Biography
Howard Morgan Griffith, born on March 15, 1958, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 9th Congressional District since January 3, 2011. Raised in Salem, Virginia, Griffith has dedicated his career to public service, focusing on reducing regulatory burdens, supporting the coal industry, and enhancing healthcare access in Southwest Virginia.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts from Emory & Henry College
- Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law
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Political Experience:
- Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1993, representing the 8th District
- Served as House Majority Leader from 2000 to 2010, becoming the first Republican to hold that position in Virginia's history
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, defeating a 28-year incumbent
- Re-elected for multiple terms, most recently in 2024
Notable Achievements and Positions
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Committee Assignments:
- Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
- Member of the Subcommittee on Health and the Subcommittee on Energy
- Member of the Committee on House Administration
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Legislative Initiatives:
- Introduced the EPA Regulatory Relief Act to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and healthcare facilities
- Advocated for the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program, bringing over $10 million annually to the district since 2016
- Co-sponsored the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine Act to improve stroke care through telemedicine
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Policy Focus:
- Supports an "all of the above" energy strategy, emphasizing the importance of coal
- Advocates for reducing government regulations to foster job creation
- Emphasizes election security measures, including voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship for voter registration
Griffith continues to serve the constituents of Virginia's 9th District, focusing on economic development, energy policy, and healthcare access.
