News List

The U.S. Department of Interior announced it will release funds to U.S. communities through the “Payments in Lieu of Taxes” program. Given that federal lands located in local jurisdictions cannot be taxed, PILT or “Payments in Lieu of Taxes” program funds help state and local governments carry out public service projects. Numerous communities in Virginia’s Ninth District will… Read more »

America’s 250th anniversary is an exciting time for Virginia communities and the United States. Because this is truly a big deal, I will dedicate two columns to honor this remarkable moment in our history.  Our 250th birthday is a historic milestone that inspires patriotic celebrations, festivities and traditions. As the State at the epicenter of the independence… Read more »

U.S. President Donald J. Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Colonel John Walter Ripley of Radford, Virginia. Colonel Ripley, who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, was honored for his courage and bravery as part of a White House presentation ceremony. Numerous members of Colonel Ripley’s family were present for the ceremony, including his son,… Read more »

The U.S. Constitution outlines three branches of government. Article I concerns the functions and duties of the Legislative Branch. The Constitution provides for Congress to lay and collect taxes, raise and support Armies and make laws, among other powers. Then comes Article II. An Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws. Taking the mantle of Executive power is the… Read more »

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Hurricane Helene-related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows: $1,369,318 to Smyth County $745,319 to Washington County $728,017 Grayson County These FEMA grants, worth $2,842,654, support repairment projects for local… Read more »

In wake of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s request to the federal government for expedited disaster assistance for Virginia farmers, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is part of a Virginia Congressional delegation effort to urge U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to approve expedited disaster assistance. In two letters to Secretary Rollins,… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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… Read more »

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 82nd anniversary of D-Day as well as the 25th anniversary of the National D-Day Memorial, which is located in Bedford,… Read more »