Press Releases

Friday, October 4, 2013 – This evening Congressman Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House Floor about President Obama’s Park Service and how they are needlessly blocking access to private businesses that adjoin the Blue Ridge Parkway.  These businesses lease land from the federal government, but do not receive money from the federal government.  Most of the “concession” businesses actually pay the federal government.  The current debate in Washington is about federal spending and is not about private businesses located on or near national parks. 

Additionally after speaking on the Floor, Congressman Griffith asked, “Why is the Park Service using ‘essential’ personnel to try to close these taxpaying businesses?"  Further he said, "I hope everyone will visit the shops on and around the Parkway this weekend."

Video of Griffith’s remarks can be found by clicking here.

To see information on the North Carolina situation, click here.

To see the Washington Times article, referenced in Congressman Griffith’s one minute speech, click here. 

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