Morgan Griffith

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s executive actions on firearms: “I am still reviewing in detail President Obama’s latest actions, but thus far, it doesn’t appear that they would address many if not all of the recent tragedies we have witnessed. The Bill of Rights protects the inalienable rights that this country and its citizens hold dear, including but not limited to the right to bear arms. While I too want a decrease in unlawful shoo... Read more

It’s About the Constitution The Constitution – Still Relevant The Senate debate on collecting all our phone data has been interesting. Hopefully the American people have a better understanding of their rights and of the importance of the Congressional power to check the Executive branch. Government Control of Water – An Update On May 27, the Obama Administration announced it had finalized its Clean Water Rule, commonly known as the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Proposed by the Enviro... Read more

Administration Overreach and the Second Amendment – An Update In last week’s column, I wrote about the Obama Administration’s “framework” proposal to ban the manufacture and importation of the M855 or “green tip” bullet. Soon after writing that column, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) backed off its proposal following significant pressure from supporters of the Second Amendment, including the 239 of us in the House of Representatives who joined together to send a bi... Read more

Administration Overreach and the Internet Many Ninth District residents have asked me about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent decision on net neutrality. I believe this is another attempt at government overreach, and agree with Republican Commissioner Ajit Pai when he said: [The FCC was] “…adopting a solution that won’t work, to a problem that doesn’t exist, using legal authority it doesn’t have.” Administration Overreach and the Second Amendment I was proud to join House Judi... Read more

Defeating ISIS – An Update In previous columns I have noted I am of the belief the President does not have the authority to wage an extended war on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) without Congressional approval. I agree we must see that ISIS is destroyed. Unlike Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), I believe like Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) that Congress must debate and decide whether or not the United States goes to war or, alternatively, consider its kissing cousin, an authorization... Read more

Immigration Reform Update/No Amnesty As I have said many times, I do believe our immigration system is broken. However, my firmly cemented belief is that one of our top priorities ought to be defending America’s borders and enforcing our laws, not bending over backwards to accommodate those who break them. I am of the view that proposals allowing illegal immigrants to simply come into the United States and stay here without consequence undermine our national security, encourage more illegal immi... Read more

Ongoing Funding Negotiations Congress is embroiled in a fight over the spending of your tax dollars. As I write this, agreement has not yet been reached. At this time, I think it is important to quickly review the role of Congress as envisioned at this country’s founding. The Constitution formed a republic based on democratic principles, with the Republic including a system of checks and balances between the governing branches. The Executive Branch executes the law. The Legislative Branch write... Read more

Interim Progress Report on the Attacks in Benghazi Many people have written my office asking Congress to continue looking into the September 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya that took the lives of four Americans. House Committees have been conducting an investigation, and recently released an interim progress report on what they have learned. Among other findings, the report cites an April 2012 cable from the Secretary of State, denying requests from people on the ground in ... Read more

The Arms Trade Treaty – An Update While listening to people from across the district, it is clear the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms is among the most common topics that constituents wish to discuss. In fact, since the beginning of 2013, support for these rights has been the top issue my office receives correspondence on from folks throughout Southwest Virginia, Southside Virginia, and the Alleghany Highlands. As you may know, the United Nations General Assembly entered final negot... Read more

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today released the following statement after the United Nations General Assembly passed the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), with the support of representatives of the United States: “I understand the intent and the effort to stop illegal arms sales, but it is clear that this treaty doesn’t understand or take into consideration the history of the United States or our Constitution. In its preamble, it violates the Constitution by claiming to reaffirm the ... Read more