Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 7.10.26

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

A core pillar of the economy for Virginia’s Ninth District is agriculture.

Whether they raise corn or cattle, cut timber or Christmas trees, agricultural producers all play a vital role in rural America’s success.

Thanks to our agricultural communities, we can deliver fresh produce, supply grocery stores, feed American families, spur small business economic activity, support local communities and so much more.

Given these meaningful contributions, I explore opportunities in Congress to support America’s agricultural sector.

Often that means voting for better federal policy.

In April, I voted for a bill that helps strengthen the farming industry in Virginia’s Ninth District.

H.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act provides funding resources for farmers.

The farm bill helps institutions like Virginia Tech with federal funding through various research grant opportunities.

The farm bill creates a pilot program for badly needed additional custom slaughter establishments. Small meat-processing facilities may be able to sell their meat inside the Commonwealth of Virginia as long as their product has a label that says the product is not inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Further, the farm bill promotes 21^st century technologies to help farmers modernize their operations to make them more efficient.

I believe there are some very positive provisions that will help Virginia farmers. That is why the bill has support from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Virginia Agribusiness Councill and the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, among others.

After Republicans helped pass this critical legislation for rural America, it awaits action in the Senate. I will continue to encourage Congressional action on policies that benefit our American farmers.

Not only do I support Congressional action, but I also work with the Trump Administration to help deliver better outcomes for Virginia’s farmers.

Such was the case this year as the Commonwealth has faced harmful weather events.

In response to frost and freeze events during the spring that impacted many farms, Virginia requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

I helped lead efforts in Virginia’s congressional delegation to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to approve Virginia’s request.

In June, Secretary Rollins granted our request! Many Virginia farmers who suffered crop losses from the spring can now access emergency loan assistance.

Further, severe drought this summer has caused additional challenges.

Governor Spanberger has urged Virginians to conserve water as Virginia faces its driest period since 1941.

Secretary Rollins approved parts of Virginia to be eligible for federal drought relief, with Tazewell County receiving a primary natural disaster area designation. Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth Counties may also request federal drought assistance.

As growing season challenges and record temperatures threaten to destabilize farming operations, I will continue my advocacy at the federal level for farming community access to federal disaster resources.

Our farmers need access to more than just resources. They need access to opportunity.

That is why President Trump continues to work on trade deals that create opportunities for the American farming industry to market its products globally.

Trump’s trade actions have improved American beef producers’ access to markets in Southeast Asia.

All the while, we continue to monitor the situation with South American beef.

Due to the deteriorating relationship with China caused by many factors, trade negotiations have been tougher.

In those negotiations, I have joined lawmakers in writing to President Trump to protect American tobacco.

One complication is likely that the Chinese Communist Party controls the expansive Chinese tobacco industry.

For many years, China was among the U.S. trade partners that annually purchased as much as 80 million pounds of American tobacco.

However, China made clear it would not buy America’s superior quality flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop. This announcement spelled unease and trouble for Virginia’s tobacco producers.

Accordingly, I am supportive of President Trump’s efforts to ensure fair treatment of American farmers and expanded market access for our farming products.

Some have not fared as well with the tariffs, and Congress is working to ameliorate those issues. Affecting our region is the export of timber products.

Whether it is crops, livestock, timber or other items, America’s agricultural sector creates the best quality products in the world. Accordingly, it is only right for them to get a fair shake.

I will continue working in Congress to promote policy outcomes that make farming operations in the U.S. more sustainable, less costly and more successful.

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.

###

Griffith Announces $652,113 in HHS Grants to Virginia Tech

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, three research related grants worth $652,113. The funding breakdown of the grants is as follows:

$385,103 to support research related to biomedical research and research training
$169,983 to support alcohol research
$97,027 to support animal model research for veterinarians

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

“Virginia Tech is a leading visionary across diverse fields of scientific research.

“These HHS grants for more than $652,000 help Virginia Tech’s world-class research team expand investigations into scientific topics.”

BACKGROUND

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

###

Griffith Announces $432,132 HHS Grant to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $432,132 grant. The funding supports research into medicines that enhance brain fluid flow and alleviate neuroinflammation. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Blacksburg campus leads an institution in Virginia’s Ninth District to advance research and improve human health.

“This HHS grant for more than $432,000 helps the College develop research for medicines that help patients with neuroinflammation.”

BACKGROUND

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

###

Griffith Appears on “The Deciders” to Discuss Issues Facing U.S. Rural Communities

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, appeared on the latest edition of “The Deciders.” During his appearance, Congressman Griffith outlined policies and actions needed to protect America’s rural communities.

Click here or below to watch the full episode featuring Congressman Griffith.

Chairman Griffith on helping draft policies to combat the synthetic opioid crisis:

“The one that I think probably had the most impact in the early years was the Drug Prescription Monitoring Program…I was very proud we got that included in the [SUPPORT ACT]. And then my bill, the HALT Fentanyl bill, that I did with Bob Latta. So we scheduled all the analogues, there’s about 4,300 of them, as Schedule I.”

Chairman Griffith on efforts to lower drug costs in the United States:

“You’ve got to have that balance. You want the medical pharmaceutical companies to do the research, to find the new medicine, to find the breakthrough. We want to keep the jobs here in the U.S. instead of sending them to China. At the same time, it’s not fair and President Trump’s been all over this. It’s not fair that other countries in the world use our breakthroughs at a much lower cost. So he’s working hard and I agree with him. They have to pay for some of the research costs too. It should not just be the American consumer.”

Chairman Griffith on the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centers:

“The right answer is to figure out a way that [data centers] pay all of [their] own upgrade costs to the electric system. [They] pay for [their] own substation, or as the case is with a facility that is being built in Wise County, Virginia. They are building a natural gas generator as a part of the data center, and that I think is the right answer.”

“That doesn’t mean there won’t be individuals who are negatively impacted and we have to work to make sure we lessen that impact. But I think there are going to be so many new jobs created from the new technologies…history tells us that every time there is a new technology, there are new jobs that follow. We need to make sure that we are the first to engage these new technologies, but we have to make sure that the people who are the working poor and economically distressed are not left behind. That's our job: is to make sure they are not left behind.”

“We need to embrace [AI]. If we do not embrace it, then the Chinese will lead and they will be the world superpower and we will be relegated to a secondary role.”

###

Griffith Announces More Than $4.4 Million HHS Grant to People Incorporated of Virginia

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded People Incorporated of Virginia, based in Abingdon, Virginia, a $4,446,323 grant. The funding supports head start and early head start projects. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“People Incorporated helps serve communities in Southwest Virginia.

“This grant for more than $4.4 million helps People Incorporated deliver head start and early head start services to local families in our region.”

BACKGROUND

According to its website, People Incorporated of Virginia offers early head start services to Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Washington Counties as well as the City of Bristol.

People Incorporated lists four head start centers based in Southwest Virginia.

In 2024, Congressman Griffith entered formal remarks in the Congressional Record to celebrate the organization’s 60^thanniversary.

###

ICYMI: Chairman Griffith Tours Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, visited Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Virginia. In conversations with Clinch Valley Health President & CEO Peter Mulkey as well as hospital officials and staff, Chairman Griffith received updates on the hospital, services to local patients and rural health care.

“As Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, I collect perspectives from medical professionals on rural health care access. My tour of the Clinch Valley Medical Center helped me gather such input from dedicated rural health care providers that serve our region. I remain committed in Congress to strengthen rural health care relationships for the benefit of patients in Southwest Virginia.” – U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith, Virginia’s Ninth District

“It was great to have Congressman Griffith here in the community. We continued dialogue around issues with rural health care and how we can work together to improve the outlook for the best health care possible for the communities we all serve in rural America.” – Peter Muley, Clinch Valley Health President & CEO

NOTE: Press release and photos from visit also available on Congressman Griffith’s website here.

###

Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 7.3.26

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Republican Congress continues to use the reconciliation process to produce conservative wins for the American people.

Not only were the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) done in a reconciliation bill, but earlier this June, Congress passed another reconciliation bill to fully fund federal immigration enforcement agencies through the rest of President Trump’s term.

This had to happen after “open borders” Democrats refused to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Because of their obstruction, the DHS shutdown was the longest agency shutdown in U.S. history.

With Republicans’ passage of this immigration enforcement reconciliation package, we blocked Democrats from defunding the federal agencies responsible for removing criminal illegal aliens.

I will continue to support policies that protect American communities from Biden-Harris “open borders” policies.

A potential reconciliation package is also being discussed to help with things ranging from defense funding to voter ID policies. As of right now, a final draft of a potential reconciliation bill has yet to be produced.

Delivering conservative wins through the reconciliation process is evident from the Working Families Tax Cuts that President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025.

I was proud to back this transformative package, which prevented tax hikes on working families and delivered other meaningful tax relief reforms.

Data is now available on how these reforms are helping Americans.

According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, 97% of tax filers accessed these tax cut benefits. The Ways and Means Committee in Congress notes that IRS data shows Americans received an average refund of nearly $3,300, marking a greater than 11% increase in average individual refunds year over year.

By passing this legislation, the Ways and Means committee notes that we stopped a tax increase of 22% for the average taxpayer.

Additionally, tax filers took advantage of new opportunities.

More than 7 million Americans claimed a deduction for tips. This follows on President Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” promise.

But Republican lawmakers did not stop there.

We also created a deduction for those who work hourly overtime. This tax season, nearly 30 million filers claimed this deduction.

Further, an enhanced senior bonus deduction allowed seniors on social security to keep more of their money. The $6,000 bonus is in place for single filers and $12,000 for joint filers.

While we strengthen economic prospects for working families through this tax relief, Republicans also advance businesses with a focus on ‘Made in America.’

Johnson & Johnson, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, is one company expanding domestic operations in the United States.

The company’s CEO, Mr. Joaquin Duato, credited Republicans’ legislation for his company moving forward with the $55 billion expansion.

The reconciliation bill also delivers vital health care funding to rural communities through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Virginia is the recipient of more than $189 million thanks to the Rural Health Transformation Program.

This pot of money helps rural hospital providers in Virginia’s Ninth District. That includes Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, to which Virginia awarded its first Program grant.

This award will help the College expand health care workforce training opportunities. As medical deserts threaten health care access, grants like these can help close the provider gap, develop a pipeline of rural health care workers and better serve rural patients.

As more Rural Health Transformation Program awards flow to our region, I will continue to advocate for tax policies that help our region.

Such policies include the New Markets Tax Credit, which we permanently extended in the Working Families Tax Cuts.

This tax credit has been credited for the construction of a new medical office building in Tazewell County!

This facility is creating new options for health care, which in turn is helping Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital.

Further, I believe that the reconciliation package’s boosted tax incentives for Opportunity Zones in rural areas can unlock more potential health care opportunity. A tax structure that promotes investments in rural communities can produce dividends!

These ideas show that the tax policies we advanced in the Working Families Tax Cuts support our economic prospects.

Further, I will continue to consider reconciliation ideas that produce prosperity, opportunity and freedom for the American people.

If you have ideas, please feel free to contact our office.

###

Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for July

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

July 8, 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

July 9, 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

July 14, 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

July 15, 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

July 16, 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

July 21, 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

July 22, 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

July 23, 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

July 28, 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

###

Griffith Statement on USDA Disaster Action for Ninth District Drought Relief

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is designating Tazewell County as a primary natural disaster area due to recent drought. As part of the designation, the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth are set to receive access to drought assistance as well.

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

“This USDA action is necessary to support farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. Spring frost and freeze events followed by severe drought continue to impact Virginia’s agricultural health.

“This disaster designation sets in motion opportunities for eligible groups to request emergency loan assistance.

“My office is ready to help facilitate access to federal assistance. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for our farming communities as they navigate through growing season challenges and record temperatures.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure a separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declaration for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request.

###

Chairman Recap: Griffith Supports Policies to Protect Americans, Patients and Rural Communities

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, continues to work on health care policies that support scores of patients across the United States. Through May and June, he accomplished these goals.

Chairman Griffith is a proponent of House Republicans’ push to keep American communities safe and deliver more affordable health care options. Chairman Griffith advanced potential solutions to crack down on illicit drug threats posed to American communities. As the chief House sponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act, Chairman Griffith will continue to advocate for policies that combat illicit drug threats, secure our communities and provide meaningful resources. Further, through his Health Subcommittee’s Affordability Series, recent hearings highlighted legislation that will strengthen transparency, clarify the health care landscape and provide patients with a greater understanding of costs. Such reforms are critical to help lower health care costs for Americans.

One of the rare disease bills that Chairman Griffith is helping advance is the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026. This legislation continues to receive support as Major League Baseball recently recognized Lou Gehrig Day and the United States observed ALS Awareness Month. Grey’s Anatomy TV series star Eric Dane, who passed away this year from a battle with ALS, was featured in a recent documentary that followed Dane’s advocacy journey. A clip of Dane’s meeting with Chairman Griffith is included in the documentary. Chairman Griffith will continue to fight to reauthorize key funding avenues for research and treatments into ALS, Huntington’s disease and other rare diseases.

Additionally, the Rural Health Transformation Program is beginning to deliver funds to Virginia communities. Created by the landmark Working Families Tax Cuts, the first grant in Virginia issued under the federal Program went to the Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, Virginia. This funding will expand healthcare workforce training opportunities for an underserved region, one of many goals of the program. Chairman Griffith will continue to highlight these Program funds as they support rural communities in Virginia.

###