E-Newsletter

At the Debt Limit

We have reached the $14.3 trillion debt limit. Now, as a people, we have a critical decision. To raise or not to raise the debt limit? That is the question. Some say there are harsh consequences if we do not raise the debt limit, but I am constantly reminded that there are harsh consequences if we do. Let me be clear, even under the conservative Ryan Plan, which many in Washington say cuts too much, we would not have a balanced budget for 29 years. That means my 11 year old will be 40 years old before we ever stop the borrowing; before we ever stop spending more than we bring in. That modest proposal to get our House in order was rejected this week by the Senate under the theory it cut too much.

It is easy to simply continue spending and borrowing. But our government has done that for too long. It is not responsible. The current generation elected the officials who made the decisions to spend and borrow. The current generation benefited from whatever benefits were received by the spending. If we are going to live up to our heritage as Americans, the current generation of political leaders, including this one, has an obligation to solve the nation’s debt problem. If we do not solve this problem, we will be making it so that our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are saddled with a yoke of debt. High debt means a future of high interest, high inflation, and low jobs. 

If we are to live up to our heritage and spare our children from the devastations of high debt, we cannot raise the debt limit without substantial cuts in spending and a systemic change in Washington’s spending culture. We cannot continue to ignore our spending addiction. Passing the burdens of our spending on to our children and grandchildren isunacceptable. The American people elect Congress to make tough decisions, not to just make the politically easy decisions. If I am doing my job for my children, Abby, Davis, and Starke, and for your children and grandchildren ­­­(insert your children’s and grandchildren’s names here), I cannot vote to raise the debt limit without significant cuts to current spending and massive changes to the way we do business in nation’s capital.

Memorial Day and 9th District Military Service Academy Days

As we celebrate Memorial Day, we honor those who have served our nation and look forward to those who will serve in the future. As your Congressman, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to our military service academies. Each year young men and women from the 9th District attend our nation’s military service academies. These students are our future military leaders. Accordingly, it is my honor to host two Military Service Academy Days in June. All high school students and their parents are invited to attend these events. Students will have the opportunity to meet with officials from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as representatives from university level ROTC programs. My staff will also be available to answer questions regarding the process for congressional nominations                                                                              

Standing by Israel

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a Joint Session of Congress. I also met
with Dr. Garrett Sheldon, a professor at UVA-Wise, and others from the American Israeli Political Action
Committee to discuss the important relationship between Israel and America. As Prime Minister Netanyahu
reiterated in his speech, Israel is one of our strongest allies. Ensuring a safe and secure Israel must remain a top priority of U.S. foreign policy. Unlike other nations, we don’t have to export democracy to Israel or send our troops to fight their battles. By providing some assistance to Israel, we can ensure that it has the ability to fight terrorism and protect its sovereignty. The United States needs to continue standing by Israel, our democratic
ally.

As always, if you have concerns or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my offices. 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 www.morgangriffith.house.gov.