E-Newsletter

2011: A Year in Review

2011 has been an eventful and trying year.  In the Ninth District, we have welcomed home loved ones serving abroad. We have also witnessed firsthand destructive natural disasters, which caused loss of life and extensive property damage. Likewise, we experienced the tragic loss and severe wounding of several law enforcement officers and members of the United States Armed Services from Southwest Virginia.  As we enter the New Year, a critical time for our nation, I know many of you are concerned about job creation, the economy, and what is going on in Washington.  Despite these challenges, I have hope for the future of our country.  And it is my distinct privilege to represent and serve you in Congress to help bring about the necessary changes in Washington. 
 
I introduced several pieces of legislation during the first session of the 112th Congress dealing with a variety of issues from delaying the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rules to reducing Member pay to an amendment to the Constitution allowing for a State Legislative Veto.  In October, the House passed my bill, the EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (H.R. 2250). This legislation directs the EPA to develop achievable, real world standards for industrial boilers and extends compliance deadlines to allow facilities time to comply. 

Last January, the House voted to repeal Obama Care. We also voted to repeal the 1099 paperwork mandate found in the massive health care law.  The repeal of the 1099 provision was approved by the Senate and signed into law in April. On the House floor, my colleagues and I focused on pro-growth policies aimed at getting our economy moving again and spurring job creation. Currently, 28 bipartisan job creating and job protecting bills passed by the House are awaiting Senate action, including H.R. 2250.

In 2011, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and my two Subcommittees covered many issues.  One main focus of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power was the American Energy Initiative.  We explored ways to expand American energy production.  On the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I played an active role in the investigation of the Department of Energy’s $535 million loan guarantee to the now-bankrupt solar energy company Solyndra. 

Throughout the year, my staff and I traveled around the Ninth District talking with hard working Americans, touring businesses and medical facilities, and visiting local schools. In 2011, I held many public question and answer meetings with thousands of constituents and Ninth District businesses and also conducted telephone town halls across the entire Ninth District. My office also established monthly traveling staff office hours to better serve constituents in each county and city.

Over the past year, I have had the honor of taking part in medal ceremonies for local veterans receiving both new and replacement medals, including presenting a long-deserved Bronze Star with “V” Device for valorous actions in the Korean War to Corporal James C. Rasnake of Abingdon. In addition, students from Southwest Virginia participated in the Congressional Art Competition for high school students.  The Ninth District is proudly represented in the Capitol art display by Jessalyn Mullins of Norton.  My office also hosted two Service Academy Days and a roundtable discussion for goat and lamb producers.  In November, I launched the One More Job Initiative to seek input from you and others on how we can create just one more job in each of our communities.

In the coming year, I will continue to work vigorously to address our nation’s dire debt situation, promote policies that spur job creation, support legislation that encourages domestic energy production, and fight job-killing regulations.  As 2012 gets underway, I encourage you to stay in touch.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office to share your legislative ideas or request assistance involving federal matters. My staff and I are here to serve you.  Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy New Year.

Note: My office has compiled a 2011 Year in Review, a brief summary of this year’s legislative highlights in the House, my activity in the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Ninth District outreach. This report is available for download at www.morgangriffith.house.gov or hard copies can be obtained from one of my District Offices.

January Traveling Staff Office Hours

To better serve you, throughout the month of January, members of my staff will be holding traveling office hours around the Ninth District. Due to various federal holidays, some of the regular dates and locations may have changed. The dates, times, and locations of upcoming office hours can be found at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.  

As always, if you have concerns or comments 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.