Member of Congress
H. Griffith
- Role
- Current Representative
- State
- VA
- Party
- Republican
Speeches
HONORING EVERETTE B. "OBIE" OBENSHAIN, JR.2022-07-21
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Everette B. ``Obie'' Obenshain, Jr. of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on July 14, 2022, at the age of 82. Obie served the City of Salem as sheriff for 30 years. Obie was born to Everette B. Obenshain, Sr, and Mildred Obenshain. He served as a Patrolman for the Salem Police Department from November 3, 1966, until July 4, 1969. That year, after Salem had become an independent city, he was elected city sergeant and supervised an office of four deputies. In 1971, the Code of Virginia changed and the post became sheriff. He held that position for decades. From 1981 to 1982, he also served as President of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association. In addition to his service as the elected sheriff, Obie held an appointment on the Salem Board of Elections for nineteen years. Obie was an active citizen beyond his roles in Salem government. He belonged to the Edgewood Lions Club since 1965, the American Legion, and the Salem Sports Foundation. As a proud Republican, he was the first member of the party to win a citywide election. While he was often encouraged to run as an independent when he was on the ballot, he always ran on the party ticket and supported others who did the same. I was honored to call Obie a friend. I knew him before my law career began and worked with him for years, including in his capacity as sheriff. During my terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, I heard from him often as he sought to raise the pay of his deputies. The loyalty he showed them was characteristic of the man. Obie was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel. He is survived by son Everette ``EB'' Obenshain III; daughter Susan King; grandchildren Amber Cook (Justin), Sarah Sieloff and husband, Jack, Emily Obenshain, Rachel Brodrecht and husband, Lawson, Mason King, and Gia King; and great- granddaughter, Haleigh Cook. He is also survived by adoptive grandchildren Scott McCauley, wife Amanda, and daughter, Braeleigh, Jordan McCauley and wife, Alexa, and DeAnna McCauley; and many nieces and nephews. I offer them condolences on the loss of a fine man and public servant.
HONORING DIANE WINSTON2022-07-21
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane Garner Winston of Wytheville, who passed away on July 7, 2022. Mrs. Winston was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on December 31, 1928, to George Hayden Garner and Vera Duke Garner. She earned a bachelor's degree in medical technology from the Medical College of Virginia, now Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She married William Overton Winston and they raised four children. God and country were foundational in Mrs. Winston's life. She was an active member of Draper's Valley Presbyterian Church. During World War II, she volunteered in Norfolk as an airplane spotter and nurse's aide. The faith and patriotism of individuals such as Mrs. Winston have often been the stable and steady pillars holding up families and communities across our land. Mrs. Winston was preceded in death by her husband and a son, David C. Winston. Survivors include son Stephen Winston (Sandi); daughters Mary Blount (Tyler) and Rebecca Brewbaker (Bill); twelve grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren. I offer them my condolences on their loss.
ANTICIPATING U.S. VS. WALES IN THE WORLD CUP2022-06-28
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations ahead of this year's World Cup in November. For the first time in 8 years, the U.S. men's national soccer team has qualified for the most important tournament in world soccer. As the Chairman of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, I would also like to congratulate Wales on reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1958. The historic links between the United States and Wales are very strong. The Welsh were among the early settlers to North America to pursue religious liberty and the opportunity to create a better life for themselves and their descendants. At least five signers of the Declaration of Independence had a Welsh background, including its primary author, Thomas Jefferson. By now there are endless links between the United States and Wales, from economic to academic to cultural connections. On November 21, 2022, a new link will be created. The countries will face each other in the first match of their World Cup campaigns--and it will be the first time the United States and Wales have faced each other in a World Cup. This day will be a special day for Americans, Welsh, and Welsh-Americans all around the world to come together and celebrate what both countries have achieved. As one of the millions of Welsh-Americans, I look forward to cheering both countries in the World Cup--albeit on November 21 I will be supporting the United States.
RESTORING HOPE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING ACT OF 20222022-06-22
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers).
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?
Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Ferguson).
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the opportunity to present this amendment. This amendment would delay the implementation of the MAT Act, section 262, until January of 2024. Currently, the Act would eliminate the patient cap on the number of patients a single healthcare provider can provide buprenorphine to. This cap was created originally in 2000 in the Drug Addiction Treatment Act, which initially set the cap at 30 patients. Since 2000, the cap has been increased several times, and the current law is 275 patients per healthcare practitioner. This patient cap has never been lifted before or even studied as to what the effects would be if it was lifted. This is a complex treatment area. Patients don't just need buprenorphine, or its less addictive form known by the trade name Suboxone. They need behavioral healthcare treatment. They need hands-on, detailed guidance. They need to do a long, step-down process, slowly reducing and then eliminating all of the opioids that they are using or have used. Buprenorphine is also an opioid. It is better than heroin or fentanyl, and it can be used as a treatment very effectively. But it still can be addictive. There are reports of its sale on the street. With no cap on the number of patients, I fear we could see abuse. But if we feel this should be a matter for the States to define through their medical processes, their medical boards, or their legislatures, we need to give them time to take that action. Most State legislatures are not currently in session, so the amendment gives the States time to take action if they choose to do so. The overall bill is good, but I don't want us to be inadvertently creating more problems down the road related to buprenorphine. Delaying the implementation of the new MAT language until 2024 will allow States to analyze what they think is a good cap for their population, if they choose to do so at all, but they need the time in order to make that decision. Accordingly, Madam Speaker, I would ask that we vote ``yes'' on this important amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
HONORING OF JAMES MABE2022-05-03
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of James Mabe of Abingdon, Virginia, who passed away on April 10, 2022, at the age of 66. Mr. Mabe was a well-known voice in the community as a radio host for more than 30 years. Mr. Mabe was born on April 30, 1955, to Eugene and Easter Mabe. He was educated at Fort Chiswell High School. He always held a great love for music. As a young man, he performed with many local bands and worked in his family's truck stop until he started in radio. His first on-air appearance was with a station in Pulaski, Virginia, in 1983. He went on to be a voice in radio for more than three decades but spent most of his career as the host of the ``More Music Morning Show'' in Marion, Virginia. His voice was in the ears of community members in their homes, on their daily commutes, and during their workdays. His candor and lively personality made it easy for him to connect with his listeners. He was known for his witty one-liners. He loved his job and the ability to reach so much of the community. In 2020, the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia awarded him the Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Mabe was predeceased in death by his parents; his sister, Janie Mabe; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, WR and Evangeline Humphreys. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Annette Mabe; daughters, Kaci Willis and her husband, Jon; Stacey Burton and partner, Jesse Blevins; and Jenny Mabe; grandchildren Caleb, Jaden, Noah, Laine, Avery, Archer and Gunner; brother, Gerald Mabe and wife, Kathy; as well as many other beloved friends and family, including many listeners of his show. I offer my condolences to them on the loss of this great man.
ENSURING LASTING SMILES ACT2022-04-04
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am disappointed that all Members could not reach an agreement on this bill. I have an amendment that would specify the types of conditions required to be addressed by this bill, which would help clarify its intent for the implementing agencies. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the text of my proposed amendment. In the heading of section 2, strike ``congenital anomaly or birth defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect''. In section 2799A-11 of the Public Health Service Act, section 726 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and section 9826 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as proposed to be added by section 2-- (1) in the heading, strike ``congenital anomaly or birth defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect''; and (2) in subsection (a), strike the term ``congenital anomaly or birth defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect'' each place such term appears.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the stated goal of the bill is a good one, making sure those who, through no fault of their own, are born with a condition requiring extensive medical care can eat, drink, and thrive. I would love to be able to tell families like the one in my district with two children experiencing ectodermal dysplasia that insurance would pay for the hundreds of thousands of dollars of surgery necessary to allow their teeth and mouths to function properly. But this bill needs more work, and my amendment could have addressed its most significant flaw. Had the bill gone through regular order, I would have offered this corrective amendment. The biggest problem here is that not one person can articulate which medical procedures or treatments would be required to be covered by insurance. The bill is titled healthy smiles, referencing cleft palate, ectodermal dysplasia, et cetera, but not one person can articulate which medical procedures or treatments would be required to be covered by insurance. This is, in part, because the FDA has no statutory or regulatory definition of what a congenital anomaly or birth defect is. Further, one part of the bill requires insurers to ``include any medically necessary item or service to . . . restore any body part to achieve normal body functioning or appearance,'' while another part provides that ``'treatment' shall not include cosmetic surgery.'' Technical comments from the Department of Labor support my belief that these two provisions ``seem to be in tension.'' There is a tension between the two sections. Because the language is so vague, CBO found it difficult to estimate the cost. They expressed uncertainty around identifying the procedures and services that would be considered medically necessary. Nonetheless, they took a stab at it and guessed it would cost around $1.8 billion. My amendment would resolve these concerns by replacing the phrase ``congenital anomaly or birth defect'' with ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect'' to specify the types of conditions advocates of this bill have been discussing for months. Most of the people who signed on as cosponsors thought that was just what they were doing. They didn't know they were going to cover, as the gentlewoman has said, the 4 percent of children born with any kind of a birth defect. Given that my amendment cannot be considered today, I will be voting ``no.'' Now, you may wonder, how did I come to this conclusion? When my oldest son was born 16 years ago, when I called my wife's father, his first question was, ``Does he have all his fingernails?'' because my wife was born with a congenital birth defect. She doesn't have fingernails on her index fingers. This has caused them to be injured numerous times over the years. There is no question it qualifies under this bill for some kind of treatment, whether it be an implant to replace those nails--if this bill passes, we will be doing everything from the healthy smiles that the bill purports to do all the way down to fingernails. Now, she is fine. She has grown up. She has adjusted. Everything is good. But the first question my father-in-law asked was, ``Does he have all his fingernails?'' because, for years, it was a concern to him as a father, as a parent. This bill would deal with that, and that is why it is hard to say what it is going to cost because a lot of smaller defects like my wife's fingernails would be covered under this. And if it is covered, by golly, you know they are going to fix it. The worst thing she has to do now is wear gloves when we take out the Christmas tree and try to be careful. But as a child, it was a bigger issue, and like I said, the tips of her index fingers are a little bulbous. She might be offended by this, but if you look closely, it looks a little bit like E.T.'s finger, though it is not quite as long and it doesn't light up. But it is a birth defect that this bill would cover at huge cost to the American public and to the American taxpayers. This bill goes too far. I wish we had the opportunity to accept my amendment, which we can't do on a bill that is on suspension, because then we could make sure it dealt with the big items that only affect a much smaller part of the population and that truly do need to be dealt with. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I will submit that my amendment was not offered at the full committee. Two years ago, when we were taking this bill through regular order, at that time it was discussed that we would try to work on language that would narrow the scope before it came to the floor. I assumed that that would be done before this bill was brought up on a suspension; that has not happened. I would be more than happy, if we have to come to loggerheads over it, that we have that discussion where we can discuss all the potential costs, all the potential birth defects that might be covered, including the minor ones, the ones that don't have an effect on lasting smiles, which is also included in this. Now, the gentlewoman's heart is in the right place, and I have great respect for her, and understand what she is trying to do. I just think that there is so much unknown cost for so many minor birth defects and small inconveniences that might be cosmetic or might not be, depending on which doctor makes that decision, because we don't have a good definition either in the bill or in the standard lingo of the FDA, et cetera. I think we are buying a whole lot more expense, both to the American taxpayer, and, I believe, this is going to push up the cost of health insurance on families that are already having difficulties making those health insurance payments. All of that is correct. And the chairman of the committee--also his heart is in the right place--mentioned ectodermal dysplasia. I have no problem with us treating that. It affects a small number of people. It is a huge cost on a handful of families out there--maybe a few more than a handful-- but it does affect people disproportionately who cannot afford to have that fixed, and it does create huge problems on eating, on talking, et cetera. Those are the things we want to go after. What I want to make sure we are not doing is spending billions of dollars of American taxpayer dollars or raising the cost of health insurance because we are going to take care of everything down to two index finger fingernails missing, et cetera. That is my concern. Madam Speaker, as you can tell, I feel passionately about this, and I yield back the balance of my time.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESEARCH ACT2022-04-04
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would say, Madam Chair, you have heard the comments from both sides of the aisle. We need the research. It is good for the American public to know whether or not this stuff works. But you hear accounts from citizens that they are having to buy marijuana on the street. Maybe they can get it in some of these States now. But when you are dealing with epilepsy, for example, they have to boil up a tincture to make sure that it has the CBD and some level of THC, but nobody really knows what level of THC is necessary to help with juvenile epilepsy. We just don't know. We have no research. Parents out there, concerned about the well-being of their children, have turned their children into guinea pigs. Yet, because in many States it is still illegal, and was illegal until just a few years ago, they haven't been able to report their findings to anybody who is working on this in an official sense. It is time that ends. Let's do research on cannabis. I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield to gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) as much time as he may consume.
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5657, the Medical Marijuana Research Act. I first thank Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Harris, and, of course, the chairman of the committee, but Mr. Harris and Mr. Blumenauer are the lead sponsors of this legislation. Though our long-term goals for marijuana regulation may differ, the three of us share a strong conviction that scientific data should form the basis for policymaking whenever possible. For four Congresses now, we have joined forces to advocate for more research on the use of cannabis products to treat medical conditions. My belief that medical marijuana probably can be beneficial when used in the proper setting for treatment of certain medical conditions is based largely on anecdotal evidence from constituents and citizens. Despite the increasing use of cannabis products around the country, there have been very few legitimate, peer-reviewed studies to determine the effects of cannabis on the body, particularly over a long period of time. This lack of research is due, in large part, to the Federal Government standing in the way. Marijuana's schedule I status makes it extremely difficult for scientists to, one, obtain approval to conduct cannabis research; and, two, obtain a quality product of marijuana to use for that research. H.R. 5657 addresses both of these issues. It encourages medical marijuana research by establishing a new set of research standards that are specific to cannabis. This will allow cannabis to remain classified as a schedule I substance while increasing access for those who wish to study it. It also ensures the availability of verified cannabis products necessary for legitimate research by establishing a new registration process. Entities who choose to register and are approved will be able to legally manufacture and distribute marijuana for the purpose of conducting such research. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
HONORING WILLIAM FRANK CHAPMAN, JR.2022-04-01
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of William Frank Chapman, Jr. of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on March 20, 2022, at the age of 88. Frank served in the Armed Forces and was a businessman and active community leader. Frank was born on January 25, 1934. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School. He then attended Fork Union Military Academy and was recruited by North Carolina State University on scholarship to play football, which he did for two years before transferring to the University of Virginia to finish his education. He served in the United States Navy before returning to Salem. Upon his homecoming, he founded and served as president of Chapman-Taney- Painter-Logan Insurance, Inc. and Bonding for many years. He later worked at Sherwood Memorial Park in operations. After his retirement, Frank dedicated much of his life to service to his community. He and his friend, Burks Logan, worked as co-chairmen of a capital campaign for the Salem Museum and were honored as ``Hometown Heroes'' in 2012 by the Roanoker Magazine. He was a life member of the Salem Museum and Historical Society and served as president of the board for five years. I had the pleasure of knowing Frank personally. He was a friend and fellow Republican. I recall when I ran for the Virginia House of Delegates for the first time, he vowed to support me. But one of his close friends, with whom he had endured many hard times, decided to run against me. Frank approached me, hat in hand, to apologetically ask that I release him from his commitment. I respected his candor and loyalty. He was a true southern gentleman. He faithfully served his community and party. He was a Trustee of the Virginia Agents Political Committee, a lifetime member of the Salem Rescue Squad, former state director of Salem Junior Chamber of Commerce, and former president of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. Frank also served on many committees at the First United Methodist Church in Salem, where he was a lifelong and third-generation member. Frank was also an avid outdoorsman. In 1981, then-Governor John Dalton appointed him to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Commission to represent the sixth district. He served as vice-chairman from 1984 to 85. Frank also served as vice-chairman of the Catawba District of Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Salem Rotary Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow in 2005. Throughout his life, he held many esteemed titles and leadership roles--all to serve, lead, and better his community. Frank was predeceased in death by two wives, Billie Lee Bates Chapman and Page Clark Chapman; his parents, William Frank Chapman, Sr. and Wilma Cross Chapman; and a sister, Lula Cross Harris Russell. He is survived by his wife, Julie Stagg Chapman; three children, Lee Ann Chapman Critz and her husband, Blake, Frank Bates Chapman, and Catherine Chapman Mosley; four grandchildren, Sara Catherine Critz Kronstain and husband, John, Benjamin Lee Critz and wife, Anna, Luke Bates Mosley, and Addison Grace Chapman; and five great-grandchildren, Emma, Thomas, Matthew, Mason and Olivia. He also leaves behind his beloved stepchildren and grandchildren. I would like to offer my condolences to the family on the loss of this great man, friend, and community leader.
HONORING CALEB OGILVIE2022-03-17
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the loss of Officer Caleb Daniel Ogilvie of the Covington Police Department. Officer Ogilvie was killed in the line of duty on March 14, 2022, at the age of 35. Though he was taken too soon, his life was evidence of his noble commitment to protecting the safety and freedom of others above himself. He was born in Wisconsin to Daniel Raymond Ogilvie and Delora Anne Chambers Ogilvie. Before serving the City of Covington in law enforcement, Officer Ogilvie served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Two of his tours were spent in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician for Roanoke County. Officer Ogilvie was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Along with his parents, he is survived by his wife, Natasha Erin Ogilvie; and four daughters, Emersyn and Wrenley Ogilvie, and Kileigh and Rilyn Ogilvie and their mother, Malarie Ogilvie. He is also survived by his sister, Abigail Chave, and two brothers, Rian and Benjamin Ogilvie; along with many other beloved close family and friends. Officer Ogilvie lived a life of self-sacrifice. He was a distinguished public servant who put his life on the line every day as he courageously defended those around him. The death of Officer Ogilvie is a grievous loss to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Covington. I mourn his loss, yet I am grateful that he and the other men and women of law enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full well the risks they face. His bravery and selfless service will not be forgotten.
HONORING I. RAY BYRD2022-03-15
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of I. Ray Byrd, who passed away on January 30, 2022. Mr. Byrd was a businessman and community leader in Salem, Virginia. Mr. Byrd was born on September 1, 1928, in Martinsville, Virginia to Daniel Edward and Virgie Holt Byrd. He attended Randolph Macon College and finished his education at the Medical College of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He later went on to spend two years as a United States Marine and attained the rank of Captain. He and his wife, Nina, moved to Salem, Virginia in 1954. This is where he and his dear friend, Ervin Pollard Brooks, founded Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy. Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy became an iconic Salem location and is still open today. Further, the pharmacy's patrons benefited from the kindness of Mr. Byrd. In a throwback to an earlier age, it allowed their regular customers to carry accounts forward. This was very helpful to many struggling families throughout the years--including single-parent households such as mine when I was a kid. The community will be forever indebted to Mr. Byrd and Mr. Brooks for their dedicated, selfless service. Throughout his pharmaceutical career, Mr. Byrd also served as a pharmacist at the Bradley Free Clinic, Richfield Pharmacy, and the VA Hospital. He was also a member of the Roanoke Valley Pharmaceutical and the Virginia Pharmaceutical Associations. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Byrd devotedly volunteered and worked to improve his community. He served in the Salem Kiwanis Club, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Museum, Salem Sports Foundation, and the Salem Industrial Authority. For five years he served as the chairman of the City of Salem School Board. Mr. Byrd especially valued faith and family. He was an active member and trustee of the Salem Baptist Church. Mr. Byrd's survivors include his wife, Nina Byrd; his children, Dr. Carol Byrd and her husband, I. Ray Byrd, Jr. and his wife, Mary Catherine Ruskan, and Laura Byrd Earle and her husband; his grandchildren, Bradley Barr, Dr. Ann Cameron Barr and her husband, Dr. Andrew Barr and his wife, Nicholas Byrd and his wife, Alison Byrd Walker and her husband, Caroline Byrd Heflin and her husband, Matthew Ruskan, Catherine Ruskan, Nina Earle, Samuel Earle, and Hank Earle; and great-grandchildren Alicia Byrd, Cecilia Byrd, Smith Barr, Ellis Barr, and Sophia Walker. I offer them my condolences on their loss.
HONORING WALTER DELANEY, JR.2022-03-15
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Walter Delaney, Jr., who died on February 14, 2022, at the age of 81. Mr. Delaney dedicated his life to public service as a law enforcement officer who honorably fulfilled his professional duties. Mr. Delaney was born on March 15, 1940, to the late Walter L. Delaney, Sr., and Rebecca Minor Delaney. Mr. Delaney attended Roanoke City Public Schools. From a young age, he always led with a heart of service. He volunteered with the Huntington Life Saving Crew, and this inspired him to become a Roanoke County Deputy Sheriff. So, he left his job at the Eaton Corp. in Salem to serve his community. He worked as a patrolman, an investigator, and in the courts. Mr. Delaney became the first Black deputy for the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. As a practicing attorney in the Roanoke Valley, I worked with Mr. Delaney for many years. He was always professional and courteous. He never drew attention to the fact that he was the first black deputy. In a time when the country was going through desegregation, Mr. Delaney was a trailblazer in his community. In every role he held, he constantly worked hard and selflessly served those around him. In addition to serving in law enforcement, Mr. Delaney was also an active member of the Sweet Union Baptist Church and deeply valued his faith. Mr. Delaney was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Susie M. Larry Delaney; his son, Ricky H. Delaney, his sister, Loreli Cherrylene Delaney; his brother Xavier Jacques Delaney; and his brothers-in-law: Rodney Buford Larry and Phillip Larry. He is survived by his children Gary Hancock, Robbie Delaney Majors and Anthony Delaney, Sr.; siblings, Yvonne Delaney Oliver, William Delaney, Essie J. Manns, Johnny Delaney; grandchildren, Gary Kasey, Antonio Taylor, William ``Tre''' Majors, Anthony Delaney, Jr., Jarek Hancock, Naya Delaney, and Dallas Delaney; great grandchildren, Jamauri Majors, Jaylen Majors, TreMaine Bond, Jin Lee Taylor; and many other beloved family and friends. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this good man.
HONORING CARL RAY SNODGRASS2022-03-09
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Carl Ray Snodgrass of Wise, Virginia, who passed away on February 3, 2022, at the age of 84. Mr. Snodgrass was foundational to the region and the Wise County community. Mr. Snodgrass graduated from J.J. Kelly High School and Clinch Valley College. He went on to serve in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1960 to 1967. At the start of his professional career, he began banking with the Wise County National Bank--later to become President of First State Bank. The steadfast work of Mr. Snodgrass overflowed into his service to his community. He served on the Wise Town Council and as Mayor of the Town of Wise. For the last three decades, he has been an active, vital leader for the economic development initiatives in Wise County. He devotedly served with Wise County Economic Development and the Industrial Development Authority. He held a fundamental role in bringing the Dominion Power Plant and the Lonesome Pine Business and Technology Park to the area. Mr. Snodgrass cherished his faith and devotion to the Lord. He was a member of the First Church of God. His life was evidence of his selfless heart of service unto others. He left a profound impact on the Wise community, and he will be greatly missed. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Fredrick and Pearl Frazier Snodgrass; as well as sisters, Laura Ellen Grasham, Mary Arlena Little, Mavis Light, Eula Mae Conklin, and Velma Snodgrass; and brothers, Charles Sidney Snodgrass and William Albert Snodgrass. Mr. Snodgrass is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Adams Snodgrass; son and daughter-in-law Scott and Beth Snodgrass; granddaughters, Lily Elkins, and her husband, and Emma Snodgrass; sister, Doris Aileen Snodgrass; and many other beloved friends and family. I would like to offer them my condolences.
HONORING ROGER HOLLANDSWORTH2022-03-09
Mr. GRIFFITH
Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Roger Hollandsworth of Floyd, Virginia, who passed away on January 27, 2022, at the age of 64. Mr. Hollandsworth served the Floyd County community as an emergency first-responder and a businessman. Mr. Hollandsworth was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Virginia Tech. For 33 years, he was the owner of a cherished Floyd business, the Xpress Market. Through his business, he graced everyone that walked in with his kindness and friendly nature. His love and service toward others were reflected in his work as a member of the Floyd County Lifesaving and First Aid Rescue Squad. He faithfully served for more than 40 years. Throughout the majority of that time, he acted as the squad's treasurer. Community members and fellow Rescue Squad members speak very highly of Mr. Hollandsworth and his legacy in Floyd County. There have been countless rescue stories displaying his courage and heroism. His kindness on and off the job made a profound impact on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Rowena Albert Hollandsworth; and brother, Don Wayne Hollandsworth. His survivors include his wife of 39 years, Jennifer R. Hollandsworth; son, Dustin N. Hollandsworth and his wife; grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett, Kylie, Wyatt, Arick, Lilah and Emberly, as well as many other loved ones. I offer my condolences on their loss.