E-Newsletter

As I write this column, I reflect on the lives lost and forever changed in Buchanan County this week. I was deeply saddened to learn that Deputies Justus and Stiltner had been killed and Deputies Charles and Rasnake seriously injured in the line of duty. My continued thoughts and prayers go out to their families. This tragedy in Vansant reminds me that it is our family, friends, and loved ones who are most important. Over the past several days the community has come together to grieve and remember these officers’ service, selflessness, and sacrifice. While the memories of this event will not be forgotten, the people of Buchanan County must carry on. I’m confident they will do so and build an even stronger community as a result. God bless.

Changing Washington's spending culture

Many of my constituents have shared with me that the federal government needs to move faster when it comes to getting America’s fiscal house in order. While I tend to agree, as long as Congress is cutting spending, the American people are winning. Unfortunately, it will take time to change Washington’s spending culture, from one of excess to one within our means. We must make significant and substantial cuts, but it requires the Senate’s cooperation and the President’s signature. The House of Representatives is just one-half of one-third of the federal government. So far the Senate and the President have stuck their heads in the sand and ignored the House’s $100 billion cut to discretionary spending from the President’s budget request for 2011.

While short term fixes are not the ideal solution, Congress has managed to cut $10 billion in spending over the past five weeks. This week I voted in favor of a three week Continuing Resolution (CR), which will fund the federal government through April 8th. It was important to get the cuts that we could right now. My hope is that this CR will give House leadership and the Senate time to work out a plan to fund the remainder of 2011 that includes even more serious spending cuts. This year alone it is predicted that we will face a $1.5 trillion budget deficit. The federal government is borrowing 40 cents for every dollar spent; meaning all spending after July 27 will be borrowed money. By necessity, spending cuts must be deeper in the upcoming 2012 budget. It’s time for the President and the Senate to join us in reining in spending. If they continue to ignore the problem, House Republicans will have no choice but to fight.Americans deserve nothing less.

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. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. You can also call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.