Latest news with #Griffith
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Griffith likes budget bill, wants 3-judge panel to oversee injunctions
bluefield – U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., admits there is no such thing as a perfect bill. But he believes there is much to like in the so-called 'Big, Beautiful Bill' recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Griffith, who represents Virginia's Ninth Congressional District in the House, spoke on a wide range of issues during a visit to the Daily Telegraph, including the budget bill and the growing debate over whether district court judges have the power to block much of President Donald Trump's agenda. In recent months, district court judges have issued injunctions blocking many of Trump's executive orders. Those injunctions will eventually make their way to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to Griffith. But until then Griffith said legislation already passed by the Republican-controlled House — and awaiting action in the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate — would address the issue of judicial overreach. That bill would establish a three-judge panel that would consider any nationwide injunction. 'We passed it out of the House a month and a half ago,' Griffith said of the proposed legislation. 'It's sitting in the body of the Senate. It's hard to predict what the Senate will do. They may or may not move it forward.' Using Southwest Virginia as an example, Griffith said a district court judge in the Western District of Virginia shouldn't be able to issue a nationwide injunction blocking the actions of the President of the United States. Griffith said the district court should be making local decisions that impact Bluefield, Va., Richlands and Roanoke Va. — three cities that are located in the Western District — but should not be empowered to issue a nationwide injunction blocking a presidential order. Under the proposed legislation, Griffith said a component of the U.S. Supreme Court would select three judges at random that would consider any cases involving a nationwide injunction of a presidential order. 'I think it gets you a better decision,' Griffith said of a three-judge panel. 'You should have more than one judge making that decision.' As it stands now, Griffith said those who are seeking nationwide injunctions also are seeking out district court judges that they think may be more favorable to their viewpoint. By having a component of the Supreme Court to select three judges at random, it helps to ensure there will be no inherent biases in any decisions that are rendered, according to Griffith. Griffith also talked about the federal budget bill recently passed by the U.S. House, and its chances of remaining intact in the U.S. Senate. 'The bill is not perfect,' Griffith said. 'There is things in the bill I don't like, particularly the SALT tax increase.' The debate over the SALT tax surrounds the cap on federal deductions for state and local taxes. The House passed a bill increasing the cap to $40,000. But some conservatives argue the move is essentially a federal subsidy for blue states at the expense of red states. Griffith said the citizens of Southwest Virginia don't support providing a tax break to California or New York. 'In the Senate, there are not senators who represent SALT states,' Griffith said. 'So will the Senate pull SALT out? I think they will pass something similar to what we passed, or nothing at all.' Parts of the budget bill that Griffith said he likes includes taking the tax off tips and taking the tax off hourly wage overtime. The bill also includes a provision to help with the development of coal, natural gas and nuclear facilities. Griffith described it as a 'revolving loan fund' that would provide protection to those developers if a future Democrat-led administration is elected and orders those coal, natural gas and nuclear facilities to be closed. Griffith said Democrats also continue to misrepresent the work requirement for abled-bodied adults in Medicaid and those cuts that are proposed for Medicaid over a 10-year period in the budget bill. According to Griffith, the traditional Medicaid population consists of individuals with disabilities, pregnant mothers, children and seniors. He said the work requirements in the reconciliation budget bill do not apply to this traditional Medicaid population. The work requirement in Medicaid expansion would only apply to able-bodied people aged 19-64 who do not have a young child, a disabled person or an elderly relative in need of care living in the home, according to Griffith. Griffith said the bill requires these able-bodied adults on Medicaid expansion to be engaged in their community for 80 hours a month. With 4.33 weeks in a month, that means an average of 18.47 hours a week. Griffith said those requirements promote community engagement, adding that community engagement can be community service, pursuing educational programs, participating in a rehabilitation program or a job. By working to improve their communities and their own lives, Griffith said some of these individuals will be lifted out of poverty, depression and isolation. 'But if you are able-bodied and sitting at home, you should be trying to get out there and educate yourself, help your community with community service or find a job for a small part of the week,' he said. At the end of the day, Griffith said Republicans had to compromise in order to get the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' passed. It's passage in the Republican-controlled House was by a slim margin of 215-214. Griffith also was asked about the auto-pen investigation by the House, and whether or not former President Joe Biden was fully aware of a number of pardons and executive orders that were signed by the so-called auto-pen. A number of individual who are not charged with any type of crime were pardoned by Biden anyhow in the waning days of his presidency. House Republicans are investigating a number of pardons and executive orders that were signed using the autopen. Griffith said the courts will have to take a 'serious look' at the issue, adding that the question will center around the former president's mental state when those pardons and executive orders were issued. If Biden was unable to act upon those executive orders and pardons on his on, Griffith said the responsibility of those decisions should have then fallen upon former Vice President Kamala Harris. Griffith also was asked about this November's gubernatorial election in Virginia, and a handful of polls that show Democrat Abigail Spanberger with a large lead over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears in the closely-watched governor's race. Incumbent Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin can't seek re-election. In Virginia, a candidate can only serve as governor for a single term. Griffith said the polls will tighten as it gets closer to Election Day. He said voter turnout in Southwest Virginia will be key to Republicans winning the governor's race — just as it was four years ago when voters across Southwest Virginia came out in large numbers to support Youngkin. That large voter turnout across Southwest Virginia tipped the scales in favor of Republicans, Griffith said. 'There is no question that Southwest Virginia put Youngkin over the top,' Griffith said. 'There is no question about it. It was a big turnout. We've got to have the same thing now. If the turnout happens in Southwest Virginia, Winsome Sears who I have known for 20 years can win.' Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Abingdon PD responds after town placed on Homeland Security's ‘sanctuary jurisdictions' list
ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — The Abingdon Police Department and Congressman Morgan Griffith are speaking out after the town was placed on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) list of 'sanctuary jurisdictions.' DHS describes sanctuary jurisdictions on as 'cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities.' Cattle stolen from Glade Spring farm, reward offered Sanctuary jurisdictions are detailed on the under its 'Making America Safe Again' campaign tab. The department claims that sanctuary cities and communities 'protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.' The by state that is considered a sanctuary jurisdiction. Under Virginia, two cities in News Channel 11's viewing area are included: Abingdon and Duffield. Nearby Tazewell and all of Tazewell County are also on the list. The Abingdon Police Department to its inclusion on the list on Friday afternoon. According to the police department, the town was not notified or informed as to why it was classified as a sanctuary jurisdiction. 'Upon learning of the listing, we immediately contacted the Office of the U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith for assistance in correcting the error,' the post states. 'We also contacted our federal law enforcement partners and have been advised that Abingdon will be removed from the list.' The Abingdon Police Department stated that it has and will continue to fully comply with federal law and cooperate with all law enforcement agencies. Griffith issued his own statement in response to the inclusion of the Southwest Virginia communities on the list. The U.S. representative called the designation surprising and claimed that local law enforcement has always cooperated with the federal government, and he claimed the issue was likely due to paperwork problems. 'Ninth District law enforcement organizations and localities are very cooperative with the federal government in the handling and detainment of illegal aliens. 'It is a surprising development to see some of our localities listed as 'sanctuary jurisdictions' by DHS. My office has been in contact with our liaisons in the federal government for an explanation and solution. As of now, we do not have a definitive answer. However, it appears that there may be some paperwork anomalies related to federal detainers, particularly at some regional jails. 'I will continue to monitor the situation and hope I will have specific answers within the next week.' Congressman Morgan Griffith No towns or counties in Northeast Tennessee were included on the DHS list. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Courier
a day ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Victor Griffith opens up on St Johnstone challenge as Panama recall has pre-season impact
St Johnstone midfielder, Victor Griffith, aims to make up for lost time with the Panama national team. The 24-year-old signed for Saints in January, and playing for his country after a couple of years out of the picture was one of his aims. Head coach, Thomas Christiansen, wanted to call him up in March but Griffith decided that his recovery from an ankle injury would be better served by staying in Scotland. Although his form for the Perth side wasn't as good after that lay-off than it was before, he was recalled for Panama's June World Cup qualifiers and the Concacaf Gold Cup that follows on. And, speaking to the media back home, Griffith has been positive about his first few months at McDiarmid Park, despite the fact Saints were relegated from the Premiership. He is currently in a training camp and is expected to be confirmed in Panama's official 26-man squad at the start of next week. It has been suggested that Griffith has a strong chance of getting game-time. And he is excited about the prospect of adding to his 10 caps now that the wait for a recall has ended. 'I have high expectations,' he said. 'I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. 'Right now, I'm focused on doing well, on my return to the national team, and I want to accomplish everything the coach asks of me. 'Expectations are high, and we're always going to want to win.' On the challenges Griffith has faced in Scotland, he reflected: 'Well, it was actually quite a big step, going from the Panama league to European football. 'That's rarely seen before. 'The truth is that it's helped me a lot. Since I arrived there, they've given me enormous confidence. 'I played in positions that weren't my usual ones. 'They opened up a window of positions where I could perhaps show off a bit better or do things differently.' Panama's busy schedule is likely to have an impact on Griffith being able to hit the ground running with Saints next season, however. The last time there was a Gold Cup, they went all the way through to the final. If they repeat that this time around, the tournament won't conclude for Griffith until July 7. Saints return for pre-season training on June 23.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judge Reportedly Claims 'Teen Mom 2' Alum Will Eventually 'Kill Someone'
Judge Reportedly Claims 'Teen Mom 2' Alum Will Eventually 'Kill Someone' originally appeared on Parade. Teen Mom 2 alum Nathan Griffith will serve up to four years in prison after allegedly strangling his ex-girlfriend, a violent act that violated his probation — which he was on for allegedly strangling his sister years earlier. Jenelle Evans' ex — with whom she shares 10-year-old son Kaiser — will serve a "maximum of 48 [months] with a minimum parole eligibility of 14 months in the Nevada Department of Corrections," according to the sentence filing obtained by The Sun on Thursday, May 29. Griffith reportedly received 11 days already served. According to an eyewitness in court, the judge told Griffith: "You are a danger to others and you're going to kill someone.'" Griffith allegedly sobbed as the sentence was handed down. Per multiple outlets, the former Marine pleaded guilty to the felony charge of "Battery Constituting Domestic Violence- Strangulation" in the alleged April assault of Biddle, 21. Per The Sun, Biddle was in court at Griffith's sentencing, as was his estranged, but still legal, wife, May Oyola — who recently shared an Instagram photo of a large bouquet of flowers from Griffith, signed "Your Husband." Griffith's sister, who accused him of strangling her in 2023, was also in court. Though Evans was not present in the courtroom, she caught major heat from Teen Mom fans after defending Griffith on TikTok following the altercation with Biddle. At the time, she claimed that Griffith and Biddle were both at fault, and offered her ex stay at her house — specifically, in Kaiser's room. (Evans previously claimed that Griffith hadn't seen his son in two years.) Evans' estranged husband, David Eason, has his own strangulation charge against him. He was charged with felony 'Assault by Strangulation" after allegedly strangling Evans' 15-year-old son Jace. Eason has denied the claims. In addition to Jace and Nathan, Evans is also mom to 8-year-old daughter Ensley, whom she shares with Eason. If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website. Judge Reportedly Claims 'Teen Mom 2' Alum Will Eventually 'Kill Someone' first appeared on Parade on May 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Griffith says metallurgical coal reclassification will help Southwest Virginia
bluefield – The Trump administration's reclassification of metallurgical coal as a critical material in the production of steel will provide a boost to coal-producing communities in Virginia and elsewhere, according to U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va. Griffith, who represents Southwest Virginia's Ninth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, said the reclassification of metallurgical coal advances the fossil fuel as an important contributor to America's energy, economic and manufacturing sectors. Metallurgical coal is a critical component in the steel-making process. Griffith, who also serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus in the U.S. House, said 80% of all coal mined in Virginia constitutes metallurgical coal, almost all of which comes from the Southwest Virginia region. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced last week that metallurgical coal was being designated as a critical material in the steel making process by the Trump administration under the Energy Act of 2020, and in accordance with President Trump's executive order 'Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.' 'I am excited by this announcement from the Department of Energy,' Griffith said. 'Metallurgical coal is a lifeblood for coal and steel communities across the country, including Virginia's Ninth District.' According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Energy, metallurgical coal, a key input for steel production, meets the statutory definition of a critical material. A robust steel industry is fundamental to U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure development, and economic resilience, the DOE statement said, adding that steel and the materials that enable steel production is essential to energy technologies, transportation and defense systems. Trump hosted an event at the White House last month, which Griffith attended, where a number of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry were signed into law. In other news, Griffith also is the latest Republican lawmaker to defend the work requirement for Medicaid in the so-called 'Big, Beautiful Bill' passed by the U.S. House last month. But Griffith, just like other Republican lawmakers, also is clarifying that the work requirement is only for abled-bodied adults. In his weekly media report, Griffith said the traditional Medicaid population consists of individuals with disabilities, pregnant mothers, children and seniors. He said the work requirements in the reconciliation budget bill do not apply to this traditional Medicaid population. 'Able-bodied people aged 19-64 who do not have a young child, a disabled person or an elderly relative in need of care living in the home are the ones affected,' Griffith said. 'The bill requires these able-bodied adults on Medicaid expansion to be engaged in their community for 80 hours a month. With 4.33 weeks in a month, that means an average of 18.47 hours a week. These requirements promote community engagement. Community engagement can be community service, pursuing educational programs, participating in a rehabilitation program or a job.' By working to improve their communities and their own lives, Griffith said some of these individuals will be lifted out of poverty, isolation and in many cases, depression. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@
