The American worker serves as the backbone of our economy. Thanks to the fruits of their labor, our communities reap the rewards of greater opportunity, business growth and expanded access to goods and services.
Even during times of hardship, when industries face new challenges and innovative technologies emerge, the American workforce shows resilience by adapting.
This resilience takes shape in the belief that hard work is central to our communities. We see numerous investments that reinforce this belief in our region’s workforce.
During the past year, Henry County celebrated various company investments totaling more than $100 million.
There is also Narro Trucks, which recently launched in Pulaski County. The electric utility vehicle company will create new jobs in the New River Valley.
Further, thanks to a new industrial investment, Virginia Steel and Fabrication in Bland County is set to expand its operational capabilities.
Earlier this year, I toured the Virginia Steel plant in Bastian to receive updates on its operations and leadership.
These industry decisions, among others, will support regional jobs, create business-friendly environments and deliver renewed hope for our communities.
Because these investments mean so much, I advocate for federal policies that help American workers access job opportunities.
From programs that help workers develop new skills to business-friendly tax environments, we can use public policy to strengthen that access.
As we rest during Labor Day weekend, join me in celebrating the American worker.
In the days following Labor Day, I will join our communities in recognizing solemn occasions.
Sept. 10 marks the first anniversary of the assassination of a conservative icon. In broad daylight on a college campus, Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk was murdered by an individual seemingly indoctrinated by radical gender ideology.
My family shared in the shock and grief felt by millions of Americans stunned by Kirk’s murder.
Following the slaying, I supported Kirk’s legacy and memory by visiting Virginia Tech with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears for a candlelight vigil.
Along with countless other congressional offices, I displayed a poster of Kirk outside my Washington office.
Additionally, I joined 309 of my House colleagues in voting to honor Kirk’s life and legacy. It was disappointing to see more than 100 Democrats refrain from supporting the House resolution, but I remain committed to protecting the conservative values and freedoms Kirk constantly worked to defend.
Perhaps nothing meant more to Kirk’s movement than freedom of speech, a cornerstone of our nation’s founding and the U.S. Constitution.
We must never forget that disagreement, discourse and debate are healthy for our government. Kirk provided a venue for younger generations to recognize this fundamental truth.
Silencing Americans is never a solution. I will continue supporting policies that protect freedom of speech.
Please join me Sept. 10 not only in praying for Charlie, but also in asking God to bring healing to Charlie’s widow, Erika, their two young children and the entire Kirk family.
Americans will also reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
To this day, the attacks remain a painful memory for millions of Americans and people around the world.
I remember working in my law office that morning when my bookkeeper, Terry Haynie, got my attention. She told me a plane had struck one of the World Trade Center towers.
After turning our attention to the television to watch the events unfold live, we saw the second plane crash into the South Tower.
The Pentagon was also struck, while a thwarted attack resulted in another plane crashing in Pennsylvania.
When the passengers aboard Flight 93 knew the end was coming, they refused to allow the plane to be used to attack America. It is believed the plane was headed for the U.S. Capitol, where I now work.
In total, nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us that day.
While the terrorists sought to strike fear, they failed to break the enduring spirit of the American people.
Following the tragedy, I drove to the Kmart store in Salem to buy an American flag. I proudly displayed it outside my office.
I plan to attend a Sept. 11 wreath-laying ceremony with former Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the National D-Day Memorial.
With these events on the horizon, it will be an emotional time for many.
But during Labor Day weekend, we will rejoice in knowing that the American workforce is the most efficient and hardworking in the world.
If you have questions, concerns or comments, please contact my office. You may call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To contact my office by email, visit morgangriffith.house.gov.
W. P. Jackson Krug
Communications Director
Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09)
2110 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3861 phone
