E-Newsletter

Remembering Those Who Served

At a time when we are facing so many challenges both at home and abroad, it is important to remember the power of prayer and those who committed themselves to a life of service.  Just this Thursday we observed the National Day of Prayer, a day for reflection. Over the years, I have attended numerous ceremonies for the National Day of Prayer. I have always found these gatherings to be very uplifting wherever I am and appreciate all prayers for those who are in elected office. I also appreciate that the people who organize the Day of Prayer are people dedicated to service and to the encouragement of others; particularly those who are not in elected office who organize these events. For me, I remember Mrs. Spurlock, my sixth grade teacher.  She was the first teacher to encourage me to consider a career in law and public service. A number of years ago, this warm and caring woman passed away on the National Day of Prayer. I hope to serve and encourage others just as Mrs. Spurlock did.

On Friday, I was honored to participate in the opening ceremony of the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin. The veterans are another group of people who are dedicated to the service of their country. This cemetery has been many years in the making and will be a great source of pride for our region. Our veterans deserve our greatest respect. It is our duty to take care of those who have put it all on the line for us. These men and women have sacrificed everything to serve and protect the freedoms we enjoy today. As many at the ceremony said, this cemetery is “a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served.” 

Moving Forward on Oil Production

Last week, I talked about some of the problems we are facing with U.S. energy production. I wanted to update you on what the House did this week to jumpstart domestic production and lower energy costs. With gas prices pushing $ 4 per gallon in Southwest Virginia, taking action to reduce the pain at the pump is critical, both now and in the future. On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 1230, the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act. This bill would expand American energy production and create jobs by requiring the Secretary of the Interior to carry out oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Virginia that have previously been delayed or canceled.

House passage of H.R. 1230 is a welcome step in opening up America’s domestic energy resources for production.  This legislation would move us forward by requiring four offshore lease sales by 2012; one off of the coast of Virginia and three in the Gulf of Mexico. According to a study by the Southeast Energy Alliance, offshore development in Virginia could create nearly 2,000 jobs and produce more than half a billion barrels of oil. This is an opportunity to restart America’s offshore production. We can increase our energy security and create good paying jobs, but we must remove barriers to production now. The big question now is will the Senate vote for more American oil exploration? Stay tuned and we will find out.

As your representative in Congress, I want to you hear from you. 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.