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243 rows where party = "Republican", state = "VA" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending

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http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365063 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.23.13 2013-12-23 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Faith and Action People of faith often take bold action.  The Christmas season is a time to both notice and highlight the large and small acts of faith that make a difference in this world.  I can only note a few, as there are too many such actions to note them all. One of those taking bold action this year is Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10), who has announced that he will be retiring after having served in the House of Representatives for 17 terms.   Frank has worked hard throughout the years to advance justice, human rights, and religious freedom.  He went on a secret mission to Tibet in 1997, traveling not as a Congressman but as a tourist with a home video camera.  After returning to the United States, Frank said Tibetans were living “…under unspeakably brutal conditions in the dim shadow of international awareness.  I want the world to know what is going on in Tibet.”  He has continued this work in numerous ways.  Frank has traveled throughout Asia and the Middle East advocating for religious minorities such as Coptic Christians, and also has persistently pushed to uncover the truth about the 2012 attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Frank is a diligent and tireless advocate for those who may otherwise be passed by.  I wish the best to Frank as he continues working on the issues important to him and to his family as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Reverend Ralph Shelba Horton was another man of deep faith, and I was saddened to learn of his December 19 passing.  Reverend Horton served the Lord as Senior Pastor of the Richlands Tabernacle since 1971, but he looked for opportunities outside of his own backyard to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was a man of God and a friend to many, and his influence went well beyond Tazewell County.  To paraphrase a friend of mine, “Who knows how many souls are in heaven because of the work of Reverend Horton.”  My thoughts and prayers to Reverend Horton’s loved ones at this time. But not all people of faith have 700,000 constituents or a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365076 Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January 2013-12-23 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January.  In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.  Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. January 3, 2014 Martinsville:   11:00 am – 1:00 pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Lee County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room – Suite U101 33640 Main Street Jonesville, VA Norton:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA January 8, 2014 Radford:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Radford Public Library Meeting Room 30 West Main Street Radford, VA  Pulaski County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Pulaski County Library Meeting Room 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA January 9, 2014 Grayson County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room – Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA Russell County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA  Tazewell County:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA Galax:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Galax Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Main Street Galax, VA January 14, 2014 Giles County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA Salem:   2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Library 28 East Main Street Salem, VA January 15, 2014 Henry County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bassett Historical Society 3964 Fairystone Parkway Bassett, VA Bland County:   10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bland County Courthouse Admin. Office Room 2 612 Main Street Bland, VA Wythe County:   2:00 pm – 4:0… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154440/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/483 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON ICE'S REMOVAL NUMBERS 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON ICE'S REMOVAL NUMBERS WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released its removal numbers for Fiscal Year 2013, showing a decrease in the number of illegal immigrants and criminal aliens removed.  Specifically, ICE removed roughly 369,000 individuals in FY 2013, which is a 41,000 decrease from the previous year, and the removal of criminal aliens decreased from 225,400 last year to 217,000 this year. Additionally, the removal of fugitives with final orders of deportation has decreased by over 40% and for repeat immigration violators it has dramatically declined by over 15%. Upon closer look, over 60% of the deportations claimed by ICE were actually removals of recent illegal border crossers who were apprehended by the Border Patrol and transferred briefly to ICE custody before removal.  House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte released the statement below on the removal numbers for FY 2013:   “Today’s removal numbers from U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement is just more evidence that the Obama Administration refuses to enforce our immigration laws. Throughout the past five years, President Obama has sought to undermine and dismantle our immigration laws at every opportunity possible.  And the results of this comprehensive plan are revealed in this year’s removal statistics: deportations are down and fewer criminals have been deported.  And the Administration is padding its already meager removal numbers by including Border Patrol apprehensions.     “The Administration’s fuzzy math undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts our communities needlessly at risk. While the Obama Administration may gain applause from its political base for its inaction, they will ultimately lose in the court of public opinion.  Our immigration laws do need to be refo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=498 Wittman Introduces Legislation to Protect Military Retirees 2013-12-20 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) has introduced H.R. 3792 to repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act, H.J.Res. 59, affecting military retirees. I strongly believe that we cannot and should not balance the budget on the backs of the servicemembers who have given their all for our country. I was vehemently opposed to the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act that cuts COLAs for military retirees, and today I have introduced H.R. 3792 to repeal that section. I have also written a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman McKeon, asking for his commitment to address this issue before it goes into effect at the end of 2014. Our retired servicemen and women who served our nation over 20 years deserve the pay and benefits they have earned. H.R. 3792 strikes Section 403 of H.J. Res. 59, which modifies the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by making the adjustments equal to inflation minus one percent. This provision provides for an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) of inflation (measured by the Consumer Price Index) less one percentage point for adjustments starting on December 1, 2015 until the retiree reaches age 62. There would be no alteration to the 2014 COLA. This change would be gradually phased in, with no change for the current year, a 0.25 percent decrease in December 2014, and a 0.5 percent decrease in December 2015. Under this provision, at age 62, the COLA would revert back to the full CPI adjustment. Wittman has also joined House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller in introducing 2 similar bills: 1) legislation that would strike Section 403 and therefore eliminate any cuts to COLAs attached to military retirement payments; and 2) legislation that would clarify and exempt all veterans who medically retire, those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), and those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP) from any impact of Section 403 on their disability pension. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=497 Wittman Statement on the Retirement of Representative Frank Wolf 2013-12-19 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Statement on the Retirement of Representative Frank Wolf f t # e Washington, D.C., December 19, 2013 Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement upon the announcement of Rep. Frank Wolf's (VA-10) upcoming retirement at the end of the 113th Congress, after 34 years of service: Virginia has been well-served by a man who has truly dedicated himself to the Virginia way: selfless service to his community and his country. The news today is bittersweet, as Frank's work can never be replicated; I know he will continue to do great things for the causes he cares about the most. He has been a true friend and mentor to me during my time in Congress. I have enjoyed working with him on the issues important to Virginians, and commend his 34 years of service to our Commonwealth, and to our nation. Frank Wolf is a true statesman and we will be forever grateful for his tremendous service. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. # # # f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154818/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/481 GOODLATTE WELCOMES AREVA INVESTMENT IN LYNCHBURG 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE WELCOMES AREVA INVESTMENT IN LYNCHBURG WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after attending the announcement that AREVA, Inc. will invest $26.3 million in its operations in the Lynchburg region: “We are very fortunate that AREVA has decided to continue to build its presence in the Hill City. Today’s news of a $26.3 million investment further solidifies AREVA’s deep commitment to serving the nuclear power industry and helping to drive economic growth in Central Virginia.  The designation of the operations in Lynchburg and Campbell County as the company’s Operational Center of Excellence for Nuclear Products and Services is a clear signal that AREVA will continue to be a leader in meeting the needs of the nuclear industry by providing cutting-edge, reliable services. The nuclear industry is integral to this region’s economic strength, and I look forward to continue working with AREVA as they move forward with this investment.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131155132/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/482 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF CONGRESSMAN FRANK WOLF 2013-12-17 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT OF CONGRESSMAN FRANK WOLF WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10) announced that he will not seek reelection in 2014: “It has been a great honor to work with Frank Wolf throughout my time in Congress. Frank has diligently served the people of the 10th District for over three decades.  During this time, he has been a strong advocate for human rights, passionately speaking out for those without a voice. We have also worked on numerous issues together, including preservation of historic battlefields, immigration enforcement, addressing human rights issues in the Sudan, and ensuring there are federal law enforcement resources in the northern Shenandoah Valley to protect our communities. “Frank’s wisdom and spirit will certainly be missed in the House of Representatives. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement and thank him for his distinguished service to our nation and the Commonwealth.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364610 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.16.13 2013-12-16 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy The ADAPT Act, Fire Hydrants, and the NSA The ADAPT Act Regular readers of this column are aware of my ongoing efforts to improve the quality and safety of our health care system and increase patient choice and control.  We have numerous bills that have been introduced, and that the various committees are working on.  Among those committees that are working on improvements to our health care systems is the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, on which I serve. Among my efforts are the bipartisan Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3089) to clarify oversight of the compounding drug manufacturing system (which was signed into law) and the Patient Choice Act (H.R. 2090), bipartisan legislation to speed up Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of drugs and give certain patients the option to buy new, innovative, experimental drugs and therapies at their own expense. Last week, I joined with several of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, in introducing H.R. 3742, the Antibiotic Development to Advance Patient Treatment (ADAPT) Act.  The ADAPT Act seeks to advance drug development with the end goal of combating the growing public health threat of “superbugs,” which are resistant to antibiotics.  Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or drug-resistant Salmonella are examples of these superbugs. I believe strongly, when battling deadly diseases, patients and their physicians need more choices. Our nation boasts an array of entities that are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies.  The ADAPT Act is a critical next step in working to address antibiotic resistance.  This bill develops a new, accelerated pathway for antibiotics and antifungals in limited and specific patient populations.  It will further innovation and ultimately will provide new, antibiotic options in the fight against superbugs. I will continue working with my colleagues to improve our health care system and increase the options and control you and your loved ones have over treatment.  Further, I will keep you upda… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364405 Information on the Budget Agreement and Our Military 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy “There is much misinformation making its way around the Internet about the contents of the budget agreement that the House passed last night.  The budget agreement negotiated between the House and the Senate stops most of the military cuts that were soon to hit the Commonwealth as a result of the sequester.  A George Mason University study estimates that the full sequestration’s defense cuts would have resulted in Virginia losing 136,191 jobs.  George Mason University has also estimated that the full defense spending cuts in the sequester would have resulted in the Commonwealth losing 65,000 small business jobs. “Further, it is important to note that this agreement does not impact pensions for disabled military retirees or those over the age of 62.  What it does in fact do is reduce the potential cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for working-age military retirees by 1 percentage point less than the increase in consumer prices.  This would be gradually phased in over three years.  This gradual phase-in means that the potential December 2014 COLA would be reduced by .25 percent, the potential December 2015 COLA would be reduced by .5 percent, and the full change would take place with the potential December 2016 COLA. “Again, this budget agreement is a compromise.  If I had it my way, this agreement would be different.  But the Democrats are in control of the Senate.  President Obama and Senate Democrats have refused to take serious action to reduce our debt and our deficits, and this agreement is not a complete solution to the problem.  But it is a step in the right direction.  It contains lower spending levels than in previously-passed House budgets commonly known as the Ryan plan, and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion.  This agreement represents the first budget passed by Congress since I was sworn in to the serve Virginia’s Ninth District.  “I am ready and willing to continue the fight for additional reforms, leading to a balanced budget and further reductions in our debt and deficit.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=495 Wittman Applauds House Passage of 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, Calls on Senate to Approve 2013-12-13 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) applauded House passage of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act Thursday evening, after original House passage in June. The House has certainly done its job in moving this critical legislation through in a timely manner, Wittman said. It is now up to the Senate to pass this bill that is vital for the men and women of our armed forces, and for our nation's security. With so many important initiatives lagging, the House has shown true leadership and put aside partisan differences to pass this bill which goes far toward addressing the damaging impacts of sequestration on our national security and, perhaps most importantly, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who serve this nation. Wittman highlighted critical portions of the FY14 NDAA, specifically: Allocates nearly $3 billion readiness dollars across all three components Active, Guard, and Reserve providing needed funds for critical programs including the flying hour program, facilities maintenance and sustainment, depot maintenance, and combat support forces equipment and sustainment; Boosts DOD's ability to respond to future crises like Benghazi by adding $75 million for unfunded requirements such as the expansion of the Marine Security Guard program at our diplomatic posts and the establishment of a Crisis Response unit; Prohibits DOD from initiating another round of BRAC at this time to ensure appropriate focus on the withdrawal from Afghanistan and a well-informed assessment of our nation's defense strategy moving forward; Provides for $11 billion dollars of MILCON for urgently needed base infrastructure improvements; and Reauthorizes 1.5 million acres of public land for training range access to ensure our forces have the ability to train the way we expect them to fight. Wittman continued, As we work to complete this bill, we need to be mindful that our highest constitutional duty is to provide for a common defense. That starts with ensuring the men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform and … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364350 Griffith Statement on House-Senate Budget Compromise 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bipartisan, bicameral budget compromise.  It passed by a vote of 332-94. “This budget agreement is a compromise.  It is not perfect, nor does not contain everything I would like, but it is on the right track.  This budget keeps with spending levels in previously passed House budgets commonly known as the Ryan plan, and this will be the first time since I was elected to the House of Representatives that Congress – both the House and the Senate – has passed a budget.  This agreement could have been stronger.  But in light of the fact that the Senate is controlled by Democrats, this is the best deal possible.  Both the Democrats and the Republicans worked together to reach this compromise.  Neither political party loved the bill.  As I learned in the House of Delegates, when both sides don’t love a compromise bill, it is probably a fair compromise.  “This compromise bill included a three month extension of programs to help our rural hospitals and seniors, specifically the Sustainable Growth Rate fix and Medicare dependent and low-volume hospital programs. “I remain of the belief that out-of-control federal spending must be checked in order to avoid further burdening future generations of Americans with excessive debt, and will continue working to decrease our deficits and our debt. “While this budget is not perfect, I commend Chairman Paul Ryan for his work on this agreement.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154714/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/479 HOUSE RFS REFORM LEADERS APPLAUD SENATE REFORM BILL 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy HOUSE RFS REFORM LEADERS APPLAUD SENATE REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Steve Womack (R-AR) released the following statement today in support of the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act, which was introduced in the Senate today by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Tom Coburn (R-OK): “The Senate joined the House in calling for reform of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today.  The corn ethanol mandate has increased volatility in the corn markets and diverted corn from food and feed uses to fuel production.  We have seen costs increase for not only farmers and food producers throughout the nation, but also consumers who purchase these products.  Higher volumes of corn ethanol in fuel have also wreaked havoc on small engines, destroying chainsaws, boat motors, and other equipment.  We applaud the efforts of Senators Feinstein and Coburn to eliminate this mandate, which is also a provision included in our House bill, the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 1462).  We are hopeful that the introduction of this bill in the Senate will help to further propel the growing momentum in the Congress to reform the RFS.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154733/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/480 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON BUDGET DEAL 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON BUDGET DEAL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after voting in support of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives this evening by a vote of 332-94: “Tonight’s vote represents the product of hard-fought negotiations between Republicans in the House and Democrats in the Senate.  While greater spending cuts moving forward will be required to put our nation back on a path toward fiscal responsibility, this budget deal is a small step towards meaningful deficit reduction.  This budget deal lays the groundwork for a federal budget that reduces spending, makes small entitlement reforms, does not raise taxes, ensures military readiness, and restores Congress’ authority to determine how federal tax dollars are spent through the appropriations process. I would have preferred to vote for a continuing resolution at lower levels, but unfortunately there were not the necessary 218 votes for such a measure.  This budget deal has advantages, however. By returning to a regular appropriations process, we can bring up each appropriations bill separately, and will no longer cede the power of the purse to unelected bureaucrats.  Continuing resolutions provide no opportunity to change or update policies and spending levels. This budget deal lets Members of Congress offer amendments to scrutinize and reform every government program – for example, this would include an amendment I have offered in the past to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s costly regulatory overreach in the Chesapeake Bay. “Our nation has a President and a Senate who are unwilling to do what really needs to be done to put our fiscal house back in order.  They have made it nearly impossible to make meaningful spending reforms and are totally unwilling to address entitlement spending head-on, which represents more than two-thirds of federal spending and continues to add to our debt at an unsustainable rate.  … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=494 Wittman: "Deal is better than no deal, but work remains" 2013-12-12 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which passed the House 332-94. This deal is better than no deal, but work remains to get our nation's spending under control and properly managed, Wittman said. In recent weeks, I led numerous briefings to educate Members on the effects of sequester cuts to our nation's military. Members learned the devastating effects of these cuts on training and equipping those who serve our nation in uniform. It is the Constitutional duty of the Congress to provide for our nation's defense, and this bill restores some of the indiscriminate cuts decimating our nation's defense budget. In my mind, it does not go far enough, but some is better than none in this case. Our nation's defense leaders support this measure. I have fought for the restoration of funds for our military's readiness and am pleased to support the partial restoration of cuts and will continue to work to that end. I am also pleased this bill does not target our current federal employees, who often find themselves in the middle of political debate. Though I do not agree with every line in this legislation, I must support the overall goal of moving the ball forward while ensuring we reduce the deficit without raising taxes. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 would set overall discretionary spending for the remainder of fiscal year 2014. It restores some of the funding cuts from sequestration for defense, a key provision for Wittman. The sequester relief is fully offset by savings elsewhere in the budget. "Importantly, this bill also sets a path forward to a return to regular order for passing legislation related to federal spending. I have long-advocated for Congress to do its job, rather than kicking the can down the road again and again. The American people deserve a thorough debate on these critical issues. This agreement will put appropriators on track to bring legislation with detailed spending plans for federal agencies to the floor by the second week of January. Congr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154839/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/478 GOODLATTE REFLECTS ON LEGACY OF NELSON MANDELA 2013-12-10 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE REFLECTS ON LEGACY OF NELSON MANDELA WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement as leaders across the nation gathered in South Africa today for a Memorial Service for Former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Today leaders from across the globe, citizens of South Africa, and those in nations throughout the world came together to honor the memory of Nelson Mandela and celebrate a life that has truly made a mark on history. “In President Mandela’s 95 years he faced many hardships and injustices.  Yet, he turned these struggles into great steps forward in bringing justice and equality to South Africa.   “And it is only fitting that today’s Memorial Service was marked by skies heavy with rain – a symbol of blessing.  President Mandela was a true man of the people and a source of inspiration and hope.  His life was certainly a blessing to many. “The world changed tremendously in his lifetime, and his impact will not be forgotten.  While I never had the good fortune to meet President Mandela, I think he would agree that we must continue to stand watch over the principles of freedom and democracy for which he fought.     “As the world continues to mourn the loss of this great leader, my prayers remain with the Mandela family and the people of South Africa.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363856 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.9.13 2013-12-09 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy On My Christmas List… Last week, I introduced the EPA MACT (Maximum Achievable Contraction of Technocrats) Act, which would cut the EPA’s workforce by a reasonable 15 percent over a realistic three- to four-year period. Regular readers of this column are aware that I am not the EPA’s biggest fan.  However, I do want clean air and clean water, and I will give some credit where it is due.  In the past, the EPA has introduced some reasonable regulations in seeking to fulfill its mission of “protect[ing] human health and the environment,” and to this day it continues overseeing some important programs.  In my view, for example, this includes EPA grant programs that help provide underserved areas with clean water. But I believe the EPA is going too far.   According to a Washington TV channel (FOX 5 DC), EPA regulations on newer-model, heavy-duty diesel vehicles (including ambulances and fire trucks) must have an emission control system that would shut the vehicle down in order to “regenerate.”  FOX 5 reported that “the drivers of the rigs and the people who manage them have to stay on top of the warning lights to make sure they don't ever approach the shut down level.” In an actual case in the nation’s capital, FOX 5 DC says a shooting victim in cardiac arrest was being transported via ambulance to a hospital when “the indicator lights on the emission control system suddenly and unexpectedly jumped from a warning to shut down in a matter of seconds, and as the engine died, [the driver] was able to pull the rig to the side of the road.”  A second ambulance arrived minutes later, but the victim was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. EPA says that they essentially fixed the issue in 2012, but Harold Boer, head of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturing Association, told the Washington Post, “the waiver does not fully exempt emergency vehicles and instead allows them to be retrofitted so there is more time between regeneration stops.”  He also said that few cities request that their vehicles be retrofitted as it doe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363727 Griffith Statement on Virginia Tech President Announcement 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement on the announcement that Dr. Timothy Sands will be serving as the next president of Virginia Tech beginning in June of 2014: “Virginia Tech is an exceptional university and a wonderful, tight-knit community that in recent years has experienced days of difficulty as well as periods of significant growth and development.  To Dr. Timothy Sands, I extend my sincere congratulations.  I look forward to working with him, and to Virginia Tech’s continued success under his leadership. “Also, I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Charles Steger for his service and dedication to the Hokie Nation.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154807/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/477 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON VIRGINIA TECH PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENT 2013-12-06 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON VIRGINIA TECH PRESIDENT ANNOUNCEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released this statement following the announcement that Dr. Timothy Sands will become the next president of Virginia Tech, effective June 1, 2014:  “Virginia Tech has long been a leader in higher education, promoting the motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe.  As this new chapter for Virginia Tech begins, Dr. Sands’ experience in higher education will help to guide Virginia Tech’s mission and continue their long tradition of success in innovation, research, and academic excellence.  Virginia Tech grew tremendously under the leadership of Dr. Charles Steger.  I have enjoyed working with him over the years, and I thank him for his dedicated service to the Virginia Tech community.  I wish Dr. Sands the best of luck in his new position.  Go Hokies!” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363603 Griffith Statement on Life of Nelson Mandela 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released the following statement after learning of the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “I am saddened that the world has lost one of its great leaders.  Nelson Mandela was a leader of courage who led South Africa after apartheid.  While he could have done like so many other leaders in emerging nations have done and created a country where he became a president or ruler for life, he did not turn his back on the principles of representative government.  Nelson Mandela’s journey is over on this earth, but his ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ will never be forgotten. “My condolences are extended to his family, his loved ones, and the people of South Africa.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131210180841/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/476 HOUSE PASSES INNOVATION ACT TO MAKE REFORMS TO OUR PATENT SYSTEM 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy HOUSE PASSES INNOVATION ACT TO MAKE REFORMS TO OUR PATENT SYSTEM WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 325-91.  This bipartisan bill takes steps to combat the ever increasing problem of abusive patent litigation. House Judiciary Committee Chairman and chief sponsor of the Innovation Act Bob Goodlatte applauded the bill’s passage: “In recent years, we have seen an exponential increase in the use of weak or poorly-granted patents by so-called patent trolls to file numerous patent infringement lawsuits against American businesses with the hopes of securing a quick payday.  Everyone from independent inventors, to start-ups, to mid and large sized businesses face this constant threat. “The enactment of the Innovation Act is something I consider central to U.S. competiveness, job creation, and our nation’s future economic security.  The bipartisan legislation takes meaningful steps to address the abusive practices that have damaged our patent system and resulted in significant economic harm to our nation.  I am encouraged by the overwhelming support the Innovation Act received in the House and I look forward to working with the Senate to see that patent litigation reform legislation is signed into law.” Background on the Innovation Act:   •    Requires plaintiffs to disclose who the owner of a patent is before litigation, so that it is clear who the real parties behind the litigation are. This will ensure that Patent Trolls cannot hide behind a web of shell companies to avoid accountability for bringing frivolous litigation. •    Requires plaintiffs to actually explain why they are suing a company in their court pleadings. •    Requires courts to make decisions about whether a patent is valid or invalid early in the litigation process so that Patent Trolls cannot drag patent cases on for years based on invalid claims.  This prevents … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154715/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/475 GOODLATTE TESTIFIES AT EPA HEARING ON ETHANOL MANDATE 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE TESTIFIES AT EPA HEARING ON ETHANOL MANDATE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte testified today at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hearing on the proposed volume requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for calendar year 2014.  Congressman Goodlatte was joined by Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) who also supports reform of the RFS.  Congressmen Goodlatte and Welch, along with Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA) and Steve Womack (R-AR), recently led a letter signed by 169 Members of the House of Representatives to the EPA Administrator requesting a reduction of RFS levels. Congressman Goodlatte’s full testimony, as prepared, is below: It is my pleasure to join you all today.   Since the Renewable Fuel Standard was dramatically expanded in 2007, we saw, almost immediately, the market distorting effects of the RFS on our economy.   EPA has the tools to ease this market distortion fueled by the RFS.  Members of Congress have asked several times for EPA to use your authority to lower the RFS.  Last year we experienced one of the worst droughts in our nation’s history, severely impacting the corn supply.  Livestock and food producers were confronted with corn prices as high as $8 a bushel due to the drought and requirements of the RFS.  Last year livestock producers were not just left with the concern of price, but also legitimate concerns over having enough corn to feed their animals and fear that livestock herds would shrink.  EPA partially acknowledged these concerns.  In response to the waiver request, EPA’s own analysis said that a waiver last year would have provided relief of over $80 million to the pork industry in Virginia and North Carolina. Yet action was not taken. This year we are grateful to not be experiencing a drought that compounds the market distorting effect of the RFS, but we are still confronted with the detrimental effects of the RFS.  The imposition of the 2014 volumes now threatens to cause economic and environmental… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363414 Griffith Introduces EPA MACT Act 2013-12-04 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) yesterday introduced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Achievable Contraction of Technocrats (MACT) Act, H.R. 3641.  More than nine out of every ten EPA employees were considered “non-essential” and were furloughed during the recent partial government shutdown.  Griffith’s EPA MACT Act would require the EPA Administrator to reduce the EPA’s workforce by 15 percent within three years.  It also allows the EPA Administrator to have an additional (4th) year if she deemed it necessary to achieve the goal. After introducing the EPA MACT Act, Griffith issued the following statement: “This is the time of year when folks make their Christmas lists, or lay out their hopes and aspirations for the new year.  The overwhelming majority of citizens of the Ninth District of Virginia would welcome the inclusion of the EPA MACT Act on their wish lists.  It may be asking a lot of Santa for this bill to become law, but the economy of the Ninth District and our people can’t take any more job-killing, unreasonable EPA regulations. “Many in my area and in coal communities across the nation may wish for the complete elimination of the EPA, but the EPA MACT Act is a more balanced approach.  It recognizes that the EPA has put forward some reasonable regulations in the past, and that the agency ought to have the resources in order to be able to continue enforcing those reasonable regulations.  Our environment and our communities are better because of earlier actions.  Further, the EPA oversees some important programs, such as the grant programs that provide clean water to underserved areas.  “But, for example, should fire hydrants be subject to EPA drinking water regulations that exempt shower valves and bathtub faucets?  My kids often will get a drink from the shower or bathtub faucet, but have never had a drink from a fire hydrant.  Do you know many people who regularly drink from a fire hydrant?  I don’t.  But in October, EPA issued guidance saying that fire hydrants installed afte… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363126 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.2.13 2013-12-02 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Bipartisan Bill I Worked On Signed Into Law Last week, President Obama signed into law the Drug Quality and Security Act.  This win for common sense came after investigations into last fall’s fungal meningitis outbreak tied to tainted injections prepared by Massachusetts’ New England Compounding Center (NECC). Traditional compounding pharmacies are overseen by State boards of pharmacy.  They tend to be small mom-and-pop operations, and make custom medications based on a doctor’s order. The NECC had long ago stopped operating as a traditional compounding pharmacy.  Instead, the NECC was engaged in large-volume drug manufacturing without proper prescriptions. The NECC claimed that they were exempt from oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which typically regulates the manufacturers of medicines.  Despite the NECC’s claim, I believe that the FDA clearly had the authority they needed to have regulated the NECC and prevented the fungal meningitis outbreak. Despite having received complaints from multiple States about the NECC, the FDA did not step in to investigate NECC for illegal manufacturing or share this important information with other States.  My colleague, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), recently wrote that the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy in 2011 identified issues with the NECC, having determined that the drugs being distributed in Colorado lacked proper prescriptions.  She continued, “Our state board issued a cease-and-desist order to the NECC, and notified the Massachusetts Board as well.  But that was all it could do; ultimately, it was not enough to stop the NECC's actions and prevent the tragic outbreak that swept across the nation a year later.” Because of this oversight failure, the NECC is reported as having shipped more than 17,600 doses of the tainted steroid injection.  FDA investigators later uncovered bacteria and mold at the NECC. But more than 750 people throughout the United States were stricken with fungal meningitis resulting from these injections.  Nationwide, 64 people were … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131154753/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/474 HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON THE PRESIDENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY TO ENFORCE LAWS 2013-12-02 2013 2013-12 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON THE PRESIDENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY TO ENFORCE LAWS WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on “The President’s Constitutional Duty to Faithfully Execute the Laws.” Throughout President Obama’s tenure, we’ve witnessed a pattern: when the President disagrees with laws, he circumvents them. Now with Obamacare, President Obama is rewriting his own law, even though the law doesn’t provide him the authority to do so. The Constitution is clear: it is Congress’ duty to write our laws and once they are enacted it is the President’s responsibility to enforce them.  Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution declares that the President “shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”  However, President Obama has failed on several occasions to enforce Acts of Congress that he disagrees with for policy reasons. The President has also stretched his regulatory authority to enact policies refused by Congress. Tomorrow’s hearing will specifically focus on Obamacare: the employer mandate delay, waiver for non-compliant health plans, and contraceptive mandate that violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It will also address the President’s decision to ignore enforcement of our immigration and federal drug laws. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte released the statement below on tomorrow’s hearing: “President Obama has blatantly disregarded the Constitution’s mandate to faithfully execute the laws.  He has changed key provisions in Obamacare without congressional approval, failed to enforce our immigration and drug laws, and ignored his Constitutional duties for the sake of politics. It is apparent that the President’s vested interest is not in the protected liberties of the American people, but in the advancement of his own agenda and interests.” Witnesses for tomorrow’s hearing include: •    Mr. Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies, Cato Inst… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363022 Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December 2013-11-27 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of December.  In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.  Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. December 4, 2013  Smyth County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington:     10:00am – 12:00pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA December 6, 2013 Martinsville:     11:00am – 1:00pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Scott County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Community Services Building Community Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA Norton:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA December 11, 2013 Radford:     10:00am – 12:00pm Radford Public Library Meeting Room 30 West Main Street Radford, VA Pulaski County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Pulaski County Library Meeting Room 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA  December 12, 2013 Grayson County:    10:00am – 12:00pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA Russell County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA Tazewell County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA Galax:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Galax Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Main Street Gala… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362866 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.25.13 2013-11-25 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Many children are taught that America’s First Thanksgiving took place in 1621 at Massachusetts’ Plymouth Plantation.  But it is Virginia, and not the Bay State, that has the right to claim ownership of the First English settlement Thanksgiving.   In 1619 – around a year before the pilgrims even arrived at Plymouth – a group of English colonists arrived at Berkeley Plantation and established the Thanksgiving tradition.  In accordance with instructions sent by the London Company, upon arriving at Berkeley, Captain John Woodlief and fellow colonists prayed*: “We ordain that this day of our ship's arrival, at the place assigned for plantacon, [meaning plantation], in the land of Virginia, shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.” Of course, it is true that the colony at Plymouth held a three-day festival to celebrate their safe travels, a successful growing season, and the assistance of the Native Americans.  The relationship between these new settlers and the Native Americans did not end with this meal.  Obviously, Native Americans and European settlers would engage in numerous wars, acts of treachery, and atrocities, but when our nation was threatened from powers across the seas, Native Americans were proud to defend these United States. As written in the Washington Post, “During the dark, early days of World War II, American military commanders were desperate for a code that could not be cracked by the Japanese. “The solution rested in the obscure languages spoken by Native American tribes, unfathomable to the Japanese.  Native American code talkers, as they became known, were able to transmit messages quickly and securely, giving American forces a critical edge.” The first recorded use of code talkers as a part of our Armed Forces was in October of 1918.  They thwarted our enemies, using their native language to communicate securely and secretly.   According to the Defense Department, more than 400 code talkers served during World War I and World War II.  Navaj… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140131155059/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/473 GOODLATTE & ESHOO NAMED 2014 CO-CHAIRS OF FIRST CONGRESSIONAL APP COMPETITION 2013-11-25 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE & ESHOO NAMED 2014 CO-CHAIRS OF FIRST CONGRESSIONAL APP COMPETITION WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Bob Goodlatte and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) released the statements below after the House Administration Committee appointed them as Co-chairs of the first ever House Academic Competition to promote innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). “Because of your established leadership in this field, the Committee appoints you as co-chairs for the 2014 STEM Competition,” the Committee wrote to Goodlatte and Eshoo. As Co-chairs of the Congressional Internet Caucus, Goodlatte and Eshoo have been at the forefront of promoting education and innovation in the STEM fields, making them ideal candidates to lead the 2014 competition. The first competition will be formally launched in February 2014 and will be an app competition for high school students in participating Congressional districts. “The demand for students educated in engineering and technology continues to rise in the United States but part of the challenge is how to engage students in these subjects and further the understanding of these valuable skills,” said Goodlatte, who is also Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. “The House Academic Competition is a great opportunity to promote these fields which are driving American innovation. I look forward to working with my Co-Chair Anna Eshoo to oversee this competition which will help to build a workforce equipped with science, technology, engineering and math skills.” “I’m thrilled to be leading such an extraordinary opportunity for our nation’s youth and to help foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and math education,” said Eshoo, who also serves as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee. “According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, the next decade will bring approximately 8.5 million STEM job opportunities, but during… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131210102409/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/472 GOODLATTE: HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON ASYLUM ABUSE 2013-11-22 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE: HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING ON ASYLUM ABUSE WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee today announced that it will hold a hearing on our nation’s asylum laws by the end of the year.  According to an internal Customs and Border Protection document obtained by the House Judiciary Committee, and as reported by the Washington Times today, many people claiming a “credible fear” of persecution at our ports of entry have a direct or indirect association with drug trafficking and other illegal activity such as human smuggling. Since there are intelligence gaps and loopholes in the system, the asylum process – which was designed to help innocent victims of persecution – is being abused by individuals who would otherwise be subjects of interest or subjects of criminal investigations. Once these unscrupulous individuals falsely claim a “credible fear” of persecution, there is virtually no investigation by U.S. authorities. Because the Obama Administration refuses to detain most of them, criminals and those who pose national security threats are then able to live and work in the U.S. for many years before their cases are ever heard by immigration judges. Below is a joint statement from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), and Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), a fellow Judiciary Committee member who is also chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, on this upcoming hearing. “It’s outrageous that members of Mexican drug cartels and others involved in illicit activity are so easily able to exploit our asylum laws and live in the U.S. virtually undetected.  Our asylum laws are in place to help individuals who are facing truly serious persecution in their countries.  However, dangerous criminals are gaming the system by claiming they have a ‘credible fear’ of persecution when often they’ve been the perpetrators of violenc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141132/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/471 HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVES PATENT REFORM BILL 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVES PATENT REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee today approved the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) by an overwhelming vote of 33-5.  This bipartisan bill takes steps to combat the ever increasing problem of abusive patent litigation.  The legislation addresses abusive practices taking place in our courts. House Judiciary Committee Chairman and chief sponsor of the Innovation Act Bob Goodlatte praised today’s Committee vote:  “Abusive patent litigation is having a significant impact on American innovation, needlessly costing small and large businesses alike tens of billions of dollars every year – resources that could have been used to create innovative new products and services.  “Today’s Judiciary Committee passage of the Innovation Act takes a pivotal step toward eliminating the abuses of our patent system by discouraging these frivolous patent lawsuits.  The Innovation Act contains needed reforms to address the issues that businesses of all sizes and industries face from patent troll-type behavior, while keeping in mind several key principles, including targeting abusive behavior rather than specific entities, preserving valid patent enforcement tools, preserving patent property rights, promoting invention by independents and small businesses, and strengthening the overall patent system. “This legislation will help fuel the engine of American innovation and creativity, help create new jobs and grow our economy.” Key Components of the Innovation Act: •    Target Abusive Patent Litigation: The bill targets abusive patent litigation behavior and not specific entities with the goal of preventing individuals from taking advantage of gaps in the system to engage in litigation extortion.  It does not attempt to eliminate valid patent litigation. •    Protects the Patent System: The patent system is integral to U.S. competitiveness.  This legislation does not diminish or… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141136/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/470 GOODLATTE EARNS 'TAXPAYERS' FRIEND' RECOGNITION 2013-11-20 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE EARNS 'TAXPAYERS' FRIEND' RECOGNITION WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after receiving the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” for 2012 from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) for his consistent votes to reduce and control the tax burden on American taxpayers.  Congressman Goodlatte is the only member of the Virginia Delegation to receive an “A” rating, which is based on 274 votes taken in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2nd Session of the 112th Congress. “It is an honor to receive this recognition as a ‘Taxpayers’ Friend,’” said Rep. Goodlatte.  “As the 113th Congress continues working to make real changes to the culture of excess spending and put us on the path to a balanced budget, I will remain a strong advocate for responsible spending and tax policies.  If we are to spur greater economic growth and job creation, we must take serious steps to restrain federal spending and implement real reforms to our tax system.  We must also look toward fiscally sound policies that truly address entitlement spending, one of the greatest contributors to our debt.  Tackling these issues will help to ensure a more prosperous future for businesses and families in the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia as well as generations to come.” PHOTO: Congressman Goodlatte receives the “Taxpayers’ Friend  Award.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123003436/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2337 Wolf To McAuliffe: Prioritize Ending Domestic Hunger 2013-11-19 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF URGES GOVERNORS OF ALL 50 STATES TO PRIORITIZE ENDING DOMESTIC HUNGER   Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today urged the governors of all 50 states to prioritize the issue of domestic hunger and food insecurity, laying out initiatives that have proven effective in his home state of Virginia and calling on each governor to adopt similar provisions in their states. In letters to each governor, Wolf described how 49 million Americans – including 17 million children – are considered food insecure.  While food donations will increase during the upcoming holidays, Wolf wrote, food banks and pantries typically have scant resources during the other 10 months of the year. Wolf, who’s provision to create a bipartisan national commission on hunger is currently moving through Congress, said programs like the “Governor’s Bowl” food and fund drive, the Legal Food Frenzy, the Feds Feed Families program and the Scouting for Food program have proven to be highly successful in Virginia, even breaking records for total pounds of food donated.  In a separate letter to Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, Wolf praised these past efforts and encouraged their continuation, urging McAuliffe to prioritize this issue as he begins to assemble his new cabinet. Wolf also made suggestions for ways to combat hunger at no cost to taxpayers, including designating one staff member in the governor’s cabinet to serve as the point on this issue; creating a one-stop Web site with real-time information about food shortages in each area; coordinating rolling food drives with friendly competition among businesses, schools, churches and civic groups; incentivize farmers to set aside land for gleaning; and educating the public about the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, a law Wolf introduced which removes liability issues for schools so they may donate unused food. “These are but a few examples that barely scratch the surface,” Wolf wrote.  “There are so many ways we can combat the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123003636/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2336 Wolf To Governors: Prioritize Ending Domestic Hunger 2013-11-19 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF URGES GOVERNORS OF ALL 50 STATES TO PRIORITIZE ENDING DOMESTIC HUNGER Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today urged the governors of all 50 states to prioritize the issue of domestic hunger and food insecurity, laying out initiatives that have proven effective in his home state of Virginia and calling on each governor to adopt similar provisions in their states. In letters to each governor, Wolf described how 49 million Americans – including 17 million children – are considered food insecure.  While food donations will increase during the upcoming holidays, Wolf wrote, food banks and pantries typically have scant resources during the other 10 months of the year. Wolf, who’s provision to create a bipartisan national commission on hunger is currently moving through Congress, said programs like the “Governor’s Bowl” food and fund drive, the Legal Food Frenzy, the Feds Feed Families program and the Scouting for Food program have proven to be highly successful in Virginia, even breaking records for total pounds of food donated.  In a separate letter to Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, Wolf praised these past efforts and encouraged their continuation, urging McAuliffe to prioritize this issue as he begins to assemble his new cabinet. Wolf also made suggestions for ways to combat hunger at no cost to taxpayers, including designating one staff member in the governor’s cabinet to serve as the point on this issue; creating a one-stop Web site with real-time information about food shortages in each area; coordinating rolling food drives with friendly competition among businesses, schools, churches and civic groups; incentivize farmers to set aside land for gleaning; and educating the public about the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, a law Wolf introduced which removes liability issues for schools so they may donate unused food. “These are but a few examples that barely scratch the surface,” Wolf wrote.  “There are so many ways we can combat the per… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361926 Griffith Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan, Bicameral Compounding Agreement 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Following months of bipartisan negotiations and Congressional hearings into last year’s deadly fungal meningitis outbreak resulting from tainted steroid injections, the House of Representatives on September 28 passed the Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3204).  This bipartisan, bicameral agreement incorporates some of the Compounding Clarity Act (H.R. 3089), introduced on September 12 by Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO). Today, the Drug Quality and Security Act passed the Senate in a voice vote.  The Drug Quality and Security Act is a first step towards helping to ensure the safety of compounded drugs.  It will work to clarify the authority of state and federal regulators such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an effort to prevent a national public health crisis like the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak tied to the New England Compounding Center (NECC).  64 deaths and 750 confirmed cases of fungal meningitis resulted from tainted steroid injections from the NECC. After Senate passage of the Drug Quality and Security Act, Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “I am pleased that the Senate passed this bipartisan legislation.  Though work remains to be done, the Drug Quality and Security Act will clarify who is responsible for overseeing facilities that produce sterile drugs.  This bill, if in effect prior to last year, would have prevented NECC's improper conduct from going undetected by the appropriate agencies.  We look forward to President Obama signing this common-sense, practical, workable, health care bill into law.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361932 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.18.13 2013-11-18 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Drill, Baby, Drill – Guess What?  It Worked! Previously, President Obama mockingly described Republicans’ energy strategy as:  “Step one is drill, and step two is drill, and then step three is keep drilling.” However, regular readers of this column know that simply isn’t the case.  To provide jobs, secure our energy future, and keep costs low, we believe in an all-of-the-above energy policy in which we dig, discover, deregulate, and – yes – drill.  For more, see my Energy webpage at /issues/. And guess what?  The “drill, baby, drill!” aspect of our energy policy is working.  As the Wall Street Journal recently noted, “U.S. gasoline prices have fallen to their lowest level in nearly 33 months amid a boom in domestic oil drilling …”  The nationwide average price for a gallon of gas is now $3.19, which is the lowest it has been since February 2011.  We still have work to do, because in the week prior to President Obama getting first sworn in to office, gas nationwide averaged around $1.90.  That is why we should continue to explore for more domestic areas where we can drill, and welcome oil from our neighbor and ally to the north, Canada, by approving the Keystone XL pipeline. Furthermore, according to International Energy Agency estimates, the United States is expected to surpass Saudi Arabia and Russia in order to become the world’s top oil producer by 2015 – two years ahead of its prior target year of 2017.  And as President Obama mentioned in his November 16 video address to the nation, “for the first time in nearly two decades, the United States of America now produces more of our own oil here at home than we buy from other countries. “ Of course, drilling for our own domestic oil and natural gas presents us with the opportunity to decrease our dependence on foreign oil and also lower prices at the pump.  But there is more that can be done to tap into our country’s abundant and affordable domestic energy resources. In addition to our oil and natural gas, other resources like coal, nuclear, wind, solar, hydropo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361670 Griffith Statement on House Passage of Keep Your Health Plan Act 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act, which passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 261-157: “I remain of the belief that Obamacare was fatally flawed from its inception, that it will not work, and that it ought to be repealed and replaced.  But until that happens, we ought to continue working together to keep the President’s ‘if-you-like-it-you-can-keep-it’ promise and see that more Americans are able to keep health care plans of their choice. “The American people have been told over the last several years that they would be able to keep their health insurance plan.  As we have been seeing, for many people, that simply isn’t true.  The President shouldn’t try to patch this with an administrative fix of questionable legal authority.  He should instead use the constitutionally sound method of working with Congress.  I call on President Obama to help Congress find a permanent way to keep his promise of health care choice.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141137/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/469 ETHANOL POLICY REFORM LEGISLATORS REACT TO EPA DECISION ON ETHANOL BLEND REQUIREMENT 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy ETHANOL POLICY REFORM LEGISLATORS REACT TO EPA DECISION ON ETHANOL BLEND REQUIREMENT Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jim Costa (D-CA) and Steve Womack (R-AR), authors of the Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act (H.R. 1462), reacted this afternoon to the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to reduce the amount of ethanol blended into fuel in 2014.  These same Members led an October letter signed by 169 House colleagues urging the EPA to adjust ethanol levels. “While the EPA’s slight reduction of the RFS for 2014 acknowledges that the mandate is unworkable, it is not enough to provide the much-needed relief businesses, farmers, and consumers need,’ said Goodlatte. “Today’s announcement makes it even clearer that it will now be up to Congress to fix this broken mandate. There is a growing appetite in Congress to reform the ethanol mandate, and I urge Chairman Upton and the House Energy and Commerce Committee to consider the RFS Reform Act (H.R. 1462) as a legislative fix to the growing problems with the RFS.” “Today’s announcement is welcome news and a call to action for Congress to move forward with much needed ethanol policy reform. While well-intentioned, the federal ethanol mandate is inflicting significant economic harm on families by driving up food prices, on dairy farmers by driving up feed prices, and on homeowners and outdoorsmen by ruining small engines,” Rep. Welch said. “The EPA’s decision to lower the fuel standard is a clear sign that this law isn’t working.  Congress should get about the business of overhauling this misguided policy before more harm is done.” ““EPA has finally realized that it was time to step back and stop gambling our food and energy security on a broken policy. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was well-intentioned, but this flawed policy needed to be brought back into balance,” said Costa. “There is still more that needs to be done to restore balance to our energy and ethanol policies, but this is the good-faith… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123003837/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2332 Wolf Statement On Intelligence Committee Hearing On Benghazi 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136   WOLF STATEMENT ON INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE HEARING ON BENGHAZI Washington, D.C. (November 15, 2013) – In response to press reports following yesterday’s classified House Intelligence Committee hearing on Benghazi, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), author of legislation to create a Select Committee on Benghazi, issued the following statement: “There were two major breakthroughs in the Benghazi investigation yesterday.  First, for the first time in 14 months, the House Intelligence Committee heard eyewitness testimony from survivors who were on the ground in Benghazi the night of the attack.   I have called on the committee to meet with these survivors for many, many months and I appreciate that they held this hearing.  I hope that a similar public hearing will be held so the American people can hear their important story of how they saved so many lives that night.    “I particularly want to commend Rep. Devin Nunes for his leadership in ensuring that the record reflects what actually happened in Benghazi, and not just accepting the disjointed narrative put forward by the Obama Administration over the last 14 months.  In a letter last week to Speaker Boehner, Rep. Nunes outlined nine areas of unanswered questions or conflicting information about what happened in Benghazi.  These nine points mirror many of the same issues I have raised in letters to the speaker and on the House floor over the last six months.  As Rep. Nunes indicated in an interview with Chris Wallace yesterday evening, testimony from eyewitnesses yesterday further underscores conflicting accounts in each of these areas.     “In another major development, FBI Director Comey testified before the Senate that he has no objection to making all Benghazi witnesses available to the Congress for testimony.  This puts to rest once and for all the administration’s excuse that witnesses may not appear before Congress because it could impact the ongoing FBI investigation of the attacks.   I appreciate Director Comey’s … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004038/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2331 Wolf: Science And Academic Community Should Advocate For Chinese Colleagues Silenced By Regime 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF: SCIENCE AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITY SHOULD ADVOCATE FOR THEIR CHINESE COLLEAGUES WHO ARE SILENCED BY REGIME Washington, D.C. (November 15, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today asked the U.S. scientific and academic communities to become a voice for their beleaguered colleagues in China who are being silenced or oppressed by their government, specifically citing the recent firing of Xia Yeliang, an outspoken economics professor at Peking University. In a letter yesterday to the leaders of many of the nation’s leading science organizations, Wolf noted the “relative silence from the American academic community when their Chinese colleagues are imprisoned for free speech” compared to the uproar over legislation limiting NASA’s bilateral collaboration with the Chinese government.  Wolf has been the subject of recent criticism by some in the science community over the misinterpretation of legislation he authored that provoked a boycott of an upcoming conference at a NASA center in California.  NASA has admitted the mistake was theirs and has resolved the issue.  Wolf is the chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA. “If the science community is to threaten boycotts of American conferences over restricted access, it should be up in arms at the treatment China’s own academic community by its own government,” wrote Wolf, long recognized as one of Congress’ leading voices of the persecuted around the globe.  “As has been widely documented, the abuses sustained by Chinese academics and thinkers goes well beyond their ability to participate in a particular conference.   It involves censorship, loss of wages and livelihood, unjust termination and in some cases imprisonment.” Wolf also announced that the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will hold a hearing in the coming months on the lack of academic freedom in China and invited the groups he wrote to participate.  Wolf is the co-chairman of the commission. “I urge your organization an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=491 Wittman Supports the Keep Your Health Plan Act 2013-11-15 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today supported the Keep Your Health Plan Act (H.R. 3350), and released the following statement: Too many folks living in America's First District are losing their current health insurance because of Obamacare. I have heard many personal stories and struggles of Virginians who have been informed that their current health plans are being cancelled, and simply cannot afford a costly alternative. That's why I supported this legislation today, the Keep Your Health Plan Act. This bill would permit Americans to keep their health care plans despite the problems with Obamacare, as we continue efforts to improve the affordability and accessibility of health care. I am committed to working toward real health care reform solutions that ensure coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions, allow youth up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' insurance plans, allow the sale of insurance across state lines, enact real medical liability reform, protect the doctor-patient relationship, limit government interventions in individual health care decisions, protect jobs and reduce the overall cost of delivering health care. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=492 Wittman Statement on House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Briefing on Military Readiness 2013-11-14 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today hosted a briefing with Department of Defense officials on the impacts of cuts to national security on the military's readiness to respond to global events. The briefing included including Dr. Laura Junor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, Department of Defense and Brigadier General Martin Schweitzer. Following the briefing, Wittman released the following statement: Reality tells us that our forces will be unprepared to deploy, they will face increased risk, their safety will be jeopardized, their missions compromised, and there will be an increased likelihood that more Americans will be killed carrying out their Constitutional duty, both on the battle field and in training if cuts to our national security are allowed to continue. Readiness was already in decline before sequestration. It is critical that Members responsible, under the Constitution, to provide for our common defense, understand what these cuts mean to our neighbors' sons and daughters who are sacrificing their all to serve our nation. I appreciate the efforts of the DoD to help educate Members of Congress on how best to equip and train our servicemembers, especially as we work to complete the business of fiscal year 2014 and beyond. All members of the U.S. House of Representatives were invited to the briefing, titled, Defense Cut Impacts on the U.S. Military's Readiness to Respond to Global Events, hosted by Readiness Chairman Wittman and Ranking Member Madeleine Bordallo, joined by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA). Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361588 Benghazi Investigation Update 2013-11-13 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Dear Friend, You may think that the House of Representatives has dropped the investigation into what transpired in the September 11, 2012 attack in Benghazi, but if so, you are mistaken.  This important investigation is ongoing, and can be tracked at the website below or by typing ‘Benghazi’ in the upper right corner of the website for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence - http://intelligence.house.gov/. http://intelligence.house.gov/benghazi-investigation I hope you will find this to be a valuable resource.  As always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.  To reach my office by email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Sincerely, H. Morgan Griffith Member of Congress 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=493 Scalise announces RSC Military Readiness Task Force chaired by Rep. Rob Wittman 2013-11-12 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Scalise announces RSC Military Readiness Task Force chaired by Rep. Rob Wittman f t # e Washington, D.C., November 12, 2013 Washington, D.C.-Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today announced that Rep. Rob Wittman will chair the newly created RSC Military Readiness Task Force for the 113thCongress. The RSC has always stood up for a strong national defense, and we are focused on the threats posed by President Obama's refusal to address the long-term spending crisis that is jeopardizing the readiness of America's Armed Forces and the security of our nation, Scalise said. As fiscal conservatives, we have worked to prioritize a strong national defense by shifting sequestration cuts to other parts of the discretionary budget in order to maintain a high level of military readiness. We will continue fighting for a balanced federal budget in order to achieve a healthy economy and a strong national defense. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee, Rob Wittman has the expertise, the respect, and the first-hand knowledge necessary to spearhead the RSC Military Readiness Task Force. I appreciate his passion and leadership at this critical time in America's history. "I'm pleased the RSC has honed its focus on this critical issue as we enter the final phase of discussions on the fiscal footprint for 2014, Wittman said. Members of the RSC have an important role in these discussions and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help educate my colleagues and the nation on the impacts on our national security as our military is continually squeezed during these tight budget times. Our debt and deficit present a national security threat, but how we trim those back is an important conversation. Our military readiness is suffering under the indiscriminate cuts of the sequester. Congress m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360904 Griffith Statement Honoring America’s Veterans 2013-11-11 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement honoring America’s veterans for their sacrifice and dedication to our country: “Generations of American men and women have bravely fought to protect our great nation and our allies as well.  On this day in particular, we honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice.  We owe them and their loved ones an enormous debt, for the freedoms that we are fortunate enough to enjoy are not free.  To all those who have served or continue to serve these United States, preserving our values and protecting our way of life, I thank you.” Griffith’s office is available to help those needing assistance with veterans’ benefits.  Please contact Griffith’s Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or the Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.  To seek assistance via email, please visit Griffith’s website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360926 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.11.13 2013-11-11 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Keep Your Health Plan Act Americans who have a health care plan that they like ought to be able to keep that plan.  To that end, I joined Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and a number of other Members of Congress in introducing H.R. 3350, the Keep Your Health Plan Act.  This bill would allow health insurance plans currently available on the individual market to be offered next year, and also would give Americans the choice to continue enrolling in those plans without being penalized under Obamacare’s individual mandate. Both before and after the Obamacare health care plan was signed law into more than three years ago, President Obama and other supporters of the law repeatedly reassured Americans that “If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period.  No one will take it away.  No matter what.”  This promise – made without caveats or exceptions – was reportedly spoken by the President at least 34 times, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ independent Politifact. However, this blanket promise simply isn’t true for everyone.  Because of new Obamacare standards, “thousands of people in Virginia and elsewhere are getting notices that their existing plans will no longer be offered after Jan. 1 or the next time they are up for renewal,” read a recent report in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Clarence Page, a member of the editorial board at the Chicago Tribune – President Obama’s hometown paper – says he “support[s] most of [President Obama’s] policies and programs,” but “in this instance, he would have to be delusional to think he was telling the truth.”  In a recent interview with NBC News, the President admitted that “we weren't as clear as we needed to be,” and said “I am sorry that [people] -- you know, are finding themselves in this situation, based on assurances they got from me.”   My colleagues and I in the House of Representatives are ready, willing, and able to help President Obama keep this broken promise.  This is a mess that he and his Democrat all… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141200/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/468 GOODLATTE: VETERANS KNOW 'FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE' 2013-11-09 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE: VETERANS KNOW 'FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE' WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement in honor of America’s veterans: “We are blessed to live in this great nation amongst so many American heroes.  As we mark Veterans Day, I ask you to join me in reflecting and taking a moment to thank the members of our Armed Forces past and present.  I look forward to joining veterans across the Sixth District at events honoring their service. “We have all heard the old adage that ‘freedom is never free.’  For America’s veterans, these words could not ring more true.  Since the birth of our nation, millions of brave Americans have served in the United States military.  On far-flung battlefields in the jungles of Vietnam, to the beachheads of Normandy and ships in the South Pacific, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq and at installations both at home and abroad, American soldiers have long protected our fellow citizens and advanced the ideals of freedom and democracy around the world.   “For generations, they have made countless sacrifices so that we could live freely under the Stars and Stripes.  I am grateful for the service of those who have defended our nation and valiantly stood guard over the principles of freedom and liberty at the core of this nation. May God continue to bless the United States of America and guide our men and women in uniform home safely.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004239/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2328 Wolf Statement On Need For Answers About Benghazi 2013-11-07 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF STATEMENT ON NEED FOR ANSWERS ABOUT BENGHAZI Washington, D.C. (November 7, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today released the following statement in response to reports by CNN and The Daily Beast that a member of the House Intelligence Committee is publicly speaking out on the need to get more answers about what happened in Benghazi: “I have read the letter Rep. Devin Nunes wrote Speaker Boehner yesterday ‘to outline the areas that have the most critical outstanding questions’ about what happened in Benghazi.  It is particularly noteworthy that Rep. Nunes is a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee.  His letter reaffirms many of the same questions I have been asking for months on the House floor and in letters to Speaker Boehner.  We need to get to the bottom of what happened in Benghazi.  Four Americans were killed.  No one has been held accountable for the intelligence failures leading up to the attack.  No one has said what the CIA was doing in Benghazi.  None of the terrorists have been brought to justice.  It has been 14 months since the attack and, as a recent bipartisan poll showed, 63 percent of the American people believe the Obama Administration is covering up the facts on what happened that night.    “I was pleased to read that Rep. Nunes is open to considering ‘new measures to complete the investigation and synthesize the information obtained by the Intelligence Committee and the other committees investigating the Benghazi attack’ if questions remain unanswered.  I continue to believe the best way to get answers is to create a House Select Committee, building on the work already done by the five committees presently examining the events of that night.  Select committees were used for Watergate and Iran-contra.  There is no reason why one shouldn’t be used for Benghazi, where a U.S. Ambassador was killed along with three other Americans.  Whatever is done must be done in the open.  Public accountability is a must.  Public hearing also would hel… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004439/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2327 Wolf: Troubling Developments In Plight Of Iranian-American Pastor Saeed Abedini 2013-11-06 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN ABOUT TROUBLING DEVELOPMENTS IN PLIGHT OF IRANIAN-AMERICAN PASTOR SAEED ABEDINI Urges President Obama to Again Personally Engage and Urgently Seek His Release   Washington, D.C. (November 6, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today spoke out against the recent transfer of Iranian-American pastor Saeed Abedini from the notorious Evin Prison to the even more brutal Rajai Shahr Prison and urged President Obama to again personally engage and seek Pastor Abedini’s immediate release. In a November 4 letter to President Obama describing this development, the American Center for Law and Justice cited comments made by a Dutch diplomat stationed in Tehran in 2005 describing the fate of many who are transferred to this particular prison: “Rajai Shahr is the place where political prisoners who are seen as a nuisance, are stowed away.  Going to Karaj [the location of the prison] is a severe punishment.  Once in there one stops to be a human being. One is put out of sight, even of human rights activists and the press.  In Rajai Shahr, political prisoners have to share cells with dangerous criminals like murderers, rapists and drug addicts who don't hesitate to attack their cell mates. They have nothing to lose: many of them are condemned to death anyway. Murders or unexplained deaths are a regular occurrence.” In light of these grim realities and the continued unjust detention of Pastor Abedini, Wolf made the following statement: “I am deeply troubled by the latest news out of Iran regarding the fate of Pastor Saeed Abedini, an American citizen, who has already spent more than a year behind bars because of his Christian faith.   With this development – a development without explanation or notice – Pastor Abedini’s life is further endangered.  Time is of the essence.  President Obama and Secretary Kerry must again engage at the highest levels and press in clear and unequivocal terms for the immediate and unconditional release of this innocent man.  … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360071 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.1.13 2013-11-01 2013 2013-11 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy This Week in Washington: Coal and Obamacare Obamacare Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday, October 30 testified before my colleagues and me on the Energy and Commerce Committee on the rollout of the health care law.  Even after her testimony, more questions remain. However, what Secretary Sebelius made clear to me was that she doesn’t want to join the exchanges and live under Obamacare like the rest of the American people. I am supportive of a proposal which would require the President and his political appointees, including Secretary Sebelius, to live under Obamacare like Members of Congress and tens of millions of other Americans.  In my view, the President and his cabinet secretaries ought to also be in the marketplace or Obamacare exchanges after January 1.  In recent negotiations, a proposal similar to this was being discussed in the halls of Congress, but President Obama threatened to veto the proposal. Hmmmmm.  President Obama would veto a bill that would make him and his family live under Obamacare.  It’s good for us, but not good for him!  Well isn’t that special. Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO), whose family’s individual health care plan has been cancelled, pushed Secretary Sebelius on why she – the architect of the health care law’s implementation – is not signing up for health care coverage through the law’s exchanges.  Secretary Sebelius, who is offered coverage by her employer as part of the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan, replied, “If I have affordable coverage in my workplace, I'm not eligible to go into the marketplace. ... It’s illegal.” Really?  Let’s see what Washington and Lee University of Law Professor Tim Jost had to say.  He told the Washington Post on October 30 that “She could purchase a plan on an exchange since she is lawfully present in the U.S. and not incarcerated,” however "She could not get premium tax credits both because she has employer coverage and because she is Medicare eligible.” Congressman Billy Long (R-MO) also pushed Secr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131102125551/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/467 169 BIPARTISAN MEMBERS URGE EPA TO LOWER RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy 169 BIPARTISAN MEMBERS URGE EPA TO LOWER RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Steve Womack (R-AR) sent a letter today to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy urging her to consider a fair and meaningful adjustment to the ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA): “Whether it’s increasing amounts of ethanol in fuel or higher food and feed prices, the RFS continues to negatively impact American consumers and the economy.  The demands of the current RFS are unrealistic and are causing great uncertainty.  As the blendwall approaches, it is clear that this flawed policy is not working.  The growing support from Members of Congress from across the nation and a diverse coalition of outside groups makes it clear that we must consider real legislative reforms to this mandate.  In the meantime, I urge Administrator McCarthy to take immediate action to provide much needed relief from the RFS.” Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT): “While well-intentioned, the federal ethanol mandate is inflicting significant economic harm on families by driving up food prices, on dairy farmers by driving up feed prices, and on homeowners and outdoorsmen by ruining small engines.  Administrator McCarthy has at her fingertips the authority to push the pause button so that Congress can reevaluate this misguided policy before more harm is done. She should do so immediately.” Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR): “The RFS is unrealistic, and the EPA knows it.  It is time for the agency to exercise its authority and provide immediate and much-needed relief to American consumers and our economy by adjusting the RFS.” A PDF copy of the letter is available here. The full text is below:   Dear Administrator McCarthy:   Nearly eight years ago, Congress approved the Energy Policy Act of 2005,… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004640/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2329 Wolf Joins Effort Urging EPA To Adjust Ethanol Mandate In Renewable Fuel Standard 2013-10-31 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF JOINS EFFORT URGING EPA TO ADJUST ETHANOL MANDATE IN RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD   Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (VA-10th) today joined 168 bipartisan members of Congress in signing a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy urging her to adjust the ethanol mandate in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “Due to the dramatic expansion of corn ethanol, volatile corn prices have led to the conversion of millions of acres of sensitive wetlands and grasslands into production,” according to the letter, organized by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (VA-6th).  The letter also notes that there could be a potentially dangerous economic situation if the RFS is not adjusted to align with the gasoline market. “Prompt action by the EPA can help to ease short supply concerns, prevent engine damage, save jobs across many U.S. industries, and keep families fed.” The full text of the letter is below. Dear Administrator McCarthy:   Nearly eight years ago, Congress approved the Energy Policy Act of 2005, establishing the first Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”).  In 2007, Congress significantly expanded the 2005 law when it passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which increased the mandate to 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022.  Unfortunately, despite the best intentions of the RFS, its premise and structure were based on many assumptions that no longer reflect the current market conditions, and the imposition of the 2014 volumes now threatens to cause economic and environmental harm.   As Congress continues its bi-partisan work to address these concerns, we are writing to request that the EPA use its authority to adjust the 2014 RFS volumes. As you are aware, the U.S. corn market has been increasingly volatile since the expansion of the RFS in 2007.  This reflects the reality that more than 40 percent of the corn crop now goes into ethanol production, a dramatic rise since the first ethanol mandates were put into… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123004841/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2326 Wolf Renews Call For Select Committee On Benghazi 2013-10-30 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF RENEWS CALL FOR SELECT COMMITTEE ON BENGHAZI Says We Have ‘Reached the Threshold’ Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2013) – In a 30-minute speech today on the House floor, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) again called on House leadership to create a Select Committee on Benghazi, saying the threshold for creating the special panel has been reached in terms of the number of cosponsors and endorsements of the measure, as well as several revelations about the attack that have been covered in the press in recent weeks. Wolf said that in the nearly 11 months since he first introduced the measure, the broad support that has been built “makes it clear we have more than passed the threshold for a Select Committee now … Let’s get to the truth once and for all so we can find out what happened and restore the American people’s confidence in congressional oversight.” Just last week, a bipartisan national poll revealed that 63 percent of Americans think the Obama Administration is covering up the facts about the Benghazi attack, and just 29 percent of registered voters believe the administration has been honest.  Further, 83 percent of Republicans and 58 percent of Independents support the idea, and notably, nearly half of Democrats said it was important to create a bipartisan committee to learn the truth. “Bottom line: Americans from across the political spectrum recognize that not only are they not being told the truth [about Benghazi], but they feel Congress needs to change its approach to the investigation by creating a special committee,” Wolf said.   Wolf also pointed to several recent developments that confirm the individuals involved in the Benghazi attack were senior al Qaeda associates with ties to the group going back decades, and that the plot appears to have been weeks, if not months, in the making. Wolf said that according to Fox News’ Catherine Herridge, “sources said one of the suspects was believed to be a courier for the Al Qaeda network, and the other a bodyguard in Afgh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123005042/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2333 Wolf: Tougher Restrictions Needed On Prescription Painkillers 2013-10-30 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF: TOUGHER RESTRICTIONS NEEDED ON PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2013) – Continuing his efforts to fight prescription drug abuse, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today joined 28 of his colleagues in urging the Secretary of Health and Human Services to put tighter controls on highly addictive pain medications.      In a letter to Kathleen Sebelius, the group said the secretary should immediately adopt the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation to regulate prescription painkillers using the active ingredient hydrocodone.  The change would reclassify hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II drug, putting it in the same category as other opioid painkillers like OxyContin. “Addressing prescription drug abuse needs to be a priority,” Wolf said.  “These tighter controls would recognize the powerful and addictive nature of these medications that can cause substantial unintended damage if they are not used properly.” The FDA recommendations for hydrocodone painkillers mirror the Safe Prescribing Act (H.R. 1285), legislation that Wolf has cosponsored this Congress.  In fact, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has also supported this change for nearly 20 years.  Wolf chaired a Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations subcommittee hearing in April where DEA Administrator Michelle Leohart said that she supports the reclassification of hydrocodone medications.    Additionally, The Washington Post recently editorialized its support for reclassifying hydrocodone as a Schedule II drug.  Wolf has long worked to stem prescription drug abuse, especially the problem of pill mills, pain clinics serving as fronts for the illegal distribution of painkillers.  He has also worked with the DEA to coordinate nationwide prescription drug “take-back” initiatives where people can return unwanted drugs for proper disposal. The full text of the letter is below.  The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius Secretary Department of Health and Human Services 200 In… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123005243/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2324 Wolf Renews Call For Secretary Kerry To Meet With Wife Of Chinese Dissident Gao Zhisheng 2013-10-30 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF RENEWS CALL FOR SECRETARY KERRY TO MEET WITH THE WIFE OF CHINESE DISSIDENT GAO ZHISHENG Urges an Elevation of Human Rights, Religious Freedom in Bilateral Relations with China Washington, D.C. (October 30, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, yesterday renewed his call for Secretary of State John Kerry to meet with the wife of imprisoned Chinese dissident Gao Zhisheng, a respected human rights lawyer. In a letter to Kerry, Wolf, who last year “adopted” Gao as part of the Defending Freedoms Project, an initiative launched by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in conjunction with Amnesty International and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom,pointed to a recent piece in the Washington Post that similarly calls for high-ranking U.S. officialsto meet with Chinese dissidents and their families who “can speak with unique authority about the persecution they continue to face in China.” The opinion piece, written by Jared Genser, whose Freedom Now legal advocacy organization provides pro bono representation to several Chinese dissidents in their families, including Chen Guangcheng, Gao Zhisheng and Liu Xiaobo, argues that a meeting with Kerry and President Obama would “in particular, make clear that the United States views human rights as a central component to its foreign policy.” Wolf renewed his call for a meeting with Gao’s wife as well as Chen Guangcheng and other prominent dissidents and their families “thereby elevating human rights and religious freedom in our bilateral relations with China, and restoring hope to the thousands who suffer daily under house arrest and unjust imprisonment.” Wolf previously wrote Kerry last February urging that he meet with Gao’s wife, and then later joined with several House members, including House Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, in writing a separate letter in May about Chen Guangcheng’s case, which echoed a similar request… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356933 Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November 2013-10-29 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of November: November 1, 2013 Martinsville:     11:00am – 1:00pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Scott County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Community Services Building Community Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA Norton:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA November 6, 2013 Smyth County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington:     10:00am – 12:00pm                    Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA November 7, 2013 Wise County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA November 13, 2013 Radford:     10:00am – 12:00pm Radford Public Library Meeting Room 30 West Main Street Radford, VA Pulaski County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Pulaski County Library Meeting Room 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA  November 14, 2013 Grayson County:    10:00am – 12:00pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA Russell County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA Tazewell County:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Bluefield Town Hall – Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA  Galax:     2:00pm – 4:00pm Galax Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Main Street Galax, VA November 15, 2013 Carroll County:     10:00am – 12:00pm Carroll County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room 605 – 1 Pine Street … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=357006 Griffith: “The Future of America is With Coal, and Not Against Coal” 2013-10-29 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today joined a crowd of coal miners and other friends of coal at the Stand Up for American Energy Jobs Rally on the west side of the U.S. Capitol Building.  Griffith was one of many lawmakers to address the rally.  An excerpt from his remarks: "Several years ago, the President said, 'When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I’m capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it, whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers.' "Mr. President, who do you think the 'consumers' are?  The consumers are you, they’re me, they’re the hardworking men and women of the United States of America who are going to pay for the policies – not only in lost jobs, but they are going to pay for the policies through skyrocketing electric rates all over this country.  The President knew it, he set out to do it. …  "And he went on in that same interview to say, 'So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can.  It’s just that it will bankrupt them.'  "But ladies and gentlemen, it’s not just the people building the coal power plants.  It’s the coal operations that are being bankrupted, it’s the businesses that rely on the coal operations, it’s the miners, it’s the workers, it’s the people who work at the factories that make things for the coal mines.  It’s the restaurant in Big Stone Gap that I love to go to that’s no longer open because business is bad.  It’s the hospital in Lee County that, along with Obamacare, the bad economy forced out of business. It’s the Mom-and-Pop-shops all over coal country that the President is bankrupting.  And ladies and gentlemen, I’m glad that you brought the fight and the anger here to Washington, because our legislators both in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141204/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/466 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON FISA REFORM LEGISLATION 2013-10-29 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON FISA REFORM LEGISLATION WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte today released the statement below following new NSA intelligence gathering allegations and the introduction of the USA FREEDOM Act, a bill authored by Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.): “With each revelation of the scope of NSA’s intelligence gathering programs, it’s increasingly clear that we need to take legislative action with regard to these programs to ensure that they adequately protect Americans’ civil liberties and operate in a prudent manner.  I commend Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner for his efforts to examine how best to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.  This bill is a good first step and will generate a healthy discussion about what provisions need to be changed in current law.  I am committed to working with him and other members of the House Judiciary Committee, House leaders, and other members of Congress to ensure our nation’s intelligence collection programs include real protections for Americans’ civil liberties, robust oversight, and additional transparency, while maintaining a workable legal framework for national security officials to keep our country safe from foreign enemies.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356875 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.28.13 2013-10-28 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Obamacare Implementation Failures – Website and Rural America Since the launch of the health care reform law’s exchanges on October 1, we have seen many reports of significant problems with the law’s website and, even worse, health insurance plans that are more expensive and/or have significantly higher deductibles.  Furthermore, an October 24 piece in Forbes* stated that more Americans (over 500,000 individuals) in 3 States have had their insurance policies cancelled than have “filed” applications (476,000 applications) in all 50 States. This is all very troubling, and has led to increasingly frequent calls for delays of or changes to the law– even among people like Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). Americans are seeking answers as to who in the federal government was aware of technical issues, when these issues came to light, who made the decision to delay items like the law’s Spanish language platform, etc.  I hope that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will have the answers to these important questions and others during the times that she testifies before Congress. Didn’t Know or Didn’t Disclose? On Thursday, October 24, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing seeking to find out what has been happening with Obamacare’s implementation.  Several of the top contractors working on the health care law’s website testified at this hearing. The contractors told us that HHS was responsible for comprehensive, “end-to-end” testing of the system before it went live.  Witnesses said that the federal government didn’t conduct that final testing until just two weeks before the October 1 launch.  According to CNN,** Andrew Slavitt of Optum/QSSI testified that “The system didn’t receive adequate end-to-end testing.”  Cheryl Campbell of CGI Federal told us of a last minute change by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that prevented people from checking out Obamacare before having made a final decision as to what plan is right for their family.  Although M… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131123140358/http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2323 Wolf Op-Ed: Virginia Can And Should Work Harder To Combat Hunger 2013-10-25 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 OP-ED             OP-ED             OP-ED             OP-ED WOLF: VIRGINIA CAN AND SHOULD WORK HARDER TO COMBAT HUNGER Washington, D.C. (October 25, 2013) – Last year, the USDA reported a record number of Americans are struggling to put food on their tables.  Across the nation, 49 million people – including 17 million children and 6 million seniors – are going hungry, a number that has grown substantially over the last two years, even since the start of the recession.  Because of high unemployment and underemployment rates nationwide, local food banks and pantries are struggling to keep up with demand, even during this period of economic recovery. In some cases, families that once were regular food donors are finding themselves in line for food assistance themselves.  Media outlets have reported that military families are regularly visiting local food banks, some of which have had to close their doors all together as their shelves go bare. As the holidays approach, food drives will be held in offices, churches and communities all over America, and backpacks will be stuffed with canned items.  But what happens to families in need during the other 10 months out of the year?  Where will they turn after the holidays are over when the resources stop coming in? It’s simply unacceptable that people are going hungry in America, the land of plenty and the world’s wealthiest nation.  And frankly, this is a solvable problem that deserves attention.  I’ve proposed several ways to ensure food is distributed to those in need year round, at no cost to taxpayers, such as the National Commission on Hunger, an amendment I proposed that passed the House Appropriations Committee this past summer.  Yet there are things we can do here in Virginia as well. I commend Governor McDonnell for his leadership and effort on this issue.  During his Governorship, McDonnell regularly volunteered at local food banks and brought awareness to the problem of hunger in Virginia by issuing a pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131104181737/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/465 GOODLATTE INTRODUCES PATENT LITIGATION REFORM BILL 2013-10-23 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE INTRODUCES PATENT LITIGATION REFORM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte introduced a bill today to address the ever increasing problem of abusive patent litigation.  The bipartisan Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) builds on the reforms that were made last Congress in the America Invents Act and addresses certain abusive practices taking place in our Courts. “Abusive patent litigation is a drag on our economy. Everyone from independent inventors, to start-ups, to mid and large sized businesses face this constant threat. The tens of billions of dollars spent on settlements and litigation expenses associated with abusive patent suits represent truly wasted capital – wasted capital that could have been used to create new jobs, fund R&D, and create new innovations and technologies. “The bipartisan Innovation Act is designed to eliminate the abuses of our patent system, discourage frivolous patent litigation and keep U.S. patent laws up to date.  These important actions will help fuel the engine of American innovation and creativity, creating new jobs and growing our economy.” Original cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Anna Eshoo (D- Calif.), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), Tom Marino (R-Pa.), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), and George Holding (R-N.C.). Key Components of the Innovation Act: Target Abusive Patent Litigation: The bill targets abusive patent litigation behavior and not specific entities with the goal of preventing individuals from taking advantage of gaps in the system to engage in litigation extortion.  It does not attempt to eliminate valid patent litigation. Protects the Patent System: The patent system is integral to U.S. competitiveness.  This legislation does not diminish or devalue… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=490 Wittman to House Budget Negotiators: Military Readiness Must be Priority in Conference 2013-10-23 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) today penned a letter to House Budget Chairman and House-Senate budget conference committee negotiator Paul Ryan urging him to review critical information specific to the nation's declining military readiness under sequestration. The letter states, in part: We are at a critical time in our history when it comes to our nation's defense. More than ever, our Department of Defense and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that make up our fighting force demand the attention of the Congress. The time to take action against the sequester cuts to the Department of Defense is now. The readiness of our all-volunteer force and our ability to project power is at stake. As the Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I am privy to the classified Quarterly Readiness Report briefings that show our declining state of military readiness across the services. I invite you to join me in an intensive review of the latest report in detail to see the true impacts of sequestration, to help inform your decisions, and those of the budget conferees, as you move through conference negotiations. In recent days, Wittman, who serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, also sought to remind and educate all Members of the House on the critical need to address sequestration cuts to defense. Wittman sent a Dear Colleague letter to all members on October 22, 2013,found here. The full text of the letter is below anda PDF copy can be found here. October 23, 2013 The Honorable Paul Ryan Chairman, Committee on the Budget U.S. House of Representatives 207 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Ryan, We are at a critical time in our history when it comes to our nation's defense. More than ever, our Department of Defense and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that make up our fighting force demand the attention of the Congress. The time to take action against the sequester cuts to the Department of Defense is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355980 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.21.13 2013-10-21 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Implementation of Obamacare is “fabulous??” October 1 was the day that the website for Obamacare launched, and Americans were able to try and research or sign up for health care coverage through the law’s exchanges.  Leading up to the website’s launch (and despite warnings of significant problems and an impending train wreck)… Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, known for having said that Congress had “to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it,” said on June 26 that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ “implementation of [Obamacare] is fabulous.”  In a July 28 television interview, Secretary Sebelius herself said, “we are on track to flip the switch on October 1 and say to people ‘come on and sign up.’”  Testifying on August 1 before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on which I sit, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner also insisted that the website was not in trouble, saying “Sixty days from now is the beginning of open enrollment when Americans will be able to compare and enroll in affordable health care coverage, and that implementation is on track.” And as recently as September 19, a mere 11 days before implementation of the exchanges, Gary Cohen, the federal official in charge of the exchanges, testified under oath before the Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations while I was there, that, “consumers will be able to go online, they will be able to get a determination of what tax subsidies they are eligible for, they’ll be able to look at the plans that are available where they live, they will be able to see the premium next of subsidy that they would have to pay, and they will be able to choose a plan and get enrolled in coverage beginning October 1.” The American taxpayer has spent more than $400 million on the exchange system, but when October 1 rolled around more than three years after Obamacare was signed into law, Americans across the country were not met with the “fabulo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355729 Griffith: “If Obamacare is good for the goose, why is it not good for the gander?” 2013-10-16 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Senate amendments to raise the debt ceiling without corresponding spending cuts: “In our legislative process, each side must give up some priorities to come to a common agreement.  Over the past several weeks, my colleagues and I made numerous attempts to compromise, but the President and the Democrat-controlled Senate never negotiated in good faith with House Republicans.  In fact, while House Republicans were considering a proposal that would have only required the President and his political appointees to live under Obamacare like the rest of the American people, the President told House Democrats that he would veto any debt ceiling bill that included that provision.  If Obamacare is good for the goose, why is it not good for the gander?*  Further, the final agreement’s only ‘concession’ to Republicans is that the Administration follow what is in existing law – that Americans receiving taxpayer-funded Obamacare subsidies be required to verify that they meet income eligibility requirements. “However, Republicans don’t control the White House or the Senate, and we did not win this Obamacare battle.  But I continue to believe that the health care law is a train wreck that can not and will not work, and remain committed to seeing it repealed and replaced.  “It is true that this evening’s Senate amendments raise the debt ceiling for nearly four months and put us on a track to negotiations to agree to a budget for the first time since 2009.  But the President, who once called letting the debt rise unchecked ‘unpatriotic,’ has been insisting that he won’t negotiate over raising the debt ceiling.  While hopeful, I am skeptical that the President and Senate will change course, and come to the table to constructively work with Republicans to rein in the federal government’s spending addiction.  We need a clear, disciplined, well-thought-out spending reduction plan in order to decrease our deficits and our … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141207/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/464 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON VOTE ON SENATE PROPOSAL 2013-10-16 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON VOTE ON SENATE PROPOSAL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement regarding tonight’s vote in the House of Representatives: “The Senate’s plan raises the debt limit and merely delays discussion on debt and spending for a short time and does little to address the fundamental fiscal challenges facing our nation.  The fact of the matter is that unrestrained government spending and unsustainable entitlement programs that make up nearly 70 percent of our spending remain untouched by this measure.  After years of debate it is time to take action. “Unfortunately, the Senate’s unwillingness to negotiate resulted in a measure that does not provide the reforms required to address the nearly $17 trillion national debt and the massive new entitlement program in the form of Obamacare.  Getting spending under control and reducing our debt remain my highest priorities, and this bill did not meet those goals.  That is why I could not vote in support of this proposal.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=489 Wittman Votes to Re-Open Government 2013-10-16 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) tonight voted in favor of legislation to re-open the federal government and fund its operation through January 15, 2014. The legislation also sets up an agreement for the House and Senate to work out differences in funding levels for the entire 2014 fiscal year. I do not advocate for last-minute deals, but tonight the choice was yes or no, and the right thing to do was to re-open our government and stand by our obligations, Wittman said. This bill re-opens a government that has been shuttered 16 days too long, while federal employees have sat at home, veterans wonder if they will receive the benefits they have earned, and Americans have been denied basic government services. This bill ensures the government can pay the bills it owes; however, I strongly believe that Congress must not simply kick the can, but have a healthy debate and return to regular order, instead of governing by shutdown threats and risk of default. This is no way to govern. For the past two years, I've been arguing that Congress needs to get the job of funding the government done before Congress goes home for an August recess. The business of the nation needs to be done. We have to get back to doing business in a regular order and stop this cycle of crisis management. I supported previous efforts to fund government and repeal Obamacare because I believe the law is fundamentally flawed. The fight for real health reform will continue, and the fight for responsible governing will continue. I believe that America has great days ahead, and hope for Congress to listen to the people. Washington is broken, and has a long way back to even ground. Our founding fathers intended healthy debate on critical issues affecting our republic, but not at the expense of its citizens. We have an opportunity to improve, and I intend to fight every day for what is right for our country and for our future because it is so important. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 285-144, and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355496 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.14.13 2013-10-14 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy The House as a Footstool? The President refused to negotiate with any Republican in either the House or the Senate to work out a potential solution to the partial government shutdown until Thursday, October 10, which was the tenth day of the partial shutdown.  House discussions with the Obama White House collapsed the next day, however, and Senate leaders took up negotiations over the weekend of October 12 and 13. When government is divided, as it currently is, there must be ongoing conversations involving all parties.  All parties must be prepared to compromise.  While the House majority is of a different party than the President, each one of the 232 House Republicans were elected by the constituents of their districts.  The Founding Fathers didn’t intend for the House to merely be a footstool for any President, and the House must be involved in the negotiating process.  The President’s general refusal to participate in discussions with the House has been damaging to the negotiating process. As long as I have the honor to represent the Ninth District of Virginia, I do not intend for the House to be a footstool.  I don’t care whether that President is a Democrat, Republican, or Independent.  The constitutional prerogatives of the House must be defended.  As this column is being written, it is being reported that Senate leaders are approaching agreement.  While I believe that serious negotiations should have started long ago, these are the facts that we must deal with.  Therefore, a reasonable, short-term extension may be appropriate.  The full extent of this reported agreement has not yet been released by the Senate negotiators.  I will need to review the proposal in detail before determining whether in my opinion it is in the best interest of the United States.  In the Meantime… Since the beginning of the partial government shutdown, there has been an ongoing controversy regarding why open-air monuments and other park facilities (some of which don’t cost any federal dollars) were closed as a response to the p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131016000051/http://wolf.house.gov:80/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2316 Wolf: Show Humility and Start Governing 2013-10-14 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 Click here to watch a video of Wolf's statement.  WOLF: SHOW HUMILITY AND START GOVERNING Says American People are Losing Washington, D.C. (October 14, 2013) – In remarks delivered on the House floor today, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) today called on his colleagues and the president to follow the advice of the  chaplain of the Senate to show humility and start governing. “The Congress and the president have been entrusted with much, namely the responsibility to govern this country,” Wolf said.  “The American people rightly expect us, regardless of party affiliation, to come together, especially during times of crisis, and find ways to get things done.  They are understandably fed up with this current dysfunction, and I am, too.  “Each side thinks it is winning, but in reality, the country and the American people are losing,” Wolf continued.  “Senate Chaplain Barry Black says there's a level of insanity involved in the current government shutdown.  Asked what it would take to end the current impasse, the former Navy chaplain said, ‘It's going to take humility.’ Wise words.” Below is the complete text of Wolf’s remarks: In Luke 12:48 Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” The Congress and the president have been entrusted with much, namely the responsibility to govern this country.  The American people rightly expect us, regardless of party affiliation, to come together, especially during times of crisis, and find ways to get things done.  They are understandably fed up with this current dysfunction, and I am, too.  Each side thinks it is winning, but in reality, the country and the American people are losing.  Senate Chaplain Barry Black says there's a level of insanity involved in the current government shutdown.  Asked what it would take to end the current impasse, the former Navy chaplain said, “It's going to take humility.”  Wise words. Proverbs 16:1… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141209/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/462 GOODLATTE SIGNS ON IN SUPPORT OF 'PROTECTING STATES, OPENING NATIONAL PARKS ACT' 2013-10-14 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE SIGNS ON IN SUPPORT OF 'PROTECTING STATES, OPENING NATIONAL PARKS ACT' WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte signed on as a cosponsor of the Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act (H.R. 3286).  This bipartisan legislation would ensure that states are reimbursed within 90 days for all state funds spent to pay for National Park operations.  Congressman Goodlatte has also been working with Governor Bob McDonnell, Secretary of Natural Resources Doug Domenech, and other state and local leaders on a plan to reopen the National Parks in Virginia, including the Shenandoah National Park.  He released the following statement: “Our National Parks play an important role in the economy of many communities in the Sixth District of Virginia.  They provide numerous jobs and help to generate income for many small businesses, especially during peak leaf season.  Last week, I voted in support of critical legislation that would provide funding to reopen the National Park system.  However, the Senate has failed to act on this bill and left the gates of our National Parks closed.   “While the Obama Administration has finally agreed that individual states may reopen National Parks, the burden would be placed on the states to pay for any expenses incurred.  The Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act would ensure that Virginia and other states would be rightfully reimbursed for these costs.  With this legislation in mind, I encourage Governor McDonnell to consider taking steps to reopen the National Parks in Virginia, including the Shenandoah National Park and all of the operations on the Blue Ridge Parkway.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141210/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/463 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON AL-LIBY ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK TO STAND TRIAL 2013-10-14 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON AL-LIBY ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK TO STAND TRIAL WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following today’s announcement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that senior Al Qaeda leader Abu Anas al-Liby, who was apprehended in Libya earlier this month, has arrived in the United States to stand trial in federal court for the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Africa. Chairman Goodlatte: “Earlier this month, U.S. special operations forces captured Abu Anas al-Liby, a senior Al Qaeda operative who helped mastermind the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya, killing 224 people.  Since his capture on October 5th, al-Liby has been held on the USS San Antonio where he was interrogated for intelligence-gathering purposes.  Today’s announcement by DOJ that al-Liby has arrived in New York in order to stand trial in federal court raises numerous questions and concerns.   Chief among those concerns is the short amount of time that was spent interrogating this foreign terrorist who was once a member of Osama bin Laden’s inner circle.  In just over one week, one of the world’s most wanted terror suspects was questioned and then brought to New York where he is being afforded the rights guaranteed to U.S. citizens, including the right to remain silent.  I find it hard to believe that 15 years of intelligence was gathered in just a few days of interrogation. It certainly begs the question whether rushing foreign terrorists into U.S. courts is a strategy that is in the best interests of the United States.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141914/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/461 GOODLATTE NAMES PEOPLE PLACES 'ANGEL IN ADOPTION' 2013-10-09 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE NAMES PEOPLE PLACES 'ANGEL IN ADOPTION' WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, named People Places as the Sixth District of Virginia’s 2013 “Angel in Adoption.”  The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption Program is designed to celebrate individuals, couples, or organizations from across the nation that have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.  Members of Congress have the opportunity to honor one nominee from each congressional district who is making a difference in the lives of children. “People Places has made a tremendous impact in the lives of children and families throughout the region,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “The principle starts with their name – the goal of this organization is to provide healing for troubled children in ‘people places’ or families, instead of facilities.  They are truly putting the well-being of the children they serve first and working diligently to provide the necessary support and care.  What started as a vision has transformed over the years into a reality that is today serving more than 100 children.” Founded in 1973, People Places was the first therapeutic foster care (TFC) program in Virginia and one of the pioneers in the nation. The agency's mission is to create effective community-based treatment services for troubled children and youth as an alternative to residential placement.  They have had 37 discharges in 2013, with 81 percent of those to less restrictive settings, including adoption or reunification with family.  This year they are on track for a record number of adoptions, with 15 adoptions finalized thus far.  Currently, People Places works with approximately 90 families in the Shenandoah Valley and nearly 40 families in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area.   “It is my honor to recognize People Places as this year’s ‘Angel in Adoption,’” said Congressman Goodlatte.  “I congratulate… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141916/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/460 HOUSE ASKS SENATE TO FORM WORKING GROUP, NEGOTIATE 2013-10-08 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy HOUSE ASKS SENATE TO FORM WORKING GROUP, NEGOTIATE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 3273, the Deficit Reduction and Economic Growth Working Group Act of 2013: “Understanding that we have our differences, last week the House passed legislation requesting the Senate to come to the table for a Conference Committee.  Yet, the Senate refused even this common sense offer.  The Deficit Reduction and Economic Growth Working Group Act passed by the House tonight asks the Senate once again to stop stalling and begin negotiations now to identify a path forward on funding the federal government and the approaching debt limit.  If both sides are not talking, we cannot move forward and end this partial government shutdown. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to be reasonable. Let’s come together to negotiate and work through these differences to find a fiscally responsible and sustainable solution for the American people.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352705 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.7.13 2013-10-07 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Winning? Really?!                                            The Wall Street Journal recently quoted a senior White House official on the partial government shutdown as saying: “We are winning... It doesn't really matter to us how long the shutdown lasts because what matters is the end result.” Really?!  Nobody’s winning.  It’s this kind of talk that makes me extremely frustrated.  This is not a game.  Everyone is losing to some extent.  Government is not operating properly.  Some services have been delayed.  National parks are closed.  Many federal workers have been furloughed.  And yet, instead of negotiating with the duly elected House of Representatives, the White House is using the partial shutdown to try and score political points.  They’ve barricaded businesses that receive no money from the federal government in North Carolina and forced Virginia businesses to close along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The presidential leadership on this issue is lacking and disappointing.  It is not leadership to barricade oneself in the Oval Office and refuse to talk to Congress. While some in the White House seem to be playing games, and the Senate is stuck in neutral, the House continues to work to fund certain parts of the government until a wholesale resolution can be reached.  With my support, the House has passed legislation that includes funding for veterans’ benefits, national parks, National Institutes of Health (NIH), national guardsmen and reservists, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and nutritional assistance for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).  Unfortunately, one week into the partial shutdown, the Senate has refused to fund any of these programs.  The House plans to continue proposing solutions.  My colleagues and I in the House will consider any good faith offer from the Senate that will fund the government and allow it to reopen.  Averting Another Shutdown We can all agree that there are better ways to run the federal government than by continuing on our current course of operating under a se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=487 Wittman Votes to Protect Federal Workers' Pay 2013-10-07 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Votes to Protect Federal Workers' Pay f t # e Washington, D.C., October 7, 2013 Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after the House passed, by a vote of 407-0, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act: Today, I was proud to support our hardworking federal employees by voting to provide retroactive pay for the duration of the government shutdown. We must stand by the commitment and dedication of our federal workforce and ensure they are treated fairly and have certainty in regards to their pay. I have spoken with numerous federal employees whose lives have been dramatically affected by the shutdown, at no fault of their own. Many are struggling to make ends meet, pay their bills, and put food on the table, and they should not be punished because Congress is dysfunctional. I have been telling their stories to my colleagues and urging the House Leadership to bring this bill to the floor for a vote, and I am pleased to see the House take this important action today. Wittman is a lead cosponsor of H.R.3223, the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. # # # f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=488 Wittman Statement on Implementation of the Pay Our Military Act 2013-10-07 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Statement on Implementation of the Pay Our Military Act f t # e Washington, D.C., October 7, 2013 Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) today released the following statement: "I am pleased that Secretary Hagel is implementing the Pay Our Military Act and has recalled the majority of Department of Defense civilians back to duty. I look forward to further exploring the implementation of this law by DoD, specifically with regard to the impact on DoD contractors, at the Readiness Subcommittee hearing I will be chairing on Thursday, October 10, 2013. I will continue to fight for the pay of all those that support our Department of Defense during this government shutdown -- our active duty personnel, our reserves, our national guard, our civilians, and our contractors." Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141918/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/459 GOODLATTE: WHY CAN'T THE SENATE DO THE SAME? 2013-10-04 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE: WHY CAN'T THE SENATE DO THE SAME? WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after voting in support of the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act (H.J.Res. 85) and the Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Women and Children Act (H.J.Res. 75) – both of which garnered the support of Republicans and Democrats in the House:     “As the partial government shutdown continues, the House voted yet again today to fund critical parts of the federal government.  In the midst of hurricane season, I voted in favor of the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act to restore funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  I also voted in support of a bill to provide nutrition assistance for low-income women and children, commonly known as WIC.  These are votes that both sides of the aisle in the House can agree upon. Why can’t the Senate do the same? The American people expect their representatives in Congress to work together to find a common sense way forward.  We are acting in the House and are ready for the Senate to do the same.”    ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141817/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/458 GOODLATTE VOTES TO ENSURE FUNDING FOR VETERANS BENEFITS, PAY GUARD & RESERVE 2013-10-03 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE VOTES TO ENSURE FUNDING FOR VETERANS BENEFITS, PAY GUARD & RESERVE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement after voting in support of the Honoring Our Promise to America’s Veterans Act (H.J.Res. 72) and the Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act (H.R. 3230).  H.J.Res. 72 passed the House by a vote of 259-157 with 224 Republicans and 35 Democrats voting in favor.  H.R. 3230 was approved by a vote of 265-160 with the support of 229 Republicans and 36 Democrats.   “Today, I voted in support of legislation to provide funding for veterans benefits and ensure that members of our National Guard and Reserves receive pay.  Earlier this week, the Senate passed the House’s Pay Our Military Act to guarantee our Armed Forces, who protect and defend America, will be paid during this partial government shutdown.  I see no reason why the Senate should not pass these bipartisan bills as well to pay Guard and Reserve members and make certain that our veterans, who have served this nation bravely, do not have to worry about whether or not their benefits will be available.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352210 Griffith Speaks on House Floor: Defy Obama and Visit the Parkway Shops 2013-10-02 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Friday, October 4, 2013 – This evening Congressman Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House Floor about President Obama’s Park Service and how they are needlessly blocking access to private businesses that adjoin the Blue Ridge Parkway.  These businesses lease land from the federal government, but do not receive money from the federal government.  Most of the “concession” businesses actually pay the federal government.  The current debate in Washington is about federal spending and is not about private businesses located on or near national parks.  Additionally after speaking on the Floor, Congressman Griffith asked, “Why is the Park Service using ‘essential’ personnel to try to close these taxpaying businesses?"  Further he said, "I hope everyone will visit the shops on and around the Parkway this weekend." Video of Griffith’s remarks can be found by clicking here. To see information on the North Carolina situation, click here. To see the Washington Times article, referenced in Congressman Griffith’s one minute speech, click here.   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=352503 Griffith Statement on House-Passed Parks and NIH Funding Measures 2013-10-02 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Wednesday, October 2, 2013 – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Open Our National Parks and Museums Act, which ensures funding for National Park Service operations, and the Research for Lifesaving Cures Act, which ensures funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH): “This process would be faster if the Senate were to join us at the negotiating table to sort out our differences.  However, if the Senate won’t negotiate with us, we ought to move forward on areas where we are in agreement.  While continuing to urge the Senate to appoint negotiators, I also urge them to work with us in advancing proposals like those passing the House today, which would open national parks, monuments, and museums and provide funding for critical medical research including vital cancer research, among other things.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131006045335/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/457 GOODLATTE TO SENATE: 'LET'S TALK' 2013-10-02 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE TO SENATE: 'LET'S TALK' WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement tonight in support of legislation to re-open our National Parks and museums and provide funding for the National Institutes of Health, and also reiterating his request for the United States Senate to agree to a Conference Committee to work out the differences between plans to fund the federal government: “Despite continued efforts by the House of Representatives, Harry Reid and the Democratic-controlled Senate have rejected every offer and refused to come to the negotiating table.  Every time Harry Reid refuses to negotiate, he is slamming the door on re-opening the federal government.  The House has been ready to talk.  It is time that the Senate works with the House to negotiate a fiscally responsible solution to fund the federal government and ensure fairness for all Americans under Obamacare.” “However, the House is not waiting for the Senate. Instead, we are continuing to pass legislation to provide funding for portions of the federal government.  Tonight, I voted in favor of two of these funding bills, including legislation that would immediately re-open our National Parks, monuments, and museums like the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Sixth District.  I strongly encourage the Senate to take up, and pass, these bills immediately.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131002212842/http://www.wittman.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=846:wittman-supports-continuing-government-operations-with-third-house-vote&catid=34:2013-news&Itemid=100133 Wittman Supports Continuing Government Operations with Third House Vote 2013-10-01 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 web.archive.org     legacy October 01, 2013 Washington, DC - Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after the House voted to again fund government operations and to delay the individual mandate for health care insurance included in the Affordable Care Act: "The folks of America's First District do not support a government shutdown and that's why tonight, I voted for the third time to continue government operations and against a shutdown. Governing at the eleventh hour is simply unacceptable, but the House voted again tonight to keep government running while also delaying key pieces of the harmful Obamacare legislation." Wittman supported two previous versions of legislation to continue government operations, and for legislation to ensure troops are paid regardless of the political situation. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=486 Wittman Supports Continuing Government Operations with Third House Vote 2013-10-01 2013 2013-10 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Supports Continuing Government Operations with Third House Vote f t # e Washington, D.C., October 1, 2013 Washington, D.C. - Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after the House voted to again fund government operations and to delay the individual mandate for health care insurance included in the Affordable Care Act: "The folks of America's First District do not support a government shutdown and that's why tonight, I voted for the third time to continue government operations and against a shutdown. Governing at the eleventh hour is simply unacceptable, but the House voted again tonight to keep government running while also delaying key pieces of the harmful Obamacare legislation." Wittman supported two previous versions of legislation to continue government operations, and for legislation to ensure troops are paid regardless of the political situation. # # # f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351765 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.30.13 2013-09-30 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Ongoing Funding Negotiations Congress is embroiled in a fight over the spending of your tax dollars.  As I write this, agreement has not yet been reached.  At this time, I think it is important to quickly review the role of Congress as envisioned at this country’s founding. The Constitution formed a republic based on democratic principles, with the Republic including a system of checks and balances between the governing branches.  The Executive Branch executes the law.  The Legislative Branch writes laws and dictates spending, having the power of the purse.  And the Judicial Branch enforces the law. The power of the purse is the most powerful check on the Executive Branch that is granted by the Constitution to Congress.  Accordingly, during the debate on federal spending is exactly where issues such as spending on the health care law ought to be discussed.  Not only is it right, but it is our Constitutional duty.  For some to suggest that it is not appropriate to debate specific spending items during funding and debt discussions is a further undermining of the Constitutional powers of Congress, thus inappropriately tilting power toward the Executive Branch. As a devoted believer that our Constitutional Republic is the best form of government ever devised, I cannot concede the argument of debating specific spending issues during a funding and debt fight to those who would ignore the bedrock principles of the Constitution in favor of fleeting political issues. Clearly former Democrat Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill agreed with me on this.  When he was Speaker, there were 12 government shutdowns.  Interestingly, Democrats controlled the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives for the first five of those government shutdowns. I recognize that it is also part of my duty to look for a compromise.  But that doesn’t mean that, in seeking compromise, I ought to give up my beliefs and those of the people I represent. At the time of the writing of this column, I have voted during this spending fight on t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351857 Griffith Statement on Latest House Efforts to Keep the Government Open 2013-09-30 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement on the House of Representative’s latest proposal to keep the government open, which would also delay implementation of the health care law’s individual mandate for one year and end the federal government employer contribution towards the premium costs of employee health plans for Members of Congress, their staffs, the President, his staff, and political appointees: “I remain opposed to the health care law known as Obamacare, and think it is bad medicine for Americans.  I will continue working to repeal and defund it.  As our work on that issue continues, I will be supporting the House of Representative’s latest efforts to compromise, keep the government open, and control spending.  With the passage of this compromise by the House, the Senate will again have the opportunity to join us in keeping the government open and ensuring fairness for all under Obamacare.  A vote in favor of this proposal would make sure that the President and Congress have to live with Obamacare like other Americans, and also would delay the individual mandate on the American people as President Obama delayed the employer mandate for American businesses.  I would strongly encourage the Senate to join us in supporting this measure.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131006045330/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/456 GOODLATTE VOTES TO KEEP FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPEN, DELAY INDIVIDUAL MANDATE 2013-09-30 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE VOTES TO KEEP FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OPEN, DELAY INDIVIDUAL MANDATE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement tonight after voting in support of the House of Representatives’ latest compromise that will fund the federal government, delay Obamacare’s individual mandate requiring every American to purchase health insurance or pay a tax for one year, and require all Members of Congress, all congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees within the Administration to purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare exchange without a federal government employer contribution.   “Tonight’s vote marks the third time in the past two weeks the House has taken common sense, bipartisan steps to ensure the federal government remains funded.  Unfortunately, earlier today the Senate once again failed to act on the proposal passed by the House late Saturday night.  Because of the Senate’s refusal to act, this evening the House presented yet another offer to Harry Reid and the Democratic Leadership to keep the federal government open.  This common sense bill offered by the House would keep the government running, delay Obamacare’s individual mandate requiring every American to purchase health insurance or pay a tax for one year, and ensure Members of Congress and the President are not given special treatment. Importantly, this legislation gives individual Americans the same one-year delay from Obamacare President Obama has already given to business employers and labor unions. This is an issue of fairness. “The bottom line is that the House has acted three times to avert a government shutdown while the Senate has shown no willingness to compromise. I do not want to see the government shut down and neither do the American people. I urge the Senate to stop the tabling motions, stop the delaying, and act now to keep the federal government open and enact common sense changes to Obamacare.” … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131002031128/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/455 GOODLATTE URGES SENATE TO COMPROMISE, ENSURE TROOP PAY 2013-09-29 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE URGES SENATE TO COMPROMISE, ENSURE TROOP PAY WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement tonight after voting in support of the Pay Our Military Act as well as amendments to the Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government, while also providing for a one-year delay of Obamacare: “Over one week ago, I voted in support of bipartisan legislation to fund the federal government, which also included a provision to defund Obamacare. However, the Senate failed to pass this legislation and protect the American people from a law that will raise health care costs and restrict access.  Tonight, I voted in support of the House's bipartisan compromise to delay implementation of the Obamacare train wreck for one year and keep the doors of the federal government open. I urge Harry Reid and the Democratic Leadership to accept this compromise. “However if the Senate refuses to work with the House, Members of the Armed Forces should not be subject to the Senate’s political ploys.  The Pay Our Military Act ensures that members of the Armed Forces will continue to receive pay, even in the case of a government shutdown. If the Senate fails to pass this legislation, they will be denying our men and women in uniform, who serve and defend our nation, the pay they deserve, in the event of a Senate-induced government shutdown.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=485 Wittman Votes to Continue Government Operations, Troop Pay and Obamacare Delay 2013-09-29 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Votes to Continue Government Operations, Troop Pay and Obamacare Delay f t # e Washington, D.C., September 29, 2013 WASHINGTON, DC Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following statement after voting to keep the government running through December 15, 2013, and to ensure the military receives their pay regardless of inaction in Washington: "Last night, the House again took action to keep the government open; I voted to continue government operations and against a shutdown. I do not support a government shutdown," Wittman said. "I was also pleased to support legislation ensuring the military is paid regardless of the political situation in Washington, and to delay Obamacare. Unfortunately, this legislation does not prevent furloughs for thousands of hardworking federal employees which is disruptive and undeserved for these folks dedicated to service to the nation. It is my hope the Senate can pass legislation to ensure the government does not shut down." Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351563 Griffith, Green, DeGette Support Bipartisan, Bicameral Compounding Agreement 2013-09-27 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) participated in a series of Energy and Commerce hearings on the drug compounding issue.  They recently introduced the Compounding Clarity Act (H.R. 3089), and today signed on as cosponsors of the Drug Quality and Security Act.  The Drug Quality and Security Act, which incorporates some of the Compounding Clarity Act, is a bipartisan, bicameral first step to help ensure the safety of compounding drugs.  It also will work to prevent a national public health crisis like the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak tied to the New England Compounding Center (NECC).  64 deaths and 750 confirmed cases of fungal meningitis resulted from tainted steroid injections from the NECC. Griffith said, “The Drug Quality and Security Act is a first step at clarifying current law.  It eliminates perceived confusion that existed as a result of court decisions on advertising related to compounding drugs and adopts the notification provisions that were in the Griffith-Green-DeGette Compounding Clarity Act.  The Drug Quality and Security Act leaves a large portion of existing law intact.  It also leaves many areas of practice where clarification may still be needed, particularly as it relates to office use, repackaging, and nuclear pharmacies.  Along with my colleagues, I will continue working to oversee the FDA’s interpretation and implementation of this law.”  Green said, “The Drug Quality and Security Act is a positive step forward toward enhancing public health and ensuring that compounded drugs are safe and dependable.  I am proud to have worked with my colleagues Reps. Griffith and DeGette in pressing for enhanced FDA oversight of compounding.  While I believe the FDA dropped the ball with regards to the NECC, with this law they must succeed where in the past they failed.  This bill still lacks clarity in many important areas: office use, how nuclear pharmacies are regulated, and repackaging of sterile products.  I look forward to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350763 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.23.13 2013-09-23 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Defunding Obamacare and Controlling Spending With my support, on Friday, September 20, the House passed legislation known as a continuing resolution that prevents a government shutdown AND also prevents money from being spent by the federal government on the so-called Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).  PPACA is also known as Obamacare. It is my belief that the Senate ought to publicly acknowledge the negative impact that Obamacare will have on the American people and businesses, and join us in defunding Obamacare once and for all.  Obamacare as written will not work.  Senator Max Baucus, one of the law’s chief architects, said that Obamacare will be a “huge train wreck.”  In my opinion, it is the duty of the House and the Senate, if they see a trainwreck coming, to get the American people not only off the tracks, but well away from the prospective wreck.  The House has done its work.  It’s now up to the Senate. As this column is being written, this legislation’s fate has yet to be determined by the Senate.  No matter what your opinion is on Obamacare, you should let your Senators know how you feel.  Their office numbers are: Senator Mark Warner 202-224-2023 Senator Tim Kaine 202-224-4024 The War on Coal Continues Also on Friday, September 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced greenhouse gas standards for new power plants, a regulation harsh enough to essentially ensure that we cannot build another coal-fired power plant here in the United States. Sadly, our region is all too familiar with the impact of anti-coal policies like this.  For the Ninth District of Virginia and other coal-producing regions, I strongly urge President Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to declare a ceasefire in the war on coal and stop the regulatory assault on America’s power sector, related businesses, and hard-working American people. Trees for Schools – An Update … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20130925024633/http://wolf.house.gov:80/index.cfm?sectionid=34&itemid=2306 Wolf: If Bashir Comes To The U.S., Arrest Him 2013-09-23 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Frank Wolf W000672 web.archive.org     legacy Contact: Jill Shatzen (202) 225-5136 WOLF: IF BASHIR COMES TO THE U.S., ARREST HIM Tells President Obama Granting Him a Visa Compromises Moral Legitimacy Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2013) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) said today that if internationally indicted war criminal Omar Bashir, the president of Sudan, is allowed into the United States, he should be arrested. In response to media reports over the weekend that Bashir booked a hotel room in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting, Wolf sent a scathing letter to President Obama, acknowledging that while the United States as a host country has certain obligations, allowing someone responsible for genocide into the United States would compromise moral legitimacy, embolden war criminals and entrench Bashir. Wolf said the clear message to Bashir from the United States should be: “You are an international pariah; not a legitimate head of state.  We are not required to embolden evil.  Should you choose to come to New York, you will be met by U.S. law enforcement officials and a plane prepared to transfer you to the Hague.” EDITORS NOTE:Wolf has been a longtime critic of Bashir and Khartoum.  He has travelled to Sudan on multiple occasions and was the first member of Congress to visit Darfur, in 2004.  Last year, Wolf offered an amendment to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill which would have cut non-humanitarian foreign assistance to any nation that allowed Sudanese President Omar Bashir into their country without arresting him.  The amendment was adopted with bipartisan support by voice vote.  Notably, the amendment garnered the support of 70 prominent Holocaust and genocide scholars.  Dr. Rafael Medoff, director of the Wyman Institute, who wrote a letter to the Obama Administration from these scholars expressing support for the Wolf amendment, said: “Halting aid to those who host Bashir would be the first concrete step the U.S. has taken to isolate the Butcher of Darfur and pave the way for his arrest.  If the Oba… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350501 Griffith Statement on EPA’s Continued War on Coal 2013-09-20 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) released a regulation to set greenhouse gas New Source Performance Standards for new coal-fired power plants: “Current federal policies, let alone the regulation announced today, are devastating the economy of the Ninth District of Virginia.  Each week, our region must absorb the devastating impacts of the Administration’s war on coal.  This assault, though targeting the coal industry, affects us all.  It’s not just those working in the coal fields that suffer – also suffering are industries that rely on coal mines. “This EPA regulation would require a new coal-fired power plant to use technologies that are not yet available in the marketplace.  These regulations will fulfill one of the President’s promises from his 2008 campaign, and send our electric rates sky-high.  President Obama also admitted in 2008 that the cost of these policies will be passed on to consumers.  We all know who those people are.  Those ‘consumers’ are hard-working, middle-class Americans. “I strongly urge President Obama and EPA Administrator McCarthy to declare a ceasefire in the war on coal and stop the regulatory assault on America’s power sector, related businesses, and hard-working American people.” Griffith questioned EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at a September 18, 2013 Energy and Power Subcommittee hearing.  Video can be seen here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350514 Griffith Applauds House Passage of Legislation Defunding Obamacare, Controlling Spending 2013-09-20 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to defund Obamacare and control spending: “Like many Americans, I am of the view that Obamacare as drafted cannot and will not work, and I have joined my House colleagues in supporting various measures that would speed up its demise.  We hope the Senate will promptly take up the fight, and take appropriate action to defund the President’s unworkable health care law.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=350581 Griffith Statement on Bill that Continues “Trees for Schools” 2013-09-20 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1526, the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act: “Our National Forest Lands are great assets to the American people, and it is important that they be properly managed in an effort to avoid such problems as invasive species and wildfires, which burned more than 9 million acres in 2012.  Additionally, harvesting timber creates needed jobs and revenue in rural forest communities like many in Virginia’s Ninth District that struggle to meet their school budgets, pay for police and fire services, and fund necessary infrastructure repairs.  I am pleased to support this common-sense ‘Trees for Schools’ legislation that seeks to properly manage National Forest Lands, help provide jobs for hard-working Americans, and support rural forest communities.” BACKGROUND: Over a century ago, the federal government promised to actively manage forest land to the benefit of rural communities.  Historically, the U.S. Forest Service shared approximately 25 percent of revenues from timber harvests with rural counties containing National Forest Land.  These funds could be used for schools, teachers, police officers, etc. in lieu of revenue the communities might otherwise receive from property taxes if the land were not owned by the federal government, which does not pay local taxes. Due to federal regulations and environmental lawsuits, however, the Forest Service over the years has reduced the amount of federal forest land being timbered.  This has created controversy regarding proper forest resource management while also destroying jobs and depriving rural regions of needed revenue. In an effort to provide rural counties with “transition periods” while the federal government worked to increase timber production, Congress in 2000 passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS).  Recipients of SRS funds within the Ninth District of Virginia include the following counties: Alleghany, Bland, Carroll… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141730/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/454 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON HOUSE VOTE TO DEFUND OBAMACARE 2013-09-20 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON HOUSE VOTE TO DEFUND OBAMACARE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement today after voting in support of legislation to defund Obamacare: “I voted against Obamacare before it was signed into law, and today I voted again to defund Obamacare before more American jobs are lost and health care costs climb any higher. As this bill heads to the Senate, they have to justify why a law that will raise health care costs and restrict access for Americans should move forward.  I urge Harry Reid and the Democratic leadership to immediately consider the negative impacts the President’s health care law will have on the American people and pass this bill defunding Obamacare for good.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=484 Wittman Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown, Defund Obamacare 2013-09-20 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown, Defund Obamacare f t # e Washington, D.C., September 20, 2013 Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) today released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to continue federal government operations past September 30, 2013: Today I voted in favor of legislation to prevent a government shutdown and prevent a harmful law from being implemented, Wittman said. It is unfortunate that Washington, D.C., was again on the brink of another fiscal year without completing its business. I have said time and time again that last-minute deals are no way to govern, but I firmly believe that the government must continue to operate, to ensure our service members and federal employees continue to be paid, and other operations that folks count on each and every day are not interrupted. I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this legislation and avert a government shutdown. The House today passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through December 15, 2013, with a provision to defund and delay Obamacare. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=482 Wittman to Host Military Academy Information Session for Students in Fredericksburg this Saturday 2013-09-19 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Wittman W000804 wittman.house.gov     legacy Wittman to Host Military Academy Information Session for Students in Fredericksburg this Saturday f t # e Washington, D.C., September 19, 2013 Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) invites all high school and middle school students, their parents and guidance counselors to a U.S. Service Academy Day in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on September 21, 2013. Attendees will be provided a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Service Academies and their admissions process.In addition, students and parents will be able to meet with officials from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. Date: September 21, 2013 Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am Location: University of Mary Washington Stafford Campus 125 University Boulevard, Fredericksburg Constituents with questions may contact Wittman's office at (540) 659-2734. As the First District Representative in the U.S. House, each year Wittman may nominate a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. More informationhere. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. ### f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20130920144810/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/453 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON CLASSIFIED FISA HEARING 2013-09-18 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON CLASSIFIED FISA HEARING WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following today’s House Judiciary Committee classified hearing on the Administration’s use of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte released the statement below: “Over the past few months, the House Judiciary Committee has conducted vigorous oversight of our nation’s foreign surveillance programs, including today’s classified hearing.  I appreciate the witnesses’ testimony today further detailing these programs and the current practices employed by the agencies to protect U.S. citizens’ civil liberties. However, I am convinced that further protections are necessary.  I am committed to working with members of the House Judiciary Committee, House leaders, and other members of Congress to ensure our nation’s intelligence collection programs include robust oversight, additional transparency, and protections for Americans’ civil liberties while maintaining a workable legal framework for national security officials to keep our country safe from foreign enemies.” At today’s classified hearing, members of the House Judiciary Committee were afforded the opportunity to further probe government officials from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Security Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation about our nation’s surveillance programs.  In July, the Committee held a public hearing to examine the statutory authorities that govern certain surveillance programs operated under FISA, in which the Committee heard from officials from the DOJ, the NSA, the FBI, and from civil liberties groups. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122141554/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/451 GOODLATTE STATEMENT IN HONOR OF CONSTITUTION DAY 2013-09-17 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT IN HONOR OF CONSTITUTION DAY WASHINGTON, D.C.: Today, Congressman Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement in honor of Constitution Day, which was first observed in 2005. “226 years ago on September 17, 1787, the founders of our country signed the United States Constitution that laid the foundation for our freedoms today. Formed in the middle of crisis and fashioned by one of the world’s youngest nations, it has stood the test of time as the oldest written constitution still in use today. “That historic day in Philadelphia may be thought on with reverence as we reflect on the great risks made by the original 39 delegates who chose to sign the Constitution and establish a new form of government. Thanks to the delegates who stood up for freedom and democracy, this document continues to safeguard America and provide necessary checks and balances for our country hundreds of years later. “This year on Constitution Day, we are concerned whether the President is adhering to his constitutional duty of ‘faithfully executing the laws’ in light of laws he has circumvented or refused to enforce. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee that has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution, I am pleased to announce a Constitution hearing in coming weeks on this topic.” Congressman Bob Goodlatte is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Constitutional amendments and other issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131122142740/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/452 GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL JOB FAIR 2013-09-17 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Robert Goodlatte G000289 web.archive.org     legacy GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL JOB FAIR FISHERSVILLE, VA: Congressman Bob Goodlatte held the Valley Job Fair at Augusta Expo in Fishersville today.  More than 50 businesses, representing between 1,600 – 1,700 open positions, were on hand meeting with job seekers.  Today’s Job Fair attracted over 750 job seekers.  Congressman Goodlatte issued the following comments at the conclusion of the Job Fair:       “Today’s Job Fair was a great success.  I want to thank the employers who were on hand to meet with job seekers.  I had the opportunity to speak to a number of job seekers who were encouraged by the volume of employment opportunities represented here today.  I am hopeful that we were able to match job seekers with local businesses in our community who are looking to hire.  Connecting these individuals will only help get more folks back to work in the Sixth District and grow our local economy.”   Background: This is the fourth job fair Congressman Goodlatte has hosted. He has previously held similar events in Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Lynchburg. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349783 Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.16.13 2013-09-16 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Government Spying – An Update In early July, I joined with Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) and fourteen other Members of Congress in filing an amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of a motion to disclose Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA court) secret opinions interpreting Section 215 of the Patriot Act.  I am pleased to report that the FISA court recently ordered that the Justice Department (DOJ) begin a declassification review of relevant opinions, giving DOJ until October 4 to identify related documents. For the past twelve weeks, I have been trying to obtain FISA court opinions discussed in the press, and have not been able to get full access to them.  I am pleased that the FISA court appears to recognize the need for increased transparency when it comes to the government’s surveillance program, and look forward to reviewing these opinions. No More NECCs As we approach the anniversary of the fungal meningitis outbreak that devastated families in Southwest Virginia and across the nation, it is vital for Congress to take action to prevent another public health crisis.  On Thursday, September 12, after many months of work, I joined with two of my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee – Congressman Gene Green (D-TX) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) – in introducing H.R. 3089, the Compounding Clarity Act, which would prevent another New England Compounding Center (NECC)-type outbreak from occurring.  The text of our bipartisan proposal can be found on my website, www.morgangriffith.house.gov. I appreciate Congressman Green and Congresswoman DeGette for their partnership and dedication, and look forward to our continued work on this issue.  As the legislative process continues, I will keep you informed. LEGO, Bubble, & Pop Tart Guns, NRA T-Shirts… and School Suspensions?? My seven- and six-year-old boys take great delight when one of their McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets comes in the shape of a gun.  There also have been instances in which my six-year-old has taken a bit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349368 Griffith Statement on the Closing of Lee Regional Medical Center 2013-09-12 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement on the closing of Lee Regional Medical Center: “I was very distraught to hear about the closure of Lee Regional Hospital, Wellmont Health Systems.  This is a great loss for the community, both in terms of providing health care and providing jobs to our citizens.  I stand ready both to assist the displaced workers to access resources that can be of help to them at this troubling time, and to continue to look for solutions to the growing problem that our rural hospitals are facing.  It is always of great concern when we have a direct impact to access of health care as a result of the loss of a local hospital facility.  Accordingly, I am working with the local officials as we explore all possibilities to increase access to health care in Lee County.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349397 Griffith, Green, DeGette Introduce Bipartisan Compounding Clarity Act 2013-09-12 2013 2013-09 Republican House VA Morgan Griffith G000568 morgangriffith.house.gov     legacy Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Congressman Gene Green (D-TX), and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) today introduced the Compounding Clarity Act (H.R. 3089), bipartisan legislation that would clarify Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over compounding, particularly large-scale entities like the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that act as drug manufacturers.  Nationwide, there were 64 deaths and 750 confirmed cases of fungal meningitis resulting from tainted steroid injections. Griffith said, “As we approach the anniversary of the fungal meningitis outbreak that devastated so many families across the nation including Southwest Virginia, it is vital for Congress to take action to prevent another public health crisis.  Since the outbreak, I have been working hand-in-hand with my friends across the aisle on a legislative solution that we are proud to be introducing today.  This bipartisan proposal would prevent another NECC-type outbreak from occurring and ensuring the quality and safety of all compounded drugs in the country.  The Compounding Clarity Act also requires the FDA to better communicate with state boards of pharmacy, and safeguards our local community pharmacies who were not at fault in last year’s outbreak from burdensome federal regulations.  I am grateful to Congressman Green and Congresswoman DeGette for their partnership and dedication, and look forward to our continued work on this issue.” Green said, “For the last several weeks, a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers have been meeting to make sure we never relive the tragedy of the 2012 fungal meningitis outbreak that originated in a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts.  Congressman Griffith and Congresswoman DeGette have been exceptional leaders on addressing this public health threat and I believe this bill is a good step in that direction.  These discussions have been productive and are ongoing, and by dropping this bill we are keeping the pressure on House leadership and maintaining the momentum we have built.” … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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