State and National Government
Republican leaders in the House of Delegates responded to Governor Northam’s call for a special session on gun control by saying they will press for gun laws that hold criminals accountable for their actions — and not infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. Their proposals would stiffen penalties who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences.
From House Speaker Kirk Cox: “The terrible shooting that occurred in Virginia Beach just four days ago is still painfully fresh for everyone, especially the 12 families that lost loved ones. First and foremost, we continue to pray for the victims, thank the first responders, and extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their dedication to the safety of that community.
“The Governor’s call to Special Session is hasty and suspect when considered against the backdrop of the last few months. While the Governor can call a special session, he cannot specify what the General Assembly chooses to consider or how we do our work. We intend to use that time to take productive steps to address gun violence by holding criminals accountable with tougher sentences — including mandatory minimums.
“Following the tragedy at Virginia Tech in 2007 and 2017’s shooting in Parkland, Florida, Virginia took a very deliberative approach that ultimately ended in substantive and bipartisan reforms to keep our communities safer. The governor’s call to Special Session is more likely to inflame political tensions than produce substantive public policy changes that will keep people safe.
“We believe addressing gun violence starts with holding criminals accountable for their actions, not infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. When the Special Session convenes, Republicans will put forward a package of legislation to stiffen penalties for those who use firearms to commit crimes, including mandatory minimum sentences. These steps, combined with our ongoing efforts to strengthen the mental and behavioral health system, are the best ways to keep our communities safe from those who commit violence with guns.
“The House of Delegates will convene upon the Governor’s call as constitutionally required and work within the rules we adopt and the regular legislative process to consider any matter before us. Our actions will be based on sound public policy and the best interests of the Commonwealth.”
Calls for the unredacted Russia report have cooled a bit since Robert Mueller’s news conference earlier this week. Regardless, a Congressman from our area says the release of the full report would be illegal. However, statements from Mueller this week don’t fit with U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s summary of the report. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
U.S. Senator Mark Warner says at the very least former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s news conference means the Trump administration cannot claim the President has been “exonerated”. But that wasn’t his biggest takeaway as WFIR’s Ian Price reports:
Rep. Morgan Griffith
Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith says the fixation that Democratic party leaders have on President Trump is preventing his House colleagues from accomplishing anything of national importance. Griffith says there are plenty of lawmakers in both parties who are willing to get things done — and ready to compromise to get it done — but any important legislation is not likely to receive passage until after next year’s presidential election. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
Griffith spoke live yesterday on the Roanoke Valley’s Morning News. Here is the full conversation:
Rep. Morgan Griffith
9th District Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith says there was clear “malfeasance in office” on the part of some Justice Department and FBI officials when federal agencies initiated probes into alleged Trump campaign collusion with Russia.
This comes as the Justice Department is currently examining how the investigation got its start — and whether federal agencies improperly used their powers for political purposes to spy on a presidential campaign.
Griffith joined us live today on the Roanoke Valley’s Morning News. Here is the full conversation:
A Virginia-based group that advocates for ending the federal prohibition on marijuana say policy they support is moving faster than ever in Washington. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:
Photo: Ken Cuccinelli Twitter
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Ken Cuccinelli, the former attorney general of Virginia, will be joining the Trump administration.A White House official confirms Cuccinelli will be taking a position at the Homeland Security Department, focusing on immigration. The person spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of an official announcement.The Associated Press first reported last month Trump was considering bringing on Cuccinelli as an “immigration czar” to coordinate immigration policy across federal agencies. But the official said Cuccinelli will not be assuming that role.The hire comes as Trump is struggling with a migrant surge at the southern border that is straining federal resources.Cuccinelli has in the past advocated for denying citizenship to the American-born children of parents living in the U.S. illegally.He didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.
Virginia’s Junior US Senator is joining a bipartisian effort to increase the age to buy tobacco in the U.S. WFIR’s Clark Palmer has more.