Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Chairman Griffith Celebrates More Than $195 Million for Rural Virginia Health Care

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will award $195,710,118 to Virginia in Year Two funding under the Rural Health Transformation Program.

This federal initiative, which was established through the 2025 reconciliation bill, H.R. 1 - the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, is part of a $50 billion funding pool to help states transform rural health care systems, strengthen rural community access to care and deliver improved health care outcomes in rural America. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, expressed his support for these federal funds in the following statement:

“This HHS announcement confirms that the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was launched by Republicans, will continue to improve patient outcomes in rural Virginia, including those in Virginia’s Ninth District!

“An award for nearly $200 million will help yield health care access, resources and opportunity for rural communities in Virginia.”

BACKGROUND

This notice follows Year One funding to Virginia of $189,544,888.

This summer, Chairman Griffith praised HHS action to deliver Year One funding to Virginia. A video with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz celebrating Year One funding is available here.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 11.6.26

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Veterans Day is an American tradition to honor those who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Their service is rooted in love of country and community.

These values not only shape the brave Americans who enlist in military service, but they also help guide our servicemembers who later become political leaders.

Throughout American history, some who take the oath to enlist in our military later take the presidential oath of office.

America’s first president under the Constitution, General George Washington, led the Continental Army in the fight against the British throne.

Responding to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall’s biography of Washington, Gouverneur Morris, a contemporary of both, wrote to Marshall: “…few men of such steady, persevering industry ever existed, and perhaps no one who so completely commanded himself.”

Another military leader to fight Great Britain before pursuing the presidency was our 7^th president and the first from the Democratic Party, Andrew Jackson.

In addition to receiving heavy praise for his role in the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson’s campaign to squash the Seminole created negotiating room for the U.S. to acquire Florida.

While Jackson’s military focus during the War of 1812 was in the South, American forces also had to respond to British attacks in the North.

William Henry Harrison, later America’s 10^th president, commanded an army following the British capture of Detroit. Harrison pushed back British and Indian forces in a campaign that led to the recapture of Detroit and even the invasion of Ontario, Canada.

Harrison’s lead in Canada at the Battle of the Thames was considered one of the greatest American victories along with Jackson’s at New Orleans.

Unfortunately, Harrison served as president for just 31 days before his death, becoming the first president to die in office and remaining the shortest-serving president to this day.

The next president to die in office was another Virginia-born military leader, Zachary Taylor.

Taylor’s exceptional command during the Mexican-American War earned him major general honors, three Congressional Gold Medals (the only person in U.S. history) and comparisons to Washington and Jackson.

Serving under Taylor in the war effort was Ulysses S. Grant. The conflict helped shape Grant in his preparation to lead the Union Army during the Civil War.

Grant would later become our country’s first president elected following the Civil War, and the first since Jackson to complete two consecutive terms.

Among others to go from fighting in the Civil War to later living in the White House included the likes of Benjamin Harrison, James Garfield and William McKinley.

As the 25^th president, McKinley helped exert American power in the Western Hemisphere, most notably during the Spanish-American War.

American forces showed incredible strength, with leaders like Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders valiantly fighting in Cuba against Spanish armed forces.

Following Roosevelt’s resounding success in the War, he became a rising star in the Republican Party. Accordingly, McKinley tapped Roosevelt as his new vice president. McKinley’s assassination in 1901 meant the Spanish-American War hero would take the reins of the presidency, and in 1904, would be elected in his own right.

Another Republican war hero to become president is General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Eisenhower, among other campaigns, oversaw the Allied operation in World War II, Operation Overlord, which is one of the most consequential military feats in U.S. military history. The Allied landings at Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history, represented the first major breach of Hitler’s “Fortress Europe” and paved the way for America and our Allies to defeat Nazi forces.

Across the world in the Pacific Theater, American forces faced a different threat.

Naval warfare against Japan required courageous aviators to bomb Japanese-held islands. One naval aviator, 19-year-old George Herbert Walker Bush, took on a variety of combat missions.

During one attack, Bush was shot down by enemy fire. He parachuted into the ocean, spending four hours on a life raft before being rescued.

Bush’s military service preceded his rise in public service, where he would become America’s 41^st president.

These are just some of the many presidents to have a military service background.

America’s military leaders not only fight on the battlefield, but also on American soil to protect our rights, our way of life and our country.

Obviously, not all veterans can become president. But whether they become president or return to contribute to their communities, every American owes them a debt of gratitude. So, please join me in thanking our veterans for all they do and have done for our country. Happy Veterans Day!

If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. 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 https://morgangriffith.house.gov/.

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Griffith Celebrates Opportunity Zone Designations in Virginia’s Ninth District

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Treasury approved Virginia’s nomination of 153 new Opportunity Zones (OZs) as proposed by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. A map of the new OZs in Virginia, which are set to take effect in January 2027, is available here.

The OZ program is meant to incentivize private investment capital in economically distressed communities. This federal initiative, which was permanently extended through the 2025 reconciliation bill, H.R. 1 - the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, now includes boosted tax incentives for OZs in rural communities. Capital gains placed into rural investments are subject to a discount three times that of non-rural investments. In addition, the investment threshold for improving a facility is reduced. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) voiced his support for boosted OZ tax incentives for rural communities as he voted in favor of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

In response to this announcement, Congressman Griffith released the following statement:

“As an original supporter of Opportunity Zones, this policy helps attract investments, generate economic growth and create jobs in communities that need it. In 2025, I supported the expansion of this program to allow more rural communities to potentially access private investment.

“Today’s announcement confirms that Virginia’s Ninth District will have more rural Opportunity Zones than any other Congressional District in Virginia.

“I am glad to have secured this outcome for our rural communities by voting for the Working Families Tax Cuts. I will continue to support policies that strengthen economic opportunity in rural America.”

BACKGROUND

According to the Economic Innovation Group, $1.9 billion in OZ investments supported Virginia communities through the end of 2024.

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Griffith Announces $2 Million ARC Grant for Regional Workforce Development

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium, whose board is based in Radford, Virginia, a $2,000,000 grant for workforce development. The funding will support the training of 450 individuals and help 75 businesses access a developed workforce and/or related services.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“A strengthened workforce in Southwest Virginia produces better opportunity.

“This ARC grant for $2 million helps the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium develop a talent pool that benefits growth in our regional workforce and local economy.”

BACKGROUND

Project “POWERing Pathways: Advancing Southwest Virginia’s Workforce” will expand access to training programs for roughly 450 people. These opportunities will serve businesses and employees throughout Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Washington and Wythe Counties. The talent pool in the Cities of Bristol, Galax and Radford will also receive support.

ARC will collaborate with community partners and advance relationships in high-demand employment sectors related to health care, manufacturing and skilled trades.

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Griffith Announces More Than $2.4 Million USDA Rural Development Grant for Dickenson County Broadband

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded IGoTechnology, Inc. (iGo), based in Grundy, Virginia, a $2,405,739 grant. The funding supports construction of 25 miles of fiber in Dickenson County as part of a fiber-to-the-premises network.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Improved broadband networks strengthen rural community access to remote learning, telemedicine and telework.

“This grant for more than $2.4 million helps iGo install new broadband infrastructure to serve internet to Dickenson County households.”

BACKGROUND

According to USDA Rural Development, this project is estimated to benefit more than 300 people in Dickenson County, including 14 businesses and two farms.

As part of the project, iGo will establish a community center in Haysi for resident to use free high-speed internet.

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Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for November

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of November.

In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk. If a County’s or City’s schools are closed, then its office hours will be closed as well. Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to schedule an appointment time in the event of office hour closure.

November 9, 2026

Scott County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room

190 Beech Street

Gate City, VA 24251

Lee County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

33640 Main Street

Jonesville, VA 24263

Wise County (Big Stone Gap): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Big Stone Gap Municipal Complex

216 Wood Ave. E

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

November 10, 2026

Tazewell County (Richlands): 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Town of Richlands Offices

200 Washington Sq

Richlands, VA 24641

Buchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Town of Grundy Offices

1185 Plaza Dr.

Grundy, VA 24614

November 12, 2026

Giles County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Town of Pearisburg Offices

Council Chambers

112 Tazewell Street

Pearisburg, VA 24134

Bland County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bland County Courthouse

First Floor Conference Room

612 Main Street

Bland, VA 24315

Wythe County: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Wythe County Sheriff’s Office

Conference Room

245 South 4^th Street

Wytheville, VA 24382

Radford: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Radford Recreation Building

200 George Street

Radford, VA 24141

Smyth County: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Smyth County Administrator’s Office

Conference Room, Suite 100

121 Bagley Circle

Marion, VA 24354

Pulaski County: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm

Pulaski County Administration Building

First Floor Conference Room

143 3^rd Street NW

Pulaski, VA 24301

November 17, 2026

Craig County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Craig County Courthouse

108 Court Street

New Castle, VA 24127

Roanoke County: 11:30am – 1:00pm

South County Library

Meeting Room

6303 Merriman Road

Roanoke, VA 24018

November 18, 2026

Carroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Carroll County Administration Building

County Administrator’s Office, Conference Room

605 – 1 Pine Street

Hillsville, VA 24343

Galax: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Galax Municipal Building

Conference Room

111 E. Grayson Street

Galax, VA 24333

Grayson County: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Grayson County Administration Building

Board of Supervisors Room

129 Davis Street

Independence, VA 24348

November 19, 2026

Tazewell County (Tazewell): 10:00 am – 11:30 am

American Legion Building

226 Central Avenue

Tazewell, VA 24651

Russell County: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Town of Lebanon Government Offices

72 Gibson Street

Lebanon, VA 24266

November 20, 2026

Bedford County: 9:00am – 10:30am

Town of Bedford Municipal Building

First Floor Conference Room

215 E. Main Street

Bedford, VA 24523

Franklin County: 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Franklin County Government Center

Conference Room B-23

1255 Franklin Street

Rocky Mount, VA 24151

November 23, 2026

Henry County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Henry County Administration Building

Summerlin Room - Board of Supervisors Meeting Chambers

3300 Kings Mountain Rd

Martinsville, VA 24112

Patrick County: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Patrick County Administration Building

Conference Room

106 Rucker Street

Stuart, VA 24171

Floyd County: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Town of Floyd Government Offices

Community Room

203 East Oxford St

Floyd, VA 24091

November 24, 2026

Dickenson County: 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Center for Education & Research

First Floor Conference Room #155

818 Happy Valley Drive

Clintwood, VA 24228

Norton: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

High Knob Destination Center, Conference Room

1147 Laurel Ave SW

Norton, VA 24273

Wise County (Wise): 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Wise County Courthouse

Law Library, Second Floor

206 E. Main Street

Wise, VA 24293

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 10.29.26

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

I advocate for the American way of life and the American Dream based on individualism, hard work and the ability to move up the social ladder.

Accordingly, I have voiced my staunch opposition to socialism and its impacts on society.

This Congress, I supported H. Con. Res. 58 to denounce the horrors of socialism and H. Res. 1490 to condemn socialism in all its forms.

While the declarations made by the House passed, nearly all Democrats opposed these resolutions.

This difference in Congressional opinions reflects the unfortunate reality that the popularity of socialism is growing in America.

A new Gallup poll published in September found that 43% of Americans now have a positive view of socialism.

This is the first time socialism has received a favorable rating above the 40^th percentile since Gallup started tracking this metric in 2010.

But the tales of socialism date back well before 2010.

Following the Nazi Germany surrender in 1945, the United Kingdom (UK) held parliamentary elections. Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his Conservative Party faced an electoral challenge from the socialist-leaning Labour Party.

Labour, whose Let Us Face the Future manifesto made socialist policy promises of nationalizing sectors of its economy and raising taxes on the wealthy, won in a landslide.

But the resulting Labour government policies would create a sluggish economy, mishandle housing shortages and extend wartime food rationing.

The intense uproar over the rationing of bread and flour turned public sentiment against Labour. In 1951, the UK elected Churchill once more, this time to help put an end to the rationing.

In addition to Churchill’s reforms, more structural reforms to the socialist policies were later made by Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher’s actions helped propel the country into an era marked by economic growth.

France’s socialist policies are in today’s spotlight. France is struggling to afford spending on public programs.

As Jonah Goldberg with the online news publication The Dispatch highlighted, government spending accounts for 57% of France’s gross domestic product (compared to 23% for the U.S.).

France also spends more than any other European country on “social protection.”

This formula has French policymakers in a pickle.

How would the government address its budget?

When the moment came, France opted for budget cuts impacting teachers, students and communities.

And how did the French public respond?

For weeks, mass protests and riots engulfed the country. The protests have been seemingly hijacked by far-left groups advocating for the collapse of French institutions.

French President Emmanuel Macron blamed the “political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups” for the riots and looting.

This unrest resulted in an historic town hall being burned, tens of thousands of police officer deployments and the nation of France being on edge.

The French dilemma is just the latest evidence of what Thatcher described as the problem with socialism. “Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They always run out of other people’s money,” she said in 1976.

In addition to the challenges of socialism, the French protests gave us an inside look at the ultra-left groups and their more concerning threat: to tear down Western Civilization.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently delivered a speech in front of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It was right here where the fathers of Western Civilization planted the seeds of law, citizenship and democratic principles.

Rubio tied the founding of our country to Greece: “The men who founded my country were fascinated by the heritage we inherited from yours...The civilization of Athens and Rome transformed an infant seaboard republic into a continental empire.”

I stand with Secretary Rubio’s commitment to preserve the ideals, freedoms and strengths that ultimately made the Western World. Like he said, the essential traits to define the West include “fierce individuality and relentless ambition; daring exploration and invention; a yearning for discovery, for adventure, risk and glory.”

In Congress, I will continue to fight back against the radical wing of the Democratic Party, particularly the policies of the Democratic Socialists of America. They want to redefine what America stands for, transforming America into a socialist country and in my opinion making the United States weak.

While we still need a social safety net, I want everyone to have the opportunity to succeed in America. And where possible, to be able to lift themselves up by hard work, determination and ingenuity. This possibility of being able to make oneself a success is the gateway to reaching the American Dream. Socialism throughout history has extinguished opportunities of reaching great success.

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Griffith Announces More Than $2.1 Million DOT Public Safety Grant to Tazewell County

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the County of Tazewell, Virginia, a $2,118,842 grant. The funding supports the installation of safety improvement features such as double centerline, edge line striping and warning signs, among others. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Tazewell County has identified six high-risk corridors with rural two-lane roads that pose risks to the safety of motorists, travelers and pedestrians.

“This DOT grant for more than $2.1 million helps Tazewell County make road improvements that reduce the risk for fatal and serious injury crashes.”

BACKGROUND

This grant money was made available through the DOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program.

Road improvements will include 10.8 miles of double centerline striping, 10.7 miles of rumble strips, 1.38 miles of high-friction surface treatments, 60 signs, and targeted transition zone upgrades.

Project work will be directed towards Jewell Ridge Road, Falls Mills Road, Baptist Valley Road, Wardell Road, Indian Creek Road and Kents Ridge Road.

In May 2026, Congressman Griffith authored a letter of support for a local transportation safety project in Tazewell County.

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Griffith Announces $1 Million ARC Grant for Lee County

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Lee County, Virginia, a $1 million grant. This funding will support a housing infrastructure project to help serve local and prospective residents in Ewing.

In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Shortages in available housing limit those who wish to live in Lee County, contribute to its economy and work at the Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center.

“This ARC grant for $1 million helps Lee County lead a housing initiative that results in community development and economic growth.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, this project will construct 6,610 linear feet of new water line and 338,256 square feet of new roadway.

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Griffith Announces $1 Million DOE Award to Virginia Tech

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation has awarded a $1,000,000 grant to Virginia Tech. The funding will support Virginia Tech in leading efforts to grow a skilled workforce required to produce, process, recover and recycle critical minerals on American soil. Virginia Tech is one of 16 schools nationwide to receive this funding.

In response to this grant, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Critical mineral extraction is key to American energy dominance and reducing our dependence on foreign adversaries.

“This $1 million grant helps Virginia Tech chart a path forward for American dominance in mining.”

BACKGROUND

This funding is supported by the DOE Providing Opportunities for Specialized Education in Critical Technologies (PROSPECT) initiative. Congressman Griffith recently celebrated the launch of this program and what it means for Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech is home to a Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering. Supported by expert faculty, the Department trains its graduates to help lead the world in the extraction and production of critical minerals and energy resources to fuel future technological innovations.

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