Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Griffith, Matsui Introduce Bill to Protect American Public with Safe Flammability Standards

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and Doris Matsui (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, introduced the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026. This measure requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a study that identifies potential safety risks and hazardous chemicals used as flame retardants in the interior of motor vehicles. The study will help update federal motor vehicle safety standards and require alternative standards to be evaluated.

“I am proud to continue leading with Congresswoman Matsui to ensure updated federal standards adequately protect American consumers’ health,” said Congressman Griffith. “In this latest effort, our Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026 will deliver a robust and thorough review of current motor vehicle flammability standards and evaluate potential alternatives. Because millions of Americans expect safe vehicles, it is only right for Congress to begin re-evaluating potential toxic chemical harms from motor vehicles.”

“Federal safety standards should protect people, not expose them to unnecessary harm,” saidCongresswoman Matsui. “I’ve fought to remove toxic, ineffective flame retardants from household furniture, but many of those same chemicals are still being used in car seats and other materials inside vehicles because of a decades old fire safety standard. Our bill directs NHTSA to study whether this rule is still effective at preventing deadly fires and what health risks these chemicals may pose, so we can make sure our safety standards are protecting people both from fire and from dangerous chemical exposure.”

“I am proud to support the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Act of 2026, introduced by Representatives Matsui and Griffith. This bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety by directing a comprehensive review of current vehicle flammability standards to ensure they reflect modern materials, technologies, and real-world risks,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee. “As vehicles evolve, our safety standards must keep pace. This study will help identify potential gaps and ensure we are taking every step possible to protect drivers, passengers and first responders – helping save lives and prevent tragedy before it occurs.”

“We often assume that if a car is on the market, it must be safe. But decades-old fire safety standards have led to the use of toxic chemicals in vehicles,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians deserve better, and this legislation would ensure that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fully evaluates and addresses these hazards. It is time to update these outdated rules and put the safety and health of all Americans first.”

Numerous organizations expressed support for the Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026:

“Everyone who rides in a car is needlessly exposed to cancer-causing, neurotoxic flame retardant chemicals because of a federal vehicle standard implemented in 1972 without research showing it provided a fire safety benefit. The Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act is an important first step towards updating that outdated standard so our cars can be both healthier and fire-safe.” –Arlene Blum, Executive Director, Green Science Policy Institute

“When consumers get into a car, they should be able to trust that the fire safety standards meant to protect them aren’t also putting them at risk through exposure to harmful chemicals. The current federal standard has been on the books for more than 50 years, largely unchanged, even as technology and scientific knowledge has advanced rapidly. Tens of thousands of consumers and a broad coalition of organizations are calling for action, and this bipartisan bill from Reps. Griffith and Matsui would be a vital first step.” – Cooper Lohr, Senior Policy Analyst, Consumer Reports

“Fire fighters and the public deserve evidence-based vehicle safety standards. The science indicates that the use of flame retardants in cars creates unnecessary health risks. On behalf of our 365,000 members, I commend Reps. Griffith and Matsui for leading the effort to create vehicle safety standards that actually make cars safer. Congress should pass this legislation and bring us closer to a future free from toxic chemicals.” – Edward A. Kelly, General President, International Association of Fire Fighters

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 4.17.26

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congress continues to push for solutions that secure American federal elections.

The main House Committee charged with these solutions is the House Committee on Administration, on which I serve.

The Committee has worked hard to draft commonsense policies, investigate federal election campaign issues and lead hearings on various elections matters.

Such commonsense policies include requiring presentation of voter ID in order to cast a ballot in a federal election.

A broad swath of Americans from all political backgrounds and persuasions support voter ID.

Recently, CNN reported on a Pew Research Center survey which found that 71% of Democratic voters support voter ID. In March, Senator Mark Warner took to the Senate floor to express support for voter ID.

And yet, Warner joined Democrats in the Senate to block passage of the SAVE America Act, which would have required voter ID!

One cannot forget either that when Democrats last had the majority in the House, they passed a bill to ban voter ID! Fortunately, the Senate did not pass the measure.

I will continue to advocate for commonsense voter ID policies supported by the American people. This is important because these policies help secure American elections, institute protections from fraudulent activity and restore trust in our political participation process.

American federal elections are for American citizens only, which is why Congress continues to crack down on the fraudulent influence of foreign money in American federal elections.

It is against federal law for U.S. candidates for office to accept contributions from foreign nationals, whether directly or indirectly.

However, a major fundraising platform is under investigation for potentially allowing this activity to fester.

Our committee is actively investigating ActBlue, a campaign fundraising platform that solicits and collects contributions for a multitude of Democratic Party candidates and campaigns.

ActBlue is considered the preeminent political online fundraising platform, as it has processed roughly $20 billion in campaign donations for Democratic candidates since it was created.

For the last few years, under the leadership of Chairman Bryan Steil, the House Administration Committee has raised concerns about ActBlue’s failure to safeguard its system from foreign entity activity.

ActBlue has not exactly been entirely forthcoming. ActBlue previously assured the Committee that its institution of anti-fraud measures rooted out fraudulent foreign donations.

However, a recent New York Times article exposed ActBlue for knowingly failing to prevent donations from foreign nationals and potentially misleading Congress!

This new reporting shows that the Committee’s investigation is on to something, and more is to come.

Our Committee previously discovered that ActBlue did not require CVV, or “Card Verification Value”, when processing donations. Requiring CVV is a standard process that is generally required for any kind of online purchase.

Not requiring CVV is problematic, particularly because prepaid gift cards can be used to make donations.

If there is not verification of CVV, how do we know if the card being used belongs to an eligible American citizen?

As a result of our investigation, ActBlue says it now requires CVV. While more transparency is needed, we will continue to promote sufficient fraud prevention measures that protect U.S. elections from foreign money meddling.

Another key tenet of anti-fraud measures in U.S. elections is clean voter rolls to ensure eligible American citizens vote.

Recently, the Administration Committee held a hearing on the importance of voter list maintenance and eligibility verification.

We welcomed two secretaries of state, one representing a Republican-led State (Kansas) and one representing a Democratic-led State (Minnesota).

In the run-up to the hearing, news broke of a non-citizen in Minnesota charged with illegally voting in the 2024 election.

Minnesota is one of many U.S. States with seemingly lax voter registration rules.

For instance, Minnesota law allows any registered voter to vouch for the residency of as many as eight people to help them register to vote!

Besides scrutinizing this policy, I called for renewed attention on issues with mail-in voting.

Mail-in ballots in Virginia require signature verification, but there are situations where signature verification does not prevent abuse of the process.

Consider that the caregiver of a mentally impaired voter may decide to cast a ballot on their behalf. The caregiver might be able to produce a signature that is indistinguishable from the voter’s signature!

Mail-in voting relies on the U.S. Postal Service. I remember a campaign in the past where my opponent’s literature did not arrive until several days after the election was over.

Mail-in voting needs to be reexamined.

As your representative in Congress, I will continue protecting the federal election process.

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 Statement on Tax Day in Virginia’s Ninth District

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Individual income tax returns are due to the federal government today, on what is known as “Tax Day.” Taxpayers in Virginia’s Ninth District could take advantage of new tax benefits thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts reconciliation bill that became law in July 2025. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for this tax cuts package, issued the following statement:

“Virginia’s Ninth District is home to scores of communities working to make ends meet. I believe in making life more affordable for people in Southwest, Southside and Central Virginia, which is why I voted for the Working Families Tax Cuts to help working Virginians keep more of their hard-earned money.

“Republicans in Congress helped make the standard deduction for individuals nearly $16,000! Other wins include no taxes on tips, no taxes on hourly overtime and a bonus $6,000 deduction for seniors.

“I will continue supporting policies that allow Ninth District communities to access pro-growth, pro-American worker tax relief.”

BACKGROUND

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith detailed the reconciliation bill tax provisions in a weekly e-newsletter. You can read it here.

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Griffith Announces $630,563 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $630,563 grant. The funding supports cancer research into osteosarcoma. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“One of the aggressive cancers that affects young Americans is osteosarcoma, which starts in the cells that form bones and is most often found in the bones of legs and arms.

“This HHS grant for more than $630,000 helps Virginia Tech continue in the fight to discover cures for cancer.”

BACKGROUND

This funding is supported by a Research Project Award. According to the National Institutes of Health, Research Project grants support discrete, specified, circumscribed biomedical research and development universities, medical and other health professional schools.

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Cancer Institute.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Griffith Announces $779,421 ‘Secure Rural Schools’ Funds to Support Ninth District Communities

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Forest Service announced it will issue $248 million to U.S. communities through the “Secure Rural Schools” program. “Secure Rural Schools” program funds are essentially meant to supplement Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT). Numerous communities in Virginia’s Ninth District will receive funds. These program funds include:

$18,027 to Bedford County
$97,986 to Bland County
$8,805 to Carroll County
$134,085 to Craig County
$12,862 to Dickenson County
$67,577 to Giles County
$57,945 to Grayson County
$19,224 to Lee County
$23,157 to Montgomery County
$21,134 to Pulaski County
$3,489 to Roanoke County
$53,560 to Scott County
$93,298 to Smyth County
$12,197 to Tazewell County
$24,200 to Washington County
$55,200 to Wise County
$76,675 to Wythe County

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

“As someone who voted to reauthorize the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program, I am glad to see these funds flow to Ninth District communities.

“It is not right for rural communities to miss out on property tax revenue from public lands that could be used for local schools and roads. I am glad that the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program provides some relief to localities that contain tracts of federally owned national forests.”

BACKGROUND

In December 2025, Congressman Griffith voted in favor of S. 356 – the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. Later that month, President Trump signed this bill into law.

Starting in 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self Determination Act to help stabilize funds available to rural counties.

The SRS program helps rural counties that possess tracts of federally owned forest land that are tax-exempt. SRS projects reward localities as a result of various Forest Service activities on these lands, like grazing and timber, that produce revenue.

Funding for the SRS program lapsed in September of 2023. The last authorized SRS payments distributed to counties took place in early 2024.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 4.10.26

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The reversal of Biden-Harris open border policies after January 20, 2025, helps protect American lives.

Coming into office, Trump had to confront the impacts of Biden-Harris open border policies on many levels.

One of these was on the trafficking of synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl. Because of the explosion in fentanyl trafficking, the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45 is fentanyl overdose.

Accordingly, Trump signed my HALT Fentanyl Act into law, permanently designating lethal fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I narcotics.

This bill helps law enforcement fight the fentanyl epidemic.

In May 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the largest fentanyl bust in the agency’s history.

The record-setting DEA operation seized more than 400 kilograms of fentanyl.

Trump’s crackdown on the fentanyl crisis will continue to protect American lives.

Another Trump life-protecting policy involves making American roads safe again.

In parts of the country, illegal aliens are obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). In many cases, these aliens do not understand basic driving rules and cannot read road signs because they can’t read English.

In California, CDL tests are offered in 20 languages!

This poses immense danger to the millions of Americans who drive.

In February 2026, an illegal alien semi-truck driver swerved into oncoming traffic and struck a van in a head-on collision.

This reckless action killed four innocent lives.

The illegal alien faces four counts of reckless homicide and three counts of criminal recklessness. He came to the U.S. under the Biden-Harris parole program, CBP One. The program allowed illegal aliens to use the CBP One app on their mobile device to submit an application for parole and stay in the United States.

In April 2025, Trump cancelled this program. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is requiring all truckers and bus drivers to take CDL tests in English.

The above measures reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting American lives from disastrous Biden-Harris open border policies.

While important strides have been made to this point, progress has partially stalled due to the sanctuary policies of progressive communities and States.

In cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, local progressive officials continue to call for the active obstruction of federal efforts to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens.

As a result, dangerous threats and attacks are mounting on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Unfortunately, Virginia is not immune from these sanctuary policies.

In Arlington County, local officials advise residents to call 911 if they see ICE operations.

In Fairfax County, its “Trust Policy” restricts local information sharing with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Governor Spanberger is piggybacking off these harmful policies to provide refuge to criminal illegal aliens.

After Spanberger assumed office, she issued an Executive Directive that terminated a successful Governor Youngkin policy.

Youngkin used 287(g) agreements to improve cooperation between local and state law enforcement in working with federal immigration authorities.

This increased cooperation helped efforts to remove criminal illegal aliens from Virginia communities.

In the first seven months of 2025, more illegal immigrants were arrested than the total amount from 2024.

This arrest tally included 130 gang members!

However, Spanberger’s recent actions made it more difficult to protect Virginia communities.

Spanberger signed a Directive to terminate 287(g) agreements between Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Due to Spanberger’s actions, federal efforts to arrest criminal illegal aliens in Virginia have been hampered, thereby making the Commonwealth a more dangerous place.

And Virginia communities are paying the price. Recently, an illegal alien with an extensive criminal history murdered a Virginia mother by stabbing her in the neck.

Recently, two other illegal aliens were charged with murder.

These murders took place in the sanctuary jurisdiction of Fairfax County.

Many sheriffs in the Ninth District of Virginia continue to use 287(g) agreements. Recently, Franklin County arrested an illegal alien charged with sex crimes. Using their 287(g) agreement, they are working with ICE to determine the appropriate next steps to be taken.

I believe in restoring law and order in Virginia communities and removing violent criminal illegal aliens. That is why I helped lead a Virginia Republican delegation letter pushing back on Spanberger’s actions.

I am also an original co-sponsor of H.R. 8077, a bill that encourages states and localities to adopt 287(g) agreements as a condition of federal funding eligibility.

Sanctuary policies endanger Virginia communities. I will continue to stand against these harmful policies and support actions that remove violent, criminal illegal aliens so that Virginia can be a safer place to live.

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Griffith Announces $617,181 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a grant for $617,181. The funding supports research into heart arrhythmia mechanisms. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The heart is a major organ that supports the cardiovascular system.

“This HHS grant for more than $617,000 helps Virginia Tech delve deeper into cardiovascular research.”

BACKGROUND

The HHS office responsible for this grant is the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Griffith Statement on U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

According to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, the United States of America has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two sides will work out a 10-point proposal and allow for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

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

“President Trump is to be commended for reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran. Thanks to the great efforts of U.S. armed forces, Iran has been crippled and has been forced to the negotiating table.

“I support negotiations that lead to Iran never having nuclear capabilities.

“Also, I am praying for the Americans who gave their lives for their country and for their families. Their service is to be commended.”

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Griffith Announces HHS Grants Worth $1.656 Million to Virginia Tech

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, multiple grants. Details of funded projects include $377,650 to clinical research of neurological disorders. Additionally, $764,572 will support mental health research of depression. Also, $513,812 will go to pancreatic cancer treatment research.

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

“Many Americans are counting on the efforts of institutions like Virginia Tech to help advance research and potential treatments.

“These HHS grants for more than $1.6 million help Virginia Tech provide more support of important research initiatives.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

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Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 4.2.26

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In 2026 during the recently concluded Virginia General Assembly session, Democrats sent to the Governor 26 anti-gun bills to curb our Second Amendment rights.

Court challenges are likely to follow.

One bill I find perplexing is HB 110, requiring lawful gun owners to store their handguns in a special storage container which is attached to their car or boat if the vehicle is unattended and out of the owner’s view.

The bill does not make an exemption for concealed weapon permit holders or anyone who has been threatened and has a current court order granting them a protective order against a threatening individual.

I think of the person, likely a young woman, who is coming out of a situation where they were physically battered.

Now, when crossing the parking lot after having been in a building that bans guns, will she be able to get to her weapon in time to protect herself?

This is just one of the anti-gun bills that raises concerns.

As of this writing, Governor Spanberger is reviewing the passed legislation sent to her desk before she can sign it into law.

These anti-gun measures promoted by Virginia Democrats are contrary to the U.S. Constitution, the traditions of Virginia and the actions that I took when I served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

As a former member of Virginia’s Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee, I proudly defended Second Amendment rights and defeated anti-gun bills in Richmond.

That is why at one point in time, Virginia Democrats and gun control advocates dubbed the Committee the “killing fields” of anti-gun bills.

I was proud to help make it so.

Currently in Congress, I am proud to be a supporter and co-sponsor of numerous pro-gun bills that strengthen our gun rights, uphold constitutional values and restrict anti-gun actions potentially taken by Democrat-controlled states.

I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 645, the National Constitutional Carry Act. The main sponsor of the bill is Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and his bill is supported by numerous pro-Second Amendment advocates in Congress.

This bill allows lawful U.S. gun owners to carry a firearm in any U.S. community, superseding local or State law.

While Governor Spanberger may sign the state legislature’s gun control measures into law, she would not be the first Democrat official in the country to do so.

Multiple progressive States, such as California, Massachusetts and New York, have some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.

These laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners who responsibly exercise their rights. I believe such misguided policies fail to make our communities safer. That is why I am co-sponsor of the National Constitutional Carry Act.

Further, as someone who supports our Second Amendment rights, I oppose a national gun registry. A federal government that has such a registry raises concerns about what a government could do with said information in the future.

Accordingly, I am a co-sponsor of Congressman Michael Cloud’s H.R. 563, the No Retaining Every Gun in a System That Restricts Your Rights Act.

Currently, federal firearms licensees that go out of business are required to hand over their firearm transaction records to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This gives the ATF all kinds of access to information that breaches the privacy of many lawful gun owners and tracks their firearm transaction history, creating a de facto partial gun registry.

As a result, I am a proud co-sponsor of this important pro-gun owner privacy legislation.

Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of Congressman Paul Gosar’s GRIP Act, which prohibits U.S. States and localities from using federal funds to maintain gun registry lists.

While these pieces of legislation are pending, I will continue to voice my concerns to the ATF on this issue.

Other bills that I support include Congressman Richard Hudson’s H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.

This bill, supported by groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) Institute for Legislative Action and the Gun Owners of America, supports concealed carry license holders who try to carry in other states.

I previously supported an identical version of this bill in 2017, and I look forward to supporting it again.

Having spent decades on the frontlines fighting to protect your gun rights, I will continue to do so.

That includes pushing back against major architects of anti-gun bills coming out or Richmond and Washington.

While they push their anti-gun fervor in Virginia and DC, as your federal representative I will keep up our fight for freedom against anti-gun radicals.

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