Morgan Griffith

https://t.co/IqAMbwndQl

Auburn High School claims the Class 1 Virginia title in golf! Congratulations on a stellar team finish!

Graham High School’s golf program repeats as champs after winning the Class 2 state championship! This is a remarkable accomplishment!

CONGRESSMAN GRIFFITH’S WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 10.9.26 TOPIC: Keeping Our Feet on the Ground and Reaching for the Moon https://t.co/r2WRPwV2an

We recognize October 10, 1774, to honor our amazing history. Colonel Andrew Lewis led brave Western Virginians at the Battle of Point Pleasant. Their actions opened the frontier, settlers moved west, forcing the British to cede territory to the U.S east of the Mississippi. https://t.co/S4xKYXDBiy

American leadership in space represents a new frontier for technological progress. Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, recently undertook an orbital mission with the launch of its Starship rocket. Not to be confused with the Enterprise of Star Trek fame, the Starship launch is a steppingstone for something greater. SpaceX and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are working together to lead manned flights to the moon. The first step in reaching this goal will rely on low-Earth orbit (LEO). LEO refers to the lowest reach of space closest to Earth and the same altitude where the International Space Station operates. The Starship launch successfully reached LEO for the first time, setting in motion the next phase for Americans to return to the moon. SpaceX’s LEO satellite technologies are not just seen as critical to our prospects in space. At the federal level, I continue to advocate for LEO technologies with helping rural communities access satellite internet. Most recently, I delivered opening remarks at an online event hosted by the Connect Everyone Coalition. The webinar focused on the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene and connectivity lessons from the natural disaster. During my remarks, I highlighted the connectivity issues that impacted Ninth District communities. Helene devastated our public communications networks. The disaster disabled services provided by our cell phone carriers. Further, the floods that swamped our region also washed away fiber optic infrastructure. Because of the loss of communications, family members struggled to confirm the safety of their loved ones and first responder crews faced challenges with emergency operations. These issues went on for days. It was unclear when internet and cell phone coverage would be restored, so one group relied on SpaceX for help. Wise County’s Health Wagon, which traveled to Damascus to help serve and treat those affected by Helene, turned to SpaceX’s Starlink. Starlink consists of a network of LEO satellites which serves high-speed, reliable broadband internet to communities on Earth. This network reduces connectivity dead zones and provides more coverage in regions like Southwest Virginia. Thus, Starlink is particularly helpful for mountainous and rural regions where fiber installation is extremely difficult and cost prohibitive. Amazon is launching a similar LEO program which should be available in Virginia in late 2027. Thanks to a portable Starlink unit, a rarity in our area at the time, the Health Wagon could access internet service. This episode showed that even in times of emergency, cell phone users can take advantage of LEO technologies. As the recovery from Helene continues, I remain committed to expanding our broadband capabilities through LEO technologies to prepare our region for the next Helene. Federal initiatives to support broadband innovations like LEO technologies include the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. In 2024, I advocated for Governor Youngkin’s BEAD Final Proposal. This set in motion various opportunities to expand broadband in Virginia. The federal entity that runs BEAD is the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA). This summer, NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, on which I serve. During the hearing, she discussed BEAD as well as signaled support for LEO technologies. Later in the summer, Administrator Roth visited Bedford County to tour local broadband projects. There are approximately 1,600 Bedford County addresses that will gain new access to broadband through BEAD funding, according to the NTIA. While new fiber installation will serve a majority of these Bedford County locations, SpaceX and Amazon will make LEO broadband available to eligible hard-to-reach locations. Aside from BEAD, LEO broadband will get an additional boost from a bipartisan Congressional bill. In the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I supported the SAT Streamlining Act. Following Subcommittee approval, I voted for the bill again in the full Energy and Commerce Committee. This bill would modernize a federal agency’s satellite licensing process by setting more precise timelines and a more predictable list of requirements for satellite applications. In effect, we make it easier for groups to bring LEO technologies to the market to better provide reliable and secure internet access. I am proud to have taken these actions to bridge the digital divide in Virginia and the United States. Broadband in rural America can help our hospitals, schools, businesses and more. As your federal representative, I will keep fighting for our rural communities to get a fair shot at broadband access. With the same technologies, we can succeed with broadband while keeping our feet on the ground and reaching for the moon. 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/. ###

In my visit to Hillsville last week, I toured a local Saber Healthcare Group facility. Thanks to the Hillsville Health and Rehabilitation Center for their time in discussing health issues with me. https://t.co/8edAA8ymfu

As part of my Thursday in Smyth County, I attended the local Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Dinner to celebrate those in the industry. https://t.co/NrLmNwynrI

In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks on men, women and children, I went to Israel with the U.S. Israel Education Association. The pain and emotion from meeting survivors and hearing their stories still haunt me. As we remember Oct. 7, support for our ally Israel remains. https://t.co/gcH9fFc8d8

Earlier this year, a Utility Trailer franchise opened a new facility at Seven Mile Ford in Smyth County. On Thursday, I toured the facility with officials to learn more about how the company supports regional jobs. https://t.co/pT22Cp7Wq3

Last week in Smyth County, I participated with Governor Allen and Attorney General Miyares in a law enforcement roundtable. Law enforcement officials from our region attended to share their perspectives and challenges. https://t.co/kPq2d19ise

Veterans who lose their medals can rely on my office to help recover replacements. In September, I presented replacement medals, including a Purple Heart, to honor the Vietnam service of the late Gary Winebarger. I presented the medals to his widow in Wise County. https://t.co/hf6JVgCK1C

CONGRESSMAN GRIFFITH’S WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER 10.2.26 TOPIC: Actions Against Fraud https://t.co/OsBxsG293o

Republicans are on the front lines to root out waste, fraud and abuse of the federal government by large criminal conspiracies. Accordingly, I am taking additional steps to continue the Republicans’ War on Fraud. Earlier this year, I helped lead investigations into Medicaid fraud. Together with Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Brett Guthrie, and the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman, Congressman John Joyce, we probed ongoing fraud in numerous State Medicaid programs. Our Committee investigations extended to fraud-ridden States such as California, Minnesota and New York. As a result of our investigative work, which shows nationwide trends in Medicare and Medicaid fraud costing American taxpayers billions of dollars every year, we produced a comprehensive staff report to shed a light on our findings. The report makes several recommendations. One is to strengthen federal program integrity guidelines. Minimum qualifications, screening risk standards for providers of equipment and services, and more frequent screenings as well as background checks for providers are fraud-preventative actions that federal authorities can push. Another recommendation is to improve States’ capacity to prevent fraud before it occurs. It is clear that some States make patients more vulnerable to fraud due to weak oversight measures. If this lack of oversight action is maintained at its current trajectory, this problem will continue to persist and grow, allowing fraudsters access to valuable health care dollars and thus robbing resources from patients that need them. For example, some States like Virginia exercise provider screening and investigative audits. These program integrity tools and practices must be fully applied in more States. That is why our report also encourages the employment of innovative tools to improve fraud detection capabilities. Artificial intelligence technologies can complement the above oversight actions to help States better track unusual and fraudulent activity. As a solution to the highlighted problems, the Committee recently unveiled a package of policies that help combat fraudulent activities, protect public health programs and serve vital health care resources to patients. As part of this policy package, I introduced H.R. 10621 – the Medicaid Fraud Fighting and Taxpayer Protection Act. My bill targets Medicaid fraud by incentivizing States to take steps, such as implementing program integrity tools, that investigate fraud and protect federal health care programs. The incentive provided by my bill allows States to receive an increased portion of the federal dollars saved when they identify fraud. This saved money can then be used to support numerous State programs like those in Virginia. Ongoing fraudulent activities recently impacted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Virginia. In Lynchburg, officials notified residents that more than $60,000 in SNAP benefits were stolen from Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in the month of August! It is believed that fraudsters stole private EBT card information and used the money loaded onto the cards to make purchases. Cardinal News reported that this crime represented a 21-fold increase in food aid fraud. Even worse, no system was in place to provide the Lynchburg SNAP theft victims with reimbursement of their stolen benefits. Thus, the victims found themselves squeezed into a desperate situation. Already faced with challenging health and financial conditions, SNAP recipients who lose access to all or a portion of their benefits will struggle to get by. That is why I am promoting a measure that cracks down on fraud impacting SNAP benefits and supports victims of SNAP theft. I am co-sponsor of H.R. 3887 – the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act. This anti-fraud bill creates new civil penalties for any person who knowingly accesses, uses or transfers SNAP benefits. Additionally, the bill provides that States can use SNAP benefits to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen due to no fault of their own. These are some policies that can complement the ongoing work of federal efforts that are saving taxpayers billions and bringing bad guys to justice. Whether you are a recipient of Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP or some other federal public health program, the benefits belong to you, not some criminal actor which are often part of international criminal conspiracies. I am proud to continue my efforts that target fraud, protect valuable resources for patients and provide leadership for our War on Fraud. 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. ###

Early voting has started. If you haven’t voted yet, it’s a great idea to vote early! I hope you will vote for me, vote for Bert Misuzawa, and vote No on the confusing Constitutional amendments. https://t.co/eb406zm6V6

Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of October. October 8, 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 4th 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 3rd Street NW Pulaski, VA 24301 October 13, 2026 Tazewell County (Bluefield): 10:00 am – 11:30 am Town of Bluefield Council Chambers 112 Huffard Dr Bluefield, VA 24641 Buchanan County: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Town of Grundy Offices 1185 Plaza Dr. Grundy, VA 24614 October 14, 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 October 15, 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 October 20, 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 October 21, 2026 Carroll County: 9:00 am – 10:30 am Carroll County Administration Building County Administrators 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 October 22, 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 October 27, 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 Avenue 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 October 28, 2026 City of Martinsville: 10:00 am – 11:30 am City Hall, Room 32 55 W. Church St 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 ** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions. ###

Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report that illustrates ongoing challenges with the tobacco product application process at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since 2013, Congress has heard and seen the difficulties associated with reviewing tobacco product applications in a timely manner. The GAO report sheds light on this current system and the resulting backlog. Lengthy tobacco product application timelines can limit consumer choice away from more responsible tobacco products, as the status quo has promoted a wild west of options on U.S. shelves. Americans face a glaring public health crisis, as foreign countries like China have flooded the U.S. market with harmful products that lack regulation. The current regulatory review process can make it more difficult for adult smokers to access a range of less harmful smoking alternatives. This report provides insight into the current landscape to help policymakers better understand how improvements can be made to this process and strengthen enforcement against illicit products. Key GAO Report Takeaways: - FDA took an average of 507 days to review applications, even though federal law requires application reviews within 180 days. - FDA does not collect data to monitor whether it is meeting timeliness goals to review scientific information in all tobacco product applications. - The current Administration has taken steps to help improve the application process, but more work is needed. As one of the chief lawmakers who requested this GAO report, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, responded to the findings. “I requested this GAO report to identity room for improvement at the FDA with respect to tobacco product applications. The agency’s findings show that the FDA is missing its goals,” said Chairman Griffith. “The current regulatory hurdles impacting tobacco product applications are unfair to American tobacco producers and consumers. These regulatory delays stall the progress of the tobacco harm reduction movement, which helps adult smokers transition away from combustible smoking such as cigarettes.” Griffith continued, “Further, as legal producers try to follow U.S. laws and wait their turn, bad actors continue to jump the line and flood a ‘wild west’ marketplace with illicit and unsafe products. We should also recognize the broader public health opportunity before us. Youth tobacco and nicotine use remain at historic lows, and we must continue working to protect those gains. “I support reforms to the current regulatory process that will allow the FDA to meet its objectives in a timely manner. This report is the first step in making this process work and I look forward to working with the Administration to make this happen.” U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, provided additional comments on the GAO report. "Our Committee has focused intently on exploring polices that ensure adversarial nations like China can't exploit loopholes in our regulatory processes and harm American consumers," said Chairman Guthrie. "Our primary goal with this request was to make sure FDA can serve as an efficient regulator, and I thank Chairman Griffith on his commitment to enhancing the current regulatory review process for tobacco products. Even though we are currently experiencing record lows for American youth that are using illegal and illicit vape devices and tobacco products, this report is proof that further action is needed." BACKGROUND Chairman Griffith alongside Chairman Guthrie submitted a request to prompt this GAO report. Chairman Griffith worked with Chairman Guthrie in prior Congresses to address systemic issues with the FDA regulatory process over tobacco products. Chairman Griffith is a member of the Congressional Tobacco Harm Reduction Caucus. ###

For the Bristol Chamber of Commerce September Coffee and Conversation, I sat down with Chamber and local officials. I will continue to advocate for policies that support economic growth in our region. https://t.co/zbyaKzlRkn

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded Mountain Valor Veteran Services, based in Floyd, Virginia, a grant for $350,000. The funding supports community-based suicide prevention services for veterans and their families. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “As a lawmaker who authored a letter of support for this Mountain Valor grant, I understand the lifeline that the organization provides for Southwest Virginia veterans. “This Veterans Affairs grant for $350,000 helps Mountain Valor support our local veteran community with critical services and resources.” BACKGROUND According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant program expands suicide prevention efforts beyond clinical settings to address health care challenges. Congressman Griffith has attended Mountain Valor Fest in Floyd County and has staff participate in the event. ###

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Virginia Tech, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $100,000 grant. The funding supports research into antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture pathogens. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Antimicrobial resistant pathogens are germs that develop to the point where medicine cannot kill the germ. Accordingly, these pathogens can harm marine aquaculture, an industry that generates billions of dollars for the U.S. economy. “This grant for $100,000 helps Virginia Tech contribute to American aquaculture health and sciences.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Congressman Griffith has held hearings related to the public health threats posed by antimicrobial resistance. This project will be administered by faculty of the Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology department at Virginia Tech. ###

I applaud @POTUS for prioritizing increased U.S. coal purchases by China. As an advocate for SWVA coal mining, I support negotiating tactics to have China purchase more American coal. This will help economic growth, protect coal jobs and provide certainty for coal operators. https://t.co/5c7phVWRMb

U.S. President Donald J. Trump recently announced new trade deals with China that will result in the purchase of millions of metric tons of American coal. This announcement came following trade negotiations between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. Before the two leaders met in DC, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) helped lead a Congressional letter urging President Trump to prioritize the interests of American coal. In response to President Trump’s announcement, Congressman Griffith released the following statement: “I applaud President Trump for prioritizing increased U.S. coal purchases by China in recent trade negotiations. As an advocate for Southwest Virginia coal mining, I support President Trump’s negotiating tactics to have China purchase more American coal. This move will help generate economic growth, protect coal jobs and provide certainty for coal operators.” BACKGROUND In February 2026, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event touting Beautiful Clean Coal. In August 2026, Congressman Griffith urged Virginia Governor Spanberger to protect Wise County’s Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center in the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger. Congressman Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus. In April 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry. Later in 2025, Congressman Griffith voted to codify one of these executive measures to reestablish the National Coal Council. In May 2025, Congressman Griffith celebrated the Department of Energy’s announcement to designate metallurgical coal as a critical material. In June 2025, Congressman Griffith penned an op-ed on federal policies that can help bolster America’s electric grid. According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 15.5 million short tons of coal are used for steel production in the U.S. every year. Coal continues to play an essential role in meeting domestic energy demands. During Winter Storm Fern this year, a 31% jump in coal generation helped the electric grid meet peak demand. For PJM Interconnection, which serves Virginia and 12 other states, coal accounted for a major portion of the energy generation mix. ###

This month, I attended a ribbon-cutting for the Wildwood Recovery Center in Dickenson County. As a chief sponsor of policies that address the synthetic opioid crisis, I will continue to support substance use disorder recovery measures. https://t.co/DYxig0C0ze

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Wise County, Virginia, a $529,133 grant. This funding will support a water line replacement project along Ramsey Road and U.S. Route 58. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “This ARC grant for more than $529,000 helps Wise County modernize local water line infrastructure to better serve residents with potable water.” BACKGROUND According to ARC, this project will replace and realign 1,700 linear feet of water line. The existing line has developed repeated leaks and is difficult as well as costly to access. As part of the project, new abandonment caps and gate valves will be installed. ###

For too long, Medicaid fraud has cost American taxpayers and Medicaid beneficiaries. Through this kind of action, we can improve fraud identification efforts and prevent foreign criminal actors from stealing valuable benefits that belong to patients.