially the Trade Promotion Authority that Congress granted to the President, I firmly believe that we cannot get a good trade deal with countries if they continue to manipulate their currency and leverage an unfair trade advantage which hurts our American economy and decimates our businesses and jobs. Countries like China and Vietnam have been accused of doing this in the past. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398478", "Griffith Statement on Boehner Resignation", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement on Speaker of the House John Boehners announcement that he will be resigning from the House of Representatives at the end of October:\r\nI respect Speaker Boehners decision and thank him for his service to these United States. Though we may have had some disagreements on policy, tactics, and other matters, leading a legislative body is a challenging responsibility, and I appreciate Speaker Boehners efforts. I wish the Speaker, his family, and his team the best as they move forward.\r\nAs this body moves forward, I will work closely and actively with my colleagues to establish a new leadership team to more closely reflect the voters will.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-speaker-john-boehner-s-resignation", "Comstock On Speaker John Boehners Resignation", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th) today issued the following statement on the announcement of Speaker John Boehners resignation: \nSpeaker John Boehner is a class act who loves this institution and this country and I have been privileged to work with him, first as a staffer on Capitol Hill when Republicans took a historic majority in 1994, and then as a Member of Congress with the largest Republican majority since the 1920s. Speaker Boehner is an honorable man of faith and conviction who has always served his constituents and the American people  particularly children and the most vulnerable  in a faithful and consistent way. He has always served as a patriot committed to our founding principles. I particularly appreciate the Speaker bringing both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Pope Francis to Congress this year for historic addresses and it is my prayer that our conference will come together, unify, and move forward and lead on the many challenges we have facing our country. I would also like to thank the Speakers family and dedicated staff for all of their service to our great country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=951", "Wittman Statement on Pope's Address to Congress", "2015-09-24", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Statement on Pope's Address to Congress \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        September 24, 2015\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON  Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after His Holiness, Pope Francis addressed a joint session of Congress:\r\n            \"The People's House was a fitting location today for Pope Francis to deliver a message of hope and compassion to Congress and the American people. I remain eager to work with my colleagues in Congress to responsibly solve the many challenges facing our nation, as well as to recognize and celebrate the values that unite our citizens. Compassion is an essential element of any public policy discussion that is, unfortunately, too often neglected. While we may at times have differences over the substance of various policies, we are joined together by a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to strengthening our nation and bettering our world.\"\r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n            # # #\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-joins-beyer-legislation-protecting-federal-workers", "Comstock Joins Beyer Legislation Protecting Federal Workers", "2015-09-23", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after becoming a lead co-sponsor on the Federal Employees Retroactive Pay Fairness Act yesterday. This bipartisan legislation is slated to be introduced next week and is sponsored by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) and will shield federal workers' pay in the event of a shutdown.\nI am working hard with my colleagues to keep the government open because federal employees and contractors should not be used as a political football by either side for partisan gain. We are a nation that faces national security and homeland security threats. Federal employees, including FBI agents are working around the clock tracking down terrorists, in addition to Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, and National Security Agency analysts who are monitoring incoming intelligence and are on the frontlines keeping us safe. These dedicated employees, as well as the rest of our federal workforce such as researchers who are working on medical breakthroughs at NIH and VA doctors and nurses who treat our wounded warriors need to know that their government will honor its commitment to these workers and their families. As we move toward October 1st, I will continue to talk and work with my colleagues to make sure the government remains open.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=950", "Beyer, Wittman Build Support to Protect Federal Workers", "2015-09-22", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress' unfortunate tendency to govern by crisis stymies the efforts of these dedicated public servants. I will fight to minimize the impacts of this funding uncertainty on the well-being of our federal workers and their families, while also working to return Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\"\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Beyer, Wittman Build Support to Protect Federal Workers\r\nBill Would Ensure Federal Workers Paid During Shutdown\r\nSeptember 22, 2015 (Washington, DC) Congressman Don Beyer(D-VA) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) distributed a letter to House colleagues today to build support for the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. The bipartisan proposal has already collected 24 cosponsors ahead of its introduction next week to protect federal worker pay in the event of a shutdown.\r\nOur federal employees work every day to carry out vital missions keeping our country healthy, safe, and strong, said Rep. Beyer. Their pay, and their family's well-being, should not be in jeopardy because Congress failed to do its job again. I hope my colleagues on Capitol Hill empathize with the anguish these funding battles cause hard-working American families.\r\nFederal employee pay is suspended in the event of a funding lapse or government shutdown. Retroactive pay for all essential and non-essential federal workers must be approved by Congress.\r\n\"Consistency and certainty in government funding is critical for our federal employees to carry out the vital missions with which they've been tasked, said Rep. Wittman. Congress' unfortunate tendency to govern by crisis stymies the efforts of these dedicated public servants. I will fight to minimize the impacts of this funding uncertainty on the well-being of our federal workers and their families, while also working to return Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\"\r\nCongressman Beyer's 8th District and Congressman Wittman's 1st District are home to approximately 120,000 federal employees combined.\r\nThe text of the letter follows:\r\nSeptember 22, 2015\r\n Support the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act \r\nDear Colleague:\r\nWe write concerning the current stalemate over funding for the federal government and ask that you join us as cosponsors of the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. This bipartisan proposal ensures that all federal employees receive retroactive pay for the duration of any shutdown, regardless of furlough status. \r\nAs you know, absent congressional action, appropriations for the federal government will expire at midnight on September 30, at which point funding will lapse and the government will shut down for the second time in two years. Should this occur, federal employees who are excepted would be asked to work without pay until a funding agreement is reached. The remainder, some 800,000 or so, would be furloughed without pay. In order to make these individuals whole again Congress must approve retroactive payment through the legislative process. \r\nPreferably, Congress will reach an agreement to enact legislation to fully fund the government and allow our dedicated federal workforce to continue to carry out its critical mission. In absence of such agreement and with time running dangerously short, federal employees should be assured that there is agreement in Congress that they will receive their full pay in a fair and timely manner. \r\nWe hope you will join us as a cosponsor and give federal employees and their families some measure of confidence that they will receive pay for the time they worked or were furloughed during a government shutdown.\r\nFor more information or if you would like to cosponsor please contact Mike Lucier at mike.lucier@mail.house.gov in Mr. Beyer's office or Julia Angelotti at julia.angelotti@mail.house.gov with Mr. Wittman.\r\nSincerely,\r\nDonald S. Beyer Jr. Robert J. Wittman\r\nMember of Congress Member of Congress\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398476", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.21.15", "2015-09-21", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A Ban and an Energy Boom Virtually no one would have predicted just a decade ago that the United States would soon transform into an energy-producing powerhouse. Regardless, we have, and our nation is now one of the worlds leading producers of oil and natural gas. But there is action that can and should be taken in order to help sustain this success: lifting the outdated ban on crude oil exports. This is not a partisan issue. As Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) explained in a recent opinion piece, A relic of the Nixon administration, the national ban on crude oil was a failed price control policy then and now is nothing more than an unnecessary restriction on one single industry that exists nowhere else in our economypreventing it from selling its commodity on the global market. Last week, my colleagues and I on the Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 702, a bill authored by Congressmen Joe Barton (R-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) to lift the nearly 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. This legislation is expected for consideration by the full House of Representatives in the coming weeks. The ban was first implemented at a time during which there were fears about the scarcity of domestic oil. But that ship has sailed, and the ban is no longer justified. The development of new technologies led to an increase in drilling activity around the nation, resulting in the United States role as one of the worlds largest producers of oil. Lifting this ban could have several benefits.  \n   \nWhile I believe lifting the oil export ban will have little impact on the price of gasoline at the pump, some believe that it may actually decrease the price. In fact, some studies have shown that lifting the ban would flatten or even reduce domestic gas prices. For example, a study from the Obama Administrations U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA, an agency that collects, analyzes, and disseminates energy information) indicates that in the America, gasoline prices, would be either unchanged or slightly reduced by the removal of current restrictions on crude oil exports. Additionally, a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that eliminating the ban would increase the size of the economy, with implications for employment, investment, public revenue and trade. And as the Wall Street Journal noted in a 2013 editorial, lifting the ban would lead to more domestic production, which means more jobs in oil drilling and services and everything that goes along with such growth. Thus, lifting the ban on crude oil exports would create jobs all over the country. One place at which lifting this ban could create jobs is at the Russell County metals manufacturer Steel Fab, which makes large tanks that are used by the oil and gas industry. When I visited them on September 21, they told me that they make tanks for all ends of the economic spectrum, and that have recently sent a very large tank to be used in Texas. Finally, lifting the ban would provide our allies around the world with the ability to import American oil rather than oil from Russia or Iran. With this Administration having supported the lifting of Irans ban on oil exports should come their support for lifting the ban on American exports. President Obama in the past has sarcastically described Republicans energy strategy as: Step one is drill, and step two is drill, and then step three is keep drilling. Instead, we believe in an all-of-the-above energy policy in which we dig, discover, deregulate, and  yes  drill in order to secure our energy future, provide jobs, and keep costs low. I suspect to President Obamas chagrin, drill baby drill has worked as a strategy far better than he ever expected. Since this drill baby drill strategy is working, lets lift the ban on crude oil exports once and for all, and do our part to ensure this strategy continues working into the future. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398477", "Griffith Statement on Alpha Mine Ceasing of Operations & Workforce Reductions", "2015-09-21", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after learning that an affiliate of coal producer Alpha Natural Resources will be ceasing operations or reducing its workforce at several Dickenson County mines. Alpha Natural Resources affiliate Paramont Coal will be ceasing operations at Deep Mine 44, Deep Mine 37, and Deep Mine 25, and reducing the workforce at Deep Mine 41 and Deep Mine 26. 96 employees will be impacted.\r\nI am saddened by todays news that operations will be ceased at mines in Virginias Ninth Congressional District and that other mines will see reductions in workforce. My heart goes out to those hardworking Americans losing their jobs as a result. I encourage those impacted by the job losses to contact my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 for possible assistance and a resource packet that contains helpful information and tools.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/10th-congressional-district-service-academy-application-deadline", "10th Congressional District Service Academy Application Deadline", "2015-09-21", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sterling, VA  Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th) today announced that the deadline for students interested in applying for a nomination by the 10th District Service Academy Advisory Board to one of the nations military academies for the Class of 2020 is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 1st in the Sterling office. \nOur country is only as strong as the next generation and that is why the Service Academies are so important to building Americas future leaders, said Congresswoman Comstock. This process is open to everyone in the 10th Congressional District who aspires to be a part of the Class of 2020. I look forward to the 10th District Service Academy Advisory Board getting to work and viewing the applications of our future leaders.\nApplications can be mailed or hand delivered to Comstocks Sterling office at 21430 Cedar Drive, Suite 218, Sterling, Virginia 20164. Interested students can request an Academy Nomination Application from Comstocks Web site at https://comstock.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. The selection process is strictly a competitive one.\nFor more information about the congressional nominating process, contact Mary Ann Cannon in Comstocks Sterling office at (703) 404-6903, or go to https://comstock.house.gov/ and click on Military Academy Nominations under the Services section.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398475", "Griffith: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015 (H.R. 3134) and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 3504):\r\nThe federal government has no business in directly or indirectly subsidizing abortion, particularly as investigations continue into atrocious, shocking practices  including the apparent sale of organs from aborted babies  allegedly committed and embraced by Planned Parenthood and other organizations. Additionally, it is basic decency to provide babies who survive abortions with the same quality of care received by those babies who come into this world prematurely. The Defund Planned Parenthood Act and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act are simple bills, and are vital in ongoing efforts to support human dignity and respect for life. I strongly support this legislation and the sanctity of life.\r\nBACKGROUND:\r\nThe Defund Planned Parenthood Act would preclude federal funds from being authorized or appropriated for one year to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics unless these entities certify that during this time period they will not perform or provide funds to other entities that perform abortions. The legislation provides an exception in cases of rape or incest or in which a woman suffers from a disorder, injury, or illness that a physician certifies would place her at risk of death. A provision included in the bill would redirect funding currently allocated to Planned Parenthood to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). There are more rural health centers and FQHCs in the Ninth District of Virginia than there are Planned Parenthood locations. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act would establish requirements for health care practitioners to exercise the proper degree of care in cases in which a child survives an abortion or attempted abortion.\r\nSeveral congressional committees, including the Energy and Commerce Committee on which Griffith serves, are investigating Planned Parenthood actions following recently-released videos in which senior level officials affiliated with the organization are seen discussing unethical and potentially illegal procedures. As part of his committees investigation, Griffith and his colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committees Health Subcommittee on September 17 held a hearing entitled Protecting Infants: Ending Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Who Violate the Law. Additional information on that hearing can be found on the committee's website, www.energycommerce.house.gov, and video of Griffiths questions can be found on his YouTube page, www.youtube.com/RepMorganGriffith. \r\nAdditional information on the House of Representatives ongoing investigations into Planned Parenthood can be found at www.GOP.gov/plannedparenthood.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=949", "Wittman votes to defund Planned Parenthood", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"It is unconscionable to think that taxpayer dollars are being given to an organization that finds this behavior humane. I strongly believe that we must fundamentally change the way the federal government deals with this organization.\"\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after supporting the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 3504) and the Defund Planned Parenthood Act (H.R. 3134):\r\nI was adopted as an infant; therefore, this issue of preserving life is very personal to me.\r\nThe Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act holds health care professionals accountable for prioritizing the health and well-being of children born alive after abortions, making sure that they take every effort necessary to preserve the lives of these patients. \r\nIf a child suffered a ruptured artery or seizure during a surgery, a surgeon would do everything possible to save his or her life. Children born alive after abortions deserve the same level of commitment and care as a child facing any other medical emergency.\r\nI was also proud to support legislation to defund Planned Parenthood. I would have preferred the funding ban to be permanent rather than only a year. Regardless, the barbaric nature of the videos that have recently surfaced cannot be ignored, and it is unconscionable to think that taxpayer dollars are being given to an organization that finds this behavior humane.\r\nI strongly believe that we must fundamentally change the way the federal government deals with this organization.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # # WATCH: Wittman speaks during floor consideration ofthe Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=948", "Virginia Delegation Statement On New GAO Report That Confirms Fort Pickett Is Best Site For Embassy Security Training Facility", "2015-09-16", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIRGINIA DELEGATION STATEMENT ON NEW GAO REPORT THAT CONFIRMS FORT PICKETT IS BEST SITE FOR EMBASSY SECURITY TRAINING FACILITY\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, along with U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott, Randy Forbes, Rob Wittman, Gerry Connolly, Robert Hurt, Dave Brat, and Don Beyer released the following statement on the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that makes clear Fort Pickett, Virginia is the best location for a Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC).\r\nAfter years of study, the Department of State and the General Services Administration determined in 2011 that Fort Pickett was the best site for security training for American embassy personnel and began to plan the facility. The Accountability Review Board convened after the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi also recommended moving ahead with an enhanced embassy security training facility. Congressional pressure to consider an alternate site in Glynco, Georgia slowed the project and forced a year-long reassessment of the project by the Office of Management and Budget from February 2013 through April 2014. After OMB also concluded that Fort Pickett was the best site, Congress forced the Government Accountability Office to conduct an additional study, further delaying the process by nearly a year. \r\nToday, the GAO released the results of that study, concluding that the Fort Pickett site meets all four requirements for a new facility, while the Georgia site meets none. The GAO finds that the cost of sending embassy personnel to Fort Pickett over 10 years will be $43 million to $121 million less than sending them to the Georgia site. The report also makes clear that cost estimates for the Fort Pickett site are more comprehensive, well documented, accurate and credible than those being used to try and sell the Georgia site.\r\nNow, over the course of more than a decade, after four evaluations by four agencies and the Benghazi Review Panel, some in Congress are devising new strategies to require another study and delay the project further. Three years after the Benghazi attack, what is it about embassy security that Congress doesn't understand?\r\nIt is time to move forward with the Fort Pickett project. The land has been acquired. The environmental studies are complete. The construction contract has been let. More unnecessary delay dishonors the many brave Americans supporting our diplomatic mission overseas who risk their lives every day.\r\nFor months, members of the Virginia delegation have fought back against attempts to derail the construction of a FASTC at Fort Pickett. According to the GAO report released today, in addition to making financial sense, Fort Pickett meets four requirements deemed critical in the selection of a diplomatic security training site, including: 1) consolidation of training venues; 2) proximity to Washington, D.C; 3) exclusive use of the facility for State Department diplomatic security training; 4) use of the facility 24 hours/7 days a week to allow for nighttime training missions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=947", "Warner, Mikulski, Kaine, Wittman Urge Administration to Strengthen Efforts to Combat Seafood Fraud", "2015-09-15", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\r\nTues., Sept. 15, 2015\r\nCONTACT:   Rachel Cohen (Warner) 202 228 6884\r\n  Matt Jorgenson/Alanna Wellspeak (Mikulski) 202 228 1122\r\n   Sarah Peck (Kaine) 202 228 1174\r\n\t\t\t   Gordon Neal (Wittman) 202 226 9873\r\n\r\nWARNER, MIKULSKI, KAINE, WITTMAN URGE ADMINISTRATION TO STRENGTHEN EFFORTS TO COMBAT SEAFOOD FRAUD\r\n~ Stronger traceability requirements will better protect hard-working, law-abiding Virginia and Maryland watermen ~\r\nWASHINGTON  Today U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) urged President Obama to protect Virginia and Maryland's seafood industry by strengthening efforts to prevent seafood fraud. The fraudulent labeling of Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean blue crab meat has a detrimental impact on an industry that plays an important role in the Virginia and Maryland economies, generating nearly $30 million annually in ex-vessel revenue for commercial watermen in Virginia and over $58 million annually in Maryland. However, a recent investigation by Oceana found that nearly 40 percent of crab cakes advertised in Maryland and Washington restaurants as coming from the Chesapeake Bay were, in fact, imported  primarily from the Indo-Pacific region.\r\nIn order to combat this and other types of fraud, in June 2014 the White House established a Presidential Task Force, co-chaired by the Departments of State and Commerce, to develop recommendations to combat illegal fishing and seafood labeling fraud.\r\nWhile we welcome the efforts of the Task Force, we believe that two important changes to its draft recommendations are needed in order to fully and comprehensively prevent the fraudulent activities that are negatively impacting Virginia and Maryland watermen, the Members wrote today in a letter to President Obama.\r\nThe Task Force released 15 draft recommendations in March, including strengthening enforcement and enhancing enforcement tools, creating and expanding partnerships with non-federal entities, and increasing information available on seafood products through additional traceability requirements. The Task Force followed up by releasing a draft list of at-risk species in July that will inform the first phase of the seafood traceability program.\r\nIn today's letter, the Members pointed out that, under the Task Force's draft recommendations, seafood would not be tracked beyond the first domestic point of sale. The members instead urged President Obama and the Task Force to adopt bait to plate tracking, requiring tracking and traceability all the way from its source to the consumer. Bait to plate tracking would prevent dishonest seafood processors in the U.S. from importing less-expensive foreign crab meat and repackaging it for sale to consumers as a product of the United States.\r\nThe Members also noted that by listing only blue crab as an at risk' species, the proposal put forth by the Task Force fails to require documentation for the many species of crab that are known to be fraudulently substituted for blue crab and then sold in the U.S. Such a system places the burden of labeling solely on honest watermen who follow the rules, rather than on those who produce the crab products that are fraudulently substituted for blue crab. We believe a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that all seafood sold in the U.S. is safe, legally caught, and honestly labeled. We encourage the Task Force to include these important changes. Thank you again for your attention to this important issue.\r\nThe full text of the letter appears below.\r\nSeptember 14, 2015\r\nDear President Obama,\r\nWe agree with your administration that it is in the national interest of the United States to combat seafood fraud, and we thank you for your continued efforts to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and seafood fraud.\r\nThe fraudulent labeling of Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean blue crab meat has had a detrimental impact on an industry that plays an important role in Virginia and Maryland's economies. Virginia's blue crab fishery generates nearly $30 million annually in ex-vessel revenue for commercial watermen, while Maryland generates over $58 million annually. However, a recent investigation in Maryland and Washington D.C. found that 38 percent of crab cakes sold as Chesapeake blue crab were mislabeled. Tests revealed at least eight species other than blue crab present in the samples, with many coming instead from the Indo-Pacific and Mexican Pacific regions. This deceptive labeling misleads consumers and threatens the livelihood of the watermen in our states. We have a duty to protect the efforts of our honest fishermen and the economic gains from this resource.\r\nWe applaud you for launchingthe Presidential Task Force to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud in order to strengthen our efforts to prevent fraudulent seafood practices. While we welcome the efforts of the Task Force, we believe that two important changes to its draft recommendations are needed in order to fully and comprehensively prevent the fraudulent activities that are negatively impacting Virginia and Maryland watermen.\r\nOur first concern is that the Task Force does not require tracking and traceability information to accompany seafood throughout the supply chain and beyond the first entry into U.S. commerce. In a letter to the Task Force on July 21, 2014, we raised the concern that some processors arelegally importing foreign crab meat, repackaging it at a domestic processing facility, and then labeling it as a product of the United States.The result is that domestically harvested crabmeat is competing against less expensive foreign crabmeat fraudulently labeled as a product of the United States. In order to address the issue of mislabeled crab meat, the final regulation should not end traceability and tracking at the first point of sale, but must follow seafood along the entire supply chain  from bait to plate.\r\nSecondly, by listing only blue crab as an at risk species, the proposal put forth by the Task Force fails to require documentation for the many species of crab that are known to be fraudulently substituted for blue crab and then sold in the U.S. Such a system places the burden of labeling solely on honest watermen who follow the rules, rather than on those who produce the crab products that are fraudulently substituted for blue crab.\r\nWe believe a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure that all seafood sold in the U.S. is safe, legally caught, and honestly labeled. We encourage the Task Force to include these important changes. Thank you again for your attention to this important issue.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398474", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.14.15", "2015-09-14", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Preventing a Nuclear Iran Those who have read this column regularly are likely aware that, since November of 2012, I have been consistently calling for the U.S. Senate to abandon its current modern filibuster/cloture rule, which requires a super majority of Senators in order to take a vote on any issue. Under this practice, a single Senator acting anonymously can place a hold on legislation by notifying the Senate Majority Leader of his or her desire to hold the bill. Last week I renewed my efforts, calling on the Senate to use the so-called nuclear option to require a simple majority to stop President Obamas bad nuclear Iran deal. This deeply flawed and misguided deal is a serious security matter not only for the United States, but also for our allies in the Middle East. I believe we must use all tools possible to stop the deal in its tracks and avoid placing our citizens and allies at greater risk. Requiring a super majority on a matter of such great importance is improper, is offensive to the majority rule, and is damaging to our great Republic. Additionally, the House of Representatives last week took several votes related to the President Obamas proposed Iran deal. I supported H.Res.411, a resolution finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, as he and his Administration failed to disclose details of the secretive side deals associated with its agreement. I also voted in favor of H.R. 3460, which would suspend until January of 2017 the authority of the President to waive or reduce economic sanctions on Iran. Finally, I opposed H.R. 3461, legislation designed to let those who approve of the Presidents plan do so by voting yes. Obviously, I voted NO. H.R. 3460 also calls into question whether the sanctions will be lifted under a future President. Why is this important? Well, if you are a high-priced lawyer advising companies all over the world, would you advise your clients to invest millions, hundreds of millions, or billions of dollars in Iran knowing that 247 members of the House are ready to slap sanctions back on Iran? Moreover, 58 Senators voted last week to express their opposition to the deal. A good lawyer would have his clients sign a statement acknowledging that investment in Iran would be a risky proposition and affirming that the law firm will not be responsible for any losses. Most businesses will choose to be cautious and not invest big money in Iran. As for this President charging forward without the support of the American people or its Congress, it is old hat. Sadly, it seems that the President and his allies will again ram through without the support of the American people something with big consequences. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate leadership ought to use the so-called \"nuclear option\" to stop this bad deal. Thats what strong leaders would do. Investigating Planned Parenthood Like many of you, I am very disturbed by recently-released videos involving Planned Parenthood. The content of these videos is abhorrent and despicable, and the actions described are potentially illegal. As summarized by the news publication The Hill, The anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress has released more than an hour of footage that raises questions about how Planned Parenthood obtains fetal tissue from abortions to be donated to medical research, and whether it is receiving illegal compensation. GOP lawmakers have said the videos specifically indicate the potential violation of three laws: profiting from tissue donations, altering the procedure of an abortion and donating fetal tissue without consent. According to reports, several states are investigating Planned Parenthood actions. Congressional committees, including the Energy and Commerce Committee on which I serve, have also launched investigations. Additionally, my colleagues and I on the Health Subcommittee are holding a hearing this week entitled Protecting Infants: Ending Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Who Violate the Law. Further, I have signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 3134, the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, which would immediately halt all federal funding of Planned Parenthood for one year as Congress continues investigating the organization's activities. While Planned Parenthood and its supporters say that tax dollars are not used on abortions, money is fungible and is easily moved from one function to another. The federal government has no business subsidizing abortion directly or indirectly. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/leesburg-today-comstock-looks-get-research-measure-transportation-bill", "Leesburg Today: Comstock Looks To Get Research Measure Into Transportation Bill", "2015-09-14", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Barbara Comstock is working to get traffic congestion relief legislation incorporated into a planned House transportation bill.\nRead more at the Leesburg Today here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/leesburg-today-mammovan-coming-leesburg", "Leesburg Today: Mammovan Coming To Leesburg", "2015-09-14", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The GW Medical Faculty Associates Mobile Mammography unit, better known as the Mammovan, will be in Leesburg on Sept. 21.\nRead more at the Leesburg Today here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-against-president-s-iran-nuclear-agreement", "Comstock Votes Against The Presidents Iran Nuclear Agreement", "2015-09-11", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after voting against the presidents Iran Nuclear Agreement today. An overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House opposed the presidents deal, voting against it by a margin of over 100 votes - 162-269-1: \nOn the fourteenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, and the third anniversary of the Benghazi terrorist attacks, I voted against the presidents unverifiable, unenforceable, and unconscionable Iran nuclear deal because it emboldens Iran to continue spreading instability and terror throughout the world, and provides them with billions of dollars to do so by the lifting of sanctions.\nA strong bipartisan coalition that includes Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Democrat Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), as well as Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and other House and Senate Democrat leaders understand the deal leaves a path open for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Back in March, I signed a bipartisan letter along with 367 of my colleagues saying, A final comprehensive nuclear agreement must constrain Irans nuclear infrastructure so that Iran has no pathway to a bomb This deal fundamentally fails this stated goal.\nI also hope that the U.S. Senate will stop the partisan filibuster led by Minority Leader Harry Reid and that the Senate, including Virginias two U.S. Senators, will allow an up-or-down vote on this consequential agreement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=945", "Wittman Votes Against Iran Nuclear Deal", "2015-09-11", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) voted today against the approval of President Obama's proposed agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The legislation failed by a vote of 162-269.\r\nThe House's actions today reflect the will of the people. Iran has previously shown its willingness to break the terms of previous deals, and I have no doubt that they'll do so again, Wittman said. I have visited the Middle East many times to meet with members of the U.S. military and engage with leaders of nations in the region, and I fully understand the threats posed by a nuclear-armed Iran. With the security of our partners in the region at stake, it is critical that any deal effectually prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. I do not believe this agreement includes the enforcement mechanisms necessary for preventing Iran's government from pursuing nuclear capabilities, and I could not support it.\r\nIn addition, Wittman voted for a bill (H.R. 3460) Friday to limit the Administration's ability to reduce economic sanctions on Iran until January of 2017, as well as a resolution (H. Res. 411) Thursday evening finding that the President's failure to comply with certain provisions of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act means that Congress' period of review over the agreement cannot have begun.\r\nThe failure to disclose information concerning side negotiations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose inspections are at the centerpiece of the agreement, represents a failure to comply with certain provisions of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, Wittman continued. This in turn means that Congress' period of review over the agreement cannot have begun. This agreement deserves a serious review with every detail on the table, and the withheld information is critical for Congress to conduct a thorough analysis. For example, the agreement says that Iran will reduce its stockpile of low-enriched uranium by 98 percent, but that means nothing if we don't know the volume of the current stockpile. The percentage may sound good, but 98 percent of an unknown is still an unknown. This deal poses significant national security risks, but I will continue to fight for smart national security policy as a member of the House Armed Services Committee.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-house-resolution-finding-president-not-compliant-iran", "Comstock Votes For House Resolution Finding President Not Compliant With Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after voting for H. Res. 411, Finding that the President has not complied with Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, which passed the House today by a vote of 245 to 186: \nBack in August, I signed a letter with my colleagues calling on the president to immediately release all the secret side deals concerning the Iranian nuclear agreement. The president has failed to provide the necessary information to Congress so we can fulfill our legal duties.\nThese secret deals between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran are key to understanding the Iranian agreement as a whole. By not allowing Congress to review these secret deals that we know exist, the president is not adhering to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act which was signed into law earlier this year.\nThe president is turning a blind eye when it comes to the security of the American people, Israel, and our allies in the Middle East. This administration can get a better deal with Iran; its not this deal or war, as the president has falsely claimed. I will continue to oppose the Iran deal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398473", "Griffith Urges Senate to use Nuclear Option to Stop Bad Nuclear Iran Deal", "2015-09-09", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement calling on the United States Senate to use the nuclear option to disapprove of President Obamas bad nuclear deal with Iran:\nThe Presidents deeply flawed and misguided deal with Iran is a serious security matter not only for the United States, but also for our allies in the Middle East. I believe we must use all tools possible to stop this deal in its tracks and avoid placing our citizens and allies at greater risk. Accordingly, I implore Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate leadership to use the so-called nuclear option to require a simple majority to stop the Iran agreement. To require a super majority on a matter of great importance is improper, is offensive to the majority rule, and is damaging to our great Republic.\nThe so-called nuclear option is a waiver of a rule dating back to the 1970s. This modern filibuster/cloture rule currently in practice in the Senate requires a super majority in order to take a vote on any issue. A single Senator acting anonymously can place a hold on legislation by notifying the Senate Majority Leader of his or her desire to hold such a bill.\nSince November 16, 2012 (soon after the election that left Democrats in control of the White House and the Senate), Griffith has consistently called for the Senate to change this policy and return to its workable historical filibuster rule.\nA full explanation of the modern filibuster rule and Griffiths position on it can be found here: /news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398378.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/loudoun-times-mammovan-cruises-loudoun-later-month", "Loudoun Times: The Mammovan cruises into Loudoun later this month", "2015-09-09", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Mammovan is coming to town.\nU.S. Rep. Barbara Comstocks office announced today that George Washington Universitys Medical Faculty Associates Mobile Mammography unit will park in Loudoun Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The van, which offers one-stop mammography screenings, will be parked at HealthWorks at 163 Fort Evans Road, NE in Leesburg.\nRead more at the Loudoun Times here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-welcomes-gw-mammovan-loudoun-county", "Comstock Welcomes The GW Mammovan To Loudoun County", "2015-09-09", "2015", "2015-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) is pleased to announce that the Mobil Mammography unit of The GW Medical Faculty Associates, better known as The Mammovan, will be in Loudoun County on Monday, September 21st from 10am to 2pm in the parking lot of HealthWorks located at 163 Fort Evans Rd, NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.\nWith next month being breast cancer awareness month we wanted to get a jumpstart on making women aware that early detection is the key to survival, said Congresswoman Comstock. The Mammovan is a great tool to bring early detection to women who may not otherwise get a lifesaving mammogram. I am delighted that the Mammovan will be in Loudoun County offering lifesaving screening mammograms, said Rachel Brem, MD, Director of Breast Imaging at The GW Medical Faculty Associates and Vice Chair of Radiology at The George Washington University School of Medicine. The death rate from breast cancer has decreased by 30% in the past 20 years. Early breast cancer is a curable disease. Therefore, women should get their life saving mammograms to detect early curable breast cancer.\nThere are no walk-ins for the GW Mammovan and all appointments need to be made ahead of time by calling the Mammovans bilingual hotline at 202-741-3252. Other important information for those seeking a mammogram by the GW Mammovan are:\n1. They must be aged 40 or older, or between the ages of 30-39 if they have an immediate relative diagnosed with breast cancer.\n2. They shouldn't have had a mammogram in the previous 12 months.\n3. The van is used for preventative screening, so women with a past history of breast cancer will be directed to an alternate program for more appropriate care.\n4. Women with breast implants will be directed to an alternate screening technology not available on the van.\n5. They should be free of any breast symptoms. Women with symptoms will be guided to a program for more appropriate care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 343, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "VA", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 343, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-09-09,https~3A~2F~2Fcomstock~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcomstock-welcomes-gw-mammovan-loudoun-county", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2015&_next=2015-09-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcomstock~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fcomstock-welcomes-gw-mammovan-loudoun-county&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 256.8432819098234, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}