Rep. Morgan Griffith Reports

The Solyndra saga continues. Solyndra has been in the headlines since the Obama Administration approved a $535 million loan guarantee to the solar energy company in September 2009.

Last February, the Department of Energy made the decision to subordinate $75 million of the Solyndra loan – putting the taxpayers in second place to other creditors. In September 2011, Solyndra filed for bankruptcy.

Last week, I told you about the bonuses that the bankrupt solar energy company has now requested. The request by Solyndra to pay remaining so-called “key” employees bonuses of up to $50,000 does not make sense. No matter how we arrived at this point and setting aside political disagreements concerning Solyndra, the simple fact is that the American taxpayers should not be footing the bill for bonuses for certain Solyndra employees.

Last Thursday, I sent a letter to President Obama asking him to stand up for the American taxpayers and oppose these bonuses. Fifty-three of my colleagues joined me in sending this letter.

Today, the bankruptcy court was scheduled to hear Solyndra’s request. Because of some of the concerns raised by Solyndra’s former employees (similar to the ones raised by our letter), the parties involved asked the court for additional time to work it out. The case is set to come up again on February 22.

While I believe that these bonuses should not be granted, I would like to hear your opinion on the issue.

Do you feel strongly one way or the other? Please visit www.morgangriffith.house.gov to send me an email regarding your opinion on this matter.

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Heroism in Action:

Congressional Badge of Bravery
Today, I have the honor, along with Senators Webb and Warner, of presenting Virginia State Trooper S. Matthew Cochran with the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery at a ceremony in Washington.

This award honors exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. It is awarded by the U.S. Attorney General and presented by the recipients’ representatives in Congress.

On January 9, 2010, Trooper Cochran was on patrol in Carroll County. At approximately 4:30 a.m., the Hillsville Fire Department was dispatched to a fire at an apartment complex for the elderly. Trooper Cochran arrived on the scene before the Fire Department and witnessed visible flames coming from one apartment with dense smoke consuming the adjoining apartments.

With the assistance of a Carroll County deputy and a Hillsville police officer, Trooper Cochran began banging on the doors of the apartments to arouse those still asleep.

At one point, the officers heard a resident screaming for help. Without hesitation and without protective gear, Trooper Cochran entered the burning building to search for the woman. Crawling on his hands and knees through intense flames and thick smoke, it took multiple attempts to find her. Despite the dangerous conditions, Trooper Cochran located the woman and carried her outside to safety.

He then returned to the burning building in search of additional victims. Moments after rescuing the very last victim, the roof of several adjoining apartments collapsed.

All 37 residents were rescued.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery recognizes Trooper Cochran’s heroic actions, which exemplify the definition of bravery. Despite facing great danger, each day law enforcement officers are willing to put their lives on the line.

I thank Trooper Cochran and law enforcement officers throughout the Ninth District for their commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

Rejecting the Keystone XL Pipeline Permit is a Rejection of American Jobs.

The good things are worth waiting for, but this decision wasn’t one of them.

Last week, President Obama formally rejected a permit for the development of the Keystone XL pipeline. This disappointing move blocks the development of a pipeline that could carry up to 830,000 barrels of North American oil from Canada to Texas and create thousands of much-needed American jobs.

I think President Obama and his Administration made the wrong choice for American jobs and our energy needs. The President talks a good game, but his actions contradict his rhetoric on job creation. Unless both the Senate and House act soon, our friends, the Canadians, now have no choice but to send their oil to China and other countries. When will we ever learn?

As the President prepares to give the State of the Union address this week, I hope he will consider the critical importance of job creation. Those who are out of work can’t afford to wait any longer for the President to get out of the way. I am hopeful that Congress can come together to present President Obama with legislation that would allow for the development of Keystone XL and give him the opportunity to move forward with this job creator.

As always, if you have concerns or comments or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my offices. 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 www.morgangriffith.house.gov.