Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Griffith Announces $617,181 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a grant for $617,181. The funding supports research into heart arrhythmia mechanisms. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The heart is a major organ that supports the cardiovascular system.

“This HHS grant for more than $617,000 helps Virginia Tech delve deeper into cardiovascular research.”

BACKGROUND

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

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 U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

According to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the United States of America has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two sides will work out a 10-point proposal and allow for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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

“President Trump is to be commended for reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran. Thanks to the great efforts of U.S. armed forces, Iran has been crippled and has been forced to the negotiating table.

“I support negotiations that lead to Iran never having nuclear capabilities.

“Also, I am praying for the Americans who gave their lives for their country and for their families. Their service is to be commended.”

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Griffith Announces HHS Grants Worth $1.656 Million to Virginia Tech

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants. Details of funded projects include $377,650 to clinical research of neurological disorders. Additionally, $764,572 will support mental health research of depression. Also, $513,812 will go to pancreatic cancer treatment research.

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

“Many Americans are counting on the efforts of institutions like Virginia Tech to help advance research and potential treatments.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.6 million help Virginia Tech provide more support of important research initiatives.”

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 4.2.26

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In 2026 during the recently concluded Virginia General Assembly session, Democrats sent to the Governor 26 anti-gun bills to curb our Second Amendment rights.

Court challenges are likely to follow.

One bill I find perplexing is HB 110, requiring lawful gun owners to store their handguns in a special storage container which is attached to their car or boat if the vehicle is unattended and out of the owner’s view.

The bill does not make an exemption for concealed weapon permit holders or anyone who has been threatened and has a current court order granting them a protective order against a threatening individual.

I think of the person, likely a young woman, who is coming out of a situation where they were physically battered.

Now, when crossing the parking lot after having been in a building that bans guns, will she be able to get to her weapon in time to protect herself?

This is just one of the anti-gun bills that raises concerns.

As of this writing, Governor Spanberger is reviewing the passed legislation sent to her desk before she can sign it into law.

These anti-gun measures promoted by Virginia Democrats are contrary to the U.S. Constitution, the traditions of Virginia and the actions that I took when I served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

As a former member of Virginia’s Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, I proudly defended Second Amendment rights and defeated anti-gun bills in Richmond.

That is why at one point in time, Virginia Democrats and gun control advocates dubbed the Committee the “killing fields” of anti-gun bills.

I was proud to help make it so.

Currently in Congress, I am proud to be a supporter and co-sponsor of numerous pro-gun bills that strengthen our gun rights, uphold constitutional values and restrict anti-gun actions potentially taken by Democrat-controlled states.

I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 645, the National Constitutional Carry Act. The main sponsor of the bill is Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and his bill is supported by numerous pro-Second Amendment advocates in Congress.

This bill allows lawful U.S. gun owners to carry a firearm in any U.S. community, superseding local or State law.

While Governor Spanberger may sign the state legislature’s gun control measures into law, she would not be the first Democrat official in the country to do so.

Multiple progressive States, such as California, Massachusetts and New York, have some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.

These laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners who responsibly exercise their rights. I believe such misguided policies fail to make our communities safer. That is why I am co-sponsor of the National Constitutional Carry Act.

Further, as someone who supports our Second Amendment rights, I oppose a national gun registry. A federal government that has such a registry raises concerns about what a government could do with said information in the future.

Accordingly, I am a co-sponsor of Congressman Michael Cloud’s H.R. 563, the No Retaining Every Gun in a System That Restricts Your Rights Act.

Currently, federal firearms licensees that go out of business are required to hand over their firearm transaction records to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This gives the ATF all kinds of access to information that breaches the privacy of many lawful gun owners and tracks their firearm transaction history, creating a de facto partial gun registry.

As a result, I am a proud co-sponsor of this important pro-gun owner privacy legislation.

Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of Congressman Paul Gosar’s GRIP Act, which prohibits U.S. States and localities from using federal funds to maintain gun registry lists.

While these pieces of legislation are pending, I will continue to voice my concerns to the ATF on this issue.

Other bills that I support include Congressman Richard Hudson’s H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

This bill, supported by groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) Institute for Legislative Action and the Gun Owners of America, supports concealed carry license holders who try to carry in other states.

I previously supported an identical version of this bill in 2017, and I look forward to supporting it again.

Having spent decades on the frontlines fighting to protect your gun rights, I will continue to do so.

That includes pushing back against major architects of anti-gun bills coming out or Richmond and Washington.

While they push their anti-gun fervor in Virginia and DC, as your federal representative I will keep up our fight for freedom against anti-gun radicals.

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/.

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March Recap: Chairman Griffith Helps Lead Awareness on Health Care Issues

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, delivered on multiple opportunities to raise awareness on health care issues facing the United States.

Chairman Griffith continued the Health Subcommittee’s affordability series to follow on House Republicans’ commitment to help lower health care costs. The latest hearing in this series, entitled “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the U.S. Provider Landscape,” featured hospital providers. Chairman Griffith promoted patient access to physician-owned hospitals to help drive down health care costs. Chairman Griffith’s Physician-Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act is one potential solution. Chairman Griffith’s remarks on this topic can be found here.

Following publication of his February op-ed in the Washington Times, Chairman Griffith appeared on The Julie Mason Show to discuss the importance of rural health care. The op-ed highlights the historic investments made in rural health care. Chairman Griffith also highlights the role of community health centers and telehealth, which received federal funding in the February minibus, to help support rural communities.

Additionally, Chairman Griffith highlighted health care causes on Capitol Hill. Chairman Griffith wore a turquoise ribbon in support of Lung Cancer Awareness Day. As an original co-sponsor of the Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act of 2025, Chairman Griffith continues to explore the legislative terrain to aid the fight against cancer. Moreover, Chairman Griffith submitted remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize National Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Week. Southwest Virginia’s AHEC helps address critical health care needs in Virginia’s Ninth District.

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Griffith Statement on NIOSH Deployment to SWVA for Black Lung Screenings

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has announced that it will provide free, confidential black lung screenings to coal miners in Virginia. As part of the NIOSH Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP), all coal miners are welcome and encouraged to participate. The NIOSH mobile unit will provide screening services from 8 am-3 pm on Tuesday, April 7, at Stone Mountain Health Services in Vansant, Virginia.

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

“I am glad that the NIOSH Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program will come provide free black lung screenings to coal miners in Southwest Virginia!

“Coal is a fixture in Southwest Virginia. Coal miners in our region have served the energy and steel needs of American communities for decades. Accordingly, it is appropriate for the government to support them for their service to our country with this opportunity.

“I thank Stone Mountain Health Services for their efforts to treat black lung, and I encourage all willing coal miners to visit the NIOSH mobile unit on April 7.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

In a previous Health Subcommittee hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Congressman Griffith expressed his support for working with the Trump Administration to help fight black lung disease.

More information related to the NIOSH Coal Worker’s Health Surveillance Program can be found here.

Stone Mountain Health Services is located at 1060 Anchorage Cir, Vansant, Virginia 24656.

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Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for April

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

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.

April 8, 2026

Scott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Community Services Building

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

April 9, 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

April 14, 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

April 15, 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

April 16, 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

April 21, 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

April 22, 2026

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

City Hall, Room 208

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

April 23, 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

April 28, 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

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

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 3.27.26

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In my Easter column from last year, I discussed the importance of prayer.

Different communities of faith routinely embrace prayer and reflection.

I respect every community of faith and freedoms that permit exercising one’s religion of choice. For me and my family, we rely on prayer to grow as Christians.

When voting in DC, I join both House Democrats and House Republicans in attending a weekly prayer breakfast on Capitol Hill. While the politics of the day may put us at odds, the prayer breakfast is an opportunity for lawmakers to leave these policy differences aside, come together for our spiritual growth and reflect via prayer.

One recent prayer breakfast featured the testimony of former Democrat Congressman Bill Sarpalius of Texas. All former members are welcome. Congressman Sarpalius and others attend regularly.

I never served with Sarpalius, but I have heard him speak previously when sharing details of his personal and spiritual journey.

His life story is documented in his 2018 book, The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch.

“Boys Ranch” in Texas served as Sarpalius’ first real home during his upbringing. “Boys Ranch” provided stability for a kid whose family suffered immense struggles.

A man named Cal Farley led “Boys Ranch,” and he was a hero for the boys sent there. All the boys respected him.

Farley’s goal was to help the bottom rung of boys, the lowest of the low that nobody wanted. For so many of these boys who struggled to find love, “Boys Ranch” became their family.

“Boys Ranch” served Sarpalius well. He finally had access to food, an education and a stable family.

One day, Sarpalius was to give a sermon during a church service. It was his first public speech. He was nervous and uncertain. Farley reassured Sarpalius before the service that he would do just fine.

As Sarpalius nervously awaited to deliver his sermon, which was entitled “Are You Prepared for Death?” he noticed Farley suddenly fell out of his pew. Farley was rushed to the hospital.

The entire congregation went on with the service, but everyone’s thoughts centered on Farley.

Sarpalius, who still had to deliver his sermon and suspected Farley would not survive, ditched his prepared remarks in favor of an unrehearsed script. Sarpalius spoke from his heart about Farley’s life and his importance to the boys of “Boys Ranch.”

After the service, news broke that Farley had in fact died. Farley’s loss dealt a great blow to Sarpalius and his “Boys Ranch” family.

Sarpalius’ time at “Boys Ranch” came to a close months later, but what he learned from the Ranch prepared him well for life. Sarpalius credits his time at “Boys Ranch” for everything he has accomplished.

That includes a successful career in public office that eventually took him to Congress.

While a Congressman, Sarpalius had a visitor who informed him that part of his family was Lithuanian. As a result, he became a fierce advocate for the breakup of the Soviet Union’s Marxist/Communist Party in Lithuania.

Accordingly in 1990, President Bush sent Sarpalius to Lithuania to observe the Lithuania elections. Sarpalius was present in Lithuania the night that the Marxist/Communist Party fell.

Sarpalius was present when the new government created their constitutional government. The Americans shared our founding documents with them and the Lithuanians used this input.

Because of his advocacy, the Lithuanians would later name Sarpalius an honorary Grand Duke of the country.

Further, on that victorious night, crowds flooded the streets in jubilation. The churches, which had been ransacked and shuttered under Marxist/Communist rule, were revived.

Lithuania’s Cardinal, who had been under house arrest for more than 30 years, came out of solitary confinement and delivered Mass at a cathedral in Vilnius.

Everyone cried. After decades of Soviet oppression and quashed freedoms of religion and human rights, the people of Lithuania could exercise freedom, congregate and practice their faith!

Similar to the dark times that Lithuania faced under Soviet rule, Jesus’ crucifixion cast darkness over the land.

Jesus, born into the world to save us from our sins, was sentenced to death, died on a cross and was buried.

Believers of Jesus wept, mourned and agonized over the death of their savior.

But on the Third Day, Jesus rose again. He was resurrected!

This Easter season, I will reflect on how prayer and faith guided Congressman Sarpalius throughout his life. I will also pray for those communities that during times of darkness maintain their faith.

Happy Easter! He is Risen!

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Griffith Statement on IOC Ban of Male Athletes in Women’s Sports

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women’s competitions at the Olympics. These new rules will apply beginning at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. In response to this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“This latest action by the IOC will ensure level playing fields prevail in future Olympic competitions. Women athletes are finally being protected!

“As the supporter of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, I call on Democrats in the House and Senate to take a stand for fairness, integrity and the truth. Men should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In the 118^th Congress, he helped lead the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee in the panel’s efforts to push the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to take actions to root out cheating. For a hearing on this topic, Chairman Griffith invited U.S. swimmers Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt to testify.

In 2025, Congressman Griffith supported the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025.

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Griffith Announces $132,885 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $132,885 grant. The funding supports research into obesity and insulin sensitivity. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The scientific community relies on dedicated research efforts to study obesity.

“This HHS grant for more than $132,000 helps Virginia Tech develop clinical research on obesity for the scientific community.”

BACKGROUND

This funding is supported by a Research Scientist Development Award. According to the National Institutes of Health, Research Scientist Development Awards support intensive, supervised career development experiences.

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

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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