Press releases
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384 rows where party = "Republican", state = "VA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402403 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.31.20 | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The year 2020 was a difficult one, but as the year draws to a close, I want to highlight something about the year that went right. Operation Warp Speed accomplished what had been considered nearly impossible: the development, manufacture, and distribution of a safe and effective vaccine to combat COVID-19. President Trump announced Operation Warp Speed in May. His Administration recognized that meeting the challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic would require the investment of Federal Government resources, partnership between the public, private, and scientific sectors, and cutting red tape that would impede delivery of a safe and effective vaccine. This effort was supported by almost $10 billion in funding included in the CARES Act passed by Congress with my support. The project focused on six vaccine candidates. Seven months after Operation Warp Speed was launched and less than one year after COVID-19 began spreading widely around the globe, two vaccine candidates were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. On December 11, the FDA approved for emergency use the first vaccine created by Pfizer. After clinical trials including over 43,000 participants, the vaccine was found to be 95 percent effective. A vaccine developed by Moderna was subsequently approved for emergency use on December 18. Thirty thousand people participated in its clinical trials, and its efficacy rate is 94.5 percent. These vaccines are the fastest ever produced for a novel pathogen. In fact, the average development timeline for a vaccine is eight to twelve years. Operation Warp Speed reduced the time needed by maximizing the number of participants in Phase 3 trials and manufacturing vaccine doses while waiting for the FDA's emergency use authorization order. While bureaucratic hurdles were lowered, the vaccine development process did not skimp on safety. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over health matters, I was briefed repeatedly throughout the pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402402 | Griffith Statement on CASH Act | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding the CASH Act of 2020: Yesterday, the President signed the more than $2.3 trillion Omnibus, which includedCOVID relief. After signing it, the President issued a statement calling on Congress to increase the amount of money going to individuals AND to cut bloated government spending. Today, the Democrats in the House put forward a bill to increase the size of the individual checks, BUT did not put forward any of the President's cut suggestions OR cuts to spending that they preferred. This is a typical Democrat compromise. We will give you increased spending, but we will not give you the cuts requested. Accordingly, I could not support this increased spending, at this time, without legitimate cuts as requested by the President. Hopefully with vaccines being distributed, our businesses and our economy will be back in operation soon. If not, we will have to examine additional relief in the new year. Background Congressman Griffith supported the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations (HR 6074), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (HR 748), and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266). Click here for his statement on the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2021. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cline.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cline-statement-vote-increase-emergency-relief-checks-without-offsetting | Rep. Cline Statement on Vote to Increase Emergency Relief Checks Without Offsetting Cuts to Wasteful Spending | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 9051 the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act. Virginians across the Commonwealth are hurting, and that is why I fully supported President Trump's call to raise the dollar amount of Emergency Relief Checks from $600 to $2000 by offsetting it with cuts to wasteful spending included in the bill. Sadly, Democrats voted down our attempt to make these changes last week. Therefore, because the bill only included half of President Trump's proposal, I could not support the bill as written, Cline said. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1063 | Rep. Cline Statement on Vote to Increase Emergency Relief Checks Without Offsetting Cuts to Wasteful Spending | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | cline | https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 9051 – the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act. "Virginians across the Commonwealth are hurting, and that is why I fully supported President Trump's call to raise the dollar amount of Emergency Relief Checks from $600 to $2000 by offsetting it with cuts to wasteful spending included in the bill. Sadly, Democrats voted down our attempt to make these changes last week. Therefore, because the bill only included half of President Trump's proposal, I could not support the bill as written," Cline said. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3450 | Wittman statement on voting to override FY21NDAA veto | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting to override the presidential veto of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (FY21 NDAA), the legislation to fundourUnitedStates military and vital defense-related programs into the next year: Let me be very clear:the FY21 NDAA does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. It will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. The Commonwealth of Virginiais home to one of the largest populationsof military members and their families in the country and many more hardworking Americanswho develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe.FY21 NDAAgoes a long way to support our region's path to economic recovery. While I understand the concerns of President Trump, simply put,this is a defense bill and thePresident's concerns are notdefense-related.Lawmakers have been ableto pass this bill for 59 years on a bipartisan and bicameral basis by taking painstaking measures to keepthe NDAA focused on our national security and setting aside non-related policyitems.There are better ways to address the issues brought up by the President that do not jeopardize our nation's security interests or punish our military members. I agree that we must address President Trump's concerns regarding Section 230.That is why I support Rep. Paul Gosar's(AZ-04)Stop the Censorship Act. Section 230 currently provides online platforms with immunity for the removal of anything they perceive to be otherwise objectionable.' This legislation revokes immunity for the removal of competition and lawful political speech, extends free speech online, empowers users to protect themselves from objectionable material. This provision also incentivizes platforms to be more transparent and abid… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3449 | Wittman combats controversial spending on House Floor | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman combats controversial spending on House Floor f t # e Washington, December 24, 2020 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after offering a unanimous consent (UC) request to remove controversial foreign aid spending from the recently passed Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief to small businesses, American workers, and more. The UC request I put forward today to revisit the State and Foreign Operations title of the Consolidated Appropriations Act was offered in an effort to reexamine spending and address concerns of President Trump at a time when many believe that taxpayer dollars should go towards helping Americans most affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government's top priority must be our families, communities, and small businesses as we get through this pandemic and restore our country. Unfortunately, my UC request failed to be agreed to without support from Democratic House Leadership. The House does much of its noncontroversial work by "unanimous consent" (i.e., when one Member stands up and asks that something be done or permitted by unanimous consent and no other Member objects to the request). 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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3454 | Wittman delivers wins in funding package to close the digital divide in Virginia | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses and American workers, and measures to close the digital divide across in Virginia and the nation. As our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmost to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning, and telehealth capabilities, Congressman Wittman said. The new realities and the certain upcoming new normal have left millions of rural Americans, who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband, feeling abandoned and in need of relief to compete in the 21st Century economy. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed this week funds many of the critical broadband priorities of the First Congressional District. From additional monies for broadband grants, to funding for the vital ReConnect program, to the inclusion of a temporary FCC telehealth pilot program, this package goes a long way to closing the digital divide in our nation. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to ensure Congress remains accountable to the people we serve. Americans need high speed internet technologies more than ever before during COVID-19 to work, learn, and receive health care from home, said Congressman Greg Walden (R, OR-02). Rep. Rob Wittman has championed efforts to close the digital divide. While we wish Democrats would have come to the table sooner, we are proud to have several bipartisan wins today on smart policies to connect more Americans across communities in all zip codes, and Rep. Wittman's efforts to expand broadband services in rural and underserved areas played a vital role in these successes. The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3455 | Wittman delivers wins in funding package for defense community, military members in Virginia | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of theConsolidated Appropriations Act,which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses and American workers, and measures to support the defense community and military members in Virginia and across the nation. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed is a critical funding bill that funds many of the priorities of the First Congressional District,Congressman Wittman said.This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides funding for sound, strong defense priorities for the coming year and the coming challenges. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in this funding package that put our military community first. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to ensure Congress remains accountable to the people we serve. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludeskey military funding advanced and supported by Congressman Wittman: National Defense Provides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security Includes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests Allocates funding for two Virginia-Class submarines, one above the budget request, both of which are built in Virginia. Provides $2.87 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402399 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.21.20 | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Christmas is a time of tradition, for families, communities, and throughout our society. For those of us who celebrate, like me, we each have our favorite customs about this season, whether attending a family gathering or town parade or just hearing a favorite Christmas carol. How those traditions become things we return to year after year make for interesting stories on their own. One story caught my eye recently on the Merriam-Webster dictionary website about the phrase tis the season, a phrase often said around this time of year originating in the Christmas carol Deck the Halls.* As someone with Welsh ancestry, and as chairman of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, I was glad to learn that this beloved carol had notable Welsh roots. According to Merriam-Webster, the carol's tune was apparently first recorded in a 1784 book entitled Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards. The book was written by Edward Jones, a harpist for the then-Prince of Wales, the future King George IV, and Jones dedicated his work to the Prince. A century later, the Welsh tune became linked to a Welsh lyricist. In 1884, a book called The Song Book: Words and Tunes from the Best Poets and Musicians reported that the lyrics to Deck the Halls were a translation by Thomas Oliphant of lyrics written by John Jones, a poet who also went by the Welsh name Talhaiarn. Those lyrics included tis the season, but they also include the syllables fa la la la la, and the carol's Welsh origins are important in understanding their inclusion. Merriam-Webster quotes composer John Rutter as saying the song was originally intended for performance by a group of singers and a harpist, the harp being Wales' national instrument. The singers would sing a verse, the harpist would improvise, the singers would move to the next verse, and so on. But harpists are not always available, nor do harps occupy such a prominent place in our culture as they do in that of Wales. As Rutter said, That only worked in Wales where they had harpists on every stree… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402401 | Griffith Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Legislation | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement on the omnibus appropriations legislation funding the Federal Government for the rest of fiscal year 2021: As a supporter of more relief in response to the coronavirus pandemic, I consistently urged congressional leadership to keep any relief package separate from any omnibus appropriations bill to fund the Federal Government. Omnibuses tend to be bloated, filled with unrelated provisions, and cobbled together in backrooms with little time for Members of Congress to read them, much less understand their provisions. They are a terrible way to exercise Congress' power of the purse. The omnibus spending bill for fiscal year 2021 is the longest bill I've been asked to vote on in Congress. It was split into two parts running nearly 5,600 pages. The first totaled roughly 500 pages and included funding for the military and border security, including the border wall. I read this part and found its spending to be largely reasonable, so I voted for it. The second part containing the remaining 5,000 pages, while reportedly including some provisions I support, also reportedly featured far too many items that have no place in a spending bill. Members of Congress had only a few hours to read and analyze this overstuffed monstrosity. As I have pledged to the constituents of the Ninth District, I will not vote for a bill I have not read in its entirety. I voted no. I continue to believe Americans need help in the face of the pandemic, and I know most of my colleagues agree. Legislation that would provide help would likely pass Congress easily, and there is no good reason to tie it to the overall omnibus bill. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3443 | Wittman statement on voting YES to support First District Priorities, families, small businesses, and provide greater pandemic relief | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman statement on voting YES to support First District Priorities, families, small businesses, and provide greater pandemic relief f t # e Washington, December 21, 2020 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement after voting in favor of theConsolidated Appropriations Act,which fully funds the government through September 30th, 2021, and provides additional COVID-19 pandemic relief, relief to small businesses, American workers, and more. The government funding and COVID-19 relief package Congress passed today is a critical funding bill that funds many of the priorities of the First Congressional District including increased and stable funding for our military, support for our Veterans, investments in broadband and our rural communities, assistance to our Law Enforcement Officers, andmuch-needed relief to millions of Americans. Despite months of delays, unnecessary posturing, and piles of ignored legislation by Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats, the package passed today reflects key bipartisan priorities. It includes vital provisions supporting our response to the pandemic, including targeted relief to small businesses, additional funding to speed vaccine production and distribution, and also provides assistance to reopening schools and rebuilding our economy. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludeskey government fundingdirectly advancedby Congressman Wittman: Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as advocated for in Congressman Wittman'sServing Rural America Act. Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide. Expands telehealth grants by funding the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act. Allocates funding for two Virginia-Class su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402400 | Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems to Receive $2,087,196 | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems to Receive $2,087,196 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $2,087,196 to Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems headquartered in Saltville. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Community health centers provide care to many in Southwest Virginia, and during the coronavirus outbreak they have a critical role to play. The distribution of $2,087,196 in funds to Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems will help promote accessible and quality health care for those who rely upon them. This will support the hard work and expert care provided by the professionals at our community health centers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cline.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cline-accompanied-medical-professionals-host-telephone-town-hall-focused | Rep. Cline, Accompanied by Medical Professionals, to Host Telephone Town Hall Focused on COVID-19 | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) announced that he will host a District-wide Telephone Town Hall. Cline will be joined on this call by the Chairman of the Congressional Doctors Caucus, Representative Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01), and Dr. Laura Kornegay, Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. The telephone town hall will take place Monday, December 21, 2020, from 6:30p.m. 7:30p.m. Constituents planning to participate should register atcline.house.gov/live or dial (855) 933-0825 during the time of the call. I look forward to hearing from constituents and providing them with the latest information regarding the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine, Cline said. This telephone town hall will allow me the opportunity to engage directly with those I represent and answer any questions related to the coronavirus pandemic. This event will mark the seventh telephone town hall held by Congressman Cline since March and the thirty-second overall since taking office. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1062 | Rep. Cline, Accompanied by Medical Professionals, to Host Telephone Town Hall Focused on COVID-19 | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | cline | https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06) announced that he will host a District-wide Telephone Town Hall. Cline will be joined on this call by the Chairman of the Congressional Doctors Caucus, Representative Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-01), and Dr. Laura Kornegay, Health Director for the Central Shenandoah Health District. The telephone town hall will take place Monday, December 21, 2020, from 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. Constituents planning to participate should register at cline.house.gov/live or dial (855) 933-0825 during the time of the call. "I look forward to hearing from constituents and providing them with the latest information regarding the recently approved COVID-19 vaccine," Cline said. "This telephone town hall will allow me the opportunity to engage directly with those I represent and answer any questions related to the coronavirus pandemic." This event will mark the seventh telephone town hall held by Congressman Cline since March and the thirty-second overall since taking office. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402398 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.14.20 | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Candy Apples and Toads An analogy I like to use for the legislative process invokes candy apples and toads. Legislation rarely includes only things I like the candy apples or omits the things I really dislike the toads. Considering whether to support a bill usually means weighing whether there are enough candy apples to cover up the bad taste of a few toads. End-of-year legislating usually provides plenty of opportunities to apply this test. As the year draws to a close, Congress once again finds itself closing in on a deadline to fund the Federal Government for the fiscal year that began on October 1. As in previous years, we did not need to be in this situation. Federal law prescribes a budget process of individual appropriations bills that should go through regular order at the committee and floor level. Just following the rules could help us avoid the scramble to resolve everything with one bill that, even if read, Members of Congress rarely get to fully scrutinize before having to give it an up or down vote. Because the omnibus bill funding the government for the rest of the fiscal year ending September 30 has not yet been agreed to by negotiators, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) continuing current funding for just one week. Like omnibuses, I generally do not find CRs to be a proper way to fund the government. But as with any other bill I vote on, I read this CR. It included an extension for the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher program for two years. This program encourages the development of new drugs to treat rare pediatric diseases. The innovation promoted by this program can lead to new treatments that help improve and save the lives of children suffering from rare diseases. While skeptical of CRs, I support the extension of the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Vouchers, so I voted for this CR. In the best instances, legislation rarely includes everything I want to see or leaves out anything I do not support. In this case, extending the program for two years w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3424 | Wittman applauds passage of vital Long Bridge Act of 2020 | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman applauds passage of vital Long Bridge Act of 2020 f t # e Washington, December 10, 2020 WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA01) today issued the following statement after the House passage of his legislation, the Long Bridge Act of 2020: I am so glad to see the passage of this vitally important piece of legislation by the House today,Congressman Wittman said.Commuter rail is an important component to reducing traffic congestion in Northern Virginia; Long Bridge, which spans the Potomac River between Virginia and Washington, D.C., is a critical gateway between southeast and northeast rail networks that carries all Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express, and CSX traffic. That is why I introduced this bill: a new Long Bridge will ease congestion along the I-95 corridor and cut down on the commuter travel time that plagues many VA-01 residents. Constituents in my district rely on the services of Amtrak and the VRE to commute throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Fredericksburg. The current Long Bridge structure is the primary constraint limiting VRE's ability to operate more passenger trains which could significantly reduce traffic in Northern Virginia and help with the commutes of First District residents. The construction of a separate passenger-only bridge will also allow freight to move more freely from the Port of Virginia, taking thousands of large trucks off of Virginia roadways. I am proud to see this legislation pass the House today, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation quickly to do the most good for the people of our region. The Long Bridge Act of 2020 allows the National Park Service (NPS) to convey and authorize necessary federal property for the construction of a new commuter rail and pedestrian bridge spanning the Potomac. A new Long Brid… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3425 | Wittman statement on the release of Navy’s 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after the release of the U.S. Navy's updated 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan: This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is all about implementing the National Defense Strategy as it pertains to Great Powers Competition,Congressman Wittman said.I am pleased with the Navy's focus on maximizing our asymmetrical advantages with a focus on attack submarines while simultaneously shoring up our weaknesses by increasing our logistics fleet. It appropriately adjusts the 355-ship goal to a force structure that envisions a 403-ship manned requirement with expanded manned and unmanned teaming. Highlights of this plan include: Supporting 70% of our strategic weapons by recapitalizing the ballistic missile submarine force structure. Continuing aircraft carrier construction to support expanded long-range strike and maintain our 11-carrier requirement while investing in a new class of carriers to follow. Completely arresting the previously programmed 20% attack submarine force structure reduction and immediately sustain and expand attack submarine force structure levels while expanding the industrial base to support three attack submarines per year. Reducing the number of large surface combatants in order to provide a more distributed network of small and unmanned surface combatants. Expanding the amphibious force structure to meet the Commandant's planning guidance and the need for distributed maritime operations. And, finally recognizing the expanded logistics ship requirement to support navy operations and Army and Marine Corps lift requirements. While this plan puts our nation on the right track for dominating the seas, we must recognize that we are in a difficult budgeting environment,Congressman Wittman continued.But one thing is for certain: our budgeting decisions must be as flexible as the strategies we hope to fund, and nothing should be off the table. This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is the right plan at the right ti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3453 | Wittman statement on the release of Navy’s 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after the release of the U.S. Navy's updated 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan: This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is all about implementing the National Defense Strategy as it pertains to Great Powers Competition, Congressman Wittman said. I am pleased with the Navy's focus on maximizing our asymmetrical advantages with a focus on attack submarines while simultaneously shoring up our weaknesses by increasing our logistics fleet. It appropriately adjusts the 355-ship goal to a force structure that envisions a 403-ship manned requirement with expanded manned and unmanned teaming. Highlights of this plan include: Supporting 70% of our strategic weapons by recapitalizing the ballistic missile submarine force structure. Continuing aircraft carrier construction to support expanded long-range strike and maintain our 11-carrier requirement while investing in a new class of carriers to follow. Completely arresting the previously programmed 20% attack submarine force structure reduction and immediately sustain and expand attack submarine force structure levels while expanding the industrial base to support three attack submarines per year. Reducing the number of large surface combatants in order to provide a more distributed network of small and unmanned surface combatants. Expanding the amphibious force structure to meet the Commandant's planning guidance and the need for distributed maritime operations. And, finally recognizing the expanded logistics ship requirement to support navy operations and Army and Marine Corps lift requirements. While this plan puts our nation on the right track for dominating the seas, we must recognize that we are in a difficult budgeting environment, Congressman Wittman continued. But one thing is for certain: our budgeting decisions must be as flexible as the strategies we hope to fund, and nothing should be off the table. This 30-Year Shipbuilding Plan is the right plan at the right time. It is good fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402397 | Griffith-Backed Medical Marijuana Research Act Passes House | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after H.R. 3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act, passed the House of Representatives: Decisions on marijuana policy must be guided by science and evidence, but federal law currently inhibits researchers from collecting the data that should guide policymakers. The Medical Marijuana Research Act improves Federal Government policies on marijuana research. It is a change I have long sought, and I am encouraged that it passed the House today. Background H.R. 3797, the Medical Marijuana Research Act, would ensure a supply of marijuana for research purposes through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program. It would also direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidelines on the production of marijuana and encourage authorized researchers and manufacturers to produce marijuana under the law. Griffith is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3797 in this Congress and has introduced the bill in previous Congresses. He also introduced H.R. 171, the Legitimate Use of Medicinal Marihuana Act. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402396 | Griffith Calls for Coronavirus Relief, Appropriations Legislation to be Kept Separate | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement: I believe the need exists for further economic relief in response to the damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic. I am ready to support a rational package to provide it. During a call with the Republican Conference, I urged our leadership to keep any coronavirus package separate from the anticipated omnibus measure funding the Federal Government. Of course, Speaker Pelosi may have other ideas. Once again, congressional leadership finds itself expecting one enormous appropriations bill to address all the needs of the moment. The House should have followed regular order earlier and passed individual spending bills as the law demands. At this point, at the very least, we ought to pass a standalone coronavirus relief measure. The price of aid for Americans suffering from the effects of COVID-19 should not be forcing Americans to accept an omnibus spending bill produced behind closed doors and loaded with unrelated extraneous provisions and excessive spending. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3422 | Wittman applauds House passage of FY21 NDAA, secures wins for Virginia | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement after House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA) After a months-long process of negotiations and discussions, made more difficult by the logistical impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud to support such a bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation in this year's FY21 NDAA and am thrilled that the House passed this vital bill. This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the coming year and the coming challenges. FY21 NDAA will give our armed forces the tools and resources they need to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. The FY21 NDAA supports our military community both throughout our nation and here in the Commonwealth. Our area is home to one of the largest populations of military members, their families, and the hardworking Americans who develop and support the platforms, systems, and programs that our warfighters use to execute their critical missions around the globe. Advocating for these individuals is one of my top priorities, and I am proud of the provisions in the FY21 NDAA that put our military community first. For 59 years, this piece of bipartisan legislation has been signed into law as it is what is necessary to support our troops and set the defense policy for our nation. I look forward to the passage of this bill by my colleagues in the Senate, and I look forward to its efficacy for our military in the coming year. Through his work as the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and as a core conferee in the Conference Committee process for the FY21 NDAA, Congressman Wittman was able to work with his colleagues to secure the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the necessary … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402395 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 12.7.20 | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Setting an agenda means setting priorities. Based on the agenda of the U.S. House of Representatives, apparently marijuana is a priority of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). It must be so, because on December 4 she used some of the little legislative time remaining in this Congress to bring up H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019. H.R. 3884 not only decriminalizes marijuana, but expunges previous marijuana convictions and permits taxpayer dollars to be used in support of the marijuana industry and convicted drug dealers. I doubt the constituents we represent in the House believe this measure to be such an urgent concern amid the current pandemic and economic downturn. To be sure, I am supportive of changes to current federal drug laws. I support medicinal marijuana and further research into the effects of marijuana use, which the present laws and regulations make difficult to pursue. I have introduced legislation and worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve these goals. But with few legislative days remaining in this Congress, now is certainly not the time to focus on full-blown marijuana legalization. Further, H.R. 3884 goes way too far in the other direction from the restrictions currently in place. In light of the fact that the bill was taken up so late in the Congress and with little chance of becoming law, H.R. 3884 appears to be more of a messaging bill than a serious attempt at legislating. But what kind of message is sent by its provisions? Consider how it handles marijuana convictions. Any prior conviction for non-violent federal marijuana offenses are expunged, and courts are required to conduct resentencing hearings on any federal convictions that included marijuana as part of the underlying offense apart from crimes of violence. For example, if an individual was convicted of embezzling from a bank but was in possession of marijuana when arrested, he or she could be eligible for resentencing. This would create tremendous strain on the court… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3412 | Wittman Applauds Bipartisan NDAA Conference Report | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee and conferee on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21 NDAA), released the following statement on the release of the conference report: After an arduous process full of months of negotiations and discussions, made more difficult by the impacts of COVID-19, I am proud to have been appointed a conferee to finalize the bills between the House and the Senate and have signed the bipartisan conference report. This is a piece of legislation that I believe does right by our men and women in uniform and provides sound, strong defense policy for the next year. As a core conferee, I am pleased with the report as it will give our armed forces the tools and resources necessary to deter our adversaries, support our allies, and project power around the globe. As the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I am proud that we were able to take an originally undesirable shipbuilding request and turn it into a more reasonable product. Paramount among this final funding result is the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and the required advanced procurement to maintain the two-per-year build rate. These submarines are critical to both our national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, I was pleased to see the inclusion of my bill H.R. 7195, which will allow for the multi-year procurement of three smaller amphibious ships and one large deck amphibious ship that will save the taxpayers roughly a billion dollars. Ultimately, the shipbuilding account procures nine battle force ships including one Columbia-class fleet ballistic missile submarine; two Virginia-class submarines; two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke destroyers; one guided missile Frigate (FFG); two T-ATS towing, salvage, and rescue ships; and one expeditionary fast transport ship (EPF). The conference report also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402394 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Griffith's Ninth DistrictSTAFFwill be available at the following locations during the month ofDecember. Traveling office hours follow the status of local government offices, which vary across the 22 counties and nine independent cities of the Ninth District. As local governments offices reopen, office hours will be resumed. In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.If a County's or City's schools are closed, then its office hours will be closed as well. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to schedule an appointment time in the event of office hour closure. December 8, 2020 Craig County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Craig County Administration Bldg. 108 Court Street New Castle, VA 24127 Alleghany County: 12:00 pm 1:30 pm Clifton Forge Library Conference Room 535 Church Street Clifton Forge, VA 24422 December 9, 2020 Scott County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Community Services Building Board of Supervisors Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA 24251 Lee County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Lee County Sheriff's Office Conference Room 33640 Main Street Suite U101 Jonesville, VA 24263 Wise County: 3:15 pm 4:45 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Ave. E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 December 10, 2020 Giles County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Pearisburg Offices 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA 24134 December 15, 2020 Tazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am 11:30 am Town of Richlands Offices 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Town of Grundy Offices 1185 Plaza Dr. Grundy, VA 24614 December 16, 2020 Carroll County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Carroll County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room 605 1 Pine Street Hillsville, VA 24343 Galax: 11:30 am 1:00 pm Municipal Building Conference Room … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3410 | Wittman on Navy’s decision to decommission USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman on Navy's decision to decommission USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) f t # e Washington, December 1, 2020 WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the below statement following the decision by the United States Navy to decommission the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) following review of extensive damage from a fire earlier this year: Although I am dismayed at the loss of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), I agree with the Navy's decision to decommission the ship due to excess damaged sustained during the July fire. I am disappointed that fire safety continues to be among the chief problems our Navy struggles with today. We absolutely cannot forget that these ships are most vulnerable when their inherent safety measures are rendered useless, particularly during maintenance availabilities. While the decision to decommission has been made, the investigation into the fire that cause this damage is ongoing. I look forward to working with the Navy in my Congressional oversight role to get to the bottom of this incident and using the lessons learned to prevent future incidents. 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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402392 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 11.20.20 | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | On Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season that follows, we count our blessings. As we do so, it is also important to remember those who may be less fortunate, both in our neighborhoods and around the world. At a recent meeting of a bipartisan, nondenominational prayer breakfast that convenes when the House of Representatives is in session, David Beasley gave the featured remarks. Formerly a governor of South Carolina, he now serves as executive director of the World Food Programme fighting hunger around the globe. This agency was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 9 in recognition of its work to feed people in 88 countries. The Nobel Prize has brought attention to the fight against hunger at a critical time. The coronavirus pandemic added a layer of difficulty to feeding the world atop the food insecurities that already existed. Before the pandemic, in 2019, almost 135 million people suffered from acute hunger. The World Food Programme estimates that the number could reach 270 million by the end of this year. Reports from the World Food Programme have noted how economic shutdowns provoked by the pandemic worsen poverty and could cause more people to die than COVID-19 itself. World Bank projections indicate that up to 150 million additional people could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2021. Shutdowns can put people out of work and interrupt the supply chains that bring people the nutrition they need. Shutting down schools also denies children access to school meals a report in April noted that 370 million children were thus deprived at the time. Certain countries in Africa and the Middle East are most susceptible to these tragic outcomes. The United States is fortunate not to face the dire extremes of poverty and hunger that too many in other countries confront every day. Ours is a land of plenty, even if we are not immune to hardships. This is a fact that the early European settlers of the eastern United States, including the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony, would recognize. Last year was the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402393 | Griffith Statement on H.R. 8294 | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Statement on H.R. 8294 Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 8294: I believe apprenticeships provide valuable education opportunities. I cannot support H.R. 8294 or its Republican alternative, however, because they spend billions of dollars of taxpayer money during a time of significant emergency spending. Congress has already passed trillions of dollars in response to the coronavirus, and more relief bills responding to this emergency are likely yet to come. While the pandemic continues, we should not be adding to the country's substantial debt burden by voting for higher spending for new or expanded programs. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3408 | Wittman named Conferee for FY21 NDAA | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, has been named by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to the Congressional Conference Committee that will negotiate differences between the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Actthe bill that authorizes spending and sets forth the policies for the Department of Defensefor Fiscal Year 2021. Threats to our national security arise every day around the world, but without the necessary authorizations provided by the NDAA, our servicemen and women will not be equipped to face them,Wittman said.As this year's NDAA process proceeds forward into conference, I'll continue fighting to ensure that our force is effectively resourced, trained, and equipped, and that our defense budget and authorizations reflect our strategic needs. Congressman Wittman's selection to the Conference Committee is a great recognition of his tireless advocacy for our nation's military throughout his time in Congress. This important committee is charged with getting national defense policy signed into law to ensure that the Department of Defense has the resources and authorities needed to defend the United States and our national security interests. This legislation is vital to keeping America safe, building and maintaining strong relationships with our allies, and promoting peace around the world. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402391 | Griffith Bill to Prevent Opioid Abuse Passes House | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 4812, the Ensuring Compliance Against Drug Diversion Act, introduced by Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA). Griffith issued the following statement: The opioid crisis grew in part due to the abuse of opioids legally manufactured and sold. My bill, the Ensuring Compliance Against Drug Diversion Act, would reform Drug Enforcement Agency regulations to close legal loopholes that could enable opioid abuse. I am proud to sponsor this small but important fix that will assist in fighting the opioid epidemic that has hurt too many. Further Information The Ensuring Compliance Against Drug Diversion Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit the transfer of any Drug Enforcement Agency registration to manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances without written consent from the agency. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-rigglemans-bill-address-opioid-epidemic-passes-house | Congressman Riggleman's Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic Passes House | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Today,Congressman Denver Riggleman's bill H.R. 2466, the State OpioidGrant Authorization Act of 2020, passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. Thebill, co-led byCongressman David Trone (D-MD-6),would aid the fight against the opioid epidemic by providingfunding for State Opioid Response Grants. These grantsprovide significant and much-needed resources to respond to the opioid epidemic, and this legislation provides congressional authorization funding for states and localitiesfor the next 5 years. Over 2 million Americans suffer from opioid addiction, and the opioid crisis has only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic, said Congressman Denver Riggleman. The State Opioid Response Grant program helps thousands of Americans every year in their fight against addiction by prioritizing prevention, treatment and recovery. I am proud to see this bill pass the House of Representatives unanimously today. It's a big step forward in combating the very real crisis of opioid addiction, which has devastating consequences for families across this great nation, including my own. Thank you to my colleagues, especially my good friend Congressman David Trone, for supporting this bill. I introduced this bill when I first came to Congress because I spoke to our Governor, state and county leaders, hospital administrators, direct providers, and stakeholders across the country who all said the same thing loud and clear: State, local, and tribal governments need to know the federal government will be a steady partner in the fight against addiction, said Congressman Trone. We need consistent, guaranteed funding because there is no magic bullet or vaccine to fix the opioid crisis that has killed over 550,000 people since 2000 and continues to get worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'd like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for unanimously passing this legislation and supporting those fighting on the front lines of the opioid epidemic in our communities. Before the bill passed the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3407 | Wittman demands action on bipartisan COVID relief from Speaker Pelosi | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today sent the below letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting swift and bipartisan action on additional COVID-19 relief legislation to assist small businesses, individuals, and families during the recovery process from the Coronavirus pandemic.This marks thesecond timeRep. Wittman has written Pelosi directly demanding action on a truly bipartisan relief bill. Unfortunately, since this Spring, the House has only considered partisan legislation that has no chance of being signed into law,Congressman Wittman wrote.I believe there is common ground to provide relief to millions of struggling Americans through continued unemployment relief, extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program and an additional round of individual Economic Impact Payments. It is critical that we come together and deliver a commonsense, bipartisan solution for hard working Americans. Read Congressman Wittman's letter in full below. Dear Speaker Pelosi: It is unfortunate that Congress was unable to pass bipartisan coronavirus relief legislation prior to the election to assist struggling Virginia families, businesses and schools. As new Coronavirus cases and deaths increase across the country and millions of Americans continue to suffer economically, it is apparent that additional relief is needed now. I am once again writing to ask that you would bring before the House of Representatives bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation that could also pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President. Unfortunately, since this Spring, the House has only considered partisan legislation that has no chance of being signed into law. I believe there is common ground to provide relief to millions of struggling Americans through continued unemployment relief, extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program and an additional round of individual Economic Impact Payments. It is critical that we come together and del… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402390 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 11.12.20 | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The process for electing a president of the United States continues to play out according to the Constitution. It includes several steps, none of which involve media organizations calling the race or projecting winners. Instead, states count the votes for the purposes of choosing electors to vote in the Electoral College, and the Electoral College's tally must be certified by Congress. In many presidential election years, these actions are viewed as mere formalities, but in some close races throughout our history, they have been contested well after the ballots of individual voters were cast. The act you are likely most familiar with is going to the polls on Election Day to vote for president. This process is primarily under the control of the states, so the 50 states can differ on which candidates are on the ballot, absentee and mail-in voting policies, early voting, and so on. As we have seen this year, states also differ in how quickly they count the votes. The Constitution and federal laws, however, do guarantee fundamental protections to voters. For example, the Fourteenth Amendment holds that a state cannot deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. This clause was decisive in 2000. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a statewide manual recount in Florida ordered by the state Supreme Court would violate the Fourteenth Amendment because counties had different standards for the recount, denying equal protection for voters within the state. That case was decided by the Supreme Court on December 12, 2000, after more than a month of recounts and litigation between the campaigns of Al Gore and George W. Bush. This example shows that candidates have the right to pursue legal remedies well after the polls close. The vote count in the states decides their slate of electors for the Electoral College. The Constitution allows state legislatures to decide on their electors however they want, but all states except two award every one of their electors to the winner of the state's pop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402379 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 11.6.20 | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | November 11 is Veterans Day. Each year, Americans take this day to honor the men and women who have served in defense of our liberties in the United States Armed Forces. It began as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Now veterans of all conflicts in which our country has been engaged are recognized on November 11. Although World War I was not, as was said at the time, the war to end all wars, the United States is still blessed with individuals who will step forward when our country calls. Veterans Day is an appropriate occasion to reflect on what our country called these men and women to do. It is also essential that the day be used to consider the tremendous debt we owe them. This must be true even during the coronavirus pandemic. This year, our tributes to the veterans who fought for us may look different than those of past years. Especially for those veterans who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, sometimes acquired from their time in the service, precautions should be taken when celebrating them. Nevertheless, Americans who served their country deserve our tributes in this difficult time. President Calvin Coolidge said, A country which is worth defending takes care of its defenders. My office carries out this charge by offering assistance to veterans requiring specific services from the Federal Government. When vets encounter difficulties accessing their benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), caseworkers in my office can help and try to cut through the red tape and intercede. In addition to VA casework, I support legislation in Congress to improve the VA's health care services. Improving the VA's offerings has been an area of bipartisan focus and accomplishment. Another constituent service my office can provide is the replacement of service medals. They represent the commitment and sacrifice a veteran made for his or her country, but they are not immune to being lost or mispla… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402389 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November | 2020-11-05 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Griffith's Ninth DistrictSTAFFwill be available at the following locations during the month ofNovember. Traveling office hours follow the status of local government offices, which vary across the 22 counties and nine independent cities of the Ninth District. As local governments offices reopen, office hours will be resumed. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. November 10, 2020 Craig County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Craig County Administration Bldg. 108 Court Street New Castle, VA 24127 Covington: 12:00 pm 1:30 pm City of Covington Conference Room 333 W. Locust Street Covington, VA 24426 Salem: 3:00 pm 4:30 pm City of Salem Offices 114 N. Broad Street Salem, VA 24153 November 12, 2020 Giles County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Pearisburg Offices 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA 24134 Wythe County: 1:30 pm 3:00 pm Wythe County Sheriff's Office Conference Room 245 South 4th Street Wytheville, VA 24382 Pulaski County: 2:30 pm 4:00pm Pulaski County Library 60 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA 24301 November 16, 2020 Scott County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Community Services Building Board of Supervisors Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA 24251 Lee County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Lee County Sheriff's Office Conference Room 33640 Main Street Suite U101 Jonesville, VA 24263 Wise County: 3:15 pm 4:45 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Ave. E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 November 17, 2020 Tazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am 11:30 am Town of Richlands Offices 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Town of Grundy Offices 1185 Plaza Dr. Grundy, VA 24614 November 18, 2020 Carroll County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Carroll County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room 605 1 Pine Street Hillsville, VA 24343 Galax: 11:30 am 1:00 pm Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Grayson Street Galax, VA 24333… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402386 | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $50,000 for Town Hall Furnishings and Office Equipment in the Town of Rich Creek | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $50,000 for Town Hall Furnishings and Office Equipment in the Town of Rich Creek Monday, November 2, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced a $50,000 grant to the Town of Rich Creek for the purchase of office equipment and furnishings for the new town hall. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Town halls provide community residents with many important resources. Today's award of $50,000 from USDA Rural Development will allow The Town of Rich Creek to create an efficient operating space at their new town hall location, directly benefitting employees and the residents they serve. Further Information: The Town of Rich Creek will receive a $50,000 Economic Impact Initiative Grant to purchase office equipment and furnishings. The town hall is in the process of relocating from its current facility, an old school building, to a new space in the center of town. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402387 | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $16,000 for a Dump Truck and Pipeline Inspection Equipment in the Town of Wise | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $16,000 for a Dump Truck and Pipeline Inspection Equipment in the Town of Wise Monday, November 2, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced a $16,000 grant to the Town of Wise for the purchase of a dump truck and a waterproof pipeline inspection camera system. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Today's award of $16,000 from USDA Rural Development will allow the Town of Wise to replace two vital resources that have been in use for more than two decades. These funds will allow the community to operate more efficiently and effectively. Further Information: The Town of Wise will receive a $16,000 Economic Impact Initiative Grant to purchase a dump truck and a pipeline inspection camera system. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402388 | $207,982 Awarded for Housing Assistance to Low-Income Residents in Three Southwest Virginia Counties | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | $207,982 Awarded for Housing Assistance to Low-Income Residents in Three Southwest Virginia Counties Monday, November 2, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $207,982 to public housing agencies in three Southwest Virginia counties to support housing assistance for low-income residents. The funding was awarded through the CARES Act Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: The coronavirus outbreak has inflicted economic hardship on many. HUD's award of $207,982 for housing assistance in these counties will bring relief to individuals and families receiving housing assistance who are having greater difficulty paying their bills. Griffith supported the CARES Act. Public housing agencies receiving funds include: Wytheville Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Wytheville - $13,068 Wise County Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Coeburn - $132,242 Lee County Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Jonesville - $62,672 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402378 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 10.30.20 | 2020-10-30 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The nineteenth century British statesman Lord Palmerston once defended his foreign policy by declaring, We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow. His words should be heeded today. When the policies of the past no longer align with the realities of today, they must be reevaluated. Certainly, the American relationship with the People's Republic of China demands a reevaluation. For decades, American leaders promoted closer ties with China and avoided censure of its Communist rulers. This approach was guided by the belief that China's incorporation into global institutions and markets would encourage the governing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to act more responsibly and in line with our values. This approach may have seemed reasonable when it was first adopted, but experience has discredited it. Over four decades of a normalized relationship have not resulted in a freer, more open China. On the contrary, the CCP routinely exploits its relationships with Western countries to enrich itself and promote its own power while still engaging in abhorrent human rights practices. Late last year, I heard testimony in the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health about our worrisome dependence on China for pharmaceutical products. As of August 2019, a significant percentage of active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers supplying the U.S. market were based in China. For particular drugs, the percentage made in China can be vastly higher. For example, the country provides nearly 80 percent of the world's supply of the blood thinner heparin. It developed a stranglehold on the world's supply of penicillin after a sustained effort to put manufacturers of the antibiotic in other countries out of business. A subsequent, separate hearing of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations focused on some of the problems that come with this dependence on China for pharmaceutical products. The Food and Drug Adminis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3400 | Wittman Celebrates Signing of Once-in-a-Generation Environmental, Chesapeake Bay Legislation into Law | 2020-10-30 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) applauded President Trump for signing the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, arguably the most important piece of environmental legislation for the Chesapeake Bay, national wetlands, and fish habitats in the past twenty years, into law. The ACE Act is a once-in-a-generation advancement to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and protect and conserve our natural environment across America,Congressman Wittman said.As a passionate waterfowl hunter, I am grateful for the hard work put into passing this legislation to conserve critical migratory bird habitat across America. The Bay is a national treasure, and the ACE Act provides additional resources and extends critical conservation programs that preserve wetlands, reduce pollution, and increase recreational opportunities in Virginia. The ACE Act would make record investments in the Chesapeake Bay and establish several programs to boost the health of the watershed. Earlier this month, Congressman Wittman had the incredible honor tomanage suspension debatefor the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act on the House Floor.Click here to watch Congressman Wittman's floor remarks Most notably, the ACE Act contains two pieces of legislation sponsored by Congressman Wittman: National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act, which establishes the National Fish Habitat Board to (1) encourage partnerships among public agencies and other interested parties to promote fish conservation, (2) establish national goals and priorities for fish habitat conservation, (3) recommend to Congress entities for designation as a Fish Habitat Partnership, and (4) review and make recommendations regarding fish habitat conservation projects. America's Conservation Enhancement Act, which Congressman Wittman jointly introduced with Rep. Mike Thompson (D, CA-05), which reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402383 | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $740,000 for Public Service Vehicles in Ninth District Communities | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $740,000 for Public Service Vehicles in Ninth District Communities Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced $740,000 in loans and grants to communities in Virginia's Ninth Congressional District for public service vehicles. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Purchasing and equipping modern vehicles for public services can place a strain on budgets in rural communities. Today's awards of $740,000 to the City of Norton and the Town of Clintwood from USDA Rural Development will assist in critical fire and sanitation services, services upon which rural residents rely. Recipients include: Town of Clintwood, which will receive a $90,000 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase a sanitation vehicle; City of Norton, which will receive a $600,000 loan to purchase a fire truck. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402384 | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $164,400 for a Public Service Vehicle in the Town of Hillsville | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $164,400 for a Public Service Vehicle in the Town of Hillsville Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced $164,400 in loans and grants to the Town of Hillsville for the purchase of a sanitation vehicle. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Purchasing and equipping modern vehicles for public services can place a strain on budgets in rural communities. Today's award of $164,400 from USDA Rural Development will assist in public sanitation services upon which rural residents rely. Further Information: Town of Hillsville, which will receive a $114,400 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase a sanitation vehicle. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402385 | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $35,000 for a Public Service Vehicle in the Town of Pembroke | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Award of $35,000 for a Public Service Vehicle in the Town of Pembroke Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced $35,000 in loans and grants to the Town of Pembroke for the purchase of a law enforcement vehicle. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Purchasing and equipping modern vehicles for public services can place a strain on budgets in rural communities. Today's award of $35,000 from USDA Rural Development will assist in law enforcement services upon which rural residents rely. Further Information Town of Pembroke, which will receive a $22,800 loan and $12,200 grant to purchase a law enforcement vehicle. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-champions-bill-improve-seniors-access-medical-care | Congressman Riggleman Champions Bill to Improve Seniors Access to Medical Care | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Today Congressman Denver Riggleman co-sponsored H.R. 3107, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, which wouldprotect American seniors from delays in medical care and clarify insurance coverage. Congressman Riggleman joins a bipartisan majority of over 260 members of Congress in supporting this bill that would protect America's seniors from delays in medical care by streamlining prior authorization under the Medicare Advantage program. "The coronavirus pandemic has amplified theneed to treat high risk seniors in a timely manner, said Congressman Riggleman. In the wake of the pandemic, our healthcare providers and seniors arebeing confronted withthe challenges of postponed medicaltreatment.I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation that will expedite healthcare for our American seniors and improve transparency for healthcare providers and patients alike." The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 would: Establish an electronic prior authorization process that expedites patient care and provides much needed transparency Provide real-time decisions in response to requests for services that are routinely approved by insurance companies Allow physicians to focus on patient care, without the burden of insurance coverage paperwork for procedures that are routinely approved This bill has the supportof over400 national and state patient, physician and healthcare professional organizations, including; the National Association of Social Workers, the Arthritis Foundation, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402381 | Griffith Applauds USDA Rural Development Award of $18,730,000 to the Washington County Service Authority for Water Infrastructure | 2020-10-27 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Rural Development Award of $18,730,000 to the Washington County Service Authority for Water Infrastructure Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | Kelly Lungren (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today awarded a loan of $18,730,000 to the Washington County Service Authority for improvements to water storage and distribution systems. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Water infrastructure is important to the health, quality of life, and economic potential of all communities. This USDA Rural Development loan of $18,730,000 will support major upgrades to Washington County water systems, correcting health hazards such as lead and rust. This loan will also improve water pressure and construct 145 fire hydrants. This is a significant investment in Washington County's infrastructure. Further Information USDA Rural Development funding will support: - installation of approximately 304,000 linear feet of water line; - 145 fire hydrants; - 63 water meter relocations; - demolition of two water storage tanks; and - construction of a 1.5 million-gallon tank with all related site work, including fencing. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-joins-bipartisan-effort-protect-aid-hospitals-during | Congressman Riggleman Joins Bipartisan Effort to Protect Aid to Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Over the weekend, Congressman Denver Riggleman joined 238 members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns over recent changes to the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The bipartisanletter, led by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV-01), safeguards the PRF as a critical lifeline for essential healthcare providers as they continue to serve our vulnerable communities during the coronavirus pandemic. In the letter, the members wrote: "On September 19, 2020, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced changes to the PRF reporting requirements that could force many hospitals and other providers to return some of this vital funding and jeopardize patients' access to care while the nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents an about-face from the stipulations that HHS outlined months ago, which providers based their planning upon during an already tumultuous fiscal environment. HHS should return to PRF reporting requirements established on June 19, 2020. You can read the entire letter to Secretary Azar here. "The pandemic has underscored the urgent need that our hospitals face in providing so many great services to our communities, said Congressman Riggleman."We cannot penalize hospitals by changing the PRF requirements now. Ilook forward to working with HHS in order to maximize support for our healthcare providers." The PRF provided $10 billion dollars to almost 8,000 hospitals and clinics around the country as allocated by the CARES Act. Specifically, healthcare providers in Virginia received over $134 milliondollarsfrom the PRF state allocation. These critical funds were divided among 104 healthcare providers in Virginia, and provided very significant aid to rural communities battling the coronavirus. Background: In March of 2020,Congressman Riggleman spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the CARES Act. You can watch his speech here. Learn more about the ongoin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3396 | Wittman statement on the confirmation of Judge Barrett to SCOTUS | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | Wittman statement on the confirmation of Judge Barrett to SCOTUS f t # e Washington, October 26, 2020 WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement on the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court: Judge Barrett boasts an impeccable academic and judicial resume, making her an excellent pick to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Her record on the Seventh Circuit and her time in academia at Notre Dame makes it clear that she believes a judge's role is to apply the law based on the original text of the Constitution, not impose their own preference or ideology. Our highest court should reflect a legal philosophy that places life, liberty, and the words of the Constitution above all else. Judge Barrett will uphold that vision and be a defender of our foundational principles on the Supreme Court. I am glad to see her confirmation and look forward to hearing more of her jurisprudence in the coming years. 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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402380 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 10.23.20 | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | News stories during an election season often focus on the ups and downs of opinion polling. As a decision nears, polls become central to reporting and analysis, and often affect the enthusiasm of the various candidates' supporters and opponents. In a republic based on democratic principles, opinion polls occupy a meaningful role in discerning public sentiment. It would be a mistake, however, to let them occupy a preeminent role. Admittedly, they have come a long way from their predecessors, the straw polls. These surveys supposedly got their name from the farming method of telling which way the wind blew by throwing a handful of straw into the air. The first published presidential straw poll in the United States appeared in the Harrisburg Pennsylvanian ahead of the 1824 election. It found that the residents of Newark and Wilmington, Delaware it had surveyed preferred Andrew Jackson over John Quincy Adams; Jackson did win the popular vote that year, but Adams became president when no candidate earned a majority in the Electoral College and the House of Representatives decided the election. Over the succeeding decades, polling methods became more sophisticated, but there were still notable missed predictions. Among the most famous occurred in 1936. The magazine Literary Digest had conducted several presidential election polls by that year and had previously predicted the result correctly. It mailed out postcards asking recipients to respond with their preference for the Democrat incumbent, President Franklin Roosevelt, or his Republican challenger, Kansas Governor Alf Landon. Based on the survey results, Literary Digest predicted a victory for Landon with 57 percent of the popular vote and 370 electoral votes. That November, Roosevelt won in a landslide with 60.8 percent of the popular vote and 523 electoral votes. Landon carried 36.5 percent of the popular vote and a mere eight electoral votes from two states, Maine and Vermont. Notably, the polling method of newcomer George Gallup accurately predicted a Ro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-sends-letter-secretary-wilbur-ross-defense-us | Congressman Riggleman Sends Letter to Secretary Wilbur Ross in Defense of U.S. Manufacturing Jobs | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C -- Today, Congressman Denver Riggleman sent a letter to Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Wilbur Rossto urgethe DOC to refrain from imposing tariffs that would damage the U.S. manufacturing sector. The letter, cosigned by Reps. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Ben Cline (VA-06), Morgan Griffith (VA-09), and Dan Bishop (NC-09), specifically addresses the DOC'sSection 232 Investigationinto imports of transformer products that could result in tariffs that put U.S. economic competitiveness at risk. "I am proud to send this letter to DOC Secretary Ross to ensure that American manufacturing jobs are protected as the U.S. looks to bolster the national transformer industry, said Congressman Riggleman. The manufacturing industry employs millions of Americans, and there is no reason to impose unnecessary tariffs that would put over 15,000 transformer industry jobs at risk. Access to affordable electricity is a pillar of American life and commerce. We must keep American workers at the forefront of progress as the U.S. continues to dominate the global energy sphere." The letter notes that the imposition of tariffs or other restrictions on imported transformer products would likely result in the following consequences: Loss of jobs in the U.S. Power and Distribution Transformer industries Higher utility/electricity bills which will impact all American consumers Threats to national security through weakening of the competitive structure of the American transformer industry Delays in the critical upgrade of the U.S. electrical grid, which requires procurement by American electric utilities of large numbers of transformers over a short period of time Deterioration of trade, defense and commercial relationships with Canada and Mexico. These relationships are the source of 85% of U.S. imports of transformer cores and laminations, whose electricity grids are physically, strategically and economically linked with the U.S. power grid. Congressman Riggleman is proud to be taking the lead on this letter to ensure U.S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-applauds-introduction-china-task-force-act | Congressman Riggleman Applauds the Introduction of the China Task Force Act | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. This week, Congressman Denver Rigglemanand his colleagues on the China Task Force introduced the China Task Force Act. The China Task Force Act consists of over 100 pieces of legislation that will serve as a blueprint for confronting the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) malignant behavior and to secure the American economy. TheChina Task Force Act includes several bills that Congressman Riggleman has co-sponsored to addresstheCCP's threat to American security and economic prosperity,and numerous human rights violations. These bills include: "The CCPis an unmistakable threat to human rights, democracy, free trade, andfree press, said Congressman Riggleman. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the China TaskForce Act and I am pleased to see that the recommendations of the China Task Force were included in this comprehensive bill. It's time we combat the threats from the CCP's brutal dictatorship and pass legislation that will make America more secure." Background: CongressmanRiggleman joined the China Task Force in May 2020, and was named co-chair of twoof theChina Task Force Pillars: Technology and National Security. The CTF consists of 15 members of Congress, including Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chair Liz Cheney. In September of this year,Congressman Riggleman joined his CTF colleagues for the unveiling of the group's final report. After months of briefings from over 130 leaders, including policy experts, former and current administration officials, ambassadors and other business executives,the CTF presented a comprehensive overview of their findings. The China Task Force Actis the next step in confronting the CCP's numerous human rights abuses and malign international threats. Read more about the status of the China Task Force Act in the House of Representatives here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-sends-letter-dea-support-hemp-industry | Congressman Riggleman Sends Letter to DEA in Support of Hemp Industry | 2020-10-20 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Denver Riggleman, along with eight of his House colleagues,sent a letter to acting Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator Timothy Shea to protect hemp producers and clarify hemp regulations due to discrepancies in the DEA Interim Final Rule (IFR). The letter, led by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH-14), asks Administrator Sheato address the discrepancies between the 2018 Farm Bill and the DEA Interim Final Rule which was issued in August 2020. The IFR issued specific restrictions regarding hemp derived material that appears to contradict the legalization of hemp and hemp derivatives under the 2018 Farm Bill.According to the newly released IFR, provisions of the Farm Bill can result in criminal liability. "The DEA must specify their requirements and streamline hemp directives by clarifying the legal means of processing hemp products, said Congressman Riggleman. The Farm Bill created new venues of business in this country, and weneed to ensure that our hemp farmers have clear directives when it comes to their products." The 2018 Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that opened the door for hardworking hemp farmers by legalizing hemp and hemp derivatives so long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC on a dry weight basis. This bill has allowed states across America to start to build a new industry in hemp production, and expand their markets to CBD products and other related material. The DEA must revise the IFR to protect hemp farmers from overly harsh regulationand ensure that the hemp industry is safeguarded. Background: Congressman Riggleman has foughtfor hemp producers throughout his time in Congress. He is a lead supporter ofthe U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program and has worked with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to expand economic opportunity for hemp farmers in the 5th District and beyond. Earlier this yearhe also introduced the Hemp Opportunity Zone Act which would designate certain low-income areas as opportunity zones and provideeconomic incentives to grow th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-riggleman-and-finkenauer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-access-rural | Reps. Riggleman and Finkenauer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Rural and Low-Income Housing | 2020-10-19 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. This week Reps. Denver Riggleman and Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-01) introduced the Protect Rural Housing Act to broaden affordable housing options and protect tenantsin rural communities. This bill is part of Congressman Riggleman's continued effortsto supportrural communities in the 5th District and across the United States. Specifically, the Protect Rural Housing Act would create a three-year pilot program to provide grants to states, localities, tribes and non-profit organizations to help rural communities confront urgent housing needs and jumpstart long-term investment into small towns across the country. "I'm proud to be the Republican lead on the Protect Rural Housing Act. Access to safe and affordable housing can help communities grow and families prosper,"said Rep. Denver Riggleman."Owning a home is part of many families' American dream and I can't stand by when so many rural communities are unable to provide that opportunity. This bill takes steps to ensure rural areas can provide more affordable housing options." "I want to thank Congressman Riggleman for working with me on the Protect Rural Housing Act help ensure folks in rural Iowa, Virginia, and across the country have more quality and affordable housing options. Safe, affordable housing isn't just an urban issue. Our small towns and rural places also face a housing crisis that makes it harder for families to settle down and get ahead,"said Rep. Abby Finkenauer."From bad landlords to condemned properties to an overall lack of affordable options, I have seen the challenges facing some of our rural communities firsthand and knew that something had to be done. The Protect Rural Housing Act will invest resources to help families immediately and make long-term improvements to make our small towns more attractive places to live." This bill also includes reform legislation to Section 8 Housing Choice voucher program which would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to hold landlords accountable and protect tenants. The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402377 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 10.16.20 | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The process of advice and consent for a new Supreme Court Justice is currently under way in the United States Senate. While I play no part in this constitutional process as a U.S. Representative, I am impressed by the legal ability of President Trump's nominee to the seat, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Senate Democrats, however, have chosen to wage a pre-emptive war on Judge Barrett. They are either trying to scare her away from any potential adverse ruling on Obamacare or they are attempting to scare the American public that her confirmation will eliminate health care in the United States. They used their time at the hearing to write horror stories about what would happen to Americans if Obamacare was struck down as unconstitutional, ignoring the great harm that the law has inflicted on many, including people I represent. Judge Barrett has rightly declined to engage with her inquisitors on Obamacare, noting that it would be inappropriate to comment on a case she may have to decide. In this unwillingness to pre-judge a case, she follows the precedent of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who at her own confirmation hearing in 1993 said: A judge sworn to decide impartially can offer no forecasts, no hints, for that would show not only disregard for the specifics of the particular case, it would display disdain for the entire judicial process. She understands her role and the role of the courts more generally. They are not supposed to make laws but to interpret the laws written by Congress. This is the basic separation of powers devised by the Constitution's framers and taught in civics classes. In fact, I just recently went over this concept with my son as he learns about it in school. However, Senate Democrats need to go back to class. They hide behind the judicial robes of the Supreme Court's justices instead of using the power given to them by the Constitution to fix a law, like Obamacare, that desperately needs fixing. If you listen to Senate Democrats, you would think Congress lacks the power to fix an e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-co-sponsors-bill-strengthen-partnership-between-us-and | Congressman Riggleman Co-sponsors Bill to Strengthen Partnership Between U.S. and Taiwan | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. This week Congressman Riggleman co-sponsored H.R. 7414, the Taiwan Fellowship Act, a bipartisan measure that would establish a two-yearfellowship program for qualifying American government employees to earn, live and workin Taiwan. This program is aimed at facilitating closer government-to-government ties by allowing American personnel to gain valuable policy experience inside the region. The Taiwan Fellowship Act was introduced by Rep. Ted Yoho (R-FL-03) and Rep Ami Bera (D-CA-07)in the House, and has since been referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation. This bipartisan legislation would go a long way in bolstering the professional development exchanges between both the U.S. and Taiwan, as having knowledgeable experts on the region is a crucial pillar of developing effective policy. "I am proud to co-sponsor the Taiwan Fellowship Act in an effort to strengthen the working partnership between the U.S. and our allies in Taiwan, said Congressman Riggleman. For decades, China has attempted to block Taiwan from its international allies. This legislation is a declaration for both America and Taiwan; we will not be dissuaded from international partnership despite the malignance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). I look forward to having American government employees gain experience in Taiwan in order to better understand international policy whichwill surely benefit both regions in the future." The Taiwan Fellowship program would strengthen economic, educational, and security ties between U.S and Taiwan and sponsor the professional development of Asia experts in the U.S. federal government. The program is also aimed at creating an identical fellowship program for Taiwan in the United States, so that Taiwanese government experts can gain the same valuable experience studying policy in our country. This legislation is in lockstep with the China Task Force's forward-thinking approach to countering the CCP and strengthening America's competitive edge at home and abroad. The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-signs-letter-usda-support-aid-loggers-during-1 | Congressman Riggleman Signs Letter to USDA in Support of Aid to Loggers During Coronavirus Pandemic | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Denver Riggleman joined more than 15 of his colleagues in the House today in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue urging him to provide economic relief to American loggers that have been seriously impacted by the pandemic. Loggers and log haulers are invaluable members of the American economy. These incredible workers harvest and transport over $283 billion dollars worth of raw materials per year. Additionally, the logging supply chain is a top-10 manufacturing industry in more than 40 U.S. states, employing over one million American workers earning over $54 billion dollars in combined payroll. However, Congressman Riggleman and his fellow cosigners believe that as vital as the logging industry is in America, many of its workers have fallen through the cracks of numerous rounds of coronavirus aid relief. "Logging is a vital industry in the 5th District. I am proud of the progress that Congress has made to provide immediate relief to millions of Americans during this trying time in our country, said Congressman Riggleman. The Paycheck Protection Program provided over $525 billion dollars in aid whichsaved over 51 million jobs, and over 150 million Americans received Economic Impact Payments. Despite all of this aid, my colleagues and I recognize that the hardworking loggers and log haulers of our country have been left out of the majority of aid programs. We call on the USDA to use their funds to uplift these American taxpayers and assist them by putting them on a fast track to economic recovery." This formal request is necessary as so many American workers are trying to piecetheir livesback togetherin the wake of COVID-19. The USDA is appropriately positioned to respond to this crisis, and repair the livelihoods of so many American workers. This letter asks the USDA to use its broad authority and financial power to immediately provide aid to loggers and log haulers that were not eligible for relief under the USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Congress has p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402376 | Griffith Demands Investigation by House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Into Social Media Censorship | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Demands Investigation by House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Into Social Media Censorship Thursday, October 15, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement calling for an investigation of social media censorship following the suppression of the House Judiciary Committee Republican Twitter account: The suppression of an official House of Representatives social media account for sharing a news story constitutes an alarming and shocking act of censorship. Millions of Americans use social media. How can they expect to be treated fairly when their elected representatives are silenced in such an arbitrary and heavy-handed manner? As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I believe this issue deserves our intense scrutiny. I call on the subcommittee to launch an investigation of social media giants such as Twitter immediately. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402371 | Griffith Applauds $1,500,000 Award to Henry County for Site Improvements at Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $1,500,000 Award to Henry County for Site Improvements at Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $1,500,000 to Henry County for natural gas service to the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: The Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre is an important part of Henry County's economic development strategy. ARC's grant of $1.5 million to connect the site to natural gas service will make it more attractive to manufacturing operations, which will create jobs and support the local economy. I am excited by this big step forward. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402372 | Griffith Applauds $1,494,000 Award to the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium Board to Address Substance Abuse | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $1,494,000 Award to the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium Board to Address Substance Abuse The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $1,494,000 to the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium Board for the Pathways to a Strong and Healthy Region project addressing substance abuse in the workforce. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Substance abuse can throw a person's life off track, including affecting his or her ability to hold a job. It can also present a problem for employers looking to hire. The Pathways to a Strong and Healthy Region project will coordinate efforts in the health care and economic development sectors to welcome those recovering from substance use disorders back into the workforce. ARC's award of $1,494,000 will make a tremendous impact on this worthy and important project. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402373 | Griffith Applauds $793,500 Award to the Health Wagon for Substance Use Treatment Services | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $793,500 Award to the Health Wagon for Substance Use Treatment Services The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $793,500 to the Health Wagon for the Southwest Virginia Medication-Assisted Treatment Services project. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Substance abuse is tragically too common in our region. Countering it requires access to treatment and health services. The Health Wagon has been a critical health resource for many in Southwest Virginia, and the $793,500 in ARC support for the Southwest Virginia Medication-Assisted Treatment Services project will help it meet this need. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402374 | Griffith Applauds $50,000 Award to LENOWISCO for Broadband Study | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $50,000 Award to LENOWISCO for Broadband Study Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $50,000 to the LENOWISCO Planning District for the Tri-State Broadband Infrastructure Feasibility Study. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Lack of access to broadband can inhibit economic opportunity and job creation. ARC's award of $50,000 to LENOWISCO will contribute to closing the digital divide. Background The Tri-State Broadband Infrastructure Feasibility Study will identify the necessary steps to construct a fiber broadband network that could reach every industrial park and commercial site within a thirteen-county region of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402375 | Griffith Applauds $32,940 Award to the New River Valley Regional Commission for New River Water Trail Expansion | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $32,940 Award to the New River Valley Regional Commission for New River Water Trail Expansion Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $32,940 to the New River Valley Regional Commission for the New River Water Trail Expansion project. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Our region's natural scenery draws visitors while offering recreation to residents, supporting economic growth. ARC's award of $32,940 will advance the work of the New River Water Trail Expansion project to make local natural assets into destinations for tourists and locals seeking recreation activities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-denver-riggleman-statement-threats-against-virginia-governor-ralph | Congressman Denver Riggleman Statement on the Threats Against Virginia Governor Ralph Northam | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | "I condemn the domestic terrorists behind this threat in the strongest possible terms. Violent crime against our elected leaders cannot be tolerated in this country.In Congress I have stood up against the radicalization of political ideas and the violent ideologies that ferment on social media. As a former intelligence officer and counter terrorism expert I know we need to be vigilant against domestic terrorism and eliminate it whenever it appears. My thoughts are with Gov. Northam and his family during this time." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-signs-letter-treasury-and-sba-urging-ppp-loan-forgiveness | Congressman Riggleman Signs Letter to Treasury and SBA Urging PPP Loan Forgiveness | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Denver Riggleman proudly joined sixty of his colleagues in signing a letter to Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Carranza. This letter, led by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO-03), is aimed at streamlining the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, the letter urges the Treasury and SBA to prioritize the forgiveness of loans ($150,000 and under) in a timely manner to ensure that American businesses are not burdened by extraneous costs. As our recovery effort continues, we must safeguard our hardworking businesses and assure them that compliance costs will not impede their ability to bounce back from economic shortcomings during the pandemic. "I represent thousands of small business owners in the 5th district, and as a small business owner myself, I understand the tremendous burden that our small businesses have had to confront during this pandemic, said Congressman Riggleman. Congress should consider all venues of small business support during this challenging time, and I am proud to join this distinguished group of members in calling for expedited support of loan forgiveness." Background: The Paycheck Protection Program has proved to be a successful lifeline for small businesses as the United States continues to look for economic solutions to address coronavirus relief. The PPP program approved over 5.2 million loans to small businesses, providing over $525 billion dollars in relief to American businesses. It is estimated that the success of the PPP has helped save over 51 million jobs. With this in mind, more can be done in Congress to make sure that loan recipients are not hindered by burdensome reporting requirements. American businesses need reassurance about their loan forgiveness. Small businesses must be granted the peace of mind that they will not have to hold these loans on their balance sheets each month. This reassurance is critical as small businesses must be allowed to solely focus … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3374 | Wittman statement on $20M USDOT grant to Port of Virginia | 2020-10-13 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement following the announcement that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a more that $20 million grant to the Virginia Port Authority Project to increase rail capacity at the Port's terminal. Earlier this year, Congressman Wittmanwrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao advocating for this project from for the Port of Virginia. In the letterto Secretary Chao, Rep. Wittman voiced his support of for the Port's application to the2020 Port Infrastructure Development Grant Programto increase the on-terminal capacity at the Norfolk International Terminal in Norfolk, Virginia, a vital component of the POV Port of Virginia .The announcement of this grant follows directly from the work of support from Congressman Wittman. Expanding the capabilities and capacity of the Port of Virginia is an important step forward in recovery of our region and the long-term economic success of the Commonwealth and our region, Congressman Wittman said. This project will allow for the processing of more cargo, increase safety, decrease large trucks on highways, and will create greater economic opportunities for folks in our region as more freight is processed through the Port. I want to thank Secretary Chao for USDOT's support of this project, and I want to thank the hardworking men and women at the Port of Virginia who keep our region running. The Port of Virginia is extremely grateful to Secretary Chao and the Administration for this investment that will allow us to build on our intermodal capabilities to serve the Midwest and Ohio Valley, said John Reinhart, Executive Director of the Port of Virginia. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Wittman and the entire Virginia Congressional delegation for helping secure funding for this important project. We will match the federal funds to mirror the state of the art rail facility we recently put in at Virginia International Gateway to efficiently and swiftly serve our customer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402370 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 10.12.20 | 2020-10-12 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | In presidential election years, we debate the issues our country faces. Increasingly, the way our country chooses the president has become an issue up for debate. The Electoral College was the mechanism decided upon in the Constitution to elect the chief executive. It gives each state a vote for president and vice president equal to its combined number of U.S. senators and representatives (as well as three votes to the District of Columbia granted by the 23rd Amendment). Generally, the presidential ticket that wins the statewide popular vote receives the entirety of a state's electoral votes. Maine and Nebraska allocate votes to candidates who win individual congressional districts. On a few occasions, a presidential ticket has lost the nationwide popular vote and still won in the Electoral College and thus the election. As a result, some argue that the Electoral College should be tossed aside. I believe the reasons the framers created the Electoral College are still sound and call for it to be maintained. One of the divides the young United States confronted was between large and small states, and bridging it was a persistent theme of the Constitutional Convention. States like South Carolina, Delaware, and New Jersey, which were less populated, feared the Union would be dominated by the more populated states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This is displayed in the structure of Congress, with House of Representatives membership established by population and Senate membership guaranteed equally between states at two senators apiece. The Electoral College also balances the interests of larger and smaller states. Since larger states have more representatives, they carry more weight in the presidential vote, but smaller states have enough weight that presidential candidates cannot afford to overlook them. Compromises such as the Electoral College created the glue that bound the Union together. Without this constitutional compromise, the United States may never have united at all. Foreign powers then … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-riggleman-co-sponsors-bipartisan-bill-address-concerns-about-2020-election | Rep. Riggleman Co-sponsors Bipartisan Bill To Address Concerns About 2020 Election Fraud | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Today Congressman Denver Riggleman co-sponsored H.R. 8285, the Election Fraud Prevention Act, in an effort to improve the security of the mail-in ballot process and safeguard the 2020 election. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-02) and Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) in response to the threat of third-party ballot collection, or ballot harvesting by special interest groups which seek to interfere with voters' ballots. The Election Fraud Prevention Act would amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit payments to states which permit ballot harvesting, subject to exceptions. Additionally, the bill would create exceptions for voters seeking to submit their mail-in ballots by third party to only be assisted by an election official or a USPS mail carrier acting in their official capacities, as well as family members or caregivers. "I am committed to ensuring that every registered voter has the ability to cast their vote in the upcoming election.We cannot allow third-party actors to jeopardize our right to vote. I am proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring this bill to preventthird-partyinterference, said Congressman Riggleman. "Whether in the midst of a pandemic where mail-in voting is likely to drastically increase, or in a normal election, no one should get in between a voter and the ballot box. While some states have prohibited vote harvesting, many states lack any regulations that would stop third-parties from fraudulently collecting and mishandling ballots as has occurred in recent elections. Our bipartisan bill incentivizes states to take action and prevent any political parties or any third-party special interest groups from interfering with our sacred right to vote,"said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "Banning ballot harvesting shouldn't be a partisan issue, said Rep. Rodney Davis. Allowing any individual, including political operatives, to pick up multiple voters' ballots and deliver them to a polling locatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-receives-prestigious-award-american-farm-bureau | Congressman Riggleman Receives Prestigious Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation for his Support of American Farmers | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- The American Farm Bureau Federation honored Congressman Denver Riggleman with the prestigious"Friend of Farm Bureau Award in recognition ofhis commitment to supporting America's farmers and ranchers during his time in the 116th Congress. Congressman Riggleman was nominated by the Virginia Farm Bureau, and received the award from the American Farm Bureau Federation's Board of Directors as a result of his impressive voting record. Congressman Riggleman has worked diligently and tirelessly to promotepolicies that support farmers in the 5th District and around the country. "I am honored to have been named a Friend of the Farm Bureau'. Fighting for the farmers of the 5th District has been a priority during my time in Congress and I am proud of the successes we have had: introducing Hemp Opportunity Zones Bill, passing the USMCA to expand access to foreign markets for Virginia farmers, expanding Hemp Crop Insurance in Virginia, and co-sponsoring the Voluntary Checkoff Program Act, said Congressman Riggleman. I will continue to fight for Virginia farmers through the remainder of my term." Background: Congressman Riggleman has sponsored numerous pieces of legislation to support American agricultural producers and provide great economic opportunity to farmers and ranchers all across Virginia. In August, Congressman Riggleman sponsored H.R. 8131 -the Hemp Opportunity Zone Act of 2020. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish Hemp Opportunity Zones, which would provide tax incentives to farmers that produce hemp inlow-income communities designated bythe governor.Additionally, in 2019, Congressman Riggleman successfully led the initiative to have Virginia added to the Hemp crop insurance pilot program in order to safeguard Virginia farmers from unforeseen disasters. Congressman Riggleman worked with the U.S. Trade Representative's Chief Agriculture Negotiator to examine strategies inU.S. tradethat benefit American farmers. You can read his letter … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3371 | Wittman office releases constituent services numbers from COVID-19 pandemic | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) released the following constituent services numbers from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through early October. During the pandemic, Congressman Wittman's office has been one of the most active in communicating with constituents, providing vital updates and the latest guidance from federal and state agencies as well as national, regional, and local organizations and resources available to individuals. Since the beginning of the Coronavirus crisis,said Congressman Wittman,I have made it my top priority to communicate with the people I serve and provide them with the latest updates and information from theCenters for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH),and others, as well as my work for them in Washington. COVID-19 has impacted the lives of millions of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, age, race, or walk of life. My number one priority is listening to the people I represent and using their thoughts, concerns, and insights to better represent them in Washington and to help them through these difficult times. I am so grateful for my staff as they, too, are public servants dedicated to constituent service. We have a one-stop-shop mentality in my office, and we work tirelessly to ensure that constituents contacting our office get the best service possible. Since March 1, 2020, CongressmanWittman's office has reached a total of more than 588,000 constituentsin the First District through email, phone call, letter, or social media posts and messages.Through proactive emailer items alone,Wittman's office has reached more than 225,000 constituents during the pandemic. In that same period,Wittman's office has opened 856 constituent cases and has closed 727. These are cases that have been formally opened with the office and that number does not include quick-turnaround casework assistance. Constituent casework is assistance provided to individuals to help them with requests to federal agencies, like getting the veterans benefits they… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3373 | Wittman selected to participate in Gold Star Family Fellowship Program | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON -Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today announced that his office was selected to participate in the House of Representatives' Gold Star Family Fellowship Program for 2021. Rep. Wittman's office is now acceptingapplicationsfor the family member of a fallen service member to work out of the Stafford district office and support the office's military- and veterans-related casework. "No one is more qualified to assist our military members, veterans, and their families than the family members of our fallen heroes,"Rep. Wittman said."I am honored our office was selected to participate in this program and look forward to bringing a Gold Star family member on board so that my staff and I can better assist the veterans and military families of Virginia's First District." The Gold Star Family Fellows Program was established to create employment opportunities for families of our fallen heroes within the House of Representatives. These one-year fellowships provide Gold Star Families with experience and exposure tobroadencareer opportunities. Positions are available in Congressional Member District Offices nationwide. This position is limited to Gold Star Family members desiring to serve a one-year paid Congressional Fellowship as part of the House of Representatives Gold Star Family Fellowship Program. The selected Fellow for VA-01 will work directly for Congressman Wittman as part of his office staff. Fellowships are located in Congressional District Offices around the country. Please help Congressman Wittman spread the word about this unique program by sharing this information with your readers, listeners, and followers! Duties will include, but are not limited to: working as a constituent services representative helping local constituents resolve issues with federal agencies; serving as a liaison to local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO); attending local events and meetings on behalf of your Member of Congress; and performing legislative work. Candidates must be a child/step-child, spouse, parent or sib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3360 | Wittman statement on updated Navy shipbuilding plan | 2020-10-07 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the updated shipbuilding plan from Secretary of Defense Mark Esper: I am encouraged to see Secretary Esper show his stalwart commitment to expanding and modernizing our fleet under the Battle Force 2045 plan. It is clear that any major conflict with China is going to be in the Pacific theatre and our Naval fleet is going to be the tip of the spear. Our fleet must be able to distribute lethality, adapt in a complex environment, and have the survivability necessary to engage in a high-end conflictmany aspects of this are highlighted in this Battle Force 2045 plan. For example, I am extremely pleased to see the Department calling for a larger and more capable submarine force, with Secretary Esper going as far as to say we must begin working towards a 3-per year build rate as soon as possible. This echoes what I have been saying for yearsour attack submarines are our greatest asymmetrical advantage and we must exploit this strength to its utmost. Additionally, I am thrilled to see more of my public assessments echoed in this plan, particularly the focus on increasing our strategic sealift and integrating the Marine Corps' new force design into our future Navy. If we are going to fight and win, these will be critical to our success. However, while I am encouraged by many of the elements outlined by Secretary Esper, I have concerns about the reorganization of our carrier force structure and the emphasis on unmanned and optionally manned platforms. I look forward to exploring these concerns further through discussions with Secretary Esper and Secretary Braithwaite. Finally, I am pleased to see the Department develop this plan through budget-constrained realities, and I look forward to seeing the Navy's overall shipbuilding account increased to meet the national defense strategy. This increase will get us to matching the average percentage spent … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3361 | Wittman finalist for Constituent Service Democracy Award from Congressional Management Foundation | 2020-10-07 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was named afinalistfor the prestigious Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Democracy Award in the category of Constituent Service earlier this year. While Congressman Wittman did not receive the overall award in this category in the 2020 Democracy Awards, he is very honored to have been selected asone offour Republicanfinalists in his category.TheConstituent Servicecategory nominations recognize offices for their outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests and inquiries. Congressman Wittmanwas named the winner in the category of Exemplary Public Servicefor the first-ever CMF Democracy Awards in 2018. Click here to watch Congressman Wittman's nomination video (Congressman Wittman's remarks begin at 1:28) It is an incredible honor to have been named a finalist in the Constituent Service category,said Rep. Wittman.To be named a finalist in any category for the Democracy Awards is a testament to the people I serve in Virginia's First District, those who engage with my office, my staff, and myself. My job is to help constituents get the assistance they need on a daily basis, especially during these trying times. My number one priority is listening to the people I represent and using their thoughts, concerns, and insights to better represent them in Washington. I am so grateful for my staff as they, too, are public servants dedicated to constituent service. We have a one-stop-shop mentality in my office, and we work tirelessly to ensure that constituents contacting our office get the best service possible. I want to congratulate my colleagues, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA 06) and their offices for each receiving the Constituent Service Award this year. I know the people they serve are grateful for their tireless service, and again, I send them my heartfelt congratulations. Twenty-four House and Senate offices were honored as finalists in four categories: Constitu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-co-sponsors-bill-lower-cost-healthcare-and-protect | Congressman Riggleman Co-sponsors Bill to Lower the Cost of Healthcare and Protect Preexisting Conditions | 2020-10-06 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- This week, continuing his commitment to protecting healthcare coverage for patients with preexisting conditions, Congressman Riggleman became an original co-sponsor of H.R. 8527 - theFair Care Act of 2020. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the House versionof the legislation lastnight,while U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) took the lead on the bicameralversion of the bill in the Senate.Congressman Riggleman joined Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA)and Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN) as original co-sponsors of the bicameral legislation, which has since been referred to committee. "I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Fair Care Act, which will lower the cost of healthcare while increasing consumer choice and protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions, CongressmanRiggleman said. Included in this bill is my proposal which moved protection for pre-existing conditions from the ACA to HIPAA. This will ensure that coverage continues and helps Americans across the nation." "It's no secret that America's health care system is broken, Congressman Westerman said. In a world of 24-hour news cycles and inflammatory headlines, the political divide surrounding health care is only getting deeper. We aim to change that. Contrary to popular belief, Republicans do have a health care plan. The Fair Care Act of 2020 would give Americans more coverage choices at lower costs, including those with preexisting conditions. Yes, it's all possible! This legislation stems from years of research and conversations I've had with constituents, members of Congress, policy professionals and others. Health care doesn't have to be an issue that divides us. The Fair Care Act is proof, just look at the 75 bipartisan provisions we included. We are ready to come to the table and get every American the health care they need. I'm glad to have my colleagues supporting the Fair Care Act of 2020 in both chambers, and I look forward to moving it through the legislative process." "Affordable choices are extremely important for Americans w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402369 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 10.5.20 | 2020-10-05 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Since COVID-19 first developed, we have learned a lot about the virus. Although far from unlocking all its secrets, scientists now know much more about its symptoms and transmission, as well as how to treat it. By contrast, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) does not appear to have learned much over the past few months. That is the unfortunate lesson to be drawn from her decision to put a bill with no chance of becoming law on the House floor months after the House already voted on a similar bill that went nowhere. The original bill, H.R. 6800, was dubbed the HEROES Act by the Democrats and passed the House in May. It spent $3.4 trillion, much of it on liberal priorities far removed from needs arising out of the coronavirus pandemic. That bill does not have enough support to pass the Senate. Previous coronavirus relief efforts have been signed into law by President Trump after passing both chambers with substantial bipartisan majorities. After H.R. 6800 was dead in the water for several months, the reasonable course of action for Speaker Pelosi would have been to negotiate with Republicans in good faith on a compromise that could become law. Instead, the House Democrat leadership opted to put a similar version of H.R. 6800 on the floor on October 1. Admittedly, HEROES Act 2.0 is less costly than the original bill. It would only spend $2.2 trillion. In a national emergency such as the pandemic, it is appropriate for Congress to spend more than it otherwise would, but that is not a license to spend freely on non-priorities. Further, Congress has already appropriated more than $3 trillion, much of which has not been spent. It is notable what did not make the cut in a $2.2 trillion bill. Among the provisions that were in H.R. 6800 in May was $600 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program. That funding is now gone. But it still retains many of the original bill's misguided, counterproductive, and unnecessary policy changes and spending. As Election Day nears, HEROES Act 2.0 impos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402367 | Griffith Statement on H. Res. 1153 | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Statement on H. Res. 1153 Friday, October 2, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today after voting against H. Res. 1153: I am disturbed by reports of forced medical procedures taking place on detainees in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These allegations warrant investigation and condemnation if found to be true. No one should be subjected to an unwanted medical procedure. The resolution on the floor today, however, went beyond that sentiment, which has broad support. By unnecessarily including an endorsement of abortion, the resolution lost my support. We should be upholding the dignity of all human life, from detainees in ICE custody to the unborn. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402368 | Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for October | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Griffith's Ninth DistrictSTAFFwill be available at the following locations during the month ofOctober. Traveling office hours follow the status of local government offices, which vary across the 22 counties and nine independent cities of the Ninth District. As local governments offices reopen, office hours will be resumed. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. October 8, 2020 Giles County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Pearisburg Offices 112 Tazewell Street Pearisburg, VA 24134 Wythe County: 1:30 pm 3:00 pm Wythe County Sheriff's Office Conference Room 245 South 4th Street Wytheville, VA 24382 October 13, 2020 Craig County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Craig County Administration Bldg. 108 Court Street New Castle, VA 24127 Alleghany County: 12:00 pm 1:30 pm Clifton Forge Library Conference Room 535 Church Street Clifton Forge, VA 24422 October 14, 2020 Scott County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Community Services Building Board of Supervisors Room 190 Beech Street Gate City, VA 24251 Lee County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Lee County Sheriff's Office Conference Room 33640 Main Street Suite U101 Jonesville, VA 24263 Wise County: 3:15 pm 4:45 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Ave. E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 October 15, 2020 Tazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am 11:30 am American Legion Building 226 Central Avenue Tazewell, VA 24651 Russell County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Community Center 72 Gibson Street Lebanon, VA 24266 October 20, 2020 Tazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am 11:30 am Town of Richlands Offices 200 Washington Square Richlands, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 1:00 pm 2:30 pm Town of Grundy Offices 1185 Plaza Dr. Grundy, VA 24614 October 21, 2020 Carroll County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Carroll County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room 605 1 Pine Street Hillsville, VA 24343 Galax: 11:30 am 1:00 pm M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-s-resolution-condemn-qanon-passes-house | Congressman Rigglemans Resolution to Condemn QAnon Passes House | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Denver Riggleman's bipartisan resolution to condemn far-right conspiracy group QAnon passed the house today by a vote of 371-180-1. Congressman Riggleman co-sponsored this legislation with Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07), Rep Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA-02) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). "I am happy to see this resolution pass the House and proud of my colleagues who stood up against the QAnon conspiracy theory, said Congressman Riggleman. QAnon and the theories it promotes are a danger and a threat that has no place in our country's politics." "Conspiracy theories that falsely blame secret cabals or marginalized groups for society's ills have long fueled prejudice, violence and terrorism, saidRepresentativeMalinowski. Today the House of Representatives came together across party lines to say that QAnon has no place in our nation's political discourse." Congressman Riggleman has been outspoken in his outright condemnation of far-left and far-right conspiracy groups that attempt to undermine American democracy. Many QAnon followers spout anti-Semitic views, and the Anti-Defamation League has said that the movement's central conspiracy theory includes anti-Semitic material. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assessed with high confidence that fringe political conspiracy theories, includingQAnon, very likely motivate some domestic extremists, wholly or in part, to engage in criminal or violent activity, and that these conspiracy theories very likely encourage the targeting of specific people, places and organizations, thereby increasing the likelihood of violence against these targets." QAnon has promoted content that undermines trust in U.S. democratic institutions, and encourages the rejection of objective reality and facts through their dangerousaffiliations. With this Resolution, the House of Representatives condemns QAnon and rejects any conspiracy theories that their followers maypromot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3352 | Wittman hosts Broadband Telephone Town Hall with Governor’s Chief Broadband Advisor Evan Feinman | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON On Wednesday, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted a public Telephone Town Hall on Broadband with Governor Northam's Chief Broadband Advisor Evan Feinman with constituents of the First District to answer questions related to broadband connectivity, services, and programs to help close the digital divide for rural Americans. Click here to listen to the full audio of the town hall. As our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmost to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning, and telehealth capabilities, Congressman Wittman said. This broadband-specific call allowed me the opportunity to hear directly from individuals in our region on the issues they have faced during the pandemic and provide updates on my work to help bridge the divide and increase access to quality, reliable broadband services. The new normal has left millions of rural Americans, who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband, to feel abandoned as they are in desperate need of relief to compete in the digital economy. I want to thank Advisor Feinman for joining me on this call and for his insights on how we can work together at the federal, state, and local level to address these challenges and achieve results for Virginians. Just as Governor Northam has made broadband a priority, getting over 108,000 Virginia homes and businesses connected, Congressman Wittman has been a champion for disconnected Virginians, leading effort after effort in the Congress to get more Virginians online, said Advisor Feinman. I was thrilled to join him for a town hall and help inform the citizens of the 1st district about the great work he's doing for them in DC. Example questions asked during the call: When will there be reliable wifi in the whole district, especially as people are working from home during COVID-19?' Melissa You'll see more happen in the next two years than we've seen happen in the past ten years. Our effort is to get… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-denver-riggleman-co-sponsors-bill-help-expand-phone-and-internet | Congressman Denver Riggleman Co-sponsors Bill to Help Expand Phone and Internet Access to the Fifth District | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- This week, Congressman Denver Riggleman co-sponsored the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access for SNAP Recipients Act of 2020, which was introduced by Democratic Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02). This bill would help households that benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive assistance in covering phone and internet bills through the FCC Lifeline Program. This bill is part of Congressman Riggleman's commitment to expanding internet access across Virginia, and providing support to American families during the coronavirus pandemic. "I am proud to sponsor the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access for SNAP Recipients Act of 2020 which would improve the FCC Lifeline Program and help more Americans get internet access,"said Congressman Denver Riggleman. Closing the digital divide has been one of my priorities during my time in Congress and this bill will go a long way in closing that divide and providing lifechanging internet access for many Americans." "During the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury, but a crucial piece of infrastructure that people depend on for their jobs and students use to learn,"said Congresswoman Luria (VA-02)."I am pleased to lead this bipartisan bill, which will help the FCC better target its efforts to expand internet access to families throughout Coastal Virginia and our nation. By making reliable internet more accessible, we can open new work and educational opportunities." "Two major issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic remain food insecurity and the digital divide. By law, Virginia SNAP recipients are eligible for reliable access to phone and internet service through the FCC's lifeline program but just a fraction of those eligible are enrolled,"said Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07)."I'm proud to help introduce theEnsuring Phone and Internet Access for SNAP Recipients Actto fix this longstanding issue, and I'd like to thank my fellow Virginian Congresswoman Luria for her leadership … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3349 | Wittman leads House Passage of once-in-a-generation environmental, Chesapeake Bay legislation | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) had the incredible honor to manage suspension debate for the landmark America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, arguably the most important piece of environmental legislation for the Chesapeake Bay, national wetlands, and fish habitats in the past twenty years. The ACE Act is a once in a generation advancement to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and protect and conserve our natural environment across America, Congressman Wittman said. The Bay is a national treasure, and the ACE Act provides additional resources and extends critical conservation programs that preserve wetlands, reduce pollution and increase recreational opportunities in Virginia. The ACE Act would make record investments in the Chesapeake Bay and establish several programs to boost the health of the watershed. Click here to watch Congressman Wittman's floor remarks The recreational fishing industry is grateful to Rep. Wittman for his dedication in helping to secure the ACE Act's passage, said Mike Leonard, the American Sportfishing Association's Vice President of Government Affairs. The ACE Act includes several provisions that will directly benefit the important fisheries of Virginia's 1st Congressional District, including the health of the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, Rep. Wittman championed language in the ACE Act to authorize the National Fish Habitat Partnership, a successful program that supports public-private partnerships to restore fish habitat. Rep. Wittman is a tireless advocate for natural resource conservation, and his leadership on the ACE Act is further evidence of that. "Outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching, is a powerful and resilient sector of the Chesapeake Bay region's economy that has continued to grow even during these challenging times, said Joel Dunn, President and CEO, Chesapeake Conservancy. In Virginia, outdoor recreation results in nearly $22 billion in direct consumer spending each year and supports direct 197,000 jobs. The ACE Act w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3351 | Wittman statement on “No” vote on HEROES Act 2.0 | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after voting No on HR 925, also known as the HEROES Act 2.0: At a time when so many Americans are truly suffering, I cannot understand why the majority has not been willing to meet Republicans in the middle to pass a bipartisan bill. Since this bill, like the HEROES Act in May, was drafted with only Democratic input, it will surely meet the same fate: it will not pass the Senate, it will not be signed into law, and it will only serve as another political message piece for Democratic Leadership too focused on scoring wins for themselves instead of wins for the American people. Speaker Pelosi has refused to consider bipartisan solutions since passing the highly partisan HEROES Act in May, and has not come to the negotiating table with a real solution. In fact, I wrote to Speaker Pelosi personally on September 18, requesting bipartisan action to achieve real results for the American people suffering most from the effects of COVID-19. I believe there is common ground to provide relief to millions of struggling Americans through continued unemployment relief, extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program, and an additional round of individual economic impact payments. I also joined my colleagues in signing a discharge petition to bypass Speaker Pelosi and bring the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to a vote in the House of Representatives. The original Paycheck Protection Program expired on August 8th with $134 billion in unspent funds, yet Speaker Pelosi continues to block this measure to assist small businesses. Instead, House Democrats have again attempted to ram through an unrelated wish list of partisan riders and far-left demands, many of which are not related to COVID-19 relief. Heroes 2.0 was doomed from the very beginning, and that is thanks to the actions of the House Majority Leadership unwilling to work with their colleagues across the aisle, in the Senate, and in the Administration. As we prepa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-addresses-nation-china-task-force-final-report-unveiling | Congressman Riggleman Addresses the Nation at China Task Force Final Report Unveiling | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Denver Riggleman joined his China Task Force (CTF)colleagues this morning for the unveiling of the group's final report. After months of briefings from over 130 leaders, including policy experts, former and current administration officials, ambassadors and other business executives,the China Task Force presented a comprehensive overview of their findings. During the press conference, CTF members pointed to the major conclusions of the report and outlined thesteps that House Republicans plan to take to affect major policy change to protect U.S. national security and economic interests. Republican Leader McCarthy made no reservations about the generational threat of the CCP's numerous civil rights violations, in addition to the CCP'smilitary aggression, weaponization of the global supply chain, and their attack onthedemocratic values that underpin the United States asthe leader in global prosperity and economic stability. "Today's report achieves something no Congress in history has done before: a true blueprint to address the China threat across the board, filled with hundreds of bold, achievable ideas based on discussions with more than one hundred leaders across the political spectrum,"said Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy."In fact, nearly two thirds of the legislative recommendations are bipartisan. I'm confident ten years from now, Americans look back at this report as the bedrock for a safer, more resilient, more prosperous future." Rep. Riggleman pointed to the current ways that Congress can confront the CCP outside of the legislative process given the current resources that the U.S. has at its disposal to combat economic encirclement. It is the economic intelligence that we have to start as a discipline in the United States Congress,"said Congressman Riggleman. "It's not just the incredible legislation and the bipartisan way we have, said Congressman Riggleman. We can use organizations likeExport-Import Bank, and the development of finance corporations to start looking at Chi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3348 | Wittman statement on new, greater-Fredericksburg-area VA Outpatient Clinic | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement following the announcement by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that they have awarded the contract for the new Outpatient Clinic to be located in Spotsylvania County: I would first like to applaud and thank our local governments who have been in competition for this facility for their tremendous efforts and great opportunities they made available to the VA. I have been working with the VA and local governments on this project over the past several years to help veterans in our area. The Fredericksburg region is home to more than 42,000 veterans and the numbers continue to rise. This new facility will allow even better care to be delivered for veterans living in the First Congressional District and the greater-Fredericksburg region. As part of my ongoing efforts to hear directly from our Veterans about issues they face in our community I formed the First District Veterans Advisory Board in 2008, shortly after coming to Congress.This facility comes to our region thanks in part to the Advisory Board's work and my work in Congress. I look forward to the construction and eventual opening of this facility, and I will continue to monitor this facility's progress. Those of us in the Disabled American Veterans community who utilize VA services on a regular basis are grateful that our area has been chosen for this new facility, said Lisa Gregory, Immediate Past Dept. Commander, DAV Department of Virginia. We know this new facility will allow more Veterans faster access to the care and services they've earned. We thank Congressman Wittman and all involved in seeing this project to fruition. The426,722-square-foot outpatient clinic, slated to be the largest in the nation,will be built on about 60 acres off Hood Drive between U.S. 1 and Interstate 95. The earliest the new facility can open is 36 months from the date of the lease award or upon acceptance of the space, whichever comes later.The 20-year lease agreement is with Ohio-ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402365 | Griffith Applauds $2,297,356 in Federal Grants for Ninth District Workforce Training | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds $2,297,356 in Federal Grants for Ninth District Workforce Training Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a total of $2,297,356 to recipients based in Virginia's Ninth Congressional District through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) program. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Workforce development paves the way for economic opportunity. The more than $2 million awarded through the WORC program will support worker training that meets the economic needs of our region. These funds represent an impressive commitment to Southwest Virginia's rural communities by the Trump Administration. The recipients are: Tazewell County: $1,443,900 Appalachian Sustainable Development: $853,456 ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402366 | Griffith-Cosponsored Bill to Promote American Technology Passes House | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith-Cosponsored Bill to Promote American Technology Passes House Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the American COMPETE Act, a bill to promote American technological leadership in cutting-edge fields including quantum computing and unmanned vehicles. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is a cosponsor of the bill. He issued the following statement: America must maintain its primacy in developing technologies to solve the challenges of the 21st century. Our national security and economic prospects depend on it. The American COMPETE Act, which I cosponsored, will keep our country moving forward in key areas of technological development. It includes legislation I introduced to encourage quantum computing and also supports the unmanned delivery services that have broken new ground in the Ninth District. I am glad to see it advance with bipartisan support in the House. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-riggleman-reschenthaler-and-mccaul-introduce-bill-identify-and-deter | Reps. Riggleman, Reschenthaler, and McCaul Introduce Bill to Identify and Deter American Funding of Chinese Government Affiliates | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- This morning Congressman Denver Riggleman, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, and Congressman Michael McCaul introduced H.R. 8407, the Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act. This bill would allow the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require disclosure of investments made to companies outside of the United States. This legislation would facilitate information exchange among the SEC, members of Congress, and federal agencies which will provide an essential flow of information regarding companies with connections to the Chinese Communist Party. This disclosure will also allow the SEC to determine whether any of these investments pose a threat to U.S. national security. I am proud to co-sponsor the Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act which increases financial transparency and makes our country more secure, said Congressman Riggleman. The bill takes steps to bring to light any investments made into entities of the People's Republic of China (CCP)that threaten the national security of the United States, making us both safer and more aware. It is an important part of my continued work with the China Task Force to hold the CCP accountable. As a Member of the China Task Force, I am proud to introduce the Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act, which will strengthen our nation's ability to counter threats posed by Communist China, said Congressman Reschenthaler. This legislation will provide the federal government with tools to target CCP's malign efforts, protect hardworking Americans' savings and investments, and deter financial flows to foreign companies that undermine our national security. I thank Ranking Member McCaul and Congressman Riggleman for joining me in this critical effort and call on Congress to bring this bill up for a vote." "The Chinese Communist Party and its companies are exploiting U.S. capital markets to covertly access investment dollars to fuel their malign activity, said Congressman McCaul. By r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3347 | Wittman, Jeffries Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Celebrate Urban Wildlife Refuges on September 29 | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This month, Congressmen Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate September 29, 2020, as National Urban Wildlife Refuge Day. This resolution highlights the value added to our communities through Urban Wildlife Refuges primarily promoting conservation, increasing access to wildlife-dependent recreation, and protecting local watersheds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that youth ages 8-18 spend on average 6-9 hours a day in front of screens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are spending greater amounts of time indoors to help slow the spread of the virus, and are unaware of the natural resources nearby. Wildlife refuges provide opportunities for children and people of all ages to discover the outdoors and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world. As America continues to become more urbanized and our younger generations flock to metropolitan areas, it is more important than ever to emphasize the significance of our Urban Wildlife Refuges. The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program supports National Urban Wildlife Refuges and Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships that work to connect with Americans living in cities to deliver greater wildlife conservation and access to recreation, especially hunting and fishing. National Urban Wildlife Refuges play an important role in conservation efforts, but also support local economies by promoting outdoor recreation,said Congressman Wittman.Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the continued importance outdoor recreation has played in the overall health and wellbeing of folks across the nation, and urban refuges go a long way to enhancing recreational options for people in urban areas. September 29th is a day to celebrate all that these refuges bring to our communities, and signify the critical contributions they will provide for generations to come. National Urban Wildlife Refuges give city residents a crucial opportunity to interact with nature, all while tur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402364 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 9.25.20 | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Responses to the coronavirus pandemic introduced a distinction between essential and non-essential workers. Based on how Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has been running the U.S. House of Representatives lately, she seems to think Members of Congress fall in the non-essential category. I have written previously about how the proxy voting rules instituted in the House run afoul of the Constitution and reduce our effectiveness as legislators. Representatives currently have the ability to let another member cast their votes for them. Among other serious constitutional flaws, I believe this setup violates the requirement that the House have a quorum to conduct business. Quite simply, it allows some representatives to not do their jobs. The Washington Post noted this fact in a story published earlier this month, highlighting the views of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who supports proxy voting, and Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), who opposes it: In a late July exchange with Hoyer, Scalise noted that there is a 15 percent increase in those using proxy voting late in the last legislative day of the week. You're literally signing a document on your stationery to the clerk of the House saying you're physically unable to be here, when you were physically here that day, Scalise said. A recent energy bill that came to the floor, H.R. 4447, highlights many of the problems in Speaker Pelosi's rule over the House. Some individual pieces of the bill had gone through the committee process, but others did not, and the 900-page overall bill went straight to the floor. It contains a jumble of policies that add regulatory burdens and impose more mandates on the American people while impeding the innovation that could actually solve our energy challenges. Some aspects of H.R. 4447 have bipartisan support, but others cater to Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) Green New Deal agenda, thus making it a show vote rather than a serious piece of legislation. A total of 97 amendments to the bill were allowed to go … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-riggleman-and-peterson-introduce-amendment-limit-size-supreme | Representatives Riggleman and Peterson Introduce Amendment to Limit Size of Supreme Court | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington D.C.Representatives Denver Riggleman (R-VA) andCollin C. Peterson (D-MN)introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to permanently set the number of U.S. Supreme Court Justices at nine yesterday. The proposed amendment states: The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine Justices. "The independence and non-partisan nature of the Supreme Court of the United States is a core aspect of American government, said CongressmanRiggleman. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation that keeps the number of Supreme Court Justices at 9 and ensures partisan desires to pack the court won't result in a Court that has been undermined by politics." "The Supreme Court is an important part of our country's system of checks and balances, and it is vital that we preserve its independence, said Congressman Peterson. I worry that partisan attempts to change the size of the court will set off a judicial arms race which will further divide our country. If one party succeeds in packing the Court, the next party to hold a majority may choose to do the same in retaliation. My amendment will preserve the integrity of the Court and permanently protect Americans from these dangerous proposals." Currently, the number of Supreme Court Justices is set by Congress through statute. Lawmakers have changed the number of Justices several times throughout the nation's history, and last modified the size of the Court in 1869 when Congress raised the number of Justices from seven to nine. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3342 | Wittman urges support for rural broadband expansion throughout VA-01 counties | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONLast week, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), authored five letters to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband in support of the following counties FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia: Gloucester County Mathews County Middlesex County Hanover County King and Queen County New Kent County King George County Northumberland County Richmond County Westmoreland County Over the past few months, COVID-19 has altered our lives in a multitude of ways. We alldependon reliable broadband connectivity to perform everyday tasks. Nowhere has the digital divide been more obvious than in rural Virginia, Congressman Wittmanwrote. Broadband is key to the economic stability, telehealth access, and educational well-being of all in Virginia's First Congressional District. Economic incentives are needed to expand broadband access and public-private partnerships, like the ones VATI enables are critical for broadband access. Congressman Wittman's letters of support comesat a time when every Virginian is turning to the internet to perform almost every task, such as telework, virtual-learning, job applications, and accessing telehealth services. The local VA-01applicantssupported by Congressman Wittman have collaborated with various internet service providers to establish effective public-private partnerships to provide broadband access to thousands of currently unserved homes, schools, and businesses in the region. This announcement follows a July 2020 VATI support letter of four other VA-01 counties. Congressman Wittman serves a co-chair of the bipartisan House Rural Broadband Caucus; this year introduced theServing Rural America Act; helpeddraft the Broadband DATA Act, which requires providers report service availability based on more granular geolocation rather than traditional census blocks to improve the National Broadband Map;Co-sponsored the MAPS Act, which makes it unl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3345 | Wittman receives letter from Commerce on broadband inclusion in future infrastructure package | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) received a letter earlier this month from Dept. of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in response to Congressman Wittman'sJune letter to President Trumprequesting the prioritization of direct funding support for rural broadband development in the President's upcoming infrastructure proposal. As our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmostto help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning,and telehealth capabilities,Congressman Wittman said.The new normal has left millions of rural Americans,who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband,to feel abandoned as they are in desperate need of relief to compete in the digital economy. The President has asked that I respond on his behalf,Secretary Ross wrote in his response.I share your perspective about the importance of broadband connectivity to all Americans, including those living in rural areas as well as students and low-income families, during this challenging time in our Nation's history. The Department of Commerce (Department) is committed to supporting and advancing the Trump Administration's broadband priorities, and that includes support for rural broadband deployment. In his letter, Secretary Ross detailed the Administration's efforts to bring improved broadband services and access to more Americans. As part the Commerce Department's shared leadership of the Administration's American Broadband Initiative, the Department released aProgress Reporton June 25 detailing steps that Federal agencies have taken to make funding available for broadband deployment across the country. The report also describes coordination activities related to Federal broadband programs with other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) also has been involved in discussions with s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402359 | Griffith Applauds USDA Rural Development Award of $6,291,000 to Saltville for Water Infrastructure | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today awarded a loan of $3,264,000 and a grant of $3,027,000 to the Town of Saltville for water infrastructure. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Water infrastructure is important to the health, quality of life, and economic potential of a community. Today's award by USDA Rural Development of $6,291,000 to Saltville will support a major upgrade to the town's water and sewer systems. This is a significant investment for the people of Saltville. Further Information USDA Rural Development funding will support: -installation of approximately 16,550 linear feet of water main, water line, and service line; -construction of a new 100,000-gallon water storage tank; -a new pump station; -rehabilitation of an existing pump station; -installation of approximately 20,000 linear feet of 8 sewer collection line and approximately 1,200 linear feet of 4 sewer lateral; -point repairs of existing sewer line; -repairs to an aerial sewer crossing; and -wastewater treatment plant improvements. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402360 | Griffith Applauds USDA Rural Development Award of $875,000 to Stuart for Water Infrastructure | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds USDA Rural Development Award of $875,000 to Stuart for Water Infrastructure Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today awarded a loan of $454,000 and a grant of $421,000 to the Town of Stuart to improve the town's wastewater treatment plant. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Water infrastructure is important to the health, quality of life, and economic potential of a community. Today's award by USDA Rural Development of $875,000 to Stuart will support a major upgrade to the town's wastewater treatment plant. This is a significant investment for the people of Stuart. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402361 | Griffith Applauds Appalachian Regional Commission Award of $266,880 for Education in Martinsville and Henry County | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds Appalachian Regional Commission Award of $266,880 for Education in Martinsville and Henry County Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded two grants totaling $266,880 for educational opportunities in Martinsville and Henry County. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Education holds the key to workforce development, which will attract new businesses and improve employment opportunities. Today's award of $266,880 from the Appalachian Regional Commission for educational programs in Martinsville and Henry County will help develop skills and expand possibilities for the region's workforce. Further Information ARC awarded $216,880 to the Harvest Foundation for its Workforce Foundations: Advancing Childhood Education in Martinsville and Henry County project. This project will expand early childhood education businesses by increasing the number of fully trained and credentialed early childcare professionals in Henry County. ARC awarded $50,000 to the New College Institute to produce a curriculum for a Center for Trades Entrepreneurship. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402362 | Griffith Applauds Appalachian Regional Commission Award of $718,027 to Lee County for Water Infrastructure | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded two grants totaling $718,027 to Lee County for water infrastructure projects. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Water infrastructure is important to the health, quality of life, and economic potential of a community. Today's award of $718,027 by the Appalachian Regional Commission will support a major upgrade to the water systems in Lee County. This is a significant investment for the people of the county. Further Information ARC awarded $500,000 for the St. Charles Water Line Replacement Phase III project. It will support the replacement of 17,730 linear feet of waterline traveling from the former sewer plant, south of St. Charles, on State Route 352 through town and then northward along State Route 636 to Turner's Siding at Routes 636 and 635. It will decrease water loss occurring from damage to the old waterline. ARC awarded $218,027 for the Field Waterline Replacement Phase II project. It will support the replacement of 7,771 linear feet of waterline in the Fields community of Ewing, serving 36 households along State Route 724 and along Thistle, Sagebrush, and Briar Cliff Drives. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402363 | Griffith Applauds Appalachian Regional Commission Award of $400,000 to Project Intersection | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Applauds Appalachian Regional Commission Award of $400,000 to Project Intersection Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) today awarded $400,000 to the Norton Industrial Development Authority for infrastructure development at Project Intersection. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: Project Intersection holds great promise for job growth and economic opportunity in the coalfields region. Today's award of $400,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission will help with infrastructure development to prepare the site for use. It is a major step forward for this important project. Further Information ARC's grant will support 6,100 linear feet of waterline, 1,800 linear feet of sewer line, and 2,100 linear feet of both broadband and gas line. These upgrades will aid in recruiting businesses to locate at the site. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3340 | Wittman statement on Continuing Resolution passed in House | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 8337 Continuing Appropriations Act, a continuing resolution through December 11, 2020: It is imperative that we get our nation's fiscal house in order and work to address our nation's debt and deficit. Yet again, we see that House leadership would rather kick the can down the road than buckle down and get the job done for the American people. The people we serve deserve better than moving goalposts and looming fiscal cliffs. Returning to regular order moving spending bills through the committee process where we read, debate, and vote on them will go a long way towards bringing transparency back to the budget and appropriations process.Continuing resolutions hurt our nation's economy and greatly weaken our chances to effectively recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Now more than ever Congress should be focused on getting the job done for Americans, but instead, Speaker Pelosi and House Leadership would rather put a Band-Aid on a broken leg. I have been working to hold Members of Congress accountable for years, and I continue to call on them to do the right thing, stay in Washington, and get the job done. Congressman Wittman is the leading voice for increasing Congressional accountability. For years, Congressman Wittman has introduced theNo Budget No Pay Actthat says if Congress doesn't pass a budget on time Members don't get a paycheck, theStay on Schedule Resolutionthat says if Congress doesn't pass all appropriations bills by July 31, the House should stay in session and continue its work instead of adjourning for August recess, and theInaction Has Consequences Actthat says if Members of Congress do not complete appropriations bills by the end of the fiscal year, they will not receive a paycheck. He believes that we must work for a permanent solution that will provide a path to fiscal certainty for our federal agencies. Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402357 | Congressman Griffiths Weekly E-Newsletter 9.18.20 | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. now has a new presidential memorial. On September 17, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, joined the ranks of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in having a major site in the nation's capital dedicated to his memory. While Eisenhower first rose to prominence as a general in World War II, his two terms in office were devoted to what he called waging peace. Knowing the costs of war firsthand pushed him to dedicate his administration to pursuing the goal of peace around the world. For this achievement among his many others, our country now memorializes him. There are few places on Earth that would benefit more from a policy of waging peace than the Middle East. Over the span of its life as a modern nation-state, our staunch ally Israel has repeatedly been forced to fight for its life and faced hostility from nearby Arab countries, and our own country has engaged in military conflict in the region. Peace in the Middle East has been important but elusive, and substantial progress toward it is always noteworthy. I believe this is the case with the recently agreed Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab states the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. The agreement, signed at the White House on September 15, should be considered a historic breakthrough for peace in the region. The agreement establishes diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties where previously there had been mistrust, suspicion, and estrangement. The UAE and Bahrain will each recognize Israel, leading to the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. Cooperation in a variety of economic areas will be promoted. The UAE ended its 48-year boycott of Israel. Between the time the agreement between those two countries was announced in August and formally signed on September 15, direct flights from Israel to the UAE occurred for the first time. Talks are already underway on investment and business opportunities. In a region too often characterized by religious hatred, the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402358 | Griffith Statement on Justice Ginsburg | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | VA | Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | legacy | Griffith Statement on Justice Ginsburg Friday, September 18, 2020 | Kevin Baird (202-225-3861) Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement upon the death of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I am sorry to learn of the death of Justice Ginsburg. Her service as only the second woman on the Supreme Court was the capstone of a long and notable legal career. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3337 | Wittman Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today issued the following statement on the passing of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020): Justice Ginsburg's legacy will forever be remembered as a public servant to our nation, devoting her life to justice. While Justice Ginsburg and I were at different ends of the political spectrum, dedication to the United States and the defense of the Constitution is a virtue that knows no single party. Her example alone has led so many women to enter our courts, our law firms, and our schools. For that, our nation should be forever grateful. I send my deepest condolences to the Ginsburg family, and I hope that the words of the prophet Isaiah in some small way bring you comfort during this difficult time: Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my right hand of righteousness.' 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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3330 | Wittman statement on historic Abraham Accords peace agreement | 2020-09-16 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement following the historic signing of the Abraham Accords, a peace agreement brokered by the United States and signed yesterday by Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The agreement will normalize relations between the countries and help further the Trump Administration's peace efforts in the Middle East: The year 2020 has been filled with many remarkable events. This week, we mark this important milestone in international relations in the Middle East, an agreement that will increase stability in the region and will greatly reduce the influence of our adversaries. The historic Abraham Accords will complicate and deter Iranian attempts to spread their malign influence in the region. I am hopeful that these Accords will help to bring a lasting peace to the region, and I know that the United States will continue to stand with all peoples who seek to build a brighter, more hopeful, and peaceful future. 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 serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-denver-riggleman-releases-statement-historic-abraham-accords | Congressman Denver Riggleman Releases Statement on the historic Abraham Accords | 2020-09-15 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington D.C. Congressman Denver Riggleman (R-VA) released a statement following the signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords, an agreement that normalizes relations between Israeland the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Kingdom of Bahrain. "I applaudPresident Trump,Prime Minister Netanyahu, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, andKing Hamad Al Khalifa for coming together to sign this historic agreement whichwill provide an opportunity for greater cooperation in the Middle East." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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