{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399069", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.18", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The year 1619 does not loom as large in American memory as some others from our colonial experience. When thinking of those early times of English settlement in North America, 1607, the year Jamestown was founded, and 1620, when the Pilgrims landed in what is now Massachusetts, are more likely to come to mind.\r\nYet the events of 1619 had a profound impact. They are worth remembering as we enter 2019 and mark the passage of 400 years.\r\nOne of them was a great stain: the beginning of slavery in English North America, with the first record of enslaved Africans arriving in Jamestown. While slavery ended with the Thirteenth Amendment passed by a Republican Congress in 1865 and subsequently ratified by the states, its effects still linger.\r\nAnother event marked a major shift in the culture of Jamestown: the first large-scale recruitment of women to the colony. While some women had arrived earlier, the settlement retained the overall character of the soldiers and adventurers who had first established it. The Virginia Company's recruitment of about 90 women introduced families into the social fabric of the colony and gave it longer-term prospects.\r\nA third event was one of our Commonwealth's signal contributions to the American story.\r\nIn a church in Jamestown on July 30, the Governor, four councilors, and 22 burgesses representing the colony's jurisdictions gathered. They reviewed the laws imposed by the Virginia Company and its charter, regulated commerce and settler conduct, and heard grievances from the colonists.\r\nThat first session lasted less than a week, adjourning on August 4 due to the summer heat, but it was the beginning of what is today the House of Delegates, the oldest elected legislative body to have continuously met in the world.\r\nI say continuously met as, although the Parliament of the United Kingdom has older roots than our House of Delegates (the rules of that first Assembly were modeled on English parliamentary procedure), during the rule of Oliver Cromwell in the 1650s Parliament was dissolved and substituted with the appointed Barebones Parliament and the Protectorate Parliaments.\r\nOther legislative bodies had appointed members, but from the start, the House of Delegates was elected by at least a portion of its constituents. In the case of the first session, the male freeholders and tenants of the jurisdictions chose the burgesses.\r\nEven if you take out continuously-serving and elected, Virginia's House of Delegates, which was subsequently confirmed in a charter by King James I a couple of years later, is without dispute the oldest legislative body in the New World.\r\nThe establishment of representative government in Virginia charted a path for what would become the thirteen British colonies. It was followed by the Mayflower Compact of 1620, in which the Pilgrims organized themselves as a self-governing body. Colonies that followed set up their own institutions for representative government. Instead of the mother country, the colonists exercised control over their own affairs to a large extent.\r\nBecause Virginia had a lot of practice with representative government, our Commonwealth was ready to lead when the colonies sought independence. Virginia's governing documents and laws, including the Declaration of Rights and the Statute for Religious Freedom, would shape foundations of the new republic such as the Bill of Rights.\r\nAmong the Founders who served in the House of Burgesses or, as it became known after declaring independence from Britain, the House of Delegates were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and James Monroe.\r\nAs we begin the new year, think about what was happening in Virginia 400 years ago. That span of time may be hard to fathom, but what happened that year still shapes us.\r\nSlavery's introduction reminds us that human beings are capable of great cruelty to each other. The birth of representative government in the New World was a great accomplishment of humanity. It started the process toward our current republic based on democratic principles. The legislative process ultimately abolished slavery through the Thirteenth Amendment and guaranteed the right to vote for women through the Nineteenth Amendment, showing that our nation is always capable of improving.\r\nThe events of 1619 resonate down to our own time.\r\nWhile 2019 is not as likely to have the historical significance of 1619, I hope it will be a happy and prosperous year for us all.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2366", "Wittman Statement on Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House has done our job. We passed a funding bill that not only kept our government open, but provided the necessary appropriations to keep our nation safe. This situation was completely avoidable, and it all stems back to a broken budgeting system. As I've done in every session since I've been in Congress, I have been urging leadership to fund our government with a budget passed through regular order instead of budgeting by crisis through a Continuing Resolution (CR). Our government needs long term budget certainty and they cannot continue working under the constraints of yet another CR. I am disappointed in Congress for allowing our funding decisions to get to this critical point and for not being able to come to an agreement on how to move forward without allowing a partial government shutdown. The federal workforce deserves the certainty of proper funding to do their jobs. To protect them during this lapse in appropriations, Representative Beyer (VA-8) and I introduced legislation that would guarantee back pay to all furloughed federal workers. This shutdown means that now, more than ever, it is absolutely critical that Congress get back to passing a budget and appropriations bills on time. For years now, I have introduced a resolution that says that Congress can't leave for August recess until all 12 appropriations bills have passed the House. That resolution would make it so we don't find ourselves in situations like this one. We can't continue to find ourselves in these completely avoidable, crisis situations. We must work for a permanent solution that will provide a path to fiscal certainty for our federal agencies. 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=399067", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.21.18", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Christmas brings with it many traditions and memories. Whether a family gathering, an annual party, a song, a food, or something else, almost everyone has something they look forward to savoring at this time of year.  \r\n\r\nI recall from my childhood the delight my sister Betsy and I took for years in a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer decoration my mother made for her classroom and brought home from the school where she taught. It was a profile cutout with the body covered in white cotton balls and a red ball nose. From when we were three or four years old to about fifteen, we insisted that it hang on the door of our little house on Broad Street, even having it remade when the original one wore out.\r\nCertain songs and books centered on Christmas still strike a chord, year after year, and I have used this column during the holiday season to dwell on some of my favorites, each with its own backstory making it especially powerful or resonant.\r\nFor example, to return to Rudolph, this story originated with a Montgomery Ward catalog writer named Robert L. May. He created the red-nosed reindeer for a coloring book the store gave to children, pouring himself into it after his wife passed away. With the help of his brother-in-law, a composer, May then fashioned the story into a song. Several high-profile singers passed on recording it, so the legend goes, but Gene Autry's wife persuaded him to sing it. His version is the one most familiar to us.\r\nIn 2014, I wrote in my Christmas column about Charles Dickens' first novel, The Pickwick Papers, which he published in 1837. One of its stories involved a lonely, miserable man, who on Christmas Eve was shown the past and the future by supernatural beings and reformed his life as a consequence.\r\nIf this story strikes you as familiar even though you have never read The Pickwick Papers, you may recognize it as the general plot to a book Dickens published six years later. A Christmas Carol, Dickens' tale of the reformation of the miser Ebenezer Scrooge after his haunting by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, remains widely beloved, both as a book and in its various cinematic and theatrical adaptations. Just in the past few weeks, I enjoyed a play based on Dickens' book with my family.\r\nEach Christmas we revisit the traditions that mean the most to us. As other circumstances in our lives change over the years, the songs, stories, or other traditions of the holiday season maintain their familiar, timeless aspects. Even in the most horrific conditions, they can provide comfort.\r\nThis is what happened in 1914 along the Western Front during World War I, as I wrote in my 2016 Christmas column. On Christmas Eve, German soldiers in their trenches sang Silent Night, and the British responded with The First Noel. A few soldiers ventured from each side and met in No Man's Land between the trenches, and soon hundreds met to swap gifts and play soccer in what is remembered as the Christmas Truce.\r\nWhatever it is about this season that you most enjoy, I hope that you can spend this time in safety with your family and friends.\r\nI will close with the subject of my first Christmas column, in 2011, which told the story of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. This carol began as a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called Christmas Bells. He wrote it in the 1860s after he lost his wife, killed in a fire that left him badly burned, and after his son was severely wounded in the Civil War.\r\nDespite these twin tragedies, the bells of Christmas still offered hope to Longfellow, as well as his fellow men and women:\r\nI heard the bells on Christmas day\r\nTheir old familiar carols play,\r\nAnd wild and sweet the words repeat\r\nOf peace on earth, good will to men...\r\n\r\nThen pealed the bells more loud and deep:\r\n\"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!\r\nThe Wrong shall fail,\r\nThe Right prevail,\r\nWith peace on earth, good will to men!\r\nNo matter what your particular faith, peace on Earth, good will to men!\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-withdrawal-spells-doom-minority-communities-middle-east", "U.S. Withdrawal Spells Doom for Minority Communities in the Middle East", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Letter to President Trump Regarding Troop Withdrawal From Syria\nWASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Tom Garrett (VA05) is expected to deliver a letter to President Trump urging a reversal of this week's announcement to withdraw American troops from Syria.\nJoining him are over a dozen bipartisan cosponsors who share the same concern over this decision with more members still signing on late into the afternoon.\nIn this letter, these collective members state:\nRemoving troops from Syria at this time poses a threat to the national security of the United States. Your administration has made great and effective strides in the fight to combat ISIS and to counter terrorism around the world. The nearly 2,000 servicemen and women stationed in Syria play a pivotal role in rooting out the remaining ISIS cells in the Northeast region of the country. U.S. troops must remain in country until all immenent threats haveabated.\nDuring Thanksgiving recess, Garrett traveled to Northeastern Syria and Iraq and met with Syrian Democratic Forces including Kurds, Arabs, and Christians on the ground. While there, he obtained firsthand knowledge of the dire necessity of continued cooperation between the United States and its allies in the region.\nOver the last fifteen years, the Christian population of Iraq and Syria has been slashed by ethnic cleansing and genocide plummeting from three million to under five hundred thousand in that time frame alone. In referencing this number, Garrett added, If the U.S. withdraws now, there is arguably no future for Christians in the region.\nLast week, Rep. Garrett delivered aFloor speechoutlining his visit and the evolving situation with Turkey's aggressive expansion into Kurdish controlled regions of Syria.\nFull text of the letter may be seen above.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-announces-fifth-district-service-academy-nominations", "GARRETT ANNOUNCES FIFTH DISTRICT SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Garrett (R-VA) is excited to announce the Class of 2023 nominees from Virginia's Fifth District into the United States Service Academies.\n\tAs an Army Veteran, Congressman Garrett was proud to see high interest among high school students hoping to attend the U.S. service academies. A list of the students Congressman Garrett nominated to be formally considered for official appointments are as follows:\n\tUnited States Naval Academy\n\t Sarah Lattig- The Plains, VA\n\t\tDale Sturdifen II- Clarksville, VA\n\t\tKevin McEachin- Marshall, VA\n\t\tCharles Drummond- Farmville, VA\n\t\tChristopher Austin- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tGrant Nichols- Halifax, VA\n\t\tKevin Byrne- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tBrianna Smiley- Ruckersville, VA\n\t\tChristopher Accashian- Warrenton, VA\n\t\tJackson Perry- Charlottesville, VA\n\t West Point Military Academy\n\t Bryce Jones- Amissville, VA\n\t\tNathan Kaczka- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tConnor McGuiggan- Earlysville, VA\n\t\tJustin Cannon- Warrenton, VA\n\t\tAndres Santiago- Broad Run, VA\n\t\tJason Tyree- Henry, VA\n\t\tKevin McEachin- Marshall, VA\n\t\tCharles Drummond- Farmville, VA\n\t\tSarah Lattig- The Plains, VA\n\t\tMadison Slevin- Warrenton, VA\n\t United States Air Force Academy\n\t Charles Lange- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tAaron Bailey- Rustburg, VA\n\t\tSadie Connor- Scottsville, VA\n\t\tJackson Perry- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tWoodrow Turbyfill- Ferrum, VA\n\t\tBrandon Alcorn- Hardy, VA\n\t\tElizabeth Wombacher- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tMark Delp Jr.- Charlottesville, VA\n\t\tGavin Segraves- Crozet, VA\n\t\tChristopher Austin- Charlottesville, VA\n\t United States Merchant Marine Academy\n\t Paige Smith- Virginia Beach, VA\n\t\tJoshua Wine- Warrenton, VA\n\t\tKevin Cheely- Afton, VA\n\t\tKevin McEachin- Marshall, VA\n\t\tCharles Drummond- Farmville, VA\n\t\tJason Tyree- Henry, VA\n\t Please join us in congratulating these outstanding young men and women who are sure to make Virginia's Fifth Congressional District and our Armed Forces very proud in the years to come. \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2364", "Wittman Thanks Secretary Mattis for Unparalleled Service", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Thanks Secretary Mattis for Unparalleled Service WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, released this statement following Secretary of Defense General James Mattis' retirement announcement. General Mattis is a man of utmost character. He has been known as many things, Chaos, the Warrior Monk, Secretarybut chief among them, he has been known as the living embodiment of the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful. From enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1969 to retiring as the Secretary of Defense forty-nine years later, Secretary Jim Mattis has served this great country with honor and distinction. During those 49 years he has always been faithful to his marines, all who have served in uniform, the civilians who have served under him, and most of all his countrymen. As Secretary of Defense, he led the charge to rebuild our military, restore readiness, and project power around the world. His contributions to the United States of America will not be soon forgotten. Thank you, General Mattis, for your service to our nation; you are an exceptional American and a true patriot.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is 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=2365", "Wittman Votes to Fund Border Wall", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Wittman (VA-01) released this statement after voting to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) with an additional $5.7 billion for construction of a wall on the U.S. southern border: Yet again we find ourselves budgeting by crisis. We should not be funding our government through continuing resolutions (CRs)  they are a short-term solution to a long-term problem. This situation was completely avoidable; Last week, instead of staying in town to get the job done, Members had a six-day weekend when critical funding issues were at stake. In fact, I said it this summer and I'll say it again now, Members of Congress should've worked through August to pass all the appropriations bills through regular order. Although I am fundamentally against CRs, it is critical that we protect our nation. I have received countless calls and emails from constituents over the past few days in support of building a border wall, and I was proud to cast my vote today in favor of protecting our homeland and finally delivering on one of our key promises. We are at a crisis point. From October 2017 through July 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 6,423 pounds of cocaine, 532 pounds of heroin, 439,531 pounds of marijuana, 10,382 pounds of methamphetamine, and 332 pounds of fentanyl. On average last year, the Department of Homeland Security prevented 10 individuals tied to terrorknown or suspected terroristseach day from traveling or attempting to travel to the United States. We can't continue to let this happen. Simply put, we promised the American people that we would protect our southern border, and we must honor that promise. We need to address our illegal immigration crisis, and I stand ready and willing to come to a solution that puts Americans first. Until Congress can get a budget and appropriations bills passed on-time, through regular order, I'll keep introducing my No Budget, No Pay Act and Stay on Schedule resolution which says simply this: if Congress can't get the job done they shouldn't get a paycheck or a vacation. I remain committed to providing a path to fiscal certainty for our federal government and to securing our southern border. I urge Senator McConnell to immediately schedule a vote on this legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1316", "Goodlatte and Gowdy Release Transcript of Interview with Former Director Comey", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) today released the transcript of the second day of former FBI Director James Comey's interview before the Committees.The transcript of Mr. Comey's interview can be found HERE.  Background: In October 2017, the House Judiciary Committee and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee opened a joint investigation into decisions made by the Justice Department in 2016 and 2017. To date, the Committees have interviewed many key witnesses and have reviewed thousands of pages of documents.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399066", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.17.18", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "C. Bascom Slemp\r\nPresident Trump recently named Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney as his acting Chief of Staff. Having worked with Mick when he represented South Carolina in the House of Representatives, I think the President has made a good choice.\r\nEarlier in the search process, attention focused on a current colleague of mine and another Freedom Caucus member, Congressman Mark Meadows (R-NC). At a Freedom Caucus meeting, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) observed that if Meadows was selected, he would be the most conservative White House Chief of Staff since the Coolidge Administration of 1923-29.\r\nThis remark drew my interest, for as I noted to Senator Lee, the Chief of Staff's equivalent under President Calvin Coolidge was an earlier representative of Virginia's Fighting Ninth, C. Bascom Slemp.\r\nSlemp was born in Turkey Cove in Lee County in 1870. His father was active in politics, and at the age of eleven Slemp served as a page in the House of Delegates. He later attended the Virginia Military Institute and studied law at the University of Virginia, eventually practicing in Big Stone Gap.\r\nIn 1907, Slemp's father, by then representing the Ninth District in Congress, died, and he won the race for the vacant seat. He served several terms in Congress before retiring in 1923. As it happened, that year Calvin Coolidge ascended to the presidency upon the death of Warren Harding, and he needed a private secretary to assist in his dealings with Congress and the 1924 presidential election.\r\nPresident Coolidge recalled in his autobiography, I was especially fortunate in securing C. Bascom Slemp as my Secretary, who had . . . a wide acquaintance with public men and the workings of legislative machinery. His advice was most helpful.\r\nSlemp aided Coolidge as he finished Harding's term and won a resounding victory to the Presidency in his own right. Slemp resigned in 1925 and returned to practicing law in Big Stone Gap (where the federal building is named after him) and Washington. When he died in 1943, Slemp was buried in the family plot in Turkey Cove.\r\nThe Need for Border Security\r\nIt is often noted that America has a government of laws, not of men.\r\nThe current immigration system seems to be an exception. Illegal immigration to our country occurs frequently without consequence, while aspiring legal immigrants are left to navigate for years through a maze of red tape.\r\nThe process for those who want to come here the right way, legally, should be simpler and easier. You shouldn't have to wait a lifetime to get citizenship if you came here legally in the first place. We want people to share in the American dream. Congress must act, which is why I supported several reform measures this year.\r\nThe focus right now, however, is on illegal immigration and border security, and this situation will not get better on its own. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an astounding 3,029 people were apprehended attempting to cross the southern border illegally in a single day, December 3.\r\nLack of border security also facilitates trafficking in people and illegal substances. For example, methamphetamine use has surged as Mexican cartels move the product across the border, contributing to a surge in nationwide overdose deaths involving meth from 1,887 in 2011 to 6,762 in 2016.\r\nMore border security is necessary to deter illegal immigration and to crack down on trafficking.\r\nPresident Trump wants a wall to guard the southern border. I support the President on this issue. Building a wall, in some places a physical wall, but in others smart fences and other technology, will help reduce human trafficking and the flow of illegal aliens and illicit drugs that now cross the border with relative ease.\r\nI have previously voted for wall funding, including almost $25 billion twice in separate bills in June. President Trump has asked for $5 billion in wall funding to be included in legislation funding the government for the 2019 fiscal year, and I support him in this request.\r\nI have also signed on as an original cosponsor of a bill by Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) to allow the Treasury to sell bonds raising money for wall construction. If private citizens want their money to support border security, they ought to have that right.\r\nI believe it is important to protect our borders, making it more difficult for illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings and illicit drugs.\r\nI am committed to working with my colleagues and President Trump to get this done.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-recent-independent-trip-syria-virginia-congressman-warns-turkey-s", "Following Recent Independent Trip to Syria, Virginia Congressman Warns of Turkeys Agenda in the Region", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Thomas Garrett Jr. just returned from a trip to Northeast Syria and Iraq where he met with top leadership in both regions that have been the ONLY reliable allies in the fight against ISIS. While there, Congressman Garrett spoke to the Deir A Zour Civil Council only miles from the front lines against ISIS and the Manbij Military Council which is the unit directly threatened by Turkey's recent attacks.\n\tIn an evolving development this week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is nowthreatening to attack American Forces and its allies to expand its territorial gains.\n\tFollowing Rep. Garrett's recent visit, he stated:\n\tWe look the other way or do nothing so often that it becomes second nature but across the globe minorities are persecuted, exterminated, and displaced by raging governments or radical uprisings and the West stays quiet. With ISIS continuing engagement on the battlefield we have to correct the missteps that have taken place in this region. The answer isn't to remove these individuals from their country of origin but rather to create a circumstance where they can live safely in their home without fear.\n\tIt should be noted that while Turkey says it will not target U.S. forces directly, this is an IMPOSSIBLE act as the U.S. Forces and Syrian Democratic Forces are co-located.\n\tGarrett added, Turkey is manipulating U.S. policy by spending millions per month in D.C. to buy influence. They lie about the pro-freedom multi-ethnic Syrian Democratic Council and suggest the Kurds control regions where I met with the actual leaders, who are not only Kurdish, but also Arab and Christian. Someone needs to tell the truth here, and the U.S. should stop acting as if Erdogan is an ally. He is not.\n\tPresident Trump has been in direct contact with President Erdogan to prioritize American soldiers in harm's way but the conversation is ongoing.\n\tCongressman Garrett's recent speech on the House floor regarding this issue may be seenhere.\n\t\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2361", "Wittman on ACA Ruling", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman on ACA Ruling \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 17, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Wittman on ACA Ruling\r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON - Congressman Wittman released the following statement on the Affordable Care Act ruling by a U.S. District Court in Texas:\r\n            \r\n            Since the day we were told we had to pass the Affordable Care Act to find out what was in it, the law has failed to deliver on its promises to lower costs, increase access to care, and expand choice. It further showed that government-run healthcare does not sufficiently address the core challenges facing our healthcare system; in many cases, physician choice disappeared and premium costs skyrocketed.\r\n            \r\n            Judge Reed O'Connor's decision is a pivotal step to repealing this legislation and replacing it with a patient-centered system that prioritizes lower costs, choice, and access. We need a healthcare system that empowers individuals and families to make decisions for themselves based on their needs, wants, and budget. We need to work to include common sense provisions that we can all agree on: ensure coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, allow young people to stay on a parent's plan, eliminate lifetime caps for insurance coverage. \r\n            \r\n            It is critical we lower the cost of healthcare and ensure all Virginians can access coverage; individuals should be able to do what's best for them, not what the government dictates for them. I look forward to working toward patient-provider centered reforms that expand choices for consumers, increase access to care, reduce health care costs, and enhance transparency in the healthcare system.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.\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=2362", "Wittman Welcomes Wounded Warrior Fellow to Constituent Services Team", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Welcomes Wounded Warrior Fellow to Constituent Services Team  \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 17, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Wittman Welcomes Wounded Warrior Fellow to Constituent Services Team \r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) welcomes U.S. Marine John Kuhnle to his Stafford district office staff. Kuhnle, who was selected through the House of Representatives Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, will assist with Veterans case work and outreach efforts.\r\n            \r\n            As a Wounded Warrior Fellow, Kuhnle's duties will include liaising with the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of Rep. Wittman's constituents and organizing Veteran outreach projects, which allow Congressman Wittman to hear directly from local Veterans about issues facing their community.\r\n            \r\n            \"No one is better qualified to serve our Veterans than Veterans themselves,\" Rep. Wittman said.\"I am honored to welcome John to the staff and know he will serve First District Veterans with the same selflessness and dedication he displayed during his military service to our Nation.\"\r\n            \r\n            \"I'm excited to join Congressman Wittman's staff as a Wounded Warrior Fellow and look forward to assisting my fellow veterans to ensure they receive the benefits they earned and deserve,\"Kuhnle said.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            John Kuhnle served in the Marine Corps as a Field Artillery Senior Sergeant, as well as a Substance Abuse Control Officer. A resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Kuhnle also worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as a contactor with Linden Resources. \r\n            \r\n            The Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within member offices. The program is limited to veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, with less than 20 years of service and have a minimum 30% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.\r\n            \r\n            # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2347", "Wittman Votes in Favor of Farm Bill", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Votes in Favor of Farm Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 13, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Wittman Votes in Favor of Farm Bill\r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018: \r\n            \r\n            Food security is national security. This bill keeps family farmers and foresters that live right here in the First District in mind by providing them certainty and stability as they continue to provide food and fiber to markets across the world. Agriculture and forestry is one of the most important economies in the Commonwealth, employing over 442,000. This Farm Bill provides solid support for our rural economies and provides low cost foods to consumers.\r\n            \r\n            Many rural Americans have little to no access to broadband, and, here in Virginia, almost 29 percent of people living in rural areas lack access to any broadband service at all. We often take our access to high-speed internet for granted. This bill helps rural communities to combat the opioid crisis and improves broadband delivery services in rural areas to the unserved. As major priorities of mine, I am thrilled that these provisions were included, and I was proud to vote for them. H.R. 2 also contained important forestry management reforms that will be critical to protecting our communities from future wildfire destruction.\r\n            \r\n            This bill includes much-needed reforms to promote work and individual success and self-sufficiency. By strengthening work requirements, more and more people are encouraged to pursue opportunities. Our economy is booming. As we have learned month after month through job reports, new jobs are created every day across the country. We must now connect Americans with those jobs to get them back on their feet. I have been working to bridge the skills gap between what the marketplace has and what our employers need. I think that work can be applied here and I hope this will further empower states to bridge that gap as well.\r\n            \r\n            H.R. 2 the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed the House by a strong bipartisan vote of 369 to 47 and is headed to the president's desk for his signature. \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.\r\n            \r\n            # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399065", "Griffith Statement on Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill:\r\nI voted yes on the 2018 Farm Bill to provide stability and continuity for our important agricultural industry. Although I remain concerned about some of the bill's provisions and its omissions, many farmers in the Ninth District depend on programs that this farm bill renews.\r\nI think the final version of the farm bill is a missed opportunity. It leaves out important reforms, including work requirements for able-bodied adults in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and forestry provisions on western lands, that have strong support in the House and among the public.\r\nFurther, the conference report includes an extraneous change to the definition of interstate stalking. The farm bill appears to make crossing interstate lines to harass pets, including rodents, fish, and turtles, a felony. This provision is so poorly defined that one could possibly be prosecuted for throwing a rock at a fish in a koi pond.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2344", "SURVEY: Should Congress fund the wall?", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SURVEY: Should Congress fund the wall?  \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 12, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Friend-\r\n            In order to avoid a partial government shutdown, Congress must pass a government funding bill by December 21st. President Trump has indicated that he will not sign a funding bill unless it funds a southern border wall. That being said, I want to know what you think.\r\n            Do you think a government funding package should include funding for a southern border wall? \r\n            [_]Yes\r\n            [_] No\r\n            [_] I don't know\r\n            [_] Other\r\n            \r\n            Your opinion helps shape how I represent you in Washington.\r\n            Sincerely,\r\n            Rob\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"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399064", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.10.18", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Help for Sexual Assault Victims\r\nBefore the 115th Congress concludes, the House of Representatives will take up an important bill I cosponsored with Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), the Megan Rondini Sexual Assault Victims Protection Act.\r\nThe namesake of the bill was a student at the University of Alabama. One night, Megan was raped by a man from a prominent local family. She went to the local hospital and reported the incident to the police, but the hospital did not have the proper resources to deal with sexual assault, and the police soon focused on infractions they believed she had committed.\r\nThe district attorney did not pursue a case against Megan's attacker, and her emotional and mental state declined. She transferred universities, but still, the rape and its aftermath haunted her, and ultimately, she took her own life.\r\nMegan's story shows that we have to do better for sexual assault victims. The bill introduced in her name will help.\r\nUnder the provisions of the Megan Rondini Sexual Assault Victims Protection Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) would set up a task force to identify the barriers that block access to sexual assault forensic examiners, sexual assault nurse examiners, and other forensic medical examiners. The task force would help states improve their ability to gather evidence.\r\nWhen this bill becomes law, by July 1, 2019, the HHS website would include resources and best practices developed by stakeholders for responding to sexual assault, and an annual summit would be convened by the Secretary to address gaps in health care regarding sexual assault.\r\nImproving responses to sexual assault cases will also be the subject of an upcoming hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, of which I am Vice Chairman. We will examine the availability of Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE kits) and sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) in hospitals.\r\nBy improving access to proper resources and professionals trained in responding to sexual assault, we can help support the victims of these heinous crimes.\r\nThe Greatest Generation\r\nThe nation paused for several days to say goodbye to George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, who died on November 30.\r\nIn one sense, his passing was a rare event. He was one of only 44 people who have held the office of president since the Constitution went into effect in 1789, and the last president to pass away was Gerald Ford in 2006. Further, he was only the second president to also be the father of a president, following John Adams and his son, John Quincy.\r\nBut in another sense, this event was all too common. President Bush was one more of the World War II veterans who are rapidly slipping away from us. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs projected in November that only 496,777 World War II veterans remained alive, and 348 of them pass away each day.\r\nPresident Bush's service in World War II would have been noteworthy even if he did not subsequently have the illustrious life he led. He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday and become one of the youngest aviators in the Navy. While flying in a mission over Chi Chi Jima in 1944, his plane was hit by Imperial Japanese antiaircraft fire. The plane completed its mission before Bush had to bail out; while the other crew members were killed, he parachuted into the Pacific Ocean and was rescued by a U.S. submarine after several hours on a raft.\r\nThe death of President Bush came only days after Ray Chavez, the oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor, passed away at the age of 106. When asked by CNN about how much he thought of the events of December 7, 1941, and his service, he said, \"Every day. And not hysterical or mean thoughts about it -- it was great. But it never goes away. All of what you see and learned.\"\r\nFor the first time since the attack, this year's remembrance ceremony at Pearl Harbor included no survivors of the USS Arizona, the battleship most devastated by the air raid. Five survivors remain alive, but none could return to commemorate the date which will live in infamy.\r\nJournalist Tom Brokaw famously labelled them The Greatest Generation, and their accomplishments were incredible  not only the heroism of their wartime service, but their contributions upon coming home. As we honor President Bush, let us also honor all the members of his generation who gave so much on behalf of our country.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399063", "Griffith Statement on Trade Adjustment Assistance for Bristol Compressors Employees", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Labor certified that employees of Bristol Compressors are eligible to benefits through trade adjustment assistance:\r\nThe closure of Bristol Compressors disrupted the lives and financial situations of the company's employees, their families, and the Bristol area. While the job losses still hurt, trade adjustment assistance through the Federal Government can alleviate some of the impact. I encourage employees to apply, and my office stands ready to assist employees in the application process.\r\nIndividual employees will have to check with the Department of Labor to determine the benefits for which they are eligible. Employees can check the Department of Labor website at https://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-announces-fifth-district-congressional-app-challenge-winner-0", "GARRETT ANNOUNCES FIFTH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNERS", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Tom Garrett announced today the winning team of the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Virginia's Fifth District. This year, Congressman Garrett was thrilled to see the participation double from last year. Three freshmen from Cumberland County High School were selected as this year's winners: Jessica Kotulak, Patricia Murrill and Emilia Czeizinger for their production of Cat's Big Adventure. After learning of their accomplishment, Mrs. Mary Larson, who teaches the students Dual Enrollment Computer Literacy class said the following:\n\tThey created Cat's Big Adventure in a program that they had no experience with prior to the Congressional App Challenge. They learned it quickly and just took off and ran with it -- coding, testing, debugging, and retesting. These young ladies work amazingly well as a team and I was extremely impressed with the way that they played to their personal strengths and assigned themselves roles that truly contributed to their success as a whole. They have told me that they are already starting to think about what they will create for next year's Congressional App Challenge. We are all very proud of them!\n\tThe winners from Cumberland County High School submitted the following statements:\n\tEmilia Czeizinger (15): I was the main coder in our group. At home, I have two precious cats named Willow and Munchago. They were possibly the biggest inspiration for me while making this. Our group was able to work well together because we are great friends and have good chemistry.\n\tJessica Kotulak (14): I was a tester/debugger in our group. During my free time, I enjoy reading, writing stories, and listening to music. I believe our group worked well together due to the strong friendship between all of us.\n\tPatricia Murrill (15): My role was a tester/debugger in the group. I usually spend most of my free time working on self-made projects. It also took us some time to come up with an idea for what to do, but we eventually did-- the three of us have been good friends for a few years now and work well together.\n\tAdditionally, Garrett would like to recognize Gavin Morse and Mason Young from the Covenant Christian Academy in Warrenton, VA as the second place winners the for their app called CCA Event Organizer. Kristen Caleb and Aryanna McCoy from Cumberland County High School won third place for their development of Unicorn Jumpy.\n\tThe winning app can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEf8wopMJsg&feature=youtu.be\n\tMore information on the congressional app challenge: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2338", "ICYMI: A survey and note from your Congressman", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Rob Wittman\r\n                           \r\n                            @RobWittman\r\n                            11 minutes ago\r\n                           \r\n                        \r\n                      \r\n                      A true legacy of service. #Remembering41 https://t.co/ZyYRT0j3TN", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399061", "Griffith Statement on Death of Former President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding the death at age 94 of former President George H.W. Bush:\r\nThroughout his long life, George H.W. Bush served our country with honor and dignity. Enlisting on his eighteenth birthday, he became the youngest fighter pilot in the Navy in World War II and endured having his plane shot down. His career in public office included some of the highest, but also some of the most difficult, jobs the American people can bestow. As the 41st President, George Bush guided the ship of state through significant challenges at home and abroad. Through it all, he exhibited grace, good humor, and fidelity to his duties.\r\nOur country will miss this great patriot. The Bush family is in my prayers as they sustain this loss.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush", "Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We are saddened to hear of the passing of George H.W. Bush and our prayers are with his family and many friends. President George H. W. Bush, the last president of the greatest generation, was a man of great character and deep patriotism. His life and legacy of service was unmatched. From serving as the youngest WWII pilot, a Member of Congress, Ambassador to the U.N., Ambassador to China, CIA Director, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Vice President, and President, he always served with distinction. History will remember this humble, decent, and courageous man well. - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399060", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.30.18", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation often begins with a concern or a question from a constituent. He or she draws on experiences or ideas to identify matters that need fixing: something the Federal Government does, something it could do better, or something it does not do that should be considered.  \r\n\r\nThe following story, which inspired a bill I have introduced, is a sad one.\r\nI attended the Washington County fair this year on several occasions, and at one point while there I was approached by a grieving grandmother named Fern Puckett. She pulled me aside and asked to speak with me privately for a moment. Ms. Puckett then related the details of a family tragedy, compounded by an unfair consequence of the laws currently on the books.\r\nShe spoke about her daughter, who went for a regular checkup when she was eight months pregnant. As the medical team started doing their tests, it was clear something was wrong, and the doctor soon informed her that her baby had died. The doctors induced labor, she went through active childbirth, and gave birth to her stillborn child. She spent hours cradling her baby. The family then made arrangements for the baby's burial.\r\nThe loss of this baby was a tragedy. Unfortunately, this was one of about 24,000 stillbirths that occur annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stillbirths constitute about 1% of all pregnancies, and when they occur, the reasons for them are frequently unclear.\r\nThe tragedy was made more difficult for the family by the different treatment of stillborn babies under the law compared to children who, even if dying tragically minutes after birth, were born alive. Parents of the latter are eligible for the Child Tax Credit for one year, but parents of the former are not.\r\nAs Ms. Puckett pointed out, this is unfair to the families of stillborn babies. The mother carries her baby for months, the family prepares for the baby's arrival (room preparation, cribs, clothes, etc.), and even though the child has died, the families are subject to bills for their and their child's care throughout the pregnancy. In addition, some families of stillborn babies pay for funerals, as Ms. Puckett's family did. All told, the bills amount to a substantial financial expense. The emotional costs can't be quantified but are high, and the financial costs are also difficult.\r\nAs she told her story, I teared up. The grandmother asked if I could do something about this situation. At the end, I told her that she was right and that I intended to see what could be done.\r\nAs a result of that conversation, I introduced a bill to extend the Child Tax Credit for the year of birth to the parents of an involuntarily stillborn baby. The legislation uses the Centers for Disease Control definition of stillbirth as the loss of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy. When a mother carries a baby for that length of time, she should be eligible for the same benefits as a mother whose child passed away shortly after birth. And when parents are eligible for the Child Tax Credit for a whole year if their child arrives at 11:59pm on December 31, the parents of a stillborn baby should benefit from the Child Tax Credit for a year as well.\r\nThe time to act in this Congress is growing short, so I intend to reintroduce this legislation at the beginning of the next Congress as well. It is important as a matter of fairness to address the different treatment for the parents of stillborn babies, so I am committed to pursuing this bill.\r\nHopefully, few parents will have to cite this reason to claim the child tax credit when my bill passes. The Centers for Disease Control notes that medical advances have sharply reduced late and term stillbirths over the past 30 years, but there are thousands of stillbirths that still occur without a clear medical explanation.\r\nFern Puckett said of the bill, I recognize that this is not going to help us, but hopefully it will help someone in the future. As long as stillbirths remain an unfortunate possible outcome of pregnancy, the parents should be treated fairly.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-passes-legislation-honor-fallen-soldier", "Garrett Passes Legislation in Honor of Fallen Soldier", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, Representative Tom Garrett successfully passed legislation through the House of Representatives to honor a fallen military hero from Virginia's Fifth District, Captain Humayun Khan. H.R. 3184designates the United States Post Office in Charlottesville, VA as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office. This legislation now heads to the Senate for a vote amidst bipartisan work in conjunction with both Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to ensure it will reach President Trump's desk before the 116thCongress commences. \n\tLast year, Garrett introduced this bill alongside H.R. 3183which was signed by President Trump this summer and honors Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby from Palmyra, VA. Upon introduction of these bills last year, Rep. Garrett stated the following:\n\t\"Today, we honor two brave American patriots who sacrificed everything serving the country they loved. Shining light upon their heroic efforts pales in comparison to the respect and admiration they deserve, but I hope this will serve as a tribute to their memory and to remind everyone of our selfless service men and women who put on this nation's cloth everyday to defend our nation.\"\n\tCaptain Humayun Khan was an American soldier in the United States Army who was killed on June 8, 2004. One hundred and twenty days into his tour in Iraq, Khan was inspecting a guard post near Baqubah when a taxicab began approaching quickly. Ordering his subordinates away, Khan ran toward the vehicle and was killed when the bomb with which it was fitted exploded. Captain Khan was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.\n\tBorn in the United Arab Emirates to Pakistani parents, Capt. Khan moved to the United States with his family as a young boy. He attended the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Upon graduating in 2000, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Army and deployed as a captain to Iraq during the Iraq War. In 2004, Khan was assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 201st Forward Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in Vilseck, Germany. Upon enactment of this bill, the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2150 Wise Street in Charlottesville, Virginia, will be renamed teh \"Captain Humayun Khan Post Office\". \n\tInformation regarding the introduction of these bills in 2016 may be found here.\n\tMore details are forthcoming regarding official ceremonies for the newly named post offices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1312", "Goodlatte Announces Sixth District Service Academy Nominations", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The service academies provide a quality education and builds strong leaders. I am confident that those selected for an appointment will serve the United States with distinction.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) announced his nomination of several students from the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia to our nation's service academies as members of the graduating Class of 2023. A nomination must be received in order to compete for an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or U.S. Naval Academy. Congressman Goodlatte released the following statement:  The United States' military has produced some of our country's most distinguished leaders. It is my honor to nominate these students to compete for an appointment to our nation's service academies. These young men and women display a willingness to protect and defend the United States, and for that, I applaud them. The service academies provide a quality education and builds strong leaders. I am confident that those selected for an appointment will serve the United States with distinction. I wish them the best and thank them again for being willing to serve their country.  Sixth District Nominations for the Class of 2023 U.S. Air Force Academy Alan Arnesen, son of Mark and Marie Arnesen, is a senior at Stonewall Jackson High School and a resident of New Market.  Mason Cobbler, son of Kenneth and Melissa Cobbler, is a senior at Hidden Valley High School and a resident of Roanoke.  Zachary Kucharski, son of David and Annette Kucharski, is a senior at Kolbe Academy and a resident of Harrisonburg.  Sarah Mayerchak, daughter of Michael and Mary-Phyllis Mayerchak, is a senior at Faith Christian School and a resident of Roanoke.  Malcom McIntyre, son of Sandra Kay Miller, is a senior at Spotswood High School and a resident of Penn Laird.  Nathan Sylvia, son of Dan and Karen Sylvia, is a senior at Randolph-Macon Academy and a resident of Stanley.  U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Gabrielle Reed, daughter of Douglas and Tracie Reed, is a senior at Bath County High School and a resident of Warm Springs.  Nathan Sylvia, son of Dan and Karen Sylvia, is a senior at Randolph-Macon Academy and a resident of Stanley.  U.S. Military Academy at West Point  William Crandall, son of David and Ellen Crandall, is a senior Hidden Valley High School and a resident of Roanoke.  Cem Durmaz, son of Chutatip and Ahmet Durmaz, is a senior at Hidden Valley High School and a resident of Roanoke.  Alexander DiSalvo, son of Anthony and Ania DiSalvo, is a senior at Cave Spring High School and a resident of Roanoke.  Lillian Hereford, daughter of William and Alison Hereford, is a graduate of Stuart Hall School, a student at Bridgewater College, and a resident of Staunton.   \r\n\r\nU.S. Naval Academy  Steven Hanley, son of Richard and Amy Hanley, is a senior at Riverheads High School and a resident of Stuarts Draft.  Nathan Marraccini, son of Joseph Marraccini, is a graduate of EC Glass High School, a student at Virginia Tech, and a resident of Lynchburg.  Crawford Enyart, son of Bob and Caitlin Enyart, is a senior at Cave Spring High School and a resident of Roanoke.  Brendan Murray, son of Michael and Nina Murray, is a graduate of Jefferson Forest High School, a student at Pennsylvania State University, and a resident of Forest.  Gabrielle Reed, daughter of Douglas and Tracie Reed, is a senior at Bath County High School and a resident of Warm Springs.  Jack Sherman, son of Andrew and Christine Sherman, is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School, a student at the University of Virginia, and a resident of Roanoke.  Paul Kuehler, son of Joseph and Teresa Kuehler, is a senior at Roanoke Catholic School and a resident of Roanoke.  Nathan Stewart, son of Chris and Janelle Stewart, is a senior at Randolph Macon Academy and a resident of Edinburg.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2316", "Poll: What's next?", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Rob Wittman\r\n                           \r\n                            @RobWittman\r\n                            11.22.2018\r\n                           \r\n                        \r\n                      \r\n                      We have so much to be thankful for here in the United States. I hope we never lose sight of that. Happy Thanksgivin https://t.co/u9SdXKLxOQ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399059", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.23.18", "2018-11-23", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Southwest Virginia is open for business. That's the message I heard in November, as several companies announced expansions or new operations around the Ninth District.\r\nIn Montgomery County, the tech company 1901 Group, founded by a Virginia Tech alumnus, plans to add 580 jobs at its Blacksburg operations center over the next three years. The company provides cloud-based information technology (IT) services, and federal contracts make up much of its business. According to the Roanoke Times, 1901 Group's CEO Sonu Singh advocates for bringing the tech industry to rural areas.\r\nIn Bluefield, AMRPEMCO, which produces electrical and power distribution equipment, will expand its manufacturing operation, purchase new equipment, and add 75 new jobs.\r\nIn Lebanon, the Maryland-based TDEC opened a data entry service office, hiring twelve people and planning to hire more.\r\nThese announcements are only the latest economic expansions in the Ninth District. Other major investments revealed earlier this year included 212 new jobs in Henry County with the arrival of Press Glass and a $248 million manufacturing upgrade by WestRock in Covington and Alleghany County.\r\nEmployers recognize the assets we have: a low cost of living, a high quality of life, institutions of higher learning, and transportation accessibility, among others. As a result, they want to stay here and base their operations in our area.\r\nRecent job expansions here also reflect what is taking place at the national level, with unemployment across the country at historic lows and businesses feeling confident about their prospects.\r\nThese positive economic trends were stimulated at least in part by tax cuts and regulatory restraint by the Federal Government. As I travel across the Ninth District, I have heard business owners attribute some of their success to these policy choices.\r\nHow do we keep the good news on jobs coming?\r\nOne answer is to prepare for the future. While people need the right jobs, jobs also need the right people. The economy of our era increasingly depends upon technology, so prospective employees need the skills suitable for them to thrive. These skills primarily come through education, which brings us to the Southwest Virginia link to a national news story.\r\nWhen the tech giant Amazon announced locations for new headquarters facilities, it opted for New York City and Arlington County's Crystal City. But as part of the agreement for Amazon to set up shop in Crystal City, Virginia Tech will launch an Innovation Campus nearby to promote technology education and research.\r\nAs part of its orientation in this direction, Virginia Tech will also increase enrollment at the Blacksburg campus by 2,000 students in fields such as computer science and software engineering. More students, and more staff to support them, will drive economic growth.\r\nMore importantly in the long term, as these students graduate, Southwest Virginia will have a pool of jobseekers prepared for the emerging economy.\r\nThe earlier items in this column showed that employers are ready to invest in our communities. When more of our people have the job skills they seek, the pull to our area becomes that much greater.\r\nI hope that many of these students will stay in our area to build the economy of the future. Virginia Tech is leading the way forward, and its example shows how our institutions of higher learning contribute to our economy.\r\nTechnology jobs will not be the only jobs, of course, and four-year degrees are not the only way to gain job training. To that end, Congress passed earlier this year the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21stCentury Act to improve these educational opportunities.\r\nAs I noted in a column earlier this year, and as AMRPEMCO's expansion in Bluefield affirms, the manufacturing sector is enjoying a resurgence nationally and in our area. But manufacturing jobs have evolved over the years, and better career and technical education will help applicants for these jobs be prepared.\r\nPositive jobs news benefits more than the employees and employers of those businesses. It means new jobs for suppliers and small businesses serving the community. And of course, it means more money for lots of families, and more that can be spent in our community. I hope the latest spate of good news will continue.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399056", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.16.18", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Most Virginians and most Americans are familiar with the words of Patrick Henry, Give me liberty or give me death! Fewer are familiar with where he said it.\r\nWhen he uttered his famous declaration to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, Williamsburg was still the capital of Virginia, but it remained under control of the British authorities led by the King's representative, Lord Dunmore.* So to meet freely, delegates to the convention gathered at St. John's Church in Richmond.\r\nI thought of this son of our Commonwealth, and his meeting place in particular, while attending a recent Congressional Prayer Breakfast.\r\nA guest at the breakfast was Tunne Kelam, a citizen of Estonia who today represents his country in the European Parliament.\r\nEstonia celebrated its 100th anniversary of independence this year. As a small nation in the Baltic region, Estonia was long a part of the Russian Empire. In the wake of World War I and the collapse of Russia's tsarist regime, Estonia declared its independence and repelled an attempt by the newly-formed Soviet Union to subdue it.\r\nUnfortunately, Estonia would find itself twenty years later caught between the socialist Nazis and the communist Soviets, two of the worst tyrannies ever to afflict humanity. During World War II, the Nazis and the Soviets would both occupy Estonia, murdering thousands of its people and sending thousands more to the death or labor camps.\r\nYet these calamities and the ensuing decades of Soviet oppression following World War II did not crush the spirit of the Estonian people. They rejected the attempts of the Soviets to eradicate Estonian culture and sought to restore the independence they had once enjoyed.\r\nMr. Kelam was one of the Estonians determined to see his country free again. In 1988, he joined with others to form the Estonian National Independence Party. This was a milestone on the road back to independence, and he was at the meeting that formed the party. Just like that meeting in Richmond over two hundred years before, these patriots met in a church.\r\nThere are other links between this story and our American one, too. Mr. Kelam told the prayer breakfast that they drew inspiration from the fact that the United States refused to recognize Soviet rule over Estonia. He took comfort that the greatest democracy in the world didn't accept that they had been extinguished as a nation.\r\nOne of the things we celebrate on Thanksgiving is that we became that greatest country ever based on democratic principles. Over the centuries, people have come to our country for the same things the Estonians who rejected Soviet rule wanted: the right to govern ourselves, to speak according to our consciences, and to live in peace with whichever faith we practice, among others.\r\nIn our country, we have flourished while securing these rights, so taking a national day to give thanks is entirely appropriate.\r\nWhile Virginia's Thanksgiving occurred in 1619 at Berkeley Plantation, many of the famous Thanksgivings in our history have occurred during momentous times for our democracy. The Pilgrims were celebrating the survival of their colony in 1621; George Washington issued his Thanksgiving proclamation in the first year of the Federal Government under the Constitution; Abraham Lincoln instituted the annual custom of Thanksgiving amid the Civil War. Perhaps it is during trying times that we should be most thankful for the blessings we do possess.\r\nTunne Kelam's story certainly caused me to reflect on the things we can be grateful for in America. I hope you will reflect on them, too, when we join our family and friends around the table this Thanksgiving. The words of the classic Thanksgiving hymn We Gather Together still say it best:\r\nWe gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;  \r\nHe chastens and hastens His will to make known;  \r\nthe wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;  \r\nsing praises to His Name, He forgets not His own.\r\nDuring the Thanksgiving season, I hope that each and every one of you will have safe travels, find those things for which you can be thankful, and remember that in our nation of broad and diverse beliefs, we can celebrate America by giving thanks for the things which bind us.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n*Lord Dunmore would be chased from Virginia the next year by the Ninth District's own Andrew Lewis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399058", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.16.18", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Most Virginians and most Americans are familiar with the words of Patrick Henry, Give me liberty or give me death! Fewer are familiar with where he said it.\r\nWhen he uttered his famous declaration to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, Williamsburg was still the capital of Virginia, but it remained under control of the British authorities led by the King's representative, Lord Dunmore.* So to meet freely, delegates to the convention gathered at St. John's Church in Richmond.\r\nI thought of this son of our Commonwealth, and his meeting place in particular, while attending a recent Congressional Prayer Breakfast.\r\nA guest at the breakfast was Tunne Kelam, a citizen of Estonia who today represents his country in the European Parliament.\r\nEstonia celebrated its 100thanniversary of independence this year. As a small nation in the Baltic region, Estonia was long a part of the Russian Empire. In the wake of World War I and the collapse of Russia's tsarist regime, Estonia declared its independence and repelled an attempt by the newly-formed Soviet Union to subdue it.\r\nUnfortunately, Estonia would find itself twenty years later caught between the socialist Nazis and the communist Soviets, two of the worst tyrannies ever to afflict humanity. During World War II, the Nazis and the Soviets would both occupy Estonia, murdering thousands of its people and sending thousands more to the death or labor camps.\r\nYet these calamities and the ensuing decades of Soviet oppression following World War II did not crush the spirit of the Estonian people. They rejected the attempts of the Soviets to eradicate Estonian culture and sought to restore the independence they had once enjoyed.\r\nMr. Kelam was one of the Estonians determined to see his country free again. In 1988, he joined with others to form the Estonian National Independence Party. This was a milestone on the road back to independence, and he was at the meeting that formed the party. Just like that meeting in Richmond over two hundred years before, these patriots met in a church.\r\nThere are other links between this story and our American one, too. Mr. Kelam told the prayer breakfast that they drew inspiration from the fact that the United States refused to recognize Soviet rule over Estonia. He took comfort that the greatest democracy in the world didn't accept that they had been extinguished as a nation.\r\nOne of the things we celebrate on Thanksgiving is that we became that greatest country ever based on democratic principles. Over the centuries, people have come to our country for the same things the Estonians who rejected Soviet rule wanted: the right to govern ourselves, to speak according to our consciences, and to live in peace with whichever faith we practice, among others.\r\nIn our country, we have flourished while securing these rights, so taking a national day to give thanks is entirely appropriate.\r\nWhile Virginia's Thanksgiving occurred in 1619 at Berkeley Plantation, many of the famous Thanksgivings in our history have occurred during momentous times for our democracy. The Pilgrims were celebrating the survival of their colony in 1621; George Washington issued his Thanksgiving proclamation in the first year of the Federal Government under the Constitution; Abraham Lincoln instituted the annual custom of Thanksgiving amid the Civil War. Perhaps it is during trying times that we should be most thankful for the blessings we do possess.\r\nTunne Kelam's story certainly caused me to reflect on the things we can be grateful for in America. I hope you will reflect on them, too, when we join our family and friends around the table this Thanksgiving. The words of the classic Thanksgiving hymn We Gather Together still say it best:\r\nWe gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;  \r\nHe chastens and hastens His will to make known;  \r\nthe wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;  \r\nsing praises to His Name, He forgets not His own.\r\nDuring the Thanksgiving season, I hope that each and every one of you will have safe travels, find those things for which you can be thankful, and remember that in our nation of broad and diverse beliefs, we can celebrate America by giving thanks for the things which bind us.\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. 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*Lord Dunmore would be chased from Virginia the next year by the Ninth District's own Andrew Lewis.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399055", "Griffith Statement on $3,000,000 Grant for Broadband in Scott County", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced a $3,000,000 grant for broadband in Scott County:\r\nImproved broadband access in rural areas is critical to economic development. Today's grant announcement is great news for homes and businesses in Scott County. I was pleased to have supported this $3,000,000 investment, which will open doors to new opportunities.\r\nBackground\r\nGriffith sent a letter of support for this project. He has also cosponsored legislation to improve rural broadband and urged President Trump to include rural broadband in an infrastructure package.\r\nUSDA Rural Development is supporting this project through its Community Connect Grants program. The $3,000,000 investment will be used to deliver state of the art services to 554 households and 20 businesses in the Nickelsville area. It will also establish a community center for residents to access computer terminals and WiFi for free.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399054", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.9.18", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Honoring Our Veterans\r\nEach November 11, our country honors Veterans Day. It is a way we can show our gratitude for those brave men and women who put on the uniform to protect us and the freedoms we cherish.\r\nThis year's observance holds a special significance, for it is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the combatants stopped fighting.\r\nWorld War I is less remembered by Americans than other conflicts, and its last American veteran, Frank Buckles, died in 2011. It was nevertheless a momentous event in our history, and one which inflicted a painful toll.\r\nThe bloodiest battle in all American history was not Gettysburg or Iwo Jima but the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, fought in France from September 26, 1918 to the end of the war. Even on the last day, when the fighting stopped at 11am, more Americans died than would fall on D-Day in World War II.\r\nIn its time, World War I was sometimes referred to as the war to end all wars, but we know now all too well that this wasn't the case. But while there are still wars, there are also still men and women who step forward to protect us, even to make the highest sacrifice if necessary.\r\nSo on Veterans Day 2018, we remember those who fought in the war that ended a century ago, as well as in all our wars. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that over 40,000 veterans currently live in the Ninth District; if any are part of your family or live in your neighborhood, take the time to thank them.\r\nUnfinished Business for the 115th Congress\r\nAmericans have cast their votes in the 2018 midterm elections and members of the next House of Representatives have been chosen. There is still work for the current House to do, however, before the next Congress takes office in January.\r\nFunding for parts of the Federal Government expires on December 7. Congress had previously passed several spending bills, including Energy and Water, Labor/Health and Human Services/Education, Veterans Affairs, and Defense, and President Trump signed them into law. Remaining spending bills include Agriculture, Interior and Environment, and Homeland Security.\r\nAs part of funding the rest of the government, President Trump has insisted that money for a wall protecting the southern border be included. I agree that this funding should be provided. When referring to a wall, I don't mean only a physical wall but other tools, such as technology, to enhance border security. More border security is important for the integrity of our immigration system.\r\nFunding the government will be a major focus for the remainder of this Congress, but not the only one. I urge action on other priorities for the American people and the residents of the Ninth District.\r\nMany farmers in the Ninth District benefit from programs such as crop insurance in the farm bill, which is reauthorized roughly every five years. Both the House and the Senate have passed their own versions of this important agriculture legislation, but it is important that a final version be agreed upon so we can send the 2018 farm bill to the President.\r\nThe National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) affects Ninth District residents who live in areas subject to flooding. It expires on November 30. The NFIP needs to be extended, and I hope that a bill to do so will also include reforms to improve the program for the future.\r\nThe 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has led to economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs. President Trump has suggested another round of tax cuts for middle-class households. I am ready to work with my colleagues to find ways that let middle-class Americans keep more of their money.\r\nI also hope for further action on my bill reforming the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program. This legislation, which has already passed the Environment Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, streamlines overly-complex regulations governing how some facilities update equipment that causes air pollution. If passed, it would promote efficiency while still protecting the environment.\r\nAs the 115th Congress nears its close, we will continue working on these priorities for the safety and well-being of Americans.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1310", "Goodlatte Statement on the USDA\u2019s Investment to Improve Rural Electric Infrastructure", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the United States Department of Agriculture's announcement to invest $1.6 billion in rural electric utility infrastructure projects:I want to congratulate the BARC Electric Cooperative in Millboro, Virginia for being included in the USDA loan and loan guarantee program announcement this week. This $13,000,000 loan will connect the BARC offices with five substations, improving distribution grid operations and the reliability of their service to both residential and commercial consumers. It is important for rural areas to have dependable and upgraded electricity systems. I am glad that the USDA decided to invest in the betterment of this Sixth District business.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1309", "Goodlatte Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation:Thank you to Attorney General Sessions for his years of public service to our country, which included his commitment to the defense of human life at all its stages, the security of our borders and interior, and the protection of our country. He will leave a strong legacy at the Department of Justice, upon which his successors can continue to build a strong law enforcement apparatus and implement the President's national security and criminal justice policies.\" I wish Matt Whitaker well in his new role as Acting Attorney General, and I look forward to working with him during this time of transition.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1208", "Rep. Brat Helps Orange County Make Major Strides Implementing Rural Broadband", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Orange, Va. --Today, Congressman Dave Brat congratulated Orange County on making major strides in implementing rural broadband. The Office of Rep. Brat helped Orange County receive a waiver from the FCC allowing them to complete their fiber installation.\r\nAccess to high-speed internet is integral to the future of Virginia's 7th District. Our kids need it for their education. Our businesses need it to stay competitive in the 21st century. Our families need it to access the online marketplace. My staff and I have made a commitment to improve rural access to broadband, and I am happy to report we were able to help secure this important, new FCC waiver for Orange County. This is just the beginning. I look forward to helping other counties in the 7th District find their own unique solutions for obtaining broadband access. said, Rep. Dave Brat.\r\nThe Orange County Board of Supervisors thanked Congressman Brat and his team for their help.\r\nWe thank Congressman Brat and his staff for assisting and advocating on behalf of Orange County to successfully obtain the needed waiver from the Federal Communications Commission for us to complete our fiber optics project, said James K. White, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1199", "Rep. Brat Introduces New Bill Designed To Protect Veterans", "2018-10-30", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representative Dave Brat (R-VA) announced he is introducing a new veterans bill titled, Tally Bill. The bill would bring VA independent contractors under the medical malpractice procedures for other federal employees and increase accountability for both employees and contractors who provide care to our veterans.\r\nThe \"Tally Bill\" is named after Brian Tally, a former Marine who experienced misdiagnosis, neglect, and malpractice at the VA that led to lifelong spinal injuries. Brian was never even given the chance to make his case to be compensated because of bad public policy.\r\nBrian experienced injustice at the hands of an independent contractor, and due to a public policy loophole he was never able to be fully compensated for his injuries. This is wrong, and my legislation would ensure it does not happen to veterans in the future,said Rep. Dave Brat.\r\n\"It's too late for me to ever have my wrongs righted, but it's not too late for other veterans. My story cannot go to waste. We must change this shameful loophole to protect all veterans.\" - Brian Tally\r\nBrian Tally went to the VA for debilitating back pain in January 2016. At the VA, he was seen by an independent contractor who sent him home with a bag of pills for the pain. Soon after, Brian's condition got much worse, and he began fearing for his life. He paid out of pocket for an MRI, and Brian learned he had a staph infection in his spine  an ailment a doctor could have found through a simple blood test.\r\nBrian went back to the VA and was able to get an emergency operation through the VA Choice Act, but it was too late. The infection had caused permanent damage to his spine  leaving Brian crippled for the rest of his life.\r\nOf course, Brian filed a claim at the VA. But the VA determined the fault was due to the independent contractor and not a VA employee, so his only recourse was to sue the contractor in state court for medical malpractice. By the time all of this was sorted, however, the statute of limitations had already run out, and Brian was prohibited from filing suit and receiving compensation. If the malpractice had been done by a VA employee, he would have had an additional year to bring his case in federal court.\r\nBrian's story is heartrending. This should not have happened to him. And I hope we can make sure it does not happen to anyone else,Rep. Brat continued.\r\nThe \"Tally Bill\" would include VA independent contractors under the Federal Tort Claims Act so that veterans who have been misdiagnosed, neglected, or have experienced malpractice will not be left without recourse.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399049", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.29.18", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On October 24, President Trump signed into law a landmark bipartisan bill to fight the opioid crisis.  \r\n\r\nCalled the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, this legislation takes a comprehensive approach to the opioid crisis. It helps with treating addiction, reduces the availability of illegal substances, and advances the development of non-addictive painkillers.\r\nI was proud to make significant contributions to this legislative process. Language I introduced to improve state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) was included in the final version of the law. These reforms will make it easier for states to share and compare information, and ultimately will help doctors make more informed decisions as they prescribe drugs to their patients.\r\nThe House and the Senate each passed this new law with overwhelming bipartisan support, a sign of our commitment to solving this crisis. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act resulted from an extensive legislative process. But it is not the end of our work.\r\nTo start, some of the law's provisions are for pilot programs that, if successful, offer a basis for further use. One example is the authorization for comprehensive treatment centers. I believe these centers will benefit people struggling with addiction, and this pilot program should be expanded and more centers authorized in the future.\r\nThe investigations continue into how so many pain pills could be available with so little apparent concern about where they were headed. As Vice Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I have been an active participant in these examinations.\r\nSo far, we have conducted an extensive inquiry into how small towns in West Virginia received millions of pills. The investigation has included grilling drug distributors and officials with the Drug Enforcement Agency about their oversight of suspiciously large orders of pain pills.\r\nMore recently, we have opened an investigation into some questionable practices of drug manufacturers; for instance, some have understated the addictive capabilities of their products, or used inappropriate, even illegal, tactics in selling them. We need answers from these manufacturers: what did they know about the addictiveness of their products, and when did they know it?\r\nI joined with the bipartisan leadership of the Committee in sending opioid manufacturers what I call a nastygram that demands they turn over specific information. If they do not give us the information the American people deserve, my colleagues and I are ready to use the powers we have, including subpoenas if necessary, to get these answers.\r\nThe same week President Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, I participated in a roundtable discussion on opioid misuse in rural Virginia convened in Abingdon. It was sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and included federal, state, and local leaders as well as medical professionals.\r\nIn my remarks, I observed that a one-size-fits-all approach to the opioid crisis will not work. Each community is different. Rural communities have different challenges than urban areas.\r\nPart of our discussion focused on what we can do to help rural communities rehabilitate people who overcome addiction. Sometimes a person who has battled addiction has to start from scratch: finding a new job, housing, and means of transportation. In rural areas, these assets are not always close at hand. It is important that we develop recovery friendly workplaces and housing options so recovering addicts have safe, welcoming points of entry back into full participation in our communities.\r\nTim Thomas, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, observed at the roundtable that Appalachians are 65% more likely than other Americans to die as a result of addiction.\r\nThat's a sobering statistic, and a reminder of the importance of this effort. So, too, are the questions and stories I hear from you. Constituents ask me often about what we are doing to battle opioid addiction. Many have experience with it because a family member or friend has battled addiction. Some have lost loved ones to addiction.\r\nThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act provides critical tools for those fighting the scourge of opioids. But it is also in our communities that the most important actions are taking place. Let us continue to work together to turn the tide of this devastating epidemic.\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 at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.\r\n*Absent significant developments out of Washington, due to the election there will not be a column next week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399050", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffith's Ninth DistrictSTAFFwill be available at the following locations during the month ofNovember: November 1, 2018\r\nCovington: 9:00 am  10:30 am \r\nCity of Covington Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA 24426 Alleghany County: 11:00 am  12:30 pm\r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA 24422 Roanoke County: 2:00 pm  3:30 pm\r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Rd  \r\nRoanoke, VA 24019 November 5, 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\nClintwood, VA 24228 November 7, 2018  \r\nWise County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Ave. E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219 Norton: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm\r\nCity Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Ave NW  \r\nNorton, VA 24273 November 8, 2018  \r\nTazewell County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nTown of Bluefield Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA 24605 Tazewell County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm (Tazewell)\r\nAmerican Legion Building  \r\n226 Central Ave.  \r\nTazewell, VA 24651 November 13, 2018  \r\nPatrick County: 9:30 am  11:00 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\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA 24112 Henry County: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm\r\nBassett Historical Center   \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA 24055 November 14, 2018  \r\nRussell County: 9:30 am  11:00 pm\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 November 15, 2018  \r\nFloyd County: 9:30 am  11:00 am\r\nTown of Floyd Offices  \r\n134 Wilson St SE  \r\nFloyd, VA 24091 Pulaski County: 2:30 pm  4:00 pm\r\nPulaski County Library  \r\n60 3rd St. NW  \r\nPulaski, VA 24301 November 19, 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 Lee County: 2:00 pm  4:00 pm\r\nLee County Sheriff's Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n33640 Main Street  Suite U101  \r\nJonesville, VA 24263 November 20, 2018  \r\nTazewell County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm (Richlands)\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 November 26, 2018  \r\nWise County: By Appointment\r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Ave. E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA 24219 November 28, 2018  \r\nBland County: 9:30 am  11:00 am\r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA 24315 Wythe County: 12:30 pm  2:00 pm\r\nWythe County Sheriff's Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA 24382 Pulaski County: 2:30 pm-4:00 pm (Dublin)\r\nTown of Dublin Offices  \r\n101 Dublin Park Roads  \r\nDublin, VA 24084 November 29, 2018  \r\nCraig County: 10:00 am  12:00 pm\r\nCraig County Administration Bldg.  \r\n108 Court Street  \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 ** 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"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399048", "Griffith Statement on Tree of Life Congregation", "2018-10-27", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement regarding the attack on the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh:\r\nThe violent attack on the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh was a display of evil and hate. No one should have to fear for his or her life because of how they worship.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1198", "Rep. Brat Celebrates New Law Addressing Opioid Crisis", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Dave Brat released the following statement:\r\n\r\nYesterday, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act was signed into law by President Trump. This comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic included my legislation that recognizes early childhood trauma related to substance abuse and will help promote whole-family and multi-generational approaches in treating opioid addiction. In Virginia, drug overdoses kill more people than motor vehicle accidents and gun deaths. This human cost is not calculable. But we can calculate the total 'economic burden' of opioid misuse, estimated at $78.5 billion a year. While Democrats are focused on Resistance, Republicans in Congress have been working to solve many of our nation's most painful problems. In this Congress, House Republicans have passed 49 bills that amount to a $4 billion investment in combating the opioid crisis. I remain committed to working with the recovery community to combat this epidemic and to ensure more of these federal resources make it to the places that are doing the most good.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-receives-award-manufacturing-legislative-excellence", "Comstock Receives Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after she received the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. Per NAM, the NAM Award is given to those members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate who have earned a 70 percent or higher rating on key manufacturing votes as recorded in the 2017-2018 NAM's 115th Congressional Voting Record.\n\"I appreciate this strong support of our Manufacturers. I have worked tirelessly with our manufacturers to fight to bring jobs back home and for a regulatory environment that allows them to thrive so American innovation can be unleashed in our country. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we passed has spurred 4.2% economic growth in this last quarter and our manufacturers now have near record high levels of optimism and projected wage growth is the fastest pace in nearly 2 decades. The highest priority for the majority of our manufacturers is to retain a quality workforce and we will continue working to reform the regulatory landscape to create more good-paying jobs in Virginia. The wake of the recent tax reform legislation we passed has boosted economic enthusiasm and brought about unprecedented opportunities nationwide. I am pleased to have a strong partnership with our manufacturers so we can keep on this track of economic growth so families and businesses continue to reap the results we have and for which we will continue to work.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/landmark-opioid-legislation-signed-law", "Landmark Opioid Legislation Signed Into Law", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after landmark opioid legislation was signed into law:\nI joined President Trump and the First Lady at the White House for the bill signing of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT Patients and Communities Act, with a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, NIH Director Francis Collins, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman, and other Cabinet Members and Administration officials.\nThis is the culmination of years of work by thousands of people to address our nation's opioid crisis. As a member of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, I have advocated for Federal policies that support our local law enforcement, healthcare treatment providers, and help address the root cause of this epidemic. Congress appropriated unprecedented funding of $6 billion this year to address this public health crisis and included as part of H.R. 6 are provisions of my bill, H.R. 5473,the Better Pain Management Through Better Data Act,to facilitate better clinical data and standards on non-opioid alternatives. I got to speak with NIH Director Collins about the research that NIH is doing on non-opioid alternatives and the increased funding we provided for it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399046", "Griffith Statement on Political Violence", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement in response to the news that potential explosive devices were sent to the homes of Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama, to CNN, and to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL):\r\nViolence is never acceptable, but it is particularly appalling when it occurs in place of the debate and deliberation upon which self-government depends. We can disagree strongly yet civilly in the public square and at the ballot box, but violence directed against political opponents has no place in a free society.\r\nI would also like to express my gratitude to the first responders who are on the front lines when cowardly attempts to silence political speech are made.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399047", "Major Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Opioid Epidemic Signed Into Law", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after President Trump today signed into law H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act:\r\nFor all who are fighting the opioid crisis, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act delivers help. It includes tools to treat addiction, reduce the availability of illegal substances, develop non-addictive painkillers, and gather more information about this epidemic.\r\nI was proud to be part of the major bipartisan effort that produced this law. It does not end with President Trump's signature. Working together across party lines, between all levels of government and with the private and nonprofit sectors, we can help people overcome or avoid opioid abuse.\r\nBackground\r\nTheSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Actis the result of a bipartisan agreement between the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is a final product of months of legislative work, including dozens of bills passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House of Representatives. The House passed this legislation on September 28, 2018, and the Senate passed it on October 3, 2018.\r\nIt includes two bills introduced by Congressman Griffith and previously passed by the House:\r\n \r\n    H.R. 5812, theCreating Opportunities that Necessitate New and Enhanced Connections That Improve Opioid Navigation Strategies (CONNECTIONS) Act, which improves federal support for state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and provides for enhanced collection of substance abuse data.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 5801, theMedicaid Providers Are Required To Note Experiences in Record Systems to Help In-need Patients(PARTNERSHIP) Act, which incorporates PDMP data into the clinical workflow of Medicaid providers.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/loudoun-county-library-joins-gpo-program-keeps-america-informed-federal", "Loudoun County Library Joins GPO Program That Keeps America Informed On The Federal Government", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) welcomes Loudoun County Public Library (LCPL) in Northern Virginia to the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Congresswoman Barbara Comstock designated the library as a Federal depository. As a member of the FDLP, LCPL will provide its customers with free digital access to Federal Government information. LCPL has been named one of America's best public libraries by Library Journal two years in a row. It is made up of nine branches and is the only library in Virginia's 10th Congressional district to have joined the FDLP.\nI was honored to designate Loudoun County Library as a Federal Depository Library, said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA). Through this designation, the Loudoun County Library will now be able to distribute materials from the federal government, the largest publisher in the world. As a part of this program, Loudoun County Library will better serve the Northern Virginia community, and it will be a tremendous asset to researchers in the region.\nYou may read the Government Publishing Office's full press release here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1307", "Goodlatte Statement on the Enactment of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, President Donald Trump signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bicameral, bipartisan bill that combats the opioid crisis.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, President Donald Trump signed into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bicameral, bipartisan bill that combats the opioid crisis. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the bill's enactment.Families and communities across the United States have been devastated by the opioid crisis. This crisis is a national emergency and we need a comprehensive response to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses. The federal government alone cannot solve this crisis, but today, with President Trump signing into law the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, we are providing more resources to help prevent addiction and provide treatment options for those addicted to opioids. I thank President Trump for his leadership on this issue and I was honored to be present at the White House for the signing today. Additional Background: In 2016, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act was signed into law. The law, which contains several Judiciary Committee products, strengthens the enforcement of our nation's drug laws, provides tools to combat addiction, offers appropriate treatment and care to addicts so that they can begin to reclaim and rebuild their lives, and leverages existing programs to accomplish these goals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2278", "Wittman Holds Two CTE Symposiums", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Holds Two CTE SymposiumsWASHINGTON  This week, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) held two Career and Technical Education (CTE) Symposiums. The first took place on Monday at Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg and the second in Mechanicsville at American Legion Post 175. The purpose of these symposiums is to connect education institutions with local businesses and the private sector, and to help ensure the curriculum for our students reflects the needs of the workforce.Strengthening America's education system is important in fostering innovation and promoting our economic security, said Wittman. Currently, businesses across America are facing a severe talent shortage due to a lack of vocational education and technical training. One of my top priorities is promoting CTE and STEM programs as a way to cultivate skillsets needed in today's workforce and connect students with good-paying jobs. We must better prepare our students and provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in a global economy.  CTE Symposium at Germanna in Fredericksburg  In May, Congressman Wittman held his first symposium at the University of Mary Washington's Stafford campus, where, again, teachers, businesses, students, and education officials came together to discuss partnership opportunities and ways Congress can help our students cultivate tangible skill sets. With students facing record education-related debt averaging $37,000, and less than 30 percent of college graduates working in jobs related to their major, CTE offers a great alternative.  These symposiums are a great way for students to see what opportunities are available to them after high school, said Wittman. For many students, a traditional four-year path simply doesn't work. By 2020, demand for STEM jobs will be higher than any other occupational focus including healthcare and the service industry, with an estimated 9 million jobs. Almost of half of these jobs will require less than a four-year degree, paying an average of 15% more than non-STEM related jobs to people with similar academic background. It is our responsibility to prepare students for the demands of our current society and to provide unemployed Americans with an outlet to reintegrate into the workforce. I will continue working for what is right for our students. CTE Symposium American Legion Post 175 in Mechanicsville Congressman Wittman supported the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which is now signed into law. The Perkins CTE program controls over $1 billion in grants for federal, state, and local CTE programs. The reforms include expanding access to CTE programs, helping schools create partnerships with the business community so students can cultivate skills in demand by the labor market, improving and modernizing schools' CTE programs, and giving states and localities more control over how to spend CTE dollars.  Last year, Congressman Wittman's legislation, the Domestic Maritime Centers of Excellence Act, passed the House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and was signed into law by President Trump. This bill advances the capabilities of two-year community and technical colleges to assist the federal government and industry in securing the talent pipeline for domestic maritime industry jobs. This bill not only helps promote participation in STEM and CTE, but will create a talent pipeline for our shipbuilders and repairmen in order to sustain and grow our Navy's Fleet. 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=399045", "Griffith Hydropower Legislation Signed Into Law", "2018-10-23", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after President Trump today signed into law legislation that includes his bill, thePromoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act:\r\nI am glad that President Trump has signed into law my legislation making commonsense reforms to licensing for closed-loop pumped storage hydropower projects. These projects provide renewable energy and can potentially use existing infrastructure, including abandoned mines. Enactment of this legislation opens doors for economic development and for an all of the above' energy policy.\r\nBackground\r\nThePromoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act streamlines the licensing process imposed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for closed-loop pumped storage hydropower projects. It was signed into law as part of theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, a product of bicameral agreement between the House and the Senate.\r\nThe House passed the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 on September 13, and the Senate passed it on October 10.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399044", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.22.18", "2018-10-22", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prescription Drug Costs\r\nPreviously, I reported in this column that two bills meant to combat high drug prices had passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate. I am happy to say that President Trump has since signed them into law.\r\nTheKnow the Lowest Price Act of 2018and thePatient Right to Know Drug Prices Act ban gag clauses, which are sometimes imposed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on pharmacists and can lead to customers paying higher prices for prescription drugs.\r\nThese bills easily passed the House and the Senate, and President Trump voiced strong support for them as he signed them into law. These were the Senate versions of legislation I worked on in the Energy and Commerce Committee with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Buddy Carter (R-GA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Gene Green (D-TX), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). They are bipartisan wins for transparency in drug pricing.\r\nGood News for Manufacturing\r\nAmerica's economic strength is often associated with manufacturing, and manufacturing jobs are often associated with well-paid, steady work.\r\nRight now, manufacturing is enjoying a resurgence nationally and in the Ninth District.\r\nAt the national level, U.S. manufacturing capacity increased for the sixteenth straight month in September. Crucial policy changes, such as the rollback of excessive regulations both by Congress and by the Trump Administration and enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, are fueling this boom.\r\nPrudent regulation and the cutting of excessive red tape allow those companies to devote more attention and resources to their businesses rather than complying with overly-prescriptive governmental dictates.\r\nBy making America's tax code more competitive with the rest of the developed world, companies have more reasons to open or expand manufacturing operations in the United States.\r\nFurther, we changed the tax code to make it easier for American companies who profit overseas to bring those profits back to the United States for investment, wage increases, etc.\r\nWages are up. The American people are confident about their economy, and they are buying more goods, manufactured goods.\r\nBetter policies at the federal level encourage this manufacturing boom. We can share in this national manufacturing renaissance. Good economic news from the past months shows that we are in fact sharing in the growth.\r\nThe Roanoke Times highlighted that the Volvo plant in Dublin has added 300 new workers since the beginning of September and 900 new workers overall since the beginning of the year. As manufacturing swings upward, more trucks are needed to move goods, therefore increasing sales of big rigs like the ones produced in Dublin.\r\nOther companies with established operations in the Ninth District are expanding, too. I have participated in these announcements. The paper and packaging company WestRock announced in September that it will be investing $248 million to upgrade its manufacturing operations in Covington and Alleghany County. WestRock's choice to invest millions indicates a long-term commitment to its manufacturing operations in our area.\r\nIn Henry County, Monogram Foods also announced in September a $30 million expansion, which will lead to the creation of 300 new jobs. This is Monogram's latest expansion in Henry County.\r\nNot only are manufacturers with an existing presence here investing in and expanding their operations; companies have found our area ideal for establishing new operations. This happened in Henry County, where Press Glass, a flat glass manufacturer headquartered in Poland, will invest $43.55 million and create 212 jobs.\r\nPress Glass saw what the other companies knew from their operations here. We have the workforce and the infrastructure a manufacturer needs to succeed.\r\nAs I visit businesses across the district, investments are being made and jobs are being created.\r\nWe also are working together at the local, state, and federal level to build on these assets for further growth. One example where this is occurring is Project Intersection in the City of Norton, a site being developed for future manufacturing operations. It is a product of regional cooperation through Norton and the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson. Federal contributions have included a $3.5 million grant through funding I secured in the Abandoned Mine Land reclamation program and $917,315 from the Appalachian Regional Commission.\r\nThanks to the individuals who took risks to start manufacturing goods in the United States, manufacturing helped build this country into a great economic power, and it provided many families with stable, well-paying jobs. Recent months show that by implementing better policies and leveraging the right assets, manufacturing can thrive once again, in Virginia and across the nation.\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"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1190", "Rep. Brat Takes Part in Opioid Forum", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Chesterfield, Va. --Today, Congressman Dave Brat had the opportunity to co-host an open, honest conversation with Sheriff Karl Leonard and 100 inmates in recovery from opioid abuse.\r\n\r\nAs a Christian, we love the least of these --we visit those in prison. As a Member of Congress, one of the most moving experiences I have in this job is talking with recovering men and women fighting to rebuilding their lives.Sheriff Leonard has become one of the leading voices in our community for his efforts combating the opioid epidemic and the work he has done helping addicts find recovery.\"\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBrat has made helping opioid victims a centerpiece of his time in Washington. Hisbill was included in the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act which passed the House and Senate and was sent to the President's desk to be signed into law. Brat also introduced legislation to get more money to recovery programs that are fighting this epidemic.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399043", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.15.18", "2018-10-15", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Health Tidbits\r\nBefore the start of the 2019 fiscal year on October 1, the House of Representatives passed several appropriations bills combined with a Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal Government. They have since been signed into law by President Trump.\r\nI voted for the Continuing Resolution. The Continuing Resolution was combined with appropriation bills for the Departments of 1) Labor 2) Health and Human Services 3) Defense, and 4) Education.\r\nThese combined bills funded many important things. Today I'm focusing on some of the important health priorities.\r\nAmong them: funding for black lung clinics. For the 2018 fiscal year, I introduced an amendment along with Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) to provide $10 million for black lung clinics, the most funding ever provided for them. Fiscal year 2019 built on that success by providing $11 million to treat those suffering from black lung, an increase of $1 million.\r\nFurther, $1.63 billion in funding was provided for Community Health Centers. These centers are vital for treating many residents of the Ninth District, where 31 centers serve 76,000 patients according to 2017 data. These funds come in addition to $4 billion previously appropriated to Community Health Centers for the 2019 fiscal year.\r\nFinally, $6.7 billion was provided to fight and treat substance abuse and increase access to mental health services. The money is going to agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not always but oftentimes, substance abuse and mental health issues overlap.\r\nEvery time we debate a bill this large, there are good things I call candy apples and bad things I call toads. In this case, the above-mentioned items were the candy apples that offset the toads.\r\nFlu Season\r\nThe flu season is approaching. Young children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the flu, but it can strike anyone.\r\nLast year's flu season was lengthy and severe, according to the CDC, causing high levels of hospitalization and emergency room visits. Tragically, it included the highest number of flu-related deaths reported in children during a single season in many years.\r\nInfluenza is an enduring threat to health in part because it is difficult to predict. The genetic material in flu viruses constantly changes.\r\nFor that reason, flu vaccines vary in effectiveness and must be reformulated each year. Manufacturers have to anticipate the genetic composition of the upcoming season's prevalent flu strains so they can produce vaccines in time. If their estimate is off, the vaccine's effectiveness declines.\r\nOne way vaccine creators prepare for a flu season is looking at the flu strains in Australia. As winter occurs there while summer takes place in the Northern Hemisphere, its flu season offers clues about what may lie in store for us. However, if the flu strains that hit us here differ substantially, it may be too late to change the vaccine for large-scale production.\r\nLast season's vaccination effectiveness varied depending on the flu strain. Vaccines for the dominant strain, H3N2, had a relatively low rate of effectiveness.\r\nOngoing research may provide a nimbler response to flu viruses. One key might lie in how vaccines are developed. At present, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves three methods for manufacturing the flu vaccine: egg-based, cell-based, and recombinant-based.\r\nThe most common manufacturing process for vaccines is egg-based. These vaccines take about 22 to 24 weeks to produce and are responsible for 80 to 85% of the flu vaccines manufactured.\r\nEgg-based vaccine production has been used for more than 70 years. Other forms of vaccine manufacture can be produced faster. The FDA approved cell-based vaccine manufacturing in 2012; this production process takes about sixteen to seventeen weeks. Recombinant flu vaccine manufacturing, approved in 2013, can produce vaccines even faster, taking about twelve to fifteen weeks.\r\nIf vaccines are produced faster, they can better respond to the virus strains seen once flu season commences.\r\nFor those who take the vaccine, it ought to be the most effective for that particular flu season, which is why some other members of the Energy and Commerce Committee and I have been pushing the FDA, the CDC, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (part of the National Institutes of Health) on ways to increase use of faster vaccine manufacturing methods.\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. 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/comstock-statement-bill-woolf-being-presented-presidential-award-his", "Comstock Statement on Bill Woolf Being Presented With Presidential Award For His Work Fighting Human Trafficking", "2018-10-13", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement praising former Fairfax Detective Bill Woolf for being presented with the Presidential Award and Medal for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons:\nWe have been blessed to work with Detective Bill Woolf over the years in combatting human trafficking in our schools and communities and will continue to partner with him and learn from his expertise in battling dangerous traffickers that threaten the lives of young children and some of the most vulnerable in our area. Detective Woolf has been a partner with us throughout our fight against human trafficking since we worked with him on my bill in the state that increased the penalties on gang members who traffic women and children. This year we passed landmark legislation to crackdown on online human trafficking by predators who target our children by reaching into our homes through computers and other devices. said Congresswoman Comstock. Detective Woolf is a selfless partner in this fight and I look forward to continuing to collaborate on how we can eradicate human trafficking on all fronts in our communities.\nIt has truly been an honor to have been able to work alongside Congresswoman Comstock in the fight against human trafficking, she has been a true champion for the cause. I am also humbled to have received this award. The work we do at Just Ask Prevention is driven by a shared vision of a world where all children are free to achieve their full potential without the threat of being trafficked or exploited. -Former Fairfax Detective Bill Woolf, Executive Director, Just Ask Prevention.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-taylor-pharmacy-gag-orders-bad-health-care", "Rep. Taylor: Pharmacy Gag Orders Bad for Health Care", "2018-10-13", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- This week, the White House announced that President Trump signed two bills into law that would remove gag order clauses from contracts between pharmacies and insurance companies. These clauses prohibit pharmacists from informing their customers that they can save money by paying the lower cash price for pharmaceuticals rather than the price given by their insurance plans.\nThe first bill, S. 2553, the Know the Lowest Price Act of 2018, prohibits a prescription drug plan under Medicare or Medicare Advantage from restricting a pharmacy from informing an enrollee of any difference between the price, co-payment, or coinsurance of a drug under the plan and a lower price of the drug without health-insurance coverage.The second bill, S. 2554, the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act, ensures that health insurance issuers and group health plans do not prohibit pharmacy providers from providing certain information to enrollees.\nEarlier this year, Congressman Scott Taylor cosponsored the House companion bill for these two pieces of legislation, H.R.4808, the Transparent Health Care Pricing Act of 2018, which aims to create the same kind of transparency between consumers, pharmacies and insurance companies.\nPharmacy gag orders are the antithesis of transparency. I am very pleased the President has decided to act on these bills passed by Congress and sign them into law. By making health care prices publicly available, we can empower consumers and spur competition which will ultimately bring down health care costs for everyone and increase accountability,\"said Congressman Scott Taylor.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-taylor-lauds-restoration-lafayette-river", "Rep. Taylor Lauds Restoration of Lafayette River", "2018-10-12", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- This week, the city of Norfolk celebrated the restoration of the oyster habitation in the Lafayette River. The Lafayette River is the first to meet the standards of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement by achieving an oyster density goal of 50 oysters per square meter. Virginia entered this regional agreement in order to prioritize local ecosystem restoration and meet state and federal standards of oyster reefs. Through environmental efforts by the Elizabeth River Project, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and many other partners, the Lafayette River has increased its fish and wildlife ecosystems, in addition to the oyster restoration. These environmental organizations began restoration efforts in 2010 through extension of the oyster reefs, which occurred through inputting 70 million baby oysters onto the concrete reef extensions in the river.\nMonday's celebration signifies the beginning of environmental efforts to better the Chesapeake Bay's tributary rivers.The Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth, Lynnhaven, Piankatank, lower York, and Great Wicomico are other major Virginia Rivers in the Chesapeake Alliance, which has a goal of restoring 10 billion oysters by the year 2025 to restore the land and bodies of water surrounding the Chesapeake Bay through work with local organizations, businesses, and government.\nThe restoration of the Lafayette River marks an important achievement for our district.Local organizations and volunteers have worked tremendously hard over the past decade, in accordance with environmental standards, to clean our waterways, restore ecosystems, and build new habitats. The restoration of the Lafayette River is further testament to that work and reflects the priorities of our coastal district. As Representative for Virginia's Second Congressional District, I will continue to be an advocate for safeguarding and restoring the waterways within our district and the Commonwealth at large,\"said Congressman Scott Taylor.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399040", "Griffith Applauds $917,315 ARC Grant for Project Intersection in Norton", "2018-10-11", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced a $917,315 grant to the LENOWISCOPlanning District for development of the Project Intersection industrial site in Norton:\r\nThe Project Intersection industrial site in Norton is in a great position to attract new manufacturing and industrial operations to the coalfields. Today's ARC grant provides additional funding for developing the site. It continues the cooperation between the federal, state, and local levels to realize this site's potential and bring jobs and investment to our area.\r\nBackground\r\nIn addition to the ARC grant, $3.5 million in federal funding for the project was previously announced in August 2018. That funding was part of $20 million Griffith has secured for a pilot program to fund abandoned mine land reclamation in Virginia, specifically focusing on economic development.\r\nGriffith has long been a supporter of ARC and its mission. He has testified and submitted letters expressing his support during the appropriations process and voted for ARC funding, including in fiscal year 2019's Energy and Water House appropriations bill.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399039", "Senate Passes Griffith Hydropower Legislation", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate today passed legislation including his bill, thePromoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act:\r\nClosed-loop pumped storage hydropower is a source of renewable energy that can be harnessed with infrastructure, including abandoned mines. These projects could bring jobs and energy to Southwest Virginia, but current regulatory policy imposes a great burden. I introduced legislation to streamline the licensing process, and I am glad to see the Senate pass my common sense regulatory improvements today as part of a water infrastructure bill.\r\nBackground\r\nThePromoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Actwas included as part of theAmerica's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, a product of bicameral agreement between the House and the Senate. Today's Senate vote follows House passage of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 on September 13. The bill now goes to President Trump for his signature.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-statement-reinstatement-metro-employee", "Comstock Statement On Reinstatement Of Metro Employee", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after an ATU Local 689 worker was reinstated as an employee after being fired for falsified track inspection reports:\nReinstating a track inspection supervisor who approved falsified inspection reports is an unconscionable decision that puts the lives of Metro riders at risk. Employees who falsify safety reports have no place in a major transit system such as WMATA, especially in the wake of recent passenger deaths and train derailments that have plagued the system. Anyone complicit in falsifying safety reports, from track workers to management, must go.\nThe fact that the leadership of the Metro union challenges decisions to fire negligent employees is just another example of poor judgment at the expense of Metro riders. Current policies that allow for this must be changed to protect the riding public.\nI have fought for Metro funding and safety reforms so our region can have a safe transportation system on which residents can rely as they go to work every day. With this federal investment comes a responsibility to support policies that ensure a safer system, and that begins with rooting out the bad apples that exploit union protections and ignore basic safety foundations in a transit system that can and should be a nationwide example for excellence.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1303", "House RFS Leaders Respond to Trump\u2019s Decision to Lift Ban on E15 Summer Sales", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Steve Womack (R-Ark) released the following statement on President Trump's proposal to lift a federal ban on summer sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol:Efforts to prop up the ethanol industry have been a well-intentioned flop, and today's announcement from the current administration will profoundly impact consumers. By proposing to allow the sale of high-level ethanol blends during summer months, the administration has chosen to support a one-sided solution that further helps ethanol producers while punishing hardworking Americans.  U.S. families, food producers, businesses, and livestock farmers stand to experience the harmful impacts of more ethanol forced on the market through detrimental effects on vehicles, small engines, feed prices, and energy sustainability. Our coalition has worked to develop an array of bipartisan initiatives to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard in a comprehensive manner. We urge the administration to reconsider this proposal and to allow Congress the opportunity to advance legislative solutions that truly work for all stakeholders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-scott-taylor-calls-congressional-investigation-tricare-dental-program", "Rep. Scott Taylor Calls for Congressional Investigation Into TRICARE Dental Program on Behalf of Active Duty Military Families", "2018-10-10", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Scott Taylor sent a letter this week to the Chairwoman and Ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations requesting an investigation into the historically-low reimbursement rates under TRICARE's Dental Plan that has forced many providers to end their practice of servicing military families.\nVirginia's Second Congressional District, represented by Congressman Taylor, is home to eight major military installations, including the largest naval base in the world, and one of the largest active duty and retired military populations in the United States.\nOver the past year, dozens of constituents have come forward alleging that the dental plan, currently administered by United Concordia, is forcing many Active Duty Military Families in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia to seek care out-of-network due to an insufficient number of providers who accept the plan. Providers have also weighed in, saying that the fees collected through the TRICARE dental plan have been lowered in recent years, leading many providers to no longer accept military families. In many cases the fees do not even cover the overhead costs required to perform routine dental procedures.\n\"Our office has heard from dozens of service members, their families, and dental providers over our time in office. Clearly, the new TRICARE contract's reimbursement rates are not sustainable for providers, thus forcing them to withdraw from the network and creating an unacceptable burden on our military families,\"said Congressman Scott Taylor.\nThe letter requests that the Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations launch an investigation to determine whether or not the current TRICARE Dental plan is meeting its commitment of providing a robust network of qualified dental care providers that addresses the dental care needs of Active Duty Military Families in Virginia's Second Congressional District and across the greater Hampton Roads region.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1302", "Goodlatte Praises the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court", "2018-10-09", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement upon the Senate's confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be the next associate justice to the Supreme Court of the United States.Judge Brett Kavanaugh has proven himself to be one of the most qualified jurists to be nominated to the Supreme Court. He has demonstrated his commitment to interpret the Constitution the way it was written, as well as his faithfulness to the rule of law throughout this long and daunting confirmation process. President Trump has made an excellent nomination to fill the seat of Justice Anthony Kennedy, and I have no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will serve the Court admirably as the next associate justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399029", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.5.18", "2018-10-05", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As you know, I serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The following are some of the issues we are working on.\r\nProgress on Prescription Drug Prices\r\nHigh prescription drug prices are a burden on many Ninth District residents. There are a variety of reasons why prices have soared, but one necessary factor in order to bring them down is transparency.\r\nThanks to legislation that has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, transparency will be coming to drug prices. Both chambers of Congress passed the Know the Lowest Price Act of 2018 and the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act. These bills prohibit gag clauses, which I have discussed in this column before.\r\nIn some circumstances, a person could save money by paying cash for a prescription instead of using health insurance, but gag clauses imposed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have prohibited pharmacists from telling their customers that information.\r\nThis practice is unfair, and I was an original cosponsor of the Know the Cost Act to ban gag clauses. This legislation was unanimously voted out of the Energy and Commerce Committee in September and is similar to the bills that later passed the House and the Senate, both of which are supported by President Trump.\r\nMore work remains to be done to make prescription drugs affordable, but banning gag clauses and encouraging transparency will help achieve this goal.\r\nCaring for New Mothers\r\nThe death of any new mother in childbirth or due to its complications is a tragedy. Unfortunately, such tragedies have occurred more frequently in recent years in the United States.\r\nAmong numerous indicators of this trend, a 2016 report found a near-27 percent increase in the maternal mortality rate for 48 states and Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2014.\r\nThe House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee, on which I serve, held a recent hearing to look more closely at this disturbing trend. We heard testimony from medical professionals and advocates, including a man who had lost his wife after she gave birth via cesarian section due to inattention by medical staff.\r\nWe examined draft legislation, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2018, with the hope of reducing these tragedies.\r\nTo address the problem, we first need better information. This legislation improves data collection on maternal mortality. Having more comprehensive information would serve the Ninth District well by letting us compare data at a regional and national level. This would be accomplished by reporting this information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When an area is near several states, as ours is, having information only at the state level offers limited benefits.\r\nRising maternal mortality in America is a troubling trend. We can and will do better.\r\nEnergy Security\r\nEnergy powers our country's economy, our national security, our leisure and recreational activities, almost our entire way of life. Because energy is pervasive, it is vulnerable to risks, whether accidents, natural disasters, or people who wish to do harm.\r\nThreats to energy infrastructure require vigilance on the part of government and the energy industry. Vulnerabilities need to be assessed, plans need to be made for contingencies, and awareness needs to keep up with threats that constantly evolve. In a wireless world, cyber threats are as real a danger as physical threats.\r\nThe Energy Subcommittee I serve on recently held a hearing to consider this important topic, featuring testimony from the U.S. Department of Energy's Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.\r\nI used my time to ask the Assistant Secretary about pipeline security, a topic critical for American energy security and personally meaningful for Ninth District residents with property currently crossed by or near pipelines and residents in the pathway of new pipelines.\r\nTechnology exists that can sense problems, such as leaks, where they occur. The same technology can tell you when someone is walking, driving, or shoveling near the pipeline. Requiring this technology to be added to any new pipelines and any pipelines that are being repaired would be a great asset for ensuring the security of vast lengths of pipelines. Accordingly, I urged the Assistant Secretary to look at it as a solution.\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. 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/comstock-statement-federal-employee-pay-raise", "Comstock Statement On Federal Employee Pay Raise", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement on the proposed federal employee pay raise, for which she fought:\nI am pleased that an agreement has been reached to provide our federal employees with the raises they have earned and deserve. This is an important complement to our providing the largest pay raise to our military in almost a decade and it is a strong sign of our respect and support for the essential work done by our federal employees. I appreciate the support of Chairman Frelinghuysen and Chairman Graves in working with us to achieve this important priority, said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA). With our strong, booming economy, it is essential that we keep our federal salaries competitive so we attract the talent in the civilian workforce that is needed for our national security, homeland security, law enforcement, and medical research jobs and more. The pay freezes that occurred for 3 years during the Obama Administration hurt our federal employees and we will continue fighting for competitive compensation and work with the coalition of Members throughout the country who represent our federal employees  5 out of 6 of whom live outside the Washington Metropolitan area.\nNARFE appreciates the Congresswoman's hard work and dedication to advance a modest pay raise for federal employees in 2019. While her efforts were supported by a bipartisan group of members of Congress, Representative Comstock's leadership on this issue should be commended. A modest increase in pay not only acknowledges America's hardworking, middle-class federal employees, but also serves as an investment that will help maintain and strengthen the federal workforce and align it more competitively with the private sector, commented NARFE National President Richard G. Thissen.\nTimeline Of Events  August 30th - Administration announces a proposed pay freeze for civilian federal employees in 2019.\nAugust 30th - I contacted White House immediately to let them know of my strong opposition and relayed my concerns about how this negatively impacted our quality federal workforce. I was the first Member of Congress in the local delegation to oppose this proposed pay freeze. I spoke with the Appropriations committee and House leadership to have the House agree to the Senate increase in pay if the White House does not reverse their decision.\nAugust 31st - The President said he'll reportedly reconsider this decision.\nSeptember 7th - I joined with a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues in asking the President to reiterate on behalf of our collective constituencies to reconsider canceling the federal civilian employee pay raise", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/opioid-legislation-passes-senate-comstock-provisions", "Opioid Legislation Passes Senate With Comstock Provisions", "2018-10-04", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after H.R. 6,the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act,legislation to address our nation's heroin and opioid crisis, passed the Senate.\nToday Congress has taken a bipartisan, commonsense step in addressing our nation's heroin and opioid crisis by overwhelmingly passing H.R. 6, theSUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This legislation will make a tangible and immediate difference in the lives of those battling addiction, the families supporting loved ones struggling with substance use disorder, and healthcare treatment providers helping the sick get well. I am pleased that Congress has finally recognized that the deadly epidemic of opioid addiction requires a multipronged approach drawing on the resources of our entire community, including the need to develop non-addictive treatment alternatives.\nI am pleased that provisions of my bill to facilitate better clinical data and standards on non-opioid alternatives, H.R. 5473, the Better Pain Management Through Better Data Act,were included in the final legislation. Medical use of opioids should be a decision that is made with care and these provisions will better inform the choices made by patients and physicians who need accessible data when considering treatments. Addiction is a disease.As our friend and recovery advocate, Nick Yacoub says, this is about sick people getting well.With more prescribing options and fewer prescribed opioids, we can lower the risk of addiction. I'm pleased that the President will be signing this legislation into law, ensuring help for our communities battling this crisis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399028", "Griffith Applauds $133,665 Grant to Roanoke County Public Schools for Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $133,665 grant to Roanoke County Public Schools as part of the STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program:\r\nChildren should be safe as they learn and grow at school. I was proud to support the STOP School Violence Act, which provides federal support for this goal. Roanoke County Public Schools will receive $133,665 of these funds for training to prevent violence and to care for those coping with mental health emergencies. These resources will help secure our schools as safe and welcoming places in our communities.\r\nBackground\r\nThe STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, managed by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, was authorized by the STOP School Violence Act. Griffith supported this legislation when it passed the House of Representatives in March.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1156", "Rep. Brat Introduces Resolution Honoring Mt. Zion Baptist Church on its 160th Anniversary", "2018-10-03", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representative Dave Brat (R-VA) announced he introduced a resolution in Congress (H. Res. 1112) to honor and congratulate Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orange County, Va. upon the occasion of its 160thanniversary.\r\n\r\nMt. Zion should take pride in its rich, meaningful history. From its inspiring beginnings to becoming a pillar in its community, Mt. Zion has been home to generations of faithful disciples living out the Gospel,said Rep. Dave Brat.It is an honor to recognize this special church community and give it the acknowledgement it's due.\r\n\r\nH. Res. 1112, the resolution introduced by Rep. Brat, also recognizes the rich history of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and its impact on Locust Grove, Virginia, and the surrounding community.\r\n\r\nMt. Zion Baptist Church formed out of a Prayer Band that met in the home of Maria and Peter Armstead in Locust Grove, Virginia before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. In 1858, Reverend Tibbs (the Prayer Band's third spiritual leader) named the newly built sanctuary Zion Baptist Church, later referred to as Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Colored), and is now called Mt. Zion Baptist Church.\r\n\r\nSince 1858, Mt. Zion's congregants have continued in service to their Lord  believing, trusting, praising and growing in their faith.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399027", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.1.18", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A recent award ceremony including a Southwest Virginian at the Library of Congress reminded me of our region's rich musical heritage. The course of American music was shaped by traditions, people, and places found within the borders of Virginia's Ninth District.\r\nThe Southwest Virginian honored in Washington is Eddie Bond of Fries, among the foremost practitioners of old-time fiddling. In June of this year, the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) announced that he won a National Heritage Fellowship. The NEA bestows this award for great artists engaged in our country's traditional and folk arts, and they recognized this year's recipients at a September 26 ceremony at which I was honored to give brief remarks.\r\nEddie comes from a musical family, and he has truly devoted his life to the art of old-time fiddling. The National Heritage Fellowship is only the latest recognition of his talent and hard work. I encourage you to check out the NEA's website, which features more on his background as well as some of his recordings.\r\nIn 1984, another Southwest Virginia native earned the National Heritage Fellowship. The legendary Ralph Stanley was notable for his unique voice, banjo playing, and prodigious output (1,300 recorded songs). He was born in Dickenson County, an origin reflected in the name of the group he performed in alongside his brother Carter, the Clinch Mountain Boys.\r\nRalph and Carter helped pioneer the genre of bluegrass music. After Carter died at the age of 41 in 1966, Ralph continued his musical career while introducing more old-time elements into his work. After receiving an honorary degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, he was often called Dr. Ralph Stanley. Dr. Ralph's place in the musical pantheon was secure when he died in 2016 at the age of 89.\r\nBluegrass owes much to the Stanley Brothers of Dickenson County. If you leave Dickenson and head to State Street in Bristol, you'll find where another genre of music can claim deep roots. The 1927 Bristol sessions are now remembered as the formative event of country music. During the summer of that year, record producer Ralph Peer stepped off a train on the Virginia side of the street and set up recording equipment in the Taylor-Christian Hat and Glove Company on the Tennessee side.\r\nFrom July 25 to August 5, local artists came to record. The first was Ernest Stoneman, a native of Monarat in Carroll County. Stoneman had already made successful recordings, in some cases joined by his wife Hattie and her siblings as well as others. They came to Bristol to record more. Stoneman's financial success made the local papers, acting as a lure for other artists.\r\nAmong them was a family from Maces Spring in Scott County. They were A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and Sara's sister Maybelle Addington. The Carter family's recordings from the Bristol sessions made them stars and launched a musical dynasty (A.P. and Sara's daughter Janette won a National Heritage Fellowship in 2005).\r\nIn all, nineteen acts recorded 76 songs. In the words of Johnny Cash, who as we all remember married into a later generation of the Carter family, the Bristol Sessions were the most important event in the history of country music.\r\nYou can still hear the legacy of these musical traditions echoing in our hills. Drive The Crooked Road, a trail connecting venues throughout Southwest Virginia where traditional music is played. Hear the performers competing for cash prizes at the annual Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax around the second weekend of each August. Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum at 520 Birthplace ofCountry Music Way in Bristol, just a stone's throw from where it all began.\r\nI was glad to see these legacies honored in Washington by the National Endowment of the Arts this year. Eddie Bond is only the most recent Ninth District native to earn a National Heritage Fellowship; in addition to him, Ralph Stanley, and Janette Carter, Wayne Henderson of Mouth of Wilson won in 1995 and Frank Newsome of Haysi won in 2011.\r\nThrough the years, the music of Appalachia has entertained, worshipped, mourned, and fulfilled innumerable other meanings. It has brought together communities and even families, as seen in the stories of the artists written of here. Our music, the music of Appalachia, is as much a part of America as the mountains themselves.\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. 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=1152", "Legislation Authored by Reps. Brat and DeSaulnier to Renew the Congressional Award for Young Americans Passes House", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Representatives Dave Brat (R-VA) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) announced that their bipartisan bill, the Congressional Award Program Act of 2018, to reauthorize the Congressional Award program for five years unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The program, which is a non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive program to honor young Americans who set and accomplish their own goals, was scheduled to expire on October 1, 2018. I am grateful my colleagues chose to support and renew the Congressional Award Program. As a former professor, I have loved helping young people achieve success,said Congressman Brat.The students that participate in this program learn how to chart a course and follow it  which is, of course, a lifelong skill that will serve these outstanding young people for years afterwards. Keep up the good work, Congressional Award Program!\r\nThe Congressional Award Foundation is Congress's only charity and the highest honor a Member of the House or Senate can present to a youth civilian. Since the program was established in 1979, young Americans have contributed over 8.5 million hours of public service to communities around the country. It is an important way to honor dedicated youth, and I encourage Contra Costa's young people, and others around the country, to participate in the program,said Congressman DeSaulnier. Participants may register when they turn 13  years old and must complete their activities by their 24th birthday. Congressional Award participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The U.S. Congress established the Congressional Award to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people and it was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2224", "Bipartisan, Bicameral Resolution Introduced to Celebrate Urban Wildlife Refuges", "2018-10-01", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This week, Congressmen Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate September 29 at National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day.\r\n            These resolutions highlight the value added to our communities through Urban Wildlife Refuges  primarily promoting conservation, increasing access to wildlife-dependent recreation, and protecting local watersheds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that youth ages 8-18 spend on average 6-9 hours a day in front of screens. Wildlife refuges provide opportunities for children and people of all ages to discover the outdoors and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.\r\n            As America continues to become more urbanized and our younger generations flock to metropolitan areas, it is more important than ever to emphasize the significance of our Urban Wildlife Refuges. The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program supports 101 National Urban Wildlife Refuges and 29 Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships that work to connect with Americans living in cities to deliver greater wildlife conservation and access to recreation, especially hunting and fishing.\r\n            \"The American conservation ethic - best science, best practices, greatest good, longest term - should extend to wildlife refuges in urban spaces,\"said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.\"Growing up in Montana, I spent countless hours outdoors, hunting and fishing.All Americans should have the opportunity to appreciate our public lands. Outdoor recreation is a key part of our American heritage.\"\r\n            National Urban Wildlife Refuges play an important role in conservation efforts, but also support local economies by promoting outdoor recreation, said Congressman Wittman. September 29th will be a day to celebrate all that these refuges bring to our communities, and signify the critical contributions they will provide for generations to come.\r\n            National Urban Wildlife Refuges give city residents a crucial opportunity to interact with nature, all while turning a profit for local economies said Congressman Jeffries. At a time when many spend all of their time in front of screens, it is critical we provide these types of opportunities for citizens to get out and explore the great outdoors. I am proud to have co-sponsored this bipartisan piece of legislation to commemorate all that National Urban Wildlife Refuges offer to our communities. Senators Bennet and Toomey, along with Representative Wittman should be thanked for their stalwart leadership in this regard.\r\n            Urban wildlife refuges, such as the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Pennsylvania, offer unique recreational and educational opportunities for city residents and outdoor enthusiasts alike, said Senator Toomey. I am happy to help designate September 29th as Urban Wildlife Refuge Day, to recognize the benefits these refuges provide to their local communities.\r\n            Coloradans understand the importance of accessing the outdoors, said Senator Bennet. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge was established not only to protect one of our nation's most treasured speciesthe bald eaglebut also to provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing just outside of Denver. The celebration of National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day this Saturday will honor our nation's foresight to conserve these places for future generations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399026", "Griffith Votes to Support Opioid Legislation", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after voting to support an amended version of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which will soon go to President Trump's desk:\r\nThe opioid crisis is the most urgent health crisis of our time, as many residents of the Ninth District know from painful personal experience. Acting to alleviate it has been a priority of the House of Representatives as well as of mine.\r\nToday, the House voted to advance a major legislative package addressing the opioid epidemic. It is a bipartisan bill that takes a comprehensive approach to the crisis. It will help treat addiction, gather data, battle illegal substances, develop non-addictive painkillers, and in numerous other facets.\r\nThis bill will be helpful for medical professionals, public health officials, counselors, law enforcement officers, and all who are working in our communities to solve this grave problem. I support the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act and look forward to its enactment very soon.\r\nBackground\r\nThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act is the result of a bipartisan agreement between the House of Representatives and the Senate. It is a final product of months of legislative work, including dozens of bills passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House of Representatives.\r\nIt includes two bills introduced by Congressman Griffith and previously passed by the House:\r\n \r\n    H.R. 5812, theCreating Opportunities that Necessitate New and Enhanced Connections That Improve Opioid Navigation Strategies (CONNECTIONS) Act, which improves federal support for state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and provides for enhanced collection of substance abuse data.\r\n \r\n \r\n    H.R. 5801, theMedicaid Providers Are Required To Note Experiences in Record Systems to Help In-need Patients(PARTNERSHIP) Act, which incorporates PDMP data into the clinical workflow of Medicaid providers.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1133", "Rep. Brat Votes to Make Tax Cuts Permanent", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Dave Brat, member of the House Budget Committee and a former economics professor, voted to passH.R. 6760, theProtecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act.Upon its passage in the House, he released the following statement:\r\nThe evidence is in: tax cuts are working for our economy. Consumer optimism is up, consumer spending is up, household income has reached record highs and unemployment is reaching record lows.\r\nIn the Seventh District, the average family now has $2,000 more to spend in their family budget. Small businesses across central Virginia are using tax cuts to hire new employees, to increase pay and to buy equipment to help their businesses grow.\r\nAs more money moves through our economy, more value is created, and we will continue to see even more economic growth. The common-sense thing to do, then, is to make these tax cuts permanent.\r\nLast year, 19 Congressional Democrats (including Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee) as well as Independent Bernie Sandersexpresseda desire to make individual and family tax cuts permanent. This year, however, House Democrats overwhelmingly rejected the measure.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1140", "Chairman Roe and Rep. Brat Host Public Town Hall on Veterans\u2019 Affairs", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HENRICO, Va.  Chairman Phil Roe (TN-01) and Rep. Dave Brat (VA-07) hosted a public town hall hosted by Henrico County to discuss how Congress is helping veterans.\r\n\r\nThe town hall highlighted the success of the VA MISSION Act, a landmark piece of veterans legislation that was signed into law by the president earlier this year. Chairman Roe was the author of the VA MISSION Act.\r\n\r\n\"I'm grateful for Rep. Brat and his steadfast efforts to support our nation's veterans, and it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with so many of the veterans in Dave's district,said Chairman Roe.This Congress we have had over two dozen veterans bills signed into law by President Trump, including the VA MISSION Act. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I remain committed to continuing to ensure that all veterans receive the support and services they deserve, and I thank Rep. Brat for his leadership on behalf of veterans in the 7th district.\"\r\n\r\nI thank Chairman Roe for generously coming to Richmond to highlight some of the successes we've been able to achieve for veterans in this Republican-controlled Congress.When I assumed the role of Representative for Virginia's 7th District, I knew that 54,685 veterans in my district would depend on me and my team for assistance. From the outset, I made serving our veterans a priority,said Rep. Brat.Since I came to Congress, my office has handled over 350 case inquiries in the past three years. Together, we have been able to help scores of military families cut through red tape and receive the care and recognition they deserve.\r\n\r\nThere were approximately 70 individuals in attendance at the forum.\r\n\r\n###\r\n  \r\n\r\nHENRICO, Va.  Chairman Phil Roe (TN-01) and Rep. Dave Brat (VA-07) hosted a public town hall hosted by Henrico County to discuss how Congress is helping veterans.\r\n\r\nThe town hall highlighted the success of the VA MISSION Act, a landmark piece of veterans legislation that was signed into law by the president earlier this year. Chairman Roe was the author of the VA MISSION Act.\r\n\r\n\"I'm grateful for Rep. Brat and his steadfast efforts to support our nation's veterans, and it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with so many of the veterans in Dave's district,said Chairman Roe.This Congress we have had over two dozen veterans bills signed into law by President Trump, including the VA MISSION Act. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I remain committed to continuing to ensure that all veterans receive the support and services they deserve, and I thank Rep. Brat for his leadership on behalf of veterans in the 7th district.\"\r\n\r\nI thank Chairman Roe for generously coming to Richmond to highlight some of the successes we've been able to achieve for veterans in this Republican-controlled Congress.When I assumed the role of Representative for Virginia's 7th District, I knew that 54,685 veterans in my district would depend on me and my team for assistance. From the outset, I made serving our veterans a priority,said Rep. Brat.Since I came to Congress, my office has handled over 350 case inquiries in the past three years. Together, we have been able to help scores of military families cut through red tape and receive the care and recognition they deserve.\r\n\r\nThere were over 125 individuals in attendance at the forum.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n\r\nHENRICO, Va.  Chairman Phil Roe (TN-01) and Rep. Dave Brat (VA-07) hosted a public town hall hosted by Henrico County to discuss how Congress is helping veterans.\r\n\r\nThe town hall highlighted the success of the VA MISSION Act, a landmark piece of veterans legislation that was signed into law by the president earlier this year. Chairman Roe was the author of the VA MISSION Act.\r\n\r\n\"I'm grateful for Rep. Brat and his steadfast efforts to support our nation's veterans, and it was a pleasure meeting and speaking with so many of the veterans in Dave's district,said Chairman Roe.This Congress we have had over two dozen veterans bills signed into law by President Trump, including the VA MISSION Act. As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I remain committed to continuing to ensure that all veterans receive the support and services they deserve, and I thank Rep. Brat for his leadership on behalf of veterans in the 7th district.\"\r\n\r\nI thank Chairman Roe for generously coming to Richmond to highlight some of the successes we've been able to achieve for veterans in this Republican-controlled Congress.When I assumed the role of Representative for Virginia's 7th District, I knew that 54,685 veterans in my district would depend on me and my team for assistance. From the outset, I made serving our veterans a priority,said Rep. Brat.Since I came to Congress, my office has handled over 350 case inquiries in the past three years. Together, we have been able to help scores of military families cut through red tape and receive the care and recognition they deserve.\r\n\r\nThere were over 125 individuals in attendance at the forum.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-defense-funding-fy19", "House Passes Defense Funding for FY19", "2018-09-28", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed an Appropriations minibus funding bill, which includes the Department of Defense (DOD), Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) and Education Appropriations bills for fiscal year 2019, as well as a short term Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund remaining government programs until December 7, 2018.\nPassage of this legislation marks an important step towards returning to regular order, with 75% of all annual discretionary funding having been passed before the end of the 2018 fiscal year. This is the first time in over 10 years that Congress has passed an appropriations bill funding the Department of Defense before the end of the fiscal year. \nThe legislation provides a total of $674.4 billion for Defense. This includes $606.5 billion in base discretionary funding  an increase of $17.0 billion above the fiscal year 2018 enacted level. The bill also provides $67.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO)/Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) funding. \nHighlights of the bill include: \nMilitary Personnel and Pay  The legislation includes $143.2 billion  $138.5 billion for base requirements and $4.7 billion for OCO/GWOT requirements  to provide for 1,338,100 active-duty troops and 817,700 Guard and Reserve troops. The bill fully funds the requested 16,400 end-strength increase and the 2.6 percent pay raise for the military. \nOperation and Maintenance  Included in the legislation is $243.2 billion  $193.7 billion for base requirements and $49.5 billion for OCO/GWOT requirements  for operation and maintenance. Funding for base requirements is $5.4 billion above fiscal year 2018. This funding supports key readiness 2 programs to prepare our troops for combat and peacetime missions, including flight time and battle training, equipment and facility maintenance, and base operations. Within this amount, the bill includes $290 million above the request to invest in facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization programs, and $20.6 billion total for depot maintenance. \nResearch and Development  The bill contains $96.1 billion  $94.9 billion for base requirements and $1.2 billion for OCO/GWOT requirements  for research, development, testing, and evaluation of new defense systems and technologies. Funding for base requirements is $6.6 billion above the fiscal year 2018 level, and will help to support current military operations and to prepare our nation to meet a broad range of future security threats. Specifically, this funding will support research and development of: the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter; space security programs; nuclear force modernization; the Ohio-class submarine replacement; Future Vertical Lift; the Israeli Cooperative Programs; and other important research and development activities, including those within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). \nEquipment Procurement  The legislation provides a total of $148 billion  $135.4 billion for base requirements and $12.6 billion for OCO/GWOT requirements  for equipment and upgrades. Funding for base requirements is $4.8 billion above the request. \n\"Passing this legislation marks an important step towards returning to regular order and passing funding bills on time. These funds will support our military readiness by providing the weapons, platforms, and equipment our military needs to do their jobs and prepare for future fights. It also gives our troops access to vital training and a long overdue pay raise - the largest in almost a decade. Our servicemembers deserve our support, so I am proud to support this legislation that will give them the funding, training, and equipment to help them carry out their mission,\" said Congressman Scott Taylor. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399023", "Griffith to Sponsor Academy Day in Wytheville", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) will be sponsoring his 2018 Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Students will have the opportunity to meet with invited officials from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as representatives from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the Virginia Military Institute, and other university-level ROTC programs. Congressman Griffith's staff will also be available to answer questions regarding the process for congressional nominations. Congressman Griffith said:\r\nServing our country in the Armed Forces is an honorable calling. My office sponsors Academy Day each year so young men and women can learn more about this path as they consider their college options. I urge interested Ninth District students to attend this Saturday.\r\nSaturday, September 29, 2018\r\nProgram: 10:00am - 11:00am  \r\nOpen Discussion with Academy Representatives: 11:00am  12:00pm  \r\nWytheville Meeting Center  \r\n333 Community Blvd  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nStudents, parents, or school staff seeking information on the application process should contact Congressman Griffith's Abingdon Office at (276) 525-1405.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399025", "Griffith Congratulates Eddie Bond of Fries for NEA National Heritage Fellowship", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement congratulating Eddie Bond of Fries, who was recognized as a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellow at a ceremony at the Library of Congress on September 26, 2018:\r\nOld-time fiddling is an institution in our Appalachian culture, and one of its finest practitioners has been recognized with our country's highest honor for folk and traditional arts. Eddie Bond of Fries was born into a musical family and has dedicated his life to the art of old time fiddling. His artistic excellence ensures that this rich tradition thrives today, and it is fitting that he is now honored with an NEA National Heritage Fellowship.\r\n\r\nNational Endowment for the Arts Acting Chairman Mary Anne Carter, Congressman Morgan Griffith, and 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellow Eddie Bond Griffith at the 2018 NEA National Heritage Fellowships Awards Ceremony on September 26, 2018. Photo by Tom Pich.\r\nBackground\r\nBiography of Eddie Bond provided by the National Endowment for the Arts:\r\nEddie Bond is an Appalachian old time fiddler born into a family of musicians in the mill-town of Fries, in southwest Virginia. Raised by his grandmother, herself a singer and guitar player, Eddie's paternal and maternal grandparents were prominent musicians who played the traditional music of the Blue Ridge in Grayson County, where such old-time music legends as Henry Whitter, Ernest Stoneman, Kelly Harrell, John Rector, and countless others lived and recorded. Bond's great uncle, fiddler Leon Hill, had a band with Leak Caudle, an influential guitarist who regularly performed on WPAQ. These familial musical influences meant that Bond began performing at age three, dancing for quarters. He then learned to play the guitar, autoharp, fiddle, and banjo, while absorbing fiddle tunes from all of the old timers who lived in the region around Galax, Virginia. Bond is now the fiddler and lead vocalist for the New Ballard Branch Bogtrotters, which derive their name from the original Bogtrotters, the famous Galax-area band of the 1930s. The original Bogtrotters were first recorded by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress, and were a long-time favorite at the Old Fiddlers' Convention. This modern version has won the prestigious first-place old-time band prize at the annual Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax eight times and have played at notable festivals including the Chicago Folk Festival, Merlefest, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Bond continues perform as a solo artist and in collaboration with others was a participating artist in the critically acclaimed Music from the Crooked Road tour.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1122", "Rep. Brat Votes For Additional Economic Growth", "2018-09-27", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Dave Brat, voted to approve theFamily Savings Act(H.R. 6757)and theAmerican Innovation Act(H.R. 6756). After these measures were passed in the House, Rep. Brat released the following statement:\r\nThe Republican agenda is battle-tested. It's proven, said Rep. Dave Brat. Lower taxes, more savings andfewer unnecessary regulationsmeans more jobs, more growth, more pay. Today, we voted on two pieces of legislation to put more money back in the hands of people who best know how to spend it. Democrats, again, failed to support the measures, signaling they want more money to flow into the swampand go back to thepolicies that causedtheeconomic stagnation we saw under the Obama years.\r\nThis legislationwould provide tax relief to American families who want to save money and plan for the future as well as provide tax relief to entrepreneurs who would likeexpandtheir businesses.\r\nThe Family Savings Act, H.R. 6757, includes language that would allow for Universal Savings Account, a popular idea contained within a piece of legislation Rep. Dave Brat introduced last year (H.R. 937). Universal Savings Accounts are designed to offer Americans an improved version of Roth IRAs so they can save money more effectively and achieve economic prosperity and independence. Britain and Canada have similar offerings, and they are extremely popular with people of all ages and incomes.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1120", "Rep. Brat Releases Statement Explaining His \u2018No\u2019 Vote on Cromnibus", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Brat, co-chair of the Waste-Cutters Caucus and member of the Budget Committee, released a statement explaining why he voted NO' on H.R. 6157. Brat cited too much spending and lack of wall funding as reasons why the spending package did not receive his support.\r\nIn March, I voted no on a massive spending package that contained unacceptably high spending levels. I explained then that Republicans had called for spending to remain constant, except for an appropriate increase for defense spending to get our military rebuilt. But, in order to get nine Senate Democrats to agree to pass the bill, Congress increased spending over $400 billion. I could not support it when we were already over $21 trillion in debt.\r\nNow, we are in a similar situation. Rather than go back and fix last year's mistake, this bill locks in the $400 billion increase and actually increases spending on non-defense programs by another $1 billion. That is $10 billion more than the administration requested. This is unacceptable.\r\nI support funding our military and giving our service men and women a raise. But this is another example of a bipartisan' deal that is good for the swamp and bad for future generations who have to pay for it.\r\nEven worse, Republicans ran on a promise to increase border security funding and building a wall, yet we still have not delivered on that promise. It is time we do so.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1121", "Rep. Brat Votes to Adopt Resolution Condemning Voting by Noncitizens and Illegal Immigrants", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Tonight, Rep. Dave Brat, chairman of the Congressional Constitution caucus, released the following statement:\r\nTonight, I voted to adoptH.Res. 1071 that states that allowing illegal immigrants the right to vote devalues and dilutes the voting power of United States Citizens.\r\nUnbelievably, San Francisco allows non-citizens, including illegal immigrants, to vote in school board elections if the person has a child under age 19. This practice is antithetical to the integrity of American elections. Each of the Constitutional amendments extending the right to vote (15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th) begins with: The right of citizens of the United States [to vote],' clearly indicating that this right is for citizens.\r\nOur Constitution is clear. We must not let this trend spread -- it threatens the foundations of our republic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-success-act-passes-house", "Bipartisan SUCCESS Act Passes House", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the bipartisan H.R. 6758, the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success (SUCCESS) Act, legislation modified from what she introduced earlier this year and that is designed to close the gender, race, and income gap in patenting rates, passed the House. Women hold less than 20% of all patents and a 2017 study showed that racial minorities hold between 8% and 13%. The SUCCESS Act directs a study to be done by the Small Business Administration and the Patent and Trademark Office to identify best practices for closing the race, gender, and income gaps in patenting rates for small businesses. This study will be critical in developing policies to help these underrepresented groups further engage in the entrepreneurial activities that are the backbone of our American economy.\nPromoting greater diversity in our up and coming entrepreneurs is an important aspect in maintaining strong economic growth and ensuring that our innovation economy remains top-notch and competitive. The SUCCESS Act is a tool that will help us close the gender, income, and race gaps in patenting to increase the diversity of our entrepreneurs. said Congresswoman Comstock. The diversity of experience from these entrepreneurs will bring fresh leadership to the table as our small businesses build on their local success and help grow the local economy and bring local jobs to our communities. Women small business owners and other underrepresented populations deserve a level playing field with larger enterprises in protecting their intellectual property and this bill will help achieve that goal.\nThe Congresswoman was pleased to sit down today with Krista Woods who is the creator of GloveStix and discuss her ongoing experience in getting a patent and her serving as an inspiration to our participants in our Young Women's Leadership Program and this bill as a small businessowner. Krista emphasized the importance, As someone with firsthand experience applying for a patent, I know the costs in both time and money. It is not unusual for patents to cost $8,000 to as much as $25,000 and take from two to three years. As a small business owner, these hurdles can really hurt your bottom line and so many people can't afford to continue the process. That is why we need to help the patent office improve their process so we all have equal opportunity especially for small businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1298", "Goodlatte Applauds House Passage of Judiciary Committee\u2019s Bipartisan Music Licensing Legislation", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (H.R. 1551) is bipartisan legislation that updates several key provisions of U.S. copyright law regarding music licensing\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The House of Representatives today approved the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (H.R. 1551), bipartisan legislation that updates several key provisions of U.S. copyright law regarding music licensing.  This consensus legislation is a product of the House Judiciary Committee's comprehensive copyright review and was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Vice Chairman Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Ranking Member Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), former House Judiciary Committee Chairman and current Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas), and Representative Ted Deutch (D-Fla.).Congressman Goodlatte applauded today's vote in the statement below.  \r\n\r\nCongressman Goodlatte: Today's House passage of the bipartisan Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act is a major victory for American music creators, music distributors, and the music listening public.  This legislation, which modernizes our music copyright laws so music creators are fairly compensated for their works, finally brings our music laws into the digital age. I appreciate the hard work of the many House and Senate Judiciary Committee Members who came together on this legislative package.  Music has such an immense impact on all of our daily lives and with this important legislation headed to the President's desk, we will help ensure the sustainability of the evolving American music industry for decades to come.  \r\n\r\nKey Provisions of the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act include: Title I  Music Modernization Act   \r\n  \r\n\tReflects how modern digital music services operate by creating a blanket licensing system to quickly license and pay for musical work copyrights  \r\n\tDiscourages music litigation that generates legal settlements in favor of simply ensuring that artists and copyright owners are paid in the first place without such litigation  \r\n\tEnds the flawed U.S. Copyright Office bulk notice of intent system that allows royalties to not be paid  \r\n\tImplements uniform rate setting standards to be used by the Copyright Royalty Board for all music services  \r\n\tShifts the costs of the new licensing collective created by the bill to those who benefit from the collective - the licensees  \r\n\tUpdates how certain rate court cases are assigned in the Southern District of New York Title II -- Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, and Important Contributions to Society (CLASSICS) Act    \tProvides that performers who recorded songs before 1972 can finally be paid for their works (currently, only performers who recorded songs after 1972 are paid for their works)  \r\n\r\nTitle III -- Allocation for Music Producers (AMP) Act    \tEnsures that record producers, sound engineers, and other creative professionals receive compensation for their work", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-ashanti-alert-act", "House Passes Ashanti Alert Act", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5075, the Ashanti Alert Act of 2018, introduced by Representatives Scott Taylor (VA-02), Lamar Smith (TX-21), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and David Cicilline (RI-01) on February 20, 2018.\nThe Ashanti Alert, like other alert systems, establishes an alert network to help local and regional law enforcement efforts to search for missing adults between the ages of 18-65. This system would use a wide array of media outlets - such as commercial radio stations, television stations, and cable television - to broadcast information about missing persons. It also sets a minimum standard for issuing alerts if the person suffers from a proven mental or physical disability; if law enforcement believes their physical safety is endangered or; if they believe their disappearance may not have been voluntary. The Ashanti Alert also integrates with the Blue Network instead of AMBER so that information about missing adults and children are kept separate. This ensures that law enforcement efforts are not duplicated, which could mean the difference between locating a person and saving them. \n\"If a child or a senior goes missing, if the investigation law enforcement agency believes a life is in danger, it is authorized to broadcast alerts on major channels or radio stations to the public. These alerts are proven to save lives, but still the United States does not have an alert system for missing adults. The Ashanti Alert is designed to close that critical gap and extend these protections to all Americans. I want to thank Representatives Smith, Raskin, and Cicilline for their support and leadership on this bill, and extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Ashanti Billie for their loss. Although Ashanti is no longer with us, her legacy will live on in this legislation and give law enforcement all across the country the tools they need to locate missing adults in danger,\"said Representative Scott Taylor. \nThis legislation enables critical cooperation among law enforcement and better leverages resources to track and find missing adults. I thank Congressman Taylor for his work on this important bill and my colleagues for their support on the House floor,\" said Representative Lamar Smith. \nThe Ashanti Alert Act gives state and local law enforcement the tools to issue emergency alerts for people between 18 and 65 who go missing. I'm proud to have pushed this lifesaving bipartisan legislation with Rep. Taylor and am thrilled that our bill passed the House today. We already have emergency alert systems to help us locate missing children and senior citizens and we must implement the same serious standards for all missing and endangered adults,\" said Representative Jamie Raskin. \nThe NAACP strongly urges the US House of Representatives to pass and work towards full implementation of theAshanti Alert Act,said Mr. Hilary O. Shelton, the Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy. Upon implementation of this law, we will be expanding the effective Amber Alert system to include a demographic that is crucially missing from the protections, those between the ages of18 and 65. The challenges of kidnapping and human trafficking as well as the challenges of those with mental health issues knows no age boundary and affects every American community. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Taylor, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Administration to see this problem resolved. \nBackground:H.R. 5075 is named for Ashanti Billie, 19, who went missing on September 18, 2017 in Norfolk, Virginia. At the time, Ashanti was splitting her time between working at Blimpie restaurant on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and takingculinary classes at the Art Institute of Virginia Beach. She had recently moved to the Virginia Beach area to pursue her dreams of attending culinary school, in the hopes of opening her own bakery. On September 18, Ashanti was kidnapped shortly after arriving to work.Surveillance showed that her car was seen driven by another individual and her cell phone was later found in a dumpster in Norfolk, Virginia. On September 23rd, her car and some of her belongings were found in Norfolk. Billie's body was found at East Stonewall AME Zion Church in North Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 29th. DNA found at the site led to the arrest and incarceration of her captor after an exhaustive search by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2214", "Wittman Votes to Fully Fund Military", "2018-09-26", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6157  Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019.\r\nThis is the first time in ten years the Department of Defense will not operate under a continuing resolution (CR). During this time, we have reduced the size of our Army, Guard, and Reserve and allowed ourselves to reach a readiness crisis. These readiness shortfalls have led to insufficient time and resources to train sailors and maintain our ships, contributing to several accidents  including the fatal collisions of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain. After a decade of subjecting our service members to unstable, unreliable funding, we have finally provided the resources our warfighters need to be successful  on time.\r\nThe Appropriations bill we passed today invests $22.9 billion to get our troops ready to deploy, $45.3 billion to get our planes back in the air, $38.2 billion to get our ships back to sea, and $11.8 billion to repair and sustain infrastructure including barracks, hangars, roads, runways, and hospitals. Not to mention, it fully funds a 2.6% pay raise to our men and women in uniform. Also included in this bill is a provision I have long championed  allowing the Navy to proceed with a dual buy of aircraft carriers, saving taxpayers billions and supporting our strong shipbuilding industrial base. On top of that, this final bill includes the 13 ships I fought for to allow us to rebuild to Navy of 355 ships.\r\nOther important aspects of this legislation include critical funding for medical research and job training, along with nearly $7 billion to fight the opioid epidemic that is ravaging our nation. We funded additional dollars for disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Florence and boosted funding grants that support school safety programs that protect our children. With a record 6.94 million job openings right now, this bill increases funding for career and technical education programs by nearly $95 million. This is yet another step toward better preparing our students to get the skills and training they need to enter the 21st century workforce. On top of that, we extended funding for the Violence Against Women Act which goes towards combatting crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault.\r\nThis funding bill is a step towards fixing our broken appropriations process. For the first time in 22 years, five of the twelve spending bills will be enacted before the start of the next fiscal year. While I am proud we appropriated three-quarters of federal dollars through regular order, this legislation unfortunately includes a short-term CR on the remaining funding through December 7, 2018. I am fundamentally against CRs as they lead to inadequate planning and continue to fund unnecessary programs. However, we have a constitutional imperative to provide for the common defense, and that is what we did here today. This legislation is the most important thing we can do to ensure that our Armed Forces will be funded, a crucial element of our national security. I represent many critical military bases in the First Congressional District: Marine Corps Base Quantico, NSWC Dahlgren, and Fort A.P. Hill. In Virginia, we are home to the largest Naval station in the world and boast a significant Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard presence. I refuse to deprive them of the resources they need to be successful in their missions.\r\nMy decision today was not an easy one but was the right one. I remain concerned about increased domestic spending levels without addressing the fundamental problem of runaway, autopilot spending. I will continue to demand and support actions to reduce spending, especially autopilot spending. In the coming months as we consider the appropriations bills for the remaining sectors of our federal government, I will continue to offer strict oversight.\r\nWe cannot continue to find ourselves here, pushing through spending deals at the 11th hour. As we move forward, I will continue to fight to restore regular order and accountability in Washington. My No Budget No Pay Act and Stay on Schedule Resolution require Congress to pass the budget and appropriations bills on time or we don't get a paycheck or a vacation. These pieces of legislation would ensure Congress evaluates spending each year and makes the proper choices to reach fiscal responsibility.\r\nMy vote today was a vote for our service members, a vote for our obligation to keep Americans safe.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is 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=399022", "Griffith Celebrates $248.4 Million WestRock Expansion in Covington and Alleghany County", "2018-09-25", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after participating in today's announcement that WestRock Company plans to invest $248.4 million to expand its operations in the City of Covington and Alleghany County:\r\nWestRock's $248.4 million investment in improving its manufacturing operation is great news for the Alleghany Highlands. The company is a staple of our area's economy. This new investment reaffirms that fact and shows a long-term commitment to the area.\r\nBackground\r\nWestRock Company makes paper and packaging products, and their Covington facility is among the largest whiteboard manufacturers in North America. The $248.4 million investment announced today will be used to purchase new equipment at its manufacturing operation. Sixty existing employees will be retrained to use the equipment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399021", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.24.18", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our part of Virginia understands the damage that can be inflicted by excessive regulation. The War on Coal was largely waged in this manner, as the Obama Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) imposed layers of rules providing no benefit to the environment but imposing massive new costs on the coal industry.\r\nThe coal industry is not the only subject of overzealous regulation. After Hurricane Florence, I toured Floyd County to see flood damage with Sheriff Brian Craig and Board of Supervisors Chairman Lauren Yoder.\r\nI was reminded that under the Obama Administration's Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, it appears that the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would call the shots over much of Floyd County as well as other mountainous farmland areas. WOTUS covers lands such as dry branches, puddles, and areas that get waterlogged after prolonged rain, whether they are flooded or not. This is the type of power that unelected bureaucrats have currently.\r\nThe numerous, arcane rules issued by the alphabet soup of federal regulators have enormous consequences for small businesses, from the restaurants to the nursing homes to the farms of our communities.\r\nThe costs of compliance are considerable, and penalties and fines for infractions, even those committed without ill intent, often far exceed the seriousness of the violation.\r\nA local restaurant has been forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy for an infraction the owners didn't understand and did not profit from. Other businesses have been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for relatively minor infractions.\r\nThese types of unreasonable penalties suppress economic growth and kill jobs. They do not protect employees or clean up the environment. So the House of Representatives and the Trump Administration have gone to work cleaning up the federal rulebook.\r\nI've been working on a bill that targets a textbook example of counterproductive regulation: the EPA's New Source Review (NSR) permitting program.\r\nNSR definitions require owners of certain factories and power plants to obtain permission when they want to upgrade. No one wants air pollution, but NSR's burdens deter facility owners from making improvements that would actually reduce emissions. This state of affairs hurts jobs and economic growth while doing nothing to protect the environment.\r\nMy bill, the New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act of 2018, clarifies the rules so that upgrades to existing facilities would not need NSR permits unless they increase emissions. Businesses would have more certainty in planning for the future. They would be better positioned to invest in technologies that promote efficiency and reduce pollution. It's a win for them and for the environment.\r\nThe New Source Review Permitting Improvement Act of 2018 passed the Environment Subcommittee in July, and I look forward to further action in promoting this commonsense regulatory reform.\r\nPart of the problem with regulation is that the executive branch has grown accustomed to writing the rules without interference from the other branches of government. By reclaiming their authority, the legislative and judicial branches can check unneeded regulations.\r\nThe House has acted to fix a bad Supreme Court ruling that gave wide latitude to the executive branch. The ruling in the case Chevron U.S.A. Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., decided in 1984, declared that courts should accept an agency's interpretation of federal law if the law is worded ambiguously and the interpretation is reasonable.\r\nThe practice of Chevron deference, as the ruling's effect came to be called, effectively gave the executive branch broad new authority to write regulations.\r\nSubjecting regulations to judicial review would force the executive branch to observe more closely the intent and language of laws passed by Congress. Regulations would have to respect statutes passed by the people's representatives rather than the wishes of unelected bureaucrats.\r\nI am an original cosponsor of a bill to end Chevron deference, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act. Its language was included in a bill I supported when it passed the House, the Regulatory Accountability Act, which included numerous other regulatory reforms.\r\nThis Congress was also the first to use the Congressional Review Act repeatedly to undo excessive regulations. Before 2017, the act had only been used successfully once; during 2017-18, it was used successfully sixteen times.\r\nSome Ninth District manufacturers have told me that regulatory relief in particular contributes to their success. Along with tax cuts, regulatory reform has fueled job creation and economic growth.\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. 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=1118", "Reps. Brat and DeSaulnier Introduce Bill Reauthorizing the Congressional Award Program", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  This morning, Reps. Dave Brat (VA-07) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) introduced a bill titled the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2018. The bill would reauthorize Congress' only charity for 5 more years through October 1, 2023. The program was previously set to end on October 1, 2018.\r\nGoal-setting and achieving those goals is an essential experience for American teenagers,said Rep. Dave Brat.One of my favorite aspects of being a professor was helping young people discover their interests and help turn those interests into careers. I saw countless students go on to become hardworking citizens who enjoyed the personal satisfaction of having a well-paying job, building a family and serving in their communities. That's why I love the Congressional Award program  it recognizes and distinguishes young Americans who set goals and achieve them.\r\nThe Congressional Award Program is an important way to honor young people who set ambitious goals and get involved in their communities. I am proud to join in leading this effort to ensure that Congress can continue to recognize our nation's outstanding young people,said Rep. Mark DeSaulnier.\r\nThe Congressional Award is non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive. Young people may register when they turn 13  years old and must complete their activities by their 24thbirthday.\r\nAccording to the Congressional Award'swebsite, Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.\r\nTo earn an award, young people need to select an adult advisor who helps them set challenging but achievable goals in all four program areas and plan activities to reach the goals. They then register and work to achieve those goals. If they complete them before the deadline, they receive the appropriate award.\r\nThe U.S. Congress established the Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people and was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have each signed continuing legislation.\r\n\r\n###\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n.\r\nIf you would rather not receive future communications from Congressman Dave Brat - US House Rep, let us know by clickinghere.  \r\nCongressman Dave Brat - US House Rep, 1628 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 United States\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n.\r\nIf you would rather not receive future communications from Congressman Dave Brat - US House Rep, let us know by clickinghere.  \r\nCongressman Dave Brat - US House Rep, 1628 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 United States", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-staff-hold-mobile-office-hours-charlotte-halifax-and-prince-edward-3", "Garrett Staff To Hold Mobile Office Hours In Charlotte, Halifax, and Prince Edward Counties", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DANVILLE, VA (September 24, 2018)In an ongoing effort to provide top-notch constituent service, Congressman Tom Garrett's (R-VA05) staff will hold Mobile Office Hours in Charlotte Court House, Halifax, and Farmville, VA on Tuesday, September 25, from 10:00a.m. to 3:30p.m. Staff will be on hand to assist constituents with issues involving federal agencies. 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. CHARLOTTE COUNTY: Charlotte Court House, VA  Tuesday, September 25, 2018   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett's Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET  \n\tWHERE: Charlotte Administration Bldg.  \n\tConference Room  \n\t250 LeGrande Ave., Ste. A  \n\tCharlotte Court House, VA 23923  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Rep. Garrett's Charlottesville District Office at (434) 973-9631 HALIFAX COUNTY: Halifax, VA  Tuesday, September 25, 2018   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett's Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET  \n\tWHERE: Mary Bethune Office Complex  \n\tSchool Board Conference Room 1st Floor  \n\t1030 Mary Bethune Street  \n\tHalifax, VA 24558  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Rep. Garrett's Charlottesville District Office at (434) 973-9631 PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY: Farmville, VA  Tuesday, September 25, 2018   \n\tWHO: U.S. Congressman Tom Garrett's Staff  \n\tWHAT: Mobile Office Hours  \n\tWHEN: From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET  \n\tWHERE: Central Virginia Reg. Library  \n\tFarmville Branch  \n\tMeeting Room  \n\t1303 W 3rd Street  \n\tFarmville, VA 23901  \n\tQUESTIONS: Contact Rep. Garrett's Charlottesville District Office at (434) 973-9631 NOTE: Due to the confidential nature of subjects discussed and documents examined during Mobile Office Hours, photography, audio and video recording, and all other recording devices and their use are strictly prohibited during Mobile Office Hours. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2211", "Wittman Visits with Local Chambers of Commerce", "2018-09-24", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Visits with Local Chambers of Commerce \r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON  This week and last, Congressman Wittman met with members of the Prince William County, New Kent and Williamsburg Chambers of Commerce to discuss the issues important to businesses in the First Congressional District. \r\n            \r\n            We had extremely productive conversations, Rep. Wittman said. The PWC Chamber, the New Kent Chamber, and the Williamsburg Chamber are all laser focused on the issues that are matter to those in the community.\r\n            \r\n            Last Tuesday, Congressman Wittman met with members of the PWC Chamber in Manassas where they focused primarily on issues like workforce development, the effects of tax reform on small businesses, and the impact of defense spending in the region. \r\n            \r\n            Virginia's role in our nation's defense is critical, Wittman said. Accordingly, defense spending accounts for 20% of all economic production across the Commonwealth. Virginia has 884,000 defense-supported jobs, with a large portion of that concentrated in Northern Virginia in areas such as Prince William County. I look forward to working with the PWC Chamber to support our military and those that work to ensure they have the resources they need to be successful. \r\n            \r\n            Last Thursday, Rep. Wittman traveled to the New Kent County Administration Building to attend a Business Roundtable hosted by the New Kent Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues facing their business community. \r\n            \r\n            The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has helped our region by lowering tax rates on small businesses, putting more money back in the pockets of families, and putting policies in place to keep U.S. companies from going overseas. The results of this reform have been indisputable: unemployment is at historic lows, job openings are at record highs, and small business optimism is high. I will continue to work with local businesses and decision-makers to support our communities, said Wittman. \r\n            \r\n            Finally, this morning, Congressman Wittman sat down with the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce to discuss what he is doing in Washington to help businesses in Virginia. \r\n            \r\n            We discussed how small businesses in the area are benefiting from tax reform, whether it's passing savings along to employees and consumers or investing back in their business. One million jobs have been created since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law and unemployment numbers are at their lowest point in decades. I believe it is absolutely critical that we support our job creators and I will continue to do that as Congress considers furthering these historic tax cuts with Tax 2.0, Wittman said.\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.\r\n            \r\n            # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-among-bipartisan-delegation-contributing-ongoing-korean-negotiations", "Garrett Among Bipartisan Delegation Contributing to Ongoing Korean Negotiations", "2018-09-21", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  This week Fifth Congressional District Representative Tom Garrett traveled with five of his colleagues in a bipartisan Congressional delegation to the Republic of Korea. As South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, Congressman Garrett and his colleagues met with senior South Korean military, political and business leaders to discuss their mutual concerns about the recent aggressive actions and statements coming out of Pyongyang, and the threat they pose to long-term peace and stability throughout the region.\n\tAt the conclusion of their meetings, Rep. Garrett released the following statement:\n\tI've been honored to be among a bipartisan group of five members of Congress who were in Seoul during the talks in Pyongyang between the leaders of North and South Korea. Over the course of these discussions, I was privileged to have met directly with senior South Korean leaders from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament, and the ROK (Republic of Korea) Armed Forces, and am optimistic about their sincere desire for a peaceful future for all the people of the Korean Peninsula.\n\tGarrett is a former Army Artillery Officer and a current member of both the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees in the U.S. Congress.\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-barbara-comstock-introduces-grants-reliable-efficient-and", "Rep. Barbara Comstock Introduces Grants for Reliable, Efficient, and Accountable Transit Act", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after she introduced the Grants for Reliable, Efficient, and Accountable Transit Act:\nThis Metro reform legislation is an update to legislation I introduced last year to address issues plaguing the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and recognizes progress made on the state level. The bipartisan efforts by the jurisdictions should serve as further impetus on the federal level to reauthorize federal funding for METRO, but only on the condition of continued needed financial changes. This legislation still incorporates many of the reforms recommended by a wide array of experts engaged with Metro management and reforms including former officials, business leaders, and Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld. The reforms are reflective of their advice and a final push to get our system the rest of the way out of the woods.\nThe bill includes the following funding and reform:\nThe federal grant program, PRIIA, will be reauthorized providing $1.5 billion over 10 years that will be matched with $500 million from each of the jurisdictions: Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. as universally supported in the region.\nThis bill will provide whistleblower protections for WMATA employees against WMATA management,similar tofederal whistleblower protections along with new whistleblower protections for those same employees from union leaders as recommended by former WMATA employees who have been whistleblowers.\nReduce long-term liabilities by transitioning personnel from defined benefit to defined contribution plans while respecting the commitments made to those who already are receiving pensionsas recommended by Metro General Manager PaulWiedefeld's recommendation.\nLimit annual contributions from funding jurisdictions for operations to not more than 3 percent to subsidize operational needs of the Authority, consistent with reforms made on the state level by the General Assembly in Richmond.  \n\tThe bill will amend certain language (aka, the Wolf Act) to narrow the focus of arbitrators when WMATA Management has a labor dispute with the unions, arbitrators have argued the language is toolooseso they always haveto rule in favor of the unions as was the case in the most recent arbitration award, which is expected to cost $82 million.\nI would like to thank again all those who have provided their input and continue to work towards a solution. It is critical we not lose sight of the remaining effort before us and not let system backslide in the coming years only to let taxpayers and commuters suffer worse again in the future.\nYou may read the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1296", "Goodlatte Calls on Trump Administration to Immediately Provide Refugee Consultation", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today called on the Trump Administration to consult Congress immediately regarding the refugee ceiling for the coming year as required by law. Earlier this week, Department of State Secretary Mike Pompeo announced the fiscal year 2019 refugee ceiling without having first consulted with Congress.  \r\n\r\nCongressman Goodlatte: The law is clear: the Administration must consult with Congress prior to the President's determination of the annual refugee ceiling. But this did not happen this year, and the Trump Administration has no excuse for not complying with their obligation under the law. There is a real question as to whether the President can even set a number of refugees that carries the weight of law unless it is done after an appropriate consultation with Congress. Leaders of the House and Senate Judiciary Committee have worked in good faith for weeks to schedule a consultation, and I call on the Trump Administration to provide the Committees with a consultation immediately. The Administration's lack of consultation underscores once again why this process is fundamentally flawed and why the refugee program is in need of reform. Congress, not the President, should set the annual refugee ceiling. The refugee program is currently the only immigration benefit program with an annual limit that is not determined by Congress. Immigration and Border Security Chairman Raul Labrador and I have introduced the Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act, which has been approved by the House Judiciary Committee. This bill, among many other provisions, gives Congress the authority to set the refugee ceiling. The Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act maintains our nation's generosity toward those in need and prevents bad actors from gaming the system. Background: In June 2017, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Refugee Program Integrity Restoration Act (H.R. 2826). This bill reforms the refugee program by curbing fraud and strengthening public safety and national security. It also provides state and local governments the power to decide if refugees are to be resettled within their communities and gives Congress, not the President, the authority to set the overall refugee ceiling for each year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://tomgarrett.house.gov/media/press-releases/garrett-announces-congressional-app-challenge", "GARRETT ANNOUNCES CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE", "2018-09-20", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Thomas Garrett", "G000580", "tomgarrett.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The office of Congressman Tom Garrett invites all middle and high school students who live in Virginia's Fifth District to participate in the 2018 Congressional App Challenge. Participants may register independently or in a team of four. The winner of the challenge will be announced in December and the final product will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. All submissions due by Monday, October 15,2018.\n\nWHAT:                    2018 Congressional App Challenge\nWHO:                     All middle and high school students residing in VA-05\nHOW:                   To register, please visit:  \n                            https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/\nQUESTIONS:  Contact Stephen Harvey in the Charlottesville, VA office at (434)\n                            973-9631 or Stephen.harvey@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-announces-nearly-15-million-federal-firefighter-grant-loudoun", "Comstock Announces Nearly $1.5 Million Federal Firefighter Grant for Loudoun County", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement about Loudoun County Fire and Rescue receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award of $1,486,000 from FEMA. Congresswoman Comstock's legislation that authorized the AFG grant program for 7 years, H.R. 4661, passed the House and was signed into law in January.\nAs Loudoun County grows our emergency service personnel are charged with more and more responsibility. The men and women of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue work hard day and night, ready to protect our community at a moment's notice. I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the service and sacrifices of the department and awarded this significant Assistance to Firefighters Grant to support response and safety operations.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2197", "Wittman Continues to Fight for Broadband Access at Fredericksburg Chamber Event", "2018-09-19", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Continues to Fight for Broadband Access at Fredericksburg Chamber Event\r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON  Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) participated in a community conversation on broadband expansion hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The conversation took place at the Howell Branch of the Central Rappahannock Region Library in Fredericksburg.\r\n            \r\n            Right now, we are leaving thousands of people on the sidelines, not just in our district, but across the country, Wittman said. Significant human capital and economic development suffer without access to high speed internet. For example, our rural hospitals lack access to telehealth services that better equip health care providers and small business growth is stifled without the technology that spurs innovation and job creation. It is estimated that for every percentage point increase in broadband investment, 300,000 new jobs are created. By giving millions more people access to high speed broadband, we can bring the untapped potential of hard working Americans in rural areas off the sidelines and propel our nation forward in the global economy.\r\n            \r\n            Following keynote remarks by Congressman Wittman, the Chamber moderated a panel discussion featuring the Congressman, Courtney Dozier, Deputy Chief Broadband Advisor for Governor Northam, Adam Jorde, The Rural Broadband Association, and Elizabeth Povar, Principal Officer of the Middle Peninsula Alliance and the PamunkeyNet Project. \r\n            \r\n            I want to thank the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce for putting this important event together, Rep. Wittman continued. We need to continue our coordination and understand how to best help all members of the community.\r\n            \r\n            Currently almost 50% of rural Virginians lack access to high speed internet and 29% don't have any internet service at all. At this meeting, Congressman Wittman discussed the unique challenges that are present in the region which hinder access to high speed broadband services. This includes the labyrinth of red tape and regulations, cost of service, and varying geographic obstacles. Congressman Wittman believes that by addressing these issues and engaging federal agencies and other private stakeholders with localities, we can help bridge the digital divide. \r\n            \r\n            According to the FCC's 2016 Broadband Progress Report, our region has nearly 20,000 people with no access to broadband, but the internet is a fabric that binds and connects our nation. Nearly half of rural Virginians lack access to high speed internet. In order to attract new businesses to the Fredericksburg Region, increase access and success to education, and improve health care, we need to increase our broadband infrastructure. It is our hope that elevating this critical discussion will bring Virginia and our region into the 21st century, said Susan Spears, President and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.\r\n            \r\n            Congressman Wittman continues to be a leader on promoting access to broadband in rural areas. He has held two meetings of his Broadband Taskforce, where he brought together national, state, and local stakeholders to discuss ways of expanding broadband to unserved areas. In March, Congressman Wittman fought to get more than $685 million in the government funding bill to expand federal support in leveraging private investment for the expansion of rural broadband deployment. This legislation created a new $600 million broadband grant and loan program to be implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.On January 17, 2018 Congressman Wittman sent aletter to the Trump Administration advocating for increasing access to broadband in rural areas and he urged the administration to include policies promoting broadband investments in any upcoming infrastructure package. \r\n            \r\n            Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.\r\n            \r\n            # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399020", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.17.18", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Health Care Legislation\r\nHealth care policy touches on some of the most important and personal decisions people make. From my vantage point on the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I continue to look for ways to improve health care in the Ninth District.\r\nHealth care policy revolves around quality, availability, and affordability. All three of these goals can be promoted by the use of telehealth, in which medical services are provided remotely through electronic and telecommunications technologies. I have long supported telehealth as a solution to some of the challenges faced in Southwest Virginia. In rural areas like ours, telehealth can provide access to treatments that patients would otherwise have to travel far to receive, if they receive it at all.\r\nRecently, I joined with several of my colleagues on both side of the aisle to introduce the Reducing Unnecessary Senior Hospitalizations Act (RUSH) Act. Our legislation would expand telehealth's use in skilled nursing facilities. Rather than require seniors to be transferred to hospitals, it would allow for telehealth to be utilized to treat Medicare recipients in place at these facilities when appropriate.\r\nBy embracing opportunities created by telehealth, the RUSH Act would reduce risks for seniors and save money for taxpayers.\r\nAs part of a September 13 hearing on improvements to Medicare, I was able to discuss our bill with Dr. Timothy Peck, the founder and CEO of Call9. His company has achieved success bringing telehealth into nursing homes, treating seniors experiencing a health episode there rather than transferring them to hospitals.\r\nHe testified that Call9 can treat patients in place roughly 80% of the time. Those seniors can be treated at the time of their emergencies rather than go through the ordeal of completing an ambulance ride and waiting to see an emergency room physician. In addition to saving the time and cost of an ambulance ride, these seniors are spared the stress and confusion of a ride accompanied by blaring sirens. Further, they are spared bright lights and the possibility of a bed in the hallway at the emergency room.\r\nCurrent law, however, prohibits Medicare from providing reimbursements for telehealth, inhibiting his company from expanding, especially to rural areas. The RUSH Act would encourage his operation and others providing similar services to go into nursing homes in rural areas or that depend heavily on Medicare. As I pointed out in the hearing, seniors in these homes deserve the same quality of care as those who live in urban or wealthy areas.\r\nSupport for telehealth has brought together Democrats and Republicans.\r\nSome measures to lower prescription drugs prices also unite both parties. Everyone recognizes that people are paying too much to have their prescriptions filled.\r\nThe issue is a tangled one, but I believe transparency is an essential part of untangling it. That's why I am an original cosponsor of the Know the Cost Act, which would ban the practice of gag clauses.\r\nGag clauses may be imposed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on pharmacists, prohibiting them from telling patients about cheaper out-of-pocket alternatives to their prescriptions covered by insurance.\r\nThis is unfair. Patients and pharmacists should have the freedom to fully consider their options when filling prescriptions.\r\nThe Energy and Commerce Committee heard testimony on September 5 from a pharmacist affected by gag clauses, and Democrats and Republicans both recognized their negative impact. When the Know the Cost Act was introduced, it had ten sponsors. I was one of five Republicans and five Democrats.\r\nIt passed the committee unanimously on September 14. I believe this bipartisan cooperation will produce solutions to help bring down prescription drug costs.\r\nGood News for American Energy\r\nAccording to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States now produces the most crude oil of any country in the world, passing Russia and Saudi Arabia.\r\nThis is good news for America's economy and its place in the world. It increases our energy independence and diminishes the influence of oil-producing countries that don't share our interests or values. More American oil production also means more jobs here.\r\nAmerica's surge in crude oil production also shows that, just as his policy on coal was wrong, President Obama's oil policy was wrong. At the 2008 Democrat convention, he proclaimed, Drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Ten years later, American oil drilling has propelled us to a dominant position in the oil market.\r\nAmericans should take this feat to heart. It's an achievement that shows just what American ingenuity and a true all of the above energy strategy can deliver.\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"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1104", "Rep. Brat Issues Statement On Constitution Day", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Rep. Dave Brat, chairman of the Constitution Caucus, released the following statement commemorating September 17th, Constitution Day.\r\n\r\nAmerica's written Constitution is evidence of the unparalleled political genius of our founders. They understood humans were capable of great things if they worked towards the common good. But, sometimes, certain corrupt factions would arise and, if left to their own devices, would chase selfish ambitions without regard to the common good. And so, they devised a system of checks and balances so that human corruption could not get a foothold within American government.\r\n\r\nIt is our job to ensure the genius of the Constitution is understood and appreciated for our children and our children's children. We must communicate why we must alldiligentlywork to serve and protect this system of government. For years, I had the privilege ofteaching about ourAmerican government to college students at Randolph-Macon College. But, now, as a member of Congress, I have a new missionto protect it.\r\n\r\nWith that calling in mind, I chose to re-launch the Congressional Constitution Caucus this year. I re-launched the caucus so that lawmakers  our nation's leaders  would be reminded of their role within the broader context of American government.\r\n\r\n###\r\n  \r\n\r\nWASHINGTON Rep. Dave Brat, chairman of the Constitution Caucus, released the following statement commemorating September 17th, Constitution Day.\r\n\r\nAmerica's written Constitution is evidence of the unparalleled political genius of our founders. They understood humans were capable of great things if they worked towards the common good. But, sometimes, certain corrupt factions would arise and, if left to their own devices, would chase selfish ambitions without regard to the common good. And so, they devised a system of checks and balances so that human corruption could not get a foothold within American government.\r\n\r\nIt is our job to ensure the genius of the Constitution is understood and appreciated for our children and our children's children. We must communicate why we must alldiligentlywork to serve and protect this system of government. For years, I had the privilege ofteaching about ourAmerican government to college students at Randolph-Macon College. But, now, as a member of Congress, I have a new missionto protect it.\r\n\r\nWith that calling in mind, I chose to re-launch the Congressional Constitution Caucus this year. I re-launched the caucus so that lawmakers  our nation's leaders  would be reminded of their role within the broader context of American government.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON Rep. Dave Brat, chairman of the Constitution Caucus, released the following statement commemorating September 17th, Constitution Day.\r\n\r\nAmerica's written Constitution is evidence of the unparalleled political genius of our founders. They understood humans were capable of great things if they worked towards the common good. But, sometimes, certain corrupt factions would arise and, if left to their own devices, would chase selfish ambitions without regard to the common good. And so, they devised a system of checks and balances so that human corruption could not get a foothold within American government.\r\n\r\nIt is our job to ensure the genius of the Constitution is understood and appreciated for our children and our children's children. We must communicate why we must alldiligentlywork to serve and protect this system of government. For years, I had the privilege ofteaching about ourAmerican government to college students at Randolph-Macon College. But, now, as a member of Congress, I have a new missionto protect it.\r\n\r\nWith that calling in mind, I chose to re-launch the Congressional Constitution Caucus this year. I re-launched the caucus so that lawmakers  our nation's leaders  would be reminded of their role within the broader context of American government.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1295", "Congressman Goodlatte Statement in Celebration of Constitution Day", "2018-09-17", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "goodlatte.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement in honor of Constitution Day, which was first observed in 2005.Congressman Goodlatte: The Constitution was signed by our nation's founders on September 17th, 1787. This document, signed 231 years ago, embodied the commitment to protect our God-given liberties. As we reflect this Constitution Day, we must remember how this great nation began. As a Member of Congress and Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, our Constitution is at the forefront of my mind every day. Now more than ever, it is essential that both Republican and Democratic Members of Congress be reminded of the Constitution's provisions and the oaths all Members have taken to uphold the protections it contains for the sacred rights of every American. I hope all Americans are inspired to reflect this Constitution Day on the remarkable document that continues to be the foundation of our government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-appropriations-minibus-military-construction-and-veterans-affairs", "House Passes Appropriations Minibus for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water, Legislative Branch", "2018-09-14", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a three-bill Appropriations \"minibus\" funding bill, agreed upon by the joint House and Senate Conference Committee. The package of bills includes funding for the Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Legislative Branch Appropriations bills for fiscal year (FY) 2019. In June it was announced that Representative Scott Taylor would be named to the Conference Committee, the first time since1998 that a freshman member has been appointed to serve on a conference committee for an appropriations bill.\nThis package of three funding bills will mark the first time in more than 10 years that Congress has sent more than one Appropriations bill to the President's desk prior to the end of the fiscal year. This represents a significant effort made by the House and Senate to return to regular order  which means completing all 12 funding bills through the normal legislative process and enacting them into law.\n\"These appropriations bills are critical to our military and water infrastructure in Virginia. They provide the necessary funding to continue rebuilding the military, including important resources for our troops and their families. It also provides important funding for the VA that will increase health care access for veterans and streamline accountability,\"said Congressman Scott Taylor.\nThe FY19 Energy and Water Appropriations bill provides a total of $44.64 billion in discretionary funding - $1.44 billion above FY18 levels. The bill supports a strong nuclear national security strategy with a total of $15.23 billion for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons security programs, including the maintenance and readiness of the nuclear stockpile and Naval nuclear reactors. It also increases funding for the nation's water resources infrastructure by directing $7 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers, an increase of $172 million, which will boost navigation and flood control improvements. Additionally, it promotes economic competitiveness and energy independence by including $13.5 billion for energy programs, including protecting the safety of the nation's electrical grid and investments in fossil and nuclear energy research.\nThe FY19 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill provides $98.1 billion in discretionary funding - $5.3 billion above FY18 levels. This includes $921.4 million in Overseas Contingency Operations funding. The bill provides much-needed oversight and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure tax dollars are used wisely and for the benefit of servicemembers and veterans.\nThe bill funds VA medical care at $72.3 billion  providing for approximately seven million patients to be treated in fiscal year 2019. Within this total, funding includes: $8.6 billion in mental health care services; $206 million in suicide prevention outreach activities; $589 million for traumatic brain injury treatment; $7.5 billion in homeless veterans treatment, services, housing, and job training; $400 million for opioid abuse prevention; and $270 million in rural health initiatives.\nThe bill also provides a total of $10.3 billion for military construction projects  an increase of $241 million, or 2.4 percent, above the enacted fiscal year 2018 levels. Funding for military construction projects includes military family housing, military medical facilities, DOD education facilities, Guard and Reserve facilities, NATO Security Investment Program (NSIP), and Guantanamo Bay.\nThe FY19 Military Construct and Veterans Affairs bill also includes funding for eight military construction projects across the Commonwealth of Virginia:\nDam Neck\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$8.9M\n\t\tJoint Base Langley-Eustis\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFuel Facilities Replacement\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$6.9M\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGround Vehicle Fueling Facility Replacement\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$5.8M\n\t\tAir National Guard - Joint Base Langley-Eustis\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$10M\n\t\t\nPortsmouth\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tShips Maintenance Facility\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$26.12M\n\t\tFort A.P. Hill\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$11.73M\n\t\tFort Belvoir\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHuman Performance Training Center\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$6.12M\n\t\tHumphreys Engineer Center\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMaintenance and Supply Facility\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$20.25M\n\t\tPentagon\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tExterior Infrastructure & Security Improvements\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$23.65M\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNorth Village VACP & Fencing\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t$12.2M\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399017", "Griffith Hydropower Legislation Passes House", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representative passed legislation including his bill, the Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act:\r\nClosed-loop pumped storage hydropower is a technology with great promise for Southwest Virginia. Abandoned mines would provide the infrastructure, construction at the location of the facilities would create jobs, and the completed projects would provide clean, reliable energy.\r\nMy legislation streamlines federal permitting to prevent red tape from obstructing the benefits of closed-loop pumped storage hydropower projects. I am glad that the House supported it as part of a larger package to improve America's water infrastructure, and I look forward to Senate action and the President's signature soon.\r\nThe Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act was included as part of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, a product of bicameral agreement between the House and the Senate.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399018", "Griffith Applauds $600,000 Brownfields Grant for Sites in Wise County, Norton", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $600,000 for sites in Wise County and the City of Norton as part of its Brownfields Program:\r\nCleaning up brownfields can turn them into economic assets for a community. This $600,000 grant will help sites in the Towns of Coeburn and Wise, Wise County, and the City of Norton do just that by providing funds for assessing them and planning their recovery. It offers a valuable lift for environmental restoration, job creation, and economic development in our area.\r\nBackground\r\nA brownfield is defined by the EPA as a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399019", "Griffith Applauds $600,000 Brownfields Grant for Sites in Alleghany County, Covington", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $600,000 to the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation as part of its Brownfields Program:\r\nCleaning up brownfields can turn them into economic assets for a community. This $600,000 grant will help sites in the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate, Alleghany County, and the City of Covington do just that by providing funds for assessing them and planning their recovery. It offers a valuable lift for environmental restoration, job creation, and economic development in our area.\r\nBackground\r\nA brownfield is defined by the EPA as a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1081", "Representatives Wagner and Brat Host Public Forum on Human Trafficking", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "David Brat", "B001290", "brat.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HENRICO, Va.  Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Rep. Dave Brat (VA-07) attended a public forum hosted by Richmond Community Church to discuss how Congress is fighting to end human trafficking.\r\nThe forum featured expert panelists who explored the impact of trafficking on communities across the country. Experts included Special Agent in Charge Adam Lee from the Richmond FBI Field Office and Rosalinda Rivera, Executive Director of New Life for Youth. Rep. Wagner, an anti-trafficking champion and the author of key laws that have disrupted modern-day slavery, was also on the panel. Rep. Wagner wrote and worked hard to pass the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), a bipartisan piece of legislation signed into law in April. The bill has helped decimate the illegal online sex market and is being called the most significant anti-trafficking legislation in nearly 20 years.\r\nEarlier this year, Congressman Brat was instrumental in educating and uniting our conference behind FOSTA, which became law in April and is already disrupting the market, said Congresswoman Wagner. I was honored to be in Virginia today to discuss our work to end human trafficking, and share some of Congress's biggest successes in this important fight. By passing FOSTA, Congress told survivors that they are no longer alone, and justice is no longer out of reach.\r\nWhile meeting with forensic nurses at Bon Secoursand speaking with local law enforcement, I heard the horrifying stories of human trafficking right here in the 7th District. I realized this heinous crime is happening just under our noses, and we need to be doing all we can to end this modern form of slavery, said Congressman Brat. When I learned Rep. Wagner was introducing the FOSTA bill I immediately offered to co-sponsor and help promote this legislation. It's laws like FOSTA that are getting real people help and are delivering results. The women and children affected by this modern slavery depend on us for help. \r\n\r\nThere were over 100 individuals in attendance at the forum.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-service-academy-deadline-coming", "Comstock Service Academy Deadline Coming Up", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Barbara Comstock", "C001105", "comstock.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sterling, VA  Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10) today announced that the deadline for students interested in applying for a nomination by the 10th District Service Academy Advisory Board to one of the nation's military academies for the Class of 2023 is 5 p.m. on Friday, September 28th in her Sterling district office:\nThe future leaders of our country are applying today to be a part of our nation's service academies. Our region is home to some of the best and brightest students and I am confident that this year's class of applicants will be exceptionally strong. The strength and integrity of America's armed forces depends on students like these who take it upon themselves to serve and to sacrifice for the next generation.\nThere is no doubt that the students of the class of 2023 are leaders to those around them. Courage and honor are the pillars that these students exemplify as they forge their pathway to service. This year's 10th District Service Academy Advisory Board will have their work cut out for them as they review this year's applications.\nApplications can be mailed or hand delivered to Comstock's Sterling office at 21430 Cedar Drive, Suite 218, Sterling, Virginia 20164. Applications MUST BE RECEIVED by 5 p.m. on September 28th. Interested students can request an Academy Nomination Application from Comstock's Web site at https://comstock.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. The selection process is strictly a competitive one.\nFor more information about the congressional nominating process, contact Mary Ann Cannon in Comstock's Sterling office at (703) 404-6903, or go to https://comstock.house.gov/ and click on Military Academy Nominations under the Services section.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://taylor.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-taylor-joins-letter-house-leadership-urging-reauthorization-violence", "Rep. Taylor Joins Letter to House Leadership Urging Reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act", "2018-09-13", "2018", "2018-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Scott Taylor", "T000477", "taylor.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  This week, Representative Scott Taylor joined 45 colleagues in sending a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy urging them to advance a bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This legislation, set to expire on September 30, authorizes programs that protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and promotes educational awareness about these types of crimes.\nSince 1994, untold numbers of Americans have benefitted from the protections offered by this legislation. Protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is part of our mandate as elected members of this body and not a partisan issue. It is important that we take up this legislation immediately to ensure this program is reauthorized on time so we can maintain protections for victims of domestic violence, said Congressman Scott Taylor.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 648, "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": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 648, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-09-13,https~3A~2F~2Ftaylor~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-taylor-joins-letter-house-leadership-urging-reauthorization-violence", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=VA&year=2018&_next=2018-09-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Ftaylor~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-taylor-joins-letter-house-leadership-urging-reauthorization-violence&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 249.26605075597763, "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"}