Morgan Griffith

Before his tenure in Congress, Morgan Griffith served in the Virginia House of Delegates starting in 1994. He was elected to represent the 8th District, which encompasses parts of Roanoke. During his time in the state legislature, Griffith became known for his work on energy policy and his commitment to conservative principles, overseeing various legislative initiatives that aligned with the Republican majority's goals during the 1990s and 2000s.

In the 2010 midterm elections, Morgan Griffith was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 9th congressional district. His campaign focused on limited government, reducing taxes, and opposing the policies of the Obama administration. Griffith's election was significant as it ended the long tenure of Democrat Rick Boucher, reflecting a broader national trend of Republican gains and the Tea Party's influence during this midterm election cycle.

Morgan Griffith was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 9th district on January 5, 2011, after defeating 14-term incumbent Rick Boucher in the 2010 midterm elections. Representing the Republican Party, Griffith's victory marked a significant political shift in a district that had long been considered a Democratic stronghold. The win was part of a larger Republican wave in the House, and it underscored the changing political landscape in Virginia and across the country.

Morgan Griffith sponsored the Energy Consumers Relief Act of 2012, a bill aimed at increasing transparency of the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations and their impact on energy costs. This legislation aligned with Griffith's advocacy for energy policy that considered economic impacts and supported his broader legislative agenda for regulatory reform. Despite its introduction, the bill faced significant opposition and highlighted ongoing debates over environmental policy and economic growth.

As part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Morgan Griffith participated in the investigation into the Veterans Health Administration scandal. The investigation revealed significant issues within the VA's healthcare system, including long wait times and falsified records, bringing national attention to the need for substantial reform in veterans' healthcare services. Griffith's involvement underscored his commitment to addressing federal agency accountability and veterans' issues.

Morgan Griffith was actively involved in legislative efforts to combat the opioid crisis, serving on key committees that addressed the epidemic's impact on communities. Through his role, he supported several bills aimed at increasing funding for treatment and prevention, highlighting the critical nature of the crisis and the importance of federal action to support state and local efforts. His work contributed to a broader bipartisan movement in Congress tackling opioid addiction across the U.S.

On December 19, 2017, Morgan Griffith voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a significant legislative victory for the Republican-led Congress and the Trump administration. The tax reform aimed to reduce corporate tax rates and provide individual tax cuts, which proponents argued would stimulate economic growth. Griffith supported the bill, aligning with his party's focus on tax reduction and economic policy designed to enhance business opportunities and economic expansion.

Morgan Griffith voted against both articles of impeachment during the House proceedings against President Donald Trump on December 18, 2019. The impeachment articles accused Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress regarding his dealings with Ukraine. Griffith's vote aligned with the majority of the Republican Party, which framed the impeachment as a partisan attempt to undermine the president, despite the charges brought forth by Democratic lawmakers.

As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the United States, Morgan Griffith voted in support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. The landmark legislation provided financial assistance to individuals, businesses, and healthcare providers to mitigate the economic fallout from the pandemic. Griffith's support reflected his recognition of the urgent need for federal aid to support his constituents and the broader economy during the unprecedented health crisis.

Morgan Griffith was among the members of Congress who voted against certifying the Electoral College results from the 2020 presidential election. This vote was cast on January 7, 2021, following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by protesters. The objection to the certification was based on unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud and was part of a broader effort by some Republicans to challenge the election outcome, which ultimately failed but highlighted deep partisan divides in Congress.