Press releases
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369 rows where party = "Republican", state = "VA" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending
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| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398382 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January | 2014-12-29 | 2014 | 2014-12 | 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 6, 2015 Tazewell County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Richlands Town Hall 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA Buchanan County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Grundy Town Hall 1185 Plaza Drive Grundy, VA Pulaski County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Dublin Town Hall Route 100, 1 mile North of I-81 Dublin, VA January 7, 2015 Smyth County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA January 8, 2015 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 13, 2015 Giles County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA Dickenson County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA Salem: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398383 | Congressman Griffiths 2015 Congressional Issues Survey | 2014-12-29 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | As your Congressman, I am committed to making sure that your views and positions are heard when key issues are debated in Washington. Please share with me your perspective about some the issues and proposals that may come before the Congress in 2015. To take the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, please click here or visit http://morgangriffith.house.gov/2015issuessurvey/ . With concerns, comments, or to request a physical copy of the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, you can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398381 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.22.14 | 2014-12-22 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | God Bless Us, Every One! 171 years ago in 1843, well-loved English writer Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol. Even if they don’t know of Charles Dickens by name, many Americans are familiar with the story of bitter, curmudgeonly old Ebenezer Scrooge and the redemptive journey that ultimately transforms him into a warmer, gentler, and more generous human being. A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale that remains popular to this day – particularly this time of year – whether in print or adapted to stage, film, or other types of media. Far lesser known is Dickens’ first novel, The Pickwick Papers, published in 1837. In The Pickwick Papers, Dickens wrote a chapter similar in nature to the plot of A Christmas Carol, evidently developing what would in a few years become the classic. Among other stories in The Pickwick Papers is ‘The Goblin and the Sexton,’ in which Dickens tells of the morose, melancholy and lonely Gabriel Grub (who was a gravedigger and ‘sexton,’ or one who looks over a church). On Christmas Eve, as he was finishing digging a grave, Gabriel was met by a goblin sitting on a tombstone. “Who makes graves at a time when all other men are merry, and takes a pleasure in it?," the goblin asked. The goblin soon continued, “We know the man with the sulky face and grim scowl, that came down the street to-night, throwing his evil looks at the children, and grasping his burying-spade the tighter. We know the man who struck the boy in the envious malice of his heart, because the boy could be merry, and he could not. We know him, we know him." Soon after, a number of goblins poured into the graveyard, which also filled with the lively music of an organ. The goblins proceed to take Gabriel Grubb away and show him the past and the future, much like in A Christmas Carol. As the story goes, “Above all, [Gabriel] saw that men like himself, who snarled at the mirth and cheerfulness of others, were the foulest weeds on the fair surface of the earth; and setting all the good of the world against the evil,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398379 | Griffith to McAuliffe: Do Not Carry On the War on Coal | 2014-12-16 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement regarding reports that Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) will soon be proposing to limit State tax credits and deductions that assist coal producers with coalfield jobs and electricity generation: “Coal-producing regions such as the Ninth District of Virginia are already reeling from job losses resulting from federal regulations and the Obama Administration’s ongoing war on coal. Sadly, now it seems our State Executive will soon be declaring his own war on coal as well.” “Governor McAuliffe claims to want jobs, economic growth, and to ‘put Virginia first.’ But one may question the motive behind his reported policies.” “As I have said repeatedly, the war on coal, while targeting the coal industry, affects us all. Those working in the coalfields suffer as a result of these policies, but also harmed are the industries that rely on coal mines. When coal jobs are cut, the people who supply materials to the coal mines, those operating the trains carrying the coal, and the people working in the ports that ship the coal are all impacted. And when the work stops below the ground in coal-producing communities, life above ground is impacted as well, hurting the livelihoods of many in the surrounding communities.” “Under the Constitution of Virginia, the State has an obligation to make sure educational opportunities are equal throughout the State. The continued war on coal makes it even harder on coal-producing localities to fund K-12 education. To make up for the dollars these localities are losing by virtue of the actions of the Obama Administration in Washington and now his Administration in Richmond, Governor McAuliffe should also be increasing the amount of money from the State Treasury going to these communities. Absent significant new expenditures for education in coal-producing parts of Southwest Virginia, I fear the Governor’s proposals are short-sighted.” “I have one message for those waging the war on coal: end the war on coal so … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398378 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.15.14 | 2014-12-15 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | More on Ending the Modern Filibuster Rule On many occasions, I have taken issue with the modern interpretation of the Senate filibuster rule. When I last wrote on this topic in a newsletter, it was just before this year’s elections. Control of the Senate had not yet been determined. As I have said previously, this is not a partisan issue. On running the government efficiently, it might not matter which party wins the majority if the Senate rules are not changed. Whether or not you agree with Republican policies, come January 6, the Republican party will be in control of both the House and the Senate. I strongly believe that in November, the American people voted for change. I also strongly believe that the modern filibuster – which requires a super majority in order to make a decision on any issue of significance – violates the spirit of the Founding Fathers’ intent to have a majority rule Republic based on Democratic principles. They never intended for a significant portion of the Senate’s business to be blocked by a minority. The historical rule – as depicted in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington when Jimmy Stewart holds the floor with an impassioned filibuster that slowly changes the minds of his fellow senators – is a good process. But starting in the 1970’s, a senator can filibuster by merely making a request. This is generally called a “hold.” Adding insult to injury, the senator’s identity doesn’t even have to be made public. I had been hopeful that a Senate Republican majority might see that this modern filibuster rule is a threat to the long-term stability of the Republic, and revert to the historical rule. Instead, unfortunately, some in the Senate seem unwilling to return to the historical filibuster rule, and are already making apologies. By apologies, I mean they are telling us in the House and their constituents that they can’t get everything done the voters want because they still don’t have 60 votes. But as I quipped to one new Senator-elect recently, “It’s only a 60 vote requirement because … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398376 | Griffith Statement on Government Spending Bill | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today after voting against the nine-month government spending bill: “As with all compromises, this bill includes a number of both good and bad items, which I often refer to as ‘candy apples’ and ‘toads,’ respectively. I understand that action must be taken, and I appreciate the hard work that has gone into this bill. However, I feel there are myriad reasons to oppose this particular compromise.” “I strongly believe that in November, the American people voted for change. Among the more than 400 House-passed bills currently sitting stalled in the Senate are a number of appropriations bills, which authorize funding for certain government activities such as national defense, homeland security, education, and others. In the normal course of business, there are supposed to be 12 appropriations bills, and these bills require regular (usually annual) authorization. The House of Representatives passed and sent 7 of these bills to the Senate this year, but Senate Democrats wouldn’t pass any of them, stiff-arming us and impeding regular order. Leadership in the House of Representatives decided not to have us vote on the remaining 5 because the Senate would not act.” “Compromise is part of the legislating process, and unfortunately Senate Democrats after the election are coming to the table with unclean hands because of their prior unwillingness to work with us. Therefore, following the November election, I repeatedly stated my belief that we ought to pass a short-term spending bill. Doing so would honor the will of the voters that we work out longer-term spending priorities with the newly elected Senate.” “Further, the process in bringing this bill forward in the House was flawed. This more than 1,600 page bill was released at approximately 8:15pm on Tuesday with a vote expected Thursday afternoon. For me, this is too short of a time frame in which to read, investigate, and maturely consider this lengthy spending legislation. I do not feel I wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=558 | Wittman to Again Chair Readiness Subcommittee in 114th Congress | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after House Armed Services Committee Chairman-elect Mac Thornberry (TX-13) renamed him Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness for the upcoming 114th Congress: It has been an honor serving as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee during the 113th Congress, and I look forward to building on our previous and ongoing efforts in the 114th. I am truly humbled that Chairman-elect Thornberry has selected me to continue in this exciting role that brings with it tremendous responsibilities. The challenges facing our military's readiness continue to grow under sequestration, just as threats multiply around the world, and I remain committed to restoring that readiness and making our services' capabilities whole. The men and women of our armed forces are the best in the world. I am eager to work with Chairman-elect Thornberry and my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that our servicemen and women have the full support of their government behind them as they selflessly serve. 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=559 | Wittman: Return to Regular Order | 2014-12-11 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after opposing the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015: In August I demanded that Congress remain in Washington until its work was done. Unfortunately, Congress still adjourned, and we now find ourselves at a familiar juncture: passing a bill to fund the government at the eleventh hour. While I am pleased that the critical functions of government are not shutting down, and that programs serving our military and veterans are still being properly resourced, I am frustrated at the process by which we have reached this point. I opposed this bill tonight because Congress has had months to properly fund our government with better legislation that doesn't include so many provisions that are disagreeable to folks on both sides of the aisle, such as the section that would add to the gross imbalance in government by allowing more outside money to flow into politics. We should be fixing campaign finance laws, not making things worse. I also believe that this bill did not go far enough to reign in the President's unilateral action on immigration. As the 114th Congress takes office in January, I am adamant that Congress return to regular order in which we pass timely budget resolutions and consistent appropriations bills. The uncertainty caused by Washington's political games has a significant impact on our small businesses and communities and also threatens the readiness of our military. I am hopeful that the new year will find Congress and the White House prepared to pursue long-term, responsible solutions that can end the uncertainty in Washington and help to strengthen and preserve this great nation. 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=557 | Wittman, Warner Chesapeake Bay Legislation Passes House, Cleared for President's Signature | 2014-12-10 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014, sponsored by Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), by a vote of 416-0. The legislation will increase coordination and transparency within Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, in addition to reducing duplication of federal and state efforts. The bill passed the U.S. Senate on December 2, 2014, and is now cleared for the President's signature. The Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the development of a cross-cut budget to detail the activities of all federal agencies that are involved in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Additionally, the legislation would create a Chesapeake Bay Program Independent Evaluator to review and report to Congress on restoration activates in the watershed. The Chesapeake Bay partnership includes 10 federal agencies, six states and the District of Columbia, over one thousand localities and multiple non-governmental organizations. To date, the complexity of the participants has resulted in a muddled effort. The Chesapeake Bay is one of our nation's prized historic resources, Rep. Wittman said. While many entities share a commitment to restoring the health of this economic driver for communities and industries across the Commonwealth, we must ensure that federal, state, and local efforts are not working at cross purposes, and that the restoration effort as a whole is coordinated and efficient. With today's action, we are one step closer to ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains the economic foundation of our region and a national treasure that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Rep. Wittman first introduced the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act in the House of Representatives in 2008. Versions of the bill have passed the House alone or as part of broader packages in each of the last three sessions of Congress. Sen. Warner first sponsored the bill in 2011. Restoring the Chesapeake … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398373 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.8.14 | 2014-12-08 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The ABLE Act Much talk about Congress focuses on partisan conflict. But it is important to keep in mind that, though discord gets more attention, Democrats and Republicans can and do work together to get things done. 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. More recently, I was proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647), which passed the House of Representatives on December 3 with very strong bipartisan support. The ABLE Act enables those with disabilities to set up tax-free savings accounts, and will allow those on Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work, earn money, and save while continuing to receive those benefits. Much like 529 college savings accounts, these 529A (or ABLE) accounts would be administered by the States on a voluntary basis. The range of investment options would be determined by the States. In voicing their support for the ABLE Act, Americans for Tax Reform said on December 2, “Put simply, an ABLE account is to a child with a disability what a 529 plan is to a child who has college in his future. Not only is an ABLE account a good way to increase tax-free savings for families (always a good thing), it's a compassionate way for families with special needs children to save for the needs of the most vulnerable.” The ABLE accounts will assist those with disabilities and their caretakers with managing expenses, helping to provide stability, security, and the knowledge they can save and cover the costs of medical care, housing, transportation, education, etc. into the future. “This is why we’re here: to advance solutions that make people’s lives bette… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=554 | Wittman Statement on NDAA Provisions Adjusting Military Compensation and Allowances | 2014-12-05 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement today concerning provisions in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 (H.R. 3979) which adjusted military compensation and allowances: The passage of today's bill was absolutely necessary for protecting our national security and ensuring our military is resourced to accomplish its missions. However, I am adamantly opposed to provisions which increase pharmacy copays and reduce the basic housing allowance. While the provisions were a better option than what was requested by the Senate and DoD, both of which supported a higher increase in copays and a more significant reduction in the basic housing allowance, I believe it is premature to adjust the benefits of service members or their families without comprehensive review and recommendations from the ongoing Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. I will continue to fight to ensure this nation honors its promise to our service members, veterans and military families. Wittman Statement in Congressional Record 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=556 | Wittman Statement on Ash Carter Nomination as Secretary of Defense | 2014-12-05 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman Statement on Ash Carter Nomination as Secretary of Defense f t # e Washington, D.C., December 5, 2014 Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement today after President Barack Obama announced that he would nominate Ashton Carter to be the next Secretary of Defense: Ash Carter is a dedicated public servant who possesses a thorough understanding of the budget crisis the Department of Defense is experiencing. I look forward to working with him if he is confirmed by the Senate." The challenges facing the Department of Defense are far-reaching, and I am committed to working with the Pentagon to ensure our men and women in uniform are fully trained, equipped, and resourced to accomplish their missions successfully and return home safely. 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=398372 | Griffith Statement on the NDAA | 2014-12-04 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today following his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015: “Though it does include some good provisions, I remain of the belief that the National Defense Authorization Act fails to adequately protect our civil liberties. Put simply, we cannot leave our liberty to inference. Among what makes America so great are our freedoms and liberties. Without language that clearly protects our freedom, if I am to err, I will err on the side of liberty. For that reason, as in past years, I could not vote for this bill.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=553 | Wittman Applauds House Passage of National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 | 2014-12-04 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, applauded the House passage of H.R. 3979, the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2015, which follows original House passage in May. Passage of this bill highlights Congress' strong commitment to our military, Wittman said. The military's resources have been continually undermined by senseless, unbalanced budget cuts in recent years, and it is critical that we ensure our servicemen and women have the training and equipment to accomplish their missions and return home. The threats facing our nation grow every day, and our defense budget must be governed by strategy, not numbers. The NDAA authorizes $521.3 billion in base discretionary spending for national defense. The bill includes a number of initiatives championed by Wittman, including provisions to: Prohibit DOD from conducting another base realignment and closure round at a time when our national security strategy is in flux, our requirements uncertain, and the future unclear; Fund critical operation and maintenance activities, such as depot maintenance, ship and aircraft sustainment, and basic and advanced training for troops; Ensure a ready and robust Navy that is prepared to support global Combatant Commander requirements by including incremental funding for the construction of a 12th San Antonio class amphibious ship (LPD-28); Restore funding for the refueling and overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN-73). This bill strengthens many of our most critical defense programs, Wittman added. However, our work is not done, as there is a continued need to make our readiness whole. The overall strength and preparedness of our military continues to be threatened by the combination of unnecessary budget cuts and the impending sequester. We absolutely must restore readiness and maintain it going forward so that our nation's military remains the greatest the world has ever known. Finally, Wittman … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=555 | Wittman Supports Legislation Rolling Back Immigration Executive Order | 2014-12-04 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after supporting H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act, which rolls back the President's recent executive order to change immigration policy: Before the President announced his executive action, I urged him to remember what he'd said in 2013, when he acknowledged that the path to get immigration reform done is through Congress. Despite the concerns of many Americans, the President still chose to circumvent the legislative process and the Constitution. Today's legislation reinforces the reality that the President simply cannot unilaterally make policy. Our founders established our system of government with a purpose, and the President must work with Congress. To fix our broken immigration system, we must first secure the border, enforce existing laws, and reform our visa program. I remain adamantly opposed to amnesty in any shape or form. 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=398371 | Griffith Statement on Tax Increase Prevention Act | 2014-12-03 | 2014 | 2014-12 | 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 Tax Increase Prevention Act (H.R. 5771): “This legislation, as is often the case, is far from perfect. It includes tax credits for the wind power industry, tax credits I oppose. However, it also contains provisions supportive of our farmers, teachers, and small businesses. As is the case with all compromises, I try to determine whether the good outweighs the bad.” “In this bill, I believe the good narrowly outweighs the bad. For example, I have heard from a number of farmers from the Ninth District of Virginia in support of this tax extender package and the benefits it will provide them. In voicing their support, the American Farm Bureau Federation said, ‘…the extension of tax provisions contained in this legislation are critically important to farm and ranch businesses as they engage in year-end business planning and file their 2014 taxes.’ One such provision is the Section 179 small business expensing limit, which makes it easier to purchase equipment.” “Another provision extends the ability for our K-12 school teachers to take an above-the-line deduction for some of the supplies they buy for projects in their classrooms.” “There are numerous other provisions which will be beneficial for small businesses and job creators.” “Accordingly, while admittedly having some negatives, I ultimately concluded it was in the overall best interest of the United States and the Ninth District to vote in favor of the bill.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=552 | Senate Unanimously passes Warner-Wittman Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act | 2014-12-02 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate today passed the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act of 2014, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), by unanimous consent. The legislation will bring increased accountability measures and a more collaborative management approach to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and spending. The 2013 legislation now returns to the House of Representatives for approval. The Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to prepare a crosscut budget to better track the progress of Bay restoration efforts, comparing costs and the performance of restoration activities by the various federal agencies involved in the Bay preservation effort. The multi-state, multi-year initiative to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay involves at least 10 federal agencies, Virginia and five other states, the District of Columbia, and more than 1,000 local governments. The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a centerpiece of the culture and economy of many coastal communities in Virginia, and neighboring states. I commend the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners across the watershed who are working tirelessly to preserve and restore the Bay, Senator Warner said. In order to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay during a time of limited federal funding, we must make sure that every dollar spent on restoration activities produces real results. I will continue to focus on ways to be a good steward of both the taxpayer's dollar and the Commonwealth's invaluable natural resources. Today's Senate passage of this Chesapeake Bay legislation is a tremendous step forward, Wittman said. After seeing my Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support numerous times, I am thrilled to see progress in the Senate. I appreciate Senator Warner's steady cooperation and leadership in getting the bill passed through the Senate in its cur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398370 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.1.14 | 2014-12-01 | 2014 | 2014-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Immigration – An Update It has been more than a week since President Obama announced his executive actions regarding immigration. I have serious concerns about his actions and their legality. My concerns include whether the President can broadly and unilaterally grant illegal immigrants permission to work. Further, among the red flags being raised about the President’s immigration announcement is a recent report by the Washington Times indicating that, under this plan, “…businesses will have a $3,000-per-employee incentive to hire illegal immigrants over native-born workers because of a quirk of Obamacare.” The President’s plan, though it declares as many as 5 million illegal immigrants to be eligible for work permits, deems them ineligible for public benefits such as Obamacare. As the Washington Times notes, “…that means businesses who hire them won’t have to pay a penalty for not providing them health coverage — making them $3,000 more attractive than a similar native-born worker, whom the business by law would have to cover.” According to this same Washington Times report, an anonymous official at the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that these immigrants will be unable to access Obamacare, creating this Obamacare employer mandate loophole. I can’t help but wonder if the President or his team noticed this conflict ahead of time, or if they failed – as usual – to notice yet another Obamacare problem in advance. My office has heard from a number of you concerned about the President’s executive announcement regarding immigration. The overwhelming majority feel that: the President is acting outside of his authority with this executive action; this action is unfair to those who have legally immigrated to the United States; Congress should look into stripping funding for implementation of the executive action, etc. But in fairness, I should note that approximately 3% of those contacting us about this have done so to voice their support for the President’s action. Discussions regarding… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201904/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/617 | GOODLATTE & HENSARLING TO AG: WHY DOES JUSTICE DEPT. REQUIRE BANKS TO DONATE TO ACTIVIST GROUPS? | 2014-11-25 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE & HENSARLING TO AG: WHY DOES JUSTICE DEPT. REQUIRE BANKS TO DONATE TO ACTIVIST GROUPS? WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder requesting information about two questionable terms in the Justice Department’s recent mortgage-lending settlement agreements with two major banks. The Department’s most recent settlements with Bank of America and Citigroup required millions of dollars in minimum donations to activist groups from an approved list, which includes La Raza and NeighborWorks, which has been described as “fund(ing) a national network of left-wing community organizers operating in the mold of Acorn.” In addition, as an incentive for donations above the minimum to these groups, settling banks earn two dollars’ worth of credit against their Department-mandated consumer relief commitment for every one dollar donated. As stated in the letter, “[T]hese startling terms in the Justice Department’s two latest settlements make them look less like consumer relief and more like bank ‘shakedowns’ to benefit special interest groups.” Read more about the unprecedented terms of the Justice Department’s mortgage-lending settlements in the text of the letter to Attorney General Holder below: Dear Attorney General Holder: We request information about the Justice Department’s mortgage-lending lawsuits and whether they actually deliver redress to consumers genuinely harmed. Relief for these consumers is long overdue, yet the Justice Department’s record settlements have left homeowners disappointed. It seems that the alleged victims are not the primary benef… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398368 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.24.14 | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Giving Thanks, Attitudes are Contagious While there are many important national issues deserving discussion, this week is a time of Thanksgiving. We all have things for which we should be grateful. But if you are like most, you or a loved one have likely experienced some trials and tribulations during the last year as well. I was recently reminded of this when my colleague, Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-MS), returned to the House of Representatives. While in Washington in early May, Congressman Nunnelee began experiencing nausea and fatigue. Following consultation with a doctor, Congressman Nunnelee went to a hospital and underwent an MRI scan. As a result of this scan, doctors found a small abnormality on the right side of his brain, which doctors ultimately confirmed was a small intracranial mass, a brain tumor. Congressman Nunnelee underwent surgery on June 9, and his doctors were able to successfully remove the mass. However, as a result of a stroke he suffered during the surgery, Congressman Nunnelee experienced some complications including difficulty with his speech and mobility on his left side. Congressman Nunnelee spent this summer recovering and undergoing regular therapy in order to improve both his speech and mobility. Statements released by his office at the time indicate that his doctors were pleased with his progress, but confirmed that his follow-up treatment would require radiation and chemotherapy. Following his treatment, he has returned to work in our nation’s capital. According to a June 20 statement from his office, Congressman Nunnelee communicated to his family and staff: “Attitudes are contagious, so you better make sure yours is worth catching.” What a positive, inspiring perspective. Congressman Nunnelee recently gave the opening prayer at one of the House Republicans’ regular meetings, quoting I Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I couldn’t help but reflect on this choice and on Congressman Nunnelee’s message … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398369 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | 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 3, 2014 Smyth County: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA December 5, 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 December 9, 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 December 10, 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 December 11, 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 Le… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201906/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/616 | GOODLATTE: ROANOKE'S POFF BUILDING A 'HALLMARK IN WASTE' | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: ROANOKE'S POFF BUILDING A 'HALLMARK IN WASTE' WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today issued a Committee report outlining the findings of the Judiciary Committee’s thorough investigation into the mismanagement of taxpayer funds during the renovation of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building located in Roanoke, Virginia. The Poff Federal Building houses several critical federal entities, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, the U.S. Marshals Service district headquarters, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Roanoke Regional Office. Chairman Goodlatte has aggressively sought answers from GSA regarding the cost and scope of this wasteful project. The House Judiciary Committee’s report documents the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) mishandling of the Poff Building renovation from its failure to follow fundamental procedures designed to prevent government waste to its failure to properly plan and to anticipate and manage the project. The report also highlights GSA’s efforts to dodge concerns from the local community and from Congress. Below are statements from Chairman Goodlatte and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), the Committee with jurisdiction over the GSA. Chairman Goodlatte: “One simple phrase can sum up the renovation of the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke – it’s a hallmark in waste. In 2009, it was announced that nearly $51 million of taxpayer money would be spent to make the Poff Federal Building more energy efficient. However, the project has instead resulted in ballooning costs and an overall lack of transparency, unresponsiveness, and dismissal of the public’s concerns. “As the Committee recently learned, problems with GSA’s res… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=549 | Wittman Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel f t # e Washington, D.C., November 24, 2014 Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel: I thank Secretary Hagel for his many years of service to the nation and for his efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform. While this is a time of transition at the helm of the Department of Defense, it is critical that we remain resolute in our efforts to stop the sequester from going into effect. We must have a responsible defense budget in place that is governed by strategy and maintains an unwavering commitment to our military's readiness to ensure our ability to respond to current and future threats. I urge the President to act swiftly to nominate a successor. 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=550 | CODEL Wittman Meets With King Abdullah of Jordan | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today following the Congressional delegation meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan: There is no question that ISIS must be destroyed and it is critical that the coalition of NATO partners and nations in the Middle East such as Jordan continue to work together to that end, Wittman said. Jordan plays a key role in the region by leading the effort among Sunni Arab nations to combat ISIS. Today's meeting with King Abdullah was very enlightening and will be useful in developing an understanding within Congress to use in establishing defense policy to defeat ISIS. I look forward to continued dialogue with King Abdullah during his future travel to the United States. In connection with a CODEL focused on oversight of operations against ISIS in the Middle East, Representative Rob Wittman led a Congressional delegation including Representative Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa, Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, Representative Bill Flores of Texas, and Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin to Qatar, Afghanistan and Jordan. The Congressional delegation met with King Abdullah of Jordan to discuss regional security efforts and traveled to the Syrian border to gain a firsthand understanding of the Syrian refugee crisis and Jordanian efforts to combat ISIS. 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=551 | Wittman-Led Congressional Delegation Meets With Afghan Leadership | 2014-11-24 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today regarding Congressional delegation meetings with newly-elected Afghan leadership: In connection with a CODEL focused on oversight of operations against ISIS in the Middle East, Representative Rob Wittman led a Congressional delegation including Representative Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa, Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, Representative Bill Flores of Texas, and Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin to Qatar, Afghanistan and Jordan. In Afghanistan, the delegation met with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the Bilateral Security Agreement which passed the lower house of the Afghan parliament during the meeting and was proudly announced to the delegation by President Ghani. The Status of Forces Agreement with NATO was also endorsed by the lower house of parliament. This was the first Congressional delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives to meet with Afghanistan's new leadership and congratulate them on the establishment of Afghanistan's first ever unity government and peaceful transition of government power, Wittman said. It is critical that dialogue between the leaders of our two countries continues to ensure thesafe and responsible withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and to meet the goals of strengthening Afghan forces, countering the threat of terrorism and improving security in the region. 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://web.archive.org/web/20141205201909/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/614 | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT OBAMA ALL-IN AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION | 2014-11-21 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT OBAMA ALL-IN AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the President’s power grab when Congress returns WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below in advance of President Obama’s speech today on his unconstitutional immigration actions in Las Vegas, Nevada. When Congress returns after the Thanksgiving break, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on President Obama’s unconstitutional power grab on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The time and witness list will be announced later. Chairman Goodlatte: “Last night, President Obama went all-in against the Constitution and today he is doubling-down on his lawlessness in Las Vegas of all places. Unfortunately for the American people, the President has ignored their opinions and forged ahead with his plan, creating a constitutional crisis and an untold number of consequences for the American people and legal immigrants. “When Congress returns in early December, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the unconstitutionality of President Obama’s power grab. The stakes of inaction are high and Congress will use the best tools available to stop President Obama from implementing his unconstitutional plan.” Chairman Goodlatte issued a statement last night on President Obama’s unconstitutional, unilateral actions. Earlier this week, Chairman Goodlatte joined House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) in sending a letter to President Obama demanding that he abandon his plan to change our immigration laws on his own. Additionally, Chairman Goodlatte’s op-ed on this subject was published in the Wall Street Journal this week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201912/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/615 | EPA MUST ACT NOW TO REDUCE RFS | 2014-11-21 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | EPA MUST ACT NOW TO REDUCE RFS WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will not be finalized this year, Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Steve Womack (R-AR) released the following statement: “These delays by the EPA are completely unacceptable. After nearly a year with no action on the proposed RFS for 2014, the EPA has decided to throw in the towel and punt the final decision until next year. It’s extremely disappointing that this decision on renewable fuel obligations for 2014 has taken so long and will not be resolved by the end of the year. How can the industry comply with a mandate that is released after they are already supposed to be in compliance? The longer stakeholders are forced to wait, the more uncertainty it creates in the marketplace. The EPA’s proposal for 2014, which included a reduction in the amount of ethanol blended into the fuel supply, was a positive step forward and acknowledged that the mandate is unworkable, detrimental to the environment, and price distorting to feedstock industries throughout the country. Action is needed now to reduce the ethanol mandate and provide much-needed relief. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, not several months into 2015. Today’s action once again proves that the RFS is unworkable and that Congress must reform the RFS.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398367 | Griffith Statement on Obama's Executive Action Announcement | 2014-11-20 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | In advance of President Obama’s remarks this evening regarding his plans to move on immigration via executive order, Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement: “Reports indicate the foundation of President Obama’s legal theory behind his plans on immigration is the criminal law doctrine of prosecutorial discretion. If these reports are true, the President through his executive actions is refusing, in a blanket form, to prosecute violators of the United States’ immigration laws.” “I question the authority to make a blanket decision regarding the prosecution of criminal laws, as opposed to making decisions in a specific individual’s case. Further, prosecutorial discretion does not give authority to grant unprosecuted violators with privileges or benefits such as work permits. Such benefits granted to unprosecuted violators may be in violation of the law.” “Additionally, if the President’s theory is in fact prosecutorial discretion, it does not mean that the violations the President is choosing to leave un-enforced are no longer crimes. A subsequent Administration could choose to prosecute any or all of the people previously not prosecuted. The President granting benefits to unprosecuted individuals will unintentionally create a registry of unprosecuted individuals which may be used by a subsequent Administration for prosecution.” “There are a number of actions that the President could and should take regarding illegal immigration. Among the actions outlined by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) in a recent National Review Online article that the President has the authority to undertake but isn’t undertaking: completing and strengthening the southern border fence; tracking foreign visa holders via an exit-entry system; canceling visas to nations that will not take back its own citizens; stopping the issuance of child tax credits to illegal immigrants; targeting those cities that defy immigration law.” “The President should be defending America… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141205212903/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/613 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S UNILATERAL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL IMMIGRATION ACTIONS | 2014-11-20 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S UNILATERAL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL IMMIGRATION ACTIONS WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the announcement that President Obama will act unilaterally to change our immigration laws and shield five million unlawful immigrants from immigration enforcement. Chairman Goodlatte: “It’s both perplexing and alarming that President Obama has decided to move forward with executive actions that he once said he didn’t have the constitutional power to take. The President’s decision to recklessly forge ahead with a plan to unilaterally change our immigration laws ignores the will of the American people and flouts the Constitution. The American people are deeply concerned about the direction of our country and went to the polls earlier this month to overwhelmingly reject the Obama Administration’s policies. Rather than listen to the American people and change course, President Obama is going rogue, doubling-down, and driving full speed towards a constitutional crisis. By assuming legislative power and ignoring the limitations placed on his authority, President Obama threatens to unravel our government’s system of checks and balances and imperils individual liberty. “Additionally, the President’s shortsighted actions further set back any chance of enacting immigration reform. The debate in Congress over the past two years has shown that there is a willingness and need to reform our nation’s immigration system. While there are varying opinions on how to amend our immigration laws, one thing is clear: the President does not have the authority to change our immigration laws by executive decree. It’s disappointing that President Obama has refused to work with the new men and women Americans elected to represent them in Congress. Since the President has acted outside the confines of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141123073736/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/612 | GOODLATTE, MCCAUL DEMAND PRESIDENT OBAMA RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION, ABANDON UNILATERAL PLAN TO MOVE ON IMMIGRATION | 2014-11-19 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE, MCCAUL DEMAND PRESIDENT OBAMA RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION, ABANDON UNILATERAL PLAN TO MOVE ON IMMIGRATION WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Virginia, chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, demand President Barack Obama abandon his plan to bypass Congressional authority and move on immigration via executive order. “Instead of proceeding with ill-advised executive action, we implore you to work with Congress to enact legislation to address our broken immigration system,” the Chairmen said in a letter to President Obama. “We strongly urge you to respect the Constitution and abandon any unconstitutional, unilateral executive actions on immigration. Let’s secure the border, enforce our immigration laws in the interior of the United States, and build a broad consensus for immigration reform. Otherwise, as the chairmen of the committees with oversight over border security and our nation’s immigration laws, we will be forced to use the tools afforded to Congress by the Constitution to stop your administration from successfully carrying out your plan.” The signed letter to President Barack Obama is available HERE. The text of the letter to President Barack Obama follows: President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We join our fellow members of Congress in expressing our disappointment in your continued efforts to bypass Congressional authority. The latest indications that you will take executive action on immigration later this week are a slap in the face to the American people and the Constitution. Earlier this month, the American people rejected your policies you said were on the ballot and voted to change the way Washington operates. According to several recent polls, the American people want you to refrain from acting on y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141205212906/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/611 | GOODLATTE ELECTED HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN | 2014-11-19 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE ELECTED HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement after the House Republican Conference voted to confirm the GOP Steering Committee’s recommendation that he continue to serve as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in the 114th Congress. Chairman Goodlatte: “I am honored to have been chosen to continue my service as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over some of the most important issues facing our nation, including Constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, legal and regulatory reform, competition and antitrust laws, terrorism and crime, immigration reform, and intellectual property protections. “Over the last two years the House Judiciary Committee has examined many of these issues while advancing an agenda focused on restoring economic prosperity to America. I am proud of the numerous legislative accomplishments we had in the 113th Congress, including the House passage of the bipartisan USA Freedom Act, ending bulk collection of data by the government and reforming our nation’s intelligence-gathering programs, the bipartisan Innovation Act, which combats the problem of abusive patent litigation, numerous bills aimed at reducing burdensome regulations that are stifling economic growth and legislation to require mandatory sanctions for attorneys who file frivolous lawsuits. “In the 114th Congress, we intend to build on these successes and will continue to pursue a pro-growth agenda that is focused on creating jobs and making America more competitive and free.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=548 | Wittman Urges Against Executive Action on Immigration | 2014-11-19 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today regarding reports of the President's rumored plans to issue an executive order on immigration: Executive Branch overreach is one of the main concerns I hear from folks in the First District. I am alarmed by reports that the President plans to act unilaterally and attempt to change immigration law through executive action." Our founders established our system of checks and balances for a reason, and in 2013 the President himself acknowledged that he is not the emperor of the United States.' In a discussion about immigration policy during the same year, the President said that there is a path to get this done and that is through Congress.' The President signaled recently that he was ready to work with Congress on passing responsible fixes to our failing immigration system. This must include securing the border, enforcing existing law, and fixing the broken visa system before we can effectively address undocumented immigrants or pursue any other immigration reform efforts. I do not support amnesty in any shape or form. I urge the President to honor his word and not circumvent the legislative process. 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://web.archive.org/web/20141205224940/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-testamony-at-pto-telework-hearing | Wolf Testimony At PTO Telework Hearing | 2014-11-18 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Commerce and one of the leading advocates in Congress for telework, gave the following testimony today at a joint hearing on the Patent and Trademark Office’s telework program: “Good afternoon. Thank you for allowing me to testify today. “I am pleased to say I am a huge advocate of telework. Time and again I have said there is nothing magical about strapping yourself into a metal box and driving to an office. If you have a job that is conducive to teleworking, then you should be given that opportunity. Many members of my staff regularly telework. Studies show telework increases worker productivity, reduces traffic and helps the environment. It’s also a quality of life issue. Less time sitting in traffic – particularly in this region – means more time doing what you want to do, from coaching Little League to volunteering at your church to just spending more time with your family. “The series of articles in The Washington Post over the last several months detailing problems with the Patent and Trademark Office’s telework program are alarming. Secretary Pritzker is well aware of my displeasure. She and I have talked on the phone about the issue and I also have been in written communication with her. “I want to enter my August 11, 2014 letter to her into the hearing record. It clearly states my unhappiness with PTO and ends with this sentence: ‘I encourage you to take immediate action to hold these fraudulent employees accountable and send a clear message that this abuse will no longer be tolerated.’ “I also want to submit to the hearing record my September 15, 2014 letter to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia urging him to open a criminal investigation into possible fraudulent activities at PTO with regard to time and attendance. “To say I am extremely disappointed that PTO failed to manage its telework program and, in general, to provide adequate manageri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398366 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.17.14 | 2014-11-17 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Keystone XL Pipeline – Solutions On Friday, November 14, the House of Representatives again passed legislation (H.R. 5682) to approve the application for the Keystone XL pipeline, which has been slow-walked by President Obama and the State Department for more than six years. This is despite other pipeline projects requiring a Presidential Permit having taken 18 to 24 months to review and approve. The House has now voted nine times to advance this landmark jobs and energy project. 31 House Democrats voted in favor of this bill, and the Senate is now expecting to consider a similar measure. At a recent press conference in Myanmar, President Obama is reported as having said that his position hasn’t changed on the Keystone pipeline. As far as I am aware, however, he has not taken an opinion publicly, only saying that the proposed pipeline should be studied more. According to the New York Times, the President said in a major speech on the environment in the summer of 2013 that “…he would approve the pipeline only if it would not ‘significantly exacerbate’ the problem of carbon pollution. He said the pipeline’s net effects on the climate would be ‘absolutely critical’ to his decision.” Of course, the State Department in late January found – again – that the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would not significantly worsen carbon pollution. And yet the President has not made a decision. The pipeline has been studied, and the facts are in. It is time to build Keystone XL pipeline, creating jobs and a more energy-independent North America. The House knows a solution to create jobs and energy is to work with our friends in Canada, and we have voted repeatedly to do so. Because there is a runoff election in Louisiana, the Senate may finally join the House in agreeing to this solution for jobs and energy. Then we’ll see what the real opinion of the President is when he gets his chance to use his pen and veto this pro-jobs bill. Obama Makes “Wimpy” Deal with China Remember “Wimpy” from Popeye, who would gladly pay you T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141115200338/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/610 | GOODLATTE: NEW OBAMA ADMINISTRATION POLICY IS A GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED BORDER SURGE | 2014-11-14 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: NEW OBAMA ADMINISTRATION POLICY IS A GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED BORDER SURGE WASHINGTON, D.C. – The State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that certain aliens – lawful permanent residents and those with temporary protected status, parole, withholding of removal, deferred action, and deferred enforced departure – will be able to petition for their unmarried children under the age of 21 and their current spouse (if they live with the child) to be considered for in-country refugee processing. If they do not meet the refugee requirements under the law, they can then be considered for parole into the United States, a tool that is, even according to the Administration itself, meant to be used sparingly on a case-by-case basis. To qualify, the alien’s family must be in Honduras, Guatemala, or El Salvador. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below criticizing the Obama Administration’s new policy. Chairman Goodlatte: “The policy announced by the Obama Administration today is simply a government-sanctioned border surge. Under this abusive new policy, unlawful immigrants in the United States, once they are granted executive amnesty by the President, can now rely on the Obama Administration to bring their child, and possibly their spouse, who are in Central America to our country. Rather than take the steps necessary to end the crisis at the border, the Obama Administration perpetuates it by abusing a legal tool meant to be used sparingly to bring people to the United States and instead applying it to the masses in Central America. “President Obama continues to take actions that reward people for breaking our laws, which only encourage more to do the same. If President Obama moves forward with granting even more unlawful immigrants legal status, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141115200341/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/609 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S SECRET SERVICE REVIEW | 2014-11-13 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S SECRET SERVICE REVIEW WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the release of an internal Department of Homeland Security review on the events of September 19, 2014, when Omar Gonzalez scaled the north fence and ran through the unlocked doors of the White House. Chairman Goodlatte: “The Department of Homeland Security’s review of the mid-September security breach at the White House reads as a comedy of errors by the U.S. Secret Service and confirms that fundamental reform is needed to improve both the security of the White House grounds and staff training. This report makes clear that everything that could have gone wrong that evening did. Inadequate training, poor communication, and lax physical security at the White House led to this breach. We must ensure that the Secret Service has all of the tools, training, and resources necessary to protect the President, White House personnel, and the historic grounds. “The Department’s review underscores the need for a thorough review of the agency’s protective mission and makes next week’s House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Secret Service even more critical. I and the other members of the House Judiciary Committee are anxious to get to the bottom of these problems at the agency so that we prevent such security lapses from happening again in the future.” On Wednesday, November 19th at 10:00 a.m., the House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the United States Secret Service, will hold a public oversight hearing on the agency and will then close a portion of it to the public to discuss classified matters. Acting Director Joseph Clancy will testify before the Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=546 | Wittman Statement Following Hearing on ISIL Strategy | 2014-11-13 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman, released the following statement after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Committee about the strategy of the United States in dealing with the terrorist group ISIL: The testimony by Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey illustrated the significant dangers posed by ISIL and also highlighted the challenges associated with that effort in terms of U.S. involvement. I continue to believe that Congress has a role to play in providing authorization of an extended military effort against ISIL, and that the President must also present to Congress his broader strategy for combatting extremism around the world. There is no question that these perpetrators of such barbarism must be destroyed. At the same time, the hearing reinforced the need for Congress to avert the impending defense budget cuts known as sequestration. I asked General Dempsey for his assessment on where our military will be if sequestration and reduced OCO funding are allowed to take effect, and he answered, We will be less ready than at any time in my forty-year career.' General Dempsey also indicated that he estimates the current state of security affairs will continue for the next generation. In other words, the world is not getting any safer. This is why we must have a responsible defense budget that is governed by strategy. I believe that an unwavering commitment to our military's readiness today is absolutely critical for ensuring our ability to respond to threats tomorrow, and to maintain our ability to project power around the world. The sequester has got to be eliminated. 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=398364 | Griffith Statement Honoring America's Veterans | 2014-11-11 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement honoring America’s veterans for their sacrifice and dedication to our country: “I remain deeply grateful for America’s veterans and their efforts to keep our country the greatest nation, preserving and protecting the freedoms we hold so dear. May God bless our veterans and these United States.” “Veterans Day is a time set aside for our country to honor America’s veterans, past and present, for their service and dedication. Whether or not they saw combat, whether they served overseas or at home, we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe those who have worn the uniform of the United States for their willingness to sacrifice life or limb.” “Every November, I am reminded of the fact that Veterans Day was established following the end of World War I, which many hoped would be the last conflict of this nature. Unfortunately, as we know, they were wrong about that.” “As I reflect on Veterans Day and on World War I, I think about my great-Uncle Jim. When I was a boy, I would sit, fascinated, listening to stories told by Uncle Jim and others. Uncle Jim was one of those brave Americans drafted into the United States Armed Forces during World War I. However, before his ship docked in England, the First Armistice was signed, ending the fighting and marking a victory for the Allied forces. He made the trip, but he didn’t see combat.” “It took months for Uncle Jim and his fellow troops to return to the United States. But upon his return, he couldn’t find his gold pocket watch. He looked and looked, and just couldn’t locate it. Eventually, Uncle Jim said, his family confessed to him that they had melted his pocket watch down and made it into jewelry, having resigned themselves to thinking that he wouldn’t return from the war alive.” "Not all who serve in our Armed Forces face direct fire from our enemies. Others, while willing to face fire, are needed either in support roles or, like Uncle Jim, their 'boat' arrives too late. B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398363 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.10.14 | 2014-11-10 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | 25 Years Without the “Iron Curtain” As a student of history, I feel it important to note the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, described by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as an “Iron Curtain” dividing Europe. Much of the population doesn’t remember this – they were either too young or not yet born. But for roughly 30 years, I was a part of a generation that had lived with the threat of the Soviet Union and nuclear war. I went to college with a student whose father had escaped from Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. As a boy, I witnessed the Czechoslovakian Uprising of 1968. Why did they fight? Why did they want to be free, whether in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, or East Germany? Because they wanted the liberty and the freedom that we have here in these United States. They wanted the prosperity that a generally capitalistic society could give them, as opposed to what resulted from communism or strict socialism. Let us not forget: no matter how appealing the goals of those two economic systems may be, those systems never function as they are intended to. How are we in the United States able to maintain our society and our freedoms in the face of so many threats from around the world – the threats posed by Soviet Union in my younger days, the threats today posed by others? It is through the continued desire of our people to be free, and the ability of our military to keep outside forces from dominating our country. I thank everyone who speaks up for American freedom and our God-given liberties and rights. And particularly during this week where we celebrate Veterans Day, I thank each and every veteran who served in order to defend those rights. To watch the Berlin Wall come down, knowing that an imprisoned people were now free, was a joyous occasion. “The fall of the Wall has shown us that dreams can come true,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a November 9 event commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. “Nothing has to stay the way it is, however big the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141115200448/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/608 | GOODLATTE: POTUS' REGULATORY APPROACH WOULD LEAVE CONSUMERS WITH FEWER CHOICES & HIGHER PRICES | 2014-11-10 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: POTUS' REGULATORY APPROACH WOULD LEAVE CONSUMERS WITH FEWER CHOICES & HIGHER PRICES Goodlatte: “President Obama’s Regulatory Approach Would Leave Consumers with Fewer Choices and Higher Prices, the Antithesis of Net Neutrality” WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) sent a letter today to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the issue of net neutrality. In the letter, Chairman Goodlatte challenges the notion that regulating the Internet is the most effective way to achieve net neutrality and protect consumers from discriminatory conduct. The letter explains why vigorous enforcement of our nation’s antitrust laws is a superior approach to promoting an open and free Internet, including the fact than an antitrust approach allows maximum flexibility and innovation in the marketplace rather than a one-size-fits-all government mandate. In addition, Chairman Goodlatte issued the following comment in response to statements released today by President Obama and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler on net neutrality: Chairman Goodlatte: “Today, President Obama called on the FCC to impose a decades-old regulatory structure on one of the most dynamic and competitive marketplaces in history, the Internet. This approach is of questionable legality and would significantly diminish innovation on the Internet, investment in its infrastructure and the judgment of the free market would be replaced with the decisions of a government regulator. In short, President Obama’s regulatory approach would leave consumers with fewer choices and higher prices, the antithesis of net neutrality. “Regulations designed for old, monopolistic long-distance telephone lines would have disastrous results on the Internet. A better way to address issues of net neutrality is to turn to our nation’s t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141115200449/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/607 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOMINEE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL | 2014-11-07 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOMINEE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement on President Obama’s intent to nominate Loretta Lynch as the next United States Attorney General. Chairman Goodlatte: “Tomorrow President Obama intends to announce the nomination of Loretta Lynch, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, as the next United States Attorney General. If the Senate approves her appointment, Ms. Lynch would assume the role of the nation’s top law enforcement officer, a responsibility that requires the highest levels of integrity, a commitment to enforcing our nation’s laws, and a dedication to protecting the American people from emerging national security threats. The current Attorney General, Eric Holder, has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of commitment to enforcing the laws, but more fundamentally, a lack of respect for the constitutional separation of powers. Should my colleagues in the Senate decide to confirm Ms. Lynch as the next Attorney General, I look forward to working collaboratively with her to fully enforce our laws and safeguard our national security.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=547 | Scott, Forbes, Wittman, & Rigell Commend Navy Decision to Consolidate Military Sealift Command at Norfolk | 2014-11-06 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Scott, Forbes, Wittman, & Rigell Commend Navy Decision to Consolidate Military Sealift Command at Norfolk f t # e Washington, D.C., November 6, 2014 Washington, D.C. Representatives Robert C. Bobby Scott (VA-3), Randy Forbes (VA-4), Rob Wittman (VA-1) and Scott Rigell (VA-2) issued the following joint statement on the announcement by the United States Navy that it intends to consolidate the headquarters of its Military Sealift Command from the Washington Navy Yard to Naval Station Norfolk by the end of Fiscal Year 2019: This announcement from the Navy is welcome news for Hampton Roads. It is estimated that more than 400 civilian personnel and 52 active duty personnel will relocate to our region. This action is also an important strategic decision by the Navy. For the last several years, the headquarters for the Military Sealift Command has been split between Washington, D.C. and Naval Station Norfolk. This consolidation will help our Navy streamline its processes while also saving taxpayers money from the reduced costs of operating a single headquarters location. We look forward to welcoming the men and women attached to this important command to Hampton Roads. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398361 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November | 2014-11-03 | 2014 | 2014-11 | 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 November. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. November 5, 2014 Smyth County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA November 7, 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 November 12, 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 November 13, 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 Ro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398362 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.3.14 | 2014-11-03 | 2014 | 2014-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Making Your Voice Heard As you know, tomorrow is 2014 midterm election day. No matter what your political views are, if you believe in our Republic based on Democratic principles, it is your duty to vote. Polling places will be open on election day from 6am to 7pm. You may locate your polling place here on the Virginia Department of Elections’ voter information website. Save the Republic – End the Modern Filibuster Rule As I write this column, control of the Senate has not yet been determined. On running the government efficiently, it might not matter which party wins the majority if the Senate rules are not changed. The modern filibuster rule requires a super majority in order to make a decision on any issue of significance. A Republic based on Democratic principles cannot long survive if the vast majority of issue legislation requires a super majority in order to advance. The historic filibuster rule required 60 votes to stop debate if a senator was standing in the well of the Senate debating the bill, as in the famous movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or as Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) did last year. As I have written before, starting in the 1970’s, a senator can “filibuster” by merely making a request. This is generally called a “hold.” This means that almost every issue can be delayed or stopped from being acted on at the request of a single senator. Once the “hold” by a senator has been placed on a bill, it then requires a super majority of 60 votes to end the debate. This is not a partisan issue. Both Democrats and Republicans have used the modern filibuster rule to stall legislative policy that a majority might otherwise support. I strongly believe that this modern filibuster rule is a threat to the long-term stability of the Republic. The Founding Fathers never intended for a significant portion of the Senate’s business to be blocked by a minority. I am reminded that this country long ago rejected South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun’s theory of the tyranny of the major… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154553/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/606 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON INTERNAL STATE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENT OUTLINING PROPOSAL TO TRANSPORT EBOLA-INFECTED NON-CITIZENS TO THE U.S. FOR TREATMENT | 2014-10-29 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON INTERNAL STATE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENT OUTLINING PROPOSAL TO TRANSPORT EBOLA-INFECTED NON-CITIZENS TO THE U.S. FOR TREATMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the release of an internal State Department document outlining a proposal to transport non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola to the United States for treatment. Chairman Goodlatte: “It’s alarming that senior Obama Administration officials so vehemently denied the existence of any plans to transport non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola to the United States for treatment when a leaked State Department document shows that such a proposal indeed exists and was approved by Obama Administration officials. The internal memo shows that this proposal was approved by several people at the State Department, and possibly even by the official leading the Ebola Coordination Unit at the agency. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency is just another example of the Obama Administration trying to hide its actions from the American people. “Secretaries Kerry and Johnson still have not responded to my letter inquiring about this proposal. The Obama Administration must be forthcoming with both Congress and the American people about its proposed plans to bring non-U.S. citizens infected with this deadly disease to the United States for medical care.” Last week, Chairman Goodlatte wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Department of State Secretary John Kerry regarding recent press reports indicating that the Obama Administration plans to allow foreign nationals infected with Ebola to come to the United States for treatment. The House Judiciary Committee has not yet received a response. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398360 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.27.14 | 2014-10-27 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | 21st Century Cures & Drill, Baby, Drill – It Works 21st Century Cures On Wednesday, October 22, I was joined by Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) and regional medical experts for a roundtable discussion on how to accelerate the pace of new promising cures and treatments for patients. This roundtable was part of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures initiative launched in May by Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve. Through this initiative, which includes hearings and roundtables in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country as well, my colleagues and I on the Committee are seeking to improve the full innovation process. This can mean discovering clues in basic science, streamlining the drug and device development process, unleashing the power of digital medicine and social media at the treatment phase, and more. As noted by Roanoke Times reporter Laurence Hammack, “The two-hour discussion … went beyond the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] approval process to cover a variety of topics: the need for health care providers to better share information about their patients; concerns about gaps in Medicare funding for telemedicine; problems with the patent process; and how to best balance the latest innovations with the more low-tech practice of encouraging patients to eat well, stop smoking and exercise more.” Also discussed was the physician shortage problem, new technologies outpacing public policy, the importance of allowing health care providers to take advantage of methods recognizing the complexity of diseases and enabling them to bring these methods into the clinical process, the fact that the Congressional Budget Office is reluctant to score for preventive measures that show cost savings, and more. It was truly an informative and very fascinating discussion. My sincere thanks to Dr. Roe and the others who took the time to share their thoughts and expertise. What comes next, you ask? These ideas and others from si… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398359 | Griffith Reiterates Call for Transparency in 2015 Health Insurance Premium Information | 2014-10-24 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who on Tuesday, October 21 called on the Obama Administration to release 2015 health insurance rates by Tuesday, October 28, today issued this statement following a recent Forbes article indicating that non-group health insurance “…premiums rose in all but 6 states (including Washington DC)” and that, “In 2014, premiums in the non-group market grew by 24.4% compared to what they would have been without Obamacare.” Griffith stated: “Despite repeated promises from the President and his allies, Obamacare will not save the average family anywhere near $2,500 per year. Instead, by many indications, prices are going up. In some states, they are going up a lot. The American people need and deserve to know whether their health insurance premiums for next year will increase so they can plan their budgets accordingly.” “I strongly repeat my call for the President and Obamacare officials to do the right thing. Be transparent, and release the new Obamacare insurance rates by Tuesday, October 28 – one week before the election – so the American people will know the facts before going to the polls.” Now There Can Be No Doubt: Obamacare Has Increased Non-Group Premiums In Nearly All States October 23, 2014 By Chris Conover, Contributer Remember this categorical assurance from President Obama? “We’ll lower premiums by up to $2,500 for a typical family per year. . . . We’ll do it by the end of my first term as president of the United States” OK, it’s probably a little unfair to take some June 2008 campaign “puffery” literally–even though it was reiterated by candidate Obama’s economic policy advisor, Jason Furman in a sit-down with a New York Times reporter: “‘We think we could get to $2,500 in savings by the end of the first term, or be very close to it.” Moreover, President Obama su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398356 | Griffith Statement on Continued Lack of Obamacare Transparency | 2014-10-21 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement on the failure of Obama Administration officials to release health insurance rates for 2015 until after the November midterm elections: “At a May Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, I asked representatives of some of the nation’s largest health insurance providers about their companies’ Obamacare rates for 2015. The insurance executives would not commit to sharing their proposed rates with Congress, but did indicate that they would be submitting them to the Department of Health and Human Services and certain states by the end of June.” “I have made it clear in the past that I want the President and Obamacare officials to release data on the premium data for the 2015 plans in a reasonable timeframe, and not play political games with this important information. I even introduced a bill that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to release the information to Congress within 30 days of receiving it from insurers. At the time, I introduced this bill in an effort to increase transparency and ensure that the American people are not kept in the dark for political reasons. Clearly my efforts to have this Administration keep its promise to be transparent and not play political games with the Obamacare rate increases have been unsuccessful.” “Instead of transparently sharing this information with the American people, the Administration has chosen to wait until after the midterm elections. Why? The answer is clear: prices are going up, and in some states they are going to go up a lot. And the President is afraid to admit yet another failure of his Obamacare promises." “Also notable is the fact that a former head* of Obama’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (which is responsible for implementing Obamacare) has filed suit, arguing that HHS is improperly hiding the insurers’ requested rates for 2015 in violation of Obamacare itself.” “The Administratio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141027151109/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/605 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON DHS POLICY FOR PEOPLE TRAVELLING FROM EBOLA-STRICKEN COUNTRIES | 2014-10-21 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON DHS POLICY FOR PEOPLE TRAVELLING FROM EBOLA-STRICKEN COUNTRIES WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below following the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that all foreign nationals traveling from Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone to the United States will have to travel through one of five major U.S. airports where additional Ebola screening measures have been deployed. Chairman Goodlatte: “I’m glad that the Obama Administration is showing more concern about the possibility of people infected with Ebola entering the United States and spreading this deadly disease, but the Administration must do more to protect Americans. Obama Administration officials openly admit that these enhanced screening measures would have never detected the disease in Thomas Eric Duncan, a non-U.S. citizen, who later infected two American nurses in Dallas. “President Obama has a real solution at his disposal under current law and can use it at any time to temporarily ban foreign nationals from entering the United States from Ebola-ravaged countries. The vast majority of Americans strongly support such a travel moratorium and I urge the President to take every step possible to protect the American people from danger.” Recently, Chairman Goodlatte and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) wrote to President Barack Obama calling on him to use the authority granted to him by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act to temporarily ban foreign nationals who were recently in an Ebola-ravaged country from traveling to the United States. The House Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the President this authority. In addition, Chairman Goodlatte plans to introduce a resolution … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154749/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/604 | GOODLATTE TO ADMINISTRATION: ARE THERE PLANS TO ADMIT EBOLA-INFECTED NON-CITIZENS INTO THE U.S. FOR TREATMENT? | 2014-10-21 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE TO ADMINISTRATION: ARE THERE PLANS TO ADMIT EBOLA-INFECTED NON-CITIZENS INTO THE U.S. FOR TREATMENT? WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today sent the following letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Department of State Secretary John Kerry regarding recent press reports indicating that the Obama Administration plans to allow foreign nationals infected with Ebola to come to the United States for treatment. “Dear Secretaries Johnson and Kerry, “Press reports have indicated that the Administration is putting together a plan to allow non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola, to enter the United States for treatment. Please provide answers to the following questions by October 25, 2014: 1. Are either of your Departments formulating a plan to allow non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola to enter the U.S. to receive medical treatment? If so, what are the details of the plan? 2. Have employees of either of your Departments engaged in conversations regarding a plan to allow non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola to enter the U.S. to receive medical treatment? 3. Please provide me any and all written memos or other documentation written by employees of your Departments regarding the formulation of a plan to allow non-U.S. citizens infected with Ebola to enter the U.S. to receive medical treatment. “Thank you in advance for your prompt response.” Chairman Goodlatte and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) recently wrote to President Obama calling on him to use the authority granted to him by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act to tempor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398329 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.20.14 | 2014-10-20 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | 46 and 387 In an October 2 speech, President Obama asserted, “By every economic measure, we are better off now than we were when I took office.” The President may think everything is okay, but I don’t. And when I talk to constituents, they don’t think everything is okay either. Too many are unemployed or underemployed, have only part-time jobs when they want full-time work, or have dropped out of the workplace entirely. Too many people are seeing their income and wages reduced. 46 jobs bills (solutions) that would encourage more employment have passed the United States House and are stuck in Senator Harry Reid’s (D-NV) do-nothing Senate. When the President and others say Congress doesn’t do anything, I would remind them that the House has sent 46 pro-job bills to the do-nothing Senate. I am not only concerned about what is taking place with our economy, but also what is happening with our country’s energy sector, what is happening with our constitutionally protected rights, and what is happening with our health care system, among other issues. Some ask the question: what are you doing about it? Well, there are in fact, 387 House-passed bills (solutions) dealing with these and other issues that are gathering dust on Senator Reid’s desk. The Senate isn’t acting on our proposed solutions. Further, they aren’t making reasonable proposals of their own. In the words of an old Wendy’s restaurant commercial, “Where is the beef?” Unfortunately, the only “beef” in the Senate is in the fancy steak dinners some Senators eat while not passing bills. Ebola, EV-D68, and the 21st Century Cures Initiative Similarly, the Administration and the Democrat Senate need to work with House Republicans to come up with solutions dealing with health care issues. While the President will never agree that his health care plan known as Obamacare is a failure, there are other areas where I hope he will see that we can work together to develop a strategy to assure the American people that they are being protected from diseases. That str… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398313 | Griffith, Roe to host 21st Century Cures Health Care Roundtable | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) on Wednesday, October 22 will host medical experts in a roundtable discussion on how to accelerate the pace of new promising cures and treatments for patients. Topics to be discussed may include but are not limited to: the Food and Drug Administration’s Drug Approval Process, clinical trials, telemedicine, mobile health apps, personalized medicine, and medical research and funding. CURRENT PARTICIPANTS: Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01) Dr. Bob Meyer, University of Virginia (UVA) Health System Dr. Karen Rheuban, UVA Health System Dr. Maciek Sasinowski, Health Diagnostic Laboratory Jeff Gallagher, Virginia BIO Michael Matthews, Healtheway Dr. Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Dr. Rob Gourdie, Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC) Research Institute Dr. Stephen Morgan, Carilion Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, BioTherapeutics Inc. Karl Strohmeier, Teva Dr. John Davis, Davis Medical WHAT: 21st Century Cures Health Care Roundtable WHEN: Wednesday, October 22 from 10:00am – 12:00pm WHERE: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Blacksburg, Virginia The 21st Century Cures initiative was launched in May as a bipartisan effort of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which Rep. Griffith serves. The Committee is seeking to improve the full biomedical innovation process, from the discovery of clues in basic science to streamlining the drug and device development process to unleashing the power of digital medicine and social media at the treatment phase and more. This collaborative effort is about saving more lives, keeping this country the leader in medical innovation, and accelerating the discovery, development, and delivery cycle of new cures and treatments. Media is invited to attend. Please contact Andie Pivarunas (andrea.pivarunas@mail.house.gov or 202-225-3861) with questions or to confirm media attendance. To learn mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154750/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/603 | GOODLATTE SEEKS ANSWERS ABOUT THE DROP IN NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSERS | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE SEEKS ANSWERS ABOUT THE DROP IN NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME ILLEGAL BORDER CROSSERS WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte today sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder expressing concern regarding the drop in the number of prosecutions under Operation Streamline for first-time illegal border crossers. The goal of Operation Streamline is to criminally prosecute individuals who illegally cross the border in order to deter them and others from trying again in the future. Operation Streamline has been one of the most successful programs to decrease illegal entries at our southwest border yet under the Obama Administration prosecutions for first-time border crossers have plummeted. Below is the text of the letter. “Dear Attorney General Holder: “Operation Streamline (OS) has been one of the most successful programs to decrease illegal entries ever initiated along our southwest border. Established in 2005, and subsequently expanded to a number of southwest Border Patrol sectors, OS’s original goal was to establish a “zero tolerance” policy in which virtually all adult border crossers not accompanied by their children were criminally prosecuted, most for the misdemeanor crime of a first illegal entry and the felony crimes of subsequent illegal entry and illegal reentry after having been ordered removed. As former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano stated, OS “aims to increase the consequences for illegally crossing the border by criminally prosecuting illegal border crossers.” “While many of those convicted only serve short prison sentences (including in some instances for time served at the time of conviction), the deterrent effect has been significant. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff stated that O… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=545 | Wittman Urges Travel Restrictions as Part of U.S. Ebola Outbreak Response | 2014-10-17 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after sending a letter to President Barack Obama expressing his serious concerns about the spread of Ebola to the United States and urging the Administration to implement travel restrictions from nations impacted by Ebola to the United States: The threat presented by Ebola is very real, and as a former public health official, I believe that coordinated, calculated action must be taken in order to ensure the safety of our citizens and to stop this deadly virus in its tracks. I have reminded the President of the urgency of this threat, and I urge him to enact travel restrictions from these West African nations so that we can better protect the health and safety of the American people. The full text of the letter follows: October 17, 2014 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, Americans have watched as the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa becomes a major public health crisis of pandemic proportions. On behalf of many of my constituents, I write to you with grave concerns about the spread of Ebola to the United States, brought by an infected traveler from West Africa. Highly coordinated interagency efforts must be taken to address the emerging threat of Ebola in the U.S. and to prevent a health crisis here at home. As a former public health official, I recognize the significant health risks posed by Ebola and understand that when a pandemic of this proportion occurs, movement of people must be restricted immediately. Therefore, I strongly urge your Administration to implement travel restrictions from West African nations impacted by Ebola to the U.S. I believe this is a sensible and prudent step that would protect Americans by slowing or halting the spread of this deadly virus. Current health screenings in West African nations failed to stop an infected person from traveling from Liberia to the United States. Unfortunately, had travel restrictions already been… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141017232232/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-statement-on-possible-ebola-patient-in-loudoun-county | Wolf Statement On Possible Ebola Patient In Loudoun County | 2014-10-16 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) released the following statement today regarding reports that a woman who recently travelled from West Africa is being tested for the Ebola virus at a hospital in Loudoun County: “Since July I have been voicing concern that there is not a sufficient plan in place to deal with the deadly disease. Last week I called on the Obama Administration to appoint one person to coordinate a response. Regrettably, my recommendations have fallen on deaf ears. “Today I am calling for a ban on travel from those West African nations battling Ebola.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154752/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/601 | GOODLATTE SEEKS ANSWERS ON EBOLA RESPONSE | 2014-10-16 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE SEEKS ANSWERS ON EBOLA RESPONSE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte sent a letter today to Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jeh Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Anthony Foxx, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, seeking answers on the Obama Administration’s “whole of government” response to the Ebola outbreak. Below is the text of the letter. “Dear Director Frieden, Secretary Johnson, and Secretary Foxx: “I write to share my concern regarding the United States’ ‘whole of government’ response to the Ebola outbreak. While it is important to keep perspective on the outbreak overseas, cases of Ebola now perpetuating in the continental United States is of extreme concern. “To date, no travel restrictions have been placed on individuals traveling to the United States from affected West African countries. In light of this current position, I would appreciate answers to the following questions: “• Why are there so few advanced screening sites in the continental United States to screen international travelers? “• Given that the only domestic acquired cases of Ebola have been in Dallas, Texas, why have we not been screening individuals flying in and out of Dallas, Texas? “• Specifically, what additional steps are being taken to reach out to U.S. hospitals given media reports that the lack of training and/or supplies in Dallas, Texas contributed to the spread of Ebola to additional individuals? “• Why are individuals who have come into contact with an afflicted individual being allowed to fly domestic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154753/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/602 | GOODLATTE & GOWDY CALL ON PRESIDENT TO PLACE TEMPORARY TRAVEL BAN ON FOREIGN NATIONALS ENTERING THE U.S. FROM EBOLA-RAVAGED COUNTRIES | 2014-10-16 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE & GOWDY CALL ON PRESIDENT TO PLACE TEMPORARY TRAVEL BAN ON FOREIGN NATIONALS ENTERING THE U.S. FROM EBOLA-RAVAGED COUNTRIES WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) today wrote to President Barack Obama calling on him to use the authority granted to him by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act to temporarily ban foreign nationals who were recently in an Ebola-ravaged country from traveling to the United States. The House Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants the President this authority. In addition, Chairman Goodlatte plans to introduce a resolution calling on the President to implement a temporary travel moratorium. Below is the text of the letter. “Mr. President, “We write regarding your solemn duty as the President of the United States to take every step possible to protect the American people from danger. Specifically, we urge you to use authority granted to you by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit foreign nationals who were recently present in an Ebola-ravaged country, from entering the United States. “8 U.S.C. 1182(f) states ‘[W]henever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he deems to be appropriate.’ “You utilized this provision in August 2011, ‘to restrict the international travel and to suspend… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397985 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.13.14 | 2014-10-13 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Ebola: An Update On September 16, President Obama said from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia: “First and foremost, I want the American people to know that our experts, here at the CDC and across our government, agree that the chances of an Ebola outbreak here in the United States are extremely low. We’ve been taking the necessary precautions, including working with countries in West Africa to increase screening at airports so that someone with the virus doesn’t get on a plane for the United States. In the unlikely event that someone with Ebola does reach our shores, we’ve taken new measures so that we’re prepared here at home. We’re working to help flight crews identify people who are sick, and more labs across our country now have the capacity to quickly test for the virus. We’re working with hospitals to make sure that they are prepared, and to ensure that our doctors, our nurses and our medical staff are trained, are ready, and are able to deal with a possible case safely.” However, as we all know, in late September a Mr. Duncan was diagnosed with Ebola in Texas after having left Liberia. According to reports, he did not have symptoms of the disease when departing, but developed them after having arrived. Because of the disease’s incubation period, a person may be infected with Ebola for as long as three weeks before symptoms appear. Unfortunately, treatment did not work and Mr. Duncan passed away on October 8, making him the first person to die of this disease in the United States. He died approximately a week after having been diagnosed, and just weeks after the President said Ebola was “unlikely” to enter the United States. The President was wrong about the likelihood of this disease entering the United States. Could he and his Administration also be wrong about the likelihood of an outbreak or about our preparedness? “We had one case and I think there may be other cases, and I think we have to recognize that as a nation,” warned Sylvia Burwell, the Secretary of Hea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397906 | Griffith Notes Anniversary of the Battle of Point Pleasant | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement in honor of the Battle of Point Pleasant, which took place on October 10, 1774: “240 years ago today, western Virginia frontiersmen under the command of Colonel Andrew Lewis met an army led by Chief Cornstalk, a Shawnee chief, at the juncture of the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers known as Point Pleasant. This was then located in the colony of Virginia, but today is in West Virginia.” “This battle marked a turning point in North American history. While I could spend hours discussing what lead up to the battle and its aftermath, I won’t do so at this time. I recommend you research this important date for yourself.” “However, it is important to note that this battle is credited as being the first battle of the American Revolution by the Senate of the United States. The defeat of Chief Cornstalk’s army meant that settlers could pour across the ridge of the Appalachians and settle in the Kentucky territory of Virginia and in parts of Tennessee. The settlers were led in large part by Daniel Boone who, although not present at the time of the battle, was a part of Colonel Lewis’ army and was in charge of Lewis’ army’s supplies. Because of the large number of settlers who crossed the mountains after 1774, when peace was reached with George III of England, the British crown had to cede to the new country of the United States of America lands to the Mississippi, and not just to the ridge of the Appalachians.” “Rarely studied, but extremely important in the development of this great country was this battle fought by the western Virginians.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154754/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/599 | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT'S POLICIES CREATE BORDER DISORDER | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT'S POLICIES CREATE BORDER DISORDER WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte issued the statement below regarding the number of unaccompanied alien minors (UAM) and family units apprehended at the Southwest border for Fiscal Year 2014, which was recently released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Before the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was implemented in the summer of 2012, the number of UAM apprehended at the border was 6,560 in Fiscal Year 2011. This year, the number of UAM caught at the border surged to 68,541, which is a 945% increase since Fiscal Year 2011. Additionally, the number of family units apprehended at the border jumped from 14,855 last year to 68,445 in Fiscal Year 2014, representing a 361% increase. Chairman Goodlatte: “After six years of refusing to enforce our immigration laws and acting unilaterally to provide administrative amnesty to unlawful immigrants, President Obama has created disorder at our borders. Word has spread to Central America and beyond that our immigration laws are not enforced, which has encouraged hundreds of thousands of people to make the dangerous trek north to illegally cross our Southwest border. It’s not surprising that since the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program the number of minors crossing the border has surged by nearly 1,000%. “The solution to this problem is simple: the President and his Administration must enforce our immigration laws. However, President Obama refuses to take the steps necessary to enforce our laws and end the chaos at the border. Instead he has made the situation worse by promising to take action later this year to change our immigration laws. These proclamations from the White House will only encourage more people to come to the U.S. illegally.” Backgro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030154755/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/600 | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT WILLING TO SACRIFICE CONSTITUTION & NATIONAL SECURITY FOR AGENDA | 2014-10-10 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT WILLING TO SACRIFICE CONSTITUTION & NATIONAL SECURITY FOR AGENDA WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte issued the statement below after The Wall Street Journal reported that President Obama is considering plans to override the law and transfer detained terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the United States. Chairman Goodlatte: “Over the years, President Obama has repeatedly sought to close federal facilities in Guantanamo Bay and bring detained terrorists to the United States but both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have consistently rejected the President’s plan over and over again. Although the law is explicit that the President cannot transport these detained terrorists into the United States, President Obama once again seems willing to ignore the law to achieve his objectives. The President’s pattern of ignoring the law poses a danger not only to our Constitution and individual liberty, but also to national security. At a time when the Islamic State is killing innocent civilians, including Americans, how can the President even justify contemplating such a plan? President Obama has shown that he is willing to sacrifice both the Constitution and the security of the United States for his own agenda.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141010055132/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/597 | GOODLATTE: SENATE MUST PASS USA FREEDOM ACT | 2014-10-09 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE: SENATE MUST PASS USA FREEDOM ACT WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte released the statement below following the remarks made yesterday by Google Chairman Eric Schmidt and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) that bulk collection of data by the government is undercutting the American economy. Chairman Goodlatte: “I agree with Senator Wyden and the tech community that last year’s national security leaks have had a commercial and financial impact on American technology companies. As I stated when the House overwhelmingly passed the USA Freedom Act in May, American tech companies have experienced a backlash from both American and foreign consumers and they’ve lost a piece of their competitive edge in the global marketplace. The House acted earlier this year to end the bulk collection of data by the government and provide American tech companies new ways to report data concerning government requests for customer information. When the Senate returns in November, it must pass the USA Freedom Act in order to protect Americans’ civil liberties and to ensure that American tech companies can begin to rebuild trust with their customers and flourish in the global economy.” In May 2014, the House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over intelligence-gathering programs operated under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), approved the USA Freedom Act. This bipartisan bill, authored by senior members of the Committee, ends bulk collection of data by the government and reforms our nation’s intelligence-gathering programs operated under FISA. Among the bill’s provisions, it allows tech companies to inform their American and foreign customers by publicly reporting national security requests from the government. Following Committee approval, the House of Representatives passed the USA Freedom Act by a vote of 302-121. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141012012745/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/596 | HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SEEKS ANSWERS ON SERIES OF SECRET SERVICE FAILURES | 2014-10-09 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE SEEKS ANSWERS ON SERIES OF SECRET SERVICE FAILURES WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) today sent a letter to Acting Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy seeking answers to over a dozen questions regarding a series of security breaches that occurred at the White House complex and during official travel. The House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the Secret Service’s functions, including its critical role in protecting the President and the White House complex, will hold both public and classified hearings in November to examine ongoing issues at the agency. In the letter, Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, and Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Scott write: “In light of recent events and evident security failures, the House Judiciary Committee has grave concerns about the policies, procedures, and judgment of the United States Secret Service. “As you know, on September 19, 2014, Omar Gonzalez scaled the White House fence, evaded numerous Secret Service officers outside of the White House, and forced his way through the front door armed with a knife. It now appears that Mr. Gonzalez made it into the East Room of the White House, despite initial claims by the Secret Service that he was apprehended just inside the North Portico doors. Additionally, three days earlier, an armed security contractor with a criminal record was allowed on an elevator with the President during a visit to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. This apparent security la… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030155459/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/598 | BOEHNER & GOODLATTE: IT'S NEVER ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PRESIDENT TO RE-WRITE OUR LAWS | 2014-10-09 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | BOEHNER & GOODLATTE: IT'S NEVER ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PRESIDENT TO RE-WRITE OUR LAWS WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the joint statement below following the remarks made yesterday by White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest that President Obama delayed his decision to act unilaterally on immigration until after the November elections because he didn’t want Republicans to win on the issue. “It’s shocking that the White House now openly admits that President Obama is delaying his unilateral actions on immigration until after the November elections simply because of raw politics. Whether before or after the election in November, it is never acceptable for the President to re-write our laws by executive decree – the Constitution does not give him the authority to do so. By taking unilateral action on immigration, President Obama will inject serious constitutional questions into an already heated debate. Such shortsighted actions will undermine the American people’s trust in the President’s commitment to enforcing our immigration laws and will further setback any chance of enacting immigration reform.” Last month, House Judiciary Committee Republicans wrote to President Obama demanding that he disclose to the American people the recommendations he has received for the anticipated executive actions he will take to further dismantle our nation’s immigration laws. To date, the President has failed to respond. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397658 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.6.14 | 2014-10-06 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | CDC Confirms: Ebola Case in the United States Especially following the recent announcement that, for the first time on American soil, a patient has been diagnosed with Ebola, I am very concerned about the possibility of this deadly disease spreading around the globe. I will be at an Energy and Commerce hearing on the Ebola outbreak set for October 16. Energy and Commerce is a committee with jurisdiction over health care. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this patient – who traveled to Texas from West Africa (where several nations are in the midst of an Ebola outbreak) – did not have symptoms of the disease when departing, but developed them after having arrived in the United States. Ebola’s symptoms may take as many as 21 days after infection to appear. There have been legitimate calls for immigration and travel restrictions involving countries with Ebola outbreaks, but CDC officials have said such restrictions may make it harder to get medical personnel to those nations if they will then be unable to leave. To resolve these concerns, we could consider limiting entry from afflicted countries to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. Simultaneously, we could implement significant screening procedures and health monitoring up to 22 days after reentry. This would give us assurance that those reentering the U.S. had not contracted the disease. This is a global public health concern. We in the United States must be vigilant. At the hearing on the 16th, I want to discuss the CDC’s long-term plans for controlling the spread of Ebola in the United States! The President is sending thousands of U.S. troops to West Africa to support health workers seeking to stop the spread of Ebola. Additionally, I will ask how the CDC will deal with returning American troops who contracted Ebola while on duty in Africa. Is there a question that you would like me to ask? If so, please submit it for my consideration at https://morgangriffith.house.gov/contact. 60 Plus Association Confirms: EPA Regula… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141010023612/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-frank-wolf-and-sen-jerry-moran-call-on-president-obama-to-designate | Wolf: One Person Should Be Point Of Contact On Ebola Response | 2014-10-06 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Health Care Subcommittee, and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), House Appropriations Subcommittee Member, called on President Obama to designate a single, senior advisor responsible for coordinating all U.S. agencies and policies involving the international and domestic response to Ebola. They have concerns that a clear organizational structure and chain of command for this interagency mission has not been established and explained by the Administration. As members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, Sen. Moran and Rep. Wolf want to make certain resources are allocated as efficiently as possible across the agencies responsible for the Ebola response in West Africa and disease control activities at home. Click here or see below for the full text of the letter: October 6, 2014 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a health crisis of massive proportions. You have announced a government-wide response to address this crisis and help Africans before it becomes a threat to the United States. This requires a global response and the U.S. needs to provide the necessary leadership to control and eliminate this outbreak. We believe it is imperative that you designate a single, senior advisor who will be responsible for coordinating all U.S. agencies and policies involving the international and domestic response to Ebola. As members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, we want to make sure resources are allocated most efficiently across the agencies responsible for the Ebola response in West Africa and disease control activities at home. Therefore, we respectfully request responses to the following questions regarding interagency coordination involved in the international and domestic response efforts. Please describe, in detail, the organizational structure and chain of command for th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030155500/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/595 | GOODLATTE APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF 'MY E-VERIFY' | 2014-10-06 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF 'MY E-VERIFY' This improvement to E-Verify will allow people to lock their SSN to prevent identity theft and fraud WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched “My E-Verify,” which helps prevent identity theft by providing a mechanism for individuals to lock their Social Security numbers so that it cannot be used by another person to get a job. “My E-Verify” is now available in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. and will soon be rolled out to the rest of the country. In June 2013, the House Judiciary Committee approved the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 1772), authored by Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Texas). This bipartisan bill discourages illegal immigration by requiring all U.S. employers to check the work eligibility of newly hired employees though the E-Verify system. Additionally, the bill contains a provision requiring USCIS to create a mechanism to allow people to lock their own Social Security numbers for employment purposes. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte applauded the rollout of “My E-Verify” in the statement below: “With today’s launch of ‘My E-Verify,’ Americans now have an easy way to prevent people from using their Social Security numbers to work unlawfully in the United States. This is an important improvement that I have long supported to an already popular and successful program. This update is within USCIS’ authority to make, and I am pleased that USCIS has implemented one of the many good ideas put forth in legislation approved by the House Judiciary Committee. We should continue to build upon the successes of E-Verify and require all U.S. employers to use it to check the work eligibility of their newly hired employees. This would go a long way toward protecting… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397471 | Griffith, 60 Plus Association Discuss Harmful Impact of EPA Regs on Seniors | 2014-10-02 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) joined members of the 60 Plus Association, including its Founder and Chairman Jim Martin, at an event unveiling a new study by energy economist Gene Trisko that finds high electric and energy prices are disproportionately impacting senior citizens throughout the United States. Among the study’s findings: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations will increase electric prices at rates above the general rate of inflation. The suite of new regulations EPA is now pursuing inevitably will lead to ever‐higher utility prices for America's elderly population, exceeding the modest cost‐of living (COLA) adjustments that many 65+ retirees depend upon just to keep up with inflationary pressures. Energy costs are adversely impacting lower‐income seniors afflicted by health conditions, leading them to forego food for a day, reduce medical or dental care, and fail to pay utility bills (APPRISE, 2009). After the event, Griffith issued the following statement: “I have sought and continue seeking answers from EPA officials about the impacts their burdensome regulations will have not only on jobs and the economy, but also the impacts these policies will have on the poor and elderly through increased heating and cooling prices. Based on their failure to answer my questions, it appears the risk to the health of people who might be unable to afford increased energy costs was not evaluated by the EPA in its endangerment finding for carbon dioxide. I am left to believe theirs is a callous disregard for seniors and others.” “I cannot fathom the Administration’s refusal to acknowledge the impact these policies will have on electric reliability. I cannot fathom how this Administration can push through policies that raise energy costs while suggesting that funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and similar programs be cut. I cannot fathom the Administration’s callous disregard for the impact these policies will have on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030155235/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/594 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR JULIA PIERSON | 2014-10-01 | 2014 | 2014-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR JULIA PIERSON WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the resignation of Secret Service Director Julia Pierson, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte issued the statement below: “After several security failures that have undermined Americans’ confidence in the Secret Service’s ability to protect the President, it’s clear that the agency needs a change in leadership. However, many of these failures happened prior to Ms. Pierson’s tenure as director. It’s clear that we need a thorough review of the agency to identify systemic problems and implement solutions to prevent such security lapses from happening again in the future. With that in mind, the House Judiciary Committee, which has primary jurisdiction over the numerous functions of the Secret Service, including the protection of the President, will hold both public and classified hearings on the agency in November. It is critical that the Secret Service effectively identify, intercept, and disrupt threats to the President of the United States.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141003023246/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-urges-holder-to-investigate-oklahoma-beheading-as-terrorist-attack | Wolf Urges Holder To Investigate Oklahoma Beheading As Terrorist Attack And Not Dismiss As Workplace Violence | 2014-09-30 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. (September 30, 2014) – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, today sent the following letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to investigate the recent beheading in Oklahoma as a terrorist attack and to not just quickly dismiss it as workplace violence like was done in the Fort Hood terrorist attack in 2009: The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr. Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW Rm 5111 Washington DC 20530 Dear Attorney General Holder: Later today, the Cleveland County, Oklahoma district attorney's office is expected to seek charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon against Alton Nolen for his beheading of a woman and stabbing of another at a food processing plant in Oklahoma last week. I am writing today to urge the Justice Department to continue to investigate this decapitation as terrorism and not be quick to just dismiss this as "workplace violence," as this administration notoriously did in the case of the 2009 terrorist attack on Fort Hood, which left 13 dead and more than 30 wounded. It has been reported that over the past two years Nolen was becoming radicalized. According to CNN, his Facebook page "included images of Osama bin Laden and an apparent beheading," and his social media posts became "almost exclusively related to Islam in April 2013 – shortly after he was released from prison." He also reportedly got into trouble at work for "trying to convert co-workers to Islam," according to CNN. In the wake of the department's failure to "connect the dots" between Anwar Aulaqi and Fort Hood terrorist Nidal Hasan, it is more important than ever for you to make clear to the department's agents and attorneys that this is, in fact, terrorism and to determine whether this or other plots are part of an effort by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or al Qaeda to radicalize Americans and direct attacks in the U.S. Whether the Nolen investigation ultimately … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030155501/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/593 | GOODLATTE PRAISES ENACTMENT OF BILL THAT PROTECTS SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS | 2014-09-30 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE PRAISES ENACTMENT OF BILL THAT PROTECTS SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the President signed a bipartisan bill into law that protects sexual assault victims and helps remove criminals from our streets. The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014 (H.R. 4323), introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), reauthorizes a federal grant program for state and local governments to reduce the backlog of rape kits through 2019. The program was set to expire today. The House of Representatives approved this bill by voice vote on April 7, 2014 and the Senate approved it by unanimous consent earlier this month. Chairman Goodlatte praised the enactment of the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act in the statement below: “On the eve of a critical program’s expiration, I am pleased that the House bill reauthorizing the Debbie Smith Act has been signed into law so that we can continue to expedite the processing of DNA test kits across the country. Each of these DNA test kits represents a life that has been shattered by the horrors of rape. Sadly, we can’t take away the pain and fear these women have experienced, but we can provide necessary resources used to solve these crimes so that they don’t have to live in fear waiting for their perpetrators to be found and brought to justice. “This federal grant program is aptly named after a brave woman who had the courage to tell her story and advocate tirelessly for other victims of sexual assault. Debbie Smith is a true hero and I am proud that Congress has stood by her and other survivors to ensure that DNA analysis is completed quickly.” The original Debbie Smith Act was introduced by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) after rape survivor Debbie Smith testified before Congress in June 2001 about using DNA evide… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394698 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for October | 2014-09-29 | 2014 | 2014-09 | 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 October: October 1, 2014 Smyth County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA October 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 October 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 October 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 October 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 October 15, 2014 Henry County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Bassett Historical Society … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394734 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.29.14 | 2014-09-29 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Defeating ISIS – An Update In previous columns I have noted I am of the belief the President does not have the authority to wage an extended war on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) without Congressional approval. I agree we must see that ISIS is destroyed. Unlike Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), I believe like Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) that Congress must debate and decide whether or not the United States goes to war or, alternatively, consider its kissing cousin, an authorization for the use of military force. On September 28, the Speaker and Senator Kaine on Sunday news shows discussed their positions. Speaker Boehner stated he would call Congress back into session to vote if the President were to request an authorization vote, but the Speaker expressed his belief the President has the authority to carry out these airstrikes without Congressional authorization. I disagree! Senator Kaine stated, “[The President] does not have the Article Two constitutional authority to do this entire mission without Congress, and neither of the authorizations passed by Congress in 2001 or 2002 cover it. We should be debating and voting on this entire mission.” Senator Kaine also said, “It really concerns me that the President would assert he has the ability to do this unilaterally when as a candidate for President he made very plain that the President cannot unilaterally start a war without Congress. He was very clear about that.” I agree! The President is Commander in Chief, but it is the constitutional duty of Congress to declare war. Fast and Furious – An Update “Calling the government’s arguments for ‘even more time…unconvincing,’ a federal court has ordered the Justice Department to turn over a list of withheld Fast and Furious [gun-walking operation] documents by Oct. 22,” wrote investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson. “Attorney General Eric Holder had sought a delay until the day before the midterm elections.” As you may recall, in June 2012, my colleagues and I in the House of Representatives v… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141030155503/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/592 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON HOLDER RESIGNATION | 2014-09-25 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON HOLDER RESIGNATION WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released this statement following the announcement that Attorney General Eric Holder will resign. Chairman Goodlatte: “I welcome the news that Eric Holder will step down as Attorney General. From Operation Fast and Furious to his misleading testimony before the House Judiciary Committee regarding the Department’s dealings with members of the media and his refusal to appoint a special counsel to investigate the IRS’ targeting of conservative groups, Mr. Holder has consistently played partisan politics with many of the important issues facing the Justice Department. “I hope that the next Attorney General will take seriously his role as the nation’s top law enforcement officer, working with Congress to ensure that the laws of our land are followed instead of being a roadblock on the path to justice.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394305 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.22.14 | 2014-09-22 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan Agreement: Good Process, Good Policy / Bad Process, No Policy On many occasions, I have taken issue with the modern interpretation of the Senate filibuster rule. The historical rule – as depicted in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington when Jimmy Stewart holds the floor with an impassioned filibuster that slowly changes the minds of his fellow senators – is a good process. But starting in the 1970’s, a senator can filibuster by merely making a request (and the senator’s identity doesn’t even have to be made public). I strongly believe that this modern filibuster rule is a threat to the long-term stability of the Republic, and that it devalues the role of Congress. It would appear that liberal Democrat Congressman John Larson (CT-01) agrees with me. On September 17, Congressman Larson and I were among a number of our colleagues who discussed how to streamline and make Congress more efficient at a Members’ Day hearing held by the panel responsible for the process, procedures, and internal operations of the House, relations between the two houses of Congress, and the relations between Congress and the Judiciary. Congressman Larson, who has been serving in Congress since 1999, noted how rare it is for Congress to complete anything in regular order. “The reason we don’t,” he said at the hearing, “is that the Senate figured out a while ago that it’s in their best interest that there not be regular order.” Congressman Larson stated that even when Democrats were in control of both the House and the Senate, nearly 500 House-passed bills (70 percent of which he said were bipartisan) were never taken up in the Senate. How many House-passed bills are currently awaiting action in the Senate, you ask? 387. As a potential solution, Congressman Larson proposed that any bill originating in the Senate be subject to the same rules it was subjected to in the Senate upon arrival in the House. What that means is senators’ bills would be subject to a hold being placed on the bill in the House of Representatives until 60 percen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20141011005123/http://goodlatte.house.gov:80/press_releases/591 | JUDICIARY REPUBLICANS DEMAND PRESIDENT OBAMA REVEAL IMMIGRATION RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC | 2014-09-22 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | JUDICIARY REPUBLICANS DEMAND PRESIDENT OBAMA REVEAL IMMIGRATION RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Republicans today sent a letter to President Barack Obama demanding that he disclose to the American people the recommendations he has received for the anticipated executive actions he will take to further dismantle our nation’s immigration laws. President Obama originally intended to take more actions to curb the enforcement of our immigration laws by the end of this summer but decided to postpone taking these actions until after the November midterm elections. The letter, led by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, is signed by Representatives Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), Ted Poe (R-Texas), Tom Marino (R-Pa.), George Holding (R-N.C.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Trent Franks (R-Az.), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Raul Labrador (R-Idaho), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Steve King (R-Iowa), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Randy Forbes (R-Va.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Below is the text of the letter. “Dear President Obama, “We write requesting that you disclose information to the American people about the anticipated actions you plan to take by the end of the year to further dismantle our nation’s immigration laws. “In the spring, you asked Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson to perform an “inventory” of the Department of Homeland Security’s current immigration enforcement practices “to see how it can conduct enforcement more humanely within the confines of the law.” Within the last week you indicated that you have begun to receive some of these recommendations. You al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140922193521/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/590 | GOODLATTE CONGRATULATES WARREN COUNTY ON AVTEX DEAL | 2014-09-19 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE CONGRATULATES WARREN COUNTY ON AVTEX DEAL WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released a statement today congratulating Warren County on the Avtex deal. He will participate in the Avtex Community Day and Commemoration Ceremony at the former Avtex Fibers Superfund site in Front Royal on Saturday: “Saturday’s Commemoration Ceremony is, without question, a long time coming. Many have worked diligently over the past 25 years to make this a reality, including Front Royal and Warren County government and community leaders that I had the opportunity to work with on this project. I thank them for their dedication. It certainly was not easy, and I know that there were many obstacles to overcome before reaching this day. It is good to know that this property, which was once unusable, is now prepared to serve not only as a prime site for new business, but also as a place for the community to enjoy. I look forward to the redevelopment process and the new economic development and job opportunities that this is anticipated to bring to Warren County.” Background: Following Congressman Frank Wolf’s work for many years to help restore the Avtex site, Congressman Goodlatte worked on behalf of Warren County and Front Royal to navigate federal red tape and see that the stakeholders reached an agreement to redevelop the former Superfund site. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140919061934/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/588 | HOUSE PASSES THE JOBS FOR AMERICA ACT | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | HOUSE PASSES THE JOBS FOR AMERICA ACT VIDEO: Goodlatte Speaks on The Jobs for America Act Congressman Goodlatte’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 4, the Jobs for America Act (as prepared): Mr. Speaker, In every state across this country, and most certainly in the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are folks still looking for good, full-time jobs, and businesses who want to hire them but can’t for fear of government imposed regulations that increase expenses. The Administration’s tax, regulate, and spend response to this problem hasn’t worked and it is incumbent upon us to enact necessary reforms to restore the American economy. The legislation we consider today includes many provisions to combat excessive regulations that have already been passed by the House of Representatives and await action in the Senate, including provisions to restore the 40 hour work week; to permanently ban taxation of Internet access; to prevent secret settlement deals between federal bureaucrats and pro-regulatory plaintiffs in lawsuits; to require bureaucrats to consider the costs of regulations to small businesses; to require agencies to adopt the least costly method of implementing the law; and to require federal agencies to submit major regulations to Congress for approval. We know these provisions will help spur our economy and create jobs. America’s labor force participation rate has essentially remained stagnant for the past several months and job creation and economic growth continue to fall short of what is needed to produce a real and durable recovery in our country. It is imperative that we again take action to pass these common-sense reforms, return discouraged workers to full-time jobs, and restore America to prosperity. I urge the Senate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140919061940/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/589 | HOUSE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY PACKAGE | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | HOUSE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY PACKAGE VIDEO: Goodlatte Speaks on American Energy Solutions Congressman Goodlatte’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act (as prepared): Mr. Speaker, Energy is vital to every aspect of American life. Working families, retirees, and businesses large and small are all dependent upon reliable and affordable energy. An unwelcome increase in the electric bill leaves many families no other option but to cut elsewhere. For businesses, higher energy costs mean less money to invest in jobs or expansion. As business costs increase, so does the price of goods down the line, triggering a chain reaction felt throughout the economy. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration’s policies are contributing to the rise in energy costs by discouraging exploration of domestic resources, imposing additional regulatory hurdles on energy creation, and attempting to bypass Congress to implement economically devastating policies like cap and trade. Today, Congress reminds the Obama Administration about what they seem to have forgotten - that America’s economy is intrinsically linked to affordable energy. This bill encourages us to expand energy production. I am particularly pleased that it includes provisions I have worked on for a long time to move forward -- a lease sale off the Virginia coast. This sale will provide necessary energy resources for our nation, while providing a significant boost to the economy of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It also includes other important provisions, like the Judiciary- approved, RAPID Act, which cuts through the government red tape impeding development of our resources. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=544 | Wittman: Budget Process is Broken | 2014-09-18 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after opposing legislation to temporarily extend current spending levels for the federal government until December: When Congress recessed in August, I demanded that the House remain in Washington to complete the important work expected of us by our constituents. Chief among that unfinished business is the need to get our government funded responsibly. And yet again, Congress finds itself today making a temporary, short-sighted decision at the last minute. The simple truth is that our budget process is broken. Congress absolutely must return to the business of regular order, with regular passage of budget resolutions and appropriations bills. There is plenty of time to remain in Washington to get this done with a responsible, long-term outlook in mind, and I could not support this short-sighted approach to the funding of the essential functions of our government. 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=393889 | Griffith Statement on ISIS Amendment Vote | 2014-09-17 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of an amendment to the Continuing Resolution related to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS): “ISIS is a very dangerous terrorist organization, and action must be taken in order to defeat them. President Obama requested language be added to the Continuing Resolution in order to train and assist forces to fight ISIS, such as the Free Syrian Army.” “That being said, Congress must not abdicate its responsibility on this important issue. I believe we should take additional action, but that was not an option available to me today. I would have preferred an opportunity to vote on language similar to the proposal introduced today in the Senate by Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. His resolution is a narrow and specific authorization for the use of military force against ISIS.” “I and some other lawmakers in the House have been discussing an approach akin to Senator Kaine’s. Given the fluid nature of the situation, there may be a time we can pass a similar proposal." “Like others, I have reservations that the President’s strategy is not well enough defined. Does he envision there will be troops on the ground provided by Saudi Arabia or other Middle Eastern Islamic countries to whom the threat of ISIS is closer than the threat to the United States? Some Middle Eastern Islamic nations have pledged money, but to effectively combat ISIS, they need to have soldiers on the field of battle.” “While many questions are yet to be answered, I believe this amendment is an acceptable first step.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195152/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/587 | GOODLATTE, GOWDY, CHAFFETZ PRAISE SEC. JOHNSON'S DECISION TO KEEP BAN ON LIBYANS TRAINING AS PILOTS AND NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS IN U.S. | 2014-09-17 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE, GOWDY, CHAFFETZ PRAISE SEC. JOHNSON'S DECISION TO KEEP BAN ON LIBYANS TRAINING AS PILOTS AND NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS IN U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following pressure from House Judiciary Committee Republicans, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson announced today at a congressional hearing that he will not lift a 30-year old regulation banning Libyans from coming to the United States to attend flight school, work in aircraft maintenance or flight operations, or to study or seek training in nuclear science. The prohibition on Libyans from studying nuclear science or training as pilots in the United States was originally put in place in the 1980s after the wave of terrorist incidents involving Libyans. A year ago, the Obama Administration began the process of lifting this longstanding regulation, claiming that the United States’ relationship with Libya has since “normalized.” Last week, the House Judiciary Committee approved in a bipartisan vote the Protecting the Homeland Act (H.R. 5401) – a bill authored by Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) – to stop the Obama Administration from lifting this longstanding prohibition. Chairman Goodlatte, Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy, and Congressman Chaffetz praised Secretary Johnson’s decision in the joint statement below: “We are pleased that Secretary Johnson has chosen common sense over the Obama Administration’s foolish plan, but this should never have been a hard decision to make. Given the ongoing terrorist activity in Libya, there is no reason that the Obama Administration should have ever contemplated lifting a decades-old ban on Libyans coming to our country to train as pilo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195159/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/586 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON CONSTITUTION DAY | 2014-09-17 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT ON CONSTITUTION DAY WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement in honor of Constitution Day: “Two hundred twenty-seven years ago on this day, September 17, 1787, the founders of our country signed the United States Constitution that laid the foundation for our freedoms today. “Thanks to the 39 delegates who stood up for freedom and democracy, this document has stood the test of time, and continues to safeguard America by providing the 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. The Constitution is very clear: it is Congress’ job to write our laws and it is the President’s duty to enforce them. “As an elected representative in Congress, I have taken a solemn oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. Also, as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee that has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution, I have held hearings on this issue and cosponsored a bill that the House passed to stop the President’s power grab and to restore the balance to the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. “As we reflect with reverence on the oldest written constitution still in use today, let’s also not forget the dangers of an unchecked executive branch.” Congressman Goodlatte’s Address on Constitution Day | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195203/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/585 | GOODLATTE NAMES ROANOKE COUPLE 'ANGELS IN ADOPTION' | 2014-09-16 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE NAMES ROANOKE COUPLE 'ANGELS IN ADOPTION' WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, named Patrick and Judy Wheeler of Roanoke the Sixth District of Virginia’s 2014 “Angels 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 per year who is making a difference in the lives of children. “Patrick and Judy Wheeler have a passion for adoption and a true heart for children in need,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “It is my honor to recognize them as this year’s ‘Angels in Adoption.’ Mrs. Wheeler recently said that ‘most people were thinking of retirement, but our hearts are with these children.’ Despite many challenges and long adoption processes, the Wheelers have blessed 11 young children with the loving home and opportunities they deserve. I am thankful for their willingness to bring these children into their family. This selfless act is truly to be commended.” Patrick and Judy Wheeler, who reside in Roanoke, have adopted seven children from China and three from Vietnam as well as one child from the Roanoke area. Eight of their adopted children are cleft affected and the Wheelers have ensured that these children receive the surgeries, treatment, and loving care that they need. The Wheelers also have two biological children and four grandchildren. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393572 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.15.14 | 2014-09-15 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) I agree with Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) comments last week that, “I don't believe that the President has the authority to quote ‘go on offense’ and wage an open-ended war on [ISIS] without Congressional approval.” ISIS is a dangerous terrorist organization, and the threat they pose is real and growing. The evil being spread by ISIS must be stopped, and very serious discussions regarding the strategy to defeat and destroy ISIS are ongoing. I agree with the President that we must take action. When he proposed training forces on the ground, such as the Free Syrian Army, I believe this was a proper but perhaps too modest a plan. Since then, a report out of the Middle East indicates that the Syrian rebels have entered into a non-aggression pact with ISIS. No matter what his or her party, I want to be able to support our Commander in Chief, the President, when dealing with such a dangerous foreign entity. But I have grave concerns that this plan won’t work unless President Obama can secure the commitment of Middle Eastern Islamic countries to put their soldiers into the battle against ISIS. Respectfully, I seek your prayers for discernment and your input as this situation continues. Protecting Health Care Choice On Thursday, September 11, the House of Representatives passed the Employee Health Care Protection Act (H.R. 3522) with my support. This bill would allow health care plans that were on the group market in 2013 to continue to be offered through 2018, enabling more Americans to keep their health care plan if they like it. Despite being promised by President Obama and other supporters of Obamacare that “If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period,” new reports last week indicate that up to 250,000 Virginians will be notified in the coming months that their plans will be cancelled for not complying with Obamacare. Of course, these folks can replace these policies with Obamacare-compliant plans, but I and othe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195246/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/584 | GOODLATTE STATEMENT IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 | 2014-09-11 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE STATEMENT IN REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released the following statement today in remembrance of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya: “September 11th is a day that we reflect with profound sadness and reverence upon the lives lost in terrorist attacks against the United States. These are lives that were taken from us all too soon and they will not be forgotten. My prayers are with their families. And yet, in this sadness, there is also a reminder of an intrinsic quality found in Americans – wherever there is tragedy, we see the law enforcement community, first responders, and even strangers on the street coming together to help those in harm’s way, just as we did in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. “As we mark this somber anniversary, it is a reminder that we must also remain vigilant in the face of renewed threats to our nation. It’s true that this is a different world from the one we knew just 13 years ago. The attacks against our country both at home and abroad have changed our way of life in many ways and many American lives have been lost in the fight against terrorist threats and in the defense of our freedoms. But what has remained steadfast is the resilience of the American people and the truth that this nation will remain a beacon of freedom throughout the globe.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195250/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/583 | JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVES THE PROTECTING THE HOMELAND ACT | 2014-09-10 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVES THE PROTECTING THE HOMELAND ACT House Judiciary Committee Approves Bill Preventing Libyans from Training as Pilots and Nuclear Scientists in the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Judiciary Committee today approved by a vote of 21-11 the Protecting the Homeland Act (H.R. 5401), a bill authored by Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), to stop the Obama Administration from lifting a 30-year prohibition on Libyans coming to the U.S. to attend flight school, to work in aviation maintenance or flight operations, or to study or seek training in nuclear science. In July, the Office of Management and Budget approved a final regulation to lift this decades-old policy. Once Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson signs this regulation, it will become effective unless further action is taken. The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), which represents 51,000 pilots who fly for 31 airlines in the U.S. and Canada, today expressed strong support for H.R. 5401. In their letter to Chairman Goodlatte, Captain Lee Moak notes the dangerous conditions in Libya and states that “given the political instability in Libya and the transitory nature of the government, ALPA is concerned that information relevant to a background check on Libyan nationals would be unreliable if not entirely unavailable.” Chairman Goodlatte, Subcommittee Chairman Gowdy, and Congressman Chaffetz released the statements below praising today’s approval of this legislation by the House Judiciary Committee. Chairman Goodlatte: “Given the ongoing terrorist activity in Libya, it is unconscionable that the Obama Administrati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140912025230/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-again-calls-on-house-to-pass-syria-travel-ban-bill | Wolf Again Calls On House To Pass Syria Travel Ban Bill | 2014-09-09 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today in a speech on the House floor again urged his colleagues to pass legislation supported by the FBI to limit travel to Syria by American citizens to prevent those who have trained and fought with terrorist groups from freely returning to the U.S. and committing an attack. Citing reports of more than 140 Americans fighting alongside terrorists in Syria, Wolf said his bill, the International Conflicts of Concern Act, H.R. 4223, is “a commonsense solution to an increasingly urgent threat.” Wolf also reminded his colleagues that three Americans died fighting with terrorists this summer, including a suicide bomber who travelled from Syria to Florida and back again in the months before his deadly act. “We must take proactive steps to discourage Americans from travelling to Syria to link up with these groups,” Wolf said. “Current law does not prevent Americans from travelling freely to Syria and back, which creates a loophole that would-be jihadists can exploit. Unless the U.S. has solid evidence that they have joined one of these terrorist groups, the FBI can’t arrest suspects upon their return. Unfortunately, it can be very hard to prove that suspects fought with a terrorist group in Syria, due to limited U.S. intelligence about their activities in the region.” Wolf also said he was concerned that the absence of laws preventing unrestricted travel to Syria means the U.S. is not taking any substantial steps to discourage Americans from going over to fight. “This is an untenable situation that puts our country at greater risk of attack from a radicalized American who trains and fights with these groups and later returns home,” Wolf said. Below is the complete text of Wolf’s speech: “Mr. Speaker, according to a new poll released by CNN last evening, ‘Americans are increasingly concerned that ISIS represents a direct terror threat’ and they are ‘fearful that ISIS agents are living in the United States.’ A Washington Post-ABC News poll released this morning shows that 9… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140912025843/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lyme-bill-clears-house-now-headed-for-senate | Lyme Bill Clears House, Now Headed For Senate | 2014-09-09 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Legislation aimed at streamlining federal research on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases is now on its way to the Senate, according to Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), who has worked to raise awareness of Lyme across the 10th District over the past several years. Wolf said the full House today approved the Vector-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014, H.R.4701, which would create an interagency working group made up of relevant federal agencies and non-federal partners, including physicians and patient advocates, to address this growing health crisis. “This is a very positive development in dealing with this disease,” said Wolf, who was a cosponsor of the legislation. “By streamlining research and making sure patients and their doctors have a seat at the table, I am hopeful we can find better treatment options for this devastating disease.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=543 | Wittman: Americans Deserve Better | 2014-09-09 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) spoke during floor consideration of H. Res. 644, a resolution condemning the Administration's failure to notify Congress before releasing 5 detainees from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of a prisoner exchange. H. Res. 644 passed the House of Representatives with Wittman's support by a bipartisan vote of 249-163. Full Remarks (video available here): Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness, to voice my support for House Resolution 644. I'd like to thank the Chairman for his leadership in bringing this to the floor, and I respect deeply the Ranking Member but adamantly disagree with him on the points that he makes about this piece of legislation. Very simply stated, the prisoner swap authorized by the President to exchange five Taliban captives for Sergeant Bergdahl was illegal. That part of the law was not followed pretty plain and simple. By failing to notify Congress in accordance with the 30-day reporting requirement, our President acted outside of the law. Clearly, it wasn't authorized, and the law was ignored. Now, you can make arguments about what other prerogatives he had, but you can't say, Well, Article 2 we'll put in place,' and that trumps other areas of the law. I think you have to say that this law was disregarded. Our Constitution clearly outlines those separations of powers. This principle is a cornerstone of our great democracy. Our framers carefully incorporated the division of government and the responsibilities there in order to protect citizens by preventing any one branch of government from overreach and abuse of power. That's why we're here, is to have these types of debates and say the President clearly acted outside the law. I will make this even clearer Congress makes the laws. The President, on the other hand, has the constitutional charge of ensuring the laws are faithfully executed. Not just part of them, but all of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392749 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.8.14 | 2014-09-08 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Immigration Reform Update Since taking office, President Obama has promised to take action on immigration reform. He guaranteed he would do so in his first year in office. When the Democrats controlled the House and the Senate, he focused instead on other issues, including Obamacare. More recently, in late June, the President said he planned to use his executive authority by the end of summer to change our immigration system without Congress. However, on Saturday, September 6, it was announced that President Obama, bowing to pressure from some in his party including Senators in contested races this year, will be delaying his unilateral “amnesty by executive action” until after the November election. White House officials are quoted in the press as saying he “will take action on immigration before the end of the year.” His plans are highly controversial, lack Congressional support, and, if rumors about the plans are true, the plans may be unconstitutional. Delaying them until after the elections is shamelessly political. If President Obama wants to see changes to our immigration system, he should work with Congress and demonstrate he can be trusted to enforce our nation’s laws as written. Constitutionally, he cannot rewrite laws on his own. Politically, his ideas must not be popular or he wouldn’t fear the November elections. Obamacare Website Hacked in July Late last week, the Wall Street Journal first reported that a hacker had breached the Obamacare website in July, uploading malicious software to the site. Though the site stores personal information including Social Security numbers, financial data, and more, the report notes that the investigators who had discovered the July hack in late August “…found no evidence that consumers’ personal data were taken or viewed during the breach….” This is very troubling, though unfortunately it is not very surprising. I and others have been very concerned about the security of the Obamacare website, especially given the many technical difficulties revealed d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140911014427/http://wolf.house.gov:80/media-center/press-releases/wolf-introduces-measure-authorizing-military-force-against-terrorist | Wolf Introduces Sweeping AUMF Bill Against Terrorist Groups | 2014-09-08 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today introduced legislation authorizing the use of military force against international terrorist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al Qaeda and its affiliates, like al Nusra, Ansar al Sharia, al Shabaab and Boko Haram, while encouraging close coordination with NATO and regional allies on any action. Wolf said he was compelled to introduce the measure because of the rapid advances made by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, as well as territorial gains made by al Qaeda-affiliated groups in Libya, Nigeria and Somalia. Long recognized as one of Congress’ leading defenders of human rights around the globe, Wolf has been speaking out for months about the threat from ISIS to religious minorities as well as the potential threat to the U.S. homeland. He was among the first to call what was happening to the Christian and Yazidi population in Iraq “genocide” and took to the House floor for seven straight legislative days leading up to the August recess to urge the president to take action. Wolf said the motive behind the bill is to end any ambiguity about the president’s authority – or the Congress’ support – for a U.S.-led international coalition to disrupt and eliminate ISIS and al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups from committing genocide. His Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) would be the first approved by the Congress since the 2001 and 2002 resolutions authorizing military force against al Qaeda and the Taliban and against Saddam Hussein’s regime, and would fill in the gaps from past authorizations to deal with the current terrorist threat, including regional al Qaeda-affiliates who at times try to obfuscate the extent of their relationship with al Qaeda leadership. Wolf said passage of his bill would send a clear message to the international community that the United States intends to work with allies to confront and defeat this increasingly dangerous challenge. Wolf said he agrees with those who have described the current fight a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195253/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/582 | GOODLATTE, GOWDY, AND CHAFFETZ INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN ALLOWING LIBYAN PILOTS AND NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS TO TRAIN IN U.S. | 2014-09-08 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE, GOWDY, AND CHAFFETZ INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN ALLOWING LIBYAN PILOTS AND NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS TO TRAIN IN U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and Oversight and Government Reform National Security Subcommittee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) today introduced the Protecting the Homeland Act (H.R. 5401) to stop the Obama Administration from lifting a longstanding prohibition on Libyans coming to the U.S. to attend flight school, to work in aviation maintenance or flight operations, or to study or seek training in nuclear science. In July, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a final regulation to lift this decades-old policy. Once Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson signs this regulation, it will become effective unless further action is taken. The prohibition was originally put in place in the 1980s after the wave of terrorist incidents involving Libyans. Not even two years after the U.S. consulate in Benghazi was attacked, which resulted in the deaths of four Americans, the Obama Administration justifies lifting this ban by claiming the United States’ relationship with Libya has “normalized.” However, the terror threat continues and numerous news reports document recent terror-related activities coming from Libya. Recently, the employees at the U.S. embassy in Tripoli were evacuated due to violence between rival militias near the facility. Since then, many foreign governments have closed their embassies in Libya and evacuated staff as the violence has spread throughout the country. Additionally, it has been reported that Islamist militias stole 11 commercial jetliners last month at the airport in Tripoli, and intelligence agencies have warned that they could be used in terrorist attacks. Chairman Go… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140905022447/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-to-introduce-measure-authorizing-military-force-against-terrorist | Wolf To Introduce Measure Authorizing Military Force Against Terrorist Groups | 2014-09-03 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) today announced he will introduce legislation next week authorizing the use of military force against international terrorist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and al Qaeda and its affiliates, like al Nusra, Ansar al Sharia, al Shabaab and Boko Haram, while encouraging close coordination with NATO and regional allies on any action. Wolf said he was compelled to introduce the measure because of the rapid advances made by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, as well as territorial gains made by al Qaeda-affiliated groups in Libya, Nigeria and Somalia. Wolf, long recognized as one of Congress’ leading defenders of human rights around the globe, has been speaking out for months about the threat from ISIS to religious minorities as well as the potential threat to the U.S. homeland. He was among the first to call what was happening to the Christian and Yazidi population in Iraq “genocide” and took to the House floor for seven straight legislative days leading up to the August recess to urge the president to take action. Wolf said the motive behind the bill is to end any ambiguity about the president’s authority – or the Congress’ support – for a U.S.-led international coalition to disrupt and eliminate ISIS and al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups from committing genocide. His Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) would be the first approved by the Congress since the 2001 and 2002 resolutions authorizing military force against al Qaeda and the Taliban and against Saddam Hussein’s regime, and would fill in the gaps from past authorizations to deal with the current terrorist threat, including regional al Qaeda-affiliates who at times try to obfuscate the extent of their relationship with al Qaeda leadership. Wolf believes passage of his bill also would send a clear message to the international community that the United States intends to work with allies to confront and defeat this increasingly dangerous challenge. Wolf said he agrees with those w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392239 | Griffith Labor Day Statement | 2014-09-01 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement honoring American workers: “On Labor Day, we take time to honor America’s working men and women and the extraordinary work ethic that the people of our nation are well-known for possessing. From educators to coal miners, farmers to medical professionals, bankers to welders, and more, American workers are the best in the world. Our people take pride in their work, produce high-quality goods and top-rate services, and work diligently to provide for their families and those in their communities. My gratitude to all who have worked so hard to see that America is resilient and strong. I wish you a safe and happy Labor Day with family, friends, and community.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=392241 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.1.14 | 2014-09-01 | 2014 | 2014-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Leading from BehindCivilized people are appalled by the barbaric murder of American journalist Jim Foley by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). A week after ISIS distributed video of Foley’s tragic murder, President Obama in a press conference responded to questions about potential plans for action in Syria by saying, “We don’t have a strategy yet.” Hmmmm. Is this the poker face of a man with a plan, or is it a gaffe? I fear it is the latter. According to the Washington Post, “Polls have increasingly shown that Americans view Obama as a weak commander in chief without much direction or heft to his foreign policy.” Reviewing the situation with Russia and Ukraine, Iran, the Boko Haram in Nigeria, North Korea, the Chinese claiming two international shipping channels in the South China Sea, etc., I agree with those people who regrettably believe the President has a weak foreign policy. The threat posed by ISIS is real and continues to increase. The Russian threat to Ukraine and the chaos generally in the Middle East are real threats to American interests. President Obama cannot continue leading from behind. He and his Administration must have a firm grasp – a solid strategy – for exercising leadership and working with our nation’s allies. The President must have a steady hand in managing world affairs. This sometimes means even working with some leaders who may not be our best friends. After all, as the old saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Russia must be checked, and ISIS must be defeated. The President is the Commander in Chief, and needs a policy of strength and resolve. If the President needs to take significant military action, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) is right. He must ask Congress for authority. Government Control of Water I often speak and write of overreaching Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. In what appears to be another power grab, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed what is commonly known as the Waters of the United States … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195256/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/580 | GOODLATTE & GRASSLEY DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT FRAUD & ABUSE IN DACA PROGRAM | 2014-08-29 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE & GRASSLEY DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT FRAUD & ABUSE IN DACA PROGRAM WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson demanding answers about changes made to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that encourage fraud and abuse, and information about the scope of the program. Earlier this summer, Obama Administration officials quietly made several changes to DACA, including weakening the educational requirements and stating that for any documentary evidence provided by an applicant to meet DACA requirements, officials “may verify information,” as opposed to actually verifying the veracity of the documents. Since USCIS is not regularly verifying the validity of the documentary evidence provided to it, Chairman Goodlatte and Senator Grassley write that “applicants will undoubtedly take advantage of this fraud loophole.” They further state that “the American people deserve to understand why their own government would be encouraging fraud and potentially even helping some who want to do us harm game the system in order to do so.” In the letter, Chairman Goodlatte and Senator Grassley ask 25 detailed questions about the DACA program, including the number of applications that have been approved, rejected, and denied as well as information about what immigration benefits DACA applicants have received. Of particular importance is obtaining information on the individuals who received DACA but later had the benefit terminated. Additionally, Chairman Goodlatte and Senator Grassley ask if gang members have benefited from DACA and if taxpayer dollars are being used to cover the cost of the program. To read the letter, click here. Changes to th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140918195259/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/581 | GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES COMCAST WILL CARRY WHSV IN PAGE COUNTY | 2014-08-29 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | web.archive.org | legacy | GOODLATTE ANNOUNCES COMCAST WILL CARRY WHSV IN PAGE COUNTY WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bob Goodlatte released a statement today announcing an agreement that will bring WHSV back to Comcast customers in Page County. Last month, Congressman Goodlatte announced a similar agreement that will allow DirectTV customers in Page County to receive WHSV content. “This week I learned that Comcast will once again carry the signal of WHSV in Page County. Starting on October 29, customers should be able to view local content from the Harrisonburg station. This is a positive development for Page County customers. I have heard from many constituents regarding this issue, and I am pleased that this agreement has moved forward. I thank both companies for their willingness to resolve this issue. I hope to continue working with other carriers to ensure that local television content is available for viewers in the Sixth District.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140829030510/http://wolf.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wolf-goes-public-with-request-to-involve-bush-library-in-resolving | Wolf Goes Public With Request To Involve Bush Library In Resolving Crisis In South Sudan | 2014-08-26 | 2014 | 2014-08 | Republican | House | VA | Frank Wolf | W000672 | web.archive.org | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Following news reports of the potential for a humanitarian catastrophe in South Sudan, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th), long recognized in Congress as one of the strongest advocates for South Sudan, today released a letter he sent earlier this month to former President George W. Bush asking the Bush Institute to help resolve the crisis. Wolf, who first reached out to the Bush Library last year, said he has been hesitant to publicly involve the former president but felt the article in yesterday’s Washington Post, reporting that 50,000 children could die of malnourishment by the end of the year, forced his hand. “I know President Bush has tried to keep a low profile, but South Sudan is unique,” Wolf said. “He helped give birth to the nation and is probably the only person who can get the two sides to come together. “I didn’t want to make the letter public, but I felt I had to,” Wolf continued. “I just couldn’t be silent anymore. Unless something dramatic happens, thousands are going to die. I urge the Obama Administration to enlist the help of President Bush. There is no downside.” Below is the text of Wolf’s letter, which was dated August 8, 2014: President George Bush George W. Bush Presidential Center P.O. Box 600610 Dallas TX 75360 Dear President Bush: On the July 9, South Sudan celebrated its third birthday. Instead of fireworks, the day was marked with gunfire, the threat of famine and widespread disease. The people of South Sudan are no better off than they were three years ago, and with the warring leaders showing no sign of letting up, the situation worsens each day. During your administration, Senator John Danforth, the Sudan Special Envoy, had a clear charge and platform to pursue lasting peace. After negotiating for two-and-a-half years, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was secured, ending a decade's worth of conflict between the North and South. We had hoped that, with their new-found freedom and the fresh memories of hardship and bloodshed, a new democratic nation marked b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391433 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for September | 2014-08-25 | 2014 | 2014-08 | 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 September: September 3, 2014 Smyth County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Building 108 Court Street New Castle, VA Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA September 5, 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 September 9, 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 September 10, 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 September 11, 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 September 16, 2014 Tazewell County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm American… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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