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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.8.26

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

“Powerful cabal of scientists from within NIH helped draft anti lab-leak narrative.”

That headline about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was the headline that Co-Conspirator 1, generally believed to be EcoHealth Alliance’s former President Dr. Peter Daszak, feared would happen related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EcoHealth Alliance is the company that got a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to study bat coronaviruses. EcoHealth then gave some of the money to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in China to study bat coronaviruses.

Now, we know they feared the headline because it was at least in part true!

While every man is entitled to his defense in court, former senior adviser at NIAID, Dr. David Morens, was recently indicted for the concealment of documents that were supposed to be kept under the Federal Records Act and/or available under the Freedom of Information Act.

Allegations include Morens editing, making suggestions and in part ghost-writing articles to lead the world into believing COVID-19 came from nature, not from a lab leak. In my opinion, this was done in an attempt to help EcoHealth deflect criticism of its involvement with WIV.

So perhaps, it was not a cabal of leading scientists inside the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But there was at least one scientist within NIH, and others outside of NIH, who were involved. You can’t have a conspiracy with just one person.

In the 118^th Congress, I served as Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee as well as one of the lead Energy and Commerce Committee members involved with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

During this time, I grilled key figures involved with coronavirus lab research in Wuhan.

Daszak was one of the officials I questioned in an official hearing.

When I pressed Daszak on EcoHealth’s reports, he lied to me! It was evident that he was not being completely transparent with Congress.

Shortly after that, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) formally debarred Daszak and EcoHealth!

I believe that my findings and investigations helped influence this HHS decision.

Now, the jury is out for Morens. Not only did Morens serve as a senior adviser to former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, but he also worked closely with Daszak.

Emails show that Morens claimed he was a conduit between Fauci and Daszak.

In the indictment, Morens is listed as working with Co-Conspirator 1, who is generally presumed to be Daszak.

According to the indictment, behind the scenes, Morens worked with Daszak to restore a terminated federal grant and advise how to combat the theory that COVID-19 resulted from a lab leak.

To maintain the secrecy of their sensitive conversations, Morens used his own personal gmail account! He instructed Daszak to send all email replies to Morens’ personal email.

Morens’ personal gmail was used to disclose non-public information and evade or delay compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests.

Federal records that Morens created, transferred and exchanged on his personal email seemingly included those concerning my oversight work of NIH and its grants related to COVID-19.

The private email also helped Morens “back-channel” information to Senior NIAID Official 1.

Who is Senior NIAID Official 1?

It is generally assumed to be Dr. Fauci.

If you dig deeper, the emails are even more alarming.

In one, Morens asks Daszak:

“…do I get a kickback?? Too much [expletive] money. Do you deserve it all? Let’s discuss…”

Daszak responded:

“of course there’s a kickback.”

Were these comments in jest? Perhaps.

Let me be clear. Bribery is not a listed charge in the Morens indictment.

Or maybe, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is dangling this email in front of Morens to persuade him to testify against Senior NIAID Official 1, who is generally presumed to be Fauci.

I do not know.

What I do know is that concealing information from Congress is a crime.

Additionally, encouraging people to tell Congress that COVID-19 was from a wet market in Wuhan, even when it was likely that the virus’ origins traced back to WIV thanks to research funded by the American taxpayer, is unconscionable!

Again, everyone is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

While these texts and emails are damning, it is for a jury to decide if the indictments hold water.

But it is enough information to say the above headline was at least partly true.

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Griffith Announces $1,211,582 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $1,211,582. The breakdown for the grants includes:

- $818,500 for Cardiovascular Diseases Research

- $393,082 for Biomedical Research and Research Training

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

“HHS grants support scientific research at American institutions.

“These HHS grants, which total more than $1.2 million, help deliver funds for Virginia Tech’s research efforts. I am pleased that research grants like these will continue to be a valuable research aide and economic driver in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.”

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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Griffith Statement on 75th National Day of Prayer

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the United States of America observes the National Day of Prayer. This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the annual observance. For this occasion, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“For 75 years, Congress has asked the American people to band together on the National Day of Prayer. This is a unique tradition that catches the attention of Americans, inspires reflective action and delivers respect to our great country.

“As we celebrate our country’s 250^th anniversary, I invite all in Virginia’s Ninth District, no matter your beliefs or faith, to join me in prayer for the United States of America.”

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Griffith Announces $3,710,694 HHS Grant to New River Valley Head Start Programs

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded New River Community Action, Inc., based in Radford, Virginia, a $3,710,694 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“New River Valley communities access head start services thanks to the work of New River Community Action.

“This HHS grant for more than $3.7 million helps New River Community Action administer its head start programs in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, New River Community Action supports head start services in the City of Radford as well as Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties. More than 200 children in the New River Valley benefit from its head start program.

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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Griffith Announces $16,188 HHS Grant to STEP, Inc.

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded STEP, Inc., based in Rocky Mount, Virginia, a $16,188 grant. The funding supports local head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Ninth District communities access head start services thanks to the work of Solutions that Empower People, known as STEP.

“This HHS grant for more than $16,000 helps STEP administer its head start programs in the region.”

BACKGROUND

STEP’s head start network consists of teaching and educational professionals, as well as health advocates and transportation specialists.

The awarding office of this grant is the HHS Office of the Administration for Children and Families.

STEP’s head start programs are supported by Franklin and Patrick County Public Schools, the Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia, and Piedmont Community Services.

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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Griffith Announces $4.89 Million HHS Grant to SWVA Head Start Programs

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Kids Central, Inc., based in Norton, Virginia, a $4,892,059 grant. The funding supports local head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Kids Central, Inc. leads head start programs in Southwest Virginia.

“This HHS grant for more than $4.8 million helps a head start program provider continue serving communities in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, Kids Central, Inc. operates two head start programs: Early Head Start and Head Start Preschool. The former supports pregnant women and infants in Wise County and the City of Norton. The latter helps children and families in Wise County, Dickenson County and the City of Norton.

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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Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for May

Mon, 04 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

May 12, 2026

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

Town of Richlands Offices

200 Washington Sq

Richlands, VA 24641

Buchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Town of Grundy Offices

1185 Plaza Dr.

Grundy, VA 24614

May 13, 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

May 14, 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

May 19, 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

May 20, 2026

Carroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Carroll County Administration Building

County Administrator’s 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

May 21, 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

May 26, 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 Ave 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

May 27, 2026

Henry County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Henry County Administration Building

Summerlin Room - Board of Supervisors Meeting Chambers

3300 Kings Mountain Rd

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

May 28, 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

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 5.1.26

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Supporting Parental Rights

As the father of three children, I understand the role the parent plays in supporting their child’s growth in education, athletics and health.

I believe the parent is a fundamental partner in nurturing the child’s growth. But this development is usually impacted by public schools.

All three of my children attended public schools for their K-12 education.

Like many parents in Virginia, I remember how concerned I was about critical race theory and gender ideology in 2021 when these issues came to people’s attention, primarily in Northern Virginia.

Some local Virginia public schools adopted policies that seemingly embraced these beliefs. Such misguided policies allowed boys in girls’ sports and locker rooms. Unfortunately, these ideas became a part of some classroom studies.

You may remember the infamous debate between then-gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin and Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe.

In that debate, McAuliffe showed his deference to critical race theory and gender ideology: “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”

And just like that, his comments sparked national attention on the issues of critical race theory and gender ideology.

Youngkin capitalized on these comments and Democrats’ standing on these issues. His 2021 upset victory was fueled in part from these issues.

In 2024, Trump also capitalized on these issues during his winning campaign.

Following Trump’s election, his Administration has worked to root out radical critical race theory and gender ideology in the federal government.

On Day One, Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

This Executive Order defined the federal policy of recognizing two sexes, male and female.

As a result, federal agencies removed any language from agency communications, statements, policies, etc. that promote gender ideology. Among documents removed included the “White House Toolkit on Transgender Equality.”

The Order also barred federal funds from promoting “gender ideology.”

He also signed another Executive Order, entitled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.”

The radical left’s push to indoctrinate children so that they can change their sex via so-called “gender-affirming care” has had profound consequences on American children.

Troubled minors that undergo such dangerous procedures subject their bodies to irreversible harms. Those who later regret mutilating themselves have no way to reverse the damage and conceive children.

Trump’s Executive Order cracks down on these life-altering procedures.

In response to Trump’s Order, numerous U.S. health systems stopped or downsized their sex change programs for minors.

In Virginia, the VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures.

Before Trump’s election and his Orders, House Republicans including me set in motion ideas to support pro-parent and pro-children policies.

Republicans’ push against gender ideology culminated in the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

This bill strengthened parents’ access to education curriculum and budget materials.

The then-Democratic majority in the Senate refused to stand with parents and blocked the Parents Bill of Rights Act.

This did not deter House Republicans, as we continue to work to codify the Trump Orders into law.

In the 119^th Congress, I voted with House Republicans to pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.

This legislation protects the integrity of female athletics and ensures that only biological women are allowed to participate in women’s sports programs.

Unfortunately, all House Democrats opposed this legislation. And sadly, the Senate has yet to act on the bill due to Democrats’ use of the modern filibuster.

Later in this Congress, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act.

While managing the procedural rule on this bill, I went toe-to-toe with Democrats in debate to speak in favor of this bill that protects minors from dangerous and permanent life-altering medical procedures.

The bill prohibits federal Medicaid dollars from funding gender transition procedures.

I will also be voting for the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act when it gets to the floor.

This bill strengthens parental consent in situations where a school is attempting to change a minor student’s gender markers, preferred name, and sex-based accommodations.

Radical gender ideology has no business in the classroom, in the locker room or on the ball field.

I will continue to fight the radical left’s anti-parent ideas, vote to protect children from dangerous life-altering procedures and advocate for American families.

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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Griffith Announces $983,749 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, two grants that total $983,749. The breakdown for the grants includes:

$564,763 for Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health on parent-infant interactions
$418,986 for Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research on the hypothalamus and its interactions with other organs

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

“Innovative research is fundamental to exploring improvements in human health.

“These HHS grants, which total nearly $1 million, help support Virginia Tech’s research.”

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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Griffith Statement on House Passage of Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on H.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. The legislation will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Following passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

“Agriculture is fundamental to Virginia’s Ninth District. Our farmers plant crops, raise livestock and tend to the agricultural needs of our communities.

“I believe the Farm, Food, and National Security Act will help support Ninth District farmers, ranchers and rural communities. This bill will stimulate the farm economy, generate business growth and create opportunity for Ninth District farmers.”

BACKGROUND

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act allows institutions like Virginia Tech to be eligible to receive federal funding through various research grant opportunities.

Among other things, the farm bill creates a pilot program for custom slaughter establishments. Small meat-processing facilities will be able to sell their meat inside the Commonwealth of Virginia as long as their product has a label that says the product is not inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Meat processing and rendering grants are available to support resilient local food systems, analyze businesses opportunities and improve local and regional meat or poultry processing and rendering.

Additionally, the promotion of 21^st century technologies will help farmers modernize their operations to make them more efficient.

Also, the farm bill prioritizes financial support to domestic specialty crops. Vineyards in Virginia’s Ninth District can take advantage of this benefit.

Groups that support this bill include the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the Virginia Pork Council.

In a February op-ed, Congressman Griffith wrote about the importance of policies that tend to the health care needs of rural communities, including American farmers.

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