The Shadow
NOTE: On 9/11/2001, foreign terrorists tried to end the American Dream. On 9/10/2025, an
unknown terrorist attempted to do the same in assassinating Charlie Kirk.
The American Dream, founded on the ideals of unalienable Rights granted to all by their Creator,
will survive. The terrorists of this world, foreign and domestic, cannot kill this truth.
Defending U.S. Energy
“I make no apology for being pro-U.S. energy. I make no apology in saying that the United
States needs more electric power. I make no apology in saying that we can get that electric power
through…small modular reactors, nuclear, fusion, and coal…”
Those words were part of my response to Congressional Democrats as I managed rule debate on
the U.S. House floor this month.
The House was considering the rule for the Energy and Water Development and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act.
This appropriations bill is one of the 12 appropriations bills. Other appropriations bills include
defense, homeland security, agriculture and rural development, etc.
I led the Republican side during the debate on the rule.
I managed the floor and the debate with my Democratic colleagues.
Later, I also spoke in support of an amendment I offered for the energy and water development
appropriations bill.
My amendment directs over $6.8 million to the DOE Office of Fossil Energy.
The DOE Office of Fossil Energy leads innovative projects to reduce emissions from fossil
energy production and use.
The technologies they test and develop can be deployed across the United States and around the
world. Such technologies reduce fossil fuel emissions, produce cleaner energy and make our
planet more sustainable.
These innovations help America lead on the world stage, showing others that coal, natural gas
and oil can be used in ways that bolster energy security as well as environmental progress.
My amendment passed and made its way into the full energy and water appropriations bill.
The amendment is just one provision in the bill that helps unleash American energy dominance.
We also increase investments in new baseload geothermal energy sources and direct greater
funding to expedite the creation of new nuclear reactors.
Small modular reactors are one source of reliable and affordable energy that can help meet
domestic energy demands, particularly in Virginia.
Thanks to greater energy demands fueled in part by data center development, Virginia imports
more electricity from other U.S. states than any other.
This dependence on other states puts a strain on our electric grid, and its consequences can be
problematic. During a peak heat wave this summer, part of our region faced potential blackout
threats.
Securing Virginia’s electric grid could be bolstered by the deployment of nuclear energy and
small modular reactors.
This summer, Governor Youngkin announced a grant of almost $200,000 to search for private
investment and federal funding to prepare Wise County for an advanced nuclear reactor.
Nuclear energy is not the only beneficiary supported by the energy and water development
appropriations bill.
The energy and water development appropriations bill funds groups like the Department of
Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other related agencies.
The Army Corps will receive federal funding to carry out civil works, environmental and other
engineering-related projects.
Virginia’s Ninth District is divided into four Army Corps districts: Huntington District, Norfolk
District, Wilmington District and Nashville District. Army Corps projects in these four various
districts are often related to flood mitigation and wastewater treatment.
Earlier this year, tens of millions of dollars went to Lee County for a Lee County Sewer
Improvements project.
The Army Corps help is appreciated by many in our communities, and I did not hesitate to speak
in support of funding their programs in an earlier separate Rules Committee hearing.
House passage of the energy and water development appropriations bill is a step in the right
direction.
While more legislative work is needed, I am committed to supporting all-of-the-above energy
policies that advance American energy production and institute reliable forms of baseload power.
These actions will help lower energy costs, reduce potential blackout threats through a
strengthened electric grid and deliver constant, reliable power to American communities.
As I continue engaging on the House floor or elsewhere, I will make no apology in advocating
for sensible energy policies that deliver for the Ninth District of Virginia and the entire United
States.
That includes advocating for use of high-quality Southwest Virginia coal and natural gas.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments about my constituent services, 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.
