{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1751", "Year in Review: Constituent Services", "2017-12-31", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friends  -And just like that we concluded the first session of the 115th Congress. 2017 has been a year of many achievements, but more than that, it has been a record year for consituent communication. It is my priority as your Representative to be accessible to my constituents and to let you know what is happening in both D.C. and the district. Here is 2017 in review:  1.5 Million: That's the number of constituent contacts I made this year. These include opened emails I sent out, responses to mail and calls sent to the office, telephone town hall attendees, and attendees of meetings or constituent forums. 103,506: That's the number of incoming constituent correspondence we have received and responded to since January 1, 2017. This includes emails, letters sent through the mail, and phone calls. Each day the staff updates me on topics folks are contacting the office about and their sentiments. The top issues we have heard about this year are tax reform, health care, the environment, immigration, national security, and government reform. 10, 15,161, 264: That's the number of telephone town hall events I held; the total number of attendees who participated in those events; and the number of questions answered. 1,167: That number there is the number of cases my district staff has completed. If you are having trouble with a federal agency, contact one of my district offices! They are located in Stafford, Hanover, and Tappahannock.  71: That's the number of constituent forums I held in communities across the district. These forums, like the one pictured above in Fredericksburg, allow me to update folks on my work in Washington and answer questions from constituents. 14: That's the number of bills I introduced addressing topics like national defense, federal employees, the environment, veterans affairs, federal recognition for Virginia Indian tribes, and Congressional accountability. ONE: That number represents my top priority: listening to the people I represent and using your thoughts, concerns, and insights to better represent you in Washington. It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House. I look forward to hearing from you in 2018! Sincerely, Rob *Numbers as of December 21, 2017", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/would-you-trade-your-social-security-student-loan-forgiveness", "Would You Trade Your Social Security for Student Loan Forgiveness?", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two of the biggest long-term financial problems facing the United States are Social Security funding and the growing level of student loan debt. One Republican congressman has introduced legislation that could help tackle both problems by allowing future retirees to trade some of their Social Security benefits for student loan forgiveness.\nAn outside-the-box solution\nIt's no secret thatstudent loan debthas become a serious problem in the United States. As of the most recent data, about 45 million Americans owe a total of $1.4 trillion in student loan debt -- this is more than all of the credit card debt, auto loan debt, and every other type of debt Americans hold besides mortgages.\nRep. Tom Garrett, a freshman Republican congressman from Virginia, has introduced new legislation known as the Student Security Act that would allow student loan borrowers to make an interesting choice. It would give borrowers the option to have some of their student loan debt forgiven in exchange for a higherSocial Security full retirement age.\nRep. Garrett's plan -- the details\nRep. Garrett, who is a student loan borrower himself, is introducing a unique solution to the student debt problem that could also help fix Social Security's expected financial shortfall.\nHere's how it would work. For every month a borrower agreed to raise his or her own Social Security full retirement age, they would receive $550 in student loan forgiveness. The plan would set a maximum amount of loan forgiveness of $40,150, which would result in a delay of six years and one month for the recipient's Social Security retirement age.\nAccording to the bill's text, it would also delay the early retirement age for the recipients, which is otherwise set at age 62 as the earliest age at which you can claim areduced benefit. For example, let's say that your full Social Security retirement age is 67 years, and you take advantage of $6,600 worth ($550 times 12 months) of student loan forgiveness under this program. Your full retirement age would now be 68 years old, and the earliest you'd be allowed to claim retirement benefits is now 63.\nWould you make the trade?\nThis would be a completely voluntary program, so student loan debtors would need to carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing to accept the loan forgiveness.\nThere would certainly be some good reasons to choose to accept loan forgiveness under this plan. For example, reducing the debt burden on younger Americans could allow them to buy homes, get married, have children, and start businesses earlier than they otherwise could. Furthermore, if these individuals are spending less of their income on debt repayment, they could have more to save in a 401(k) or IRA, making them less dependent on Social Security benefits in retirement.\nHowever,Social Securityis a guaranteed, inflation-protected stream of income available to retirees, and it's important to realize that you may not be able to work until your new, older full retirement age. If you accept the maximum amount of loan forgiveness under the plan, it translates to a full retirement age of over 73 years. Are you willing to wait that long to collect your full retirement ... READ MORE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398845", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "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 January. 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. January 2, 2018  \r\nCraig County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nP.O. Box 308  \r\nNew Castle, VA 24127 Salem: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nCity of Salem Offices  \r\n114 N. Broad Street  \r\nSalem, VA 24153 January 3, 2018  \r\nNorton: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm  \r\nCity Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Avenue Northwest  \r\nP.O. Box 1160, City of Norton  \r\nNorton, VA 24273 Wise County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue East  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219 January 4, 2018  \r\nRoanoke County: 9:30 am 11:00 am  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA 24019 Alleghany County: 12:30 pm.  2:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA 24422 Covington: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm               \r\nCity of Covington Conference Room  \r\n333 West Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA 24426 January 8, 2018  \r\nGrayson County: 9:30 am  11:00 am  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\nSuite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nP.O. Box 217  \r\nIndependence, VA 24348 Galax: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Grayson St.  \r\nGalax, VA 24333 Carroll County: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room 605  \r\n1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA 24343 January 9, 2018  \r\nPatrick County: 9:30 am  11:30 am  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA 24171 Martinsville: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nNew College Institute  \r\nRoom 106  Classroom Building  \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA 24112  \r\n\r\nHenry County: 2:30 am.  4:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Center        \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA 24055 January 10, 2018  \r\nRussell County: 9:30 am  11:00 am  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA 24266 Bristol: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA 24201 Smyth County: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA 24354 January 11, 2018  \r\nTazewell County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nTown of Bluefield Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nP.O. Box 1026  \r\nBluefield, VA 24605 Tazewell County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nAmerican Legion Building  \r\n226 Central Avenue  \r\nP.O. Box 608  \r\nTazewell, VA 24651 January 16, 2018  \r\nTazewell County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nTown of Richlands Offices  \r\n200 Washington Square  \r\nRichlands, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nTown of Grundy Offices  \r\n1185 Plaza Dr.  \r\nGrundy, VA 24614 January 17, 2018  \r\nBland County: 9:30 am  11:00 am  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nP.O. Box 510  \r\nBland, VA 24315 Wythe County: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nP.O. Box 819  \r\nWytheville, VA 24382 Pulaski County Dublin 2:30pm-4:00pm  \r\nTown of Dublin Offices  \r\n101 Dublin Park Road  \r\nDublin, VA 24084 January 18, 2018  \r\nFloyd County: 9:30 am  11:00 am  \r\nTown of Floyd Offices  \r\n134 Wilson Street Southeast  \r\nFloyd, VA 24091 Radford: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA 24141 Pulaski County: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\n60 3rd Street Northwest  \r\nPulaski, VA 24301 January 22, 2018  \r\nGiles County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm  \r\nTown of Pearisburg Offices  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA 24134 Dickenson County: 10:00 am.  12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nP.O. Box 2275  \r\nClintwood, VA 24228 Lee County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm  \r\nLee County Sheriffs Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n33640 Main Street  \r\nSuite U101  \r\nP.O. Box 177  \r\nJonesville, VA 24263 Wise County: By Appointment  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue East  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219 January 23, 2018  \r\nScott County: 10:00 am.  12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA 24251 ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1750", "Looking back on December", "2017-12-25", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hi Folks-Here we are at the end of December. This was a historic month for our country. Congress finally delivered tax relief to the American people.  As always, I wanted to give you a look at what I was up to here in DC and back in our district. If you aren't getting updates from me throughout the week, you can sign up for those by clicking here.\r\n  \r\nStay tuned for a look back at the entire year in photos in the next couple of days. Below you'll see what I was up to this month, the op-eds I've written, and news stories I was featured in.   I visited the Toys for Tots event in Quantico. After helping out in the warehouse, I got to talk with some Marines about how Congress gave our troops the largest pay raise in years when President Trump singed the National Defense Authorization Act into law this month. I spoke at the Navy-Marine Corps Caucus Breakfast about how I am working with my good friend, Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer (pictured above), to rebuild our nations Navy fleet. I joined my colleagues in the House to write holiday cards for our troops stationed overseas this Holiday season to express our gratitude for their service to our nation and remind them we are working here in Congress to get them the resources they need to do their job. I talked with my collegue, Representative French Hill, about my work to build up our Navy's fleet by adovcating for dual procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in the upcoming fiscal year.  I met with the King George Board of Supervisors to present Cedell Brooks with a Congressional Extension of Remarks in recognition for his years of service to the Board of Supervisors and talk about issues facing Congress before the end of the year.  At Germana Community Colleges Fredericksburg Center for Advanced Technology (FredCAT) I spoke with faculty about my legislation passed in this year's National Defense Authorization Act that directs resources to community and technical colleges for maritime workforce development and training programs. I visited HCA Virginia Health System in Fredericksburg to tour their facilities and discuss my support for funding the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and how Congress is addressing issues facing hospitals across the country. The House passed the Keep Americas Refuges Operational Act, H.R. 3979, with bipartisan support. I helped introduce this legislation with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries that reauthorizes the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, community partnership and education programs. A congressional perspective on the Fitzgerald, McCain collisions, Defense News The importance of community and technical colleges for the industrial base, Daily Press Virginia congressmen, senators back reauthorizing Childrens Health Insurance Program, Free Lance Star Proposal for 355-ship US Navy Signed into Law, Marine Link US Navy Should Boost Ties With Indo-Pacific Partners: Rep. Wittman, Breaking Defense Wittman, Taylor, Garrett, Goodlatte, Brat, Griffith, and Comstock column: U.S. Senate Must Act on CHIP, Richmond Times Dispatch Congressman Rob Wittman visits Fredericksburg City Public Schools for VSBA Take Your Legislator to School Month, Free Lance Star  To keep up with all of my work around the First District and in Washington, connect with me on Facebook. It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House. Sincerely, Rob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/2015-sudanese-pastor-was-ripped-away-his-family-year-they-are-celebrating-their", "In 2015, a Sudanese pastor was ripped away from his family. This year, they are celebrating their first Christmas in the U.S.", "2017-12-24", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Eight days before Christmas, Pastor Hassan Abduraheem stood at the front of a small Baptist church just a few miles from the Buckingham County border.\nHe was accompanied by his wife, Awadia, and Fibe, one of his daughters, as they sang a Christmas song in their native Arabic. The rest of his family  three sons, a second daughter and his mother  listened along in a pew toward the back of the church.\nAs they sang, the word Hallelujah rang through Tar Wallet Baptist Church, decorated with touches of green and red to celebrate the holiday season, as churchgoers listened on with full attention.\n\n\tAbduraheem is pursuing his calling as a minister, but hes not the pastor of Tar Wallet. In fact, he and his family came to the United States from Sudan just months ago and have made Buckingham their new home.\n\n\n\tBut before they were refugees in the U.S., Abduraheem was imprisoned in Sudan for more than a year, charged with espionage along with two others, both of whom also were freed.\n\t\n\t\tHere for me, here is just a peaceful place. I am feeling really secure here and safe in this place, he said. After a long journey,  for me to be here, it's really a privilege and I feel that for me and for my family, it's safe for me here.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAbduraheem and his family were able to come to the U.S. thanks in part to Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th. The congressman, with others in the House of Representatives, already had been working on the release of Czech Pastor Petr Jasek from a Sudanese prison when he learned of Abduraheem and another man from Sudan, all charged with same crime.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tGarrett, who serves on the House foreign affairs subcommittee on Africa, global health, global human rights and international organizations, said he initially was told the three had been charged with aiding rebels.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tWhat they were doing was giving food and medicine to the minority population in the south of the country, he said ... READ MORE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-senate-passes-rep-comstock-legislation-reauthorize-us-fire", "U.S. Senate Passes Rep. Comstock Legislation To Reauthorize U.S. Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Programs", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the United States Senate passed by unanimous consent, H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017. AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) awards and SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) grants help provide necessary firefighting gear and training to firefighters and emergency responders, among other critical functions. The legislation authorizes $750 million for both programs. The legislation will now head to the Presidents desk for his signature.\nI am glad that the United States Senate quickly took up and passed this important legislation that will help our firefighters and paramedics in Virginias 10th Congressional District and throughout the nation. This legislation ensures that our nations firefighters and paramedics have the tools and training they need to safely fight and prevent devastating fires. Since the inception of these vital programs for our first responders, Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department has received over $16 million in funding and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has received over $3.5 million.\nThe reauthorization of the FIRE and SAFER grant programs demonstrates the continued excellent support of Congress, in particular Representative Comstock, for the nations fire service, said Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Brower. These programs greatly assist localities in the areas of firefighter safety, fire and life safety education and improved resourcing for tactical fire operations. The fire problem in America continues to demand a strong emphasis on fire prevention, adequate staffing and up to date equipment to do the job safely. This bill is tremendous for career and volunteer firefighters alike.\nRead more about H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017 here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1075", "Goodlatte & Kaine Applaud Final Passage of Bill to Lift Restrictions on Rockingham County Land", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded final Senate passage of their legislation today to lift deed restrictions on property used for the Plains Area Daycare Center in Rockingham County. The bill passed the House of Representatives in July and now heads to the Presidents desk for signature. Lifting the federal restrictions on this land in Rockingham County will allow the Plains Area Daycare Center to reach its full potential and help ensure that more children and more of the community will be served. Passage of this bill is a long time coming, and I am pleased to see it become a reality, Goodlatte said. The Plains Area Daycare Center has served families in Rockingham County for more than two decades, and passage of this bill will ensure the day care center can continue to offer affordable, high-quality services to families in the community, Kaine said.  The Plains Area Daycare Center in Broadway, VA, has provided affordable childcare for 25 years and currently provides care for 94 children, many of whom are from low-income families.  The Centers building is in need of repair and maintenance but has encountered hurdles in securing financing due to the propertys complex legal status as former federal land conveyed to Rockingham County and leased to the Center.  This legislation will remove the federal land use restrictions for the building site, ensuring that routine repairs can take place without further delay in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/historic-tax-credits-saved-relief-dan-river-region-leaders", "Historic tax credits saved, a relief to Dan River Region leaders", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Donald Trumps tax-cut package will not affect federal historic tax credits or federal payments for the Build America Bonds program, much to the relief of city officials and at least one historic preservationist.\nWere pretty appreciative of the fact that the federal government is retaining the historic tax credits, Danville City Manager Ken Larking said Thursday. It was great they [U.S. Congress members] recognized it was a valuable program that benefits small communities like ours.\nDanville City Council voted last month to adopt a resolution urging Trump and Congress to keep the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program.\n\n\tMatt Missen, communications director for Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th District, said localities in the district expressed alarm over the possibility of cuts to, or elimination of, the credits.\n\nThere was a massive outcry from members of the community, not only from the business development community, but regular people who wanted to see the historic buildings maintained, Missen said.\nGarrett told the Register & Bee on Thursday that he supports limited federal government and empowering localities, but you cant argue that this doesnt work, he said of the historic tax credits.\nIf it works, why on earth dont we keep doing it? Garrett said. If we talk about the private sector, we should empower the private sector. Thats what the tax credits do.\nGarrett wrote a letter to a House conference committee urging retention of the tax credits.\nThis worthwhile investment revitalizes distressed areas and creates the jobs that support local economies, Garrett wrote ... READ MORE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398843", "Griffith Statement on Funding the Government", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting for a continuing resolution (CR) funding the government until January 19:\r\nI voted for todays CR in order to keep the federal government open. I am not happy with this process or this legislation, but as the Senate has failed for 98 days to take up the appropriations bills passed by the House under regular order, passing the CR was necessary. It will keep the government running until January 19.\r\nTo cobble together enough votes to pass the CR, congressional leadership included a three-week extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I strongly believe that provisions of the FISA law are unconstitutional when applied to American citizens. In exchange for agreeing to the CR, leadership promised a debate on FISA and an opportunity to vote on a constitutionally-sound alternative before January 19. It is past time that we bring this program into alignment with the rights guaranteed to Americans in our Constitution.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398844", "Congressman Griffith's Christmas E-Newsletter 12.21.17", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Christmas Stories\r\nYou know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen\r\nComet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen\r\nBut do you recall the most famous reindeer of all?\r\nAnd you likely know what holiday song begins with those lines. The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, both as a song and as a television special, has been a staple of the Christmas season for generations. The story of how it came to be, however, is not as well known. Its an unlikely story, one not out of place in a season that celebrates miracles.\r\nRobert L. May was a catalog writer for the department store Montgomery Ward with dreams of being a novelist. In 1939, he lived in Chicago with his ailing wife and their young daughter. He was tasked with creating a coloring book that the store would hand out to children for free at Christmastime. Growing up, May had felt like an outsider due to his small stature, so the reindeer that became the central character of his book, Rudolph, took on the attributes of a misfit as well. In this case, the characteristic that set him apart was a shiny red nose.\r\nMays wife died in July, but he insisted on finishing his story, later writing, I needed Rudolph now more than ever. The final result was a hit. In fact, Montgomery Ward printed over two million copies in 1939. In 1947, the company gave May the copyright to his story. Working with his brother-in-law, the composer Johnny Marks, he used the rights to make a song about Rudolph.\r\nMarks shipped the song to Perry Como, Bing Crosby, and Dinah Shore, but all opted not to record it. According to legend, another singer prepared to pass as well, but his wife found the song charming and persuaded him to record it. And so it would be Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy, who would first record the version of Rudolph that became a staple of the Christmas season.\r\nAutry recorded and popularized other songs that remain holiday favorites. One song came from an experience in an annual Hollywood Christmas parade. Autry regularly participated, riding his horse ahead of Santa Claus as they proceeded down Santa Claus Lane. One year, he heard a child shout in eager anticipation, Here comes Santa Claus! Sure enough, that became the title of the song.\r\nAs its title suggests, most of Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) expresses excitement about a visit from St. Nicholas, the toys he will bring, and the joys of the season. But the songs final verse also speaks to the higher meaning of this time of year:\r\nHere comes Santa Claus! Here comes Santa Claus!\r\nRight down Santa Claus Lane!\r\nHe'll come around when the chimes ring out,\r\nthen it's Christmas morn again.\r\nPeace on earth will come to all\r\nif we just follow the light.\r\nLet's give thanks to the Lord above,\r\n'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.\r\nAutry was not a man of strong religious affiliation, but he sang of the same good news told to shepherds keeping watch in the Judean countryside so many centuries ago:\r\nGlory to God in the highest,  \r\nAnd on earth peace, goodwill toward men!\r\nSongs about Rudolph and Santa Claus are welcome additions to Christmastime, and sometimes without the listeners even knowing it, they spread the good news that Jesus birth represents to Christians, such as the reassurance in Here Comes Santa Claus that peace on earth will come to all and the encouragement to give thanks to the Lord above. My hope is that, whatever your beliefs, this holiday season brings peace and goodwill to you. Best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.\r\nThis column will be the last of 2017 and will resume its regular schedule after the first of the year. 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 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.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=577", "Rep. Brat Supports Continuing Resolution and CHIP funding through March", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) released the following statement after passage of legislation to fund the federal government through January 19, 2018 and fund the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through the end of March.Every year at Christmas federal spending legislation is rarely fiscally responsible when there is pressure to leave town. This short-term spending legislation ensures our government is funded and open while we continue to negotiate a long-term budget path. While there are many controversial matters still to be worked out in the coming weeks, I am confident we will be able to work together and find reasonable solutions. I had hoped in this bill we could have ensured funding for the Department of Defense through the end of the year, but Democrats in the Senate refused to agree to it without massive increases in spending on other programs. The spending bill did include funding for CHIP and community health centers through the end of March. There is bipartisan support for this program, and I remain optimistic that the Senate will take up our House-passed reauthorization legislation to ensure CHIP is reauthorized and paid for before the latest round of funding expires.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nbc-29-uva-and-thomas-jefferson-foundation-receive-national-endowment", "NBC 29: UVA and Thomas Jefferson Foundation Receive National Endowment for the Humanities Grants", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the National Humanities Alliance congratulated seven programs in Virginia that will be receiving grant awards totaling $647,399 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to support their work.\nYou may read the whole story at NBC 29 here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/update-reforming-congressional-accountability-act-better-congressional", "Update on Reforming the Congressional Accountability Act for a Better Congressional Workplace", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Committee on House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (MS-3), Ranking Member Robert Brady (PA-1), Representative Barbara Comstock (VA-10), Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14), and Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) issued the following statement on the progress reforming the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995:\nOur bipartisan group of Members is making significant progress on reforming the Congressional Accountability Act, the 20-year-old law that establishes employment and workplace rights and protections for the Legislative Branch. This reform bill will make a number of necessary changes to bring about more transparency, accountability, stronger protections for employees, and a simplified, clear, and respectful process for individuals to report claims and reach a resolution. Ultimately, these reforms will bring the improved protections for individuals and accountability in the workplace.\nWhile we are very close to finalizing these reforms, we will introduce legislation when Congress reconvenes in January. The Committee on House Administration will hold a markup as soon as Congress returns and will report the bill to the full House. Our position from the beginning of this review and reform process has been: One case of sexual harassment is one case too many. We need to get these reforms right and ensure we are paving a path forward for a safer and productive congressional workplace.\nBackground:\nPrinciples of the bipartisan legislation reforming the Congressional Accountability Act include:\n Clearer and fairer reporting and dispute resolution process for employees.\n Protections for employees who file claims under the Congressional Accountability Act.\n Increased transparency with respect to payment of awards and settlements, while protecting the victims identity.\n Members will be personally accountable when settling claims of sexual harassment.\n New requirements for reporting cases, activities, and other reforms for the Office of Compliances operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/historic-tax-credits-saved-relief-dan-river-region-leaders-0", "Historic tax credits saved, a relief to Dan River Region leaders", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Donald Trumps tax-cut package will not affect federal historic tax credits or federal payments for the Build America Bonds program, much to the relief of city officials and at least one historic preservationist.\nWere pretty appreciative of the fact that the federal government is retaining the historic tax credits, Danville City Manager Ken Larking said Thursday. It was great they [U.S. Congress members] recognized it was a valuable program that benefits small communities like ours.\nDanville City Council voted last month to adopt a resolution urging Trump and Congress to keep the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program.\nMatt Missen, communications director for Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th District, said localities in the district expressed alarm over the possibility of cuts to, or elimination of, the credits.\nThere was a massive outcry from members of the community, not only from the business development community, but regular people who wanted to see the historic buildings maintained, Missen said.\nGarrett told the Register & Bee on Thursday that he supports limited federal government and empowering localities, but you cant argue that this doesnt work, he said of the historic tax credits.\nIf it works, why on earth dont we keep doing it? Garrett said. If we talk about the private sector, we should empower the private sector. Thats what the tax credits do.\nGarrett wrote a letter to a House conference committee urging retention of the tax credits.\nThis worthwhile investment revitalizes distressed areas and creates the jobs that support local economies, Garrett wrote.\nTwenty properties in Danville have received the credits since 2005, with the projects channeling $93.5 million in private investment in historic properties, the city reported last month.\nThe investments have resulted in 17 new businesses, seven business expansions and 443 new residential units, according to the report.\nFederal historic tax credits have driven redevelopment in the River District.\nThe program was enacted during President Ronald Reagans administration in 1981.\nAccording to councils resolution opposing the elimination, federal historic tax credits leverage $4 in private money for every dollar of federal support.\nThose 20 properties  before development under the tax credits  generated $42,371 in annual real estate tax revenue. Now they bring in almost $362,000 in annual revenue, according to city officials.\nThey also have a positive impact on sales and meals tax revenues, annual payroll, business license fees collected and business personal property tax, according to city officials ... READ MORE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1749", "Wittman Votes No on Short-Term CR", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Votes No on Short-Term CR WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) voted \"no\" on the H.R. 1370  Further Continuing Resolution. The bill extends existing discretionary appropriations at current levels through January 19, 2018. \"Yet again we find ourselves budgeting by crisis, Wittman said. We should not be funding our government through continuing resolutions (CRs). For the third time in four months, Congress has approved a CR that, by nature, will hurt our Armed Forces as it does not allow for proper planning or budgeting. Senior military leaders including the Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, and the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, have said that continuing to pass CRs is harming our militarys ability to perform the missions we call on them to do. Even further, they lead to insufficient training, unmaintained equipment, and decreased readiness. Although this CR did include additional monies for ship repair, it does not cover the full scope of our urgent defense needs. This has to stop. Another CR means another short-term solution to a long-term problem. I have long said that passing CRs is an abdication of Congress duties and responsibilities, and so as I have in votes prior, I had to vote no. Going into Fiscal Year 2018 we have a chance to get back to regular order in the budget process. I remain committed to providing a path fiscal certainty for our armed services. 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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1073", "Goodlatte & Grassley Call for White House Working Group on International Competition", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today sent a letter to the President regarding the impact of foreign antitrust enforcement on American citizens and businesses abroad. The letter recommends, among other items, that the President establish a White House Working Group on International Competition to coordinate international competition and trade policy within the U.S. and also to develop a comprehensive and consistent strategy to address misuse of foreign competition law by foreign governments.Chairman Goodlatte and Chairman Grassley have issued the following statements. Chairman Goodlatte: I thank my colleague Chairman Grassley for his hard work on this issue. The House Judiciary Committees antitrust hearings have highlighted concerns about abuses of international antitrust laws by foreign governments, including lack of due process, disregard for intellectual property rights, and refusal to take action against state-owned and state-sponsored entities in other countries.  \r\nI urge the President to form a working group to coordinate a consistent response to trade and antitrust policy across the Administration. Chairman Grassley: American companies doing business abroad should be treated fairly. Unfortunately, in some places antitrust laws are abused to create an uneven playing field that harms American businesses. President Trump has made it a priority to get better deals for American businesses in the global marketplace. Chairman Goodlatte and I are calling on the President to examine how best to address misuse of foreign competition law and ensure Americans receive fair treatment from foreign governments and are able to compete on a level playing field. Background: In March 2017, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released the Report and Recommendations of its bipartisan independent investigation into international trade and competition law, including 12 recommendations for more effective and integrated international trade and antitrust law. One of the first recommendations included the establishment of a White House working group to prioritize these issues. In May 2017, the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law held an oversight hearing on recent trends in international antitrust enforcement, including a review of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ICPEGs report. Read the full text of Chairman Goodlatte and Chairman Grassleys letter to the White House here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1742", "Wittman Leads Letter in Support of Block Buy for Aircraft Carriers in FY19", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Leads Letter in Support of Block Buy for Aircraft Carriers in FY19WASHINGTON  Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Bradley Byrne (R-AL), and Joe Courtney (D-CT), were joined by 127 Representatives in sending a letter to Department of Defense Secretary James Mattis supporting a block buy of two Ford-class aircraft carriers in FY2019.   A dual procurement allows the Navy to build to a fleet of 12 aircraft carriers more quickly as prescribed by the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act  which established that the Navy should maintain 355 ships, including 12 aircraft carriers, Rep. Wittman said. A dual buy would be beneficial to both the taxpayers and our maritime industrial base as it shows that Congress is committed to the thousands of workers who work each day to build and maintain aircraft carriers. As Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee I fully back this provision, and I thank my colleagues for supporting this national security priority.   Dual procurement allows our Navy to have the capabilities it needs to protect and defend this nations national security. A dual buy would provide predictability and sustainability to the shipbuilding industry. A more reliable procurement process will bring great benefits to the Navys shipbuilding programs, and save taxpayers money, Rep. Scott said.  If we are going to build a 355 Ship Navy, then we need to be smart and innovative in how we procure new vessels, Rep. Byrne said. An obvious step in the right direction would be a block buy for the Ford-class aircraft carriers. I am pleased so many of our House colleagues joined us in making this strong recommendation to the Pentagon, and I look forward to continue working in a bipartisan fashion to build a strong and fully capable naval fleet. I was proud to help author this years National Defense Authorization Act which made it a national policy to pursue a 355-ship Navy, Rep. Courtney said. However, this will be a challenging undertaking and we have to be smart about looking for ways to streamline acquisitions and provide predictability to the industrial base. Purchasing ships and submarines in block buys has done just that, while providing significant savings to the taxpayer. If a similar arrangement would provide significant savings as we continue to modernize our carrier fleet, I would strongly encourage DOD to request the appropriate authorities in 2019. In addition to Wittman, Scott, Byrne, and Courtney, the letter was signed by Reps. Michael J. Conaway, Morgan Griffith, Bob Gibbs, Derek Kilmer, Duncan Hunter, Mike Rogers, Hank Johnson, Donald McEachin, Steve Chabot, Don Norcross, David G. Valadao, Gerald E. Connolly, Scott Desjarlais, John Rutherford, Scott Peters, Mike Turner, Robert Brady, Walter Jones, Sanford D. Bishop, Scott Taylor, Peter King, Ann Wagner, Mike Gallagher, Marc Veasey, Seth Moulton, Luke Messer, Susan Davis, Elise Stefanik, Marcy Kaptur, Bob Goodlatte, Ruben Gallego, Mario Diaz-Balart, Sam Johnson, Donald S. Beyer Jr., Brad Wenstrup, Dave Brat, Ryan Costello, Jacky Rosen, Jim Langevin, John Culberson, Vicky Hartzler, Ed Royce, Rick Larsen, Al Lawson, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Tom Cole , Jackie Walorski, John Larson, Gregory W. Meeks, Richard E. Neal, Colleen Hanabusa, Adam Smith, Denny Heck, Anthony Brown, Eric Swalwell, Martha Roby, David P. Joyce, Bill Flores, Ralph Abraham, Adam Kinzinger, Trent Kelly, Steve Knight, Richard Hudson, Rosa L. DeLauro, Joe Wilson, Clay Higgins, Marcia Fudge, Joyce Beatty, Gwen Moore, Dave Reichert, Tom Garrett, Tom OHalleran, Daniel Lipinski, Stephanie Murphy, Elizabeth H. Esty, Brendan F. Boyle, Doug Lamborn, Pete Olson, Tim Ryan, Salud O. Carbajal, Mike Kelly, Bill Shuster, Jimmy Panetta, Keith J. Rothfus, Rick Crawford, Suzan DelBene, Dan Newhouse, Mike Coffman, Thomas R. Suozzi, David B. McKinley, P.E., John Carter, Lloyd Smucker, Austin Scott, Ed Perlmutter, Evan Jenkins, Brian Babin, Rob Woodall, Andy Harris, M.D., Dina Titus, Jim Himes, Juan Vargas, Barbara Comstock, Karen Handel, Kyrsten Sinema, Steve Stivers, Glenn GT Thompson, Charlie Crist, Bennie Thompson, Earl L. \"Buddy\" Carter, Sean Patrick Maloney, Brian Fitzpatrick, Liz Cheney, Paul D. Tonko, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jim Banks, Frank LoBiondo, G. K. Butterfield, Garret Graves, Darrell E. Issa, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Pramila Jayapal, Ralph Norman, Tim Walz, Steven M. Palazzo, Gregg Harper, Pete Aguilar, and Lucille Roybal-Allard.   The letter reads in full: \r\n  \r\nDear Secretary Mattis, As you continue preparation of the fiscal year 2019 Budget Request for the Department of Defense, we are writing to express our interest in a dual procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in the upcoming fiscal year. Over the last several months, both the Department of the Navy and industry have conducted analysis to determine the feasibility of dual procurement of CVN 80 (the future USS Enterprise) and the yet to be named CVN 81. We understand that initial cost savings estimates of $2.5 billion could be attained from a dual ship procurement when compared to single ship procurement with no additional future funding required beyond current Navy plans. We applaud the Department's willingness to examine smarter and better acquisition approaches that serve the interests of both our warfighters and taxpayers. Accordingly, if the Department of Defense concludes that these savings are attainable, we encourage the Navy to seek appropriate authorities to execute this dual procurement approach in the fiscal year 2019 budget request. In addition to the potential cost savings, a dual procurement of aircraft carriers would enable the Department of the Navy to reach and maintain a fleet of twelve aircraft carriers more quickly than current plans. Our nation's carrier fleet is deployed worldwide and is extremely busy, with three of eleven carriers deployed and as many as seven carriers underway in recent weeks. Dual procurement of aircraft carriers will enable the Navy to better meet future combatant commander requests for aircraft carrier presence worldwide. Finally, a dual procurement of aircraft carriers would send a strong signal to the shipbuilding industrial base about our national resolve to reach a 350+ ship fleet. With the massive consolidation of the shipbuilding industrial base over the last 25 years, the approximately 3000 remaining aircraft carrier suppliers nationwide will benefit greatly from the predictability and stability of the workload. Furthermore, we expect this approach will enable shipbuilding suppliers to create efficiencies and invest in their own businesses and therefore benefit other Navy shipbuilding programs as well. In closing, given the potential savings available to the taxpayer, the benefit to our Navy from additional aircraft carrier force structure, and the predictability and stability to the shipbuilding industrial base, we believe the dual procurement of Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers in fiscal year 2019 should be considered. Therefore, we urge the Department to conclude its analysis of potential savings and, if validated, request all applicable authorities in the upcoming budget request for dual aircraft carrier procurement. Thank you for your consideration and your service to our country.  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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1743", "Wittman and Beyer Introduce Bill To Protect Federal Workers, With Government Shutdown Looming Amid Budget Uncertainty", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2017 (Washington, D.C.)  Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect federal employees pay in the event of a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Act would guarantee back pay for all furloughed workers if Congress and the White House are unable to come to a funding agreement. A shutdown would temporarily suspend paychecks for federal employees, and retroactive pay for federal workers must be approved by Congress. The Beyer-Wittman legislation would guarantee that no federal employees would lose pay if a government shutdown occurs.\"Federal employees should not suffer because Congress refuses to end its govern by crisis mentality,\"Rep. Wittmansaid. \"Preparing the retroactive pay legislation sends a signal to our federal workers that they won't be forgotten in the unfortunate event of a shutdown. While this legislation minimizes the impacts of funding uncertainty, my focus remains on returning Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\" We absolutely do not want to see a shutdown of the federal government, but if it comes we must act to protect federal workers from the consequences, said Rep. Beyer. If the government shuts down due to Congress failure to pass a budget, the effects on civil servants, who need to support their families, would be disastrous without this bill. We cannot allow that to happen. Together the two Virginia Congressmen represent nearly 120,000 federal employees. The National Treasury Employees Union applauds Rep. Beyer and Rep. Wittman for introducing this legislation, said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. They recognize that frontline federal employees should not lose pay in the event of a shutdown of the federal government. These employees do not control the funding of the federal government and should not suffer when that funding runs out. I hope we do not get to the shutdown stage but I support this effort to protect the federal workforce. Funding for the federal government is set to expire at midnight on Friday, December 22. \"AFGE would like to thank Congressman Beyer (D-VA) and Congressman Wittman (R-VA) for introducing the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, said American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox. Federal employees are hardworking public servants who are dedicated to providing quality public services. Federal employees and their families should not be forced to go without pay when they are not allowed to do their jobs because Congress cannot pass a funding measure. Too many Americansveterans, seniors, and other hardworking people rely on services provided by the federal government. In a government shutdown, it is the American people who pay the price. In addition to Reps. Beyer and Wittman, the bill has 25 bipartisan cosponsors. Text of the legislation can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1744", "Wittman and Beyer Introduce Bill To Protect Federal Workers, With Government Shutdown Looming Amid Budget Uncertainty", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect federal employees pay in the event of a government shutdown. The Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Act would guarantee back pay for all furloughed workers if Congress and the White House are unable to come to a funding agreement.\"Federal employees should not suffer because Congress refuses to end its govern by crisis mentality,\" Rep. Wittman said. \"Preparing the retroactive pay legislation sends a signal to our federal workers that they won't be forgotten in the unfortunate event of a shutdown. While this legislation minimizes the impacts of funding uncertainty, my focus remains on returning Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\" A shutdown would temporarily suspend paychecks for federal employees, and retroactive pay for federal workers must be approved by Congress. The Wittman-Beyer legislation would guarantee that no federal employees would lose pay if a government shutdown occurs.  \r\nWe absolutely do not want to see a shutdown of the federal government, but if it comes we must act to protect federal workers from the consequences, said Rep. Beyer. If the government shuts down due to Congress failure to pass a budget, the effects on civil servants, who need to support their families, would be disastrous without this bill. We cannot allow that to happen. Together the two Virginia Congressmen represent nearly 120,000 federal employees.  \r\nThe National Treasury Employees Union applauds Rep. Beyer and Rep. Wittman for introducing this legislation, said NTEU National President Tony Reardon. They recognize that frontline federal employees should not lose pay in the event of a shutdown of the federal government. These employees do not control the funding of the federal government and should not suffer when that funding runs out. I hope we do not get to the shutdown stage but I support this effort to protect the federal workforce. Funding for the federal government is set to expire at midnight on Friday, December 22.  \r\n\"AFGE would like to thank Congressman Beyer (D-VA) and Congressman Wittman (R-VA) for introducing the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, said American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox. Federal employees are hardworking public servants who are dedicated to providing quality public services.  Federal employees and their families should not be forced to go without pay when they are not allowed to do their jobs because Congress cannot pass a funding measure. Too many Americansveterans, seniors, and other hardworking people rely on services provided by the federal government.  In a government shutdown, it is the American people who pay the price. In addition to Reps. Wittman and Beyer, the bill has 25 bipartisan cosponsors. Text of the legislation can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398841", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.19.17", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tax Reform: Good for Families, Good for Jobs In a country whose war for independence was to some degree a tax revolt, taxes can be a touchy subject. A lot of complicated questions are involved. How do we encourage economic growth? How do we raise revenue to pay for spending? What is a fair tax rate? Answering these questions means setting priorities and balancing them.\r\nMy priorities for the Ninth District are helping average families and creating jobs. Judging by this benchmark, I support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nWhile this tax reform is good for businesses, individuals of all income levels will benefit as well. Individual rates are lowered and the standard deduction is nearly doubled. For families, the Child Tax Credit will expand from $1,000 to $2,000. Most of the deductions tax reform eliminates went to higher-income households. This bills benefits will be felt most by working and middle-class American families.\r\nThe tax system currently in place treats job creators poorly. At 35%, the corporate tax rate stands among the highest in the developed world.\r\nCompanies are also taxed heavily when they bring money home from overseas. If they leave it abroad, they avoid most of the taxes. This encourages them to leave money abroad. Its no wonder they find other countries better for business instead of investing it in the United States.\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act offers reforms that will encourage businesses to locate their facilities and hire their workers right here in America. It cuts the corporate tax rate to 21% while eliminating many deductions that primarily favored special interests. It lets companies bring money back from abroad to invest here by paying a low one-time tax. It also helps level the playing field between small businesses and large corporations. The bill provides tax incentives for investment in lower-income communities designated as qualified opportunity zones, which could include areas of Southwest Virginia.\r\nThroughout the tax reform process, I heard from people living in the district with concerns about particular parts of the code. I heard the historic tax credit has boosted economic development for parts of Southwest Virginia. Accordingly, I had several conversations with House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady about keeping this credit. I am pleased to say that it has been preserved with minor modifications.\r\nI also heard many students express concern about the initial House bills treatment of income made as a condition of tuition waivers for graduate students, but when the House passed the conference report, the current deduction for this income was maintained.\r\nWhile the bill isnt perfect, it has come under unfair attack for some of its provisions. For example, some say that capping the state and local tax deduction to $10,000 unfairly imposes double taxation.\r\nIn truth, the state and local tax deduction primarily benefits high-income earners in high-tax states. An unlimited deduction means lower-income taxpayers are subsidizing high-tax states.\r\nIn Southwest Virginia, few people are likely to be hit by this provision. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median housing unit value in the Ninth District is $124,100. If a homeowner in the City of Salem, the Ninth District jurisdiction with the highest local real estate tax rate, wanted to deduct his real estate tax on his federal return, the value of his home would have to be $847,457.63 to hit the deduction cap. Other states like New York or California may be hit harder because they have higher property values and more wealth.\r\nBut I would ask the question: is it right for Southwest Virginians to pay taxes on behalf of fat cats in New York City in a condo overlooking Central Park or living in San Franciscos Nob Hill?\r\nNo wonder Nancy Pelosi opposes the tax bill. As long as she can convince people from poorer areas of the country to help pay her taxes and the taxes of the wealthy liberal elite, why wouldnt she? Today, I voted to end this reverse Robin Hood scheme of Nancy Pelosis. Its hard enough for the people of Southwest Virginia without being required to underwrite the expensive homes of the rich.\r\nThere are pieces of this tax reform that may need to be revisited in the coming years, but overall, I believe it will do good things for our country, our economy, and most importantly, our people. To judge for yourself, you can read the conference report in its entirety at fairandsimple.gop.\r\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 atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398842", "Griffith Votes for Tax Reform and Job Creation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "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 conference report to accompany H.R. 1, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\nI cast my vote today in favor of creating jobs and letting Americans keep more of their money. This bill will encourage companies to invest, build, and hire in the United States. It will cut taxes for people across all income levels. Tax reform will move us to a system that embraces and rewards the hard work and ingenuity of the American people.\r\nFor more information, see Tax Reform: Good for Families, Good for Jobs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=565", "Rep. Brat Statement on Passage of Historic Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Brat released the following statement after the House passed the final language of historic tax reform legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Senate is set to consider the bill later today and it will then go to the President's desk to be signed into law. Today the House of Representatives kept our word and delivered historic tax reform to the American people. This bill is good news for Virginia families who will overwhelmingly see more money in their paychecks next year. These tax reforms will help spur economic growth, create jobs, increase wages, and make our onerous tax code simpler and fairer for countless Americans. For twenty years I taught college students, and under this bill, the best news is that those students will now hopefully see multiple job offers coming their way and they will be able to use their God-given gifts and talents to pursue their passions and the American Dream. The bill includes the following:\r\n \r\n    The average family of four earning a median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059\r\n    Significantly increases the standard deduction to roughly double, from $6500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples \r\n    Expands Child Tax Credit from $1000 to $2000\r\n    Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit\r\n    Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction\r\n    Expands the medical expense deduction\r\n    Eliminates Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/guidelines-comstock-mandatory-anti-harassment-anti-discrimination", "Guidelines for Comstock Mandatory Anti-Harassment, Anti-Discrimination Training Adopted In House Administration Committee Today", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today the House Administration adopted guidelines to implement the Congresswomans House Resolution requiring each Member, Officer, employee, (including interns, fellows, and detailees) of the House of Representatives to complete training in workplace rights and responsibilities each session of each Congress. The guidelines also included moving forward on a Climate Survey of the Capitol Hill workplace.\nI am pleased we are taking another important step in changing the culture on Capitol Hill by mandating and implementing training that is detailed, interactive, and in-person. We need to ensure that the House has an effective system that will continue to learn and improve training accordingly. The Committees extensive review is still an ongoing process and I look forward to additional reforms that will foster a safe work environment and provide transparency about past wrongdoing.\nBackground:\n The Committee on House Administrations regulations state that the training must:\n\t\tLast at least one hour in length;\n\t\t\tCover the prevention of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and instructing individuals how to recognize situations of harassment;\n\t\t\tOccur in person with a qualified entity designated by the Committee. For District Office employees, an interactive webinar or videoconference may constitute in-person training.\n\t\t\n\tIn the first quarter of 2018, the Committee will designate the official provider of training to offices. The Committee will notify offices when the new training is available and how to schedule it to meet their individual requirements.\n\tIndividuals will submit a digital or physical certificate with the Committee on House Administration.\n\tThe Chairman of the Committee on House Administration will submit to the House for inclusion in the Congressional Record on December 31 of each year a report on compliance with the training.\n\tEach office must post a statement of the rights and protections provided to employees of the House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act.\n\tAssurances that a climate survey will be conducted within the House of Representatives within 180 days.\n\tThe Committee will annually review the effectiveness of the training program based upon the feedback of the training participants and consultation with leading experts.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-statement-pro-growth-pro-jobs-pro-family-tax-relief-package", "Rep. Comstock Statement On The Pro-Growth, Pro-Jobs, Pro-Family Tax Relief Package", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement on her intention to vote in favor of the Conference Report to H.R. 1, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act:\nI will be voting for theTax Cuts and Jobs Actbecause it cuts taxes for hardworking families and businesses and will help revitalize and create a healthy economy where American workers can compete and win.\nOver the past several weeks I have worked with my colleagues to improve this bill from the initial version the House voted on. Im pleased that this final bill included many of the provisions that we fought to have included in the bill to help hardworking families and businesses.\nSummary oftheTax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Doubles the Child Tax Credit from the current $1k to $2k (H.R. 3833which Rep. Comstock introduced this year also doubled the Child Tax Credit to $2k) while also making more families eligible for the credit by raising the income threshold to cover the vast majority of families with children, while also making the credit refundable for low income families.\n\t\tGrants a $500 nonrefundable credit for other qualifying dependents such as certain college students and older adult dependents.\n\t\t\n\tIncentivizes businesses to provide Paid Parental Leave of up to 12 weeks. This is a first of its kind tax credit that will help Moms and Dads after the birth of a child or with an emergency medical situation.\n\tPreserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit as well as Childcare Flexible accounts to help hardworking two earner families care for children and older dependents such as disabled grandparents.\n\tBans businesses from deducting settlements and fees for sexual harassment and abuse cases. This is identical to Rep. ComstocksH.R. 4514, introduced earlier this year.\n\tIncludes incentives to create Opportunity Zones to encourage investment in distressed communities by deferring capital gains which will give these communities a lifeline for growth, similar toH.R. 828, which Rep. Comstock cosponsored.\n\tRoughly doubles the Standard Deduction from $6,500 for individuals and $13,000 for couples to $12,000 and $24,000.\n\tRetainsthe Adoption Tax Credit.\n\tPreserves the Mortgage Deduction.\n\t\tFor all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction.\n\t\t\tFor homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000.\n\t\t\n\tAllows deductions for state, localincome, sales,and property taxes up to $10,000. (This provision is improved from both the House and Senate versions of the bill by providing individuals and families the ability to choose among sales, income and property taxes to best fit their unique circumstances).\n\tPreserves the 401(k) and the charitable deductions provisions in the tax code to protect and promote savings for retirement and to support charitable giving.\n\tReduces theimpact of theAlternative Minimum Tax (AMT) provisionformany constituents in the 10thDistrict.\n\tProvides tax incentives for craft brewers, distillers, and wineries for two years which will further grow the Northern Virginia economy and promote tourism. In Loudoun County alone a recent report stated that tourism had a $1.69 billion economic impact supporting 17,225 jobs.\n\tCurrently, under Obamacare, the medical expense deduction would rise to a threshold for expenses of 10% for 2018. This legislation would restore the 7.5% threshold for two years, until 2020.\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide vital tax relief for low-income working families to build better lives for themselves.\n\tHelps families pay for education by allowing them to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education.\n\tAllows graduatestudents to continue to be exempt from taxes on the value of reduced tuition.You can see the letter of support Rep. Comstock signedhere.\n\tMaintains theFederal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program that will preserve our historic sites while bringing economic renewal to communities across the 10thCongressional District.You can the letter of support Rep. Comstock signedhere.\n\tMaintains the current Student Loan Deduction. You can see the letter of support Rep. Comstock signedhere.\n\tMaintains the Teacher Classroom Supply Deduction.\n\tMaintains the preferential tax treatment for private activity bonds that helps finance transportation and infrastructure projects for localities, cities, and states.You can see the letter where Rep. Comstock signedhere.\n\tMaintains the personal pre-tax commuter benefit for transit, parking, and biking.\n\tReduces the impact of the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many of our family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation.\n\tLowers the tax rates to 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so taxpayers can keep more of their hard earned money.\n As can be seen in the items above -- many of the provisions that have been the focus of much discussion over the past few weeks -- medical expense deductions, school loan deductions, private activity bonds, teacher classroom supply deduction, Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives -- have been included in the final bill. We listened to many of those concerned about these provisions and worked hard to address those concerns and we will continue to work going forward to protect hardworking taxpayers.\nThe critics who oppose tax relief are many of the same people who supported the Obama tax increases over the past 8 years. During this time, weve seen wages stagnate and innovation and opportunities diminish. This legislation will start a turn around and provide a healthier economy for all. I will always work to provide more support for creating an innovation economy that provides more prosperity for all. The status quo is driving businesses and jobs away and we have to modernize our tax code to meet the challenges of our innovative 21stcentury economy.\nBy cutting the business tax from 35% to 21% American companies will be able to better compete in the global economy.The legislation will also helpMainStreet by providing a 20% deductionfor job creators to grow their businesses, in addition to the reduction in individual tax rates;allows businesses to write off the cost of new equipment; allows small business to write off interest on loans; preserves the Research and Development Tax Credit which is important to the Northern Virginia Technology sector; and other important tax provisions that will help improve our innovation economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1071", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act One Step Closer to Law", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By creating a simpler, fairer tax system, the reforms in this bill will help put more money in the pockets of families and encourage job creators of all sizes to invest in the United States. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released a statement today after voting in support of the bicameral conference report to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives:Tax relief is one step closer for Virginia families. At its very core, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is about creating greater opportunity for men and women across the United States. It means more jobs, lower and fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers individual tax rates so families can keep more of their hard-earned money. Under this plan, a family of four earning an income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of more than $2,000. This bill expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000, preserves the mortgage interest deduction for current and future homeowners, expands the medical expense deduction, and maintains popular options used to save for retirement, like 401ks and IRAs. It also provides families with the flexibility to purchase the health coverage they want and need by eliminating the tax penalty created by Obamacares individual mandate. By creating a simpler, fairer tax system, the reforms in this bill will help put more money in the pockets of families and encourage job creators of all sizes to invest in the United States. Following expected action in the Senate later today, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will head to the Presidents desk. I look forward to seeing this historic tax reform cross the finish line and deliver much-needed tax relief to families across the country. For more information about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, visit fairandsimple.gop.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1072", "Goodlatte & Gowdy Call on DOJ to Allow Staff to Be Interviewed by Congressional Investigators", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) called on the Department of Justice to allow FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, FBI Chief of Staff Jim Rybicki, and FBI counsel Lisa Page to be interviewed by Congressional investigators.Nearly two months ago the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform launched a joint investigation into decisions made by the Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, during the 2016 presidential election.  Recent information indicates DOJ and FBI officials played a significant role in these questionable decisions. In their letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Chairmen Goodlatte and Gowdy called on them to allow Congressional investigators to interview McCabe, Rybicki, and Page starting Thursday, December 21, 2017. The full letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-historic-tax-legislation", "House Passes Historic Tax Legislation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives, in a historic vote, passed sweeping tax reform legislation. This vote marks the first time in approximately thirty years that the American tax code has been updated.\nH.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples, and preserves the current rate of 23.8% for capital gains and dividends. The bill also doubles the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to $2,000 and provides a $500 credit for each non-child dependent. Important deductions are also preserved in the legislation, such as the medical expense deductions and education expenses in the form of student loan interest and out-of-pocket costs for teachers. H.R. 1 also provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from their taxes. Virginia is estimated to add an additional 9,185 full-time employment jobs under this bill, and middle-income earners residing in the Commonwealth can expect to see an additional $730 in after-tax income.\nThis bill is based on a simple premise: that hard-working Americans should be able to keep more of their hard-earned money, said Congressman Scott Taylor. An outdated, thirty year-old tax code is not adapted for 21stCentury Americans and the realities they face. Millions of Americans and Virginians will see more money in their pockets that they can save, invest, and spend the way they want. Additionally this bill hits three of the fundamental issues I spoke about when I ran for Congress: (1)More money in working folks' pockets, (2) a more competitivecorporate environment(to include pass-though small businesses), and (3) incentives to get the trillions of dollars parked overseas back and flowing through our economy.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-votes-deliver-tax-relief-virginia-families-and-businesses", "Garrett Votes to Deliver Tax Relief for Virginia Families and Businesses", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2017)Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in support the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S. House of Representatives:\n\"Reforming our broken tax system isnt about Congress, and its not about the President, it's about creating opportunity, growing our economy, and creating a simpler and fairer tax system that allows hard-working Americans to keep more of their own money.\"\nOver the past several weeks I have worked with my colleagues to improve the final version of this bill. I am pleased that the final bill included language that preserves a Federal Historic Tax Credit, maintains a student loan interest deduction, and continues to exempt graduate students from taxes on reduced tuition.\"\nThe real promise oftaxreformfor hard-working Americans rests in the pro-growth incentives I voted for in this bill. As with Regan and Kennedy before, those pro-growth incentives favor innovating, investing, hiring, and better wages by ensuring that we are more competitive position in the global marketplace.\nSummary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Doubles the Child Tax Credit from the current $1k to $2k while also making more families eligible for the credit by raising the income threshold to cover the vast majority of families with children, while also making the credit refundable for low income families;\n\t\tGrants a $500 nonrefundable credit for other qualifying dependents such as certain college students and older adult dependents;\n\t\t\n\tIncentivizes businesses to provide Paid Parental Leave of up to 12 weeks. This is a first of its kind tax credit that will help Moms and Dads after the birth of a child or with an emergency medical situation;\n\tPreserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit as well as Childcare Flexible accounts to help hardworking two earner families care for children and older dependents such as disabled grandparents;\n\tBans businesses from deducting settlements and fees for sexual harassment and abuse cases. \n\tIncludes incentives to create Opportunity Zones to encourage investment in distressed communities by deferring capital gains which will give these communities a lifeline for growth;\n\tRoughly doubles the Standard Deduction from $6,500 for individuals and $13,000 for couples to $12,000 and $24,000;\n\tRetains the Adoption Tax Credit;\n\tPreserves the Mortgage Deduction;\n\t\tFor all homeowners with existing mortgages that were taken out to buy a home, there will be no change to the current mortgage interest deduction;\n\t\t\tFor homeowners with new mortgages on a first or second home, the home mortgage interest deduction will be available up to $750,000;\n\t\t\n\tAllows deductions for state, local income, sales, and property taxes up to $10,000. (This provision is improved from both the House and Senate versions of the bill by providing individuals and families the ability to choose among sales, income and property taxes to best fit their unique circumstances);\n\tPreserves the 401(k) and the charitable deductions provisions in the tax code to protect and promote savings for retirement and to support charitable giving;\n\tReduces the impact of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) provision;\n\tProvides tax incentives for craft brewers, distillers, and wineries for two years which will further grow the Central Virginia economy and promote tourism;\n\tCurrently, under Obamacare, the medical expense deduction would rise to a threshold for expenses of 10% for 2018. This legislation would restore the 7.5% threshold for two years, until 2020;\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide vital tax relief for low-income working families to build better lives for themselves;\n\tHelps families pay for education by allowing them to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education;\n\tAllows graduate students to continue to be exempt from taxes on the value of reduced tuition;\n\tMaintains the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program\n\tMaintains the current Student Loan Deduction;\n\tMaintains the Teacher Classroom Supply Deduction;\n\tMaintains the preferential tax treatment for private activity bonds that helps finance transportation and infrastructure projects for localities, cities, and states;\n\tMaintains the personal pre-tax commuter benefit for transit, parking, and biking;\n\tReduces the impact of the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption to reduce uncertainty and costs for many of our family-owned farms and businesses when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation;\n\tLowers the tax rates to 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1733", "Bipartisan Effort to Protect American Wildlife Refuges Passed", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Effort to Protect American Wildlife Refuges Passed WASHINGTON  In October, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), in a bipartisan effort to protect American wildlife, joined eight colleagues from both the House and Senate to introduce the Keep Americas Refuges Operational Act. Yesterday, H.R. 3979 passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, under suspension of the rules, by a vote of 371-14. This legislation will reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, community partnership and education programs that help ensure Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt, and study wildlife for generations to come.  National Wildlife Refuges host nearly 50 million visitors each year supporting local economies, however that would be impossible without the valuable contribution of volunteers and community groups, Wittman said. Reauthorizing these programs will ensure that our nations refuges will continue to be enjoyed by tourists, sportsmen and women, and conservationists for years to come. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move quickly on this legislation so that we may reauthorize these important programs. Click here for video Americas 561 National Wildlife Refuges are located in all 50 states and the five territories. They make up 850 million acres of pristine public lands dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife. Wildlife refuge volunteers are individuals who want to give back to their communities, parents who want to be good stewards of the land and set examples for their children, retirees willing to share their wealth of knowledge, and dedicated organizations whose continued efforts raise awareness of refuges so that they may be enjoyed by all. Their contribution is significant: in Fiscal Year 16, 40,000 volunteers donated 1.4 million hours. The value of their time contribution is equal to $30.6 million. The loss of their service would also be significant: volunteers and groups make up 20% of the total service work product, or the equivalent of 649 full-time employees. Other sponsors include Senator Tom Carper (D-DE); Senator John Barrasso (R-WY); Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08); Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2); Rep. Garrett Graves (LA-6); Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-3); Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (I-NMI); and Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05). The bill is supported by: The American Bird Conservancy; American Fisheries Society; American Hiking Society; American Sportfishing Association; Boy Scouts of America; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Defenders of Wildlife; Ducks Unlimited; Izaak Walton League of America; Marine Conservation Institute; National Audubon Society; National Wildlife Federation; National Wildlife Refuge Association; The Corps Network; The Nature Conservancy; The Wilderness Society; Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; and Trout Unlimited. 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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1734", "Wittman Votes in Favor of Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Votes in Favor of Historic Tax ReformWASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Today we made history. After 31 years of a bulky, broken tax code, we have passed a reform plan that means fairer taxes, bigger paychecks, and more jobs for my constituents. This pro-family, pro-growth plan for tax reform was inspired by hardworking men and women across the country who are struggling under our current tax code. With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are helping students by doubling the standard deduction and maintaining tuition waivers; we are helping working class families by increasing their take home pay and expanding the Child Tax Credit; and we are helping small business owners by lowering their tax rates. H.R. 1 also makes our corporations competitive again on the world stage by lowering rates and implementing a territorial tax system where taxes are imposed in the country where business activity occurs instead of the country of ownership. Im tired of the status quo; I was proud to cast my vote in favor of reform that will boost our economy and put more money in the pockets of Americans from all walks of life. Im thrilled to see what this historic tax reform does for the men and women of Virginias First Congressional District. This is just the first of the many great days to come for American economic prosperity.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers individual taxes and sets the rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37% so people can keep more of their hard-earned money, nearly doubles the standard deduction, expands the Child Tax Credit, reduces the tax rate on small businesses, lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% effective at the beginning of 2018, and modernizes our international tax system by leveling the playing field for Americas global businesses so they can compete and win around the world.  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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-rep-comstock-s-legislation-reauthorize-us-fire", "House Passes Rep. Comstocks Legislation To Reauthorize U.S. Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Programs", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House Representatives passed her legislation by voice vote, H.R. 4661, the United States Fire Administration, AFG, and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017. AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) awards and SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) grants help provide necessary firefighting gear and training to firefighters and emergency responders, among other critical functions. The legislation authorizes $750 million for both programs:\nAs I travel throughout my district and visit with firefighters and paramedics, I am constantly reminded of the sacrifices they make to protect our neighbors. Sadly, across our nation last year, 69 brave men and women lost their lives in the line of duty. This legislation will reauthorize $750 million for the USFA, AFG, and SAFER programs for six years, and ensure that our nations firefighters and paramedics have the tools and training they need to safely fight and prevent devastating fires. The Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department has received over $16 million since 2002 through these grant programs. The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department has also received over $3.5 million since 2002 through these programs.\nAFG awards provide funding for new innovative technologies, equipment and training to ensure the safety of our nations first responders. With the reauthorization of this program firefighters in the field will be able to receive technological advanced equipment that will keep them safer and save lives. The SAFER Act awards help local fire departments recruit, hire, and retain trained firefighters. Many firefighting departments in my district rely on these grants in order to maintain high quality fire and emergency services for their communities. This legislation advances these critical priorities for our first responders who are the frontlines in emergencies that can impact whole families and communities. I am pleased that we also have the support of our local firefighters in our communities for this important first responder bill.\nThe reauthorization of the FIRE and SAFER grant programs demonstrates the continued excellent support of Congress, in particular Representative Comstock, for the nations fire service, said Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Brower. These programs greatly assist localities in the areas of firefighter safety, fire and life safety education and improved resourcing for tactical fire operations. The fire problem in America continues to demand a strong emphasis on fire prevention, adequate staffing and up to date equipment to do the job safely. This bill is tremendous for career and volunteer firefighters alike.\nWe appreciate todays action by the U.S. House of Representatives to preserve the FIRE and SAFER grant programs, and the U.S. Fire Administration. These critical programs help local fire departments protect their jurisdictions from the many threats that we face every day, said Chief Thomas Jenkins, President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-rep-comstock-s-research-and-education-effectiveness-and", "House Passes Rep. Comstocks Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed her bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4375, the Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act by a vote of 376 to 9:\nThis legislation provides better information on how to make taxpayer-funded investments in STEM and Research and Development more effective, transparent, and fair. It requires the National Science Foundation - for the first time - to report and make recommendations to Congress regarding the effectiveness of its research and education programs aimed at broadening the participation of women and historically underrepresented individuals in STEM.\nOur nation must be a leader in the STEM fields and this legislation will promote a robust STEM economy that will enhance opportunity for Americans from all walks of life, especially those who have been underrepresented in these increasingly critical fields. The diversity of our scientists and researchers is a key strength as they build on each others work to discover breakthroughs and create revolutionary research techniques.  I appreciate Chairman Smith and my Science Committee colleagues for their work on this important issue as we continue to foster a nation where people can thrive in the STEM fields.\nIn order to have a vibrant STEM economy that provides opportunity and prosperity for all we must be the leader in STEM fields. To do that, we need to develop the talent of all Americans, especially our researchers and scientists who rely on the strength of their diversity as they work with one another to advance research and other scientific breakthroughs. This report will help us focus resources on what works. The Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act also requires all Federal science agencies to collect standardized information, including demographics, for each application for research and developments grants. This information will provide better transparency to how taxpayer dollars are spent on research and scientists across the Federal government. I appreciate my colleagues support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-rep-taylors-computer-science-education-resolution", "House Passes Rep. Taylor's Computer Science Education Resolution", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Con. Res. 95, a resolution in support of utilizing public-private partnerships to expand computer science education in K-12 classrooms, introduced by Congressman Scott Taylor with the support of Representatives Dan Lipinski (IL-03), Charles Fleischmann (TN-03), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) as original co-sponsors.\nSixty percent of American school curriculums do not include computer science education, even though computing jobs are projected to grow at twice the rate of all other jobs. The job landscape in America is rapidly changing and our children are falling behind. We need to equip them with the skills to be competitive in a 21st Century global economy. I am grateful for the support from Representatives Lipinski, Fleischmann, and Kilmer in getting this resolution to the floor and standing with the 90 percent of parents who say they want computer science taught in American classrooms. \nThe FY 18 Labor HHS Appropriations Bill, passed by the House earlier this year, recommends $500,000,000 in Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants. The SSAE offers states and school districts increased flexibility to utilize resources on locally-determined priorities to give students access to a well-rounded education. The funding recommendation makes all funds available for the purposes of offering STEM fields, including computer science.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/garrett-introduces-student-loan-forgiveness-bill", "Garrett introduces student loan forgiveness bill", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Tom Garrett, R-5th, has introduced a bill that he says will address the student loan crisis. Referred to as the Student Security Act of 2017, it would provide loan forgiveness to those receiving federal student loans by agreeing to delay their eligibility to collect Social Security benefits. No one can deny that millions of Americans face tens-of-thousands of dollars in debt-per-student, Garrett said in a news release. These economic pressures inhibit key life events, like homebuying, starting a family and, worst of all, harnessing ideas and starting businesses. The bill allows for $550 in student loan forgiveness in exchange for increasing the participants retirement age for Social Security benefits by a month. The time for action is now, Garrett said. This debt is a huge threat to America. ... I will not stand idly by as Social Security goes bankrupt and millennials drown in debt ... READ MORE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/loudoun-times-loudoun-officials-welcome-comstock-s-metro-reform-bill", "Loudoun Times: Loudoun officials welcome Comstocks Metro reform bill", "2017-12-16", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th) is taking steps to implement what many say are much-needed reforms to the regions Metro system.Comstockhas introduced the Metro Accountability and Reform Act,a bill that raises the federal contribution to Metro by 50 percent in exchange for amending the transit systems governing compact and creating a short-term, five-member reform board.\nYou may read the whole story at the Loudoun Times here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398840", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.15.17", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Internet Freedom\r\nThe recent stir about the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) repeal of net neutrality reminds me of The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy and friends worry about what lies in the enchanted forest. Rather than lions and tigers and bears, however, net neutrality supporters incant about the threat posed by Google and Facebook and Twitter, oh my!\r\nThe Internet is famous for its free, open nature. If the federal government announced that it planned to impose extensive controls on the Internet, there would be an uproar.\r\nYet that is exactly what the Obama Administrations FCC set out to do in 2015.\r\nSupporters of net neutrality say it is vital to a free and open Internet, but the Internet as we know it came about before net neutrality. The Web thrived when an open market and a light government touch empowered inventors and entrepreneurs. This environment allowed small enterprises to become giants. Companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Twitter are household names now, but began with just a few people and ideas.\r\nNet neutrality will strangle similar successes before they occur. The core of the policy is reclassifying the Internet as a utility under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. The FCC invoked Title II in 2015, taking legislation that was aimed at entities like the Ma Bell telephone monopoly and applying it to the Digital Age. Supporters of the FCCs decision raised the specter of Internet service providers (ISPs) blocking websites or charging for access to content if their rules were not implemented, but ISPs werent engaging in this practice before the FCCs new net neutrality rules of 2015.\r\nAccording to the website BroadbandNow, the United States has 2,682 ISPs. If an ISP engages in the practices that net neutrality supposedly shields consumers from now, customers can choose another ISP. If these practices become widespread, another ISP can enter the market to serve dissatisfied consumers. Time and again, the free market has shown itself to be far more agile in meeting consumers needs than the government. It was doing so before net neutrality.\r\nThe bad things net neutrality was supposed to address were not happening, but the drawbacks it imposes on todays Internet are real. Innovation, investment, and expansion have suffered. From 2014 to 2016, spanning the time net neutrality went from consideration to implementation, wireless capital investment declined by $6.8 billion, or about 20%. It shrank even as traffic grew. Companies find themselves spending more on compliance with the FCCs rules and less on their actual business. They are reluctant to make long-term decisions about investment because they dont know what rules the FCC will establish under Title II. The companies best positioned to survive in this era are the big companies that currently dominate the market. Start-ups will be grounded before they ever take off. Net neutrality freezes in place the status quo.\r\nThis development is bad news for rural areas like much of Southwest Virginia. More money for investment should expand broadband networks into areas they havent yet touched, but net neutrality has had a chilling effect. Large companies arent going to profit much from rural expansion, so they wont do it. Preserving the current rules leaves them dominant, but deters the innovators who are looking to change the world and seek out a little profit wherever it can be found.\r\nWhen ATTs Bell telephone monopoly was broken up in the 1980s, many people feared the disruption the breakup would cause. There was indeed disruption: an explosion of new technology and the arrival of cell phones to the mass market. Ending net neutrality should deliver this type of disruption. The type that delivers choice and value to consumers.\r\nIf the fears being fanned by the industry giants of today come true, Congress has the responsibility to address them, not unelected bureaucrats. As an example, my colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, has already been working on such a bill.\r\nThe FCC has pointed out that the end of net neutrality leaves the Federal Trade Commission the power to break up any company with a monopolistic hold on the industry, as it did with Ma Bell.\r\nFar from the end of the Internet as we know it, the demise of net neutrality, the return to the light touch of government, and the freedom to innovate have the potential to take the Internet to heights not yet imagined by you or me. But in a garage or a basement somewhere in the United States, young minds are at work who have already imagined the future, and now they have the freedom to make it so.\r\nFeel free to contact 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 atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-scott-taylor-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-designating-national", "Congressman Scott Taylor and Colleagues Introduce Bill Designating National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Flood Research and Education", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Scott Taylor, joined by Virginia Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Rob Wittman (VA-01), introduced the National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Flood Research and Education Act. This legislation designates public colleges and universities that provide research, data, and recommendations on the scientific, economic, policy, and risk analysis of coastal flooding as National Centers of Excellence in Coast Flood Research and Education. Specifically, the bill instructs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to designate and identify such centers as sources for expert advice and guidance for Federal agencies engaged in coastal flooding research and education issues and projects.\nSea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal regions and communities, especially coastal Virginia, said Congressman Scott Taylor. Our Commonwealth has the highest concentration of DoD coastal facilities and commercial port facilities in the nation that are at risk from sea level rise. Hampton Roads is home to thousands of federal employees, contractors, and military personnel, representing the second largest population center at risk from sea level rise impact. Providing a national designation for institutions that offer quality research and analysis, such as Old Dominion University, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the Virginia Coastal Policy Center at the College of William and Mary, is the first step toward combatting the potentially devastating effects of sea level rise on our communities, infrastructure, and military capabilities.\nDramatic sea level rise poses significant risk to Virginians, and I am proud to work on this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Taylor and Wittman, said Congressman Scott. Virginia communities are some of the most vulnerable areas in the country in regards to the rising sea level. We must take this threat seriously. Virginias population, economy, military, and infrastructure are all at risk if we do not act. Our universities and colleges stand on the forefront of scientific and academic innovation with the potential to stem the tide of sea level rise, and this legislation is a promising step towards making sure that their expertise is listened to and respected.\nHampton Roads and Coastal Virginia currently face challenges associated with rising sea levels and a sinking coastal plain  leading to costly and impactful repetitive flooding. As Virginia, and Hampton Roads specifically, is the east coast epicenter of military activity, I want to make sure our Department of Defense and Virginia installations have the tools they need to complete their mission in the face of coastal flooding. Designating these research institutions as Centers of Excellence will allow for ongoing studies and collaborations to model recurrent flooding and sea level rise and examine options for enhancing mission resiliency at impacted military installations and protecting coastal communities, stated Congressman Rob Wittman. \nAs a condition of designation as a National Center of Excellence, the public college or university must agree to collaborate on Federal flood-related issues with federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) on best practices on regional, state, and locally specific flooding and flood related issues. The Administrator of NOAA will submit an annual report to Congress and the President detailing the findings and applicable information from the National Centers of Excellence, and make the report available to the public in an easily accessible electronic format on the NOAA website.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/bill-congress-help-combat-student-loan-debt", "Bill before Congress to help combat student loan debt", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A piece of legislation before the U.S. House aims to help college graduates deal with student debt.\nThe Student Security Act of 2017 gives graduates loan forgiveness for allowing their full-retirement age for Social Security benefits to be increased.\nIt would allow $550 in loan forgiveness, which about the average cost for one credit hour at a public university, in exchange for raising the participant's retirement age by one month. This equals $6,600 for each year a participant delays getting their benefits.\nUnder the legislation, participants can get a maximum of $40,150 in debt relief, which would mean they would not be able to claim Social Security benefits for six years and one month past the normal retirement age.\nCongressman Tom Garrett (R-Virginia) says Congress has not shown much urgency to address the millions of Americans across the country who are struggling to pay $1.3 trillion in student debt ... READ MORE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-cumberland-campbell-prince-edward", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Cumberland, Campbell, Prince Edward, Appomattox, Bedford, Charlotte, Nelson, and Halifax Counties", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (December 12, 2017)In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garretts (R-VA05) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Cumberland, Rustburg, Farmville, Appomattox, Bedford, Charlotte Court House, Lovingston, Halifax on Tuesday, December 19th, from 10:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Cumberland County Public Library, Campbell County Public Library, Central Va. Regional Library, Appomattox Administration Building, Town of Bedford Municipal Office, Charlotte Administration Building, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, and the Mary Bethune Office Complex.\nStaff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Services section of Congressman Garretts's online office at www.TomGarrett.House.Gov CUMBERLAND CO: Cumberland, VA  TUESDSAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 10:00a.m. to 11:30a.m.  \n\tWHERE: Cumberland County Public Library, 1539 Anderson Highway,Cumberland, VA 23040\nQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nCAMPBELL CO: Rustburg, VA  TUESDSAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 10:00am to 11:30am  \n\tWHERE: Campbell County Public Library- Rustburg Branch, Program Room, 684Village Highway, Rustburg, VA 24588  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nPRINCE EDWARD CO: Farmville, VA - TUESDSAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT:  Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 10:00am to 11:30am  \n\tWHERE: Central Virginia Region Library, Farmville Branch, Meeting Room, 1303 W. 3rd Street, Farmville, VA 23901  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-259\nAPPOMATTOX CO: Appomattox, VA  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017  \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: Appomattox Administration Building, Board Conference Room, 153-AMorton Lane, Appomattox, VA 24522  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nBEDFORD CO: Bedford, VA  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017  \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: Town of Bedford Municipal Office, Conference Room, 215 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nCHARLOTTE CO: CharlotteCourt HouseVA  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017  \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: Charlotte Administration Building, Conference Room, 240 LeGrande Ave.,Ste. A, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nNELSON CO: Lovingston, VA  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017  \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 2:30pm to 3:30pm  \n\tWHERE: Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Conference Room, 8521 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA 22949  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nHALIFAX CO: Halifax, VA  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2017  \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garretts Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30p.m.  \n\tWHERE: Mary Bethune Office Complex, Public Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, 1030 Mary Bethune Street, Halifax, VA 24558  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Congressman Garretts Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-names-medha-gupta-winner-2017-congressional-app-challenge", "Rep. Comstock Names Medha Gupta As Winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) today announced the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge:\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s 10th District is full of hardworking students who have each built innovative apps on their own time as part of their desire to succeed in the STEM fields which continue to be critical in today\u2019s economy. Congratulations to this year\u2019s winner of the Congressional App Challenge, Medha Gupta, from Herndon.\u00a0 Medha\u2019s app, called \u201cSafe Travel\u201d, is designed to help people who are commuting alone feel safer in their commute.\u00a0 The \u201cSafe Travel\u201d App sets a timer that will count down and automatically send an emergency message to your predetermined contact, letting them know you are in trouble if you do not notify the App that you have arrived safely.\u00a0 Medha\u2019s hard work and skill in building this App were exemplary and I applaud her, as well as each of her fellow 10th District students who competed this year, for the time and effort they put into building their Apps and developing practical technological solutions for an everyday problem.\u00a0 It is exciting to see our students engaged in the innovation revolution.\u201d\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation\u2019s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1066", "Goodlatte Praises FCC's Vote on the Restoring Internet Freedom Order", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Restoring Internet Freedom Order will encourage investment in internet infrastructure, promote competition, and ultimately benefit consumers.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) vote in favor of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s Restoring Internet Freedom Order:\u201cI want to thank FCC Chairman Pai for liberating internet service providers and small businesses from the stranglehold of overly burdensome regulations. The Restoring Internet Freedom Order will encourage investment in internet infrastructure, promote competition, and ultimately benefit consumers. Having said that, we must continue to make sure that anti-competitive and discriminatory conduct on the internet is deterred and punished, and I look forward to continuing to work to make sure our laws, including our antitrust laws, protect against this conduct.\u201d Background: In August, Congressman Goodlatte wrote an op-ed for The Hill voicing his concerns about over-regulating the internet and explaining why the Federal Trade Commission is better equipped than the FCC to protect privacy and remedy antitrust issues. Goodlatte also praised FCC Chairman Pai\u2019s Restoring Internet Freedom Order when it was first released in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-introduces-student-security-act-combat-student-debt-and-empower", "Garrett Introduces Student Security Act to Combat Student Debt and Empower Students", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 14, 2017)\u2014Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA), Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, released the following statement on the introduction of the Student Security Act of 2017 (H.R. 4584):\n\u201cOver forty-million Americans, myself included, are paying back $1.3 trillion in student debt, yet Congress has shown little urgency to address this.\u201d\n\u201cNo one can deny that millions of Americans face tens-of-thousands of dollars in debt-per-student. These economic pressures inhibit key life events, like home-buying, starting a family, and worst of all, harnessing ideas and starting businesses.\u201d\n\u201cIf we fail to take substantive steps to change course, we will lose much of the potential from this generation.\u00a0\u00a0This loss would be devastating, as too would be the loss of its energy, ideas, and vision that create jobs and opportunity.\u201d\n\u201cThe Social Security Administration projects the Student Security Program would save more than $700 billion over the lifetime of the program\u2014over 11% of what\u2019s needed to make Social Security solvent for perpetuity.\u201d\n\u201cThe time for action is now.\u00a0\u00a0This debt is a huge threat to America.\u00a0Without action, opportunity and themselves hang in the balance.\u00a0I will not stand idly by as Social Security goes bankrupt and Millennials drown in debt.\u201d\nBackground: \u00a0The Student Security Act of 2017 seeks to allow $550 in student loan forgiveness \u2014 roughly the average cost for one credit hour at a public university \u2014 in exchange for raising a participant\u2019s full-retirement age for Social Security benefits by one month. \u00a0This translates to $6,600 for every year in delayed benefits, with a maximum amount of $40,150 in debt relief which corresponds to a 6 year and 1 month raise in the retirement age.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1707", "Poll: What provisions do you want to see in tax reform?", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Poll: What provisions do you want to see in tax reform?  \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        December 14, 2017\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      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1708", "Wittman Statement on Navys Strategic Readiness Review", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Statement on Navy\u2019s Strategic Readiness ReviewWASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released this statement following the release of Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer\u2019s report on the USS McCain and USS Fitzgerald collisions:  \u201cYesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Secretary Spencer regarding his findings on the three ship collisions as well as one ship grounding that occurred earlier this year. I am pleased that the Secretary shares my sense of urgency as to creating and implementing the proper reforms. We were told a similar story in 2012 after the USS Porter collision; however, those reforms were never fully implemented. This will not happen again. It is apparent that significant structural reforms need to occur in numerous areas to ensure basic seamanship skills are provided and advanced warfighting expertise is attained. As Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman, I intend to hold a joint hearing with my colleagues in the Readiness Subcommittee in January to continue our oversight role and ensure meaningful reform is obtained.\u201d  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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1709", "VA Delegation Sends Letter to SecNav Spencer on Maritime Commerce", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VA Delegation Sends Letter to SecNav Spencer on Maritime Commerce  WASHINGTON - The entire Virginia Delegation, led by Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) and Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-4), joined together to send a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, regarding the Navy\u2019s role in the widening of the Thimble Shoals Channel in Hampton Roads that supports operations of both the Port of Virginia and Naval Station Norfolk.   Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base, supporting 75 ships and 134 aircraft alongside 14 piers and 11 aircraft hangars and the Port of Virginia is the fifth largest commercial port in the nation and among the fastest growing on the U.S. East Coast. House Report 114-537, which accompanied the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, encouraged the Navy to work with the Port of Virginia on this important issue and requested the Navy keep Congress updated on the changes in commercial traffic volume and patterns at the Port of Virginia, as well as the potential impact on the Navy's operations.  \u201cGrowth in trade and the expanded Panama Canal means that these larger ships are calling U.S. ports more frequently. Those ships are up to 1,200 feet in length and 160 feet in breadth, which is 235 feet longer and 54 feet wider than the previous class of Panamax vessels \u2013 and larger than the newest class of aircraft carriers. Accommodating these ships requires deeper and wider channels, to include Thimble Shoal Channel that support Naval Station Norfolk and the Port of Virginia,\u201d the Delegation wrote. Under current conditions, the transit of an ULCV results in U.S. Coast Guard restrictions of one-way traffic through the channel. On November 8, 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a draft report recommending that the Thimble Shoal Channel be widened from 1,000 to 1,200 feet to create meeting areas for vessel traffic on either side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel; additional modeling continues to investigate widening the channel up to 1,400 feet. \u201cThe focus to make the Norfolk Harbor and its channels wider, deeper and safer has multiple benefits to the many users of this growing commercial and strategic maritime asset,\u201d said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. \u201cSuccess in this effort would create the U.S. East Coast\u2019s deepest harbor and allow for the safe, unimpeded, two-way flow of Navy ships, ultra-large container vessels and other commercial maritime traffic. This project holds significant value for both naval readiness and our national economy. We are grateful for the effort and consideration given to this project by Congressman Wittman, Congressman McEachin and the entire Virginia Congressional Delegation.\u201d The Delegation requested that the Navy play a part in the process of widening of the Thimble Shoal Channel. Under current proposals under consideration by the Army Corps of Engineers, widening of the channel may not be complete until 2027. The Delegation believes that continued port congestion could impact commerce as well as Navy operations and readiness; while coordination and business rules can lessen the impact, the only long-term and sustainable solution is to widen the channel.   Additional Virginia Delegation members signing the letter include, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, and U.S. Reps. Scott Taylor (VA-2), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Tom Garrett, Jr. (VA-5), Bob Goodlatte (VA-6), Dave Brat (VA-7), Don Beyer (VA-8), H. Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Barbara Comstock (VA-10), and Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11). 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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=564", "Rep. Brat Calls for Senate Action on CHIP Reauthorization", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Brat (R-Va.) released the following statement after joining with Reps. Bob Goodlatte (Va.-06), Rob Wittman (Va.-01), Scott Taylor (Va.-02), Tom Garrett (Va.-05), and Barbara Comstock (Va.-10) to send a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuch Schumer (D-NY) calling for swift passage of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY Kids Act to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). \u201cI have every confidence that both the House and Senate can work in a bipartisan fashion to guarantee there is no lapse in funding for CHIP recipients in Virginia. It is disappointing to see some individuals play political games to unnecessarily worry Virginia parents. \u201cLast week the House included legislative language in our funding bill to ensure sufficient funding through the end of the year for CHIP. In the same manner, I know the House and Senate will ensure any additional funding bills provide the program with the necessary resources. Both sides of the aisle agree CHIP is a vital program that benefits countless Virginia families and so folks back home can rest assured and know we are committed to fully funding and reauthorizing it in the future.\u201d Read the full text of the letter\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-barbara-comstock-chairs-hearing-addressing-head-health-challenge", "Rep. Barbara Comstock Chairs Hearing Addressing the Head Health Challenge", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Comstock chaired a hearing at the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Technology on the Head Health Challenge: Preventing Head Trauma from the Football Field to Shop Floor to Battlefield.\nThe hearing reviewed the results of the Head Health Challenge, a private-public partnership designed to develop innovative advanced materials to better improve protective equipment for sports, industry, military, and other users at high risk of head trauma.\u00a0 The competition is cosponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and three private organizations: the National Football League, General Electric, and Under Armour.\u00a0 The applicants were evaluated on a number of testing qualifications.\u00a0 Each of the final five winners received $250,000 to advance their submissions and the final two grand prize co-winners \u2013 Dynamic Research and 6D Helmets, out of an original 125 submissions, will split an additional $500,000.\u00a0 This competition is the third in a series over a four year, $60 million private-public collaboration.\n\u201cAs a mother of children who have played sports and a grandmother, I am concerned about the short term and long term impacts of head trauma.\u00a0 By incentivizing problem solvers to tackle these complex issues on preventing repetitive brain trauma, the government is catalyzing growth in new sciences and technologies, which will have wide impacts beyond the specific problem they are attempting to solve, not just for those who play sports, but also our men and women in the military and workers in dangerous jobs.\n\u201cAs Dr. Alex Deghan, CEO and founder of Conservation X Labs\u00a0said during his testimony, \u2018Instead of looking for the needle in the haystack, we need to incentivize the needle to find you,\u2019 by engaging in these competitions, Congress is encouraging development and innovation not just for the winners, but all the participants, who can produce innovative and novel breakthroughs.\n\u201cI was happy to showcase such innovation in the form of my constituent, Mr. Shawn Springs, a former Redskins player, and now CEO of Leesburg based Windpact, who is on the cutting edge of developing materials to prevent the physical damage from impacts and who offered his unique perspective on using private-public partnerships like the Head Health Challenge to spur innovation.\n\u201cI strongly believe that public-private science prize competition are invaluable to the advancement of player safety,\u201d said Shawn Springs, CEO of Windpact and former Redskins player.\u00a0 \u201cLearning and accepting guidance from the medical community, our aim is to be the catalyst of innovation for impact protection technology so manufacturers can build better products for their customers.\n\u201cWindpact chose to make its headquarters in Loudoun County for multiple reasons. With all of the development in the area, we believe it is the next innovation hub. Additionally, its location is close to military and government offices, as well as the dense population of families and kids in the area playing sports, it made sense for us to be located in an area where we could make real connections to the communities we are working to protect.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1064", "Goodlatte Statement at Oversight Hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today delivered the following remarks during the House Judiciary Committee's oversight hearing with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.Chairman Goodlatte: Good morning.  Thank you, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein, for appearing for the first time in front of this Committee.  There is much to discuss today, and we look forward to your testimony and answers to our questions. As Chairman of the Committee with primary oversight of DOJ and the FBI, I have always supported DOJ and FBI in performing their valuable missions to keep our nation safe and to hold individuals accountable for criminal conduct.  Yet I and many on this Committee now find ourselves in the very difficult position of questioning the actions of both prior and current Department and FBI leadership. You have a unique role at DOJ, in that you appointed Special Counsel Mueller and have a supervisory role over his investigation. It is therefore very appropriate for you to appear before this Committee to answer questions related to the scope of the Special Counsel\u2019s investigation, as well as its current efficacy in light of various events calling into question its impartiality. Reports on the political predisposition, and potential bias, of certain career agents and Department lawyers on Special Counsel Mueller\u2019s team are deeply troubling to all citizens who expect a system of blind and equal justice.  DOJ investigations must not be tainted by individuals imposing their own political prejudices.  We are now beginning to better understand the magnitude of this insider bias on Mr. Mueller\u2019s team. First, we have FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page exchanging communications showing extreme bias against President Trump, a fact that would be bad enough if it weren\u2019t for the fact that these two individuals were employed as part of the Mueller \u201cdream team\u201d investigating the very person for whom they were showing disdain.  And calling it mere \u201cdisdain\u201d is generous.  According to the documents produced last night to this Committee, Mr. Strzok and Ms. Page referred to the President as \u201can utter idiot,\u201d \u201ca loathsome human,\u201d and \u201cawful,\u201d while continually praising Hillary Clinton and the Obamas.  These text messages prove what we all suspected: high-ranking FBI officials involved in the Clinton investigation were personally invested in the outcome of the election, and clearly let their strong political opinions cloud their professional judgment.  And this was only an \u201cinitial disclosure,\u201d containing heavy redactions. Second, former embattled FBI General Counsel and current Mueller prosecutor, Andrew Weissmann, expressed his \u201cawe\u201d of a former DOJ official for shunning the President and failing to faithfully execute the law.  However, we are the ones now in \u201cawe\u201d that someone like Mr. Weissmann remains on an investigative team that looks more and more partisan. Third, we have learned that a top Mueller prosecutor, Jeannie Rhee, in addition to other actions that would normally justify recusal, served as an attorney for the Clinton Foundation.  Aren\u2019t DOJ attorneys advised to avoid even the \u201cappearance of impropriety?\u201d  A former Clinton employee is now investigating President Trump.  This seems to be the very definition of \u201cappearance of impropriety.\u201d Fourth, we just recently learned that another top DOJ official, Bruce Ohr, has been reassigned because of his and his wife\u2019s connections with the infamous \u201cdossier\u201d and the company from whom the opposition research document originated. We hope to hear your assessment of the foregoing conflicts, whether individuals are being held accountable, and whether you still have confidence in the judgement of the Special Counsel you named and supervise. Regarding the Clinton email scandal, you, along with Attorney General Sessions, have to date declined to appoint a second special counsel to investigate the improprieties that continue to surface related to the handling of the Clinton email investigation and other events surrounding the 2016 election.  These are some of the important issues on which we will focus our energy and questions today. We want to understand your participation and the Department\u2019s involvement in addressing both investigations. Mr. Deputy Attorney General, DOJ\u2019s reputation as an impartial arbiter of justice has been called into question.  This taint of politicization should concern all Americans who have pride in the fairness of our nation\u2019s justice system.  While we continue to call on you to appoint a second special counsel, as you are aware, we have also opened our own joint investigation with the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to review FBI and DOJ\u2019s handling of the Clinton email investigation. I want to thank you and Attorney General Sessions for recently committing to provide us relevant documents to enable robust Congressional oversight of this matter. I implore you to continue to work with us on these and other important matters facing our nation. One of those matters involves a critical program for our national security \u2013 FISA Section 702.  This Committee passed, on an overwhelming, bipartisan basis, the USA Liberty Act, which maintains the integrity of the program while protecting cherished civil liberties.  This overwhelming vote occurred despite the Department\u2019s lobbying efforts against our bill.  The USA Liberty Act was characterized as \u201cbad for the program,\u201d \u201chighly problematic,\u201d \u201cunworkable,\u201d and a proposal that would \u201ceffectively dismantle the Section 702 program.\u201d However, the reality is that this Committee\u2019s legislation struck a balance that promotes national security and civil liberties. I hope to hear from you why DOJ felt it necessary to oppose a bill that would reauthorize 702 and instill confidence in the American people that their privacy and civil liberties are respected by a Government whose duty it is to protect them. The Department of Justice must reacquire the trust of the American people, and I hope to hear from you today that you have an action plan to do so. Thank you again, Mr. Deputy Attorney General, for appearing today. I now yield to Mr. Nadler for his comments. VIDEO: Click here for video of Chairman Goodlatte\u2019s opening statement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398839", "Griffith Bill to Promote Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Passes House of Representatives", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This technology is a job creator and an asset for a true \u2018all of the above\u2019 energy policy.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 2880, the\u00a0Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, introduced by Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA). The bill would streamline the licensing process the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) uses on closed-loop pumped storage projects. It would also require FERC to hold a workshop focused on potential opportunities for development of closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites. Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:\r\n\u201cI applaud my House colleagues for supporting this commonsense bill to promote closed-loop pumped storage hydropower. This technology is a job creator and an asset for a true \u2018all of the above\u2019 energy policy. I have promoted it as a great idea for the Virginia coalfields because we have the infrastructure ready to support closed-loop pumped storage projects, but sites around the country would benefits from these projects as well. My bill makes the process of licensing them easier, and I hope today\u2019s vote will serve as an encouragement to companies looking at closed-loop storage, whether in or out of a mine.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1063", "Goodlatte Praises Committee Passage of Bill to Fight Online Sex Trafficking", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOSTA creates a new federal statute with increased penalties for promoting sex trafficking online and amends section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to permit local and state criminal prosecutions of bad-actor websites.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 (FOSTA) by voice vote. This bill creates a new federal statute with increased penalties for promoting sex trafficking online and amends section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to permit local and state criminal prosecutions of bad-actor websites.House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Representative Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) have issued the following statements. Chairman Goodlatte: \u201cI applaud my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee for acting quickly to combat the scourge of online sex trafficking. I\u2019ve worked closely with Representative Wagner, law enforcement, and other stakeholders on this new legislation, and I am pleased that the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 empowers prosecutors with new tools to hold violators accountable, and adds mandatory restitution and civil recovery provisions to aid victims. I believe H.R. 1865 provides the best available legislative solution to this growing problem, and I hope the House takes up this legislation without delay.\u201d Representative Wagner: \u201cI would like to thank Chairman Goodlatte and the House Judiciary Committee for passing meaningful legislation that will help end online sex trafficking. FOSTA is a victims first bill that will shut down the websites that profit from modern day sex slavery, send the people who operate them to jail, and ensure that vulnerable people are never sold online. Importantly, this brings Congress one step closer to passing a bill that will finally provide justice for sex trafficking victims. This legislation is about more than just Backpage.com; by amending Section 230 to give federal, state, and local prosecutors practical tools to hold websites accountable, we will wreak havoc on the hundreds of websites profiting from the sale of sex trafficking victims across my district and our country.\u201d For a full list of advocates, law enforcement, and industry groups that support this legislation, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-cybersecurity-and-infrastructure-security-agency-act", "House Passes Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass, under suspension of the rules, H.R. 3359, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Michael McCaul (TX-10) on December 11, 2017. This legislation would redesignate the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to protect and enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.\n\u201cCyberspace is the new frontier for conflict in the 21st Century,\u201d said Congressman Scott Taylor. \u201cAmerica must be properly equipped to keep pace with the changing landscape and respond to threats against our citizens, our military, and infrastructure. Earlier this year, I introduced a resolution calling for the United States to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity policy, which I believe is crucial to guiding our cyber efforts. Although we are still waiting for Congress to act on that resolution, this bill lays the foundation for critical cybersecurity infrastructure that will assist us in combatting cyber threats.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398838", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.8.17", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jerusalem\r\nDisclaimer: This column deals with a Middle Eastern issue. It is dangerous to make any attempt to explain the Middle East in less than four volumes, but on the issue of our embassy in Jerusalem, I will attempt to nonetheless.\r\nThe city of Jerusalem holds a place of special importance in the story of civilization, and on December 6, President Trump acknowledged its unique connection to the people of Israel in particular. Standing in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House on that day, he officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. As a concrete result of this action, the American embassy to Israel will soon transfer from Tel Aviv, where it is currently located, to Jerusalem.\r\nPresident Trump\u2019s move grabbed headlines. I am surprised that so many consider it newsworthy, however, because the President is simply following the law.\r\nTwenty-two years ago, Congress recognized Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital. The Jerusalem Embassy Act was passed and signed into law by President Clinton in 1995. Further, the law declares as a statement of policy that \u201cthe United States Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.\u201d\r\nPresidents who have served since passage of the Jerusalem Embassy Act have exercised the law\u2019s provision allowing him to waive recognition of Jerusalem as the capital every six months in the name of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.\r\nIf Congress had any second thoughts about the soundness of the law, its Members haven\u2019t expressed them recently; the Senate reaffirmed it in a resolution that passed 90-0 in June.\r\nPresident Trump\u2019s action is not one of unilateral lawmaking but one of faithfully executing the law, just as the office of president was conceived in Article II of the Constitution.\r\nCritics have painted ugly pictures of the consequences that will follow the United States moving its embassy to the same city that currently houses Israel\u2019s government. The Atlantic called it \u201ca deadly provocation,\u201d while a Washington Post headline suggested the move \u201ccould spark unrest.\u201d The Post may not have noticed that plenty of unrest can be found in the Middle East already. There will likely be perpetual unrest while Israel\u2019s enemies still deny its right to exist.\r\nIsrael has had to fight for its survival from the beginning. The 1948 Arab-Israeli War began one day after Israel came into being as a state. During the 1967 Six Days War, Israel had to fend off all of its neighbors save Lebanon. Some of those enemies, such as Egypt, have since come to terms with Israel\u2019s presence. But many haven\u2019t.\r\nWhen I visited Israel in 2014, we were able to download an app that would show us the trajectory of missiles fired from the Gaza Strip, a territory controlled by the Islamic militant group Hamas. Hamas is also a significant political player in the West Bank, the other Palestinian territory, as well. Those shells came despite the American embassy being in Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem. When a country or group doesn\u2019t think Israel should exist in the first place, as Hamas does, how can it possess the moral authority to tell the United States where it should place its embassy?\r\nThe peace process between the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples has been stalled for a long time. Waiving the Jerusalem Embassy Act hasn\u2019t brought them any closer to a lasting peace. Albert Einstein is famously attributed with defining insanity as doing the same thing again and again expecting a different result.\r\nSo that raises the question: has there really been any movement in the peace process between the Palestinians and the Israelis since 1999? Is there not a time to acknowledge that keeping our embassy in Tel Aviv is not really the issue? Isn\u2019t the issue Palestinians wanting Israel driven into the sea, and knowing that keeps Israelis from agreeing to a full-fledged Palestinian state?\r\nAs President Trump noted, recognition does not determine the American position on the details of a potential peace settlement, but recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital shows all the actors in the Middle East that the United States follows through on its commitments embedded in law. It enhances our country\u2019s credibility. It does not fundamentally alter the reality in the Middle East, since Israel is already governed from Jerusalem.\r\nRecognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel carries out American law, respects one of our closest allies, and does not signal the outcome of the peace process. I believe it is the right call.\r\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. \u00a0You 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\u00a0www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-greene-franklin-henry-fluvanna-and", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Greene, Franklin, Henry, Fluvanna, and Buckingham Counties", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (December 8, 2017)\u2014In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s (R-VA) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Greene, Franklin, Fluvanna, Henry and Buckingham Counties on Tuesday, December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Greene Administration Building, Franklin Government Center, Blue Ridge Regional Library,\u00a0 Fluvanna Public Library, and the Buckingham Administrators Office. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans\u2019 benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Services section of Congressman Garretts' online office at www.TomGarrett.House.Gov GREENE CO: Stanardsville, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 12, 2017  WHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  WHAT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  WHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  WHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Greene Administration Building Board Conference Room \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a040 Celt Road, Stanardsville, VA 22973  QUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nFRANKLIN CO: Rocky Mount, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 12, 2017  WHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  WHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  WHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  WHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Franklin Government Center B-75 Training Room 1255 Franklin Street  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Rocky Mountain, VA \u00a0 24148  QUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\n\u00a0\nHENRY CO: Ridgeway, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 12, 2017  WHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  WHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  WHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  WHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Blue Ridge Regional Library -Ridgeway Branch, Meeting Room\u00a0  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 900 Vista View Lane Ridgeway, VA 24148  QUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nFLUVANNA CO: Palmyra, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 12, 2017  WHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  WHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  WHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  WHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Fluvanna Public Library, Conference Room,  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 214 Commons Blvd., Palmyra, VA 22963  QUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nBUCKINGHAM CO: Buckingham, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 12, 2017  WHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  WHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  WHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  WHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Buckingham Administrator\u2019s Office Conference Room,\u00a0  \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a013360 W. James Anderson Hwy, Buckingham, VA 23921  QUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=562", "Rep. Brat Votes to Fund Federal Government and CHIP", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) released the following statement following passage of H.J.Res. 123, the Continuing Appropriations Act.\r\n  \r\n\u201cToday we voted to keep the federal government open and ensure necessary funding is available for the Children\u2019s Health insurance Program. This was an important step to maintain momentum, and it allows us to keep our eye on the prize and pass tax reform legislation that will produce economic growth.\u201cDuring the course of GOP conference discussions on how to wrap up the outstanding issues, an agreement was reached to pass a continuing resolution with 218 Republican votes. Our hope is that we can find 218 Republican votes as we formulate the next continuing resolution or the final omnibus legislation. \u201cYear-end decisions rarely go well for the American taxpayers when there is pressure to leave the swamp, and the pressure will only grow when the next funding bill runs out just three days before Christmas. So it is critical that moving forward, we do not break ranks and allow the Democrat agenda to determine final funding legislation. Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House and we must work to advance our platform and keep the promises we made to the American people. Many controversial issues remain unresolved like DACA and military spending levels, but I am confident we can work out a fair solution with our colleagues in the Senate to find eight Democrats willing to fund the government in a fiscally responsible way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1059", "Goodlatte Announces Sixth District Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "These young men and women are the next generation of American innovators.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) announced today during Computer Science Education Week that a team from Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke is the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia\u2019s winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Yesterday, Congressman Goodlatte notified the students by Skype (photo attached) of their achievement. A group photo of the team in front of their \u201cbrainstorming board\u201d is also attached. Congressman Goodlatte released the following statement congratulating the team: \u201cThese students from Hidden Valley High School took a real world problem \u2013 one they have personally experienced \u2013 and created a solution. They saw their idea transform from a \u2018brainstorming board\u2019 in the classroom to a tool that can be used to help quickly and accurately tally Quizbowl results.  \u201cI am extremely impressed by the ingenuity and skill of these students and students throughout the Sixth Congressional District who submitted entries. Each of these participants is to be commended for their hard work. I encourage them to take what they have learned from this process and continue to grow their knowledge of computer coding. I thank all of the students who participated as well as the educators who helped them along the way. These young men and women are the next generation of American innovators.\u201d Quizbowl Scores: Hidden Valley High School \u2013 Roanoke, Va. 1.\tDavid Arnold  \r\n2.\tShreyas Gullapalli  \r\n3.\tMengyun (Mavis) Lee  \r\n4.\tYifei Zhao Teacher/Advisor: Mrs. Phifer Herrala Link to app demonstration: https://youtu.be/c8ZFjElPiD8 Description: \u201cLess than a month ago we assisted our Quizbowl team in hosting a Quizbowl tournament. During it, we noticed that oftentimes certain scorekeepers couldn't do math quickly as others, or kept messing up the calculations, which led to their rooms being behind. This app aims to solve that by simplifying the scorekeeping process.\u201d Additional Information: In 2014, Congressman Goodlatte co-chaired the first Congressional App Challenge along with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). Through the Congressional App Challenge, students from across the country are tasked with creating and exhibiting an original app. The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and on House.gov. Each winner will also receive $250 in Amazon Web Services Credits and will be invited to the #HouseOfCode Reception in April 2018. More information about the Congressional App Challenge can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1060", "Goodlatte Calls on DOJ and FBI to Release Information on Warrant Based on Controversial Dossier", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) called on the Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide the House Judiciary Committee with all information presented to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to allegedly obtain a warrant based on politically-motivated opposition research.Earlier this year, media reports indicated that in 2016, the FBI used information contained in a controversial dossier to justify a FISA warrant against Carter Page, a onetime advisor to President Trump\u2019s presidential campaign. Former FBI Director James Comey also apparently cited the dossier \u201cas one of the sources of information the bureau has used to bolster its investigation.\u201d  It is now known that the dossier was opposition research funded by the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign.  In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and FBI Director Christopher Wray, Chairman Goodlatte called on them to provide the House Judiciary Committee with all relevant information reportedly presented to the FISC used to justify that FISA warrant by next week. The letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1061", "Supreme Court Should Allow Congress to Finish its Job on the Remote Sales Tax", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Unlike the court system, Congress is much better equipped to adopt a nuanced solution that will protect all parties\u2019 legitimate interests without burdening small business owners unfairly.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to deny review of the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc. Proponents of review seek a Court-imposed solution to challenges in the collection of taxes on sales by out-of-state vendors, a matter that the Court itself has previously said is within Congress\u2019s constitutional jurisdiction. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) also joined Goodlatte in submitting this bipartisan, bicameral brief.Goodlatte issued the following statement: \u201cDuring my tenure as House Judiciary Committee Chairman, my colleagues and I have worked long and hard, seeking ideas from state representatives, brick-and-mortar shop owners, and online retailers and negotiating a compromise for the collection of already-owed taxes that works for all parties. As a result of these efforts, the House Judiciary Committee has authored draft legislation that balances these competing interests, defends state sovereignty, protects against regulation without representation by states, and promotes simplicity and fairness for traditional retailers and online vendors alike. \u201cA single decision from the High Court would impose a one-dimensional, heavy-handed solution that short-circuits the legislative process. Unlike the court system, Congress is much better equipped to adopt a nuanced solution that will protect all parties\u2019 legitimate interests without burdening small business owners unfairly. \u201cI believe a legislative solution to the problem of remote sales tax collection is feasible, and I urge the court to allow Congress to finish its job.\u201d Background Read the full text of the brief in opposition to the petition. Previously, Goodlatte described the history of his efforts to resolve the remote sales tax issue. He has also outlined seven basic principles that must be included in any legislative solution for remote sales tax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-enhancing-veteran-care-act", "House Passes Enhancing Veteran Care Act", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, introduced by Senator James Inhofe (OK), on May 25, 2017. The legislation would authorize the VA to contract with a nonprofit organization that accredits U.S. health care organizations/programs to investigate and assess/report deficiencies at VA medical centers (VAMCs).\n\"This legislation gives the VA more flexibility to work with third parties to study, observe, and report on ways to robustly improve care for our men and women,\" said Congressman Scott Taylor.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-announces-winner-fifth-district-congressional-app-challenge", "Garrett Announces Winner of Fifth District Congressional App Challenge", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 7, 2017)\u2014Congressman Tom Garrett is pleased to announce the district-wide winner of the\u00a0Congressional App Challenge, a competition aimed at encouraging students to learn how to code by creating their own app. Covenant Christian Academy student Conlan Rupp, of South Riding, won the VA-05 title for his app, Astounding Air Hockey, an air hockey game for children of all ages. \u00a0\n\u201cMy app was created with my fellow classmates in mind,\u201d explained Rupp in his app submission. \u201cWhat my app is trying to accomplish is to bring my classmates together around the love of hockey,\u201d said Rupp.\n\u201cThe future of our economy depends on our ability to educate students in STEM fields. With exposure to these types of careers early on, kids like Conlan will go on to develop the disruptive technologies of tomorrow,\u201d said Garrett, who congratulated Conlan while giving he and his family a tour of the U.S. Capitol, including stops in the Rotunda, the Speaker\u2019s Balcony and the Floor of the House. \u201cI am particularly impressed at how Conlan used technology to create such an enjoyable app to share with his family and friends, and I will continue to support initiatives that inspire young people to pursue a STEM career.\u201d\n\u201cWe are so proud of Conlan for this exciting accomplishment,\u201d said Chris Rupp, Conlan\u2019s father. \u201cAt Covenant Christian Academy, students are introduced to computer science at a young age so that they can excel in STEM fields throughout life. My hope is that Conlan\u2019s hard work and commitment to computer science will inspire his classmates and peers, and make the whole South Riding community proud.\u201d\nFor his hard work, Conlan will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services Credits from the Congressional App Challenge, and was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in person by Congressman Garrett. Conlan\u2019s app will be put on display in the U.S. Capitol Building and on CongressionalAppChallenge.US.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1702", "Wittman Votes No on Two-Week CR", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Votes No on Two-Week CR WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) voted \"no\" on H.J.Res. 123 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018. The bill extends existing discretionary appropriations at current levels through December 22, 2017 and temporarily extends funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through December 31, 2017.  \"Yet again we find ourselves budgeting by crisis,\u201d Wittman said. \u201cWe should not be funding our government through continuing resolutions (CR), especially when the House has already completed all 12 appropriations bills through regular order. Under a CR, our military is unable to properly budget, leading to insufficient training, unmaintained equipment, and decreased readiness. As global threats are increasing, our defense budget stands still. We continue to ask more and more of our men and women in uniform, and we in Congress must do our part to ensure they have the tools they need to be successful.\u201d Military leaders, including Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer, have been extremely outspoken about the negative consequences of CRs for our Armed Forces. In September, Secretary Mattis sent a letter to Congress explaining these impacts and Secretary Spencer has detailed the same concerns.     \"Each member of our all-volunteer force makes a promise to protect our nation from harm if called and to give their full measure to do so,\" said Secretary Spencer. \"It's time for our nation and Congress to keep the same promise to them ... And another continuing resolution is a broken promise and one more chip away at our ability to survive.\" \u201cI understand the importance of extending funding for CHIP and remain committed to seeing this happen, which is why I voted just last month to reauthorize CHIP until 2022,\u201d Wittman said. \u201cHowever, another CR is a short-term solution to a long-term problem and on principle, it is simply something I could not support. Passing a CR is an abdication of Congress\u2019 duties and responsibilities. Going into Fiscal Year 2018 we have a chance to get back to regular order in the budget process. I remain committed to providing a path fiscal certainty for our armed services.\u201d  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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398837", "Griffith Bill to Promote Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Advances", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House Energy and Commerce Committee today unanimously advanced H.R. 2880, the Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, introduced by Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA). The bill would streamline the licensing process the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) uses on closed-loop pumped storage projects. It would also require FERC to hold a workshop focused on potential opportunities for development of closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites. Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:\r\n\u201cClosed-loop pumped storage hydropower is a boon for energy security and job creation. My bill would cut unnecessary red tape that currently accompanies approval of these projects, and I am glad the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced it today. I will continue to support closed-loop pumped storage hydropower as a way to repurpose abandoned mines, provide renewable energy, and bring jobs to Southwest Virginia.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1057", "Goodlatte Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect the Second Amendment and Curb Gun Violence", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today the House of Representatives took action to protect Americans\u2019 constitutional right to bear arms and enhance public safety. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The House of Representatives today approved a bill to protect the Second Amendment and curb gun violence, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (H.R. 38). This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Congressman Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), allows people with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit, or individuals who are citizens of states that do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, to carry a concealed firearm in any other state that allows concealed carry, as long as the individual follows the laws of that state.H.R. 38 also contains the Fix NICS Act of 2017, a bipartisan bill that ensures federal and state authorities comply with existing law and report criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The Fix NICS Act penalizes federal agencies that fail to report relevant criminal records to the FBI, incentivizes states to improve their reporting, and directs federal funding to make sure domestic violence records are accurately reported to the FBI. Further, the bill requires the Attorney General to report to Congress within 180 days the number of times that a bump stock has been used in the commission of a crime in the United States and whether penalties under current law already apply to the use of weapons equipped with bump stocks in the commission of violent crimes. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, applauded House approval of H.R. 38 in the statement below: \u201cToday the House of Representatives took action to protect Americans\u2019 constitutional right to bear arms and enhance public safety. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that law-abiding citizens\u2019 Second Amendment right does not end when they cross state lines. Citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit, or individuals who are citizens of states that do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, should not have to worry about losing these constitutional rights when entering another state. \u201cFurther, the bill strengthens our nation\u2019s existing laws by ensuring criminal activity is reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Tragically, our nation has all too often witnessed heinous acts of violence by criminals who should never have been able to purchase a firearm. We must ensure that both federal and state authorities are properly and accurately reporting criminal information to NICS so that we prevent crime and protect lives. I thank Congressmen Hudson and Culberson for their work on this legislation and call on the Senate to pass it.\u201d  Click here for video of Congressman Goodlatte\u2019s statement in support of H.R. 38 on the House floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-host-ninth-town-hall-meeting-2017-tuesday-december-12", "Garrett to Host Ninth Town Hall Meeting of 2017 on Tuesday, December 12", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 6, 2017)\u2013On Tuesday, December 12, Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) will host a public telephone town hall meeting.\u00a0Garrett has hosted eight public town hall meetings and twenty-five live forums at high schools throughout the district in 2017. Virginia Fifth Congressional District residents are encouraged to visit\u00a0TomGarrett.House.Gov/LIVE\u00a0to sign up to receive the call-in information and ask questions about any issues on their minds.\u00a0\nWHO:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Congressman Tom Garrett\nWHAT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Telephone Town Hall Meeting\nWHEN:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7:00 p.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m. ET; Tuesday, December 12, 2017\nSIGN UP:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Please visit\u00a0TomGarrett.House.Gov/LIVE\nQUESTIONS: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Constituents with questions about the telephone town hall can call Garrett\u2019s Charlottesville district office at (434) 791-2596.\nGarrett is a member of the House Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Education and Workforce Committees. To learn more about Congressman Garrett, Please visit\u00a0TomGarrett.House.Gov\u00a0or connect with him on\u00a0Facebook,\u00a0Twitter, and\u00a0Instagram.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1053", "Goodlatte Statement on Year-End Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Statistics", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump\u2019s commitment to robust enforcement of our nation\u2019s immigration laws has produced significant results. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s end-of-year statistics for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection:\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s commitment to robust enforcement of our nation\u2019s immigration laws has produced significant results. The Trump Administration\u2019s strong action has caused illegal immigration to drop significantly at the U.S.-Mexico border and has sent the strong message to the world that our immigration laws will be enforced. While the Trump Administration has reversed many of the Obama Administration\u2019s disastrous policies and has made tremendous strides to restore the rule of law, it\u2019s clear that we need to improve our nation\u2019s immigration laws and provide more tools to further reduce illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and keep dangerous criminal aliens off our streets. \u201cThe House Judiciary Committee has produced a number of bills to strengthen the enforcement of our immigration laws within the interior of the United States, combat misguided and dangerous sanctuary policies that shield criminals from the law, reform the refugee and asylum programs, ensure unaccompanied minors who make the dangerous journey to the U.S. are safely returned home, and expand E-verify nationwide to reduce incentives for those seeking to come to our country illegally. The House must pass all of these bills to provide the Trump Administration the tools needed to secure the border and enforce our immigration laws, and to ensure that future administrations do not ignore immigration enforcement laws.\u201d Information on the House Judiciary Committee\u2019s efforts to improve our nation\u2019s immigration laws can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1055", "Goodlatte Meets with Governor-elect Northam", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), the Dean of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, met with Governor-elect Ralph Northam and members of the Virginia Delegation in the House of Representatives. The meeting was an opportunity for the Members to share their thoughts about ways the incoming Governor could work with the federal government in a collaborative, bipartisan fashion to benefit the Commonwealth.Congressman Goodlatte released the following statement: \u201cI was pleased to meet with Governor-elect Northam today and share with him our federal priorities and opportunities to work together on behalf of the Commonwealth. I mentioned how a comprehensive rural broadband strategy to deliver 21st century technology to the entire state would be a significant economic generator, as well as the importance of improving regional transportation needs with upgrades to I-81 and investment in the proposed I-73 corridor. I share my colleagues\u2019 interest in working with the new Administration in Richmond to find solutions that advance the interests of the Commonwealth and our constituents.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1056", "Goodlatte Applauds House Passage of Judiciary Committee Bill to Protect Women and Young Girls", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It is deeply troubling that many women and young girls in the United States are at risk of female genital mutilation. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The House of Representatives today unanimously approved by a vote of 409-0 the Stopping Abusive Female Exploitation (SAFE) Act (H.R. 3317). This bill, introduced by Congressman Dave Trott (R-Mich.) and approved by the House Judiciary Committee last month, prevents a horrific crime against women and young girls by increasing the maximum penalty for female genital mutilation.The Center for Disease Control estimates that at least half a million females in the United States have undergone genital mutilation or are at risk of having it done. While female genital mutilation is illegal in the United States, the federal penalty is much weaker than penalties in other countries. Currently, the first federal case involving female genital mutilation is being tried in Southeast Michigan where two doctors and the wife of one of the doctors have been charged with performing this illegal procedure on two young girls. The SAFE Act combats this human rights abuse by raising the maximum penalty for female genital mutilation from five years to 15 years. It also calls on state governments to ensure that they have proper laws in place for healthcare providers, school officials, and adults to report to local law enforcement about suspected genital mutilation.  \r\n\r\nHouse Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) applauded today\u2019s passage of the SAFE Act:  \u201cIt is deeply troubling that many women and young girls in the United States are at risk of female genital mutilation. This barbaric practice violates basic human rights in a horrific way, and we must ensure our laws appropriately deter and punish those seeking to harm women. The SAFE Act contains new tools to fight this human rights abuse, and I thank Congressman Trott for his efforts to protect young girls and women from this heinous crime. I applaud the House for approving this bill and call on the Senate to pass it without delay.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-barbara-comstock-introduces-metro-accountability-and-reform-act", "Rep. Barbara Comstock Introduces METRO Accountability and Reform Act", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after she introduced The METRO Accountability and Reform Act, the largest reform to Metro since its inception:\n\u201cThis Metro reform legislation represents a culmination of over a year of working together with a wide array of experts with an incredible combined experience in transportation,\u201d said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock.\u00a0 \u201cIt provides substantial new funding for Metro, but only on the condition of making fundamental changes necessary to meet reasonable benchmarks of a functional mass transit system.\u00a0\u00a0 Metro is a system in crisis and we need serious reforms to move our region forward and provide the public with a safe and efficient transit system.\u00a0 My office has collaborated with former Mayor Anthony Williams, and Federal City Council, as well as former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, former Virginia Transportation Secretary Jim Dyke, current Transportation Department officials including those with current Secretary Chao, General Manager Paul Wiedefeld along with others at WMATA, whistleblowers, and those affiliated with the successful efforts to turn the Boston transit system around and others.\n\u201cYears of deferred maintenance, increasing budget deficits and decreasing ridership on Metro threatens the safety and reliability of the system.\u00a0 Without significant reforms, the system will continue to decline and lose ridership and fail the nation\u2019s capital which needs this vital system for the vitality of our local and national economy.\u00a0 The riders who use the system and the taxpayers who help support it deserve much better. \u201cThis reform legislation reduces the use of overtime, shifts employees from a pension system to a 401k system (as recommended by the current manager), controls contract increases and promotes Metro ridership by improving reliability\n\u201cThis bill will create a Metro Reform Board, which will serve as an interim control entity to govern Metro in order to achieve the necessary changes in the near-term.\u00a0 It will also establish a Metro Reform Commission, which will be an advisory commission whose purpose is to keep Congress and other relevant stakeholders informed of the progress of the efforts by the Signatories to increase efficiencies at the Authority, amend the interstate compact, and other relevant actions.\u00a0 Whistleblower protections are also included in the bill for WMATA employees who fear retaliation from management.\n\u201cI would like to thank the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Board of Trade, and Federal City Council, all of whom have also contributed to this final product and expressed their support along with leaders of business and Capital regional groups.\u00a0 It is critical that our region has a top-tier public transportation system on which the riding public can rely.\u00a0 Commuters need a system that can get them to work quickly and safely so they can do their jobs.\u00a0 Every day we see delays and incidents that affect our entire region, and this bill will put Metro on a path to fixing the systemic issues that plague riders every day.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nHarry Klaff, Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce said of the The METRO Accountability and Reform Act: \n\u201cMetro is critical to the future of Northern Virginia and Greater Washington, and is an invaluable asset to the federal government and the regional workforce. \u00a0Implementing meaningful operational and governance reforms along with committing dedicated, sustainable funding is the most important challenge facing our region.\u00a0 The Metro Accountability and Reform Act, introduced by Congresswoman Comstock, is a significant step forward in addressing this challenge. This bill combines new federal investment with common sense reforms that are consistent with the recommendations of the business community and experts in the transportation field, including those of Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.\n\u201cThe development of this legislation has been a thoughtful, collaborative process inclusive of many regional stakeholders and experts in transit operations. The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Congresswoman Comstock for her leadership on this vital issue and is appreciative of her inclusion of the business community in the development of this legislation from the beginning.\u201d\nMetro Reform Coalition Reaction to Introduction of METRO Accountability and Reform ACT: \n\u201cWe applaud Representative Barbara Comstock for taking the initiative to introduce federal legislation to reform WMATA, a vital component of Greater Washington\u2019s transportation infrastructure that impacts the region\u2019s economic security, quality of life, and global competitiveness. Representative Comstock\u2019s legislation calls for significant changes to the governance structure of WMATA\u2019s Board of Directors, including requiring the establishment of a smaller and more effective reform board, which we support. The bill also requests the commitment of federal funding, which is urgently needed. We strongly believe that comprehensive reform to Metro\u2019s governance and funding will lead to operational improvement across the system.\n\u201cBoth proposals align with the recommendations we made in June to Governors McAuliffe and Hogan, Mayor Bowser and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Chao calling for comprehensive reform.\u00a0 Specifically, we believe the legislation\u2019s call for a temporary reform board will allow for more sound decision-making and establish the framework necessary for long-term structural improvements for the system. Further, we see the commitment of federal funding as a key component of a sustainable funding structure. Federal funding, combined with at least $500 million in dedicated and bondable funding per year from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, is required to provide the level of funding necessary to sustain the system.\n\u201cWe look forward to working with Representative Comstock, other members of Congress and our state and local elected officials to ensure the necessary reforms to Metro are made this fiscal year. The three jurisdictions \u2013 the District, Maryland and Virginia \u2013 must act immediately in their upcoming legislative sessions to advance comprehensive reform and sustainable funding. At the same time, given the importance of this issue, we must also work urgently through Congress. We call upon our elected leadership and all stakeholders to work together to ensure the economic stability and livability of our region by reforming and funding Metro now.\"\n  \n\tMembers of the Metro Reform Coalition include:\nThe 2030 Group\nThe Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA)\nArlington County Chamber of Commerce\nAssociated Builders and Contractors \u2013 Virginia Chapter\nCommittee for Dulles\nThe DC Building Industry Association\nDC Chamber of Commerce\nEnterprise Community Partners\nFederal City Council\nThe Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce\nGreater McLean Chamber of Commerce\nGreater Reston Chamber of Commerce\nGreater Springfield Chamber of Commerce\nGreater Washington Board of Trade\nGreater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce\nThe Greater Washington Partnership\nThe Housing Association of Non-profit Developers (HAND)\nHousing Leaders Group of Greater Washington\nLeadership Greater Washington\u00a0\nLoudoun County Chamber of Commerce\nMontgomery County Chamber of Commerce\nNAIOP Northern Virginia\nNorthern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance\nNorthern Virginia Association of Realtors\nNorthern Virginia Chamber of Commerce\nNorthern Virginia Technology Council\nThe Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance\nPrince George\u2019s Chamber of Commerce\nThe Prince William Chamber of Commerce\nVirginia Chamber of Commerce\nWashington Airports Task Force\nYou can read the full METRO Accountability and Reform Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1052", "House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte on Efforts to Resolve the Remote Sales Tax Issue", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please click here for a downloadable PDF file with citations.I am the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary of the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Committee has jurisdiction over the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and issues concerning interstate commerce that arise out of States\u2019 measures to collect taxes on sales to their citizens by sellers residing outside of the States\u2019 respective borders.  Since I became Chairman in 2013, I, Members of the Committee, and Committee staff have spent literally thousands of hours on these issues. In September 2013, after some study, I released seven \u201cBasic Principles on Remote Sales Tax.\u201d   These principles were well received and generally agreed upon.  Of particular note were the specific principles of \u201cNo Regulation Without Representation\u201d and \u201cSimplicity.\u201d  Discussions with stakeholders ensued.   On March 12, 2014, I convened a hearing to explore five solutions that had emerged during the discussions.  Two options emerged as frontrunners.  One, the Remote Transaction Parity Act (RTPA), essentially would have legislatively overturned Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992), in exchange for states simplifying their tax codes.  However, RTPA presented lingering concerns about compliance burdens and fresh concerns about expansion of states\u2019 cross-border regulatory reach.   To address these concerns, I favored an origin-based solution under which sellers would collect tax on interstate sales under the rates and rules of their home state and remit the tax collected to their home-state taxing authority.  The seller\u2019s state would then be responsible for forwarding the tax to the customer\u2019s state via a proven clearinghouse method used for the collection of commercial fuel use taxes.   Sellers would only be legally responsible to their home state taxing authority, so there would be neither cross-border audits nor other regulatory assertions of authority by taxing States over remote sellers with no physical presence in the taxing States. This approach was novel, but it was clear that fresh thinking was needed to break the logjam that had hitherto confronted Congress.  As with many new concepts, it took some time to educate interested parties on the details.  Numerous questions were raised and answered, including how to address potential tax havens in States with no sales taxes.  Internet sellers, who had opposed other solutions, embraced the simplicity of this one.  However, traditional retailers worried that, because the tax rate applied to remote sales would be based on the seller\u2019s location, not the customer\u2019s, the plan did not fully level the playing field.  Traditional retailers in high-tax states might still lose customers to online retailers based in low-tax jurisdictions who would be collecting at a lower rate.  Experts proceeded to assist the Committee to identify the extent to which this approach would solve the bulk of the problem.   Between July and December 2014, a series of technical articles analyzing the concept appeared in the leading trade publication for tax practitioners.   In the meantime, the Committee continued to seek additional compromises that would close any lingering rate gap.  Through these discussions, the Committee arrived at the critical insight that the greatest complexity for sellers lies in the tax base, not the tax rate.  Determining the taxability of the same item in over 13,000 jurisdictions with different rules is the major challenge.  Once the remote seller knows whether the item is taxable, the rate is just arithmetic.  This was a breakthrough moment for the Committee.   In 2015, we proposed a revised compromise, under which sellers would follow their home state rules on taxability (base), but would collect at the rates applicable in their customers\u2019 states, provided that the seller\u2019s home state incorporated those rates into its own tax laws.   This approach achieved critical price parity for traditional retailers while keeping compliance simple for online sellers.  In fact, because compliance would be so simple, no State-subsidized software would be necessary for sellers to identify taxability, saving States an estimated $2 billion annually as compared to other approaches.  As before, Internet sellers would answer only to their home state taxing authority, so there would be no cross-border reach.  The Committee\u2019s analysis is that this compromise would capture between 80 percent and 100 percent of the tax revenue on cross-border sales not currently being collected.  The Committee spent the ensuing months meeting with States and localities, online sellers, traditional retailers, consumer groups, tax experts, and other interested parties to test and refine the concept.   In August 2016, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and I released draft legislative language embodying the compromise.   The draft, entitled the \u201cOnline Sales Simplification Act\u201d (OSSA), received support from unprecedented quarters.  Over 100 online retailers wrote to Congress in support of the draft bill.   Most importantly, the revised draft won the support of a leading national retailer that had sided with the States against Quill and rejected earlier versions of the Committee\u2019s compromise solution.  Certainly, the draft was not perfect.  In the ensuing months, the Committee held marathon meetings in the hopes of ironing out the remaining issues before the end of the 114th Congress.  In the end, the Committee ran out of time.  However, the problem is becoming progressively less difficult to solve as seventeen of the top eighteen online retailers collect use tax on all of their online sales.  In 2017, at the start of the 115th Congress, the Committee resumed its work, but, frankly, the pendency of the litigation challenging Quill has hindered negotiations.  In particular, States that oppose the limitations of Quill believe that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn that decision if they simply wait for action by the Court and do not agree to a congressionally proposed solution.  This leaves them less open to compromise with Congress.  Nevertheless, the Committee persists in its efforts to achieve a legislative solution, as the Court in Quill encouraged Congress to do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-and-colleagues-call-increased-computer-science-education", "Congressman Taylor and Colleagues Call for Increased Computer Science Education", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0- Today, Congressman Scott Taylor, joined by Reps. Daniel Lipinski (IL-03), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced a resolution calling for an increase in public-private partnerships that expand computer science education to more K-12 classrooms.\n\"Right now, only forty percent of schools teach computer programming, even though computing jobs are projected to grow at twice the rate of all other jobs,\"\u00a0stated Congressman Scott Taylor. \"The job landscape in America is rapidly changing. We need to equip our children with the skills to be competitive in a 21st Century global economy.\"\n\u201cI'm\u00a0happy to join with Rep. Taylor in introducing this legislation which\u00a0recognizes\u00a0the great contributions of so many\u00a0private institutions who\u00a0work\u00a0with\u00a0our\u00a0schools to bring more and better computer science learning opportunities to students,\"\u00a0said Congressman Dan Lipinski. \"This includes organizations\u00a0like Girls Who Code, which operates clubs that give\u00a0girls opportunities to develop coding skills and build apps through after-school and weekend programs. \u00a0We need partners like this if we\u2019re going to meet the tremendous demand for computer science talent in the job market of today and tomorrow.\u201d\n\u201cIn the 3rd\u00a0District of Tennessee and around the nation, there are an increasing number of job openings with state-of-the-art technology that require specialized technical training. However, I constantly speak to employers who voice concern that our workforce supply cannot meet this demand. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be 1 million vacant computing jobs with a significant lack of technically trained candidates to fill these positions,\u201d\u00a0Congressman Fleischmann said.\n\u201cTo address this pressing issue, public and private sectors need to make a greater investment in high skill technical education and workforce development training. This effort must begin in our K-12 classrooms, so we can equip our future generations with the training necessary to fill the increased demand for technical jobs.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cEducation is the doorway to economic opportunity,\u201d\u00a0Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) said. \u201cEfforts to strengthen computer science programs will provide more job opportunities for our kids, more qualified employees for local employers, and more economic resiliency for our communities and our country.\u00a0 That\u2019s why this resolution makes sense.\u201d\nIt is projected that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer-science-related jobs available, but only about 400,000 computer science graduates to fill them, resulting in a $500 billion opportunity gap.\u00a0According to the Computer Science Education Coalition, in grades K-12 over 60% of students do not have access to Computer Science education, despite the fact 9 out of 10 parents say they want it taught in their children's schools.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-lunenburg-madison-mecklenburg", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, Rappahannock, Brunswick, and Fauquier Counties", "2017-12-03", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (December 3, 2017)\u2014In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s (R-VA) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, Rappahannock, Brunswick, and Fauquier on Tuesday, December 5th from 10:00AM to 3:30PM at the Buckingham Administrative Building, the Fluvanna Public Library, the Greene Administration Building, Lunenburg Administrator\u2019s Office, Madison County Public Library, Mecklenburg Administration Building, Rappahannock County Library, Brunswick Administrator\u2019s Office and the Warren Green Building. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans\u2019 benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Services section of Congressman Garretts's online office at www.TomGarrett.House.Gov. Lawrenceville, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Brunswick County Administrator\u2019s Office 228 Main Street, 3rd Floor Lawrenceville, VA 23868  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Lunenburg, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Lunenburg\u00a0Administrator\u2019s Office, Conference Room, 11413 Courthouse Road, Lunenburg, VA, 23952 \u00a0  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Washington, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Rappahannock County Library Jamieson Room 4 Library Road, Washington, VA 22747  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Warrenton, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Warren Green Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room 10 Hotel Street \u00a0Warrenton, VA 20186  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Madison, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Madison County Public Library 402 N. Main St. Madison, VA 22727  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Boydton, VA \u2013 Tuesday, December 5, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.mm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mecklenburg Administration Building Conference Room 350 Washington Street Boydton, VA 23917  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398836", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.1.17", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Do Democrats Want a Shutdown?\r\nThe American people elected Congress to do a job. The job\u2019s requirements are no surprise, as Article I of the United States Constitution spelled them out 230 years. Among these duties, Congress is charged with the power of the purse. Deciding how to exercise that power isn\u2019t easy, but then, an old adage tells us \u201cPolitics ain\u2019t bean-bag.\u201d The process of laying out goals, discussing our differences, and reaching a solution is the essence of the political process in a republic based on democratic principles.\r\nAll of this brings us to the events of November 28, when House and Senate leaders were scheduled to meet with President Trump. That morning, the President tweeted:\r\n\u201cMeeting with \u2018Chuck and Nancy\u2019 today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don\u2019t see a deal!\u201d\r\nHe pointed out areas of disagreement between the two parties and the difficulty of reaching a compromise, but he did not reject a deal out of hand or suggest he would stop seeking one. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) then said they would not attend the scheduled meeting at the White House that afternoon.\r\nA deal may be difficult to achieve, but it becomes much more difficult when one side refuses to meet with the other. Deep disagreements are not unusual in Washington, but coming to the table to deal prevents those disagreements from becoming irreconcilable differences in our republic of diverse people and beliefs.\r\nThe actions of Congresswoman Pelosi and Senator Schumer raise the question: do they want a shutdown? Their previous words indicate that the answer is yes. In March, according to Bloomberg News, Senator Schumer said that provisions to fund a border wall or defund Planned Parenthood would lead to a shutdown. He said it again in April, per CNN. According to The Hill, he made the same threat in August. Congresswoman Pelosi has made similar comments, such as threatening a shutdown in October if her demands on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) weren\u2019t met. Just a day after Democrats pulled out of meeting the President, Senator Dick Durbin (D-NY), Chuck Schumer\u2019s second-in-command, also said he would vote against keeping the government open unless his demands on DACA were met.\r\nCalling off a meeting with President Trump by citing his above tweet, then, seems to be a convenient excuse for Democrats to do what they were planning to anyway. They want a government shutdown unless all of their demands are met. That\u2019s no way to get things done for the American people.\r\nEven House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said on the House floor on November 30, \u201cThe American people are relying on us to come together and to agree on things they know are very important to them and their families and their communities and their country.\u201d But doesn\u2019t coming together require people to at least be in the same room?\r\nI urge the Democrats to come to the table and talk in good faith with their Republican counterparts and the President about keeping the government open. Negotiations will be tough, but refusing to try is inexcusable.\r\nThe Real Pocahontas\r\nYou may have heard the name Pocahontas thrown about quite a bit lately, perhaps more than at any point since the 1995 Disney animated film, but the real Pocahontas still seems a distant figure.\r\nThis is regrettable, because she was an admirable woman who was crucial to the history not only of Virginia but of colonial America. The story of her saving John Smith\u2019s life may have been embellished, but her role in aiding the early colonists by bringing supplies to them in Jamestown\u2019s difficult early days is undeniable. She later married a colonist, John Rolfe. Her esteemed place in American memory is indicated by the grand painting of her baptism that hangs in the United States Capitol Rotunda.\r\nCalling someone \u201cPocahontas\u201d may be an insult if he or she fraudulently claims to be Native American. The name itself, however, is an honorable one.\r\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. \u00a0You 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\u00a0www.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.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/full-funding-announced-repairs-arlington-memorial-bridge", "Full Funding Announced for Repairs of Arlington Memorial Bridge", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the announcement that repairs for Arlington Memorial Bridge will be fully funded:\n\u201cArlington Memorial Bridge has been structurally deficient for far too long.\u00a0 Over 68,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and commuters who rely on this bridge deserve to travel safely to and from work.\u00a0 Closing the Memorial Bridge would cost local governments a projected $168,000 per day ($75 million per year) by 2021 in transportation outlays alone, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.\u00a0 It is critical that we repair the bridge now, instead of resulting in costly closures later on.\n\u201cFor the past three years, my office has been working to support efforts to secure much needed funds through whatever means necessary from annual appropriations requests, endorsing grant applications, and communicating with administration officials including, multiple cabinet secretaries.\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased that my friend and former colleague, Secretary Ryan Zinke has announced $227 million for this major infrastructure project to rehabilitate Arlington Memorial Bridge.\u00a0 This is exactly the right thing to do, repairing the bridge now is projected to save $35 million and reduce construction time by a year and a half.\u00a0 It is a win-win decision, making sense financially and for our commuters including many from Virginia\u2019s Tenth District.\u00a0 This is an essential infrastructure improvement for the region and fortunately minor repairs will begin in early 2018 and major construction is scheduled to follow soon after in the fall.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1049", "Virginia House Republicans Call on U.S. Senate to Act on CHIP", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On behalf of the Virginia families we represent in Congress, we ask that the Senate act now to reauthorize CHIP. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, an op-ed authored by Representatives Bob Goodlatte, Rob Wittman, Scott Taylor, Tom Garrett, Dave Brat, Morgan Griffith, and Barbara Comstock appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch urging Virginia\u2019s senators to act on reauthorization of the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The full text can be found below or by clicking here:  \r\n\r\nRichmond Times-Dispatch: U.S. Senate Must Act on CHIP  \r\nBy Rob Wittman, Scott Taylor, Tom Garrett, Bob Goodlatte, Dave Brat, Morgan Griffith, and Barbara Comstock  \r\nDecember 1, 2017  More than 8 million low-income children in the United States depend on the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for health coverage. That includes 66,000 children and 1,100 pregnant women here in Virginia. Under Virginia\u2019s CHIP program, thousands of children have received immunizations, annual checkups, and preventive screenings that detect illnesses like cancer and heart defects before they become fatal. Unfortunately, as the days on the calendar continue to tick by, these children come closer to losing the coverage they need to keep them healthy. Why? Because the United States Senate has yet to act on legislation to reauthorize CHIP, which lapsed at the end of September. While Virginia luckily has sufficient funding to ensure coverage during this period, Governor McAuliffe has indicated that this holiday season the state will begin to notify families that children will no longer have CHIP health coverage after January 31, 2018. The House Energy and Commerce Committee worked diligently and in good faith to produce legislation that would fund CHIP in a fiscally responsible way. The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, which would reauthorize CHIP through fiscal year 2022, was brought to the House floor and passed by a vote of 242-174. We cast our votes in favor of this legislation to make certain that the 40,830 Virginians using this coverage in the congressional districts we represent are not left in the lurch. It\u2019s hard to fathom why the Senate would stall this legislation or why anyone would choose to play politics with a program that has traditionally received bipartisan support. Thousands of Virginia children are in jeopardy of losing their health care coverage if the U.S. Senate doesn\u2019t act. We\u2019ve done our part in the House. Now, we need Virginia\u2019s senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, to step up to the plate and urge quick action. We also hope McAuliffe will join us in the effort to advocate for the Senate to bring the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act up for a vote. On behalf of the Virginia families we represent in Congress, we ask that the Senate act now to reauthorize CHIP. Virginians deserve certainty that this program will continue.  \r\n\r\nThe writers represent the following Virginia congressional districts in the U.S. House: Rob Wittman \u2014 1st District; Scott Taylor \u2014 2nd District; Tom Garrett \u2014 5th District; Bob Goodlatte \u2014 6th District; Dave Brat \u2014 7th District; Morgan Griffith \u2014 9th District; Barbara Comstock \u2014 10th District. http://www.richmond.com/opinion/their-opinion/guest-columnists/wittman-taylor-garrett-goodlatte-brat-griffith-and-comstock-column-u/article_4fbbe53f-e257-57e3-8c4f-74808b612998.html", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-co-sponsors-stop-act", "Congressman Taylor Co-Sponsors STOP Act", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Scott Taylor joined Representative Ken Buck (CO-04) and Reps.\u00a0Dave Brat (VA-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Tom Garrett (VA-05), Jody Hice (GA-10), Mike Johnson (LA-04), and Steve Pearce (NM-02) to introduce H.R. 4495,\u00a0the Settlement Tax Deductions are Over for Predators Act (STOP Act), legislation to prohibit the deductibility of legal settlements related to sexual assault and sexual harassment as business expenses.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen we allow companies to deduct sexual assault and sexual harassment related settlements, we\u2019re asking the American taxpayer to subsidize hush money payments that cover-up sexual misconduct,\u201d Congressman Ken Buck stated.\n\u201cOur tax code should make it harder, not easier, for sexual misconduct to occur in the workplace,\u201d\u00a0said Congressman Scott Taylor. \u201cCurrently, the tax code allows companies to deduct sexual assault and harassment settlements. As with lawmakers using our tax dollars for settlements, this is outrageous. \u00a0These should have never been burdens the taxpayer bears.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nCurrently, companies can deduct as ordinary and necessary business expenses any legal settlements, fines, fees, and expenses related to sexual assault and sexual harassment cases. In allowing businesses to write off these expenses, the American taxpayer is effectively subsidizing the cost of resolving legal issues related to sexual misconduct. The STOP Act would prohibit deduction of these expenses in cases where the allegations are public or in cases involving a non-disclosure agreement.\nS.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is being considered by the U.S. Senate today, includes similar language. The legislation offered by Buck and the original co-sponsors shows support in the House of Representatives for the inclusion of this language in a final tax bill package.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-taylor-statement-daca-letter", "Congressman Taylor Statement on DACA Letter", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"As I stated in September, it was illegal for President Obama to create the DACA program and President Trump was right to call on Congress to address the issue. I do believe Congress should create, negotiate, and pass a law helping those in this stateless limbo. It should contain strong disincentives to future illegal immigrants and increased border security measures. The letter my office is leading on says the same. Despite misleading media reports I do not support a discharge petition on the Dream Act or amnesty for illegal immigrants.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1697", "Poll: Net Neutrality", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend-As you may know, on November 21, 2017 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Ajit Pai, circulated a draft of his Restoring Internet Freedom Order to his fellow Commissioners. This order would repeal recent internet regulations set during the end of the Obama Administration and would go back to a \u201clight-touch\u201d regulatory style that the U.S. has used for decades. In the 1990s, President Clinton and a Republican Congress made it our national policy to preserve a free market for the Internet \u201cunfettered by Federal or State regulation.\u201d This was our national policy through the remainder of the Clinton Administration, Bush Administration, and a majority of the Obama Administration. However, two years ago, the FCC changed its course through a party line vote. They agreed upon implementing what we call Title II regulations on the internet. However, in the two years since that FCC decision, broadband network investment dropped more than 5.6%\u2014the first time a decline has happened outside of a recession. I believe if we were to continue with Title II regulations, Virginians who live in rural areas with limited internet may have to wait years to get more broadband. I believe Chairman Pai\u2019s Restoring Internet Freedom Order would return us to the successful, market-based framework under which the Internet developed and flourished and would preserve Internet freedom for all Americans. The decision would relinquish much of the FCC\u2019s regulatory power back to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who have historically been responsible for monitoring anti-competitive business practices. Additionally, the FCC should move to require increased transparency from internet service providers; this would allow for start-ups and small businesses to have the appropriate information they need to innovate and blossom while simultaneously allowing consumers to purchase the best plans offered. I believe that the world-wide-web is inherently not a place to be dictated and policed by lawyers and bureaucrats, rather it should be open and easy for anyone who wants access. As always, I appreciate your insight into these complex issues\u2014that is why I want your opinion. Moving forward, should the FCC vote in favor of Chairman Pai\u2019s Restoring Internet \r\nFreedom Order? Yes  \r\nNo  \r\nI Don\u2019t Know  \r\nOther. Please fill in the text box below.   Click here to take the poll. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Your opinion helps shape my thinking as I represent you in Washington. Sincerely,  \r\nRob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1698", "Wittman Reintroduces Adoption Information Act", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Reintroduces Adoption Information Act WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), joined by Adoption Caucus Chairman Trent Franks (AZ-08), Values Action Caucus Chairwoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01), Congressman Jody B. Hice (GA-10), Congressman Thomas Massie (KY-04), Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07), and Congressman Steve Pearce (NM-02), reintroduced the Adoption Information Act.  This bill would require family planning services to provide pamphlets containing contact information of adoption centers to a person receiving family planning services, at the time the person inquires about the services. A family planning services project\u2019s eligibility to receive federal grants or contracts through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would be contingent upon the execution of this requirement. \u201cThe Adoption Information Act is a simple step we can take to make a difference in this world,\u201d Wittman said. \u201cAdoption isn\u2019t a partisan issue. We can all agree that the most vulnerable members of our community deserve a place to call home and a place to find and reach their full potential. Adoptive families face unique challenges, and on the other side of those challenges, they\u2019re rewarded with unique blessings and with the satisfaction of having said \u201cyes\u201d when others were saying \u201cno.\" As a child of adoption, I am thankful every day that my parents chose me and raised me in a loving family.\u201d \u201cAdoption provides an alternative to the brutality of abortion,\u201d said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the Susan B. Anthony List. \u201cIt gives a woman the chance to allow her child to live and brings joy to a couple eagerly waiting for a child to love. We thank Rep. Wittman for leading the effort to ensure that women have information about all the life-affirming options that are available.\u201d \u201cThe Republican pro-life ethic doesn\u2019t end at birth, it extends to make sure that every child is a wanted child,\u201d said Congressman Franks. \u201cThere is both pedagogical and practical value in passing laws incentivizing adoption and making information about how families can adopt more accessible \u2013 Americans must know their magnanimity will be rewarded here and, more importantly, in heaven.\u201d \u201cAdoption is a great option and one I wish more women would consider instead of abortion,\u201d said Congresswoman Hartzler. \u201c Every child deserves a loving family and adoption is a loving way to make a family. This bill will empower women with crucial information they need at a critical time.\u201d 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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1048", "House Lawmakers: 2018 RFS Levels More of the Same", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reforming the RFS remains a major priority, and we will continue working to see a legislative solution move forward through Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and Jim Costa (D-Calif.) released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) finalized rule establishing renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2018: \u201cThe RFS has run out of gas, but that hasn\u2019t stopped the EPA from once again acting to prop up the ethanol industry. The 2018 volumes announced today are more of the same, as another 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol will be added to our nation\u2019s fuel supply next year. Who will bear the brunt of the ethanol mandate? American consumers, food producers, livestock farmers, vehicles, small engines, and even the environment stand to experience the harmful impacts of more ethanol forced into the market. These numbers underscore exactly why Congress must act. Our bill, the RFS Reform Act, is an absolute fix that can begin the needed process of decreasing the burdensome effects of the ethanol mandate. Reforming the RFS remains a major priority, and we will continue working to see a legislative solution move forward through Congress.\u201d Earlier this year, Goodlatte, Welch, Womack, and Costa re-introduced the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 1315), which eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-mandatory-anti-harassment-training-bill-members-congress-and-staff", "House Passes Mandatory Anti-Harassment Training Bill for Members of Congress and Staff", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.Res. 630, introduced by Representative Barbara Comstock (VA-10), which requires all Members of Congress and their staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress.\n\u201cThe American people deserve a Congress that leads on important issues,\u201d said Congressman Scott Taylor. \u201cMembers and their staff must be held accountable to the same rules they set for everyone else.\u00a0 It is my sincere hope these reforms will empower victims to speak out and deter future workplace harassment and discrimination.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=552", "Rep. Brat Supports Mandatory Anti-Harassment Training and Congressional Accountability Legislation", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Rep. Brat (R-Va.) released the following statement upon passage of H.Res. 630, legislation to require all employees of the House of Representatives, including Members of Congress, to take anti-harassment training in workplace rights and responsibilities. Rep. Brat is an original cosponsor of the legislation introduced by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.).\u201cToday, we took an important step to address the serious issue of sexual harassment in the congressional workplace. While my office staff and I have already completed the training offered by the House of Representatives, I believe making that training mandatory is the right thing to do. This is only the first step. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and civility. It is clear the current system has failed some employees in the House of Representatives. I support working together in a bipartisan fashion to overhaul the current reporting process in the House to ensure we care for victims and hold accountable any perpetrators of these acts. \u201cIn addition to the vote on the House floor today, I have also cosponsored legislation introduced by Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) called the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act. The stories of secret payouts to protect known offenders who are sitting members of Congress is disgusting. Any compensation to victims of harassment perpetrated by a member of Congress should come out of the pocket of the government official; not a dime should come from the taxpayers. The House should pass this bill and stop allowing elected public officials to hide their bad behavior without repercussions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-comstock-legislation-combating-sexual-harassment", "House Passes Comstock Legislation Combating Sexual Harassment", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House passed by voice vote H. Res. 630, her legislation combating sexual harassment in Congress:\n\u201cThere is no room for sexual harassment in the work place and we must have zero tolerance for harassment of any kind, especially in Congress.\u00a0 This legislation we passed here today is a strong first step in fundamentally reforming how we address the insidious problem of sexual harassment in the workplace and committing to a healthy, safe working environment free from sexual harassment.\n\u201cAs a Mom, former intern, former Congressional staffer and counsel and Justice Department employee, and now a Member of Congress on the Committee that will reform this process, this is truly a watershed moment for those who serve in this body.\u00a0 This resolution mandates educating our workforce in Congress, from Members to the interns, on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and having zero tolerance for sexual predators.\u00a0\n\u201cThis legislation promotes the essential principles of accountability and personal responsibility. It is bipartisan legislation, because bad behavior transcends party labels and predators come from both parties. \u00a0It is also important that men are joining women in this effort and we have a broad consensus for additional reforms.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cThis is just a first step.\u00a0 Going forward, I will work to reform the reporting process for victims and provide them with an advocate such as a victim\u2019s counsel or Ombudsmen.\u00a0 There must be no taxpayer-funded settlements for accused Members of Congress and we need transparency and accountability in the process both going forward and in disclosing past settlements.\u00a0 I support allowing victims who did make settlements with the opportunity to come forward without fear of consequences from non-disclosure agreements.\u00a0 These and other reforms can and should be adopted as we move forward in providing fundamental reforms to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all.\u00a0\n\u201cFinally, I\u2019d like to thank, Dorena Bertussi, who 30 years ago was the first woman to bravely step up to pursue a successful sexual harassment case against a Member of Congress.\u00a0 I also thank her for her guidance in helping us address these issues today.\u00a0 In her honor, and all of the women who have faced sexual harassment in the workplace, we need to redouble our efforts.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1046", "Goodlatte Supports Measure Mandating House Training in Workplace Rights", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement on House passage of H.Res. 630, introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), requiring each Member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities annually:\u201cSexual harassment and misconduct cannot be tolerated anywhere, and that includes Congress. I am deeply concerned about recent reports of harassment in congressional offices, and this issue must be taken seriously. Prior to this resolution coming to the floor, I had directed my staff and I to complete training in workplace rights, including sexual harassment awareness. Today\u2019s resolution will now mandate this training throughout the House for all Members and staff. Mandatory training for congressional offices is a good, common sense measure. It is becoming increasingly clear that the House needs to improve its policies and procedures to better protect victims of harassment in the workplace. The House Administration Committee is conducting an extensive review on the issue of harassment in the congressional workplace, and I hope they will make appropriate reforms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1047", "House Judiciary Committee Approves Bills to Protect the Second Amendment & Curb Gun Violence", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today the House Judiciary Committee took action to protect Americans\u2019 constitutional right to bear arms and enhance public safety. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The House Judiciary Committee today approved two bills to protect the Second Amendment and curb gun violence, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 and the Fix NICS Act of 2017. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) applauded today\u2019s Committee approval of these bills in the statement below.Chairman Goodlatte: \u201cToday the House Judiciary Committee took action to protect Americans\u2019 constitutional right to bear arms and enhance public safety. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that law-abiding citizens\u2019 Second Amendment right does not end when they cross state lines. Citizens with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit, or individuals who are citizens of states that do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, should not have to worry about losing these rights when entering another state that may have different rules and regulations. \u201cFurther, the Fix NICS Act strengthens our nation\u2019s existing laws by ensuring criminals are reported to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Tragically, our nation has all too often witnessed heinous acts of violence by criminals who should never have been able to purchase a firearm. We must ensure that both federal and state authorities are properly and accurately reporting criminals to NICS so that we prevent crime and protect lives. \u201cI thank Representatives Hudson and Culberson for their work on these important bills and look forward to the House of Representatives taking them up in the coming weeks.\u201d The House Judiciary Committee first approved by a vote of 19-11 the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (H.R. 38), sponsored by Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.). This bill allows people with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit, or individuals who are citizens of states that do not require a permit to carry a concealed firearm, to conceal a handgun in any other state that allows concealed carry, as long as the individual follows the laws of that state. The Committee also approved by a vote of 17-6 the Fix NICS Act of 2017 (H.R. 4477), sponsored by Representative John Culberson (R-Texas). This bipartisan, bicameral bill ensures federal and state authorities comply with existing law and report criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The Fix NICS Act also penalizes federal agencies that fail to report relevant criminal records to the FBI, incentivizes states to improve their reporting, and directs federal funding to make sure domestic violence records are accurately reported to the FBI. Further, the bill requires the Bureau of Justice Statistics to report to Congress within 180 days the number of times that a bump stock has been used in the commission of a crime in the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-law-enforcement-mental-health-and-wellness-act", "House Passes Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, introduced by Representative Susan Brooks (IN-5) on April 28, 2017 under suspension of the rules. This legislation would direct the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop resources to equip local law enforcement agencies to address mental health challenges faced by officers.\n\u201cAmerican law enforcement officials protect citizens from harm. In return, we must offer them protection from the stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges that come with their service,\u201d said Congressman Scott Taylor. \u201cThis bill puts resources in the hands of local, state, and tribal law enforcement to address their specific needs. I am proud to support this bill and pledge my continued support for our law enforcement officers.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-named-subcommittee-oversight-and-management-efficiency-full-homeland", "Garrett Named to Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency on Full Homeland Security Committee", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 29, 2017)\u2014Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) is proud to announce his membership on the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency. He will continue to serve on the Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Education and the Workforce Committees. Congressman Garrett: \u201cJoining the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee is a tremendous opportunity,\u201d said Garrett. \u201cI steadfastly support laws that prevent terror attacks on our homeland, secure our borders, and defend against cyberattacks. This assignment will help with these efforts as well as reducing government waste. \u00a0I am excited to have this opportunity to play a larger role in those efforts. With this new role, I will work to ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is an efficient steward of taxpayer resources while strengthening the core mission of protecting our homeland. I look forward to working with Chairman Perry, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Administration to do just that,\u201d concluded Garrett.  \n\t\u00a0  Chairman Michael McCaul: \u201cRep. Garrett has a proven record of reigning in reckless spending\u2014and the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee will benefit from his unique perspective and experience. I look forward to his continued work on the Committee to promote efficiency, streamline operations, and save taxpayer dollars.\u201d Subcommittee Chairman Scott Perry: \u201cI\u2019m pleased to welcome my friend, Representative Tom Garrett to the Oversight Management and Efficiency Subcommittee. He\u2019s an advocate for the taxpayers, his constituents and the security of the American People. I look forward to working with him to rein in reckless government spending and promote a culture of effectiveness and efficiency at the Department of Homeland Security.\u201d About the Subcommittee: Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee focuses on probing homeland security programs and operations to promote efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. The Subcommittee rigorously monitors the management of the Department of Homeland Security, such as acquisition management, human capital issues, employee integrity, information technology issues, and financial system.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-votes-mandate-harassment-training", "Garrett Votes to Mandate Harassment Training", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 29, 2017)\u2014Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) made the following statement regarding the passage of H.Res. 630, a resolution to requiring each member, office, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities each session of Congress:\n\u201cSexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace is intolerable. Working on a team that is\u00a0fifty percent female, and as a husband, and father of three daughters, I am proud that our team completed training in workplace rights, including sexual harassment, well before it was mandated. Every member of our team deserves the right to a safe and fair work environment, and as a co-sponsor of this Resolution, I commend my colleagues for working to ensure that every Member of Congress and staff completes a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities annually. Changes like this, not only do we better protect workplace rights, but we also allow for a more effective team to serve our respective districts.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398835", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.27.17", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "No Surprise Here \u2013 Green Climate Fund is a Boondoggle\r\nSometimes problems catch you by surprise, and sometimes they can be anticipated well in advance. Recent setbacks for the global climate agenda fall into the latter category.\r\nEarlier this month, I alerted you that global carbon emissions continue to rise worldwide due to increased pollution from China, India, and other emerging economies. This increase occurred despite a reduction in the U.S. carbon footprint. Further, it happened two years after the Paris climate accord, which set goals to decrease the world\u2019s carbon emissions. Time has vindicated what was evident when the accord was concluded: shackling the U.S. economy would not stop increases in carbon pollution.\r\nInstead of killing jobs in America, we would be better off finding new, cleaner ways to use our carbon assets. China, India, and other countries may talk green but will always default to get jobs and wealth for their people.\r\nIn the same vein, but predating the Paris agreement, is the United Nations\u2019 (U.N.) Green Climate Fund. Former President Obama committed the United States to an initial $3 billion contribution, of which $1 billion has already been transferred. Congress never appropriated money for this purpose, so the Obama Administration\u2019s commitment was an overreach. I have previously said that the fund itself is a bad deal for the United States. We spend billions already on climate change-related issues. Technology and innovation will have the answers we are seeking, and are where we should spend our money. By pledging to support the Green Climate Fund, the Obama Administration committed billions of dollars to an international body with an ill-defined mission and no clear accountability.\r\nI am not surprised to learn that the Green Climate Fund has not done what its supporters claimed it would do. I am surprised to read this in the New York Times.\r\nThe Times recently ran an article, \u201cU.N. Climate Projects, Aimed at the Poorest, Raise Red Flags,\u201d that centered on the travails of the tiny Pacific island nation of Kiribati. As a developing country, Kiribati exemplifies what the Green Climate Fund was supposedly meant to benefit. But seven years after world leaders pledged to help countries like Kiribati, it has yet to see any project funding.\r\nWhat is more, much of the money that has been granted so far has gone to recipients who have not provided clear plans for how they will spend it. For example, $265 million went to a Luxembourg-based investment fund that says it will finance projects in about 30 countries, but the Times notes this fund has provided \u201cno explicit plan to disclose what those projects would be.\u201d Other entities that have received grants are already awash in cash. Overall, under one-tenth of funding has been earmarked for projects run by the countries the Green Climate Fund is meant to aid.\r\nWhen President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement, he cited the Green Climate Fund as an example of a program that doesn\u2019t work. We now know that the Green Climate Fund does not even benefit the countries it was supposed to help.\r\nGerman Elections\r\nPolitical junkies have found plenty of fodder in Europe during 2017, most recently with the German elections that occurred in September. In fact, its results are still being sorted out.\r\nThe pivotal figure in the election was Chancellor Angela Merkel. She has led Germany for over ten years and was widely expected to maintain power, despite her controversial decision to admit thousands of refugees from war-torn countries. When the vote came, Merkel\u2019s party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), lost ground and fell well short of a majority.\r\nAs a result, she started talks with other parties across the political spectrum to cobble together a governing majority. At the time of this writing, she has reached out to the Social Democrats (SPD), a leftist party she had previously formed a government with. The SPD had run against Merkel in the election and vowed not to enter a coalition again. Other options are fading, however, and new elections are not a popular alternative, so the party came to the bargaining table.\r\nThe twists and turns offer high political drama, but they are important to the future of Europe and by extension the United States. As Europe\u2019s leading economy and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Germany\u2019s leaders affect our economy and security. The future of its government is well worth the attention of Americans.\r\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. \u00a0You 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\u00a0www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/garrett-praises-passage-historic-tax-reform", "Garrett Praises Passage of Historic Tax Reform", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON,\u00a0D.C. - On Nov. 16, 2017 Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of\u00a0227\u00a0to 205:\n\u201cWith this legislation, we now move one step closer to delivering the most transformational tax overhaul since I had a full head of hair and weighed 120 pounds. But, make no mistake, this bill is not about Congress, and it\u2019s not about the President \u2013 it\u2019s about growing our economy and creating a simpler and fairer tax system that allows hard-working Americans to keep more of their own money.\u201d\n\u201cAmericans have waited 31 years for a fairer, simpler, and better tax system. This legislation gives us that and will create jobs and opportunity.\u201d \u00a0\nFor more information about the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, visit\u00a0fairandsimple.gop ... READ\u00a0MORE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/in-the-news/sudanese-refugees-freed-us-congressman-find-new-life-us", "Sudanese Refugees Freed by US Congressman Find New Life in US", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Six weeks after arriving in the United States, Hassan Abduraheem takes a seat in the back pew of Tar Wallet Baptist Church. Tucked into the woods along a country road in rural Virginia, the church holds about 50 worshippers.\nOn this cold November Sunday, Abduraheem and his family of eight noticeably increase the congregation's size. They do their best to follow the unfamiliar English of the old Baptist hymns, which are very familiar to their new neighbors. And they share the hymns from their former home \u2014 Sudan.\nStanding in a single line in front of the altar, the family fills the church with Arabic song.\n\n\t\"Unbelievable,\" Abduraheem says repeatedly, as he describes his journey from a crowded prison cell in Sudan to a fixed-up house on the farm of his new pastor. \"Unbelievable\" seems like the only word that could describe the turn his life took, thanks to a Facebook post and a U.S. congressman.\n\tAbduraheem's work as a former pastor is not outlawed in his native Sudan, but Christians are a minority in a diverse country that has suffered through multiple civil wars. According to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, there has been \"an escalation in the Sudanese government's persecution of Christians,\u201d since the 2011 secession of South Sudan.\n\tAbduraheem says his work was spreading the gospel; the Sudanese government accused him of espionage, and he was detained along with two other pastors in December 2015.\n\t\"The first day when they took us to the prison, they beat us,\u201d he says softly ... READ MORE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-appomattox-bedford-campbell-charlotte", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Nelson, and Prince Edward Counties", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (Nov. 27, 2017)\u2014In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s (R-VA05) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Appomattox, Bedford, Rustburg, Charlotte Court House, Cumberland, Lovingston and Farmville on Tuesday, November 28, from 10:00am to 3:30pm at the Appomattox Administration Building, Town of Bedford Municipal Office, Campbell County Public Library, Charlotte Administration Building, Cumberland County Public Library, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and the Central Va. Regional Library. Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Services section of Congressman Garretts's online office at www.TomGarrett.House.Gov Appomattox, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Appomattox Administration Building, Board Conference Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 153-A Morton Lane, Appomattox, VA\u00a024522  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Bedford, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Town of Bedford Municipal Office, Conference Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 215 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Rustburg, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00am to 11:30am  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Campbell County Public Library- Rustburg Branch, Program Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 684 Village Highway, Rustburg, VA 24588  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Charlotte Court House, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 12:30pm to 1:30pm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Charlotte Administration Building, Conference Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 240 LeGrande Ave.,\u00a0 Ste. A, Charlotte Court House, VA\u00a023923  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Cumberland, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00am 11:30pm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Cumberland County Public Library,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 1539 Anderson Highway,\u00a0Cumberland, VA 23040  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Lovingston, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 2:30pm to 3:30pm  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jefferson-Madison Regional Library, Conference Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 8521 Thomas\u00a0Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA 22949  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596 Farmville, VA \u2013 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017  \n\tWHO: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0From 10:00am to 11:30am  \n\tWHERE: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Central Va. Regional Library, Farmville Branch, Meeting Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 1303 W\u00a03rd Street, Farmville, VA\u00a023901  \n\tQUESTIONS: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1676", "Talking infrastructure and highway safety", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friend-Knowing our shared interest in transportation issues, I would like to update you on what I\u2019ve been doing to help the Commonwealth in this area. As you may know, I am a commuter, traveling back and forth from Montross to Washington, D.C. daily when Congress is in session, and so I experience first-hand the transportation challenges in our region. The men and women of Virginia\u2019s First District spend countless hours in transit, whether on the railways or the roadways, and they are ready for reform. Transportation funding is a top issue that I hear about from both business owners and community leaders from Prince William County to Fredericksburg to Hanover to James City County.  \r\nI recently visited the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Headquarters in Fredericksburg. ATSSA works to promote road, traffic, and highway safety. Back when I was the Mayor of Montross, our town needed help with roadwork, so I got certified as a roadside flagger through the ATSSA as part of one of their many training programs. During my visit to their headquarters, I talked about some of the legislation passed through the House with my support to better our nation\u2019s infrastructure:  \r\nFAST Act (H.R. 22)  \r\n\u2022\tThis bill included significant roadway safety infrastructure investments that put men and women to work right away to improve the safety of our nation\u2019s roadways for all motorists.  \r\n\u2022\tAuthorized an annual funding of $2.6 billion for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).   \r\n\u2022\tAuthorized $3.5 million per year from HISP for work zone and guardrail safety training.   \r\n\u2022\tProvides funding for safety improvements to reduce fatalities, injuries, and crashes at public railway-highway grade crossings.  \r\n\u2022\tAuthorized average of $67.4 million per year to accelerates implementation and delivery of new innovations and technologies that result from highway research and development.  \r\n\u2022\tAuthorized $100 million per year for the ITS Program, which conducts research to advance transportation safety, mobility, and environmental sustainability through electronic and information technology applications.  \r\nSELF DRIVE Act (H.R. 3388)  \r\n\u2022\tH.R. 3388 creates a clear path for the safe testing, development, and deployment of self-driving cars in the U.S.   \r\n\u2022\tFocuses on four key areas: Consumer Protection, Fostering Innovation, Increasing Mobility, and Promoting Research and Development.  \r\n\u2022\tClarifies the role of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for regulating the safety of the design, construction, and performance of self-driving cars.  \r\n\u2022\tImproves NHTSA\u2019s access to safety data.   \r\n\u2022\tEstablishes NHTSA safety assessment certifications for manufacturers. As Congress could consider infrastructure legislation in 2018, I will continue meeting with constituents and key stakeholders to ensure Virginians\u2019 voice are heard and we work to ensure solutions to our region\u2019s transportation challenges. It is an honor to serve you and Virginia\u2019s First District in the People\u2019s House. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts you may have, especially regarding transportation issues. Sincerely,  \r\nRob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-consider-comstock-resolution-mandating-anti-harassment-anti", "House to Consider Comstock Resolution Mandating Anti-Harassment, Anti-Discrimination Training Requirements", "2017-11-25", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 The House of Representatives will consider Congresswoman Comstock\u2019s bipartisan\u00a0Resolution\u00a0this upcoming week requiring all Members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. The Resolution is also sponsored by Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS), and Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA). The Resolution is expected to be voted on by the full House this week.\n\u201cRecent cases of sexual harassment both within Congress, and outside in other industries, make clear that we need increased efforts to provide zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in Congress.\u00a0 This bipartisan Resolution is a first step and more will still be done.\u00a0 This Resolution reforms House rules so that staff, interns, and fellows have the necessary protections if they face sexual harassment or discrimination in the Congressional workplace. This resolution will also put in the proper protocols and training so that both staff and Members are fully trained on anti-sexual harassment and anti-discrimination procedures.\u00a0\n\u201cI want to thank House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper in working in a bipartisan manner on this resolution.\u00a0 Fostering a safe and healthy work environment in the House of Representatives is a priority for the Committee.\u00a0 Going forward we also will be working on additional legislation that will bring more accountability and transparency in cases of sexual harassment. The House Administration Committee will also be holding a hearing on December 7th\u00a0to examine the Congressional Accountability Act and best practices going forward to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.\u201d \u00a0\nBackground:\n\u00b7\u00a0The Resolution requires that all House Members, Officers, employees, including interns, detailees, and fellows, of the House of Representatives shall complete an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.\n\u00b7\u00a0Each individual must complete the training\u00a0within 90 days\u00a0of the session. For new hires, staff must complete the training\u00a0within 90 days\u00a0of their hire date during the session. For the current 115th Congress, each individual shall complete the training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins.\n\u00b7\u00a0Each individual will provide their certificate of completion to the Committee on House Administration and the training must be repeated every session of Congress.\n\u00b7\u00a0The Resolution tasks the Committee on House Administration with issuing regulations to ensure compliance and transparency. As part of the Committee\u2019s extensive review, these regulations will be drafted and adopted by the Committee\u00a0within 30 days\u00a0of enactment of the Resolution.\n\u00b7\u00a0Additionally, the Resolution requires the posting of a statement of the rights and protections provided to employees of the House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1045", "Goodlatte Responds to FCC Chairman Pai\u2019s Restoring Internet Freedom Order", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chairman Pai\u2019s proposed Restoring Internet Freedom Order represents a much-needed reversal from the one-size-fits-all regulations of the previous administration that would have stifled marketplace competition and discouraged innovation.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft of his Restoring Internet Freedom Order, which will be voted on December 14, 2017.Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement: \u201cI applaud FCC Chairman Pai for his commitment to the FCC\u2019s tradition of light-touch regulation that encourages innovation for broadband and internet services. Chairman Pai\u2019s proposed Restoring Internet Freedom Order represents a much-needed reversal from the one-size-fits-all regulations of the previous administration that would have stifled marketplace competition and discouraged innovation. \u201cIn contrast, Chairman Pai\u2019s efforts would liberate internet service providers and small businesses from unnecessary regulations and allow the Federal Trade Commission to establish clear procedures to monitor unfair practices. In addition to these efforts, I look forward to continuing to work with the FTC, the FCC, and all stakeholders to ensure that our antitrust laws are equipped and being used to aggressively punish anticompetitive and discriminatory conduct on the internet.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1674", "Wittman Visits Troops and Engages with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Visits Troops and Engages with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East  \r\nWittman, Ernst, Peters, Young, & Rothfus Express Gratitude to Servicemembers Ahead of ThanksgivingWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) joined a bipartisan congressional delegation, led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq, to thank U.S. servicemembers for their service and sacrifice ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Other members on the trip included U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and U.S. Congressmen David Young (R-IA) and Keith Rothfus (R-PA). The congressional delegation also met with senior military and diplomatic leaders in the region to receive updates on continued anti-terrorism efforts, including the fight against ISIS and the Taliban.  \u201cAt this time of year, we all want to be close with family. However, our men and women in uniform are often not afforded that opportunity,\u201d said Congressman Wittman. \u201cIt was an honor to meet with the brave individuals who are currently serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Each time I visit this area of the world, I learn more about ways that Congress can be more effective. It is important to see first-hand what our forces need in order to be their voice back in Washington. We face a wide array of threats around the globe and we must provide the authorities and resources for our men and women of the Armed Forces to do the job we've asked them to do.\u201d After their visit, the senators and other congressmen made the following statements: \u201cIn this season of thanksgiving, it was an honor to visit with our Iowa soldiers who are away from their loved ones at the holidays, and to thank them for the sacrifices they make \u2013 and those of their families \u2013 to protect all that we hold dear,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cAdditionally, hearing more about their efforts to support, protect, and defend the United States and our international partners from those on the ground was invaluable, particularly as we work to enact the National Defense Authorization Act, which is critical to ensure our troops have the resources and equipment they need to combat the evolving global threats confronting America.\u201d \u201cMichigan servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much in defense of our nation and our way of life - missing milestones in their children\u2019s lives and spending their holidays thousands of miles away from home,\u201d said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more honored to personally thank our men and women stationed abroad for their service. America's military is the strongest in the world because of their valor and dedication.\u201d \u201cThe women and men in our military are the bravest among us. It was an honor to meet with service members from Iowa, hear their stories and collect messages to send back to their loved ones,\u201d said Congressman Young. \u201cHearing from Iowans in our military and leaders on the ground about the successes, challenges, and needs of our troops provides me with greater insight as we address issues affecting our military and national security in Congress.\u201d \u201cIt was an honor to meet with our Pennsylvanian service members who are away from their loved ones during this holiday season. In this time of thanksgiving, I am grateful for these courageous men and women -- and their families -- for their selfless sacrifices to protect our country,\u201d said Congressman Rothfus. Congressman Wittman visits with soldiers and leaders of the Aviation Task Force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Senator Ernst leads congressional delegation to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait.  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 the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398834", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffith\u2019s 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. December 5, 2017\r\nTazewell County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\r\nAmerican Legion Building  \r\n226 Central Avenue  \r\nTazewell, VA 24651 Buchanan County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nTown of Grundy Offices  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA 24614 Pulaski County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nTown of Dublin Offices   \r\n101 Dublin Park Road  \r\nDublin, VA 24084 December 6, 2017\r\nSmyth County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\r\nTown Council Chambers   \r\n138 West Main Street   \r\nMarion, VA 24354 Covington: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\r\nCity of Covington Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA 24426 Craig County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nCraig County Administration Building.  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castile, VA 24127 Bristol: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nBristol VA Public Library   \r\nUpstairs Conference Room   \r\n701 Goode Street   \r\nBristol, VA 24201 December 7, 2017\r\nLee County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nLee County Sheriff\u2019s Office   \r\nConference Room  \r\n33640 Main Street \u2013 Suite U101  \r\nJonesville, VA 24263 Martinsville: 12:00 pm \u2013 2:00 pm \r\nNew College Institute  \r\nRoom 106 \u2013 Classroom Building   \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA 24112 Norton: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nCity Council Chambers   \r\n618 Virginia Avenue NW   \r\nNorton, VA 24273 December 12, 2017\r\nGiles County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\r\nTown of Pearisburg Offices  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA 24134 Dickenson County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA 24228 Salem: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nCity of Salem Offices   \r\n114 N. Broad Street   \r\nSalem, VA 24153 Wise County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse   \r\n3rd Floor Room 303   \r\n322 Wood Avenue E.  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219 December 13, 2017\r\nRadford: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room   \r\n30 West Main Street   \r\nRadford, VA 24141 Roanoke County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch   \r\n6624 Peters Creek Rd   \r\nRoanoke, VA 24019 December 14, 2017\r\nGrayson County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nGrayson County Administration Building   \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room   \r\nSuite 206   \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA 24348 Russell County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center   \r\n141 Highland Drive   \r\nLebanon, VA 24266 Tazewell County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nTown of Bluefield \u2013 Council Chambers   \r\n112 Huffard Drive   \r\nBluefield, VA 24605 Galax: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nGalax Municipal Building   \r\nConference Room   \r\n111 East Grayson Street  \r\nGalax, VA 24333         December 19, 2017\r\nCarroll County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nCarroll County Administration Building   \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room   \r\n605 \u2013 1 Pine Street   \r\nHillsville, VA 24343 Floyd County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nTown of Floyd Offices   \r\n134 Wilson Street SE   \r\nFloyd, VA 24091 December 20, 2017\r\nHenry County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nBassett Historical Center   \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway   \r\nBassett, VA 24055 Bland County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nBland County Courthouse   \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200   \r\n612 Main Street   \r\nBland, VA 24315  Wythe County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\r\nWythe County Sheriff\u2019s Office   \r\nConference Room   \r\n245 South 4th Street   \r\nWytheville, VA 24382 Patrick County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nPatrick County Administration Building   \r\nConference Room   \r\n106 Rucker Street   \r\nStuart, VA 24171  December 21, 2017\r\nAlleghany County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nClifton Forge Library   \r\nConference Room   \r\n535 Church Street   \r\nClifton Forge, VA 24422 Scott County: 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm \r\nCommunity Services Building   \r\nCommunity Room   \r\n190 Beech Street   \r\nGate City, VA 24251  Wise County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse   \r\n3rd Floor Room 303   \r\n322 Wood Ave. E   \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219  Pulaski County: 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm \r\nPulaski County Library   \r\n60 3rd St. NW   \r\nPulaski, VA 24301  ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1673", "Supporting refuge volunteers", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friend-Due to our shared interest in Virginia\u2019s natural resources, I wanted to update you on a hearing the House Natural Resources committee had last week in Washington. Earlier this fall, I joined eight colleagues, from both the House and Senate, to introduce the Keep America\u2019s Refuges Operational Act, H.R. 3979. Last week, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on this legislation. This bill would reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer programs for four years. Dan Ross, the Virginia State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited, testified on behalf of this legislation, and you can watch my line of questioning with him here. America\u2019s 561 National Wildlife Refuges are located in all 50 states and the five territories and make up 850 million acres of pristine public lands dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife. Virginia has 14 of those refuges where people of all ages can visit, explore, fish, hunt, and study wildlife. Growing up and even as an adult, visiting the Rappahannock River Wildlife Refuge in our district has taught me the value of nature and wildlife in our society and the importance of environmental stewardship. Supporting these volunteers is critical to the survival of these wildlife refuges. Reauthorizing these programs will ensure that our nation\u2019s refuges will continue to be enjoyed by tourists, sportsmen and women, and conservationists for years to come. I\u2019m proud to stand behind this legislation and look forward to seeing it continue through the committee process. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before the House of Representatives. It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House. Sincerely, Rob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398833", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.20.17", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A Song of Thanksgiving\r\nThis week, people across the Ninth District and the country will sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving, the oldest uniquely American holiday.\r\nThanksgiving was an established tradition well before the United States came into being. While most Americans are taught that Plymouth Colony\u2019s harvest festival with local Native Americans in the fall of 1621 was the first Thanksgiving, as Virginians we know that the first Thanksgiving was actually celebrated at Berkeley Plantation in 1619, before the founding of the Massachusetts colony at Plymouth.\r\nIn any event, two colonies 600 miles apart in the New World inhabited by colonists who came here for different reasons from the Old World chose to mark their success with a ritual of thanks to God. This is a ritual we keep down to our own day. This fact says something important about our origins as a nation.\r\nOf course, another Virginian, George Washington, is central to the holiday\u2019s history. As the first President of the United States under the Constitution, he issued a proclamation setting aside Thursday, November 26, 1789 as a day of Thanksgiving. The proclamation came at the recommendation of Congress, which had urged that the American people honor:\r\n. . . a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.\r\nWashington suggested the American people give thanks for the establishment of a new government under the Constitution, but also all that had led to it. Even for the trials of the Revolution, he recommended gratitude for \u201cthe signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence.\u201d\r\nOver 200 years have passed since the Father of Our Country issued his proclamation. The United States has achieved successes Washington could never have imagined. These continued successes underline the continued need for a day of thankful reflection, a time to take stock of our blessings and offer up gratitude for them. As one of Washington\u2019s successors, Calvin Coolidge (whose right-hand man in the White House was another Virginian, C. Bascom Slemp of Big Stone Gap), put it in a Thanksgiving proclamation of his own, \u201cWe have been a most favored people. We ought to be a most generous people. We have been a most blessed people. We ought to be a most thankful people.\u201d\r\nWashington finished his proclamation by recommending prayers of supplication for the future, urging Americans to ask God:\r\n. . . to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord.\r\nFaithfulness to our values and\u00a0our Constitution, justice, peace. As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we can pray for the same today.\r\nSo this Thanksgiving, let us find guidance from wise examples of forebears like George Washington, and let all of us of every faith give thanks for our many blessings. I personally like the words of the hymn \u201cLet All Things Now Living,\u201d written by Katherine Davis and set to a Welsh tune, which offer a fine expression of this sentiment:\r\nLet all things now living a song of thanksgiving  \r\nTo God our Creator triumphantly raise,  \r\nWho fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,  \r\nWho guideth us on to the end of our days.  \r\nHis banners are o'er us, his light goes before us,  \r\nA pillar of fire shining forth in the night,  \r\n\u2018Til shadows have vanished and darkness is banished,  \r\nAs forward we travel from light into light.\r\nIf you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. \u00a0You 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\u00a0www.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.\r\nRead the full text of George Washington\u2019s first Thanksgiving proclamation here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-buckingham-fluvanna-greene-and-henry-0", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, and Henry Counties", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (Nov. 17, 2017)\u2014In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s (R-VA05) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Buckingham, Palmyra, Stanardsville and Ridgeway on Tuesday, November 21st\u00a0from 10:00AM to 3:30PM at the Buckingham Administrative Building, the Fluvanna Public Library, the Greene Administration Building and the Blue Ridge Regional Library.\u00a0 Staff will be on hand to assist residents who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare, immigration, veterans\u2019 benefits, student loans, and other federal programs. All are encouraged to attend. Constituents who are not able to attend Mobile Office Hours can visit the Services section of Congressman Garretts's online office at www.TomGarrett.House.Gov Buckingham, VA \u2013 Tuesday, November 21, 2017\u00a0  \n\tWHO:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Buckingham Administrator\u2019s Office, Conference Room,  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 13360 W. James Anderson Hwy  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Buckingham, VA 23921  \n\tQUESTIONS:\u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nPalmyra, VA \u2013 Tuesday, November 21, 2017  \n\tWHO:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  \n\tWHERE:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Fluvanna Public Library, Conference Room  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 214 Commons Blvd.  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Palmyra, VA 22963  \n\tQUESTIONS:\u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nStanardsville, VA \u2013 Tuesday, November 21, 2017  \n\tWHO:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  \n\tWHERE:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Greene Administration Building Board Conference Room;  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 40 Celt Road  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Stanardsville, VA 22973  \n\tQUESTIONS:\u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596\nRidgeway, VA \u2013 Tuesday, November 21, 2017  \n\tWHO:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett\u2019s Staff  \n\tWHAT:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.\u00a0  \n\tWHERE:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Blue Ridge Regional Library Ridgeway Branch, Meeting Room  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0900 Vista View Lane  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Ridgeway, VA 24148  \n\tQUESTIONS:\u00a0 \u00a0Contact Congressman Garrett\u2019s Danville District Office at (434) 791-2596", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1671", "Poll: Relief By Christmas", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friend- There is one thing that members of both parties can agree on: our tax code is a mess. Small business owners and families across America are burdened by the cost of and time spent complying with our overwhelming tax code each year. That\u2019s why the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) last week.  It will deliver much-needed tax relief to families, help our workers and job creators compete and win here at home and around the world, and make the tax code simpler and fairer for all Americans. It will fuel economic growth \u2013 leading to more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for Virginians.  Here are some of the highlights:  \r\n\u2022\tLowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain the 39.6% for high-income Americans.  \r\n\u2022\tSignificantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes\u2014from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.  \r\n\u2022\tEstablishes a new Family Credit, which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600; additionally, it provides a $300 credit for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.  \r\n\u2022\tRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for the future.  \r\n\u2022\tContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local property taxes up to $10,000.  \r\n\u2022\tPreserves the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.  \r\n\u2022\tEliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans\u2019 taxes\u2014so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.  \r\n\u2022\tContinues the deduction for charitable contributions for donations to churches, charities, or community organizations. With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the House has done its part and now the Senate must act. In the coming weeks, the Senate will continue their own process of debating tax reform legislation. By Christmas, our hope is that Congress will deliver historic reform to put more money back in the hands of the American people and give our economy the boost it so desperately needs. As the process continues to move forward, I want to know what you think. Please take a moment to respond to the short survey below. Do you want tax relief passed by Christmas?  Yes  \r\nNo  \r\nI don\u2019t know  \r\nOther. Please fill in the text box below Click here to take the poll. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Your opinion helps shape my thinking as I represent you in Washington. Sincerely,  \r\nRob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1670", "Securing our 2nd Amendment rights", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friend-The Founding Fathers and the Framers of the Bill of Rights could not have been more clear about the nature and intent of our Second Amendment. Just as they understood the importance of our rights, I, like you, believe that these rights must be protected. Recently, I spoke at the Rappahannock Pistol and Rifle Club in White Stone, Virginia where I outlined legislation I have supported in the 115th Congress that further protects and expands our 2nd Amendment rights. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38): This bill would ensure that states treat lawful concealed carry permit holders from other states the same as lawful in-state concealed carriers. SHARE Act (H.R. 3668): \u2022\tReduces federal red tape that limits the ability of law-abiding Americans to enjoy traditional sporting activities. This sportsmen\u2019s package gives states authority on how to allocate funds used for recreational shooting ranges and habitat preservation, while adding protections for persons transporting firearms across state lines.   \r\n\u2022\tImproves consistency in federal regulation by allowing sportsmen to concealed carry on land owned by the Army Corps of Engineers traditionally used for sporting activities, and allows individuals to concealed carry in National Parks, provided they follow the laws of the state.  \r\n\u2022\tThe package also includes The Hearing Protection Act, which eliminates the $200 tax on suppressors and streamlines the purchase process for law-abiding Americans.  \r\nI am proud to support legislation that sensibly rolls back undue federal regulations and enhances the outdoor sporting heritage that is so important to millions of Americans. These measures will go a long way to protect the rights of everyday Americans, while making it easier for sportsmen to enjoy everything that our Commonwealth and nation has to offer. As a gun owner and strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I believe that the constitutional right to keep and bear arms must be protected. Rest assured that I am committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess, and use firearms for legitimate purposes. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before the House of Representatives. It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.  \r\nSincerely,  \r\nRob", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 957, "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": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 957, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 957, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 957, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 957, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwittman~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1670", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2017&_next=2017-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwittman~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1670&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 296.05721309781075, "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"}