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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.19.26

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

America’s 250^th anniversary is an exciting time for Virginia communities and the United States.

Because this is truly a big deal, I will dedicate two columns to honor this remarkable moment in our history.

Our 250^th birthday is a historic milestone that inspires patriotic celebrations, festivities and traditions.

As the State at the epicenter of the independence movement, Virginia’s role cannot be understated.

VA250, a commission created by the Virginia General Assembly, was established to detail and commemorate the significant role that Virginia played in our country’s founding.

Numerous VA250 projects have been active in Virginia’s Ninth District.

The “Martinsville Missile,” a VA250 car project created in Martinsville, recently broke the world land-speed record for a stock car at 253 miles per hour!

I co-introduced a resolution with Senator Tim Kaine to recognize this tremendous feat. The resolution declares that the House of Representatives extends its congratulations to the VA250 Car Project.

While Virginia’s Ninth District continues to shape history in our 250^th year of independence, we can examine the ways in which American independence is rooted in our communities and our region.

One of my favorite columns from past years relates to historic figures from the American Revolution era for which our communities bear names.

Such names include those who were key to our nation’s Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Seven Virginians lent their names to this foundational document, including George Wythe, for which Wythe County is named.

Of the other 49 that signed the document, perhaps no figure enjoys as much acclaim as Benjamin Franklin. Franklin County is named in his honor.

Maryland’s Charles Carroll of Carrollton is credited for Carroll County’s namesake.

Virginia’s fingerprints are not just all over the Declaration of Independence, but also the battlefields where independence was won.

Most notably is George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army that defeated the British Empire at Yorktown, Virginia. Washington County celebrates its namesake for the great revolutionary leader.

One of Washington’s aides, William Grayson, helped in the revolutionary combat. Grayson County pays homage to his service through its name.

Montgomery County gets its name from Richard Montgomery, who led the invasion of Canada and died at the Battle of Quebec in 1775. A belief that cultural and identity similarities existed between Quebec and America fueled prospects of a 14^th American colony.

Meanwhile, militia leaders like Brigadier General Joseph Martin, for which Martinsville enjoys its name, helped preserve the frontier. At one time, Martin received a commission from then-Virginia Governor Patrick Henry to be a key diplomat on the frontier.

Henry, whose “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech helped fuel the revolutionary spirit, has both Patrick and Henry Counties named in his honor.

Another future Virginia governor, Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, was a former revolutionary officer who would earn a Virginia County, Lee, in his name. At Washington’s memorial service, Lee eulogized our first president, “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Lee helped serve in campaigns that took place in the South.

Numerous frontiersmen and forces played vital roles in the South, including the Overmountain Men. These frontier units travelled from Abingdon to the Carolinas to fight the British at key battles such as Kings Mountain and Cowpens.

The Overmountain Men consisted of valiant soldiers like William Russell. Russell’s father by the same name served at the Battle of Point Pleasant, a conflict where Andrew Lewis helped lead American frontiersmen to defeat Chief Cornstalk and the Shawnee tribe.

The Russells fought with great resolve, and thanks to their revolutionary heroism, Russell County earns its name.

While American colonists sacrificed blood, sweat and tears on the battlefield, also meaningful were the contributions from foreign figures.

Polish count Casimir Pulaski was a European nobleman inspired by the American cause. Credited for saving George Washington’s life, he later died at the Battle of Savannah.

For Pulaski’s service, Pulaski County gets its name, and a U.S. Congressional resolution posthumously proclaimed Pulaski an honorary U.S. citizen.

Our country’s fight for independence took many forms that are immortalized in Virginia communities, history books and other materials. I will continue to honor and recognize the nation’s 250^th birthday in next week’s edition.

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/. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.

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Griffith Statement on Radford’s Colonel John Walter Ripley Awarded Medal of Honor Posthumously

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. President Donald J. Trump posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Colonel John Walter Ripley of Radford, Virginia. Colonel Ripley, who served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, was honored for his courage and bravery as part of a White House presentation ceremony. Numerous members of Colonel Ripley’s family were present for the ceremony, including his son, Thomas H. Ripley.

“The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest award. Only 300 U.S. Marines have worn the Medal, and we are incredibly honored that our father, Colonel John W. Ripley, will be included in those ranks. He was a proud Virginian, and loved the Marine Corps. Today is a chance to remember him, his service to our country and to our Corps. Semper Fidelis.” – Colonel Ripley’s son, Thomas Ripley

Following the ceremony, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who carried the legislation to authorize the Medal of Honor award for Colonel Ripley, issued the following statement:

“Communities in Virginia’s Ninth District, including his hometown of Radford, Virginia, are proud that one of their very own is recognized today at the White House with the country’s highest military honor. Colonel Ripley’s acts of valor during the Vietnam War helped advance U.S. military interests and saved lives. His actions deserve heavy commendation and praise.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith is sponsor of H.R. 7211, a bill to authorize President Trump to award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Ripley.

Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on Colonel Ripley’s story can be found here.

An executive summary of Colonel Ripley’s actions can be found here.

Video coverage from today’s ceremony can be found here.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.12.26

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Constitution outlines three branches of government.

Article I concerns the functions and duties of the Legislative Branch.

The Constitution provides for Congress to lay and collect taxes, raise and support Armies and make laws, among other powers.

Then comes Article II. An Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws.

Taking the mantle of Executive power is the President. The President serves as Commander in Chief of the U.S. military, makes treaties and controls appointments to the Executive.

Article III details the role of a Judicial Branch.

This section establishes a U.S. Supreme Court and a robust legal system. This system reviews potential Constitutional conflicts that arise from legal and government actions.

These three Articles are foundational pillars of our government.

However, over time the lines of government functions have blurred between the Executive and Legislative Branches.

For example, I have worked in Congress to deliver clarity on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

The Constitution reserves for Congress the powers to impose tariffs on imported goods and regulate commerce with foreign countries.

Yet, over several generations, Congress has delegated control of trade policy to the President by allowing the Executive Branch to impose tariffs if certain trade conditions, as defined by Congress, are met.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Congress passed laws to establish a USTR and expand that office’s responsibilities.

As a result, every president since President Kennedy has appointed someone to lead the USTR office.

This discrepancy in U.S. trade policy leadership has created confusion between the Executive and Legislative Branches.

Article I, Section 8 says Congress has the authority “to regulate commerce with the foreign nations…” As someone who believes Congress should exercise its authority granted by the Constitution, this USTR dynamic needs correction.

For multiple Congresses, under presidents of both parties, I have written and introduced a bill that would redesignate the USTR office as a function of the Legislative Branch, not the Executive Branch.

This year, I am also the leader of another bill that designates certain government officers and addresses other constitutional inconsistencies.

My bill, H.R. 6028, the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act, affects the government offices of the Library of Congress, Government Publishing Office (GPO) and U.S. Copyright Office.

Respectively, the three leaders of these offices are the Librarian of Congress, the GPO Director and the Register of Copyrights.

Each of these officers serve as valuable resources to their institutions, Congress and the American people.

However, control over these officials has been an issue of contention.

In the cases of the Librarian and GPO Director, these officers are directly responsive and accountable to the needs of the Legislative Branch. They lead agencies that preserve wide varieties of documents, promote legislative access and support other legislative functions.

Meanwhile, the job that the Register of the Copyrights Office does properly belongs with the Executive Branch.

Despite this fact, the president has had the power to appoint the Librarian as well as the GPO Director.

My bill establishes a new Congressional appointment framework for the Librarian of Congress and GPO Director.

This framework is very similar to the appointment process for the Architect of the Capitol, which is another legislative agency that tends to the affairs of Congress.

Meanwhile, the Register of the Copyright Office is subject to a different process.

Under the current process, the Librarian appoints the Register.

Nonetheless, the Register performs many Executive-like functions, as their Office plays a key role in the administration of copyright registrations.

My bill sets forth a new appointment process for the Register. With the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate, the President will rightfully appoint this official.

I believe that because of the help in drafting the final language from the Trump Administration, Republican Chairman Bryan Steil and Democratic Ranking Member Joe Morelle of the Committee on House Administration, and former Virginia Congressman Bob Goodlatte, this bill is a great example of collaborative legislative action which restores the historic balance between the two Branches.

The House passed the bill without objection in June.

I am hopeful the Senate does the same to deliver the bill to President Trump’s desk.

These may seem like small steps, but they show that Congress is willing to address constitutional inconsistencies and reassert its Article I responsibilities.

That said, I will continue to push legislation that helps the Legislative Branch serve the American people as set forth in the Constitution.

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Griffith Announces More Than $2.8 Million for Helene Relief Road Repair

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded Hurricane Helene-related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$1,369,318 to Smyth County
$745,319 to Washington County
$728,017 Grayson County

These FEMA grants, worth $2,842,654, support repairment projects for local roads, road armoring, base, surfaces, culverts, road embankments, gabion stone, rip rap, shoulders and asphalt.

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

“Hurricane Helene destruction to Southwest Virginia road infrastructure created severe driving hazards, limited access and worsened road conditions for local communities.

“These FEMA grants for more than $2.8 million help local authorities improve road conditions in Grayson, Smyth and Washington Counties.

“I will continue to ensure that our region receives opportunities for federal disaster relief resources.”

BACKGROUND

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.

In April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.

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Griffith Backs Virginia Request for Federal Disaster Assistance to Support Ninth District Farmers

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In wake of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s request to the federal government for expedited disaster assistance for Virginia farmers, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is part of a Virginia Congressional delegation effort to urge U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to approve expedited disaster assistance. In two letters to Secretary Rollins, Griffith writes with Virginia lawmakers to detail the importance of a Secretarial Disaster Designation to help Virginia farmers recover.

Commenting on his request to Secretary Rollins, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Agriculture is a focal point of the economy for Ninth District communities. This spring, farmers in our region faced a mix of frost and freeze events that resulted in devastating crop losses. Local farming businesses are in danger of suffering harmful economic consequences.

“Accordingly, I am helping lead federal engagement that urges Secretary Rollins to provide disaster relief for Virginia farmers.

“As someone who serves rural and agricultural communities, I will continue to advocate for policies that help Virginia farmers, cattlemen and foresters.”

BACKGROUND

Copies of both letters can be found here and here.

In April, Congressman Griffith voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. This bill would help support the agricultural needs of Ninth District farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

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Griffith Bill to Reassert Legislative Branch Powers Passes House of Representatives

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) spoke on the House floor in support of his bill, H.R. 6028 – the Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act. The U.S. House of Representatives then voted favorably for Congressman Griffith’s legislation. The bill will be sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

This bill received support from the Committee on House Administration:

“The Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office are essential to our work in the Legislative Branch. I thank Representative Griffith for his tireless work to get this important Article One bill over the finish line.” – Chairman Bryan Steil, Committee on House Administration

Following passage of his bill, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Accountability, clarity and good governance. That is what my pro-Article I bill delivers to help institutions serve Congress and the American people.

“House passage of my Legislative Branch Agencies Clarification Act is a positive step for Congress and the U.S. Constitution. This bill helps reassert Congress’s Article I responsibilities as well as deliver clarity on the powers exercised by the Legislative and Executive Branches.

“Thanks to the efforts of Chairman Steil, Ranking Member Morelle and the rest of my colleagues on the Committee on House Administration, Congress will be better suited to work closely with the Librarian of Congress and the Director of the Government Publishing Office.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith’s remarks in support of his bill can be found here.

Congressman Griffith’s bill directs the formation of a bipartisan Congressional commission to appoint the Librarian of Congress and Director of the Government Publishing Office. Under current law, such appointments are made by the President of the United States, despite certain agencies being part of the Legislative Branch.

The Register of the Copyright Office will be appointed by the President with the consent of the U.S. Senate. An inspector’s general office possessing ample oversight authority is also established for the Copyright Office.

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Griffith Announces Nearly $1.6 Million in Disaster Relief for Buchanan and Dickenson Counties

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded two disaster related grants to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$1,430,809 to support road restoration projects in Dickenson County
$163,925 to support asphalt roads surface repair and replacement in Buchanan County

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

“In early 2025, winter storms severely impacted transportation infrastructure in Southwest Virginia. This extreme weather event inflicted damage to roads that our communities routinely rely on for access.

“I accordingly worked to urge federal partners to approve Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration and make additional federal resources available for Virginia’s Ninth District.

“These FEMA grants for nearly $1.6 million show federal assistance is on the way to help Dickenson and Buchanan Counties rebuild road infrastructure in Southwest Virginia.”

BACKGROUND

FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.

These grants are related to Virginia’s Major Disaster Declaration that President Trump approved in April 2025. The amended map of localities covered by the Declaration can be found here.

Congressman Griffith worked with U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to secure President Trump’s approval of Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 6.5.26

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rural community representation is important for Virginia and the United States.

Our communities have unique needs and special interests. This applies in agriculture, health care and many other fields.

Virginia’s Ninth District is overwhelmingly rural.

This contrasts with other urban and suburban parts of the Commonwealth, like Northern Virginia.

I usually hear people express their concerns that politicians in Richmond and D.C. promote the interests of Northern Virginia at the expense of the rest of the state, primarily our rural communities.

These concerns simmered during the recent Democratic Party’s redistricting push in Virginia. Richmond Democrats sought to reduce Republican representation in the U.S. House from 5 seats to 1 seat.

To do so, the proposed districts would force many rural communities into districts dominated by Fairfax County.

Northern Virginia’s political power would grow even more!

Fights over representation extend across the Potomac River where Democrats want to make D.C. the 51^st state.

In 2021, I voted against Democrats’ H.R. 1 which endorsed D.C. statehood.

I also voted against Democrats’ H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which granted D.C. statehood under the name “Washington, Douglass Commonwealth.”

I will continue to oppose partisan efforts that create two new seats in the U.S. Senate for the Democratic Party.

However, one proposal in Congress would impact D.C. representation and its influence on the Commonwealth.

The Make DC Square Again Act sets in motion the process for Arlington County and the City of Alexandria to retrocede to Washington, D.C.

Some argue that this move is the constitutional return of two jurisdictions back to is its rightful place.

In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act.

This established a District of Columbia to serve as the capital seat of the national government starting in 1800.

This act had to comply with Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution, which in part stipulates that Congress has the power to:

“exercise exclusive Legislation…over such District (not exceeding ten Miles Square) as may…become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State…”

In order to establish this capital in D.C., Virginia and Maryland each consented to cede land.

The 1789 Virginia General Assembly, which composed of members like Patrick Henry, signed an act that ceded area south of the Potomac River.

As President Washington outlined in his proclamation defining the boundaries of the District of Columbia, the 10-square mile boundary would be the permanent seat for the U.S. government.

These boundary lines remained in place for many years until the 1840s, when slavery was among the matters complicating Congress.

That decade, Congress voted to abandon the 10-square mile arrangement and give the area south of the Potomac to Virginia.

While Virginia accepted the retrocession, I believe legal issues on this matter may remain.

Revival of the D.C. square concept debate today creates conflicts within Democratic circles. National Democrats continue to advocate for D.C. statehood.

I believe renewal of the D.C. square bolsters those who want D.C. statehood.

I think that is wrong and constitutionally questionable because the District of Columbia was set up to be a federal district, not a state, by the framers of the Constitution!

They specifically wanted a seat of government which owed allegiance to no state.

Thus, I think the proper solution is to retrocede the rest of the D.C. square to Maryland, reserving a small federal District of Columbia where the small number of voters would be allowed to vote in Maryland.

I have a bill that will give representation to D.C. residents without accommodating Democrats’ partisan demands to create a 51^st state.

My Washington, D.C. Residents Voting Act retrocedes D.C. proper to Maryland. Every D.C. resident would become a Maryland resident and have Maryland representation.

Accordingly, these residents would access voting members in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

Meanwhile, a new, condensed D.C. would consist of federal properties such as the White House, U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court.

My bill would unlock for Maryland a very similar process that Congress and Virginia exercised in the 1840s.

As a result, the D.C. square would be effectively buried in history.

This may turn the page on D.C. representation, but it will not change my resolve to fairly represent and protect the interests of rural communities in Virginia.

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Speaker Johnson Recognizes Griffith to Honor D-Day Heroes, D-Day Memorial and Lucille Hoback Boggess

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

At the beginning of legislative business on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson recognized U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to address the House floor. For his remarks, Congressman Griffith highlighted the upcoming 82^nd anniversary of D-Day as well as the 25^th anniversary of the National D-Day Memorial, which is located in Bedford, Virginia.

Further, Congressman Griffith honored Lucille Hoback Boggess, who passed away in late 2025.

Video of Congressman Griffith on the House floor can be found here.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

“American soldiers raced into the mouth of the Nazi war machine, storming the beaches of Normandy.

“For the town of Bedford, Virginia, D-Day is always particularly poignant.

“20 boys from Bedford lost their lives on D-Day. Bedford suffered the highest D-Day death toll per capita of any American community.

“We honor and remember our D-Day heroes with the National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford.

“This year, the Memorial celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“However, it will be the first D-Day since the passing of Memorial advocate Lucille Hoback Boggess.

“Ms. Hoback Boggess had two brothers killed on D-Day, and she helped lead efforts to create the Memorial with founder Bob Slaughter.

“We continue to follow in her footsteps, preserving the legacy of her brothers and the many heroes who served in Normandy and, through their heroism, cracked the wall of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.”

BACKGROUND

After the passing of Lucille Hoback Boggess, Congressman Griffith submitted an extension of remarks into the Congressional Record to honor her career and life.

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Griffith Announces More Than $1.8 Million ARC Grant to SWVA Community College

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Southwest Virginia Community College, based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $1,818,822 grant. This funding will support the expansion of career and technical education programs with a focus in advanced manufacturing and trade-based skilled technician training. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“Local industries in Southwest Virginia rely on experienced, trained and skilled individuals.

“This ARC grant for more than $1.8 million helps Southwest Virginia Community College expand education programs for students to access meaningful employment opportunities in the region.”

BACKGROUND

According to ARC, this funding is supported by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative.

These educational programs are anticipated to serve 390 students.

Southwest Virginia Community College will engage and collaborate with regional partners and organizations, including the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board.

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