Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Griffith Bill to Reassert Legislative Branch Powers Passes House of Representatives

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, H.R. 6028 – the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act. The U.S. House of Representatives then voted favorably for Congressman Griffith’s legislation. The bill will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

This bill received support from the Committee on House Administration:

“The Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office are essential to our work in the Legislative Branch. I thank Representative Griffith for his tireless work to get this important Article One bill over the finish line.” – Chairman Bryan Steil, Committee on House Administration

Following passage of his bill, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Accountability, clarity and good governance. That is what my pro-Article I bill delivers to help institutions serve Congress and the American people.

“House passage of my Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act is a positive step for Congress and the U.S. Constitution. This bill helps reassert Congress’s Article I responsibilities as well as deliver clarity on the powers exercised by the Legislative and Executive Branches.

“Thanks to the efforts of Chairman Steil, Ranking Member Morelle and the rest of my colleagues on the Committee on House Administration, Congress will be better suited to work closely with the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s remarks in support of his bill can be found here.

Congressman Griffith’s bill directs the formation of a bipartisan Congressional commission to appoint the Librarian of Congress and Director of the Government Publishing Office. Under current law, such appointments are made by the President of the United States, despite certain agencies being part of the Legislative Branch.

The Register of the Copyright Office will be appointed by the President with the consent of the U.S. Senate. An inspector’s general office possessing ample oversight authority is also established for the Copyright Office.

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Griffith Announces Nearly $1.6 Million in Disaster Relief for Buchanan and Dickenson Counties

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded two disaster related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$1,430,809 to support road restoration projects in Dickenson County
$163,925 to support asphalt roads surface repair and replacement in Buchanan County

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“In early 2025, winter storms severely impacted transportation infrastructure in Southwest Virginia. This extreme weather event inflicted damage to roads that our communities routinely rely on for access.

“I accordingly worked to urge federal partners to approve Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration and make additional federal resources available for Virginia’s Ninth District.

“These FEMA grants for nearly $1.6 million show federal assistance is on the way to help Dickenson and Buchanan Counties rebuild road infrastructure in Southwest Virginia.”

BACKGROUND

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

These grants are related to Virginia’s Major Disaster Declaration that President Trump approved in April 2025. The amended map of localities covered by the Declaration can be found here.

Congressman Griffith worked with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to secure President Trump’s approval of Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.5.26

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rural community representation is important for Virginia and the United States.

Our communities have unique needs and special interests. This applies in agriculture, health care and many other fields.

Virginia’s Ninth District is overwhelmingly rural.

This contrasts with other urban and suburban parts of the Commonwealth, like Northern Virginia.

I usually hear people express their concerns that politicians in Richmond and D.C. promote the interests of Northern Virginia at the expense of the rest of the state, primarily our rural communities.

These concerns simmered during the recent Democratic Party’s redistricting push in Virginia. Richmond Democrats sought to reduce Republican representation in the U.S. House from 5 seats to 1 seat.

To do so, the proposed districts would force many rural communities into districts dominated by Fairfax County.

Northern Virginia’s political power would grow even more!

Fights over representation extend across the Potomac River where Democrats want to make D.C. the 51^st state.

In 2021, I voted against Democrats’ H.R. 1 which endorsed D.C. statehood.

I also voted against Democrats’ H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which granted D.C. statehood under the name “Washington, Douglass Commonwealth.”

I will continue to oppose partisan efforts that create two new seats in the U.S. Senate for the Democratic Party.

However, one proposal in Congress would impact D.C. representation and its influence on the Commonwealth.

The Make DC Square Again Act sets in motion the process for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria to retrocede to Washington, D.C.

Some argue that this move is the constitutional return of two jurisdictions back to is its rightful place.

In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act.

This established a District of Columbia to serve as the capital seat of the national government starting in 1800.

This act had to comply with Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, which in part stipulates that Congress has the power to:

“exercise exclusive Legislation…over such District (not exceeding ten Miles Square) as may…become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State…”

In order to establish this capital in D.C., Virginia and Maryland each consented to cede land.

The 1789 Virginia General Assembly, which composed of members like Patrick Henry, signed an act that ceded area south of the Potomac River.

As President Washington outlined in his proclamation defining the boundaries of the District of Columbia, the 10-square mile boundary would be the permanent seat for the U.S. government.

These boundary lines remained in place for many years until the 1840s, when slavery was among the matters complicating Congress.

That decade, Congress voted to abandon the 10-square mile arrangement and give the area south of the Potomac to Virginia.

While Virginia accepted the retrocession, I believe legal issues on this matter may remain.

Revival of the D.C. square concept debate today creates conflicts within Democratic circles. National Democrats continue to advocate for D.C. statehood.

I believe renewal of the D.C. square bolsters those who want D.C. statehood.

I think that is wrong and constitutionally questionable because the District of Columbia was set up to be a federal district, not a state, by the framers of the Constitution!

They specifically wanted a seat of government which owed allegiance to no state.

Thus, I think the proper solution is to retrocede the rest of the D.C. square to Maryland, reserving a small federal District of Columbia where the small number of voters would be allowed to vote in Maryland.

I have a bill that will give representation to D.C. residents without accommodating Democrats’ partisan demands to create a 51^st state.

My Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act retrocedes D.C. proper to Maryland. Every D.C. resident would become a Maryland resident and have Maryland representation.

Accordingly, these residents would access voting members in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

Meanwhile, a new, condensed D.C. would consist of federal properties such as the White House, U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court.

My bill would unlock for Maryland a very similar process that Congress and Virginia exercised in the 1840s.

As a result, the D.C. square would be effectively buried in history.

This may turn the page on D.C. representation, but it will not change my resolve to fairly represent and protect the interests of rural communities in Virginia.

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 at https://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.

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Speaker Johnson Recognizes Griffith to Honor D-Day Heroes, D-Day Memorial and Lucille Hoback Boggess

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

At the beginning of legislative business on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson recognized U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to address the House floor. For his remarks, Congressman Griffith highlighted the upcoming 82^nd anniversary of D-Day as well as the 25^th anniversary of the National D-Day Memorial, which is located in Bedford, Virginia.

Further, Congressman Griffith honored Lucille Hoback Boggess, who passed away in late 2025.

Video of Congressman Griffith on the House floor can be found here.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

“American soldiers raced into the mouth of the Nazi war machine, storming the beaches of Normandy.

“For the town of Bedford, Virginia, D-Day is always particularly poignant.

“20 boys from Bedford lost their lives on D-Day. Bedford suffered the highest D-Day death toll per capita of any American community.

“We honor and remember our D-Day heroes with the National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford.

“This year, the Memorial celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“However, it will be the first D-Day since the passing of Memorial advocate Lucille Hoback Boggess.

“Ms. Hoback Boggess had two brothers killed on D-Day, and she helped lead efforts to create the Memorial with founder Bob Slaughter.

“We continue to follow in her footsteps, preserving the legacy of her brothers and the many heroes who served in Normandy and, through their heroism, cracked the wall of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.”

BACKGROUND

After the passing of Lucille Hoback Boggess, Congressman Griffith submitted an extension of remarks into the Congressional Record to honor her career and life.

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Griffith Announces More Than $1.8 Million ARC Grant to SWVA Community College

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Southwest Virginia Community College, based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $1,818,822 grant. This funding will support the expansion of career and technical education programs with a focus in advanced manufacturing and trade-based skilled technician training. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Local industries in Southwest Virginia rely on experienced, trained and skilled individuals.

“This ARC grant for more than $1.8 million helps Southwest Virginia Community College expand education programs for students to access meaningful employment opportunities in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.

These educational programs are anticipated to serve 390 students.

Southwest Virginia Community College will engage and collaborate with regional partners and organizations, including the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board.

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Griffith Announces $100,000 ARC Grant for Expanded Entrepreneur Access in the Ninth District

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, based in Wise, Virginia, a $100,000 grant. This funding will support the drafting of a strategic planning initiative to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Southwest Virginia business development is constrained by a lack of sufficient access to entrepreneurs and investors.

“This ARC grant $100,000 helps the UVA College at Wise strategize a modeled plan that makes the region fertile ground for entrepreneurs and investors.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.

This project will help expand entrepreneurial resources, address persistent gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and prepare the region for economic revitalization.

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Griffith Announces $97,472 ARC Grant for AI Study in the Ninth District

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Radford University, based in Radford, Virginia, a $97,472 grant. This funding will support the completion of two plans to assess how artificial intelligence can help with regional workforce development. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“As the United States adjusts to artificial intelligence, communities are increasingly looking to the technology to unlock growth in our economy and workforce.

“This ARC grant for nearly $100,000 helps Radford University study how AI can benefit Southwest Virginia and New River Valley communities.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.

This project will explore how AI can strengthen workforce diversification in the region and prepare students and worked for emerging AI-enabled careers.

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Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for June

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of June.

June 9, 2026

Tazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Town of Bluefield Council Chambers

112 Huffard Dr

Bluefield, VA 24641

Buchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Town of Grundy Offices

1185 Plaza Dr.

Grundy, VA 24614

June 10, 2026

Scott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room

190 Beech Street

Gate City, VA 24251

Lee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

33640 Main Street

Jonesville, VA 24263

Wise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Big Stone Gap Municipal Complex

216 Wood Ave. E

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

June 11, 2026

Giles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Town of Pearisburg Offices

Council Chambers

112 Tazewell Street

Pearisburg, VA 24134

Bland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bland County Courthouse

First Floor Conference Room

612 Main Street

Bland, VA 24315

Wythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Wythe County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

245 South 4^th Street

Wytheville, VA 24382

Radford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Radford Recreation Building

200 George Street

Radford, VA 24141

Smyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Smyth County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room, Suite 100

121 Bagley Circle

Marion, VA 24354

Pulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm

Pulaski County Administration Building

First Floor Conference Room

143 3^rd Street NW

Pulaski, VA 24301

June 16, 2026

Craig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Craig County Courthouse

108 Court Street

New Castle, VA 24127

Roanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm

South County Library

Meeting Room

6303 Merriman Road

Roanoke, VA 24018

June 17, 2026

Carroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Carroll County Administration Building

County Administrators Office, Conference Room

605 – 1 Pine Street

Hillsville, VA 24343

Galax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Galax Municipal Building

Conference Room

111 E. Grayson Street

Galax, VA 24333

Grayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Grayson County Administration Building

Board of Supervisors Room

129 Davis Street

Independence, VA 24348

June 18, 2026

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

Town of Lebanon Government Offices

72 Gibson Street

Lebanon, VA 24266

June 23, 2026

Dickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Center for Education & Research

First Floor Conference Room #155

818 Happy Valley Drive

Clintwood, VA 24228

Norton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

High Knob Destination Center

Conference Room

1147 Laurel Avenue SW

Norton, VA 24273

Wise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Wise County Courthouse

Law Library, Second Floor

206 E. Main Street

Wise, VA 24293

June 24, 2026

City of Martinsville: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

City Hall, Room 32

55 W. Church St

Martinsville, VA 24112

Patrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Patrick County Administration Building

Conference Room

106 Rucker Street

Stuart, VA 24171

Floyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Town of Floyd Government Offices

Community Room

203 East Oxford St

Floyd, VA 24091

June 25, 2026

Bedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am

Town of Bedford Municipal Building

First Floor Conference Room

215 E. Main Street

Bedford, VA 24523

Franklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Franklin County Government Center

Conference Room B-23

1255 Franklin Street

Rocky Mount, VA 24151

** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.

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Griffith Announces More Than $1.4 Million in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two research related grants worth $1,404,763. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$721,902 to support research related to Cryptococcus. This fungus is found naturally in the environment in soil and bird droppings and can infect the lungs and the brain. Most infections impact individuals with compromised immune systems.
$682,861 to support research related to mental health.

In response to these grant notices, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Relationships between the federal government and research institutions support local communities as well as scientific advances.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.4 million continue the growing federal support of Virginia Tech’s dedicated research community.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.29.26

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

At the core of the American dream is homeownership.

The home is where we grow as families, unwind after a hard day’s work, feel safe and enjoy privacy.

Homeownership often changes the lives of struggling families. A big day in my family’s life came several years after my parents divorced, leaving my mother to raise my sister and I in several different apartment complexes before she was able to buy a small house in a good neighborhood. That affected what schools we would go to, the friends we would make and our outlook on life. The friends I made, whose families varied from working class to college professors, impacted my outlook and education. This is why I am a proponent of eliminating unreasonable barriers for working families to purchase a home.

Unfortunately, opportunities for families have dwindled. Prospective homeowners continue to grow increasingly frustrated.

For younger people and prospective first-time homebuyers especially, homeownership feels like it is out of reach.

One major issue is that the prices of homes are just too high.

To put things in perspective, one recent report from realtor.com and the National Association of Realtors highlights the affordability challenge that households face.

In 2019, a family making $75,000 a year could afford about half of all home listings. Now, they can afford less than a quarter.

Moreover, supply shortages complicate matters and affect the lack of affordable housing.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that a severe shortage of over 4.7 million homes has negatively impacted the U.S. economy. They estimate that Virginia has lost more than $10 billion in economic output as a result.

As demand for homes surges, burdensome zoning and permit regulations continue to stall the efforts of American developers to build more homes. Further regulations include onerous environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

It should be noted that the housing crisis does not just affect urban and suburban parts of the country. The crisis has serious impacts on rural communities too.

According to a brief by the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), rural house prices have risen six times faster than the pace of rural homeowner incomes.

Given the impacts on all communities, American homebuyers need help.

When it comes to federal policy, I am optimistic that one potential solution has support in Congress.

I recently voted in the House for the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The bill passed the House but awaits action in the Senate.

This legislation removes barriers that impact ready-to-use, pre-approved home designs. With a standard housing design and layout, we expedite the permit approval process, empower homebuilders and deliver new homes for American families.

Additionally, some housing-related activities are exempt from NEPA review.

Instead of shovels collecting dust, our bill helps homebuilders start planting shovels.

This bill does not just provide better opportunity for homebuilders, but for homebuyers as well.

We modernize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). HOME creates affordable housing options for low-income households.

Further, HOME grants will support building and rehabilitating affordable housing. This will help ease the blow of construction costs that hit developers.

Our housing bill also places restrictions on large institutional investors. Such entities that own more than 350 single-family homes are generally prohibited from purchasing any more.

Taken together, these actions will boost housing inventory, correct some of the supply-demand imbalances in the housing market and moderate costs.

These actions are meant to produce a domino effect in all American communities. That is why our housing bill calls upon state and local governments to be integral partners in creating opportunities for homebuilders.

Each locality, whether it be urban, suburban or rural, knows what works and what does not work for their respective communities. Accordingly, we apply this concept in the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

Localities will have more flexibility and time to commit funds for local housing projects, while operating under fewer federal constraints.

I believe these are some helpful housing reforms that provide American developers, localities and homebuyers with stronger tools and resources than before.

These tools can be helpful for those looking to create homeownership opportunities in Southwest, Southside and Central Virginia.

Not only will I continue to advocate for housing reforms, but other solutions as well that help bring within reach the American Dream.

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