url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at 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 process or involved in hearings featuring public health officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA, as well as the vaccine manufacturers. I am confident that they maintained high safety standards as they pursued a vaccine. While the vaccines were under development, the Trump Administration planned ahead for their delivery and administration to Americans. It purchased millions of doses of the prospective vaccines and made agreements with pharmacies that would be able to vaccinate people. While enough vaccine doses will be manufactured to cover most of the population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the priorities for vaccination while supplies remain limited. It suggested health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities be first in line, followed by older adults and frontline essential workers, all groups with a higher susceptibility to the coronavirus than other parts of the population. The vaccines are broadly safe, but caution is appropriate for people with allergic reactions and certain other conditions. The CDC recommends that you talk to your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable therapies to determine if a COVID vaccine is a safe decision for you. Further, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that vaccine. I also believe that vaccinations should not be mandatory. This would be true particularly for people who object to taking it due to their religious principles or as a matter of conscience. I also reject the idea of individuals being required to carry around a vaccination certificate, which is too close to the identification papers of highly restricted societies for my comfort. Operation Warp Speed is just one component of the Federal Government's efforts to combat the coronavirus. Other therapeutics and treatments have also been developed at a rapid pace and are also being deployed as the pandemic still inflicts widespread sickness. The United States has long excelled at scientific innovation, but even among our country's long list of achievements, from the light bulb to the first manned landing on the Moon, Operation Warp Speed stands out for its scale, speed, safety, and ultimately lives saved. Amid all the bad news of 2020, this accomplishment is one worth praising. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 abide by their own terms of service.Most importantly, separating this bill from FY21 NDAA gives us the opportunity to pass the requisitedefense legislation to ensure our men and women in uniform are given the resources they need to keep our Country safe. Our servicemembers andour national security professionals need this legislation and the authorizations and policies it provides. I refuse to put them at riskthis legislation is too important not to pass. 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 two-per-year build rate to keep pace with shipbuilding goals. These submarines are critical to both national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, the FY21 NDAA saw the inclusion of Congressman Wittman's 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). Outside the Seapower portfolio, the FY21 NDAA included another bill written by Congressman Wittman, H.R.8263, which ensures opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This measure will establish accountable objective, measurable criteria for conservation results, giving the Department of Defense additional tools to advance military readiness. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. The FY21 NDAA also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. The FY21 NDAA includes several other provisions Congressman Wittman is proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects done in Virginia's First District (such as the railgun and directed energy projects), and making sure the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases. 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=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 key broadband funding directly advanced by Congressman Wittman: Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as envisioned in Congressman Wittman's Serving Rural America Act Provides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act by appropriating $65 million dollars to carry out Title VIII of the Communications Act of 1934 so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide Appropriates an additional $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act and requires that the Commission equitably distributes the funding to the extent feasible As co-chair of the bipartisan House Rural Broadband Caucus, Congressman Wittman has worked tirelessly to close the digital divide for the people of our region, the Commonwealth, and the nation. This year alone, Congressman Wittman hosted two virtual Fireside Chats with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr alongside local government leaders, tribal leaders, and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC's work on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), telehealth, and what the FCC is doing to help communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. At the end of September,Congressman Wittman hosted a public Telephone Town Hall onBroadbandwith Governor Northam's ChiefBroadbandAdvisor Evan Feinmanand constituents of the First District to answer questions related tobroadbandand connectivity, services, and programs to help close the digital divide for rural Americans. Earlier this year, Congressman Wittman authored letters of support to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband advocating for VA-01 counties' FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities. 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=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 billion for the overall Columbia-Class submarine program, providing a great boost to the economy in the Commonwealth Allocates $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Extends Sec. 3610 of the Cares Act which allows for reimbursement to federal contractors for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave Funds two Virginia-class submarines, one above the budget request and $2.87 billion for Columbia-class submarine program; both of which are built in Virginia Includes $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of our amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Increases the Navy's shipbuilding budget by $3.4 billion to support the National Defense Strategy and allow us to compete on the global stage Veterans Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs Provides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program Provides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach Provides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Provides $661 million for gender-specific care to ensure VA meets the needs of women veterans, including $1 million for peer support programs Virginia's First Congressional District 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 Congressman Wittman's top priorities in Washington, and several measures in this funding package put our military community first.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=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 street corner. So fa la la la la would be sung to take the harp's place. Before reading this article, I had not been aware of the link between Wales and this Christmas carol so widely known and sung in our culture. One of the remarkable aspects of the Christmas season is how traditions from so many parts of the world have been blended into the celebrations in our country. You may participate in several without thinking much about it for example, if you put up a Christmas tree in your house, a custom brought to our country by settlers from Germany. The variety of these traditions for one holiday speaks to the universal message of the Christmas season and also to the melting pot of American culture. We should be thankful that we live in a country where we can celebrate, or not celebrate, according to our beliefs. This year, the coronavirus pandemic impedes our enjoyment of some of these customs. Community celebrations have been curtailed or cancelled, families are reconsidering whether to have as big a gathering as they might normally have, and the festivities that do take place have as a backdrop the pandemic that has inflicted so much suffering. Most of us have some aspect of the season we treasure that will not take place as usual this year. I enjoy participating in Christmas parades in the different towns of the Ninth District. After riding through a town saying Merry Christmas and seeing the bright eyes of children and hearing the warm wishes of the adults, I find it impossible to finish a parade without simply feeling good about the world. Christmas remains a time of hope, and the traditions we come back to each year are also the traditions we can look forward to. I invite you to share some of your own on my official Facebook page where this column is posted. If you celebrate Christmas, however you do so this year, I hope that it will bring you comfort and joy, and I wish you a happy and healthy New Year. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. * https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/why-we-say-tis-the-season ###",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 submarines, one above the budget request, both of which are built in Virginia. Provides $2.87 billion for the overall Columbia-Class submarine program, providing a great boost to the economy in the Commonwealth. Allocates $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap. Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion. Extends Section 3610 of the CARES Act to reimburse federal contractors, a large section of the workforce in VA-01, for the cost of providing pandemic-related leave. Allows the transfer of National Park Service lands for the Long Bridge Project under Congressman Wittman'sLong Bridge Act. Provides $25 million for theVeterans Treatment CourtGrant Program, a program advocated for by Congressman Wittman. Provides additional extensions and funding to vital Chesapeake Bay clean-up programs,advocated for by Congressman Wittman, which have wide-reaching impacts in coastal Virginia. For months, Speaker Pelosi refusedto bring serious legislation to the floor to address the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief for millions of Americans. Instead of working together to pass what we could agree on, the Speaker forced the House to vote on massive partisan bills earlier this year, one that cost over $3 trillion dollars and was filled with Democratic policy riders that had no chance of becoming law. However, today's bill includes a $900 billion coronavirus pandemic relief package specifically designed to help Americans who have suffered as a result of this pandemic. This bill extends the Paycheck Protection Program and provides additional relief to small businesses. It includes an extension of pandemic unemployment insurance, providing relief to the millions of Americans whose businesses have closed or who have been out of work due to the pandemic. And it includes direct payments that will go to most Americans. Once again, this bill represents a bipartisan compromise and one that frankly should have been done months ago with bipartisan approval had it not been for Speaker Pelosi's insistence on playing political games. COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Highlights: Small Business Tax Relief Extends an additional lifeline to small businesses by ensuring additional relief to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, emergency EIDL grants program, and certain loan repayment assistance programs in the CARES Act by providing further guidance that the forgiven loan or grant amount shall not be included as gross income to the businesses and that businesses can still deduct the expenses paid with the proceeds of the forgiven loans or grants. Provides over $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the PPP program. Businesses under 300 employees and have had a 25% reduction in revenue are eligible for a second round. Increases the PPP loan amount for Restaurants and Hotels from 2.5x payroll to 3.5x, providing an extra month's worth of payroll support Codifies rules for faith-based organizations and churches to ensure eligibility remains intact. Makes eligible 501c6s, destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Creates a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application for loans under $150,000 dollars Allows employers to deduct PPP related businesses expenses. Reopening America $20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it $8 billion for vaccine distribution $20 billion to assist states with testing $20 billion distribution from existing provider relief fund Stimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment Temporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020 Provide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021 Extends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021 $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen $4 billion for substance abuse significant progress made over past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of impact of COVID lockdowns $82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education $25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic; extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021 For months, I hadcalled on my colleaguesin Washington to come to a workable deal for the American people providing targeted relief, an extension of the job-saving Paycheck Protection Program, and other vital services and programs for individuals, families, and businesses necessary for our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief bill is great news but comes too late for the millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses that suffered for months as Speaker Pelosi refused to pass targeted relief. I will continue advocating for the people of Virginia's First Congressional District in Washington and will do my utmost to hold Members of Congress accountable to the people we serve. TheConsolidated Appropriations Actincludes key priorities of Congressman Wittman andthe First Congressional District of Virginia: National Security Wins 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 Extends Sec. 3610 of the Cares Act which allows for reimbursement to federal contractors for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave Funds two Virginia-class submarines, one above the budget request and $2.87 billion for Columbia-class submarine program; both of which are built in Virginia Includes $10 million for the Cable Ship Security Program, which Congressman Wittman had authorized in the FY20 NDAA to shore up a critical strategic infrastructure gap Supports Congressman Wittman's legislation that was included in the FY21 NDAA to bundle the acquisition of our amphibious ships which will save the taxpayers roughly $1 billion Increases the Navy's shipbuilding budget by $3.4 billion to support the National Defense Strategy and allow us to compete on the global stage Veterans Wins Fully funds veterans' healthcare, including the MISSION Act's community care program, as well as other critical programs Provides a total of $2.63 billion to continue VA's transition to a new electronic health records system and increases congressional oversight of the program Provides a total of $10.3 billion for VA mental health programs, including $313 million for suicide prevention outreach Provides a total of $1.9 billion to prevent veteran homelessness, including $420 million for Supportive Services for Veterans Families and $270 million for the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program Provides $661 million for gender-specific care to ensure VA meets the needs of women veterans, including $1 million for peer support programsds Broadband Wins Creates a new $300 Million Broadband Grant Program, as envisioned in Congressman Wittman'sServing Rural America Act Provides $732 million for rural broadband, the highest level in history, including $635 million for the ReConnect broadband pilot for unserved and underserved areas as well as $60 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants Fully funds the Broadband DATA Act by appropriating $65 million dollars to carry out Title VIII of the Communications Act of 1934 so federal funds can be more efficiently targeted to close the digital divide Appropriates an additional $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act and requires that the Commission equitably distributes the funding to the extent feasible Rural Infrastructure Wins Provides $3.9 billion for rural development programs, as well as more than $38.1 billion in loans for rural housing, rural utilities, and rural businesses, which assists in building sustainable rural infrastructure for the modern economy and helps create an environment for economic growth and opportunity Includes $2 billion for highway infrastructure grants Provides $1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants, including a requirement that half of the grants go to rural communities; $400 million for discretionary airport grants; and $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above FY20 Healthcare Wins Extends important public health programs for three years, including community health centers - eliminating several funding cliffs over next several years Ends surprise medical billing True and honest cost estimate for patients three days prior to scheduled procedure Arbitration independent dispute resolution process with no benchmark rate and multiple factors (but not government program reimbursement rates) which can be considered in arbitration process Supports Front Line Health Care Providers by injecting billions of dollars into Medicare physician pay in 2021 and heading off payment cuts due to be enacted next year Improves support for Rural and Underserved Health Care Environment Wins Allows the transfer of National Park Service lands for the Long Bridge Project under Congressman Wittman's Long Bridge Act Funds the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Consolidated Tribal Government Program above the enacted level, to the benefit of Virginia's federally recognized tribes, which Congressman Wittman helped receive recognition in 2018 Funds the vital North American Wetlands Conservation Fund Law Enforcement Wins Rejects efforts to defund the police and provides strong support for our nation's federal, state, and local law enforcement Strongly supports our nation's federal, state, and local law enforcement officers by increasing funding for the Department of Justice and preserving federal grant programs that bolster state and local efforts to keep our communities safe Expands law enforcement resources in support of mental and behavioral health intervention teams, de-escalation training, agencies gaining accreditation, and small and rural law enforcement agencies Provides increased funding for Department of Justice initiatives, such as the STOP School Violence and the COPS Hiring programs, which expand threat assessment, violence prevention, school hardening, and resource officer support Combats the drug epidemic by increasing funds for Office of National Drug Control Policy programs such as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas and Drug Free Communities Reduces violent and gun crimes by: Fully funding the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS); Increasing funding for U.S. Attorneys; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Marshals Service to address violent crime; and Providing $85 million in grants to states to improve records used in background checks, and $24 million for police active shooter and survivability training Energy Wins Continues to advance the nation's all-of-the-above solution to energy independence through targeted investments in research and development in all energy sources, including nuclear, fossil, geothermal, and hydropower, as well as solar and wind Provides $368 million to protect our nation's energy infrastructure against cyber and other attacks and to increase the efficiency and technological advancement of the nation's electricity delivery system Pro-Life Wins Prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment of the mother Prohibits the creation or destruction of embryos for research purposes Protects the Trump Administration's Title X Family Planning regulations Maintains the Hyde Amendment, Tiahrt Amendment, Helms Amendment, Dickey Amendment, and Kemp-Kasten Amendment, maintaining critical pro-life funding restrictions Border Security Wins Rejects poison pill riders that would have limited the ability of Border Protral to detain illegal migrants in the U.S., and would have allowed taxpayer dollars for legal assistance to illegal immigrants Assists Border Patrol Agents by providing $20 million for new border processing coordinators and $103 million for improvements to border patrol facilities Funds the border wall, providing $1.375 billion in new funding Provides funding for investments in border security technology, including at ports of entry, and $80 million over the request for additional enforcement aircraft and helicopters 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=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 was a candy apple that made voting for the one-week toad of a CR acceptable. The Right Way to Legislate on Marijuana In my last column, I discussed my opposition to H.R. 3884, a broad bill to legalize marijuana, expunge marijuana convictions, and provide taxpayer support for businesses and individuals associated with the marijuana industry. It was a sweeping, partisan effort that made major changes at a time when the Congress should have other priorities. Despite my support for changes to marijuana law, it was the wrong bill at the wrong time. The week afterward, the House voted on another bill related to marijuana, my Medical Marijuana Research Act. I believe this was the right approach to marijuana legislation. The Medical Marijuana Research Act would ensure a sufficient supply of research-quality marijuana through the National Institute on Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program. It also authorizes more research so that we understand more specifically the medical benefits and side effects of marijuana on the human body. It would also direct the Food and Drug Administration to issue guidelines on the production of marijuana and encourage authorized manufacturers to produce marijuana for the researchers under the law. I was an original cosponsor of the bill in this Congress, and along with a bipartisan team had introduced it in previous years. Unlike H.R. 3884, it had support that spanned parties and also different views about marijuana legislation. Whether you want marijuana broadly prohibited, broadly legalized, or fall somewhere in between, you should want to see more data about its effects. Because of its widespread support, the bill this year had moved through the House Energy and Commerce Committee without opposition and passed on the House floor in the same manner. Its consideration did not take up valuable legislative time in the same way as H.R. 3884. I was pleased to see the Medical Marijuana Research Act pass the House and hope it will advance into law. It represents the right way to legislate on marijuana with prudence and based on data. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 Bridge is crucial to continued economic growth and enhanced mobility in Virginia. It will also increase the capacity of the rail network for the Port of Virginia, where 37 percent of goods move in and out by rail. The First District includes the I-95 Corridor in Prince William and Stafford counties, and the City of Fredericksburg, which includes the worst traffic hot spot in the nation, and extends down to the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, which includes some of the most neglected rural roads and bridges in Virginia. Addressing the congestion issue along the I-95 corridor is essential to improving transportation in the region. Congressman Wittman introduced this legislation earlier this year with Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA08) and Senators Warner and Kaine introduced the Senate companion legislation. f t # e",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 time. It is good for our nation, our service members, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I look forward to working with the Navy and the Department of Defense to turn this plan into reality.",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 for our nation, our service members, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. I look forward to working with the Navy and the Department of Defense to turn this plan into reality. 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=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 two-per-year build rate to keep pace with shipbuilding goals. These submarines are critical to both national defense strategy and the Commonwealth's economy. Additionally, the FY21 NDAA saw the inclusion of Congressman Wittman's 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). Outside the Seapower portfolio, the FY21 NDAA included another bill written by Congressman Wittman, H.R.8263, which ensures opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This measure will establish accountableobjective, measurable criteria for conservation results, giving the Department of Defense additional tools to advance military readiness. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. The FY21 NDAA also fully funds the critical B-21 Raider bomber program, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. The FY21 NDAA includes several other provisions Congressman Wittman is proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects done in Virginia's First District (such as the railgun and directed energy projects), and making sure the Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases.",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 system, occupying its time and resources with thousands of resentencing hearings rather than more important business. Prior marijuana convictions could also not be considered in denying any federal public benefit, granting security clearances, or in regard to immigration laws. So the individuals recently caught in Connecticut with a rental truck carrying an estimated $15 million worth of marijuana, as an example, could benefit from these provisions. Not only are these offenses expunged, but H.R. 3884 creates an Office of Cannabis Justice in the Department of Justice. The task of the new office would be to administer a grant program providing services to individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses. Changing the laws should not mean directing taxpayer dollars to individuals convicted of breaking the law or require federal grants and loans for the marijuana industry. We still do not have enough data on the effects of marijuana use. This has long been a concern of mine, and why I have introduced or cosponsored bills that would make research on possible effects easier. Just in September, a bill I cosponsored, the Medical Marijuana Research Act, advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I had introduced versions of it in previous years and am glad to see it progress now. A floor vote is anticipated this month, a fact I appreciate but which makes little sense considering the vote on H.R. 3884. H.R. 3884 leapfrogs over more careful measures, disregarding public health consequences. It deschedules marijuana entirely from the list of scheduled substances under the Controlled Substances Act instead of moving it to another schedule that more appropriately assesses the risk of use. Earlier this year, the House rushed to ban flavored tobacco products and vaping after a spate of sicknesses. Most of the people who fell ill were vaping products that contained THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Yet H.R. 3884 takes no action to ban flavored marijuana vapes, or generally to prevent marijuana use among young people. H.R. 3884 would introduce more problems than it solves at a time when our attention is best directed to other topics. My position on marijuana remains the same: legalization for medicinal purposes and loosened restrictions for research. I am ready to work with Democrats and Republicans to achieve these goals and more generally to rationalize federal policy at a time when more states are opting to legalize marijuana to various degrees. The path away from the perplexing current state of marijuana policy need not lead to the reckless policy regime created by H.R. 3884. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",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, as well as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program and provides additional P-8 aircraft to combat the undersea threat. Finally, it includes the creation and authorization of the Tanker Fleet Security Program, a program that will continue to address our inability to appropriately transport fuel by creating a stipend for ten U.S.-flagged fuel transport ships to be chartered for this purpose. Outside the seapower portfolio, I was pleased with the inclusion of my bill, H.R.8263, Ensuring opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife conservation banking programs. This bill will establish accountable performance standards and criteria for conservation banking and will maximize available credits and opportunities for mitigation. Ultimately, by establishing objective, measurable criteria for conservation results, this new policy will accelerate the regulatory process while achieving conservation results that are not otherwise being gained. This is a win for the Department of Defense, our environment, and our wildlife. Additionally, the conference report includes several other provisions I am proud to support such as a 3.0% pay raise for our servicemembers, funding for future warfare projects being done in Virginia's First District, such as the railgun and directed energy projects, and making sure our Armed Forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and the personal protective equipment necessary to protect servicemembers from the threat of infectious diseases. 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. 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=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 111 E. Grayson Street Galax, VA 24333 Grayson County: 2:30pm 4:00pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA 24348 December 17, 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 December 18, 2020 Floyd County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Floyd Offices 134 Wilson Street SE Floyd, VA 24091 Patrick County: 11:30 am 1:00 pm Patrick County Administration Building Conference Room 106 Rucker Street Stuart, VA 24171 Martinsville: 2:00 pm 3:30 pm City of Martinsville Municipal Building Conference Room #32, Lower Level 55 W. Church Street Martinsville, VA 24112 December 22, 2020 Norton: 9:00 am 10:30 am City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA 24273 Wise County: 11:00 am 12:30 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Dickenson County: 2:30 pm 4:30 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA 24228 ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###",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 400th anniversary of the Thanksgiving celebration at Berkeley Hundred in Virginia. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, but next year is the 400th anniversary of the Thanksgiving of the Pilgrims. After arriving in present-day Massachusetts on November 9, 1620, they had to endure a grim winter of cold, starvation, and disease. Yet they also met members of the local Wampanoag tribe who taught them how to plant corn and where to find the best hunting and fishing spots. The Thanksgiving celebrated by Plymouth Colony in 1621 came out of both the harshness of that first winter and the bounty and peace of the next year. When Thanksgiving was first instituted as a regular national holiday in 1863, the country was locked in a bitter civil war. Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation in gratitude for the country's blessings even as the war's toll mounted with no end in sight. We would do well today to remember these examples. They took place amid widespread hardship and tragedy, yet they helped define the way we observe Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving this year can best be celebrated by remembering our blessings and remembering those who may not seem so blessed. This may take the form of contributing to the alleviation of hunger abroad, as the World Food Programme does, or to the reduction of hunger and want closer to home. Around Virginia's Ninth District, I have been honored to meet and know many who make helping others the cause of their lives. From food banks to charitable health clinics, the people who work or volunteer at these sites and contribute to their missions are performing good works for our families, friends, and neighbors, and they continue their labors amid the pandemic. They are among the many blessings I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. As a Member of Congress, I cannot solicit donations for specific groups in this official newsletter, but I trust that the charitable organizations and causes in your community are not hard to find. I wish you and your family a safe, peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 House today,CongressmanRiggleman gave a speech on the floor of the House urging his colleagues to supporthis legislation. You can watch the speech here,and read the transcript below. Transcript: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you to my good friends Representative Walden, Congressman Pallone, and David Trone. Our Freshman Working Group has been incredible on this issue. It is interesting how this has come full circle. Two years ago, in my very first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives, Icalled on Congress to act and address the opioid addiction crisis that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year. During the two years since that speech I have been working hard to provide solutions and take positive steps to address the crisis. I have also become more aware of the harm the opioid epidemic has caused in our streets and in our districts. I have seen how the crisis has affected the friends, the family members of so many- including some in this chamber today like my dear friend David Trone who tragically lost his nephew to an opioid overdose. I have been personally affected by this crisis and I know the toll it takes on those affected and the people who love them. I was sitting at my desk in Congress one year ago when I got the call that my cousin, Trey, had overdosed not far from where I was sitting. I talked about this with Congressman Trone. We knew we had to do something and I think that is why we have to thank members like Rep. Sherrill and Rep. Armstrong for their incredible support on this. Trey and Ian, I think this bill is for them, for people who have suffered through this incredible scourge. The bill before us today starts to address some of those challenges and is a positive step towards combating the very real crisis of opioid addiction that has had devastating consequences for families across the nation. Obviously I strongly support H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2020. Not only must Congress act to address this crisis, but we must LEAD. I chose to co-lead this bill because it will help countless numbers of my constituents and it is the right thing to do. I have to applaud the efforts of my dear friend David Trone and all the members of the Freshman Working group on Addiction and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I don't think I can say this any stronger: bill is for Trey & Ian and for all those affected by the overdoses, the awfulness of what happens in these families. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. ###",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 deliver a commonsense, bipartisan solution for hard working Americans. In addition, 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. It is my hope that any legislation specifically focuses on bridging the digital divide and increasing 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. 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. Thank you for your attention and continued work to respond to this public health and economic emergency. Sincerely, 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=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 popular vote. Maine and Nebraska allocate electors based on winners in their congressional districts. The electors meet in their states on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December, which falls on December 14 this year. They vote by ballot, and the results are sent to Washington for counting. Federal law sets January 6 as the day for the House of Representatives and the Senate to meet in joint session to count the Electoral College vote. The vice president, acting in his or her capacity as president of the Senate, presides. He or she opens the certificates from each state in alphabetical order and gives them to the four tellers, two appointed from each chamber, to be announced. The final results are announced by the vice president. During the count, Members of Congress can challenge votes, and they have. I was in the House chamber on January 6, 2017 when several House Democrats frequently interrupted the count by challenging the results of multiple states. Their protests failed because the law requires challenges to be submitted in writing with endorsements from at least one representative and one senator, and no senators had joined their protests. In 2005, the joint session certifying President Bush's reelection had to recess because a challenge to his victory in Ohio did have support in both chambers. As a result, the House and the Senate had to separately debate and vote on the challenge. Both rejected it. As you can see, the standard procedure for electing a president takes a few months, and while it can be a formality, the system allows for contention and legal challenges. This does not even take into account extraordinary circumstances, such as those found in the 1876 election during the Reconstruction era. That year, the results in Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina were disputed, while an elector in Oregon was disqualified and replaced. The deadlock led Congress to appoint a commission to decide the matter; it awarded the disputed votes and thus the presidency to Rutherford B. Hayes only days before the inauguration was to take place. In the presidential election process, the length of time to declare a winner is not as important as ensuring that all the steps are conducted fairly and with integrity according to our Constitution and laws. That is the process we are wading through and waiting for now. And that's why it's not over. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",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 misplaced. For example, I recently presented a new set of medals to the family of the late World War II veteran Luther Owens. The originals, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, had been lost in a house fire. On some occasions, veterans receive their medals long after they served. They may have been awarded but never delivered, or misplaced paperwork may have halted the process for awarding the medals. Early in my tenure as a Member of Congress, I was honored to participate in a medal presentation to Corporal James C. Rasnake of Abingdon, who served during the Korean War. On September 15, 1950, his platoon came under heavy fire, and Sergeant Dale Larsen was seriously wounded. Corporal Rasnake killed an enemy gunman about to shoot Sergeant Larsen again, then carried Sergeant Larsen on his back to a safer location. He eventually crafted a makeshift stretcher using two rifles and carried Sergeant Larsen about a mile to receive aid. Over sixty years after this feat of bravery, my office helped track down missing paperwork to complete the process of recognizing Corporal Rasnake. He received the Bronze Star with a V device for valor. When it was finally time to present the award, Sergeant Larsen, the man whose life he saved, handed it to him. My plans for Veterans Day this year will take me to Martinsville to honor two World War II veterans, Houston William Smith and Richard Stine. I urge you on Veterans Day to thank any veterans in your life, whether family members, friends, or neighbors. In this time of COVID-19, if you cannot do this is person, give them a call or contact them via email or social media. These simple gestures are the least we can do to honor the heroes who risked their lives for our freedom. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 Grayson County: 2:30pm 4:00pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA 24348 November 19, 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 SWVA Tech Center 141 Highland Drive Lebanon, VA 24266 November 23, 2020 Tazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am 11:30 am Town of Bluefield Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA 24605 November 24, 2020 Norton: 9:00 am 10:30 am City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA 24273 Wise County: 11:00 am 12:30 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Dickenson County: 2:30 pm 4:30 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA 24228 November 30, 2020 Floyd County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Floyd Offices 134 Wilson Street SE Floyd, VA 24091 Patrick County: 11:30 am 1:00 pm Patrick County Administration Building Conference Room 106 Rucker Street Stuart, VA 24171 ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###",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 Administration (FDA) conducts inspections of foreign sites that manufacture drugs to be exported here. One story was brought to my attention of an inspector and her translator at a northeastern China site who were locked in a conference room for over an hour. This imprisonment prevented the inspection from taking place. When eventually inspected, the plant was found to be skipping tests of its products and ingredients and omitting cleaning procedures. The incident was an extreme but indicative example of concerns about poor quality, corruption, and lack of transparency in the parts of the drug supply chain under Chinese control. The pharmaceutical industry is far from the only one that depends too much on China. Critical minerals are essential to many advanced technologies, including those important to national defense. China dominates the supply of these minerals and has not been afraid to use them as leverage in the past; in 2010, after an incident at sea between the two countries, China limited its export of rare earth elements to Japan. The CCP's economic aggression is accompanied by repression and human rights abuses. When the United Kingdom ceded Hong Kong to China in 1997, China committed to upholding the policy of one country, two systems, exercising sovereignty over the territory but respecting the legal and free market institutions and norms it had developed. But over the past year and a half in particular, the CCP has sought to strip away the liberties enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong. A national security law enacted on June 30 enables Beijing to silence dissent and empower its security agencies in Hong Kong. The law has chilled what had recently been a vocal protest movement for freedom. The CCP has also oppressed minorities such as the Uyghurs of China's western regions. Its tools of tyranny include internment camps, forced sterilization, and mass surveillance. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has rightfully called this campaign the stain of the century. It is no longer reasonable to think that China's Communist rulers will adopt our values. Accommodating them has only weakened our standing in the world. Our national interests demand a different approach, one that protects our economic interests, diversifies our supply chains or brings them back to the United States, and calls out CCP violations of international agreements and human rights. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 while supporting local economies and American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching. The ACE Act also contains several bipartisan bills introduced and advanced by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which Congressman Wittman is a Co-Chair, and on all of which Congressman Wittman was an original cosponsor, including: This year, Congressman Wittman has continued his work in Congress to conserve the Bay and the environment which date back to the beginning of his time in Congress. Earlier this summer, Congressman Wittman voted in favor of theGreat American Outdoors Act(GAOA) to pay down the National Park Service's maintenance backlog and provides permanent funding for theLand and Water Conservation Fund. In July, Congressman Wittman joined Members from the Bay region in sending aletter tothe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighting the severe impacts COVID-19 is having on the seafood industry, requesting that USDA consider establishing a short-term purchasing program for shellfish products, including farmed and wild-caught oyster and clam products, to help sustain markets for local seafood and preserve Virginia's robust seafood industry. Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Wittman served over 25 years as a public health scientist for the Virginia Department of Health, conducting field research in the Chesapeake Bay. From his experience, he is aware of the ecological challenges facing Virginia public lands, waters, and the environment. In 2018, Congressman Wittman's historic and bipartisanKeep America's Refuges Operational Actwas signed into law to reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer, community partnership, and education programs to help ensure Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt and study wildlife for generations to come. Congressman Wittman also serves as a Co-Chair of the Wildlife Refuge Caucus. 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=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 ongoing efforts to supply $175 billionin aid to hospitals through the Provider Relief Fund by clicking here. ###",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 Roosevelt win. The Gallup poll surveys Americans to this day; Literary Digest did not survive the decade. Another famous mismatch between poll predictions and election results occurred in 1948. Incumbent Democrat President Harry S. Truman, who had succeeded Roosevelt upon his death in 1945, was seen as a sure underdog to Republican New York Governor Thomas Dewey. Most polls, including Gallup, had Dewey ahead in the race, but Truman won on Election Day. A famous photograph shows Truman holding up a copy of the Chicago Daily Tribune with the erroneous headline Dewey Defeats Truman. The newspaper's headline was in line with its polling of the race. Afterward, the paper recognized that its poll results were off because it had surveyed a disproportionately Republican sample; the poll was conducted by telephone, and Republicans at the time tended to be wealthier and were more likely to have a telephone. These examples should not be cited to dismiss opinion polling out of hand. Pollsters have been right, too, as in the victories of Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and Richard Nixon in 1972. They do illustrate the importance of not investing excessive meaning in opinion polls. Honest polling requires calculation about sampling to properly represent the population, and sometimes parts of the population are difficult to reach. It needs careful wording to not favor outcomes. Even when these criteria are met, the results come with a margin of error that could be meaningful on closely divided questions. The extraordinary events of this year will also affect the accuracy of polls. The presidential election this year includes an unprecedented amount of early voting, as many states have lengthened the period before Election Day to cast ballots. Polling closer to the election has to account for the fact that more people who answered may have already voted. My advice would be to read the results of opinion polls but not to let them crowd out other news and information. Placing too much attention on them may lead a person to miss other signals that indicate what is taking place in our country. Lastly, no matter who you intend to vote for, do not let polling data dissuade you from casting your vote. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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. economic competitiveness, secure trade partnerships, and protect jobs. You can read the full letter that Congressman Riggleman and his cosigners sent to Secretary Ross here.",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 the hemp industry and encourage long-terminvestment in rural communities. The hemp industry has the potential to be a game changer for farmers in America and the 5th District can lead this effort. Learn more about the industrial hemp industry from the USDA here. Learn about how a new hemp processing facility will strengthen the economy and bring more than 20 new jobs to South Boston, VA here. ###",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 coronavirus pandemic has underscored the issues facing low-income housing communities, as many are battling to get back on their feet in the wake of this international crisis. The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted those in low-income areas more harshly than other more metropolitan communities, and this bill will take a significant step in making sure those in small towns are provided with affordable, well suited housing options. ###",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 existing law or pass a new one. The Senate may lack the will, but it doesn't lack the power. My frustrations with Obamacare have been articulated in this column frequently, so you are likely familiar with them. You may be familiar with them, too, because they are your frustrations. I have heard from too many Ninth District constituents who were forced off their insurance plans, charged ever-increasing premiums, or deprived of health care choices because of Obamacare's unworkable and ill-conceived provisions. Residents of the Ninth District's 22 counties and seven independent cities have only one health insurer from which they can purchase coverage. Just since June of this year, my office has received at least 54 separate complaints from constituents about Obamacare. I am ready to do my job. No matter how the Supreme Court rules on Obamacare's constitutionality, Congress can act right now to improve health care in this country. I ask congressional Democrats to focus on working with Republicans to legislate rather than bullying Judge Barrett. In the House Energy and Commerce Committee, we have advanced many health care bills on a bipartisan basis only to see them upended by Speaker Pelosi. Take prescription drug reform. We unanimously passed a series of bills at the committee level tackling this subject, only to see the Speaker put them together with measures related to Obamacare that would not pass the Senate or be signed by President Trump. Speaker Pelosi did this again when she pushed H.R. 3, which tossed aside our bipartisan committee work on prescription drugs in favor of a heavy-handed and possibly unconstitutional approach. Republicans and Democrats also widely agree on protecting Americans with pre-existing health conditions. Republicans have introduced bills on this subject, yet Democrats would have you believe that the only possibly way to protect these individuals is to keep Obamacare in full. I do not know how Judge Barrett will rule on Obamacare when she is confirmed to the Supreme Court. I believe she is a fair-minded jurist who would rule on the merits of the case and the law, not any agenda of her own. But as a Supreme Court justice, she should not do Congress' job, which is to write laws. Nor should any justice be deluded into thinking Congress does not have the power to write laws. That is the job I have, and I hope congressional Democrats will join me in performing it. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",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 China Task Force Final Report recommends the passage of H.R. 7414, which was modeled after the Mansfield Fellowship Program for Japan. This mirrored program has provided key experiences for many American government officials inside the Japanese government. The Taiwan Fellowship Program is aimed at producing similar results. The Taiwan Fellowship Program is a long overdue recognitionof the vital partnership that exists between both nations. Congressman Riggleman looks forward to seeing this program bolstermeaningful international policy outcomes that willstrengthen the competitive edge forboth the United States and Taiwan. ###",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 provided millions of dollars in resources to the USDA in the wake of the pandemic, and it is not the responsibility of the USDA to use their allocation of resources to adequately address the needs of over one million essential American workers. ###",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 their efforts on recovery and their community, rather than being consumed by financial strain. The House of Representatives took unprecedented action to provide small businesses with the assistance they need to make it through this tough era in our country. This letter would verify that reporting requirements for loan forgiveness will not impede nor negate all of the diligent effort put into the PPP program this year. ###",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 customers. The US Department of Transportation clearly recognized the national value the port provides, and we are thankful for their investment and partnership as we continue building a 21st century port. Furthermore, Congressman Wittman held calls and virtual meetings with Congressional appropriations leaders and Admiral Buzby, Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, advocating for the Port of Virginia grant. For additional information on the grant click here. 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=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 could have picked off individual states or parts of the continent piecemeal, leaving whatever independent states that remained weak and divided. We would likely not have become the prosperous superpower that has no equal in world history. Getting rid of the Electoral College today would greatly weaken the bonds of the Union. If the popular vote became the basis for electing presidents, less populated areas of the country would likely not see candidates at all nor feel represented by them once elected. A few urban areas, chiefly in the Northeast and California, would decide everything. Rural areas and even smaller cities would be ignored. Because the office of the president has become even more powerful than anticipated at the time of the constitutional compromise, those areas which felt ignored likely would rethink their commitment to the Union. Critics of the Electoral College believe simply electing a president by popular vote is most important. They cite the occasions when the electoral vote winner diverged from the popular vote winner, but they overlook the fact that the Electoral College has often actually amplified a president's authority to lead the country. Among the presidents who failed to collect a popular vote majority in one of their campaigns were Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and John F. Kennedy in 1960. Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, and Bill Clinton each won two terms without obtaining a popular vote majority either time. Victories in the Electoral College gave these presidents their mandates to govern. Electoral College opponents also criticize our system as being one of a kind. They note that no other country picks its leader in the same way. But the facts are that each country has its own traditions, interests, and values. Ours are served by the Electoral College. Those of other democracies have led them to their own systems, many of which do not elect their leaders by popular vote. For example, Britain's prime minister takes office as the leader of the party with the most support in the House of Commons. In recent years, some prime ministers have held the position for years only after winning the party leadership, not a general election with themselves as party leader, or having the largest share of parliamentary supporters but not a majority. In many democracies, such as Germany, no party has a majority and a coalition of parties rules through backroom deals. In Norway, although the Labour Party has more seats than any other single party, a coalition led by the Conservative Party and the Progress Party currently leads the country. The Electoral College serves important constitutional purposes. Schemes to eliminate it fail to account for our system, which provides both for majority rule and minority rights. This balance remains essential to preserving our Union. You can contact me via my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405, my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671, or email atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",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 location undermines the integrity of our elections. We've seen ballot harvesting widely used in states like California and a recent court case in North Carolina outlined the clear opportunities for fraud and coercion with the ballot harvesting process. This bipartisan bill will encourage states to ban this process that is ripe for fraud and is a major threat to the integrity of our elections."" This bill would incentivize states to take an active role in preventing any political parties or special interest groups from getting between American voters and their ballots. The strength of our democracy lies in the integrity of safe, free and fair elections. A major part of this is having the necessary regulation in place to stop any ballot harvesting which would seek to undermine our election security. Background: The coronavirus pandemic has sparked notable concerns regarding the safety of our federal elections. Congressman Riggleman has previously supported legislation that makes necessary adjustments to our elections systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Riggleman voted for H.R. 3548 - the CARES Act, which allotted $400 million to help states make necessary changes to their election operations. In Virginia, the 2020 Session of the General Assembly passed legislation, signed byGovernor Northam, tomake notable changes to the Commonwealth's absentee ballot system. These changes include voting absentee without an excuse, prepaid postage for return envelopes, and adjusting the deadlines for applying for and returning absentee ballots. Virginia law currently allows early-in person voting and absentee voting, both of which provide options to vote while prioritizing social distancing measures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Every Virginian must have an opportunity to cast their ballot safely this fall. For more information on voting absentee, early in-person voting, or to track your ballot in the mail, click here. To find your local voter registration office, visit elections.virginia.gov. ###",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 here. Congressman Riggleman has also maintaineda partnership with USDA Secretary SonnyPerdueto develop tools to support farmersin the district. Specifically, Congressman Riggleman created the 5th District Agricultural Committee to facilitate discussions about the issues facing the producers in our community. In July, the town of Halifax received over $125,000 in grants and loans through the USDA Rural Development Program. Congressman Rigglemanhas continued to support rural communities during the coronavirus pandemic. The United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) passed the House in December with Congressman Riggleman's support. The USMCAhas been a big win for agricultural producers across the country, as it has expanded markets for farmers, and hastenedeconomic recovery from the pandemic. Congressman Riggleman also sent a letter to USDA Secretary Purdue asking him to ensure that the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments are extended to support small cattle farmers across the country. This year, Congressman Riggleman introduced H.R. 5699 - the Voluntary Checkoff Program Participation Acttocut regulation andhelp small farmers by prohibiting mandatory checkoff programs and require that any farmer participation in these programs be completely voluntary. For too long, regulation and red tape have hindered small farmers by requiring them pay into a system that does not always benefit local agricultural producers and consumers. This bill would go a long way in ensuring that smaller scale producers have flexibility and controlover their own investments. You can read a copy of the letter Congressman Riggleman received notifying him of his awardhere. ###",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 deserve,helping people receive their Pandemic Unemployment Assistance,orresolving issues with their social security payments, and to act as an ombudsman between constituents and state agencies. In that same period,Wittman's office sent out more than 41,500 responses to constituent inquiriesand inbound office contacts via email, letter, or phone call. For reference, during that same period in 2019, Wittman's office sent roughly 36,000 outbound responses. Also during that time, CongressmanWittman visited more than 40 locationsacross Virginia's First District, at all times following the latest CDC and VDH guidance and regulations, to meet with area constituents, local officials, and community leaders. He has also attended or hosted more than 50 virtual calls, webinars, telephone town halls, updates, and Zoom calls with people and organizations across Virginia's First Congressional District. Congressman Wittman's work has not gone unnoticed either. He was named afinalistfor the prestigious Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) Democracy Award in the category of Constituent Service earlier this year. While he did not receive the overall award in this category in the 2020 Democracy Awards, he is 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. Hewas also named the winner in the category of Exemplary Public Servicefor the first-ever CMF Democracy Awards in 2018. 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=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 sibling of a veteran who: 1. died in the line of duty while serving in the Armed Forces; or 2. died of a service-connected disability during the four-year period within last discharge date. Applications are being accepted now, to apply, please click here:https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/580896300 For more information, contact the CAO Gold Star Families Program at 202-226-1965. 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=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 on new ships during President Reagan's naval buildup in the 1980s and will put us squarely on the right track to finally delivering the Navy we need. I look forward to working with the Navy and the Secretary of Defense to put us on the path to retaining naval superiority for decades to come. 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=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: Constituent Service; ""Life in Congress""-Workplace Environment; Transparency and Accountability; and Innovation and Modernization. House and Senate offices self-nominated for the categories using an online questionnaire, then CMF staff selected the finalists based on a rigorous checklist of qualifications, as well as interviews to assess the office's adherence to the established criteria.One Republican and one Democrat receive the award in each category. Also of note: of the 70 Members of Congress and offices who have been a finalist or winner of the Democracy Awards since its inception in 2018, Congressman Wittman is one of only five Members of Congress who has been a finalist and/or winner in two categories. In noting Rep. Wittman's finalist status, Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation said,As a Finalist for the Democracy Awards for Constituent Service, Rep. Rob Wittman has demonstrated his interest in exploring creative ways to serve his constituents. The Congressional Management Foundation was delighted to highlight the accomplishments of Rep. Wittman and hope that his work serves as a model to other congressional offices. A committee comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers selected the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each of the categories. Winners can be found on the CMF websitehere. CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress. 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-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 when it comes to meeting their healthcare needs, Congressman Burchett said. If you like your current plan, you should be allowed to keep it. If you need to make changes, you should be allowed to explore what private and public markets have to offer. The Fair Care Act respects choice when it comes to Americans' health insurance by removing barriers that keep healthcare costs high and creating more transparency in the American healthcare industry."" ""I thank Rep. Westerman for his leadership and commitment to coming up with real solutions that will not only make the cost of health insurance more affordable, but also improve access to high quality care, Congressman Smucker said. I am proud to work with him on this legislation and I look forward to working to advance this bill."" The Fair Care Act of 2020 follows the Fair Care Act of 2019, a bipartisan billwhich includes more than 70 provisions to improve healthcare for all Americans. One of the provisions in the 2020 billis Congressman Riggleman's previously introduced legislation: H.R. 4159 - Maintaining Protections forPatients with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2019.This would codify Affordable Care Act (ACA) preexisting condition protectionsin HIPPA and offer greater protections for patients with preexisting conditions through an Invisible Guaranteed Coverage Risk Pool and guaranteed coverage Medigap plans.This bill was drafted in response to cases in federal courts that threaten to repeal the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA), including its coverage of preexisting conditions. Under the Fair Care Act of 2020, Congressman Riggleman's provision would ensure that preexisting conditions are protected even if the ACA is struck down. The preexisting conditions provisionsinclude; guaranteed issueand renewability, a prohibition on preexistingcondition benefit exclusions, a ban on health status underwriting and inclusion of communityrating. The Fair Care Act of 2020 would also expand the use of pre-tax dollars to cover more medical expenses, including insurance premiums and direct primary care arrangements, and promote fiscal accountability and solvency for Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, and to keep up with the latest developments of the Fair Care Act of 2020, clickhere. ###",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 imposes impossible and intrusive mandates on states regarding their conduct of elections, including prohibitions on voter ID requirements. These provisions take away control over administering elections from states, where it has traditionally resided, and opens the door to confusion and fraud. At this point, we know that a high unemployment supplement can provide individuals with more income than returning to work, deterring them from going back to their jobs. Many employers have told me that this is the case. If Speaker Pelosi was serious, she would have worked on a formula for unemployment that would work well in the different parts of the country, but HEROES 2.0 provides the same $600 per week provided for unemployment included when we didn't have time to figure out a more effective formula. I would support a reasonable amount for an unemployment supplement, but not so much that it encourages people to stay unemployed. Further, illegal immigrants would be able to receive stimulus payments, as the bill does not require Social Security number verification. Police officers may not receive any more money from the bill, but coastal billionaires do with the repeal of limitations on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. If you read this column regularly, you may remember this scheme, which has people in places like Saltville paying federal taxes to offset high local taxes in places like San Francisco and New York City. I voted no on this legislation, but I know there are proposals that will help people and have broad support. One such bill, H.R. 8265, introduced by Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH), would allow qualified small businesses to receive a second loan from the Paycheck Protection Program, which has been an effective tool to keep Americans employed. It would also simplify the loan forgiveness process and expand eligible expenses covered by the loan. If brought to the House floor, I believe H.R. 8265 would pass easily. It would also have support in the Senate. Yet Speaker Pelosi refuses to put it to a vote, so I signed a discharge petition to bypass her and bring it to the floor. The pandemic has gone on for months, and our priorities in responding to it should be clear. It is unfortunate that House Democratic leaders have chosen to pursue other priorities. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. ###",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 Municipal Building Conference Room 111 E. Grayson Street Galax, VA 24333 Grayson County: 2:30pm 4:00pm Grayson County Administration Building Board of Supervisors Room Suite 206 129 Davis Street Independence, VA 24348 October 22, 2020 Tazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am 11:30 am Town of Bluefield Council Chambers 112 Huffard Drive Bluefield, VA 24605 October 27, 2020 Norton: 9:00 am 10:30 am City Council Chambers 618 Virginia Avenue NW Norton, VA 24273 Wise County: 11:00 am 12:30 pm Big Stone Gap Federal Courthouse 3rd Floor Room 303 322 Wood Avenue E Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Dickenson County: 2:30 pm 4:30 pm Dickenson Center for Education & Research 818 Happy Valley Drive Clintwood, VA 24228 October 28, 2020 Floyd County: 9:00 am 10:30 am Town of Floyd Offices 134 Wilson Street SE Floyd, VA 24091 Patrick County: 11:30 am 1:00 pm Patrick County Administration Building Conference Room 106 Rucker Street Stuart, VA 24171 Martinsville: 2:00 pm 3:30 pm City of Martinsville Municipal Building Conference Room #32, Lower Level 55 W. Church Street Martinsville, VA 24112 ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###",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 maypromote. In doing so, the House also condemns all other far-left and far-right ideologies that contribute to unfound conspiracy theories or insight violence or destruction of any kind, including white supremacist organizations. This resolution also encourages the intelligence community, including the FBI, federal law enforcement and homeland security to continue to strengthen their focus on preventing all criminal activity by extremists motivated by fringe political conspiracy theories. A full transcript of the Congressman's speech is provided below oryou can view the speech in its entirety by clicking here. The text of H.Res. 1154: Condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes can be found here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Transcript: Before I begin, I want to extend my best wishes to President Trump and Melania. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they battle COVID-19. I also want to thank Tom Malinowski for the amazing discussions we have had going forward on this resolution, he is an amazing person to work with and I thank you for your work Mr Malinowski and everyone else. I rise today at a pivotal moment in our Nation's history and a moment of reckoning for our national discourse. The vitriol and anger spewing from both sides of the political aisle, echoing around the darkest corners and caverns of the internet has led to violence and hate, divisiveness and anger. It has all but extinguished the light of reasonable political discourse in this great country called by so many a City on a Hill. But we cannot continue to be the Beacon of Hope we have been for so long if we can't address the issues holding us back, the webs that have ensnared us, and the mistrust that has invaded our politics. This resolution before us today is not a panacea. But it asks us a question about our purpose here in this august body- will we stand up and condemn a dangerous, dehumanizing and convoluted conspiracy theory that the FBI has assessed with high confidence is very likely to motivate some domestic extremists, wholly or in part, to engage in criminal or violent activity? When my friend and colleague, Rep. Malinowski, and I introduced a resolution condemning the QAnon conspiracy theory, we knew that we could draw the ire of those that believe in fantastical theories. We were condemning something that is a danger to our political discourse. QAnon believers have accused me of running a Pedophilia ring for Israel, being a member of the Zionist Organizational Government, called me a traitor-- accompanied by a picture of the gallowsand stated I was part of a target list. The grotesque nature of the tweets and Instagram posts and the anti-Semitic tripe spewed by QAnon adherents should cause concern for everyone. Obviously, this is all ridiculous, much like their theory. But the death threats Tom Malinowski received were a surprise and a shock. This type of behavior is easily condemned Condemned by all of us here in this chamber today. Putting aside the bizarre views of QAnon adherents, I call on this body to condemn them because of their actions. Actions that include threatening the life of my friend, Mr. Malinowski, plotting to plant a bomb in the Illinois Capitol rotunda to make Americans aware of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory;the murder of man in New York in 2019, and other such activities. QAnon and the conspiracy theories it promotes are a danger and a threat that has no place in our country's politics. I condemn this movement and urge all my fellow members to join me in taking this step to exclude them and other extreme conspiracy theories from the national discourse. We talk about the first amendment all the time, and it is absolutely appropriate for the members of this body to use the first amendment to call out those that are using their first amendment gift as United States citizens, to attack other individuals. This nation has passed through stronger storms than this in the past and come out stronger stillbut it takes leadership from the top to stand up against extreme ideas like QAnon. I call on the House to do just that today. Support this resolution, pass it. I agree with my friend and colleague Tom Malinowski that we should not be playing with fire. I have been in the intelligence business. I know the power of information operations and false information. Again, lets pass this resolution. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time. ###",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 this rolled out as quickly as possible. [Lack of broadband coverage] is affecting students, it's affecting businesses, it's affecting the efforts telehealth. In fact, I have had meetings with folks across the district to look at things we can do to get that rolled out [quickly]. We are trying to get to those areas where we can serve the greatest number of people possible at the lowest cost. Congressman Wittman When would the VATI grant decision be made [to assist local counties]?' Vaughn, King George We hope to have the VATI awards announced in December. We can't credibly do it any sooner than that, both because we need to get through [the federal government's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction period], and because we may have to rescope the awards based on those funds. Advisor Evan Feinman This call is just the latest in a series of work Congressman Wittman has undertaken to close the digital divide for Virginians and people across the nation. Just last week, Congressman Wittmanannouncedthat he authored five letters to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband in support of ten VA-01 counties' FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia.The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities. Also last month, Congressman Wittman received a letter 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. 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 state, regional, and local government officials and industry representatives who are keenly aware of the vital role that broadband plays in supporting American families, businesses, and overall health and public safety. In March, Congressman Wittman introducedtheServing Rural America Act (HR 6456), legislation to create a five-year pilot program at the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC), authorizing $100 million a year for a total of $500 million over five years to expand broadband service to unserved Americans.Congressman Wittman has also hostedtwovirtualFireside Chatswith FCC ChairmanAjitPaiand FCC Commissioner BrendanCarralongsidelocal government leaders, tribal leaders, and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC'swork on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), telehealth,and what the FCC is doingto help communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. In addition to theServing Rural America Act, he has 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,and Co-sponsored the MAPS Act, which makes it unlawful for ISPs to willfully, knowingly, or recklessly submit inaccurate coverage information to the FCC. Congressman Wittman serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan House Rural Broadband Caucus. 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-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 in introducing this bill."" The Lifeline Program expands access to phone and broadband services to qualifying low-income consumers. SNAP recipients automatically qualify for this program, but according to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), only 15 percent of eligible Virginian households participated in the Lifeline Program. The Ensuring Phone and Internet Access for SNAP Recipients Act of 2020 would require the FCC and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to survey SNAP recipients to learn if they are enrolled in the Lifeline Program. If SNAP recipients are not enrolled in this program, the survey would ask if they would participate in the Lifeline Program in order to receive benefits. This survey will present a five-year projection on enrollment and willcreate a blueprint for how theFCC can improve its Lifeline Program's outreach efforts to better expand access to phone and internet utilities. ###",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 will provide direct and strong support for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and local economies, allowing wildlife and outdoor recreation to continue to thrive."" The passage of the ACE Act today is fantastic news for the conservation community, said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. In a package filled with vitally important conservation provisions, perhaps none are more crucial to waterfowl habitat than the reauthorization of NAWCA. Thank you to all the members of Congress who have identified the importance of conservation and worked with DU and others to achieve one of our highest legislative priorities. We're elated to see such game-changing legislation pass both chambers of Congress, and we stand ready to help implement this important piece of America's conservation legacy once the President signs it into law. After years of working to get this legislation enacted, theCongressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) ispleasedto see the America's Conservation Enhancement Act pass Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, said CSF President Jeff Crane. The ACE Act includes a number of long-standing priorities for the sporting-conservation community, and we are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Wittman to help secure passage of this legislation out of the House. 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 while supporting local economies and American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching. The ACE Act also contians several bipartisan bills introduced and advanced by the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which Congressman Wittman is a Co-Chair, and on all of which Congressman Wittman was an original cosponsor, including: This year, Congressman Wittman has continued his work in Congress to conserve the Bay and the environment which date back to the beginning of his time in Congress. Earlier this summer, Congressman Wittman voted in favor of theGreat American Outdoors Act(GAOA) to pay down the National Park Service's maintenance backlog and provides permanent funding for theLand and Water Conservation Fund. In July, Congressman Wittman joined Members from the Bay region in sending aletter tothe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlighting the severe impacts COVID-19 is having on the seafood industry, requesting that USDA consider establishing a short-term purchasing program for shellfish products, including farmed and wild-caught oyster and clam products, to help sustain markets for local seafood and preserve Virginia's robust seafood industry. Before being elected to Congress, Congressman Wittman served over 25 years as a public health scientist for the Virginia Department of Health, conducting field research in the Chesapeake Bay. From his experience, he is aware of the ecological challenges facing Virginia public lands, waters, and the environment. In 2018, Congressman Wittman's historic and bipartisan Keep America's Refuges Operational Act was signed into law to reauthorize the National Wildlife Refuge System's volunteer, community partnership, and education programs to help ensure Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt and study wildlife for generations to come. Congressman Wittman also serves as a Co-Chair of the Wildlife Refuge Caucus. 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=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 prepare to recess for October, the lack of results can only be blamed on lack of bipartisan focus from the House Majority. We owe it to the American people to find real solutions to help those who have been most impacted by the pandemic. Congress needs to stay in Washington to finish the job and provide the support Virginians need to recover effectively. 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-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 Chinese financial encirclement and direct our intelligence, our defense spending and our infrastructure spending so that we can stop the encirclement that is going on. We have the opportunity right now, right now to address this problem. That's why it is so bipartisan and that's why it is so important."" Rep. Riggleman joined the China Task Force in May 2020, and was named co-chair of twoof theChina Task Force Pillars: Technology and National Security. The other pillars of focus included; ideological competition, competitiveness, and economics and energy. The CTF is composed of 15 members of Congress, including Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chair Liz Cheney. The China Task Force Press Conference can be seen in its entirety here. Congressman Riggleman's remarks begin at 33 minutesand27 seconds. The full China Task Force Report can be found here. ###",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-based Carnegie Management and Development Corp., which will build the clinic. The contract's value totals $376,748,586. You can find the lease award informationhere. 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=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 requiring the disclosure of investments in companies labeled as national security threats on the Department of Commerce Entity List, the Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act fosters greater transparency for investors and protects the national security of the United States. In this generational contest with the CCP, the United States must avoid inadvertently channeling money and resources to companies that are threatening our security."" If passed, the Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act would require the SEC to determine whether the disclosure of information related to investments in foreign companies identified as potential threats to U.S. national security is necessary. Following that assessment, the SEC may prescribe regulations requiring a financial institution to disclose information regarding investments made to parties identified as a national security threat on the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce's Entity List. Under current law, all companies and individuals designated on the Entity List are threats to U.S. national security and are subject to certain licensing requirementstypically under a presumption of denialfor technology items. Further, the bill creates an additional entity list, compiled by the Department of State, of Chinese companies that have substantial relationships with the People's Liberation Army, the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, the Ministry of State Security, and the Chinese Coast Guard. This list will help identify and target additional CCP entities that threaten U.S. national security and foreign policy goals. Congressman Riggleman was competitively selected to join the China Task Force (CTF)in May 2020, and was named co-chair of two of the CTF Task Force Pillars; National Security and Technology. The CTF is composed of 15 members of Congress, including Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Republican Whip Steve Scalise. The China Task Force has spent months developing legislative solutions to identify and combat the threatposed byCommunist China. The context for H.R. 8407, Protecting National Security in Financial Investments Act can be found here. ###",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 turning a profit for local economies, said Congressman Jeffries. At a time when many spend all of their time in front of screens, it is critical for citizens to be able to get out and explore the great outdoors. This importance has only been reinforced during the COVID-19 public health emergency, where urban wildlife refuges have given us places to safely get out of our homes and enjoy fresh air. I am proud to have co-sponsored this bipartisan resolution to commemorate all that National Urban Wildlife Refuges offer to our communities. 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=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 to the floor, but they were divided up into four packages of amendments that had to be voted on en bloc. Just like the overall bill, these amendments contained some policies I would support on their own paired with unacceptable policies that would harm energy security, reliability, and affordability in this country. While reading over those 97 amendments, I found at least a half-dozen Democratic amendments I could have supported on their own in addition to many of the Republican amendments that I believe would have improved the bill. Notably, the only amendment that received an up or down vote on its own was offered by Congresswomen Debra Haaland (D-NM), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the latter two members of the liberal Squad. It would increase spending on renewable energy research by 50 percent. I am a supporter of research, but in addition to spending money we do not have, this drastic increase would serve purposes far removed from our country's energy needs. In fact, without the increase, we still spend more on renewable energy than on the U.S. Department of Energy offices of fossil energy, nuclear energy, electricity, and cybersecurity combined. During hearings of the House's Climate Committee, I have asked witnesses about parity in research dollars on sources of energy production. Many of those who are more liberal agree that also supporting fossil fuel research is important to the goal of lowering carbon emissions. As many parts of the world, including China, India, and sub-Saharan Africa will continue to burn fossil fuels, research could bring about ways to burn them more cleanly. In any event, there was no way allowing a separate vote solely on that amendment and the other 96 only in large groups could produce good legislation. Packaging en bloc amendments for fewer votes supposedly minimizes the chances of contracting COVID-19, but I believe we can make other adjustments, such as assigned seating, using the visitors' gallery, and adding more congressional voting machines, to safely accommodate more votes on amendments. I believe we were elected to take tough votes. I read the amendments and was ready to vote on them. But Speaker Pelosi's pandemic procedures do not let us do the jobs we were elected to do. Clearly, she believes lawmaking is non-essential. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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 unlawful for ISPs to willfully, knowingly, or recklessly submit inaccurate coverage information to the FCC; and this year has hosted two fireside chats with FCC Chairman Ajitt Pai and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to hear from area stakeholders, local officials, and constituents on issues of broadband connectivity. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's letter in support of Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex Counties. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's letter in support of Hanover County. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's letter in support of King and Queen County. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's letter in support of New Kent County. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's letter in support of King George, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's July 2020 letter in support of Mathews County, Caroline County, Lancaster County, and Middlesex County. 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=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 state, regional, and local government officials and industry representatives who are keenly aware of the vital role that broadband plays in supporting American families, businesses, and overall health and public safety. This response is just the latest in a series of work Congressman Wittman has undertaken to close the digital divide for Virginians and people across the nation. In March, Congressman Wittman introducedtheServing Rural AmericaAct(HR 6456), legislation to create a five-year pilot program at the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC), authorizing $100 million a year for a total of $500 million over five years to expand broadband service to unserved Americans.Congressman Wittman has also hostedtwovirtualFireside Chatswith FCC ChairmanAjitPaiand FCC Commissioner BrendanCarralongsidelocal government leaders, tribal leaders, and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC'swork on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), telehealth,and what the FCC is doingto help communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here to read Congressman Wittman's June letter to President Trump Click here to read Secretary Ross' response letter to Congressman Wittman This news follows Congressman Wittman's announcement earlier today that he has authored five letters to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development's Office of Broadband in support of ten VA-01 counties' FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities.Click here for more on this earlier announcement. Congressman Wittman will also be hosting a broadband-specific telephone town hall Wednesday, September 30, at 6:20p with special guest Evan Feinman, Governor Northam's Chief Broadband Advisor, to answer questions on broadband service, access, and more. To participate in the telephone town hall,dial 877-229-8493 and enter passcode: 13327.Note, the the line for the call will not be open until 6:15 pm. To signup, click here. 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=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 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=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 normalization of relations between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain will allow Muslims to visit some of the faith's holiest sites located in Jerusalem. When the UAE took the step of recognizing Israel, it followed only two other Arab states: Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Both of those events are regarded as diplomatic milestones. This one should be, too, especially since Bahrain followed so quickly and other Arab states may as well. The Abraham Accords are a triumph for the peace and prosperity of the people of Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain. They are also a triumph for the diplomacy of President Trump and his administration. His team brokered the agreement, forging a compact which once seemed unlikely. Former Secretary of State John Kerry in 2016 declared, ""There will be no separate peace between Israel and the Arab world,"" but the Trump Administration is helping to build that peace right now. The approach of Secretary Kerry and the Obama Administration in which he served often seemed to prefer appeasing our opponents, such as Iran, and chastising our friends, such as Israel. In contrast, President Trump has been a committed friend to Israel, as displayed when he took the long-overdue action of recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the U.S. embassy to that city. The Abraham Accords nevertheless benefit all the countries involved, including ours, and leave Iran, our chief opponent in the region, increasingly isolated. A more peaceful Middle East obviously benefits our partners in that region, but it also reduces the need for active American military involvement. In the same week our country honored Dwight D. Eisenhower, the practitioner of waging peace as president, President Trump and the leaders of Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain showed what waging peace can mean for our time. People in the Middle East, now and in generations to come, will reap the blessings of their commitment to cooperation and concord. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website atwww.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives. ###",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