E-Newsletter

The First Two Weeks

After completing my first two weeks in Congress, I want to share with you the experience thus far.  It has been a busy time filled with excitement. It has also been a time of sadness.

On swearing-in day, I was surrounded by family and friends who made the trip from Southwest Virginia. My first vote cast on the House floor was to elect John Boehner as Speaker of the House.  I also voted in favor of cutting congressional office budgets by 5 percent, the first step taken to control excessive spending in Washington.

The Constitution was read aloud on the House floor in its entirety for the first time in our history. Along with my colleagues, I read aloud a portion of the Constitution.  As I remained on the House floor for the entire reading, I reflected on the enormity of the responsibility we have in tackling the nation’s problems in the 112th Congress.  The Constitution is the governing document of this nation and should guide our work in Congress.  As a Member of the House of Representatives, it is my duty to protect our constitutional rights and freedoms.  It is imperative that this nation get back to the principles and limits outlined in this founding document.

The excitement of my first week in Congress was closely followed by the sobering event in Arizona. While I have not had the chance to get to know Congresswoman Giffords, I was deeply saddened by the vicious attack on her, her staff, and constituents.  This horrific act committed by a very disturbed individual shook the entire nation. The fact that she was fulfilling her congressional duties by serving her constituents made the event all the more tragic.  As Speaker Boehner said, “An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.” As Congresswoman Giffords continues her recovery, my sincere thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured and the families of those who lost loved ones.

This week House Leadership cancelled all scheduled legislative business and recorded votes. Instead, Congress reconvened to reflect and remember by taking up House Resolution 32, which honors the victims of the tragedy in Tucson. Both Republicans and Democrats came together to offer well wishes for Congresswoman Giffords and to remember the lives lost. The House currently stands adjourned in honor of the victims until Tuesday, January 18.

As I reflect upon the past two weeks, I am ready to do the people’s business.  As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I will focus on many important issues affecting Southwest Virginians, including energy policy, environmental regulations, health care, and technology. Additionally, I will serve on two important Subcommittees. As a member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, I will promote an energy policy that includes the use of our domestic resources like coal and natural gas.  My role on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will allow me to ask tough questions of federal agencies ranging from the EPA to the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the implementation of Obamacare.

There are several important legislative issues on the horizon, including the repeal of Obamacare. I support its full repeal. It is true that Congress has to take a serious look at improving our health care system, but it is clear that Obamacare is not the answer. We can and must do better for the American people.  You have entrusted me with an awesome responsibility.I look forward to Congress getting into full swing and working on legislation that will rein in spending, create jobs at home, and stop burdensome regulations and government intervention.

Stay Connected

Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter.  I look forward to communicating with you on a regular basis and providing updates about issues in Congress that may affect you. Additionally, you may follow me on Facebook. 

As the 112th Congress gets under way, I encourage you to use my website.  By visiting www.morgangriffith.house.gov, you can email me, view press releases, request a flag to be flown over the Capitol, or schedule tours for your next trip to Washington. My website also lists hours and contact information for each of my offices. It serves as a one-stop shop for the 9th District. I hope you will use these tools to stay in touch. I value your input.