Press releases
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341 rows where party = "Republican", state = "VA" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending
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| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398658 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.26.16 | 2016-12-26 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Celebrating All Twelve Days of Christmas “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one of the most popular carols for this time of the year. Its alliteration like “swans a swimming,” outlandish gifts like “twelve lords a leaping,” and repetition make it an enjoyable song to sing and hear. Artists from Perry Como to John Denver and the Muppets have recorded their own versions that are played during the Christmas season. The exact origins of the lyrics have been lost to time. Some theories suggest the song originated in France, while others point to the north of England. But we should not let the unusual nature of the song’s gifts or uncertainty about the origins of the carol to take away from the point that there are twelve days of Christmas. When decorations appear in stores and promotions for holiday shopping start in October, it may seem that everything is building towards Christmas Day on December 25th alone. But the days after Christmas have their own meanings, too. Take Boxing Day. On December 26th, Britain and many countries with strong cultural ties to it celebrate Boxing Day, although it is not a tradition that made it to the British colonies that became the United States. Professor Mark Connelly of the University of Kent notes, “While Christmas Day was about being at home with your family, Boxing Day was a time to get outside, to get away from the home.”1 Fox hunting and horse racing are pastimes often associated with the day. It is also a popular day for soccer, just as many Americans look forward to watching football on our Thanksgiving. Perhaps the name of the holiday came from the boxed gifts given by aristocrats to their servants for the Christmas season. Or perhaps the name came from the church boxes which contained donations for the poor and were opened the day after Christmas. This suggestion seems appropriate, for December 26th is also St. Stephen’s Day. The day’s link to charity is immortalized in the first lines of the traditional Christmas carol, “Good King Wenceslas:” Good King Wenceslas look… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398657 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January | 2016-12-22 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect. January 3, 2017 Richlands: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Richlands Town Hall 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Grundy Town Hall 1185 Plaza Dr. Grundy, VA 24614 Pulaski County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Dublin Town Hall Route 100, 1 mile North of I-81 Dublin, VA 24084 January 4, 2017 Smyth County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Town Council Chambers 138 West Main Street Marion, VA 24354 Covington: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Covington City Hall City Hall Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA 24426 Craig County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Craig County Administration Bldg. 108 Court Street New Castle, VA 24127 Bristol: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Bristol VA Public Library Upstairs Conference Room 701 Goode Street Bristol, VA 24201 January 5, 2017 Lee County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room 33640 Main Street – Suite U101 Jonesville, VA 24263 Martinsville: 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm New College Institute Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA 24112 Norton: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Ave NW Norton, VA 24273 January 10, 2017 Giles County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pearisburg Town Hall 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA 24134 Dickenson County: 10:00 am. – 12:00 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA 24228 Salem: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Town Hall 114 N. Broad Street Salem, VA 24153 Wise County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Ave. E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 J… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1088 | Wittman Praises Navy’s Plan for USS Fort Lauderdale | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman Praises Navy’s Plan for USS Fort Lauderdale f t # e Washington, December 20, 2016 WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) praised the U.S. Navy's decision today to move forward with its plans for USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) by officially putting the ship under contract. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, Wittman has been committed to funding the LPD-28 to ensure the Marine Corps receives its next amphibious transport ship:“Today marks a major milestone for our Navy and for our Marine Corps as they look to add more capacity and capability for the amphibious fleet,” Wittman said. “The USS Fort Lauderdale contract comes at a critical time. After our 15 years valiantly serving on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, our U.S. Marine Corps has begun to refocus on its core, amphibious, fighting function using warships like USS Fort Lauderdale. In action, USS Fort Lauderdale will transport Marines, their vehicles, and their equipment to distant operating areas allowing them to conduct expeditionary operations ashore. Our Marines must be ready to ‘fight tonight,’ and ships like the USS Fort Lauderdale will get them where they need to go.”Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=310 | Rep. Brat Invited as Keynote Speaker at Jerusalem Leaders Summit | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | JERUSALEM - Rep. Brat (R-Va.) was invited as the keynote speaker at the second annual Jerusalem Leaders Summit, an event that brings together members of Parliament from Europe and other legislative bodies from India and around the world to discuss the 21st centurys global threats and security challenges, the weakening of the rule of law, and obstacles to economic freedom and free trade.The event provides a strategic platform to affirm the foundational principles of the rule of law protecting life, liberty and private property.Speakers focused on key policy areas, including foreign policy, global security, economic growth solutions, technology and the significance of strengthening Israels security and sovereignty. The panel also highlighted the benefits of economic freedom and the contributions citizens have made to the world economy through innovation and technology."I am delighted to have been invited as the keynote speaker at yesterday's event in Jerusalem," said Rep. Dave Brat. "Three pillars made our country the greatest on earth: the Judeo-Christian tradition, the rule of law, and the free market system. These pillars are crucial to our success, fundamentally connected, and can be adopted by any nation in the world to emulate American success."The Jerusalem Leaders Summit is co-hosted by the International Leaders Summit, the Alliance for Direct Democracy in Europe (ADDE) and the Heritage Foundation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=732 | Goodlatte Shepherds Important Cultural Exchange & Preservation Bills Into Law | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement upon the signing of both the Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act (H.R. 6477) and the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery (HEAR) Act (H.R. 6130) into law: “Our museums and art galleries are some of the best outlets for Americans young and old to experience not only our own culture, but the cultures of others from around the world. Many of the world’s greatest works of art and artifacts are preserved in museums around the globe, and this legislation makes these pieces more accessible to American museums and galleries. “These two bipartisan bills signed into law will not only allow for a greater exchange of culture with partners around the world, but will help preserve world cultures.“Additionally, both of these bills contain vital provisions which will help return artwork and other cultural property that was stolen by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The return of these important pieces to their rightful owners is a simple measure we can take to preserve the culture of Europe, which the Nazis attempted to destroy during the atrocities of the Holocaust.”Background: Congressman Goodlatte introduced H.R. 6130, the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016, which allows civil actions to recover certain artwork or other property that was lost because of Nazi persecution without regard to State statutes of limitations. H.R. 6477, the Foreign Cultural Exchange Jurisdictional Immunity Clarification Act, provides sovereign immunity for a foreign state for works of art that are imported into the United States from the foreign state for temporary exhibition or display. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398655 | Griffith Statement on Release of Final Stream Protection Rule | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) unfortunately released the final version of its Stream Protection Rule (SPR). The Department first revealed the proposed rule in July 2015. With today’s release, the rule will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow and would therefore take effect thirty days after publication on January 19th, 2017. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) said, “I will continue to fight this rule with every tool available, including, but not limited to, filing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution. This rule is so unpopular that there will probably be many in Congress who will wish to lead this CRA resolution and I will either join with other Members to file a resolution or I will file it myself.” “We must prevent the costly and job-killing Stream Protection Rule from going into effect. I am disappointed that OSM decided to go forward with a regulation they know kills jobs, is unpopular, and will take effect a mere day before the new President is sworn in.” “And the Democrats have the gall to accuse the incoming Republican majorities and the new President of using the lawful process to undo those Obama Administration regulations that are job-killing, unpopular, unlawful, and/or unconstitutional. They have chosen to take this action knowing that the war on jobs and coal was rejected by the voters in November.” SPR Background According to the National Mining Association, as many as 78,000 coal mining jobs will be lost if SPR is implemented, on top of thousands of jobs already lost during the Obama Administration. If jobs in fields related to coal mining are included, up to 281,000 people could be put out of work, with an estimated 190,000 lost jobs in the Appalachian region alone. CRA Background: The Congressional Review Act is a law that allows Congress to overturn rules issued by federal agencies. Once a rule is finalized, Congress has a limited period of time to pass a joint resolution of disapproval preventin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398656 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.19.16 | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | A Christmas MessageThe Christmas season is a time to gather to celebrate. The Nativity story is familiar to most, whether Christian or not: Mary and Joseph with Jesus in a manger, where shepherds and kings came to honor him. For over two thousand years, we have celebrated this event and pondered its meaning. The Christmas story celebrates the promise of redemption for our world. While I respect those of all faiths, as a believer, Christmas is most important to me and to many in the Ninth Congressional District. Also, the Christmas season has a way of bringing out the best in people, even during horrific times. It is hard to imagine a bleaker place than the Western Front in World War I. For four years, the armies of Germany and the Allied Powers engaged in trench warfare. Soldiers lived in muddy trenches crawling with vermin. They were under bombardment and sniper fire constantly. When they attacked the enemy, they charged into “No Man’s Land” between the trenches, where they were unprotected from machine gun fire. Over a million died. But in many places along the Western Front on Christmas Eve 1914, the misery was put on hold. According to “The Story of the WWI Christmas Truce” by Mike Dash of Smithsonian.com, German soldiers sang “Silent Night” and the British responded with “The First Noel.” A few from both sides left their lines and met in No Man’s Land. Then, a few became hundreds. Men who had shot at each other hours before now shook hands, swapped gifts, and even played soccer. The truce lasted through Christmas Day, and then the men returned to fighting each other. World War I lasted nearly four more years. As casualties mounted and new horrors such as poison gas were introduced, people looked back on the Christmas Truce with astonishment. Decades later, the folk musician John McCutcheon wrote a song about this episode called “Christmas in the Trenches.” He sings it from the perspective of a fictional Liverpool soldier named Francis Tolliver who experiences the Christmas Truce. When McCutcheon perfor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/provisions-congresswoman-comstock-s-research-and-development-efficiency | Provisions of Congresswoman Comstocks Research and Development Efficiency Act to Become Law | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) issued the following statement after the House cleared on Friday the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, included in which are provisions from Congresswoman Comstock’s Research and Development Efficiency Act. It is expected the president will sign the legislation in the coming days: “Northern Virginia is home to many professionals who are conducting significant research in a variety of fields leading to innovative breakthroughs. Reports indicate that researchers spend on average 42 percent of their time on administrative requirements instead of conducting vital research. The provisions of my Research and Development Efficiency Act that are included in the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act will ensure that more federal research dollars will be spent directly on the important research we are funding. By limiting redundant regulations and focusing our research dollars more efficiently, the included provisions from my legislation clear the way for researchers to do their job without being bogged down under a mountain of paperwork.” Provisions from the Research and Development Efficiency Act that are in the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act require that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall establish an interagency working group for the purpose of reducing administrative burdens on federally funded researchers while protecting the public interest through the transparency of and accountability for federally funded activities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=731 | Goodlatte Applauds Congressman Mulvaney’s Selection as OMB Director | 2016-12-17 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement applauding President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Congressman Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): “Congressman Mick Mulvaney is the right choice to help bring fiscal sanity to Washington. As Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Congressman Mulvaney will have the opportunity to provide much-needed oversight of federal regulations, change the culture of rampant spending and deficits, and take hold of the massive federal debt that weighs down our economy and will be passed down to the next generation. I look forward to working with him to bring more balance to the federal budget.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1086 | Wittman Response to Navy FSA | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today on the Secretary of the Navy’s announcement of the 2016 Force Structure Assessment:“The Force Structure Assessment released today confirms what I, and many of my colleagues in Congress, have known for a while: our Navy's current size and structure doesn't fully meet America's national security needs. “In an increased threat environment where China and Russia are rapidly expanding their naval capabilities, increasing the size of the Navy's fleet must be the top priority. The FSA clearly defines the need for 18 more Virginia-class attack submarines and 12 aircraft carriers to provide increased U.S. global presence. “This vision is a critical first step, but there's a long road ahead. It's time for us to rebuild our Navy to ensure dominance of the seas deep into the 21st Century. I am committed to working with the incoming administration and my colleagues in Congress next year to shape the size and scope of the Navy to meet future threats, grow our industrial base and advance U.S. national security.” Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-comstock-finding-and-funding-cures | Loudoun Times: Rep. Comstock: Finding and funding cures | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | On Dec. 8, I joined with a bipartisan group of House and Senate members and the Speaker of the House, as the speaker signed the 21st Century Cures Act. It was a joyful occasion as we concluded this year’s session with what I believe is one of the most important and game changing pieces of legislation passed this year. Read the rest of my op-ed in the Loudoun Times-Mirror here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398653 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.12.16 | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Clearing the Air at the EPA President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is welcome news. As Oklahoma’s attorney general, Pruitt has strongly pushed back against many rules and regulations coming from Washington, DC. In particular, he has led states in suing to block the EPA’s overreaching policies. Many in the media report this news with shock. They wonder how someone “CURRENTLY SUING” the EPA could possibly be fit to lead it. I wish those stunned by this appointment would listen to or read the testimony I have heard from EPA officials in Energy and Commerce Committee hearings. What I find stunning is the logic offered by agency officials to justify actions at odds with the plain text of laws passed by Congress. Take the Clean Power Plan. I have written often in this column about the EPA’s claim that it can use the Clean Air Act to force states to create and implement a plan to reduce their carbon emissions. It is bad for coal miners and all consumers of electricity, but it is also bad for the rule of law. Under the Clean Power Plan, the EPA claims it can regulate existing power plants under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, but the EPA already regulates them under Section 112. The problem is that the language of the Clean Air Act prohibits this type of dual regulation, a point that the EPA itself has conceded in the past (before changing its tune). When famed liberal legal scholar Laurence Tribe, who taught America’s first environmental law class and mentored President Obama, testified before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power, he stated: “EPA is attempting an unconstitutional trifecta: usurping the prerogatives of the States, Congress, and the Federal Courts – all at once. Much is up for grabs in this complex area. But burning the Constitution of the United States – about which I care deeply – cannot be part of our national energy policy…” The EPA cited the Clean Air Act in another power grab, this time to regulate … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398654 | Griffith Congratulates Virginia Tech on Transportation Grant Award | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) congratulates Virginia Tech Transportation Institute for being named a national safety center by the U.S. Department of Transportation, winning almost $28 million over five years to study benefits of connected and automated vehicles. The grant supports the Safety Through Disruption (SafeD): Goal Zero Center, with an overall aim to increase safety through technology on U.S. roads. Congressman Griffith said, “Virginia Tech is home to some of the strongest research and engineering programs in the United States and I congratulate them on earning this grant. I supported their efforts to secure the award and I am pleased that Virginia Tech will have the ability to contribute significantly to the research priorities set forth by the FAST Act. (H.R.22 - Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act)” Congressman Griffith is an original co-sponsor of the FAST Act. “In Southwest Virginia, we are proud of the research and development that takes place at Virginia Tech. I look forward to the potential advances made possible with this funding. It is my hope that the vehicle automation and connectivity studies and other testing will result in new breakthroughs, create opportunities for students, and expand workforce development in our area, in addition to safety advances that can benefit those across the country.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=727 | Goodlatte & Conyers Release First Policy Proposal of Copyright Review | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Today House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) released the first policy proposal to come out of the Committee’s review of U.S. Copyright law. This first proposal identifies important reforms to help ensure the Copyright Office keeps pace in the digital age. With the release of this document, the Committee requests written comments from interested stakeholders by January 31, 2017. These comments will be shared with members of the House Judiciary Committee as they come in and the Committee intends to make comments publicly available after the comment period closes. Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers released the following statement via video:“We would like to take a few minutes to share with you our plan for the next stage of the House Judiciary Committee’s review of our nation’s copyright laws. For years now, we have deliberately listened – through hearings, listening sessions, and site visits – to the views and concerns of stakeholders from all sides of the copyright debate. “Now, it is time to move forward into the next stage. We intend to periodically release policy proposals on select, individual issue areas within the larger copyright system that are in need of reform where there is a potential for consensus. These policy proposals are not meant to be the final word on reform in these individual issue areas, but rather a starting point for further discussion by all stakeholders, with the goal of producing legislative text within each issue area.“Today, we are releasing our first policy proposal, which identifies reforms to modernize the Copyright Office so that it can meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Among the reforms in this document are granting the Copyright Office autonomy with respect to the Library of Congress, requiring the Copyright Office to maintain an up-to-date digital, searchable database of all copyrighted works and associated copyright ownership information, and many others reforms. “Nothing should be read … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=728 | Goodlatte Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect Children with Autism & Those with Alzheimer’s from Wandering | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | The House of Representatives today approved Kevin and Avonte’s Law (H.R. 4919) by a vote of 346-66 to help protect children with autism and individuals with Alzheimer’s from wandering.Kevin and Avonte’s Law is named in honor of two boys with autism, Kevin Curtis and Avonte Oquendo, who both wandered away from supervision and tragically drowned. The bill reauthorizes an existing Department of Justice grant program, the “Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program,” and extends the program to cover children with autism, who may be susceptible to the same type of wandering behavior as those with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that 60 percent of the 5.3 million individuals with Alzheimer’s, and 49 percent of the 1 in 68 children with autism, have wandered.H.R. 4919 authorizes the Justice Department to make grants to law enforcement agencies, public safety agencies, and nonprofit organizations, to provide proactive, educational, voluntary wandering-prevention programming to families and caretakers of individuals who wander, as well as training to first responders and school personnel in order to recognize and respond to endangered missing individuals and facilitate their rescue and recovery. The bill contains important grant accountability and transparency requirements to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, praised today’s approval of the bill:“It’s a family’s worst nightmare when a loved one goes missing, especially if their child has autism or their parent has Alzheimer’s. Children with autism and people with Alzheimer’s are prone to wandering and the results can be devastating if they are not found immediately. “Kevin and Avonte’s Law reauthorizes a critical grant program to help prevent folks with Alzheimer’s from wandering and also extends it to children with autism. Police searches are expensive and this voluntary preventative grant program can help avoid costly searches and also spare the heartache that families and caret… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1077 | Wittman Opposes Continuing Resolution | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after voting against H.R. 2028, a short-term continuing resolution that would extend government operations through April 28, 2017:“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: continuing resolutions are a bad way for Washington to do business. This bill is the result of broken process and a lack of accountability. Our job is to do the people’s work and to do it on time. These last-minute, stop-gap measures create economic uncertainty and job insecurity. In the context of national security, they prevent planning, keep critical programs from moving forward, and deplete our forces. Congress needs time for measured debate. We should be making decisions about spending far in advance of December, and I promise to keep fighting for regular order in Washington.” Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-announces-millbrook-high-school-s-logan-apple-winner | Comstock Announces Millbrook High Schools Logan Apple As Winner Of Congressional App Challenge | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement announcing that Millbrook High School’s Logan Apple is this year’s winner of the Congressional App Challenge: “Students from Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District put in countless hours of hard work to develop innovative apps for the Congressional App Challenge. I would like to congratulate Logan Apple from Millbrook High School on his victory in the 2016 Congressional App Challenge. Logan’s app, iSight, is designed to help people utilize their cell phone cameras to translate sign language in real time, helping break down speech barriers. His app can translate more than 150 signs around the world. Coding is becoming an increasingly valuable skill in today’s 21st Century economy and, after viewing these apps, I am confident the next generation in Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District will lead the charge as entrepreneurs and innovators. “Thank you to our judges who volunteered their time for the challenge: Dr. Scott Martin of the Computer Game Design Program, Troy Murphy of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and Sandra Chin of Hyperdoc Link.” To view Logan’s app in action, click here. The Congressional App Challenge will invite winners from across the country to showcase their apps to the Members of Congress and members of the tech community at #HouseOfCode, a DC-based reception to be held in April of 2017. Their work will be featured for one year on the permanent display in the U.S. Capitol Building, and on the House.gov website. Winning students will also be awarded a portion of $50,000 in credits, generously donated by Amazon Web Services. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=725 | Goodlatte & Grassley Call on Obama Administration to Declassify Secret Refugee Deal | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today called on the Obama Administration to declassify its plan to admit into the United States potentially over 2,400 refugees who Australia has refused to admit. Last month, Chairmen Goodlatte and Grassley expressed concern that the Obama Administration’s secret negotiations with Australia left Americans in the dark about the full scope of its resettlement plans and requested a briefing to review the classified agreement. It is unprecedented to classify an agreement to usher in refugees to the United States and the Chairmen’s review of the agreement further confirms that it should never have been classified in the first place.In their letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry, Goodlatte and Grassley call for the declassification of the agreement so the American people can review it. Full text of the Goodlatte-Grassley letter to Kerry and Johnson follows:December 6, 2016 VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSIONThe Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528The Honorable John Kerry Secretary Department of State Washington, D.C. 20520Dear Secretaries Johnson and Kerry:We write to follow up on our November 22, 2016 letter regarding the agreement between the United States and Australia for the United States to consider for admission as refugees, potentially over 2,400 migrants currently detained in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, whom Australia has refused to admit. These migrants are nationals of countries like Somalia, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, and Sudan, as well as others. As you know, your agencies have deemed the agreement classified. This is despite the fact that classification of an agreement regarding individuals to be considered for admission by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is unprecedented. We appreciate your making staff available to provide us with the document i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=726 | Goodlatte, Gowdy, Jackson Lee Introduce Bill to Help Child Pornography Trafficking Victims | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Representative Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) today introduced Justice for Child Victims Act of 2016 (H.R. 6440) to ensure child trafficking victims are able to seek and obtain the restitution that they need and deserve. Under current law, federal courts are required to award any child depicted in sexually explicit material restitution in “the full amount of the victim’s losses,” which can include medical services, physical or occupational therapy, and attorneys’ fees. However, the Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Paroline that an individual defendant who may have received, distributed, or possessed child pornography may not be held liable for a victim’s aggregate damages incurred by potentially thousands of others who have viewed her images, and that defendants may be made liable only for the harm caused by their own conduct, not the conduct of others. Because of the nature of the crime, child pornography trafficking victims are involved in countless cases across multiple jurisdictions and time. This means that in order to obtain restitution, a victim’s request must be presented in multiple cases across the country. Since the process is so lengthy and overwhelming, only about 20 out of the thousands of child pornography trafficking victims have sought restitution. The Justice for Child Victims Act remedies this problem by creating a compensation fund that is paid for by child pornography defendants as an alternative avenue for victims to obtain financial support for their losses. This simple, one-step alternative allows child pornography trafficking victims to quickly access financial support for their own recovery. Chairman Goodlatte, Representative Gowdy, and Crime Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackson Lee issued the statements below on the introduction of Justice for Child Victims Act. Chairman Goodlatte: “The trafficking of child pornograph… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398652 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.5.16 | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | A Date Which Will Live in Infamy? Seventy-five years ago, on the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States of America was “suddenly and deliberately attacked.” At the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes destroyed eight massive battleships and more than 300 airplanes and killed 2,000 Americans. One ship, the USS Oklahoma, was hit with torpedoes and capsized with 400 men trapped inside. In a horrifying scenario, the men trapped under the water slowly ran out of air. Rescuers heard taps from inside the ship but could only save a handful of men, and after a few days the tapping stopped. The day after the attack, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a moving speech to a joint session of Congress in which he declared that December 7, 1941 was “a date which will live in infamy.” In the speech, he also asked Congress to declare war on Japan, stating, “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion... I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.” As families were receiving word of lost loved ones, Americans were reeling with the news of this horrific attack on our soil, and men on the USS Oklahoma were still trapped gasping for air, one member of Congress voted against declaring war on Japan. Jeannette Rankin was the only member of Congress to vote against declaring war on Japan and entering World War II. She had been one of a handful of members who earlier in her life had voted against entering World War I as well. While some may present an argument for the vote against WWI, there is no justifying voting against defending ourselves from the Japanese. This attack occurred seventy-five years ago this week. So imagine my surprise when, this April, the House voted to name a federal science and technology program after Congresswoman Rankin (H.R.4570). I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=720 | Goodlatte Elected Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | 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 115th 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 country, including constitutional freedoms and civil liberties, legal and regulatory reform, competition and antitrust laws, terrorism and crime, immigration enforcement and reform, and intellectual property protections. “As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee I have worked with my committee members on both sides of the aisle to tackle a broad portfolio of issues and compile a strong record of bipartisan accomplishments. From banning bulk data collection and protecting Americans’ privacy in the digital age to banning Internet access taxes, the House Judiciary Committee has solved some of our nation’s most difficult issues. In the 115th Congress, we intend to build on these successes and will continue to advance an agenda focused on making America stronger and more competitive.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=721 | Judiciary Committee Uncovers that USCIS Fails to Conduct Background Checks on Immigration Applicants | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today pressed Secretary Jeh Johnson on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) failure to ensure immigration benefits applicants have received full background checks prior to approval of their applications.The House Judiciary Committee received from a confidential source an email that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Associate Director for the Field Operations Directorate sent to agency staff on November 29, 2016. In the email, he states that an issue had been identified with the key background system used to vet immigration benefits applicants and that proper background checks have not been run on certain applications. He further states that the agency is uncertain about the scope of the problem.In his letter to Secretary Johnson, Chairman Goodlatte demands answers from USCIS and DHS about the problems with the background check system, potential security risks, and what is being done to immediately resolve the problem.Below is Chairman Goodlatte’s letter. The signed letter can be found here.December 2, 2016Dear Secretary Johnson, I write regarding background checks for foreign nationals seeking immigration benefits and the seeming lack of ability of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure the completion of such background checks prior to approval of immigration benefits applications. Specifically, on the morning of November 29, 2016, the Associate Director for the Field Operations Directorate at USCIS, sent an email to USCIS regional and district officials as well as USCIS leadership and senior officials, stating “Effective immediately offices are instructed not to approve or oath any naturalization cases in ELIS. We have identified an issue with FBI Name Checks initiated through ELIS. At this point we are not confident that proper FBI Name Checks have been run on certain ELIS cases. At this point we are uncertain of the scope of the problem….” The email went on to require that any scheduled naturalization… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-defense-bill-comstock-heller-service-member-job-training | House Passes Defense Bill with ComstockHeller Service Member Job Training Amendment | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) released the below statement after the House passed a conference report to accompany S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 by a bipartisan vote of 375-34. The legislation included two of the Congresswoman’s amendments including one that she worked on with Senator Heller. “This bipartisan NDAA includes an amendment that I worked on with Nevada Senator Dean Heller to support service members who are transitioning out of the military by providing better access to job training programs. These initiatives foster a smoother transition for outgoing members of our military as they look to build a new career,” said Congresswoman Barbara Comstock. “Our men and women in uniform have sacrificed much for us, and this is just one of the ways we can repay them for their service to our country. I look forward to seeing this provision go to work for our veterans. I have numerous businesses and groups in my district, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s Veteran Employment Initiative and this provision can assist them.” “As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I remain focused on ensuring our nation’s members of the military returning from duty receive the access to resources they need to transition smoothly into civilian life. This means allowing service members to participate in civilian job and employment training, including apprenticeships and internships. These important opportunities can be seized before members leave the military so they are able to be fully-trained and equipped with skillsets employers are seeking,” said Senator Dean Heller. Congresswoman Comstock went on to say: “Our troops make sacrifices daily so that we may remain safe, and this legislation gives them more certainty with the largest boost in pay in six years at 2.1 percent. For over 50 years, Congress has worked across the aisle to annually reauthorize this important legislation, ensuring a strong nati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398651 | Griffith Statement on Roe Chairmanship | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Today, my friend and colleague, Congressman Phil Roe, who represents the 1st Congressional District of Tennessee, was recommended by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as the new Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.” “Congressman Roe and I share a large portion of the Virginia-Tennessee border, and it has always been a pleasure working with him on so many issues. I look forward to supporting Congressman Roe on this critical post at tomorrow’s Conference meeting and subsequently working with him in his new role as Chairman on important Veterans’ Affairs issues.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=299 | Rep. Brat on Passage of 21st Century Cures Act | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act H.R. 34, which funds the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives and the fight against opioid abuse: “I represent all my constituents and their interests in Washington, and I am particularly sensitive to their needs when I am called to vote. While this bill helps fund cures for thousands of diseases including cancer and Alzheimer’s, and provides funds to fight the opioid epidemic, it leaves members with a Faustian bargain. This 996 page bill is a cynical ploy engineered by D.C. lobbyists to pit very serious diseases and concerns, some of which do have legitimate need for Federal funds, against fiscal responsibility and sanity. Over the past several months, I have met with many parents who have lost their children to the ravages of vicious diseases and to the nightmare of the heroin epidemic. I have heroic sheriffs in my district who are creating programs to rehabilitate addicts in their prisons virtually out of thin air and lack the Federal help they need. All my constituents deserve their interests heard in Washington, and there is no question that funds are needed for the fight. At the same time, those funds should have flowed through the regular order process. Despite my persistent advocacy, we did not pass a budget this year, and failed to pass all the spending bills. Last year when this legislation was brought up for a floor vote, it was set on auto-pilot spending. I introduced an amendment to move funding for this legislation back into the budget and subject to appropriations , according to regular order. This bill does that; but it authorizes $6 billion in discretionary spending that will not be subject to scoring by the Congressional Budget Office. The Cures Act also creates a spending account for the FDA and NIH that is not subject to the budgetary caps. Its spending is structured in a convoluted and disingenuous way, relying on bogus savings that do not exist. For instance, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398650 | Griffith Statement on 21st Century Cures Act | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Today the House of Representatives voted on the revised 21st Century Cures Act (House Amendment to Senate Amendment to H.R. 34 ), which passed 392-26. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is a co-sponsor of the original bill (H.R. 6) that passed the House in July, 2015. Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: “The 21st Century Cures Act facilitates the discovery of new treatments for patients with rare diseases that currently have no cure. Further, the bill cuts out bureaucratic red tape in order to help speed up the approval of these medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and biological treatments.” “In addition, the bill has several aspects that are important to patients and families in the Ninth District, including grants to the states to help combat the opioid epidemic and reforms to improve our mental health system.” “I am pleased with provisions that allow the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to streamline the approval of regenerative therapeutic products and encourage the FDA to identify opportunities for accelerated approval without lowering the current standards of evidence. Regenerative medicine involves cutting-edge technology that has the ability to repair tissues and organs, or regenerate cells. If a drug shows potential to treat or cure a serious or life-threatening disease, the bill facilitates a program for expedited review.” “The bill requires new federal spending, but Congress has identified ways to fund the research. Although this means the money can’t be spent in other ways, research to cure rare diseases that currently have no cure, I believe, is an appropriate use of federal funding.” “While the private sector does undertake their own medical research and development, they focus on treatments and cures that can be sold on a large scale. The federal government must spearhead the research for treatments for rare conditions or cures for diseases that may only affect a few thousand people.” Background: 21st Century Cures brings our health ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/landmark-21st-century-cures-act-passes-house | Landmark 21st Century Cures Act Passes House | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House-Senate negotiated 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House by a vote of 392 to 26. The legislation will now go to the Senate for final approval before being sent to the president for signature: “The 21st Century Cures Act is a game changer in medical innovation in the fight for cures of chronic diseases. This legislation will help the United States lead the way in medical research and brings hope to patients with cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions as we fight to find new cures. The 21st Century Cures Act brings together both public and private investment toward medical research, while streamlining the testing and approval process that will lead to new lifesaving treatments getting to patients faster. We must unleash medical innovation across the country to save lives, and this bill does just that. Northern Virginia is home to the Inova Schar Cancer Institute which is ranked in the nation’s top ten percent of cancer centers and the world class research being done there will be helped by the passage of this legislation. “Childhood cancer has devastated families throughout the country and the 21st Century Cures Act includes $1.8 billion for cancer research, $1 billion of which will support the Cancer Moonshot over the next three years. Two families I know in the Tenth District have been personally touched by childhood cancer, having lost children to cancer. The Miller family, who lost their daughter Gabriella, and the Giordano family, who lost their son Mathias, have made it their mission to bring awareness and research dollars to the types of cancers that took their own children and this legislation is a big step forward for more resources to stamp out childhood cancers. “Another issue that our community sees the effects of daily is opioid abuse. $1 billion in the 21st Century Cures Act will be used to fight this disease that has taken so many vic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=718 | Goodlatte Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Crime Victims’ Rights | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | The House of Representatives today approved by voice vote an amended version of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S. 2577) to strengthen crime victims’ rights. The bipartisan, bicameral bill – authored by Representative Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) – builds on the Justice for All Act of 2004 to improve the criminal justice system and ensure public confidence in it. It strengthens crime victims’ rights and programs by increasing access to restitution for federal crime victims. The Justice for All Reauthorization Act also further reduces the rape kit backlog and provides resources for forensic labs, while protecting the innocent by improving access to post-conviction DNA testing. It also improves these programs by increasing accountability for federal funds to protect taxpayer dollars. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, praised today’s approval of the bill:“For over a decade, the Justice for All Act has done a tremendous amount of good to improve our nation’s criminal justice system and strengthen crime victims’ rights. I am pleased the House has reauthorized and improved the Justice for All Act to further this good work, such as reducing the rape kit backlog so that victims are able to reclaim and rebuild their lives, and providing law enforcement resources to identify the guilty and free the innocent. I thank Representative Poe for his tireless work on these important issues and call on the Senate to swiftly pass the amended bill and send it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.” Watch Congressman Goodlatte’s floor speech in support of this legislation by clicking here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=719 | Goodlatte Presses DHS for Information on Two Men Convicted of Plotting with ISIS | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson for information on two men convicted in the United States for conspiring with ISIS. In June 2016, Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi were convicted of conspiring to provide material support for ISIS, along with other terrorism-related and fraud charges, and recently sentenced to imprisonment for 30 years. Both men used social media to discuss terrorist attacks and expressed a desire to die as martyrs. Some media reports indicate that Elhuzayel is a citizen of Israel and a naturalized citizen of the United States, while others reflect that he was born in the United States. According to reports, Badawi is a citizen of Sudan. Both were residents of Anaheim, California at the time of their arrests.In his letter to Secretary Johnson, Chairman Goodlatte calls on DHS to provide Elhuzayel and Badawi’s immigration and criminal histories to the House Judiciary Committee in order to understand how they became radicalized and whether there were indicators of their radicalization that DHS should have been aware of prior to their arrest. Chairman Goodlatte’s letter to Secretary Johnson is below.November 29, 2016The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528Dear Secretary Johnson:Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi were convicted of conspiring to provide material support for ISIS, along with other terrorism-related and fraud charges June 21, 2016. Both men were sentenced to imprisonment for 30 years on September 26 and October 19, respectively. Their plot involved facilitating Elhuzayel’s travel abroad to join ISIS fighters. Both used social media to discuss terrorist attacks and expressed a desire to die as martyrs.Some media reports indicate that Elhuzayel is a citizen of Israel and a naturalized citizen of the United States, while others reflect that he was born in the United States. According to reports, Badawi is a citizen of Sudan. Bo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-statement-death-fidel-castro | Rep. Comstock Statement On The Death Of Fidel Castro | 2016-11-26 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro:“Upon the death of one of the most brutal dictators of our time, may the oppression and the disregard of human rights that defined Fidel Castro’s regime, die with him." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=298 | Rep. Brat on Ruling to Block "Overtime Rule" | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after a federal judge granted a nationwide preliminary injunction against the Department of Labor’s unlawful new Overtime Rule:"I applaud the court's decision to block the implementation of this disastrous job-killing regulation. Businesses here in the 7th District and around the nation will now have time while we work towards repealing the rule entirely. This onerous regulation would more than double the salary threshold for an employee to be entitled to overtime pay, forcing small businesses to substantially increase their employment costs. This overreaching and reckless regulation would have had major consequences for job flexibility and job creation - hurting the people it was purportedly trying to help.""As a proud cosponsor of the bi-partisan Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, I took the lead on efforts to help protect small businesses from executive overreach. With the strong support of the House Freedom Caucus we were able to fight successfully for the delay of the rule's implementation until its true costs and legality can be fully understood. With this great news, small businesses will stay alive and have a chance to thrive in an economy that offers more opportunities for struggling American families."### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=717 | RFS Reform Leaders Respond to Ethanol Mandate Hike | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement in response the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release today of final annual mandatory blending volumes for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): “Forcing more ethanol into the market – while hurting consumers, food producers, and small engines across the nation – is not the solution. While well-intentioned, it has been clear for some time now that the RFS is a broken policy. The EPA’s action today ignores basic economic and scientific facts, and sets the industry on a path that will be disastrous for families, small businesses and retailers, the agriculture community, food aid organizations, and the environment. Announcing higher fuel volumes for 2017 only emphasizes the unfairness of this mandate, and the need for Congress to step in and stop the harmful impacts. There are several good solutions on the table in the House to help lessen the effects of the ethanol mandate, including the RFS Reform Act, which we have introduced. Reforming the RFS remains a priority, and we will continue working to see a legislative fix move forward in Congress.”The RFS Reform Act (H.R. 704) eliminates corn-based ethanol requirements, caps the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent, and requires the EPA to set cellulosic biofuels levels at production levels. Today’s announcement by the EPA sets ethanol levels above the blend wall, the point at which many small engines can safely use ethanol blended gasoline. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398649 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.23.16 | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Words of Thanksgiving At Thanksgiving, it is good to remember our history for which we give thanks. Throughout American history, Presidents have spoken on America’s good fortune and given thanks to our Creator. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, as a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” dedicated to “the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, and that will be.” Later, President Lincoln designated the final Thursday in November as a national “day of Thanksgiving and praise.” The year was 1863, and despite the war that raged he proclaimed America would “set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Lincoln also asked “the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.” One hundred years after President Lincoln’s words, President John F. Kennedy reflected on the words of Washington and Lincoln, and issued moving words of his own, saying: “Today we give our thanks, most of all, for the ideals of honor and faith we inherit from our forefathers--for the decency of purpose, steadfastness of resolve and strength of will, for the courage and the humility, which they possessed and which we must seek every day to emulate. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” His proclamation also recognized Virginia, noting “over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and Massachusetts, far from home, in a lonely wilderness set aside a time of Thanksgiving. They gave thanks for their safety, the health of their children, the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together and for the faith which united them with their God.” The reason he mentioned Virginia is that the firs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-statement-emergency-injunction-against-department-labor-s | Rep. Comstock Statement On The Emergency Injunction Against The Department Of Labors Overtime Rule | 2016-11-23 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency injunction against the Labor Department’s overtime rule:“The emergency injunction in this lawsuit sends a strong message to the Administration that it cannot rush rules like this that will hurt our workers and jobs. We regularly talk with business owners and employees throughout the 10th District and they raise concerns about the misguided regulations this Administration has imposed without any input from Congress and that have unintended consequences and cause uncertainty. Workers will now have more certainty in their jobs as they put in the work necessary to build a career, and, in many cases, companies of their own.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=715 | Goodlatte, Grassley Seek Immigration & Criminal History of Individual Charged in Roadside Rape | 2016-11-22 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairmen Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are requesting the immigration and criminal histories of a man charged in the brutal roadside rape near Fredericksburg, Va., in October.Roberto Carlos Flores Sibrian was arrested November 17, and charged with rape and aggravated sexual battery after he allegedly struck the vehicle of a woman with his car, dragged the driver into a ditch, and raped her for two hours. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly issued an immigration detainer for Sibrian, which seeks cooperation with local authorities to prevent Sibrian from being released back into the public.In a letter today to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Grassley and Goodlatte are requesting Sibrian’s full immigration and criminal background, including when and how he entered the United States, whether he has been previously deported, and whether he applied for or received any immigration benefits. The chairmen are also asking for details on Sibrian’s previous encounters with law enforcement and immigration authorities, arrest history, and any gang affiliations. Finally, the chairmen are asking whether Sibrian would have been considered an enforcement priority under the Obama Administration’s Priority Enforcement Program prior to the rape charges, what steps federal officials will take if local law enforcement refuses to honor the federal detainer, and whether federal officials have contacted the victims of the alleged crimes committed by Sibrian.The Chairmen’s letter to Johnson follows:November 22, 2016The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528Dear Secretary Johnson:We write to request case information on Roberto Carlos Flores Sibrian, reportedly an alien illegally present in the United States, who allegedly brutally raped a woman near Fredericksburg, Virginia on October 31. According to reports, Sibrian allegedly dragged a woman from her car into a ditch and raped her for two hours aft… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398648 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December | 2016-11-22 | 2016 | 2016-11 | 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. December 1, 2016 Lee County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room – Suite U101 33640 Main Street Jonesville, VA Martinsville: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Norton: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA December 6, 2016 Tazewell County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm American Legion Building 226 Central Avenue Tazewell, 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 December 7, 2016 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 December 8, 2016 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. Grayson Street Galax, VA December 13, 2016 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: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Town Hall 114 N. B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=714 | Goodlatte Statement on President-Elect Trump’s Attorney General Selection | 2016-11-21 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, made the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Senator Jeff Sessions to be U.S. Attorney General: “I congratulate Senator Sessions on his nomination by President-elect Trump to be the next Attorney General. Our nation’s top law enforcement officer has a solemn duty to ensure the rule of law and protect the American people by executing our laws impartially and fully. These core principles have come under attack the past eight years and must be restored at the Justice Department.“Upon confirmation by the Senate, I look forward to working with Mr. Sessions to enforce the rule of law, administer justice fairly without giving special treatment to the politically well-connected, and find solutions to the problems facing our nation’s criminal justice system.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-statement-opioid-addiction-being-declared-public-health | Rep. Comstock Statement on Opioid Addiction Being Declared a Public Health Emergency in Virginia | 2016-11-21 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after opioid addiction was declared a Public Health Emergency in Virginia by the state Health Commissioner: “Whether it is a friend, a neighbor, or a loved one, addiction does not discriminate against who it harms and we must work as a community to take the opioid crisis head-on. This epidemic reaches across all socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups. With the state Health Commissioner declaring opioid addiction a Public Health Emergency for the Commonwealth today, an even greater spotlight will be put on this crisis in the months ahead. Both as a Delegate and now in Congress I have been working with our community and for legislative responses to battle the scourge of addiction. As a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, I worked with my colleagues to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which addresses education and prevention, treatment and services, and interdiction of these deadly drugs. We must utilize all avenues available to us, and this Public Health Emergency declaration is yet another step toward stamping out the disease of addiction.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398647 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.20.16 | 2016-11-20 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Reasons for the Electoral College Every four years, American news is dominated by the presidential election. Pundits and analysts play up the drama, predict the outcome of the Electoral College, and endlessly analyze the results. Discussions of this year’s results are unavoidable. Since the Republican candidate won the election, yet lost the popular vote by less than one percent, speculation has started on the purpose of the Electoral College. Only five times in our nation’s 228 year history of electing a President have the results of the Electoral College not aligned with the winner of the popular vote (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016.) Each time this has occurred, the losing party begins the complaints. The Electoral College was designed by our Founding Fathers at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, to be sure the President was elected by a federation of “States” and to maintain a balance of power between all of the “States.” At the Constitutional Convention, several methods of electing a President were considered. The Founders were constantly aware of the dangers of consolidated power, and had the incredible foresight to devise a system which distributed power. The Electoral College was created to balance state and federal powers, and most importantly provide a voice to all “States” – not just the most populous. At the time of the creation of our nation, the smaller states worried about the largest states of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts ruling over all the rest. Without the establishment of the Electoral College to prevent this outcome, the Union would have never been formed. Each “State” was allotted two electors, in addition to the number of members the state has in the House of Representatives (based on population.) Today, the electoral votes per state range from the smallest of 3 to the most for California at 55. To win the Presidency, a candidate must win a majority of 270 of 538 electoral votes. Therefore, even under the Electoral College, winning California gives a c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=286 | House Votes for Relief from Last-Minute Regulations | 2016-11-17 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, to increase oversight of the overreaching regulations that are often issued during a president’s final months in office:"With this bill, we are beginning to peel back the mountains of regulations that have had disastrous consequences for millions of Americans. The Obama administration has made a habit of creating burdensome rules and regulations through executive action that had disastrous economic consequences. The first five years the Obama Administration added 17,522 pages of regulations. No administration, Republican or Democrat, should have that legislative authority. From the overtime rule, to the Waters of the United States rule, the fiduciary rule, the joint-employer rule, and many, many others, businesses have been crushed, jobs lost and the United States economy become stagnant. This bill grants much-needed regulatory relief that will help millions of Americans and small businesses.”A midnight rule or regulation is one that is issued by the executive branch just before an outgoing president leaves office in an effort to push through their final priorities. The Midnight Rules Relief Act amends the Congressional Review Act to allow joint resolutions of disapproval of "midnight regulations" en bloc. The joint resolutions could include regulations that were submitted to Congress for review within 60 days prior to the departure of an outgoing administration. Under current law, Congress may only disapprove regulations one at a time.Over the last eight years, the Obama administration has used new regulations without Congressional approval, many of which cost over $100 million per year."The impact of these rules and regulations on small businesses cannot be understated. I will continue to promote policies that create jobs and spur economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens," said Rep. Brat.Rep. Brat has a 100% score with NFIB, America's leading small business association.### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=713 | Goodlatte Praises Passage of Bill to Stop Midnight Rules | 2016-11-17 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement upon the House’s passage of the Midnight Rules Relief Act (H.R. 5982) by a vote of 240-179:“President Obama’s regulatory agenda has already cost hardworking Americans hundreds of billions of dollars over the last eight years. Now, the president expects Americans to cover an additional burden of at least an estimated $113 billion in new regulatory costs imposed during the final months of the Obama Administration. “The new regulations President Obama intends to force upon the American people are partisan, costly, and overly broad. These regulations are in the fast lane for approval, without sufficient transparency or the proper time for the American people to comment and have their views taken fully into account. The practice of midnight regulation does a disservice to the American people, and today’s action by Congress stops abuse of this practice.”Background: The Midnight Rules Relief Act creates a rapid-response method for Congress to overturn an outgoing presidential administration’s attempts to impose major regulations without the transparency and scrutiny expected in normal regulatory implementation. The bill specifically amends the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to allow Congress to overturn multiple midnight rules and empowers Congress to more quickly stop midnight rules which are truly problematic – such as those that defy the message sent by the voters or those that have been poorly designed in the haste of the midnight rule period.VIDEO: Congressman Goodlatte speaks on the House floor in support of the Midnight Rules Relief Act.Click here to learn more about the bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398646 | Griffith Introduces Bill to Limit the Use of the Judgement Fund | 2016-11-17 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced a bill to prevent the Obama Administration from potentially bailing out insurance companies by limiting the use of the Justice Department’s Judgement Fund (H.R.6339 – To limit the use of the Judgement Fund to settle any lawsuit arising under section 1342 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and for other purposes.) Background: The Risk Corridor program was designed as protection for insurance companies who lost money in the Obamacare exchanges. Fees were paid into the program by the participating insurance companies. Then, the program was intended to reimburse insurance companies who lost money through participation in the exchanges. The fees were intended to compensate for any and all losses. However, for the first year of the program, 2014, when the insurance companies made their claims, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), estimated the funds available would only provide insurers with 12.6% of the requested funds. This resulted in a shortfall of over 2 billion dollars, and insurance companies are suing for the full amount. Congress required these payments be budget neutral, meaning CMS could only pay out what it took in from the fees, but there is speculation the Judgement Fund will be used to pay the insurance companies the 2 billion requested, without the consent of Congress. Although the court cases are not yet finished, one judge rejected the insurance company’s claim that the federal government owes the plaintiffs the full amount lost under the program. Congressman Griffith said: “I asked Acting Administrator of CMS, Andy Slavitt, if the federal government was obligated to pay insurance companies who lost money from Obamacare the full amount they lost, through the Risk Corridor Program. After stumbling, Slavitt said, ‘Yes. It’s an obligation of the federal government.’ I was concerned with his response, since the fund is over 2 billion dollars short. Furthermore, he implied they are working with the Justice Department… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=711 | Goodlatte Applauds Committee Passage of Bill to Promote Transparency in Government Settlements | 2016-11-16 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Constitution and Civil Justice Subcommittee Chairman Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) released the following statement following today’s Committee passage of the Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2015 (H.R. 1669) by a voice vote:“When hardworking Americans pay their taxes, they expect their money to be used by the government in an honest and open manner in order to fund government agencies and programs.“Information currently available about payments made from the Judgment Fund lacks sufficient details for the public and Congress to effectively search. This problem was recently highlighted by the lack of information surrounding the Administration’s recent settlement with Iran. In addition to its power of the purse, it is Congress’s prerogative to ensure that the public is informed of government expenditures. This bill does just that.“Greater transparency to the Judgment Fund will allow the American people to understand how the government is using their funds, and determine whether or not they are being used wisely.”Background: The Judgment Fund was originally set up to provide a mechanism for the federal government to pay damages to parties, in a timely manner, who have been harmed by the federal government. The purpose of the Judgment Fund is thus a good one, but the administration of it must be more transparent. The use of the Judgment Fund has come under recent scrutiny when monies from the fund were used in a settlement with Iran, which lacked proper transparency and clear reporting to the American public.H.R. 1669, the Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2015, requires the Department of the Treasury to disclose details after payments are made from the Judgment Fund, which is a permanent and indefinite appropriation to pay final judgments and settlements against the United States. Unless the disclosure is prohibited by law or a court order, Treasury must make available to the public on a website information regarding the claim, including, among other things, the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=710 | Goodlatte Statement on Secret Service Inspector General Report | 2016-11-15 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report finding that the U.S. Secret Service has taken action to address the recommendations of the Protective Mission Panel made in December 2014 following the White House fence-jumping incident:“I am encouraged that leadership at the United States Secret Service has taken a number of steps to implement the recommendations made by the Protective Mission Panel. The Secret Service has a critical duty to ensure the safety of the President, White House personnel and the historic grounds, and there can be no room for error. In particular, the Secret Service faced many demands during the presidential election cycle, and I commend them for their excellent work. “The Secret Service must continue to implement reforms so that it restores itself as a dynamic agency in thwarting threats made against the President of the United States. I look forward to continue working with the Secret Service to make necessary improvements at the agency and also call on the Senate to pass the Secret Service Improvements Act so that the agency has the resources it needs to meet its mission.” Additional Background: In July 2015, the House of Representatives approved the Secret Service Improvements Act of 2015 (H.R. 1656). This bipartisan bill – authored by Congressman Bob Goodlatte – reforms the United States Secret Service, provides much needed resources to enhance agents’ training, strengthens security at the White House, and improves transparency and accountability at the agency. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-passage-caesar-syria-civilian-protection-act | Rep. Comstock On Passage of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act | 2016-11-15 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House passed by voice vote H.R. 5732, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a bill that she cosponsored to impose sanctions on individuals who have perpetrated war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Syrian people: “I thank my colleagues for supporting this bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions on those perpetuating the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis in Syria. The horrors Bashar al-Assad and his despotic regime continue to commit against the people of Syria necessitate serious action. The Administration has blocked these sanctions for far too long and I am pleased that Republicans and Democrats came together today to take a stand against the Assad Regime and its allies in response to years of atrocities committed against the Syrian people.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=284 | Rep. Brat on Speaker Election | 2016-11-14 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement ahead of Tuesday's internal GOP leadership elections:"The American people just sent a bold message to the Washington elites - it's time for Congress to put the American people first. Like last year, I ask for clear, unambiguous answers on how the candidates for Speaker will pursue the agenda the American people voted for. I am happy to vote for anyone who does so. I will not vote for anyone who does not have this agenda on paper for the American people to see. That is what the people I represent demand and deserve."Rep. Brat (R-Va.) wrote an op-ed discussing his thoughts on the upcoming Speaker election. You can read the op-ed by clicking here.### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398645 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.14.16 | 2016-11-14 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Midnight Regulations In the popular fairytale of Cinderella, the Princess has a golden carriage and a fancy ball gown, only until the clock strikes midnight. After midnight, it turns back to a pumpkin and she becomes the house maiden once again.Similarly, after presidential elections conclude, the outgoing President has a limited number of days remaining with control of agencies that can produce new regulations. Historically, as the President’s clock ticks closer to midnight, a flurry of new regulations are hastily released, before he and his administration turn back to regular citizens.These regulations are often overly broad, expensive, and can be used to override the will of the voters. The outgoing administration can force through an agenda that they were unable to generate the support to pass in a law. In our great nation, legislation is meant to be debated and voted on by the legislators, who are held accountable to the people they represent. Passing legislation is not achieved through a ‘pen and a phone’ or the wave of a wand.The week of November 14, the House of Representatives will vote on the Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016 (H.R. 5982). This bipartisan bill, from the Judiciary Committee, amends the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and “creates a rapid-response method for Congress to overturn an outgoing presidential administration’s attempts to impose major regulations without the transparency and scrutiny expected in normal regulatory implementation.”The CRA “…is an oversight tool Congress can use to overturn certain agency actions. The CRA requires agencies to report the issuance of ‘rules’ to Congress and provides Congress with special procedures under which to consider legislation to overturn rules, in the form of a joint resolution of disapproval. ... If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses and signed by the President, or if Congress overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect.”Additionally, “When a CRA joint d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398494 | Griffith Honors Americas Veterans | 2016-11-11 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement paying tribute to Americas veterans: I am reminded this time each year that Veterans Day was established following the end of World War I, which many idealistically hoped would be the war to end all wars. Unfortunately, as we now know, World War I was not the last conflict of this nature. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed November 11 would commemorate Armistice Day, recognizing the official end of World War I with the signing of the First Armistice. Armistice Day was to be a day filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the countrys service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations Armistice Day was made a national holiday by Congress in 1938, before World War II, which required a significant mobilization of American forces. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day, a day on which we honor American veterans of all wars. Today, Veterans Day, is a day to pay tribute to the generations of men and women who have selflessly served our great nation in our Armed Forces. I thank our nations veterans and those who are currently serving for their commitment to freedom and liberty. May God bless them and their families, and may God bless these United States. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398644 | Griffith Statement Honoring America's Veterans | 2016-11-11 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Friday, November 11, 2016 – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement honoring America’s veterans for their sacrifice and dedication to our country: “In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I ended. Based on the terrible bloodshed and destruction, it was hoped that it would be the “war to end all wars.” Although it was not the world’s final war, November 11 became a national holiday to recognize those who have sacrificed for our country and served in the military.” “All Americans can celebrate and honor our veterans together - Republicans, Democrats, Green Party, Libertarians, and others. At times our differences seem profound. But the dedication to our great nation rises above all.” “Like brothers who occasionally fight, when confronted with an outside threat, we are united in defending one another.” “Though veterans hail from all walks of life, with differing races, religious beliefs, and political views, they fight side by side to defend our freedoms, granted by God and protected in the Constitution of these United States.” “I am grateful to the men and women who have served our country, and those who continue to do so. The sacrifices made to defend our freedoms must never be forgotten.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=709 | Goodlatte Calls on Director Comey to Answer Questions Clouding the Clinton Investigation | 2016-11-07 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | share: f t House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today called on FBI Director James Comey to answer many questions raised by his vague letter to congressional committees that he is not altering the conclusion he previously reached regarding Secretary Clinton’s mishandling of classified information.In his letter to Director Comey, Chairman Goodlatte asks if the FBI found any classified emails in its review of reportedly 650,000 emails in connection to the investigation of Anthony Weiner, if the FBI found any emails pertinent to the Clinton investigation that were not previously disclosed by Secretary Clinton or her associates, and whether the FBI intends to disclose the new emails it reviewed to Congress. “Our laws must be fairly and evenly enforced, regardless of power or position,” writes Chairman Goodlatte. “However, today, there is a perception among the American people that the FBI and DOJ’s actions during the Clinton investigation have tarnished their time-honored reputations for fair and equal application of the law. Transparency and responsiveness to these questions can help renew the public’s faith that future decisions concerning Secretary Clinton, or any other public official, are not governed by politics, but instead, are grounded in law and pursued based on the facts.” Below is the text of Chairman Goodlatte’s letter and the signed copy can be found here. November 7, 2016The Honorable James B. Comey Director Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 20535 Dear Director Comey:Yesterday, you informed Congress that you are not altering the conclusion you previously reached regarding Secretary Clinton’s mishandling of classified information. I appreciate the hard work that FBI personnel undoubtedly put in over the last week to review a reported 650,000 new emails found in connection with your investigation into former Congressman Anthony Weiner. However, notwithstanding the efforts of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398643 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.4.16 | 2016-11-04 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Restore the Historic Filibuster True or False: The American government is a majority-rule Republic based on democratic principles, as stated in the Constitution and taught in school. Maybe. Maybe not. In the U.S. Senate, this is currently false! Due to the modern filibuster/cloture hold rules (hereinafter referred to as a filibuster), it takes a supermajority to even bring a bill up for debate. Once dubbed the “greatest deliberative body in the world,” today’s Senate uses secretive, technical procedures to avoid deliberation and avoid tough votes. I know the House is not perfect, but I am working to change it. In the current Congress, approximately 700 bills came out of the House and some 550 of those unattended bills died a lonely death in the dark and dusty Senate basement. The filibuster was intended to provide a Senator with an emergency brake. If an issue was important enough, a Senator could speak as long as they physically could manage, unless a supermajority ended the debate. However, the modern filibuster was established by rules changes in the 1970s. The new rule allows any member to begin the filibuster process with a secret hold, with no physical presence. Without a supermajority of 60 votes, the hold remains and the legislation dies. In the meantime, the Senator performing the “filibuster” can head to their favorite steak house, attend a fancy fundraiser, or go home. And legislatively, nothing is getting done. I do not advocate eliminating the filibuster, but I do support a return to the historical process that existed prior to the 1970s, when a filibuster required the physical presence of a Senator. When the rule was first changed in the 1970s, it was not abused. But starting in the late 1990s or early 2000s, both parties have abused the modern filibuster process. It is my opinion that Senators in the 1970s tired of the required physical presence required to filibuster, and agreed to the new rules with an understanding that it wouldn’t be abused. At first it wasn’t, bu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=705 | Goodlatte, Grassley, Gowdy, Sessions Call on Obama Administration to Stop Border Surge | 2016-11-03 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Immigration and Border Security Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), and Immigration and The National Interest Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to take immediate action to stop the ongoing surge of illegal immigration at the southwest border that is overwhelming federal agencies and to brief lawmakers on the Department’s efforts to address it. Numerous media reports indicate that the ongoing border surge is a large-scale effort to enter the United States before this year’s presidential election. Tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors and family units from Central America continue to pour across the border. Additionally, thousands of Haitians and Africans are arriving at the border and claiming asylum. As the number of apprehensions by the Border Patrol has climbed sharply over the past year, it has put a strain on resources and the Obama Administration has failed to prudently manage detention capacity and resources, resulting in the release of many of these aliens into the United States.In their letter to Secretary Johnson, the chairmen call on DHS to take immediate action to quell the surge at the border and enforce our nation’s immigration laws. They also request a briefing to learn about what steps the Department is taking to address this pressing issue. To date, the Department has been reluctant to timely provide information to the committees of jurisdiction. Full letter can be viewed here or below.November 3, 2016The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528Dear Secretary Johnson:We write requesting that you take immediate action and mobilize all available resources of the Department to stop the ongoing surge of illegal immigration at the southwest border, which is overwhelming the Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Numerous … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=706 | Goodlatte & Chaffetz Call on DOJ to Preserve All Clinton Investigation Documents | 2016-11-03 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) today called on the Department of Justice again to preserve all documents related to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server.Last week, Director James Comey notified Congress that the FBI was investigating a new source of emails related to the Clinton email server investigation. It is reported that these new sources of emails are previously-unexamined devices from Huma Abedin, Secretary Clinton’s advisor, and her husband, Anthony Weiner. Reports also suggest that these emails number 650,000 and are from multiple devices related to the FBI’s investigation of Mr. Weiner’s interactions with teenaged girls. In their letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Chairmen Goodlatte and Chaffetz call on the Justice Department once again to preserve all documents related to the initial Clinton investigation and to preserve the newly discovered documents found on devices belonging to Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner. Full letter can be viewed here or below.November 3, 2016The Honorable Loretta Lynch Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20530Dear Madam Attorney General:We write to supplement our previous request that you preserve all documents referring or relating to Secretary Clinton’s use of a personal email server. On October 28, 2016, Director Comey notified Congress that the FBI was investigating a new source of emails related to the Clinton email server investigation. Subsequent reports indicate that these new sources of emails are previously-unexamined devices from Huma Abedin, Secretary Clinton’s advisor, and her husband, Anthony Weiner. Reports also suggest that these emails number 650,000 and are from multiple devices related to the FBI’s criminal investigation of Mr. Weiner.As the respective Chairmen of the committee of jurisdiction over the Department of Justice and the F… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398642 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.31.16 | 2016-10-31 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Foundations of Farming and Forestry Recently, I highlighted ways nations build wealth – make it, mine it, or grow it. This week, I highlight the third way to build wealth. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) lists agriculture as our Commonwealth’s largest private industry. The economic impact of agriculture and forestry is $70 billion a year and provides 415,000 jobs in the state. Furthermore, these jobs each support another 1.6 jobs in the state economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s most recent data, as of 2012, counties in the Ninth District are home to farms with livestock such as cattle, lamb, and poultry that mostly produce eggs. In August, among other places, I toured Green Valley Poultry Farm - Dutt and Wagner, a family farm processing an average of 680,000 eggs a day. I also visited the award-winning cattle farm, Hillwinds Farm in Dublin. The Ninth is also home to alpacas, horses and other equine, emu, geese, goat, hogs, llamas, ostriches, rabbits, sheep, and tilapia. We also produce products such as apples, apricot, asparagus, beets, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, kiwifruit, lettuce, melons, mushrooms, nectarines, onions, okra, peas, pears, peaches, peppers, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, soybeans, squash, spinach, strawberries, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and turnips. In fact, Carroll County is Virginia’s largest pumpkin producer, according to Agriculture in the Classroom. Farmers in this region also grow grains, nuts, flowers, and Christmas trees. Further, we harvest honey and maple syrup. Although many people don’t realize it, forestry is also a way to generate wealth through growing. Coincidently, the third week in October is National Forest Products Week. Forestry provides jobs and income to many, including jobs at WestRock in Covington and Henry County. In addition to jobs, forestry products play an important role in our day-to-day lives, filling a variety of needs … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=273 | Rep. Brat on FBI Investigation of Hillary Clinton: 'No One is Above the Law' | 2016-10-28 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after the announcement that the FBI is going to review "pertinent" emails to the investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's private server:"I am glad the FBI has chosen to review new evidence in its investigation of Hillary Clinton. The American people are desperate to see her face the consequences that any other person who mishandled classified information would face. Today's decision was a small step in returning faith in our system. No one -- no matter their last name, or how powerful or influential -- is above the law.""Our enemies likely gained access to the classified information Clinton so recklessly placed on her home brew server, and Americans serving overseas were very likely put in jeopardy," said Rep. Brat. "This is reprehensible, and I am thankful for the work of Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and the rest of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.""Hillary Clinton isn't sorry for her lack of judgment and mishandling of our most sensitive information. She is only sorry for being caught. We must make sure that she experiences the same consequences for breaking the law that any other American would face." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=704 | Goodlatte Statement on the FBI’s Decision to Reopen the Clinton Investigation | 2016-10-28 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Goodlatte Statement on the FBI’s Decision to Reopen the Clinton Investigation f t # e Washington, October 28, 2016 | Beth Breeding (202-225-5431) | comments Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today issued the following statement on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Friday announcement that it has reopened its investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server to send and receive classified information: “The FBI’s decision to reopen its investigation into Secretary Clinton reinforces what the House Judiciary Committee has been saying for months: the more we learn about Secretary Clinton’s use of a private email server, the clearer it becomes that she and her associates committed wrongdoing and jeopardized national security. “Now that the FBI has reopened the matter, it must conduct the investigation with impartiality and thoroughness. The American people deserve no less and no one should be above the law.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398640 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November | 2016-10-28 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Friday, October 28, 2016 – Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of November. November 1, 2016 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 November 2, 2016 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 3, 2016 Lee County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room – Suite U101 33640 Main Street Jonesville, VA Martinsville: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Norton: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA November 9, 2016 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 10, 2016 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 Munici… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398641 | Griffith Statement on Renewed FBI Investigation of Hillary Clintons Private Email Server | 2016-10-28 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Friday, October 28, 2016 – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement after FBI Director James Comey notified Congress that he is reopening the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server: “Although it is overdue, I applaud the FBI’s reopening of its investigation of Secretary Clinton. I hope the American people get the answers they deserve. As John Adams wrote, our system of government is ‘a government of laws, and not of men.’” “No one, whether they be President of the United States or the Secretary of State, is above the law.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1069 | Wittman Statement on Marine CH-53 Investigation | 2016-10-27 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, released the following statement today after the results of an investigation into the crash of two CH-53 helicopters last January that resulted in the deaths of 12 Marines confirmed that significant readiness shortfalls contributed to the incident:“Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have always been willing to do more with less—that’s what makes them the greatest fighting force the world has ever known. But the fact is that there are human costs to ignoring our readiness shortfalls. Fewer training hours, outdated equipment, longer deployment times, and fatigue lead to incidents like the one in January and create a working environment that is unsafe for our men and women in uniform.“These kinds of problems exist across the forces, and they threaten the missions we ask our servicemen and women to undertake. Marine Corps and other leaders have been unequivocal about the readiness challenges they face, and it’s our responsibility to provide the resources necessary to buy back full-spectrum readiness. That’s my goal as Readiness Subcommittee Chairman, and it’s my hope that this Administration can put aside political gamesmanship over domestic spending and do the right thing by our military men and women.”Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=272 | #Obamascare: Rep. Brat on Massive Premium Hikes | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after the Obama administration confirmed an average increase in Obamacare premiums of over 20 percent for 2017:"Americans are already feeling the pinch in their pocketbooks, and this news simply proves what we have said all along: the so-called 'Affordable' Care Act is totally unaffordable.""President Obama promised that if you like your plan you can keep it. He said there would be an average of $2,500 reduction in premiums and that insurance would be 'stronger, better and more secure.' He promised that he wouldn't add 'one dime to our deficits' and that 'this law means more choice, more competition, lower costs for millions of Americans.' But instead of more choices, twenty one percent of Americans will have only one single insurer to 'choose' from next year. This is appalling.""In economics, we know that competition helps reduce costs, and this lack of competition puts hardworking Americans between a rock and a hard place -- they will be forced to choose between low-quality, high-cost insurance and putting food on the table for their families. Obamacare's pseudo-market is completely unsustainable."Rep. Brat has introduced legislation to provide Americans with more options and more control over their own health care choices."I will continue to fight for free-market policies that create competition and lowers costs for everyone," said Rep. Brat. "This is the number one concern I hear from my constituents and the major legislative priority Congress faces." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398639 | Griffith Statement on POWER Initiative Funding Awarded to Southwest Virginia | 2016-10-25 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Tuesday, October 25, 2016 – Congressman Morgan Griffith is pleased that tomorrow, October 26, 2016, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will announce new funding awarded to Southwest Virginia. This funding is part of the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative that awards federal funding to grow the economy of struggling coal communities by promoting workforce development, investing in new job creation, and improving reemployment opportunities for unemployed workers. Congressman Griffith’s statement on the funding: “It is my continued hope that this funding will bring much needed resources to Appalachian coal communities.” “As I continue to fight for coal industry jobs from an onslaught of regulatory attacks, I also look for any opportunity to grow the local economy and create new jobs.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=271 | Rep. Brat Earns "A" Rating from National Taxpayers Union | 2016-10-24 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after receiving an "A" rating from the National Taxpayers Union (NTU):"I am proud to receive the National Taxpayers Union 'Taxpayers' Friend Award.' Standing up for the American taxpayer has been my top priority in Congress, and I am committed to reigning in our out-of-control spending and creating a budget that actually balances."We must begin practicing real fiscal restraint and implementing specific spending reductions now, so it will be possible to balance the budget in reality. Congress is breaking its pledge to the American people on the budget caps; we’ve lost fiscal discipline, and we’re throwing it all on the next generation to pay for. It's a disaster, and we need to find the courage to restore fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and security to this great country. I will continue to work towards these objectives, because they are the priority of the American people."Representative Brat has introduced H.J.Res. 55, a bipartisan Joint Resolution to add a Balanced Budget Amendment to our Constitution. This legislation would require federal expenditures and receipts to be balanced, excluding expenditures for payment of debt and receipts derived from borrowing. This requirement may be met over more than one year to accommodate economic conditions."This legislation is absolutely critical to ensuring fiscal responsibility in Congress. We cannot continue to legislate-by-crisis where common sense is thrown out the window," said Rep. Brat."Winning the Taxpayers’ Friend award is no easy feat," said Pete Sepp, President of NTU. "It takes a daily commitment to cast principled votes that put the Americans who pay government’s bills first. Representative Brat has proven he has what it takes to help make Washington work for taxpayers again.”“Representative Brat's pro- taxpayer score of 84 percent was one of the best on all of Capitol Hill," said Sepp. "Through his consistent voting record, Representative Brat showed his colleagues the way to lower deficits, less burdenso… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=702 | Goodlatte & Conyers Statement on the Resignation of Maria Pallante | 2016-10-24 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) today issued the following joint statement after the announcement that Maria Pallante, the former Register of Copyrights, will be leaving the U.S. Copyright Office:“We are saddened to learn that Maria Pallante, who served with distinction as only the 12th Register of Copyrights and the Director of the Copyright Office for the last five years, will be leaving the Copyright Office. This will be a tremendous loss for the Copyright Office and for America’s creators, innovators, and users of copyrighted works.“We have had the pleasure of working closely with Maria over the last few years as the House Judiciary Committee conducted a comprehensive review of U.S. copyright law to determine whether the law is still working in the digital age to reward creativity and innovation. Maria has played an instrumental role in the Committee’s efforts. We have welcomed her thoughtful testimony on copyright law and policy a number of times and closely studied the reports produced by her office.“As Maria transitions from the Copyright Office, it is the perfect opportunity to examine the selection process for the new Register. America’s creativity is the envy of the world and the Copyright Office is at the center of it. We must ensure that any new Register is fully qualified to lead this important office as it continues to directly advise Congress on copyright policy and law. The new Register of Copyrights should be dedicated to protecting creative rights and modernizing the Copyright Office.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398638 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.24.16 | 2016-10-24 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Coal’s Death – Greatly Exaggerated Last week, I discussed mining as one of the ways to create wealth for a nation. Creating wealth through mining is particularly true for the Ninth District. As I mentioned, the mining industry has faced challenges, and among those, the particularly burdensome regulations on the coal industry. One third of the nation’s electricity is currently generated from coal, and future electric generation from coal is expected to remain at about 30% for Dominion Power and American Electric Power. Also, families across the Ninth District depend on jobs in the coal industry. Therefore, maintaining and restoring coal production and jobs is crucial. Emerging markets in Asia and other places in the world are increasing their use of coal, and accordingly carbon dioxide (CO2) output, at a rapid rate. It is senseless to bankrupt American coal and coal-related industries with regulations that will have little impact on CO2 emissions, since emerging economies are not likely to follow suit. Instead of regulating American businesses to extinction, I believe scientific research into new ways to burn our fossil fuels is the better approach. This is a more practical way to move forward in attempting to be more efficient and cleaner. If we lead and discover the scientific breakthroughs that make clean fossil fuel technologies affordable, we not only preserve America’s manufacturing edge, but we can export those technologies to the rest of the world and make the world a better place to live in the future. India has a lot of coal. India has a lot of poverty. India wants to have a clean environment for its people, but first they must have jobs. To have those jobs, India plans to be energy self-sufficient and to be energy self-sufficient, India must, and will, burn coal. Recognizing that the U.S is not alone on the planet, we should lead efforts to find ways to burn coal and other fossil fuels cleaner instead of continuing the war on coal that is damaging the U.S. economy and crippling much… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=701 | Goodlatte: Clinton Advisor’s Use of Laptop Made by a Chinese Company Raises National Security Concerns | 2016-10-21 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today raised concerns to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey about a top Clinton advisor’s use of laptops made by a company with long-suspected Chinese government ties and intelligence concerns to store and sort former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s emails. The latest round of documents provided by the FBI on the Clinton investigation reveals that Heather Samuelson, former White House Liaison to the State Department, used laptops manufactured by a Chinese company, Lenovo, to perform the sorting of emails to determine which of Secretary Clinton’s emails were work-related or personal. Lenovo computers, and specifically the models used by Heather Samuelson for reviewing classified emails, have been shown by the Department of Homeland Security to contain software that permits remote hacking attacks. And for a decade, the State Department has banned the use of Lenovo computers from the Department’s networks that handle classified information. In the letter to Director Comey, Chairman Goodlatte calls on him to provide detailed information about Samuelson’s use of Lenovo laptops, whether classified emails sent or received by Secretary Clinton were exploited by the Chinese government, and if anyone else with access to Secretary Clinton’s private email server used Lenovo computers. Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here.October 21, 2016 The Honorable James Comey Director Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20535 Dear Director Comey:As you know, the House Judiciary Committee is conducting a review of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into former Secretary Clinton’s use of a private email server to transmit classified information. In response to Congressional requests, the FBI has released documents relating to the investigation, including transcribed interview notes, or “302s.” Among other things, the FBI 30… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398637 | Griffith Statement on H.R.2403 | 2016-10-21 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Friday, October 21, 2016 – Congressman Morgan Griffith’s statement on the Coal Healthcare and Pension Protection Act of 2015, H.R.2403: “Protecting the health benefits and pensions of coal miners is important.” “The coal industry has been under attack by the Obama Administration, unlike any other industry. Because of these attacks, and the low price of natural gas, many coal companies have been forced either into bankruptcy or to reduce benefits including pensions. Because of these bankruptcies, historic principles established to secure some coal miners’ pensions, which date back as far as the Truman Administration, may no longer be sufficient. In order to keep our commitment to coal miners covered under such deals, I agreed to cosponsor the Coal Healthcare and Pension Protection Act of 2015, H.R.2403, in June 2015. Critics of this bill have appropriately pointed out that the funding for this bill comes from the interest on Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund money, which comes from all coal mines, not just a select few. While I am in favor of the introduced bill, there are several amendments being discussed which may make the bill better. Both the House and the Senate bills are designed to be fair to our miners and amendments may be necessary in order to achieve this overall goal. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Coal Caucus, led by Representative David McKinley (R-W.Va.), and I look forward to working with the Senate sponsor of this bill, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.).” “It is important to note that because this bill uses interest from the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund money, it does not negatively impact efforts by myself, Representative Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), and others, to pass the RECLAIM Act. The RECLAIM Act uses some Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund money in an effort to simulate economic development in the coalfields of Central Appalachia.” “While I will continue to fight unreasonable regulations that unfairly target the coal industry, I support the effort to en… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=270 | Rep. Brat Receives "A" Rating from Gun Owners of America | 2016-10-20 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after receiving an "A" rating from Gun Owners of America:"I am very proud to have earned an 'A' rating from Gun Owners of America. I have always fought to defend our God-given rights, including the right to bear arms - not just when it is convenient. The second amendment is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution because it provides the ultimate guarantee of sovereignty, and my commitment to protecting this, and all rights, is unwavering."Gun Owners of America Executive Director Erich Pratt thanked Congressman Brat for his support saying,“As the 114th Congress comes to a close, Rep. Dave Brat is clearly the most pro-gun congressman in Virginia. Brat has stood 100% in favor of gun owners’ rights. It’s refreshing to see a congressman staying true to his oath of office.”To see the scores for all of Virginia's representatives, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=699 | Goodlatte Calls for Investigation into Politicization of Clinton Email Production | 2016-10-20 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today called for an independent investigation into how and why two lawyers previously employed by a law firm representing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were hired by the State Department and then allowed to control the production of Clinton’s emails to the public and Congress. The latest round of documents provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the Clinton investigation raises many concerns about how and why Catherine Duval and Austin Evers – both of whom previously worked at Williams and Connolly, the law firm that has represented the Clintons for decades – were in charge of the document review and classification process for Secretary Clinton’s records at the State Department. In the FBI’s interview notes, it appears that both Ms. Duval and Mr. Evers had no experience working on Freedom of Information Act requests or classified records production prior to their employment at the State Department and did not follow the normal process as they worked on the production of Secretary Clinton’s records. In a letter to Department of State Inspector General Steve Linick, Chairman Goodlatte raises several concerns regarding Ms. Duval and Mr. Evers’ expertise and impartiality and calls for him to open an investigation into how and why they were hired by the State Department, how they held sensitive positions despite a lack of experience, whether they followed the appropriate processes for document declassification review, and whether they acted according to well-established procedures and policies governing State Department officials.Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here.October 20, 2016 The Honorable Steve A. Linick Inspector General U.S. Department of State Room 8100, SA-3 Washington, DC 20520Inspector General Linick,I am deeply concerned with recent reports regarding attorneys Catherine Duval and Austin Evers, and the roles they played in reviewing documents on behalf of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=698 | Goodlatte Calls on Justice Department to Investigate Undersecretary Kennedy for Violating the Law | 2016-10-18 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to investigate whether a senior State Department official violated federal public corruption laws by attempting to bribe the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).Recently disclosed FBI interview notes pertaining to the investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reveal that Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy offered to support the FBI’s efforts to place additional agents in overseas locations if the FBI would agree to declassify certain classified documents found on Secretary Clinton’s private email server related to the Benghazi attacks. Undersecretary Kennedy further stated the declassification would allow him to archive the documents “in the basement of [the State Department], never to be seen again.” This revelation is the latest controversy to surface in the investigation into Clinton’s private email server scandal. In a letter to Attorney General Lynch, Chairman Goodlatte calls on the Justice Department to investigate whether Undersecretary Kennedy violated federal laws and writes: “Undersecretary Kennedy’s attempt to barter away American national security interests for plainly political purposes is appalling, and may rise to the level of a federal crime. Decisions about how or where FBI agents should be stationed in foreign countries to help combat terrorism cannot and should not be made on the basis of anything except national security concerns.”Below is the text of the Goodlatte letter. The signed copy can be found here.October 18, 2016Dear Attorney General Lynch:As part of the House Judiciary Committee’s ongoing oversight of Secretary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State, the Justice Department (DOJ) has provided to the Committee the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) interview notes (302’s) of witnesses, suspects, and the subject of the investigation, Secretary Clinton. I remain deeply troubled by many aspects of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398636 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.17.16 | 2016-10-17 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Limestone, Granite, and Coal, Oh Mine!Last week, I highlighted manufacturing in the Ninth District, one of the ways a nation builds wealth. Mining is another way to build wealth, and across the District there are a variety of mined commodities. There is a long history of mining in our region, which has provided employment, economic growth, and a way of life. In the Ninth District, in addition to coal, there are active mining permits for a variety of substances including stone such as granite, quartzite, lime, limestone, and sandstone, clay and shale, sand and gravel, salt, as well as natural gas, according to data provided by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME), as of April 2016. Virginia has an interesting and unique geological history, particularly in Southwest Virginia. Over time, geological events have left opportunities for us to mine and develop these rocks into much needed resources. The stone in Southwest Virginia, granite, quartzite, limestone, and sandstone, are critical for the construction industry. Often times crushed and mechanically broken into smaller pieces, it is critical for road construction and used as fill in concrete and asphalt. There is sand mined in Southwest Virginia, which is utilized by the construction industry as well. As you may expect, when the nation’s construction is in recession or boom, demand for these substances increases and decreases accordingly. The limestone mined in Southwest Virginia is often used as dust which is applied to the roof, walls, and floor of active coal mines for safety purposes. This prevents explosions and helps with visibility. The limestone is also used to make cement. Additionally, clay and shale, mined in several Ninth District counties, are utilized to make cement, or used in pipes and bricks. Lime has many uses in the chemical industry, serving as filler or a neutralizing component, based on its reliable quality and low cost. In Giles County, the Lhoist company lists lime uses in a variety of products su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398635 | Griffith Tour of Buchanan Mine and Black Lung Benefits Roundtable | 2016-10-15 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Saturday, October 15, 2016 – Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09) joined Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and officials from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in Buchanan County, to tour the Buchanan Mine #1 on Friday, October 14, 2016. On Saturday, October 15, 2016, Congressman Griffith, along with miners, medical professionals, and legal representatives, discussed reforms to the black lung benefits program at a roundtable in Wise, Virginia. Griffith said “I always enjoy the opportunity to tour mines in Southwest Virginia, to hear concerns from the miners, as well as see the advances in mining techniques, new technology, and safety.” “As we discussed at the roundtable, miners exposed to coal and other dust deserve the benefits they are entitled to under the Black Lung Benefits Act, for undertaking the hard, thankless job of providing the energy that keeps our lights on. Protecting the jobs, health, and welfare of all miners in Southwest Virginia is a priority.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=267 | Rep. Brat: 'Lawless' Obama regulations hurting small businesses and American economy | 2016-10-14 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.,) a recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) guardian of small business award, issued the following statement after participating in the "Coalition to Save Local Business" round-table discussion:"Today I heard from local business owners on the imposing number of costly rules and regulations that the federal government has saddled on them, including the new 'overtime' rule and the joint-employer rule. As an economist, I understand that these bureaucrat-imposed regulations will only reduce hiring and hurt employment, while increasing costs at a time of stagnant economic growth. It's time for Congress to reassert its authority to write laws and push back against the executive branch and its thousands of regulations imposed by unelected Washington bureaucrats. We cannot allow this lawless administration to create such negative consequences for the American economy."Congressman Brat is a cosponsor of H.R. 4773, the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, a bipartisan bill endorsed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial board. This bill would prevent the Department of Labor from finalizing their overtime rule and require them to fully consider the economic impact of any rule on small businesses, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and others who would be affected.“Small business owners in Virginia, and across the country, desperately need more time to comply with the new DOL Overtime Rule, or they could face severe penalties and costs,” said NFIB/Virginia State Director Nicole Riley. “If Congress wants to ensure that as many employers are in compliance as possible, there should be no question whether to pass this legislation. Small businesses in Virginia are very grateful that Rep. Brat has made this a high priority. The clock is ticking, and this bipartisan bill would protect thousands of small business owners within every single member of Congress’ district.” Congressman Brat is a member of the House Education & the Workforce Committee wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398634 | Griffith Announces Federal Designation for Pulaski County and Wythe County to Help Combat Drug Trafficking | 2016-10-14 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Friday, October 14, 2016 - Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that Pulaski County and Wythe County have been designated as part of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This designation will allow local agencies to benefit from initiatives to reduce drug use, and receive federal resources to further develop and coordinate drug control efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. Griffith said, “I am glad that Pulaski County and Wythe County have been designated as part of the HIDTA; however, it is unfortunate that illegal drugs are a pressing issue here in Southwest Virginia. The trafficking and abuse of drugs are a serious cause for concern. Due to this concern, I supported the petition for Pulaski and Wythe to receive this designation, so local law enforcement and others diligently fighting the drug crisis will be able to utilize the resources associated with the program.” “These resources will help educate citizens about ways to get help and treatment. It is my hope that this will make an impact in helping to lower drug overdoses, and rid our region of these dangerous drugs.” Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli said, “The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program is an important part of this Administration’s work to expand community-based efforts to prevent drug use, pursue ‘smart on crime’ approaches to drug enforcement, work to reduce overdose deaths, increase access to treatment, and support millions of Americans in recovery.” According to the ONDCP, the HIDTA program, which was created by Congress in 1988, serves as a catalyst for coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions of the United States. Law enforcement organizations working within HIDTAs assess drug-trafficking issues and design specific initiatives to decrease the production, transportation, distri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-hidta-designation-frederick-county | Rep. Comstock on HIDTA Designation for Frederick County | 2016-10-14 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.—Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement on the decision from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to designate Frederick County, Virginia as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), making Frederick eligible to receive federal resources to assist the County’s drug control efforts: “The community worked together hand-in-hand to get Frederick County designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Over the past 18 months, we have worked with our sheriffs and commonwealth attorneys, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, the Winchester Medical Center, and the recovery community on all of the aspects of the heroin problem. Our community is directly experiencing the pain and suffering associated with this epidemic that resulted in 22 overdose deaths in the region this year and even more hospitalizations. Many, if not most, of my constituents can point to a friend or family member who is or has been struggling with substance abuse. This designation means that our region will receive additional federal resources to assist in improving coordination among law enforcement, public health officials, educators, and concerned citizens to help get treatment and services to those in need while enabling the community to turn the tide against this drug crisis.” BACKGROUND: On October 13, the White House ONDCP announced a HIDTA designation for Frederick County, bringing it into the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Region. ONDCP’s press release, which also announces the designation of 17 other U.S. counties, can be found HERE. Click HERE to view the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA threat assessment for Frederick County, which contains additional data on the drug crisis in Northern Virginia and the region. Click HERE to view Congresswoman Comstock’s press release on the formation of the Heroin Operations Team (HOT). Click HERE and HERE to view the letters of support Congresswoman Comstock sent to ONDCP in support of a HIDTA designation for Freder… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=696 | Goodlatte & Judiciary Republicans Call for Independent Investigation of Special Treatment Given to Key Clinton Insiders | 2016-10-11 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and all Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee today called for an independent investigation of the special treatment given to key witnesses during the investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server to send and receive classified information.Cheryl Mills and Heather Samuelson, top advisors to Secretary Clinton during her tenure at the State Department, were witnesses in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s investigation of Secretary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server and had previously been interviewed by the FBI. Although Secretary Clinton had legal representation from a prestigious law firm, the Justice Department and FBI allowed Mills and Samuelson to sit in on the Bureau’s interview of Secretary Clinton, even though there was a clear conflict of interest and both received immunity deals. In a letter to the Inspectors General for the Justice Department and State Department, Chairman Goodlatte and the Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee call for an independent investigation into the matter and write:“Ms. Mills and Ms. Samuelson were responsible for culling and shredding documents related to Secretary Clinton’s tenure and, whether willfully or inadvertently, are responsible for the destruction of evidence and official records. As such, they were key witnesses who could not have ethically provided legal representation to Secretary Clinton after their departure from the State Department. “The evidence plainly demonstrates that Ms. Mills and Ms. Samuelson’s claims of attorney-client privilege in the Clinton email investigation are wholly without merit. It appears increasingly clear that political considerations hijacked the criminal process in this case, and routine, longstanding policies and procedures were ignored. As such, we request that you open an investigation into this matter at your respective Departments.” The letter is signed by Chairman Bob G… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398633 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.10.16 | 2016-10-10 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Manufacturing Economic Growth Friday, October 7 was National Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing is one of the ways a nation builds wealth. This year, as part of National Manufacturing Day, I visited Celanese in Giles County and Tadano Mantis in Richlands. I was able to tour the new boiler area at Celanese, which provides power to produce cellulose acetate tow, used for cigarette tow. At Tadano Mantis, I was able to view the facilities where they design and construct large cranes. These, and other manufacturing companies, provide goods and jobs that contribute to the economic growth of the Ninth District, as well as the economic growth of our nation. Nations can only build wealth in a few ways. Wealth can be built by manufacturing goods, by extracting minerals and energy from the Earth, by agriculture and raising it off the land, or by stealing it from other countries. Since we don’t have any intention of stealing wealth from other countries, we are left with three options – make it, mine it, grow it. This week, we will discuss manufacturing. The impact of manufacturing jobs should not be underestimated. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, under the Department of Commerce, for every $1.00 of goods produced, manufacturing generates an additional $1.37 for the economy. Furthermore, they estimate each manufacturing job creates another 2.5 more jobs in local goods and services. In addition to the facilities I visited on National Manufacturing Day, I have spent a lot of time visiting local manufacturing companies, to understand their challenges and concerns. I have also worked to encourage manufacturing companies to expand or relocate to the Ninth, both high tech and traditional companies, as long as they create good paying jobs. One of the groups I am working with is the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing, Inc. (SVAM). SVAM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the needs of manufacturers in the region, as well as drawing in new manufacturers. Among oth… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=694 | Goodlatte Presses DHS for Information about Man Charged in ISIS Plot to Murder a Military Member | 2016-10-06 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson for information about Nelash Mohamed Das, a resident alien recently arrested for planning the murder of a U.S. military member as part of a terrorist attack.On September 30, 2016, Das was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization by conspiring to murder a U.S. military member in Prince George’s County, Maryland on behalf of ISIS. According to the Department of Justice, Das is a citizen of Bangladesh and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The FBI alleges that in late 2015 and early 2016, Das used social media to express his support for ISIS, including support for the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and San Bernardino, California.In Chairman Goodlatte’s letter to Secretary Johnson, he calls on DHS to provide the House Judiciary Committee with information about Das, including his immigration and criminal history, to determine if there were indicators of his radicalization that the Department should have been aware of prior to his arrest. Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here. October 6, 2016The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528Dear Secretary Johnson:On September 30, 2016, Nelash Mohamed Das was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization by conspiring to murder a U.S. military member in Prince George’s County, Maryland on behalf of ISIS. According to the Department of Justice, Das is a citizen of Bangladesh and a lawful permanent resident of the United States. The FBI alleges that in late 2015 and early 2016, Das used social media to express his support for ISIS, including support for the 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and San Bernardino, California.It is i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=693 | Chairmen Question DOJ on Agreement to Limit Investigation of Secretary Clintons Private Server | 2016-10-05 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting information on the unusual restrictions placed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in its criminal investigation of Secretary Clinton’s private email server. The restrictions were discovered in the course of the Committees’ review of the immunity agreements for former Clinton staffers Cheryl Mills and Heather Samuelson. Key excerpts from the letter:"We write to express our concerns about the process by which Congress was allowed to view the Wilkinson letters, that the letters inappropriately restrict the scope of the FBI’s investigation, and that the FBI inexplicably agreed to destroy the laptops knowing that the contents were the subject of Congressional subpoenas and preservation letters.“These limitations would necessarily have excluded, for example, any emails from Cheryl Mills to Paul Combetta in late 2014 or early 2015 directing the destruction or concealment of federal records. Similarly, these limitations would have excluded any email sent or received by Secretary Clinton if it was not sent or received by one of the four email addresses listed, or the email address was altered.“Further, the Wilkinson letters memorialized the FBI’s agreement to destroy the laptops. This is simply astonishing given the likelihood that evidence on the laptops would be of interest to congressional investigators.“The Wilkinson letters raise serious questions about why DOJ would consent to such substantial limitations on the scope of its investigation, and how Director Comey’s statements on the scope of the investigation comport with the reality of what the FBI was permitted to investigate.” View the letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=692 | Goodlatte: Constitutionally-Protected Activities Don’t Warrant Heavy-Handed Surveillance | 2016-10-04 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today pressed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Sarah Saldaña on the agency’s enlistment of local law enforcement to conduct surveillance on law abiding citizens at gun shows.A recent Wall Street Journal report indicates that ICE agents induced local law enforcement officers to scan license plates to collect data on individuals attending gun shows in California. ICE’s invasive use of license plate readers is particularly troubling since there is no written policy to govern this practice.“When attending a gun show, law abiding citizens are exercising their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble,” writes Chairman Goodlatte. “Further, if they are purchasing or otherwise acquiring or possessing a firearm, they are exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. These Constitutionally-protected activities should not subject gun show attendees to unwarranted and heavy-handed surveillance practices by their government.”In the letter, Chairman Goodlatte requests that Director Saldaña provide detailed information about ICE’s questionable use of license plate readers, including the number of gun shows ICE surveilled and how many license plates were recorded. Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here. October 4, 2016The Honorable Sarah R. Saldaña, Director U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 500 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. 20536Dear Director Saldaña,Recent media reports indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents induced local law enforcement officers to scan license plates to collect data on individuals attending gun shows in California. If true, this invasive investigative tactic poses many serious concerns for millions of law abiding Americans. Also troubling is the report that ICE has no written policy governing the use of license plate readers. While the use of license plate readers is a valid law enforcement tool when properly used, t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=691 | Goodlatte Presses Justice Department on Secret Agreements with Top Clinton Advisors | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today pressed Attorney General Loretta Lynch about a secret agreement to destroy the laptops of top advisors to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. As part of the House Judiciary Committee’s ongoing oversight of Secretary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State, the Justice Department provided a private review of certain immunity agreements entered into during the investigation. The immunity agreements mentioned secret side agreements between the Justice Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Beth Wilkinson, the lawyer representing Cheryl Mills, chief of staff and counselor to Secretary Clinton, and Heather Samuelson, senior advisor to Secretary Clinton. After reviewing the side agreements, the Committee has learned that the FBI agreed to destroy Mills and Samuelson’s laptops after inspecting them.In his letter to Attorney General Lynch, Chairman Goodlatte calls on the Justice Department to provide information about the side agreements and answer the many questions they raise about the FBI’s investigation. Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here. October 3, 2016Dear Attorney General Lynch:As part of the Judiciary Committee’s ongoing oversight of Secretary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State, the Justice Department (DOJ) provided in camera review of certain immunity agreements. After a specific request from the Committee, based on references made in the immunity agreements to certain “side agreements,” DOJ subsequently provided in camera review of those “side agreements” between DOJ, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Beth Wilkinson, the lawyer representing both Cheryl Mills and Heather Samuelson. Like many things about this case, these new materials raise more questions than answers. Please provide a written response to the below questions and make DOJ staff available… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398632 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 10.3.16 | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Shame on EPA Again! Notwithstanding a lack of legal authority, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently created new rules under the Clean Air Act. These rules attempt to regulate the trailers which are usually used with tractors. This rule is a part of their new regulations on motor vehicle fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The law grants EPA the ability to regulate “air pollutant from any class or classes of new motor vehicles or motor vehicle engines” (42 USC 7521(a)). So the question becomes does the law give them the right to regulate anything connected with the use of a motor vehicle? When determining the law, it is a settled legal principle that you first look to the plain meaning of the words in the statue. Under the Clean Air Act, the definition of motor vehicle would control. I don’t think it takes a Harvard trained lawyer to understand the meaning of this section: 42 USC 7550(2) The term “motor vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle designed for transporting persons or property on a street or highway. However, at a recent Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, I questioned how the EPA could have considered a trailer to be a self-propelled vehicle. EPA Administrator Janet McCabe justified their authority by claiming trailers are eligible because “without a trailer, a truck is not transporting goods.” She continued, “And so we see the trailer as an integral part of the vehicle that is covered in the Clean Air Act.” Interesting! Since currently the truck cannot drive itself, isn’t the driver an integral part of the truck that is transporting goods as well? Under the EPA’s theory, are they saying they believe they have authority to regulate the height, weight, and size of the driver? As ridiculous as this sounds, drivers would qualify under the same theory that the EPA is currently using to claim it has the power to regulate the trailer portion of a tractor trailer. Despite the lengthy legal memoranda the EPA produced to argue their position, it is clear that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-desecration-historical-african-american-school | Rep. Comstock On Desecration of Historical African American School | 2016-10-01 | 2016 | 2016-10 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) made the following comments on the desecration of an historical African American school in Loudoun: “This ugly hate speech and crime have no place in our community. I know Sheriff Mike Chapman takes this reprehensible crime seriously and will have all the support from all officials and all throughout the community to bring whomever is responsible to justice. We will stand united in restoring and preserving this historic property.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/winchester-star-region-hit-overdose-blitz | Winchester Star: Region Hit With Overdose Blitz | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | WINCHESTER — Agents with the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force have responded to eight nonlethal overdoses in the city and Frederick County since Monday, according to a Thursday news release. Issued by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, the release states that, while lab results will ultimately determine the narcotics involved in each overdose, investigators believe five of the cases involve heroin. Three were likely synthetic drugs. Task force agents also say the drugs have made their way into the region from Baltimore. Eight overdoses, coalition Executive Director Lauren Cummings said Thursday, is an unusual number to see in the area in a given week, particularly after none had been reported the week prior. The region, comprising Winchester and Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah and Page counties, has likewise seen 21 overdose deaths so far in 2016, Cummings said. An additional 75 people have suffered nonfatal overdoses in that span, also called overdose injuries. In 2015, 30 people in the region died from overdoses; 55 suffered overdose injuries. Cummings said there is no indication that the recent spate of overdoses are linked to heroin laced with an elephant tranquilizer known as carfentanil, which may be responsible for high volumes of overdoses in places such as Huntington, W.Va., where, on Aug. 12, the Associated Press reported that 26 such incidents occurred in a four-hour span and stretched emergency services and first responders to their limits. The coalition is asking the public to take heed of the following behaviors in those around them, which may indicate issues with substance abuse, and seek help: Change in friends Declining grades Lack of motivation, no "drive" Disciplinary issues at school Loss of interest in activities Absences at school or work Selling, pawning, stealing or missing valuables and cash Frequent use of mints, gum, candy or chips to mask breath Hiding items in cars, wallets, hat rims or prescription bottles Avoiding lo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-comstock-united-airlines-dulles-airport-contract-renewal | Rep. Comstock on United Airlines-Dulles Airport Contract Renewal | 2016-09-30 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA), along with Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) President and CEO Jack Potter and United Airlines’ Rodney Cox, released the following statement after United Airlines and MWAA finalized a seven-year extension of the Airport Use Agreement and Premises Lease at Dulles International Airport: “I am thrilled that United Airlines and Dulles Airport have agreed to extend their lease for another seven years, through 2024. Dulles is an essential component of the lifeblood that sustains our regional economy. For much of the world, it is the gateway to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The importance of maintaining the airport’s vitality cannot be understated. I have worked with stakeholders in order to facilitate mutual cooperation in the interest of keeping Dulles strong. I also fought tooth and nail on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to block other members of Congress from weakening the Slot and Perimeter Rules—such meddling has taken a serious toll on the wellbeing of Dulles as well as our regional airports. I thank United Airlines for their sustained commitment, and I look forward to continued collaboration with elected officials, the business community, and my constituents to ensure Dulles remains as the engine for our growing economy.” “For the past 30 years, United’s Washington Dulles hub has connected more than half a billion customers to destinations around the globe. Extending our lease at Dulles will ensure United continues to provide an exceptional experience for our customers and a great place to work for our employees," said Rodney Cox, managing director of the airline’s Dulles hub. “I want to thank Representative Comstock for her continued support of United and for helping Dulles stay competitive for years to come.” “The Airports Authority is grateful for all the support it has received in completing the Use and Lease Agreement extension with United Airlines,” said Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1066 | Wittman Opposes CR, Pushes for Return to Regular Order | 2016-09-29 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman Opposes CR, Pushes for Return to Regular Order f t # e Washington, September 29, 2016 WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after House passage of legislation that provides temporary funding for government operations through December 9, 2016:“I have consistently said that continuing resolutions are a lazy and irresponsible way to fund government operations. These short-term, stop-gap funding mechanisms create uncertainty for federal workers, perpetuate waste by prolonging inefficient and ineffective government programs, foster partisanship and favoritism, and undermine our military’s ability to plan for the future. In short, continuing resolutions feed Washington’s culture of complacency. It’s time to introduce some accountability into this process. It’s time to return to regular order.”Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://brat.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=274 | Congress Overrides President Obama’s Veto | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | David Brat | B001290 | brat.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Brat (R-Va.) issued the following statement after Congress voted to override the president’s veto of S. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.“Today Congress acted in a bipartisan manner to support the families of 9/11 victims by overriding President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. The families of America’s deadliest terrorist attack deserve the truth and I am happy that we were able to support the cause of justice today. This action is long overdue and I am proud to have supported this legislation.”This legislation would allow Americans to sue a foreign state for injuries, death, or damages that occur inside the United States as a result of terrorism, committed by a foreign state or official. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=689 | New information, more questions, but few answers from the FBI | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, Director James Comey testified before the House Judiciary Committee at an oversight hearing on the Federal Bureau of Investigation. At the hearing, members of the House Judiciary Committee pressed Director Comey on his recommendation and the Department of Justice’s decision to not prosecute Secretary Clinton for mishandling classified information through private email servers.Background: • On July 5, 2016, Director Comey announced that the FBI does not recommend criminal charges against former State Department Secretary Hillary Clinton, even though federal law criminalizes mishandling classified information with “gross negligence.” Following his announcement, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and over 200 members of Congress sent a letter to Director Comey pressing for more information regarding the many questions surrounding his recommendation.• On July 11, 2016, Chairman Goodlatte and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) requested that the Department of Justice open an investigation into whether Secretary Clinton committed perjury and made false statements when testifying under oath before Congress. Contrary to statements she made before the House Select Committee on Benghazi hearing in October 2015, Secretary Clinton sent and received emails that were marked classified at the time; her lawyers did not read each email in her personal account to identify all the work-related messages; she used several different servers and numerous devices to send and receive work-related emails; and she did not provide all of her work-related emails to the Department of Justice.Hearing Takeaways: • At the hearing, Director Comey defended the FBI’s conclusion of its investigation into Secretary Clinton, but new information casts serious doubts about whether the decision to not prosecute Hillary Clinton was made impartially.• For example, Cheryl Mills, chief of staff and counselor to Secretary Clinton at the State Department… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-votes-override-president-obama-s-veto-justice-against-sponsors | Comstock Votes To Override President Obamas Veto Of The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act | 2016-09-28 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House overrode President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA): “President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) was soundly defeated today by both the House and Senate. Now, victims of terrorist attacks and their families will have the legal mechanism to sue foreign nations if an agent or that foreign government played a part in an act of international terrorism. With this override of President Obama’s veto, it is simple justice that Congress stands with the victims of terrorism.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398629 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for October | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | 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 4, 2016 Tazewell County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm American Legion Building 226 Central Avenue Tazewell, 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 October 5, 2016 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 6, 2016 Lee County: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Lee County Sheriff’s Office Conference Room – Suite U101 33640 Main Street Jonesville, VA Martinsville: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm NCI Room 106 – Classroom Building 30 Franklin Street Martinsville, VA Norton: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Norton City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA October 11, 2016 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: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Salem Town Hall 114 N. Broad Street Salem, VA Wise County: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA October 12, 2016 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 13, 2016 Grayson County: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398630 | Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 9.26.16 | 2016-09-26 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Big Insurance BailoutDuring a recent Energy and Commerce hearing, I questioned Andy Slavitt, Acting Administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), about CMS’ memo regarding Risk Corridors. The Risk Corridors in Obamacare were protections for insurance companies who lost money in the exchanges. Insurance companies who participated in the exchanges paid certain fees. The theory was those insurance companies who lost money would be reimbursed out of those fees. Projections by the Obama Administration indicated those fees should have been sufficient to pay for any and all losses. Based on information from the CMS website, in 2014, $362,000,000 was paid in by insurers. However, insurance companies have requested $2,870,000,000 in payments. Therefore, CMS estimates insurers will be paid 12.6% of requested funds, with a shortfall of $2,508,000,000. Now some big insurance companies are suing to be made whole. But Congress has required these payments be budget neutral, meaning CMS could only pay out what it took in from the fees. CMS’ memo was essentially an invitation to insurers to sue and settle with the federal government for 2015 Risk Corridor payments. But where is the money coming from? In my questioning, I asked Acting Administrator Slavitt if CMS takes the position that insurance plans are entitled to be made whole on Risk Corridor payments even though there is no appropriation – congressional approved money – to do so. After stumbling, Slavitt said, “Yes. It’s an obligation of the federal government.” Mmm? Congress dictates how much government can spend, and both Republicans and Democrats said CMS can only spend as much as was put in. Thus, it is clear the Administration is once again attempting to thwart congressional intent. In this case, to bailout big insurance companies. Further, I asked if CMS intended to use the Judgement Fund to make Risk Corridor payments to these insurance plans. According to and managed by the U.S. Treasury, the Judgment Fund is a “perman… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=686 | Hearing Wrap Up: Oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Director Sarah Saldaña testified before the House Judiciary Committee at an oversight hearing on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE is the federal agency that is charged with enforcing U.S. immigration laws. However, under the policies of the Obama Administration and under the direction of Director Saldaña, ICE’s immigration enforcement efforts have withered away, which results in hundreds of thousands of unlawfully present and criminal aliens remaining in American communities.Background: • Under the Obama Administration, political appointees at the Department of Homeland Security and its component agency, ICE, have made unilateral changes to the immigration system. The Administration’s policies allow criminal aliens to evade the law, make our communities less safe, enable dangerous sanctuary city policies, and encourage more illegal immigration.• In the past three years alone, ICE released over 86,000 convicted criminal aliens, including those with homicide, sexual assault, and kidnapping convictions. Additionally, nearly 370,000 known criminal aliens with deportation orders or in removal proceedings remain at large. Hearing Takeaways: • On top of the Obama Administration’s lax immigration enforcement record, DHS Secretary Johnson recently directed a review to determine if private detention facilities used to detain the vast majority of unlawful and criminal aliens should continue to be used. In response to questioning from House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Director Saldaña stated that if private detention facilities were closed, then the system would be turned upside down and ICE would not be able to meet its mandate of maintaining 34,000 detention beds.• Director Saldaña failed to explain how the number of convictions associated with criminal aliens ICE released in Fiscal Year 2014 jumped from 79,059 to 92,347—an increase of over 13,000—in just over four months. She also did not know how many of those aliens had been re-arrest… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=687 | Goodlatte & Conyers Urge Americans to Work Together Following Shootings in Tulsa and Charlotte | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), leaders of the bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group, today issued the following joint statement on the police-involved shootings in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Charlotte, North Carolina, and subsequent protests:“The heartbreaking images from Tulsa and Charlotte remind us once again that our nation has much work to do on the issues of the use of force by police and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. There must be an end to these senseless acts of violence. While authorities investigate the two police-involved shootings, we call for peace and urge every American to work together to address the issues fueling tensions within their communities. “As leaders of the bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group, we will continue to work towards solutions at the federal level on this matter of national importance.” Background: In July 2016, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers (D-Mich.) announced a bipartisan working group to examine the use of excessive force by police, aggression towards law enforcement, and public safety concerns related to these issues. Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers are leading the working group. Members of the working group are: Representatives Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Dave Reichert (R-Wash.), Susan Brooks (R-Ind.), Will Hurd (R-Texas), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), and Robin Kelly (D-Ill.).In July, the working group held a meeting with a pastor of an African American church and a scholar who specializes in police and community relations. In August, the working group traveled to Detroit, Michigan, to meet with local community leaders and law enforcement. Yesterday, the Policing Strategies Working Group held a private roundtable with law enforcement. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-government-efficiency-bill-passage | Comstock On Government Efficiency Bill Passage | 2016-09-23 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the House amendment to S. 1550, the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015, by a vote of 404 to 11: “I am pleased to join my colleagues in voting for this bill that will improve accountability practices within our government. This commonsense legislation will create greater efficiencies in our government agencies and ultimately save taxpayer dollars. By passing this bill, Congress will ensure that governmental agencies share best practices with each other through an interagency council. An effective, more efficient government can be achieved by improved time management, setting standards and metrics for performance and improving agency communications, and this bill aims to accomplish these goals.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=681 | ICE Document Highlights Security Gaps in Refugee, Asylum Systems | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Today, after obtaining an internal document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting information related to security vulnerabilities in the refugee and asylum systems.Excerpts from the letter are below:“The President's decision to increase overall refugee resettlement-and specifically that of Syrian refugees-ignores warnings from his own national security officials that Syrians cannot be adequately vetted to ensure terrorists are not admitted. Revelations about fraud, security gaps, and lack of oversight have demonstrated that the program is creating national security risks. “The Committees obtained an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) document that confirms those serious concerns... The document confirms a key finding from the Staff Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, that 'terrorists will utilize benefit fraud (to include asylum and refugee fraud) to legitimize their stay in the United States.”The deadline for DHS to respond is October 4, 2016.Full letter can be viewed here or below.Dear Mr. Secretary:The Immigration and Nationality Act requires the President to set the number of refugees to be admitted in a subsequent fiscal year after "appropriate consultation" with Congress. During each year in office, President Obama has set the refugee ceiling without consulting Congress in a meaningful way. Instead, he has informed Congress of a decision that has already been made. That was the President's approach, again, with respect to the refugee ceiling for fiscal year 2017. On September 13, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry informed Congress that the Administration will set the refugee ceiling for FY 2017 at 110,000. He also noted that the number of Syrian refugees admitted during FY 2017 will increase to a num… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=682 | Goodlatte & Gowdy Call on DHS to Revoke Citizenship for Those Who Should Have Been Deported | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) today called on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson to investigate and begin the process of revoking citizenship for people that obtained citizenship despite being ineligible and due to the Department’s systemic failures.Earlier this month, the DHS Office of Inspector General (IG) issued a report finding that at least 858 individuals who were ordered deported were instead granted citizenship because they used another identity when applying for citizenship and were not caught by federal immigration authorities since their fingerprints were never digitized and uploaded to government databases. The IG report also found that about 148,000 fingerprint records have not been digitized for aliens with final deportation orders or who are criminals or fugitives.In their letter to Secretary Johnson, Goodlatte and Gowdy call on the Department of Homeland Security to initiate a plan to investigate and refer for criminal prosecution and denaturalization proceedings each person identified in the IG’s report who has been granted citizenship based on fraudulent identity. They also call on DHS to provide information to the House Judiciary Committee about what it has done to remedy this systemic failure. Below is the text of the letter. The signed copy can be found here. September 22, 2016The Honorable Jeh Johnson Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528Dear Secretary Johnson, We write regarding the September 8, 2016, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (IG) report entitled, “Potentially Ineligible Individuals Have Been Granted U.S. Citizenship Because of Incomplete Fingerprint Records.” The IG report stated that, “USCIS granted U.S. citizenship to at least 858 individuals ordered deported or removed under another identity when, during the naturalization process, their digital fingerprint records were not i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=683 | Goodlatte, Grassley Seek Details on DOJs Role In Proposed Transfer of Internet Stewardship Authorities | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are calling on the Justice Department to explain its role in advising the Obama Administration in its plan to relinquish authority of key internet domain name functions. In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the chairmen express concern about the proposal, given an abundance of unanswered questions regarding internet openness, control of government domains, the disposal of government property and antitrust considerations.“With so many outstanding questions remaining, especially in the areas in which DOJ would seem to have direct subject matter expertise, we believe it is important to understand what input and contributions the Attorney General and the DOJ made in blessing this transfer and in answering many of the specific questions that were raised by other agency participants during the process,” the chairmen said in the letter.The chairmen raised specific concerns that the proposal relies upon a non-binding letter between the U.S. and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to safeguard Top Level Domains such as .gov and .mil. They are also seeking details of any legal analysis of the constitutionality of relinquishing ownership of U.S. government property, such as the root zone file, without congressional approval. Finally, the chairmen are seeking details on any analysis DOJ conducted regarding the antitrust implications of terminating the U.S. government’s contract with ICANN.Text of the Grassley-Goodlatte letter follows:September 21, 2016The Honorable Loretta E. Lynch Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530Dear Attorney General Lynch:The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has indicated that it intends to transfer key Internet domain name functions, known as the Internet Assigned Number Authority (IANA) functions, to a global multi-stakeholder community at… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=684 | Goodlatte Votes to Condemn Ransom Payments to Iran | 2016-09-22 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | On January 17, 2016, an unmarked airplane transported $400 million in cash to Iran, coinciding with the release of five American hostages. According to the State Department, the sum was paid to Iran for undelivered military equipment from the 1970s. However, the payment was withheld from Iran until the American hostages were released. Since news of these actions went public last month, questions have arisen about the nature of this payment and whether it was in fact a ransom payment to Iran. Tonight, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) released the following statement on passage in the House of Representatives of H.R. 5931, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act, by a vote of 254-163:“While the State Department refuses to call this $400 million in cash paid to Iran a ransom payment, the timing of the payment is certainly no coincidence. Paying ransom has serious foreign policy implications and does more harm than good. It empowers, emboldens, and incentivizes our adversaries across the globe to capture and hold Americans hostage for ransom. Tonight, I supported the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act to prohibit all cash payments to Iran – period. H.R. 5931 also requires greater transparency to Congress on any future settlements with Iran. The Obama Administration has misled the American people, putting more American lives in harm’s way. These actions will not stand. The United States must continue to stand our ground against deplorable actions of terrorists, not cave to them or those who seek to support them.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=678 | Goodlatte Names Roanoke Family 2016 Angels in Adoption | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Yesterday, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) recognized Adam and Lynsey Stultz of Roanoke as the Sixth District of Virginia’s 2016 “Angels in Adoption.” The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s Angels in Adoption Program celebrates individuals, couples, or organizations from across the nation making 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. Congressman Goodlatte is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. A ceremony was held in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to honor these nominees. Congressman Goodlatte released the following statement:“It is my honor to recognize the Stultz family as the Sixth District’s 2016 ‘Angels in Adoption.’ The story of the Stultz family is one of love and perseverance. For over three years, Adam and Lynsey waited to bring their two adopted daughters home from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While political turmoil in that country prevented them from bringing their legally-adopted daughters to the United States, they did not give up. After multiple trips, countless Skype calls, advocacy for their daughters’ release, and a community of prayer, Adam and Lynsey welcomed both girls home to Roanoke earlier this year. They are truly deserving of this recognition. Their perseverance and love have changed the lives of two little girls, and taken another step toward making the dream of a loving family a reality for every child.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://goodlatte.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=680 | Goodlatte Praises House Passage of Bill to Stop High Impact Regulations | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Goodlatte | G000289 | goodlatte.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on today’s approval by the House of Representatives of the Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act of 2016 (H.R. 3438) by a vote of 244-180.Goodlatte: “High-impact regulations are often litigated in the courts for years, and hardworking Americans too often must cover billions in compliance costs for these regulations even as they pursue successful litigation to challenge them. This costly and wasteful practice is another regulatory burden that can easily be taken off the backs of the American people.“The passage of the REVIEW Act is a better way to reduce wasteful government spending and ensure Americans can keep their hard-earned money. The bill frees up billions of precious dollars to be spent on the jobs and investment America currently needs.”Background: Introduced by Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Subcommittee Chairman Marino and cosponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Goodlatte, the REVIEW Act stops “high impact rules” with costs of $1 billion dollars or more annually from taking effect until any timely-filed court challenges to the regulations in question are concluded.The REVIEW Act amends the Administrative Procedure Act to establish:• a definition for “high-impact rules”—those costing $1 billion or more annually; and, • an automatic administrative stay of all “high-impact rules” pending final judicial review if a legal challenge is filed within 60 days of the rules’ issuance or the time otherwise prescribed to seek judicial review.Click here to learn more about the bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://comstock.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/comstock-s-inspire-women-act-passes-senate-committee | Comstocks INSPIRE Women Act Passes Senate Committee | 2016-09-21 | 2016 | 2016-09 | Republican | House | VA | Barbara Comstock | C001105 | comstock.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (VA-10) issued the following statement after H.R. 4755, the Inspiring the Next Space Pioneers, Innovators, Researchers, and Explorers (INSPIRE) Women Act passed the United States Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “I am pleased to see that the INSPIRE Women Act passed the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee today and now is one step closer to becoming law. The INSPIRE Women Act will help American businesses find skilled workers in the traditional STEM fields. The legislation calls on the NASA Administrator to develop a plan within NASA to have retired astronauts, scientists, engineers, and innovators to engage and share their vast knowledge with K-12 female STEM students. NASA will use virtual mentoring programs using technology to pair NASA mentors with STEM students across the country. Given the broad based bipartisan support the bill has, the U.S. Senate should bring up this bill before it recesses.” The INSPIRE Women Act authorizes the NASA Administrator to encourage women and girls to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known as the STEM fields, and to pursue careers that will further advance America’s space science and exploration efforts through support of initiatives such as NASA GIRLS and NASA BOYS; Aspire-Inspire; and the Summer Institute in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Research. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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