Benjamin Franklin famously noted that “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” He never said those two certainties needed to go hand in hand. That came later with the imposition of the death tax, also known as the estate tax.
The federal death tax, enacted in 1916, is levied “on the transfer of the taxable estate of every decedent who is a citizen or resident of the… Read more »
One of Congress’ primary duties is oversight of the executive branch. President Biden recently marked his first 100 days in office. This column will highlight the parts of his record during that time that demand accountability.
The southern border is a place that desperately needs oversight. Since assuming office, President Biden and his team have created a crisis while largely ignoring… Read more »
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting no on H.R. 5377, which would end the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s cap of $10,000 on state and local tax (SALT) deductions:
“We included the SALT deduction cap in the 2017 tax reform to help offset tax cuts that helped the middle class and small businesses. Ending the SALT deduction cap primarily benefits the… Read more »
Setting the Table for Economic Growth
Our region recently hosted U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. I was honored to join him for much of his visit and participate in discussions with him and our region’s leaders about economic development and commerce.
The Department of Commerce helps foster conditions for the economy to grow and businesses to thrive, and I am glad Secretary Ross… Read more »
Robocalls
Have you received an unsolicited call recently from a number that looked familiar?
If so, you are far from alone. Robocalls increasingly plague our cell phones. They leave us unsure about who is calling and what is a legitimate call. Sometimes they trick those who pick up into sending money or divulging sensitive information. At the very least, they are annoying.
Many of you… Read more »
Rules are important. This is a foundational principle in a republic based on democratic principles.
The first vote I cast in the Virginia House of Delegates was against a rules package. I voted no because it did not contain proportional representation for political parties in committee membership, something I believed necessary for good representation. A later assembly adopted my… Read more »
Legislation often begins with a concern or a question from a constituent. He or she draws on experiences or ideas to identify matters that need fixing: something the Federal Government does, something it could do better, or something it does not do that should be considered.
The following story, which inspired a bill I have introduced, is a sad one.
I attended the Washington County… Read more »
Honoring Our Veterans
Each November 11, our country honors Veterans Day. It is a way we can show our gratitude for those brave men and women who put on the uniform to protect us and the freedoms we cherish.
This year’s observance holds a special significance, for it is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in… Read more »
Thoughts on Labor Day and Grant Workshops Announcement
We dedicate Labor Day each year to the social and economic contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
While the first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, it would not become a nationally recognized holiday until 1894. On June 28, 1894,… Read more »
The 115th Congress has been working to improve the lives of average Americans. From taking on the opioid crisis to cutting taxes for the great majority of Americans, the House of Representatives has pushed for solutions. I believe the results make Americans better off.
Economy
Constituents frequently ask about jobs and economic development when I talk to them while traveling around the… Read more »
