Griffith, Morgan RSS Articles

Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 9.4.26

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Technological innovation in warfare fuels American strength.

The American Civil War introduced numerous innovations in warfare, including tethered gas balloons for aerial reconnaissance as well as ironclad gunboats.

Throughout the history of our country, perhaps no weapon was more impactful than the atom bomb. The bomb helped the United States force Japan’s surrender and end World War II.

Later, during the Cold War, the United States deployed the world’s first-of-its-kind fleet of nuclear-powered ships, including submarines. This advantage cemented the status of American naval power in the world.

The evolution of modern military technologies continues to reverberate in the 21^st century.

A central component of this evolution is the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones.

The drone universe is incredibly diverse and the settings for their uses continue to grow.

The range of these technologies extends from niche surveillance tools to critical features of modern military power. They support counterterrorism missions, maritime security, and rapid-response scenarios.

Further, many cheap, commercially adapted drones now perform reconnaissance, artillery spotting, electronic warfare and kamikaze strikes.

Meanwhile, advanced militaries deploy stealthy combat drones, swarming systems capable of overwhelming defenses, and counter‑drone technologies such as directed‑energy weapons and electronic jamming.

Collectively, these advancements have reshaped battlefield dynamics. Persistent surveillance, precision strikes, and smaller actors who historically lacked access to advanced airpower represent the dramatic rise in drone activity for combat.

Modern conflicts and military strategies now reflect the reliance on drone technologies.

Exhibit A? The Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The power of drones was on display during the early weeks of the conflict when Ukrainian drones substantially halted a Russian convoy of Russia’s best tanks.

Further, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that Russia fired nearly 1,500 drones at Ukraine during a recent four-day period in August.

Russian drone incursions into Eastern Europe are unsettling our European allies. Germany recently accused Russia of trying to launch a drone attack on a German airport.

Meanwhile, Iran’s drone program, propped up by Russian interests, continues to target American military assets and threaten stability in the Middle East.

Further, Iran helped supply the Maduro regime in Venezuela with UAV capabilities that put American shores within striking distance.

This growing industry shows that numerous militaries, namely America’s adversaries, view drones as a vital technology for success.

Accordingly, the Trump Administration and Republican Congress are working to support American military adjustments to this new reality.

President Trump’s “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” Executive Order calls for measures that support American leadership in the drone space.

This summer, President Trump introduced a drone tariff program. This program is meant to reduce our reliance on foreign countries for drone components and parts, bolster American drone production and protect U.S. national security.

Further, in the 2025 reconciliation package, I voted for the Working Families Tax Cuts which invested $1.4 billion to expand the American unmanned aerial system (UAS) industrial base!

Hundreds of millions in additional federal funds from the bill will support the development, procurement and integration of UAS technologies.

The federal demands to increase our understanding and development of drone technologies has the attention of leading institutions, including Virginia Tech.

In late August, I attended a ribbon-cutting for the new Virginia Tech Counter-UAS Testing & Research Center.

This Center is one of only nine UAS test sites designated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Other speakers at the program included President Tim Sands, Dr. Eric Paterson of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute, Senator Mark Warner and Mr. Tombo Jones of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership.

Jones noted the sophisticated technologies that strengthen the stealth of drones. Thanks to advances, these UAVs can fly undetected by radio frequency detection systems and at extremely high speeds.

This shows the urgent need to develop counter-UAS technologies.

Further, the event featured a live swarm demonstration, a drone library and a radar system platform.

The Center will operate an indoor lab and an outdoor range as part of its initiatives.

With the Center up and running, we are excited that Virginia Tech will provide key insights into counter-UAS technologies, help U.S. national security and project American strength.

The projection of American strength requires an integration of next generation systems.

As military weapons and technologies transform, it is vital that America not only keep pace, but stay ahead.

We recognize that letting our adversaries have the upper hand in advanced weaponry threatens American interests and freedom around the world.

I will continue to support policies that strengthen American military readiness, facilitate American technological progress and accelerate American drone power.

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/.

###

Griffith Announces $249,000 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Fri, 04 Sep 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 $249,000. The funding supports research into families that serve as caregivers for patients with dementia.

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

“Dementia not only impacts patients, but family caregivers as well.

“This HHS grant for $249,000 helps Virginia Tech advance research into care for those who struggle with and treat dementia.”

BACKGROUND

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

This project will be administered by faculty of the Human Development and Family Science department at Virginia Tech.

###

Griffith Announces $750,993 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Thu, 03 Sep 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 $750,993. The funding supports research of pulse-echo speed-of-sound imaging technologies.

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

“Technological innovation studies at Virginia Tech project American strength in health care and science.

“This HHS grant for more than $750,000 helps Virginia Tech assess pulse-echo technologies for the benefit of health care providers and patients.”

BACKGROUND

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

This project will be administered by faculty of the Biomedical Engineering department at Virginia Tech.

###

Griffith Announces $588,671 HHS Grant to Virginia Tech

Thu, 03 Sep 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 $588,671. The funding supports research of a mosquito that carries yellow fever (Aedes aeqypti).

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

“Many countries in the Western Hemisphere are at risk of yellow fever outbreaks, according to the World Mosquito Program.

“This HHS grant for more than $588,000 helps Virginia Tech study the mosquito that carries this harmful disease.”

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the National Institutes of Health and its division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

This project will be administered by faculty of the Entomology department at Virginia Tech.

###

Griffith Statement on Action to Protect Ninth District Cattle Farmers and Ranchers

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

As a response to renewed federal attention on issues that impact American beef, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is helping lead a Congressional letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump. In the letter, lawmakers express their concerns about recent federal actions, highlight policy recommendations and reaffirm Republicans’ support for working with the Trump Administration to help America’s cattle producers.

Commenting on the letter, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:

“Ranchers and farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District who work to feed their families and communities must put in long hours, compete in a volatile marketplace and battle with weather-related challenges.

“As a result, these dedicated agricultural and livestock leaders need voices in Congress to protect their interests. Accordingly, I am proud to outline my support in this letter for finding ways to support cattle producers in the Ninth District, which is the biggest cattle-producing Congressional district east of the Mississippi River.

“I believe good action can come from working together with our cattle producers and federal partners. Now is a time to bring together all sides, coordinate on policy options and outline an agenda that continues to deliver safe, affordable and high-quality beef.”

BACKGROUND

A draft copy of the letter can be found here.

###

Griffith, Guthrie, Veasey Praise E&C Committee Action on Nuclear Licensing Reform Bill

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, celebrated action taken by the Committee on their bill H.R. 5549, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act. The Committee favorably reported the bill for full House consideration. This measure seeks to reform federal nuclear licensing processes and improve the overall effectiveness of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

“Reforms to the costly and cumbersome nuclear licensing process are long overdue,” said Congressman Griffith. “Sending the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act to the House floor reflects growing bipartisan momentum to support nuclear energy plants as a reliable, stable and safe source of power generation. I am proud to lead the charge to repeal this duplicative 1950s requirement.”

“Safe and reliable access to nuclear energy is vital to meeting electricity demand while lowering prices for hardworking families,” said Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie. “The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act works to achieve both goals by cutting through unnecessary red tape and helping to bring new nuclear reactors online. Under current law, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is forced to hold a hearing on a license application even when there are no objections. This bipartisan legislation ends that mandatory requirement while continuing to ensure the licensing process works for our communities. Thank you to Congressman Griffith for his work to help make electricity more affordable.”

“I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisles in supporting this bipartisan legislation to cut unnecessary red tape and bring nuclear power to the grid more efficiently and affordably,” said Congressman Veasey. “Nuclear power is one of the keys to meeting rising energy demand without more carbon emissions, and the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act sets us in the right direction. This commonsense measure cuts delays in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing of new nuclear power plants, without sacrificing safety or public input. It will save taxpayers millions of dollars, speed up approval, and help bring down energy bills for families across the country.”

BACKGROUND

In the 118^th Congress, Congressman Griffith introduced H.R. 6464, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act

The bill amends the Atomic Energy Act by dropping the requirement for the NRC to hold a public hearing at the end of the licensing process if the license is not contested by an affected party.

Uncontested licensing hearings result in hours of preparation for the NRC staff, greatly inflate the application fees for the NRC staff’s preparation time and unnecessarily delay the approval of applications.

Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chris Coons (D-DE) carry the Senate companion, S. 1757.

###

Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for September

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

September 8, 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

September 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

September 10, 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

September 15, 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

September 16, 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

September 17, 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

September 22, 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

September 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

September 24, 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

** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.

###

Griffith Statement on House Passage of Hemp Ban Delay in Government Funding Bill

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 – the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. The legislation averts a September 30 government shutdown, funds the government through December 11 and allows negotiations to continue over fiscal year 2027 spending.

Further, a provision in the government funding bill delays an impending ban on intoxicating hemp products. The ban, originally scheduled to take effect on November 12, now is set to begin on December 11.

This gives lawmakers additional time to consider a federal regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp-derived products, as proposed by U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) with his H.R. 7212, the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection (HEMP) Act. This first-of-its-kind policy establishes a regulatory structure for existing cannabidiol (CBD) products intended for human use.

Following passage of the government funding bill with the hemp provision, Congressman Griffith, who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

“American producers and consumers deserve nothing less than a system that upholds oversight, responsibility and safety. My bill, the HEMP Act, helps do this by getting the ball rolling on the establishment of necessary federal guardrails.

“I believe that should my bill receive collective buy-in from the White House, lawmakers and stakeholders, the HEMP Act can become law.”

BACKGROUND

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith introduced the HEMP Act.

###

Griffith Announces More Than $7.1 Million for SWVA Helene Relief

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

$2,327,923.84 to Giles County for Glen Lyn Park restoration

$4,648,300.08 to the Pepper's Ferry Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority in Pulaski County for pump station repairs
$129,897 to Montgomery County for debris removal operations

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

“Federal disaster relief resources continue to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“As the Congressman for Southwest Virginia, I pushed for action at the federal level to approve Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.

“These FEMA grants for more than $7.1 million help local authorities repair damages and clear leftover debris resulting from Hurricane Helene.”

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.

In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.

In July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.

In July 2026, Congressman Griffith celebrated more than $7.3 million in federal funding for Helene relief projects in Southwest Virginia.

Additionally, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.2 million in Helene relief for recovery projects in Tazewell County.

###

Griffith Announces Nearly $400,000 for Buchanan County Disaster Relief

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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

$389,310 to support wide debris removal operations in Buchanan County

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

“Virginia’s Ninth District uses federal assistance to help communities recover from natural disasters damages, such as the damaging winter storms from early 2025.

“As the Congressman for Southwest Virginia, I pushed for action at the federal level to approve Governor Youngkin’s Major Disaster Declaration.

“This FEMA grant for nearly $400,000 helps Buchanan County access federal disaster relief.”

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.

In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced $1.6 million in disaster relief for Buchanan and Dickenson Counties.

###