E-Newsletter

Washington: Zero to Sixty

I’ve always heard that things move slowly in Washington. That may have been true in the past, but not this week. Since the Lame Duck Congress pushed off passing a bill to fund the federal government for the rest of this fiscal year, the new Congress has dealt with many issues that normally don’t come up so early in the session. This week alone we tackled funding for the federal government, held hearings on ObamaCare, and passed a bill out of committee that prohibits federal funding for abortions.

Topping the agenda this week was the Continuing Resolution (CR), which would fund the government through the end of FY 2011 (September 30). Keeping in step with the Pledge to America, House Republicans put forth a plan to cut more than $100 billion in spending from the President’s proposed FY2011 bloated budget. During the debate, we have seen a level of transparency in the House that was uncommon when the Democrats were in control. The CR is being considered under an open rule which allows for unlimited amendments from both sides of the aisle and extensive debate.  I have voted against some Republican amendments and for some Democrat amendments. Some of the amendments I have supported include shifting existing money -- not new money -- to provide training and equipment for fire departments, economic development grants to create jobs, and weatherization projects for homes.

As families in the 9th District continue to tighten their belts, the federal government must do the same. Borrowing to cover day-to-day expenses is not the way to do it. The magnitude of these cuts represents the tough choices we must make in order to change the spending culture in Washington. The 9 percent unemployment rate and $14 trillion national debt are proof that throwing money at the problem is not a viable solution. Cutting spending will improve the economy, give businesses a level of comfort that the government won’t be taking more money from them, and, thus, give them confidence to hire more employees. This CR is just the starting point in reining in our skyrocketing debt.

I also offered an amendment that rescinds funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s conductivity guidance that is harmful to the mining industry.  Conductivity measures the ability of water to transport an electrical current. In order for a coal mine to receive a permit under the Clean Water Act, it must pass this test. Not even expensive bottled water, like Perrier and Evian, are of good enough quality to pump out of mines in Southwest Virginia, according to the EPA regulation.

Permits issued under the Clean Water Act affect nearly 80,000 direct coal mining jobs, as well as the coal to power nearly 80 million homes. Not only are these reckless regulations a threat to businesses in the 9th District, but they are a threat to jobs across the nation as well as America’s energy security. The passage of my amendment would be a positive step in getting the EPA of the backs of coal producers.

In the House Energy and Commerce, we voted to pass H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act by a 33-19 vote. The Protect Life Act prohibits federal funding of abortions and abortion coverage and extends conscience protections for medical professionals under ObamaCare. As the Protect Life Act heads to the House floor for consideration, I will work to ensure its passage. 

In addition to my time focused on floor and committee activity, I had the opportunity to see my old friend, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.  He came to testify before the House Judiciary Committee and briefed members of the Energy and Commerce Committee about ObamaCare and Virginia’s successful case against the law. 

In the coming week, I will be traveling around the 9th District to meet with local government officials, tour businesses, and visit with constituents. I look forward to seeing many of you on my travels. As always, if you wish to contact my office regarding the many issues before Congress, I invite you to visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov or call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405.

At the time of distribution, the Continuing Resolution and Congressman Griffith’s amendment were still being debated in the House of Representatives. The outcome of the final legislation is to be determined.