{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-need-for-congressional-oversight-of-weapons-transfers", "Kaine Statement on Need for Congressional Oversight of Weapons Transfers", "2023-12-30", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to transfer weapons to Israel without congressional oversight:\n\n\u201cJust as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark. We need a public explanation of the rationale behind this decision\u2014the second such decision this month.\u201d\n\nKaine has long been a leading voice for the need to make decisions related to war and peace through a deliberate congressional process. This month, Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval was signed into law. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to pass Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars.\n\nKaine strongly condemned Hamas\u2019 October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He\u2019s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas\u2019 terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-fiscal-year-2024-national-defense-act-becoming-law", "Kaine Applauds Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Act Becoming Law", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) becoming law. The bipartisan legislation includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support our national security and Virginia\u2019s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the president signed this defense bill, which will support our national security, servicemembers, and Virginia\u2019s defense community. I help write this bill every year, and this year, I\u2019m particularly proud to have included bipartisan legislation I led to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO and to direct more federal attention to combat the fentanyl crisis. I also ensured the incorporation of my provisions to implement the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement, which will support the security of our allies and boost Virginia\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\nKaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nNATO: Includes Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.\n\nDisrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act: Includes provisions from Kaine\u2019s bipartisan bill with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by utilizing Pentagon tools like counter-drug intelligence and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis and disrupt cartel activity in Mexico. Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by:\n\nHighlighting the need to address the threat to national security posed by fentanyl trafficking.\n\nDirecting the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific counter-drug strategy, including enhanced cooperation with Mexican defense officials.\n\nRequiring the Secretary of Defense to enhance security cooperation with the Mexican military.\n\nAddressing coordination efforts between the military and federal law enforcement agencies.\n\nAustralia and U.K. Partnership: Strengthens the United States\u2019 partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom in the implementation of the AUKUS agreement, in which the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia will share and collaborate on technologies crucial to the allies\u2019 long-term security. Because a significant portion of Virginia-class submarines are built in Hampton Roads, the AUKUS agreement creates opportunity for further job creation and economic growth in Hampton Roads.\n\nShipbuilding: Authorizes investments to help meet the congressionally mandated requirement to have 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps, by restoring funding for LPD-33 and strengthening oversight of the Navy\u2019s shipbuilding plan. Improves acquisition processes, expands defense industrial base capacity, and supports workforce development initiatives.\n\nPay Raises: Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workforce. Requires a review of military pay rates to determine if the current basic pay table adequately compensates junior enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-4.\n\nRecruitment: Establishes an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for the purpose of introducing community and junior college students to the military and preparing selected students for enlisted service in the Armed Forces. This follows conversations Kaine has had in Hampton Roads about tackling the recruitment and retention challenges in the military.\n\nU.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific: Expands cooperation and engagement to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, through Fiscal Year 2024 and authorizes the full budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. Establishes the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA) to improve maritime security and boost information-sharing among partners in the region. Includes bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Kaine to increase coordination and boost cooperation with Pacific Island nations on emergency humanitarian response, law enforcement and maritime security activities, and counterintelligence.\n\nTaiwan: Establishes a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for military forces of Taiwan. Improves U.S.-Taiwan cooperation related to military cybersecurity activities.\n\nSupport for Ukraine: Extends Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through Fiscal Year 2027 and authorizes the full budget request in Fiscal Year 2024. Extends waivers for the streamlined acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes additional munitions eligible for multiyear procurement contracts.\n\nServicemember Health Care: Includes various provisions to strengthen and expand access to quality health care for servicemembers and dependents with a focus on improving mental health services.\n\nRequires a study in military treatment facilities on the efficacy of opioid alternatives for pain management, department assessment on the rates of opioid prescriptions to servicemembers.\n\nAllows licensed Military and Family Life Counselors to provide non-medical counseling services outside of the state in which they are licensed.\n\nProvides career flexibility for the services\u2019 mental health workforce to increase retention.\n\nMilitary Construction: Includes over $561 million for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.\n\n$157M for Child Development Center, MQ-25 Aircraft Facilities, and a submarine pier at Naval Station Norfolk\n\n$81M for Drydock Saltwater System at Norfolk Naval Shipyard\n\n$61M for Special Operations Forces Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2 Operations Support Facility at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$57M for Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$46M for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown\n\n$37M for Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico\n\n$30M for pedestrian access at the Pentagon\n\n$25M for Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters annex at Fort Belvoir\n\n$23M for Maritime Surveillance System Facility at Dam Neck Annex\n\n$20M for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston\n\n$12M for Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar support facilities at Dam Neck\n\n$4M for an Equine Training Facility at Fort Belvoir\n\n$4M to complete maintenance and readiness centers at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Roanoke Regional Readiness Center in Troutville\n\n$4M for the Army Reserve Center in Richmond\n\nMilitary Families:\n\nExpands servicemember eligibility to receive reimbursement for qualified spouse relicensing or business costs when the servicemember relocates as the result of reassignment or a transfer from active duty to the reserves\u2014making it easier for military spouses to continue their careers.\n\nMakes mental health care more accessible and affordable for beneficiaries in the active duty family members category and TRICARE Young Adult program, by waiving cost sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year.\n\nDirects a review and report on access to resources and services related to mental health for students of Department of Defense Education Activity Schools.\n\nMilitary Housing:\n\nImproves military housing for servicemembers E-6 and below without dependents whose ships are undergoing maintenance by providing the authority to allow these junior enlisted servicemembers to collect a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and not live aboard the ship. This follows conversations that Kaine had with servicemembers in Hampton Roads about mental health challenges while living aboard ships during long maintenance periods.\n\nAuthorizes improvements to the quality and oversight of military enlisted barracks, including the replacement of substandard barracks.\n\nRequires that unaccompanied housing meets the same basic standards as all other military housing.\n\nImproves the calculation of BAH rates with respect to junior enlisted members, by delinking that calculation from specific housing types and provides additional flexibility to ensure equitable housing rates can be calculated in markets with limited housing inventory.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-colleagues-sound-the-alarm-about-economic-deterioration-in-the-west-bank", "Warner, Kaine & Colleagues Sound the Alarm About Economic Deterioration in the West Bank", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Carper (D-DE) Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sounding the alarm about the economic deterioration in the West Bank and the troubling rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers. In a letter to President Biden, the lawmakers stressed the need for Israel to take steps to address the growing instability in the West Bank, including by ensuring that the Palestinian Security Forces are able to ward off violence against innocent Palestinian civilians and prevent further destabilization, which could open an additional front to the conflict.\n\nThis letter follows a decision by Israel to withhold a significant portion of tax revenues that its government collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). These revenues \u2013 meant to be collected and transferred based on longstanding agreement \u2013 are critical for the PA\u2019s civil administration and security purposes.\n\n\u201cA range of factors since October 7 \u2013 including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked \u2013 have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority\u2019s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cA significant source of the PA\u2019s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned that the Israeli government\u2019s decision following the October 7 attacks to withhold a significant portion of these revenues, and the PA\u2019s decision to not accept the reduced sum, is dramatically exacerbating the economic volatility in the West Bank.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition to harming the well-being of Palestinians, the current lack of revenue transfers directly threatens the economic standing of the security services in the West Bank. Absent these funds, salaries for the more than 30,000 members of the Palestinian Security Forces cannot be paid in full. The possibility of these forces declining to serve, absent pay \u2013 and the possibility of militant groups attempting to step in and financially coerce these services \u2013 represents a significant security threat, risking the opening of a new front to this conflict to the detriment of Israeli and regional security,\u201d they continued. \u201cWe urge you and senior members of your Administration to continue to prioritize the resumption of these transfers in any conversations with the Israeli government as well as Palestinian Authority officials. A commitment by Israel to immediately transfer the full allotment of Palestinian Authority revenues is vital to staving off a significant rise in instability, and would represent a crucial step by Israel towards deescalating tensions in the West Bank.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe write with ongoing concern about the alarming conditions in the West Bank. As Israel continues to address the lethal and ongoing threat posed by Hamas following the terrorist group\u2019s horrific October 7 attacks, Israel must take steps to address growing instability in the West Bank. Israeli settlers\u2019 violence and deteriorating economic conditions are compromising the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians and threaten further destabilization. We are concerned that these conditions risk opening an additional front to the conflict, to the significant detriment of Israeli and regional security.\n\nMembers of Congress have joined you in voicing concerns about the alarming rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank over the past two months. We believe the Israeli government must address these attacks against Palestinians, and we applaud your Administration\u2019s recent actions \u2013 including visa bans \u2013 targeting those carrying out these attacks.\n\nWe are also concerned about the conflict\u2019s economic impact in the West Bank, and the risk it poses for further violence. A range of factors since October 7 \u2013 including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked \u2013 have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority\u2019s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank.\n\nA significant source of the PA\u2019s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned that the Israeli government\u2019s decision following the October 7 attacks to withhold a significant portion of these revenues, and the PA\u2019s decision to not accept the reduced sum, is dramatically exacerbating the economic volatility in the West Bank.\n\nIn addition to harming the well-being of Palestinians, the current lack of revenue transfers directly threatens the economic standing of the security services in the West Bank. Absent these funds, salaries for the more than 30,000 members of the Palestinian Security Forces cannot be paid in full. The possibility of these forces declining to serve, absent pay \u2013 and the possibility of militant groups attempting to step in and financially coerce these services \u2013 represents a significant security threat, risking the opening of a new front to this conflict to the detriment of Israeli and regional security.\n\nWe acknowledge the need for a number of reforms related to PA governance, including those that would address corruption concerns, as well as its martyr and prisoner payment system. These reforms remain important, alongside supporting near-term stability and security.\n\nIn recent testimony before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Secretary of State Blinken testified that the PA is \u201cvastly under resourced,\u201d and that import tax revenues have indeed been a topic of negotiation with the Israeli government. We urge you and senior members of your Administration to continue to prioritize the resumption of these transfers in any conversations with the Israeli government as well as Palestinian Authority officials. A commitment by Israel to immediately transfer the full allotment of Palestinian Authority revenues is vital to staving off a significant rise in instability, and would represent a crucial step by Israel towards deescalating tensions in the West Bank.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-announce-3-million-in-federal-funding-for-regional-flood-risk-management-feasibility-study-in-hampton-va", "Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study in Hampton, VA", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region.\n\nAs part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today\u2019s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately.\n\n\u201cRising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,\u201d the members said. \u201cWe\u2019re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.\u201d\n\nThe Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region.\n\nSince 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine have requested funding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=74152009-A568-4072-95E6-F3399A6F8809", "Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management in Hampton, VA", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region.\n\nAs part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today\u2019s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately.\n\n\u201cRising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,\u201d the members said. \u201cWe\u2019re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.\u201d\n\nThe Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region.\n\nSince 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine have requested funding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F477A381-91DE-48A6-8275-990FED884AE8", "Warner and Colleagues Sound the Alarm About Economic Deterioration in the West Bank", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Carper (D-DE) Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sounding the alarm about the economic deterioration in the West Bank and the troubling rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers. In a letter to President Biden, the lawmakers stressed the need for Israel to take steps to address the growing instability in the West Bank, including by ensuring that the Palestinian Security Forces are able to ward off violence against innocent Palestinian civilians and prevent further destabilization, which could open an additional front to the conflict.\n\nThis letter follows a decision by Israel to withhold a significant portion of tax revenues that its government collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). These revenues \u2013 meant to be collected and transferred based on longstanding agreement \u2013 are critical for the PA\u2019s civil administration and security purposes.\n\n\u201cA range of factors since October 7 \u2013 including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked \u2013 have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority\u2019s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cA significant source of the PA\u2019s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned that the Israeli government\u2019s decision following the October 7 attacks to withhold a significant portion of these revenues, and the PA\u2019s decision to not accept the reduced sum, is dramatically exacerbating the economic volatility in the West Bank.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition to harming the well-being of Palestinians, the current lack of revenue transfers directly threatens the economic standing of the security services in the West Bank. Absent these funds, salaries for the more than 30,000 members of the Palestinian Security Forces cannot be paid in full. The possibility of these forces declining to serve, absent pay \u2013 and the possibility of militant groups attempting to step in and financially coerce these services \u2013 represents a significant security threat, risking the opening of a new front to this conflict to the detriment of Israeli and regional security,\u201d they continued. \u201cWe urge you and senior members of your Administration to continue to prioritize the resumption of these transfers in any conversations with the Israeli government as well as Palestinian Authority officials. A commitment by Israel to immediately transfer the full allotment of Palestinian Authority revenues is vital to staving off a significant rise in instability, and would represent a crucial step by Israel towards deescalating tensions in the West Bank.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe write with ongoing concern about the alarming conditions in the West Bank. As Israel continues to address the lethal and ongoing threat posed by Hamas following the terrorist group\u2019s horrific October 7 attacks, Israel must take steps to address growing instability in the West Bank. Israeli settlers\u2019 violence and deteriorating economic conditions are compromising the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians and threaten further destabilization. We are concerned that these conditions risk opening an additional front to the conflict, to the significant detriment of Israeli and regional security.\n\nMembers of Congress have joined you in voicing concerns about the alarming rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank over the past two months. We believe the Israeli government must address these attacks against Palestinians, and we applaud your Administration\u2019s recent actions \u2013 including visa bans \u2013 targeting those carrying out these attacks.\n\nWe are also concerned about the conflict\u2019s economic impact in the West Bank, and the risk it poses for further violence. A range of factors since October 7 \u2013 including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked \u2013 have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority\u2019s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank.\n\nA significant source of the PA\u2019s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned that the Israeli government\u2019s decision following the October 7 attacks to withhold a significant portion of these revenues, and the PA\u2019s decision to not accept the reduced sum, is dramatically exacerbating the economic volatility in the West Bank.\n\nIn addition to harming the well-being of Palestinians, the current lack of revenue transfers directly threatens the economic standing of the security services in the West Bank. Absent these funds, salaries for the more than 30,000 members of the Palestinian Security Forces cannot be paid in full. The possibility of these forces declining to serve, absent pay \u2013 and the possibility of militant groups attempting to step in and financially coerce these services \u2013 represents a significant security threat, risking the opening of a new front to this conflict to the detriment of Israeli and regional security.\n\nWe acknowledge the need for a number of reforms related to PA governance, including those that would address corruption concerns, as well as its martyr and prisoner payment system. These reforms remain important, alongside supporting near-term stability and security.\n\nIn recent testimony before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Secretary of State Blinken testified that the PA is \u201cvastly under resourced,\u201d and that import tax revenues have indeed been a topic of negotiation with the Israeli government. We urge you and senior members of your Administration to continue to prioritize the resumption of these transfers in any conversations with the Israeli government as well as Palestinian Authority officials. A commitment by Israel to immediately transfer the full allotment of Palestinian Authority revenues is vital to staving off a significant rise in instability, and would represent a crucial step by Israel towards deescalating tensions in the West Bank.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-marshall-lead-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs", "Kaine & Marshall Lead Colleagues in Bipartisan Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful \u201ccopay accumulators.\u201d Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications. Virginia is one of 19 states that have banned copay accumulator programs, and this push would expand Virginia\u2019s progress nationwide.\n\nRegarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said, \u201cThis decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cInstead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators also push for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.\n\nIn addition to Kaine and Marshall, the letter is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Boozman (R-AR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).\n\n\u201cWe are hearing from more and more people with bleeding disorders in Virginia that they cannot access the treatments they need because they are facing copay accumulator adjustor programs. We are so grateful to Senators Kaine, Marshall and their colleagues who are working to lower patient costs and improve access to care. I join them in urging the Biden Administration to release new rulemaking to end this harmful practice; our community \u2013 and many others \u2013 simply can\u2019t wait,\u201d said Kelly Waters, Executive Director, Virginia Hemophilia Foundation.\n\n\u201cMore patients than ever are reaching out to us because they\u2019ve been negatively impacted by these programs,\u201d said Anna Hyde, Vice President of Advocacy and Access for the Arthritis Foundation. \u201cThey are being caught in a financial bind because they can\u2019t pay the full cost of their medications. Biologic medicines are expensive and there are no generic alternatives, so copay assistance is often a vital life line for them.\u201d\n\n\"Far too many of the 1 million Americans living with multiple sclerosis are unable to afford life-changing medications to reduce the number of relapses, delay the progression of disability, and limit new disease activity. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is disappointed with the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to appeal the court\u2019s September 29th ruling and continue the use of copay accumulators that will negatively impact access to care. We urge the withdrawal of their recently filed appeal,\u201d said Bari Talente, EVP, Advocacy & Healthcare Access, National MS Society.\n\n\u201cToo many rare-disease patients struggle to afford the therapies they need. Copay accumulator programs hurt the most vulnerable rare disease patients who rely on manufacturer copay assistance to afford their medications by dramatically increasing their cost-sharing liability. NORD supports the District Court\u2019s decision to vacate portions of the 2021 NBPP Final Rule that permitted the use of copay accumulator programs, and we are grateful for the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for the HELP Copays Act which would cement this decision legislatively. NORD is grateful to Senator Marshall and Senator Kaine for spearheading this letter to HHS on this important issue and for their continued leadership in protecting rare disease patients,\u201d said Peter Saltonstall, President and COE, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).\n\n\u201cThe NPF Patient Navigation Center is constantly fielding calls from people who can\u2019t afford the medicine they have been prescribed because of copay accumulator practices, so we are clearly disappointed in the Administration\u2019s move to appeal the decision of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that would limit their use,\u201d said Leah M. Howard, J.D., President and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. \u201cWe join Senators Doc Marshall (R-KS) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), in urging the Administration to renew policies ensuring copay assistance is counted towards deductibles and out of pocket maximums.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration has made it a priority to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans. HHS can do just that \u2013 make necessary and lifesaving treatments more accessible and affordable for the most vulnerable Americans, those with rare and serious, chronic illnesses. Senators Marshall and Kaine, have led the way in Congress by centering patients in the discussion on healthcare access. We encourage HHS to follow suit, align with the Administration\u2019s priorities, and enforce the 2020 NBPP. Now is the time to do right by patients!\u201d said the AIDS Institute.\n\n\u201cWhile serving a million people impacted by cancer each year, we at the Cancer Support Community have witnessed the adverse effects of copay accumulator adjustment programs (AAPs) on patients\u2019 ability to access life-saving medications. CSC strongly opposes the use of AAPs and supports the adoption of the 2020 NBPP policy, protecting affordability and access to care for under-resourced patients who rely on manufacturer copay assistance programs. We are grateful to have leaders that share our commitment to breaking down barriers and improving healthcare for all,\u201d said the Cancer Support Community.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Becerra, Acting Secretary Su, and Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe are writing in support of the recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that vacated the 2021 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) Final Rule provision that permitted the use of copay accumulator adjustment programs (AAPs) and remanded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to interpret the definition of \u201ccost-sharing.\u201d This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines. We are disappointed in HHS\u2019s decision to file a notice of appeal of the decision and HHS\u2019s articulated intention to not take any enforcement action against health insurance issuers or health plans that fail to count copay assistance toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing. Instead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.\n\nPatient assistance programs (PAPs) help low-income and vulnerable patients with complex conditions access life-saving medicine. Historically, these copay assistance programs counted toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing, and the policy was reaffirmed under the Affordable Care Act. The patient protection on cost-sharing provided patients and families with greater predictability and certainty about their maximum out-of-pocket exposure on an annual basis. It also helped improve patient adherence to their medication and overall health outcomes. For example, one study showed that reduced cost-sharing for cardiovascular medicines increased adherence and had a greater impact on reducing the risk of vascular events and medical costs among non-white patients.\n\nIn recent years, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party administrators have used AAPs to help to control costs. However, like cost utilization management, AAPs can be used as a profit-seeking tactic. When HHS published the 2021 NBPP final rule, it permitted group health plans and health insurance issuers to use AAPs without limitation. The Administration believed this \u201copen door\u201d would not necessarily lead to an increased uptake of AAPs by PBMs, but they were wrong. These programs proliferated in the intervening years. Nearly two-thirds of individual health plans available on the ACA marketplace included AAPs. It was also estimated that of all commercial markets in 2021, 43% of covered lives were in commercial health plans that had implemented AAPs.\n\nAs a result of this policy change, patients in our home states suffered, facing financial hardship and barriers to their once-accessible life-saving medicine. In many cases, patients or their family members found out about the AAP not counting their assistance at the pharmacy counter. They were left embarrassed, anxious, and without recourse. A recent survey showed that between 25- 36% of respondents discontinued therapy when they received an unexpected high charge of over $1,500 during the plan year as a result of AAPs. For many chronic disease patients, discontinuation of therapy can lead to irreversible and in some cases life-threatening health consequences. Further, six in 10 said they would have extreme difficulty affording their treatments without copay assistance programs being applied to their cost-sharing. Moreover, recent research has shown that non-white patients are 31% more likely to be exposed to an AAP than white patients. It was for these reasons, and more, that patient groups took action against the 2021 NBPP. Patients were not the only stakeholder to respond. State regulators have passed and are in the process of passing legislation. To date, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have banned or limited the use of AAPs.\n\nAs you consider next steps, we strongly encourage you to support patients by reconsidering your appeal of the court\u2019s ruling and instead adopting the 2020 NBPP policy. It required plans to count manufacturer copay assistance toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing for drugs that do not have a medically appropriate generic equivalent available. In the 2020 rule, HHS reasoned that it would be less likely that the manufacturer\u2019s assistance would disincentivize a lower cost alternative and thereby distort the market. HHS itself acknowledged situations when a patient has been subject to significant out-of-pocket costs because the patient has not progressed through the deductible phase of the health plan due to AAPs not applying the value of the manufacturer-sponsored assistance to the patient\u2019s deductible. HHS further noted that \u201cwhen this happens, the patient may be forced to stop taking the drug, switch to an alternative offered by the plan, or pay the full bill for the non-formulary drug, none of which are patient-friendly, especially for those patients with rare and life-threatening conditions.\u201d\n\nWe also strongly believe that federal legislative action is also needed to restore this vital patient protection. In fact, Congress is currently working on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to advance legislation to ensure copay assistance counts toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your reply and your plan to ensure patients receive cost-sharing protections.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-highlights-2023-accomplishments-work-ahead-in-2024", "VIDEO: Kaine Highlights 2023 Accomplishments, Work Ahead in 2024", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following video celebrating this year\u2019s accomplishments and looking ahead to 2024. In the video, Kaine discussed his travel across the Commonwealth to see how legislation he helped pass, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, is benefiting Virginians. He also highlighted that there\u2019s more to do and that he\u2019ll continue working to support communities across Virginia in the Senate in the new year.\n\n\u201cAs I've traveled around the state and been in so many communities in Virginia, it's been good to celebrate moving forward on some important progress,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThe combination of the infrastructure bill and our chips manufacturing bill and the Inflation Reduction Act has meant that I've been able to do significant announcements of key projects in virtually every corner of Virginia.\u201d\n\nKaine concluded, \u201cOur strength is fundamentally the strength of our people, the strength of our investments, and the strength of our alliances. And whether that's right in Virginia or around the world, I'll keep promoting those strengths to keep America and Virginia moving forward.\u201d\n\nDuring the video, Kaine discussed some of this year\u2019s accomplishments, including:\n\nOn the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: So far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in infrastructure law funding, including for over 247 projects. Kaine specifically mentioned a recent $729 million grant he secured for Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects, which will help alleviate current bottlenecks, promote economic growth, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight.\n\nOn the Inflation Reduction Act: The Inflation Reduction Act took historic steps to lower health care and energy costs, including a $35 cap per month on insulin for Americans with Medicare, including 36,461 Virginians. Kaine talked about how this cap is saving seniors money. The cap took effect on January 1, 2023.\n\nOn the Repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs): The Senate voted to pass Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs and formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars. Kaine has been a leading voice in Congress on the need to repeal outdated AUMFs to help ensure that decisions about whether servicemembers are sent into harm\u2019s way are made through a deliberate congressional process.\n\nOn the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act: Kaine discussed the passage of the recent defense bill, which included his legislation to prevent any U.S. president from withdrawing from NATO without the consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress. He also mentioned provisions he secured in the bill to support the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement, in which the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia will share and collaborate on technologies crucial to the allies\u2019 long-term security. In addition to bolstering our alliances, the agreement creates opportunities for further job creation and economic growth in Virginia, since a significant portion of Virginia-class submarines, which will be transferred through the agreement, are built in Hampton Roads.\n\nA full transcript of the video is below:\n\nHey, everybody. Senator Tim Kaine here.\n\nI want to wish you a happy holiday season as we come to the end of 2023.\n\nAs I've traveled around the state and been in so many communities in Virginia, it's been good to celebrate moving forward on some important progress. The combination of the infrastructure bill and our chips manufacturing bill and the Inflation Reduction Act has meant that I've been able to do significant announcements of key projects in virtually every corner of Virginia.\n\nJust recently, we announced a $730 million rail investment in Virginia that will improve passenger and freight rail service all over the Commonwealth.\n\nIn the Inflation Reduction Act, we took steps to cap insulin costs for seniors at $35 a month under the Medicare program, and that has had tremendous benefit in saving our seniors money.\n\nWe have a record low unemployment rate, and the number of jobs that have been created since 2021 has been historic. But there's so much more to do.\n\nIn particular, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I work very hard to both help fund our military with a significant military pay increase we just passed, avoid unnecessary wars and not allow presidents to wage war without votes of Congress, but also strengthen alliances.\n\nIn the last couple of weeks, I've passed a historic bill that would block any president from getting out of the NATO alliance without a vote of Congress and also advance alliances in the Indo-Pacific with Australia and the U.K.\n\nOur strength is fundamentally the strength of our people, the strength of our investments, and the strength of our alliances. And whether that's right in Virginia or around the world, I'll keep promoting those strengths to keep America and Virginia moving forward.\n\nHave a great holiday.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/following-warner-and-kaine-push-administration-negotiates-pause-on-retaliatory-tariffs-on-whiskey-and-spirits", "Following Warner & Kaine Push, Administration Negotiates Pause on Retaliatory Tariffs on Whiskey and Spirits", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the Biden administration for heeding their call to protect the millions of U.S. jobs that rely on American whiskey and spirits producers. Earlier this month, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of senators urging the administration to negotiate with the European Union (EU) to remove retaliatory tariffs that hurt these businesses in Virginia and across the country. Without urgent action from the Biden administration, the EU would have implemented a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports on January 1, 2024. Today, the EU announced they would pause these retaliatory tariffs for 15 months in response to U.S. pressure.\n\n\u201cThe spirits industry plays a vital role in Virginia\u2019s economy, and we\u2019re glad to see the Biden administration acted quickly to protect the thousands of Virginia jobs that rely on it,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019ll keep working to reach a permanent solution that will protect the industry from harmful retaliatory tariffs.\u201d\n\nRetaliatory tariffs by the EU have cost domestic sprits distillers and winemakers billions of dollars since 2018, and the U.S. needs a permanent solution to safeguard over 1.7 million production, distribution, and hospitality jobs that rely on the industry. The EU originally set the whiskey tariff at 25%, and following Warner and Kaine\u2019s push, the Biden Administration negotiated an agreement to suspend the tariff until 2024. The senators\u2019 bipartisan letter urged U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to negotiate a deal to permanently remove retaliatory tariffs on all American-made sprits and wines.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-urge-administration-to-appoint-special-envoy-for-sudan", "Warner & Kaine Urge Administration to Appoint Special Envoy for Sudan", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine urged the Administration to avoid further delays in the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan. Nearly 4.8 million people have been internally displaced since the war in Sudan began in April 2023\u2014resulting in one of the largest internal displacement crises in the world. It\u2019s estimated that there have been 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators emphasize the crucial role a Special Envoy would play in coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address this crisis and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.\n\n\u201cAt the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and regional partners,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAlthough we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cWe are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States\u2019 ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a special envoy for Sudan,\u201d the senators concluded. \u201cWe would welcome additional information, whether via a briefing to our staff or in a written response, regarding the rationale for why our request for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan remains unmet.\u201d\n\nWarner and Kaine have been longtime advocates for the Sudanese community in Virginia. Last week, Warner and Kaine applauded the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) announcement that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Sudan, which they urged in May. Earlier this year, Warner spoke out about the violence in Sudan and hosted a virtual town hall for Sudanese Americans. Kaine has pushed the Administration to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Sudan and urged both sides to commit to a permanent ceasefire. He held an event in Richmond with members of Virginia\u2019s Sudanese American community to hear their perspectives on the conflict and discuss ways he can be helpful.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nThe destructive conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been raging for eight months. It has resulted in 4.8 million people internally displaced, 1.2 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions, 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. Sudan\u2019s health systems have reached their breaking point, and the country is plagued with widespread sexual violence, looting, and killing.\n\nAt the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the RSF, SAF, and regional partners. Although we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.\n\nWe are grateful for the efforts from you, Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, Ambassador John Godfrey, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer have put into facilitating negotiations between the RSF, SAF, and global partners in Jeddah. We also welcome your December 6 atrocities determination for the crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing conducted by the SAF and RSF. However, much more needs to be done to end this brutal conflict, and the need is urgent. We are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States\u2019 ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis. We are pleased that the negotiation talks between the SAF and RSF in Jeddah have resumed, but a stronger and more cohesive U.S. diplomatic effort is long overdue. The tally of Sudanese lives taken by this conflict is mounting by the day.\n\nAs global stability is threatened by multiple destructive conflicts, we cannot forget about the people of Sudan. To ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a Special Envoy for Sudan. We would welcome additional information, whether via a briefing to our staff or in a written response, regarding the rationale for why our request for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan remains unmet. Thank you for your time and attention to this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3A0078CF-829C-43B2-A98A-08BFA23B65EC", "Sens. Warner and Kaine Urge Administration to Appoint Special Envoy for Sudan", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine urged the Administration to avoid further delays in the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan. Nearly 4.8 million people have been internally displaced since the war in Sudan began in April 2023\u2014resulting in one of the largest internal displacement crises in the world. It\u2019s estimated that there have been 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators emphasize the crucial role a Special Envoy would play in coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address this crisis and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.\n\n\u201cAt the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and regional partners,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAlthough we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cWe are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States\u2019 ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a special envoy for Sudan,\u201d the senators concluded. \u201cWe would welcome additional information, whether via a briefing to our staff or in a written response, regarding the rationale for why our request for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan remains unmet.\u201d\n\nWarner and Kaine have been longtime advocates for the Sudanese community in Virginia. Last week, Warner and Kaine applauded the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) announcement that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Sudan, which they urged in May. Earlier this year, Warner spoke out about the violence in Sudan and hosted a virtual town hall for Sudanese Americans. Kaine has pushed the Administration to ensure the safety and security of U.S. citizens in Sudan and urged both sides to commit to a permanent ceasefire. He held an event in Richmond with members of Virginia\u2019s Sudanese American community to hear their perspectives on the conflict and discuss ways he can be helpful.\n\nFull text of the letter is available below:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nThe destructive conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been raging for eight months. It has resulted in 4.8 million people internally displaced, 1.2 million fleeing to neighboring countries and regions, 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. Sudan\u2019s health systems have reached their breaking point, and the country is plagued with widespread sexual violence, looting, and killing.\n\nAt the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the RSF, SAF, and regional partners. Although we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.\n\nWe are grateful for the efforts from you, Assistant Secretary Molly Phee, Ambassador John Godfrey, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer have put into facilitating negotiations between the RSF, SAF, and global partners in Jeddah. We also welcome your December 6 atrocities determination for the crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing conducted by the SAF and RSF. However, much more needs to be done to end this brutal conflict, and the need is urgent. We are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States\u2019 ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis. We are pleased that the negotiation talks between the SAF and RSF in Jeddah have resumed, but a stronger and more cohesive U.S. diplomatic effort is long overdue. The tally of Sudanese lives taken by this conflict is mounting by the day.\n\nAs global stability is threatened by multiple destructive conflicts, we cannot forget about the people of Sudan. To ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a Special Envoy for Sudan. We would welcome additional information, whether via a briefing to our staff or in a written response, regarding the rationale for why our request for the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan remains unmet. Thank you for your time and attention to this request.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D5D7EA33-1B34-473B-9D28-16EFBF64C7C0", "Warner, Kennedy Introduce Legislation to Require Financial Regulators to Respond to AI Market Threats", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), both members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, introduced the Financial Artificial Intelligence Risk Reduction Act, bipartisan legislation to require financial regulators to address uses of AI-generated content that could disrupt financial markets.\n\n\u201cAI has tremendous potential but also enormous disruptive power across a variety of fields and industries \u2013 perhaps none more so than our financial markets,\u201d said Sen. Warner, a former business executive and venture capitalist. \u201cThe time to address those vulnerabilities is now.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI is moving quickly, and our laws should do the same to prevent AI manipulation from rattling our financial markets. Our bill would help ensure that AI threats do not put Americans\u2019 investments and retirement dreams at risk,\u201d Sen. Kennedy said.\n\nThe legislation requires the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to coordinate financial regulators\u2019 response to threats to the stability of the markets posed by AI, including the use of \u201cdeepfakes\u201d by malign actors and other practices associated with the use of AI tools that could undermine the financial system, such as trading algorithms. The legislation also requires FSOC to identify gaps in existing regulations, guidance, and exam standards that could hinder effective responses to AI threats, and implement specific recommendations to address those gaps.\n\nIn response to the potential magnitude of the threat, the Financial Artificial Intelligence Risk Reduction Act would also provide for treble penalties when AI is used in violations of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, including acts of market manipulation and fraud. The legislation also makes clear that anyone who uses an AI model is responsible for making sure that everything that model does complies with all securities laws.\n\nThe legislation also provides the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) with the authority necessary to oversee AI service providers, similar to the authority the other financial regulators have had for decades.\n\nA copy of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-cosponsors-bill-to-expand-maternal-health-care-options", "Kaine Cosponsors Bill to Expand Maternal Health Care Options", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, cosponsored the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act, legislation led by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that would expand health care options for expectant mothers. Certain life events, including marriage, divorce, giving birth or adopting a baby, and changing jobs, trigger a special enrollment period to enroll in health insurance outside of an insurer\u2019s annual open enrollment period. Currently, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event, meaning expectant mothers must wait until the birth of their child or an annual enrollment period to sign up for or change their coverage. The Healthy MOM Act would establish a special enrollment period for expectant mothers that are eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other private individual or group health plan coverage, ensuring that they can access affordable health care throughout their pregnancies.\n\n\u201cAccess to high-quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy is crucial to prevent devastating outcomes for Virginia families,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cMost pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Healthy MOM Act would improve maternal health outcomes, lower costs, and help expectant mothers and their babies get the care they need, so they can start happy, healthy lives.\u201d\n\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,205 women in the United States died from pregnancy-related complications in 2021, up from 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are about three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Prenatal care leads to healthier mothers and babies. Data demonstrates expanding access to prenatal care could help prevent more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths. Without access to health insurance, expecting moms also face high out-of-pocket costs. The Healthy MOM Act would improve maternal health outcomes and lower costs by expanding access to high-quality care.\n\nSpecifically, the Healthy MOM Act would:\n\nCreate a special enrollment period in the ACA marketplaces and private insurance plans for individuals when they become pregnant, allowing them to enroll in or change their health care plan;\n\nEnable the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish a special enrollment period for pregnancy for those eligible to receive coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. This enrollment period would still be available for families during a lapse in appropriation or government shutdown;\n\nGuarantee 12-months of continuous Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women. Kaine worked to pass legislation to make permanent the state option to provide 12 months of postpartum care for low-income women under Medicaid. This was a major expansion of maternal health care, as Medicaid previously provided postpartum coverage for only 60 days. Virginia was the first state to implement this expansion, and since then, most states have opted into this expansion of maternal care. The Healthy MOM Act would make the expansion a permanent fixture of Medicaid, so that women in every state have access to 12 months of postpartum care;\n\nEnsure comprehensive coverage of maternity care \u2013 including labor and delivery \u2013 for dependent children covered by group health plans and other forms of employer-sponsored coverage; and\n\nProtect existing income eligibility levels for pregnant women and infants covered by Medicaid, maintaining the highest standard of care for low-income pregnant individuals and infants.\n\nKaine has long supported efforts to address the maternal health crisis. Kaine introduced bipartisan legislation to promote maternal health and reduce racial inequities in maternal and infant mortality by strengthening support for women during and after pregnancy, expanding maternal health research and data collection, and ensuring women are better matched with birthing facilities that meet their specific needs. In May, Kaine introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, which includes 13 bills that would combat the maternal health crisis, address racial inequities, and save moms\u2019 lives. That legislation includes Kaine\u2019s Maternal Vaccinations Act to increase maternal vaccination rates, particularly in communities with historically low rates of vaccination.\n\nCompanion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is led by Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-colleagues-push-to-fund-wmata-national-security-needs", "Warner, Kaine, & Colleagues Push to Fund WMATA National Security Needs", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, Tim Kaine, Ben Cardin, and Chris Van Hollen wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration include at least $30 million in their FY25 budget request for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to specifically address the agency\u2019s operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism. This request comes as WMATA faces a $750 million budget shortfall that threatens safety and services starting next summer.\n\nIn their letter, the senators stress that WMATA, more than other transit authorities, shoulders a heavy security burden because of its role in federal government operations and national security activities. The agency estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million annually on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission.\n\n\u201cGiven this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA\u2019s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation\u2019s capital\u2014a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThey continued, \u201cUnfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.\u201d\n\nSens. Warner, Kaine, Cardin, and Van Hollen have long been active supporters of WMATA, working to secure critical funding, expand service, and improve safety.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe write today to respectfully request that the President\u2019s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 include at least $30 million for transfer to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for the agency\u2019s operational costs associated with national security activities and countering terrorism on the system.\n\nWMATA\u2019s operations are critical to the functioning of the federal government in the National Capital Region. A majority of WMATA\u2019s 19.6 million riders are federal workers. Over one-third of all Metrorail stations are located on federal property, serving federal facilities. Two stations on Capitol Hill serve Members of Congress and their staffs. Federal facilities served by WMATA include our most sensitive national security installations, like the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. Pentagon Station, for example, provides convenient rail access to the global headquarters of our Nation\u2019s Department of Defense and uniformed services.\n\nGiven this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA\u2019s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation\u2019s capital\u2014a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system. Unfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.\n\nWMATA estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission. Similar to the Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs for the District of Columbia, these costs are directly attributable to the unique role WMATA plays in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of our Nation\u2019s federal government. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the federal government provide funding to WMATA for these expenses. Therefore, we respectfully request that the President\u2019s budget for FY25 include at least $30 million to support WMATA\u2019s national security operational expenses necessary to keep the system and the National Capital Region safe.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BC99C4D2-3B9B-414D-BA5D-907F385ABC1F", "Warner Leads Virginia and Maryland Senate Delegation in Push to Fund WMATA National Security Needs", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin, and Chris Van Hollen (both D-MD) wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration include at least $30 million in their FY25 budget request for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to specifically address the agency\u2019s operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism. This request comes as WMATA faces a $750 million budget shortfall that threatens safety and services starting next summer.\n\nIn their letter, the senators stress that WMATA, more than other transit authorities, shoulders a heavy security burden because of its role in federal government operations and national security activities. The agency estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million annually on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission.\n\n\u201cGiven this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA\u2019s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation\u2019s capital\u2014a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThey continued, \u201cUnfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.\u201d\n\nSens. Warner, Kaine, Cardin, and Van Hollen have long been active supporters of WMATA, working to secure critical funding, expand service, and improve safety.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe write today to respectfully request that the President\u2019s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 include at least $30 million for transfer to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for the agency\u2019s operational costs associated with national security activities and countering terrorism on the system.\n\nWMATA\u2019s operations are critical to the functioning of the federal government in the National Capital Region. A majority of WMATA\u2019s 19.6 million riders are federal workers. Over one-third of all Metrorail stations are located on federal property, serving federal facilities. Two stations on Capitol Hill serve Members of Congress and their staffs. Federal facilities served by WMATA include our most sensitive national security installations, like the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security. Pentagon Station, for example, provides convenient rail access to the global headquarters of our Nation\u2019s Department of Defense and uniformed services.\n\nGiven this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA\u2019s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation\u2019s capital\u2014a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system. Unfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.\n\nWMATA estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission. Similar to the Federal Payment for Emergency Planning and Security Costs for the District of Columbia, these costs are directly attributable to the unique role WMATA plays in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of our Nation\u2019s federal government. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the federal government provide funding to WMATA for these expenses. Therefore, we respectfully request that the President\u2019s budget for FY25 include at least $30 million to support WMATA\u2019s national security operational expenses necessary to keep the system and the National Capital Region safe.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-opening-of-the-kerem-shalom-border-crossing", "Kaine Statement on Opening of the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), released the following statement following the White House\u2019s announcement that the Kerem Shalom border crossing would open for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance. Kaine called for the opening of Kerem Shalom to expedite the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.\n\n\u201cAs Israel brings Hamas to account for its horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, it is crucial that Israel also takes every possible step to protect civilians in Gaza. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve called for the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing and why I\u2019m glad to see that become a reality. Reopening Kerem Shalom is necessary to ensure humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians in Gaza at the pace and scope it needs to be. We must continue pushing for additional humanitarian aid, the immediate release of all hostages, and a strategy that combats the threat from Hamas and protects civilians.\u201d\n\nKaine strongly condemned Hamas\u2019 October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He\u2019s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas\u2019 terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-welch-van-hollen-kaine-booker-call-on-biden-to-urge-israeli-egyptian-governments-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press", "Schatz, Welch, Van Hollen, Kaine, Booker Call on Biden to Urge Israeli, Egyptian Governments to Allow Journalists into Gaza, Protect Free Press", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today called on President Joe Biden to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the war. In their letter to the president, the senators underscored the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone.\n\n\u201cWe ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWithout protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.\u201d\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cAmerican democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the senators\u2019 letter to President Biden is available here and below:\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe appreciate your continued engagement with Congress on issues related to the war in Gaza and welcome your efforts to secure the release of hostages, limit civilian casualties, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in desperate need of assistance. We write to you today because we are deeply concerned about the inability of international journalists to enter and report from Gaza and the lack of safety for journalists covering the war in Gaza, which keeps the public from understanding the full dimensions of this war. We were glad to see Secretary Blinken\u2019s letter to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) about the U.S. commitment to protecting journalists during armed conflict and his comments on the \u201cvital importance of their mission\u201d in recent days, but more must be done. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, does not respect a free press, given its history of using propaganda and harassing, obstructing, torturing, and using physical violence against journalists in Gaza\u2014actions that must be condemned and stopped. Israeli journalists were among the 1,200 killed in Hamas\u2019s unspeakably brutal attacks on October 7th. As Israel addresses legitimate and ongoing threats from Hamas, we ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work.\n\nNews organizations, including those in Israel, are not able to independently access Gaza. In November, 11 news organizations sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi urging them to allow their journalists into Gaza to report on the war. According to the Israeli government, over 2,000 international journalists have come to Israel since October 7th. A small number of reporters have been allowed to access Gaza as part of a tour organized by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Under this arrangement, journalists must remain with the IDF, and in some cases, face requirements to submit their footage to the IDF for review before publication. One journalist has been able to enter and report from Gaza without IDF supervision, but only for a matter of hours at a United Arab Emirates field hospital in southern Gaza. Other journalists who have requested to enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing have been refused, receiving conflicting answers from the Egyptian and Israeli governments about why they are unable to cross the border. This setup is wholly inadequate and severely restricts the flow of independent information.\n\nReporting on military operations is a dangerous, but extremely important, job. Today, journalists are risking their lives reporting from conflict zones around the globe, including in Ukraine, to share stories about the reality and impacts of war with the world. Israel, which almost entirely controls access to Gaza, allowed international (though, not Israeli) journalists access to the territory during its 2014 military offensive, permitting in-depth, on-the-ground reporting on the war. Journalists understand that entering a warzone puts themselves in harm\u2019s way, but they should be the ones to decide their risk tolerance, not the Israeli or Egyptian governments. You spoke of the importance and the costs of reporting on the war in Ukraine last year, honoring the \u201ccourage and sacrifice of journalists around the world.\u201d Let us listen to the nearly 100 French journalists who signed a petition calling for international journalists to be allowed to report in Gaza, writing \u201cLet us enter the Gaza Strip to do our job. We know the risks.\u201d\n\nAccess for international journalists is even more important given the dire situation facing Gazan reporters. Since October 7th, the world has relied on Gazan journalists, many of them freelancers, to report on and share information. They, at great risk to themselves, have continued working while fleeing their homes, losing family members, and living under constant threat of violence. The scale of the killings of journalists and media workers is unprecedented in recent times. In October, the IDF told Reuters and AFP that it cannot guarantee the safety of their journalists during IDF operations in Gaza, and devastatingly, dozens of journalists in Gaza have been killed, as have reporters working outside Gaza on the Lebanese border. Others are injured and unable to leave Gaza. With no new reporters or media workers allowed to enter Gaza, there is no flexibility for rotating people in and out of the field. Palestinian journalists in Gaza are cut off from international support, so have been unable to receive personal protective gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets. Media and communications blackouts limit their ability to report and publish information. The inability for reporters or their families to leave Gaza leaves them trapped in a humanitarian nightmare. The international community must make clear that those restrictions on or mistreatment of journalists is unacceptable.\n\nWithout protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.\n\nAmerican democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.\n\nWe respectfully request your administration urge the Israeli government, and where appropriate, the Egyptian government, to:\n\nExpeditiously allow journalists interested in covering the war into Gaza;\n\nProvide the standard protections for Palestinian journalists already in Gaza, including respecting media credentials and press insignia, and convey and follow rules of engagement regarding the press that guarantee basic protection;\n\nAllow personal protective and professional equipment into Gaza to help journalists conduct their reporting duties, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and phone chargers;\n\nPermit journalists in Gaza who desire to leave the territory to do so;\n\nRefrain from using media and communications blackouts and take care to preserve telecommunications infrastructure needed for reporting;\n\nEnsure that reporters are not to be harassed, detained, threatened or otherwise prevented from doing their jobs in areas adjacent to Gaza, including in Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, and the West Bank, and release unduly detained journalists; and\n\nConduct swift, transparent, and thorough investigations into killings and other attacks on journalists, following internationally accepted standards.\n\nWe appreciate your emphasis on protecting civilians as Israel addresses the security threats posed by Hamas. We are grateful for your leadership in negotiating the week-long humanitarian pause, which secured the release of many hostages and allowed desperately needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza. As you continue to engage with the Israeli and Egyptian governments, we ask that you advocate for the safety and freedom of journalists in this conflict.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-5-million-in-funding-for-hampton-university", "Warner and Kaine Announce Nearly $5 Million in Funding for Hampton University", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $4,962,986 for Hampton University to establish an Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program. The program will be embedded in a National Center for Climate Modeling Research. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s HBCUs make tremendous contributions to our communities, and HBCU graduates are often leading the way, working to find solutions to important global challenges,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled Hampton University is receiving federal funding to develop a climate science program and look forward to seeing the program\u2019s success in the years to come.\u201d\n\nThe program will upgrade current research facilities at Hampton University and aim to increase the number of Black American doctoral recipients in climate science and increase the number of climate science research centers at HBCUs. 11% of all HCBUs are located in coastal communities that are impacted by rising sea levels and flooding, and these communities are also overwhelmingly Black and brown. However, only three HBCUs have research centers dedicated to climate resilience.\n\nWarner and Kaine are longtime advocates of HBCUs. The senators successfully pushed to get the FUTURE Act signed into law to restore $255 million in federal funding for these institutions. Kaine successfully pushed to pass legislation he cosponsored called the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, which strengthens partnerships between federal agencies and HBCUs. Warner successfully pushed to promote defense research at HBCUs in a defense authorization bill, which included a version of his Building Equitable Access to Contribute to Our National Security (BEACON) Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-murphy-smith-introduce-bill-to-modernize-public-health-data-infrastructure", "Kaine, Murphy, Smith Introduce Bill to Modernize Public Health Data Infrastructure", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced the Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act, legislation to modernize our nation\u2019s public health data infrastructure. This bill would increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve our preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.\n\n\u201cThe pandemic underscored the importance of having an effective public health data sharing system for tracking cases, responding to public health emergencies, and providing live-saving care for those in need,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cWhile we\u2019ve made some progress to strengthen public health data sharing since COVID, we still have much more to do to better connect local, state, and federal public health systems. The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would help us do that.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccurate, real-time data is key to an effective public health strategy \u2013 a major lesson learned from the pandemic. This legislation would bring our public health data infrastructure into the 21st century and make sure local, state, and federal public health departments have the information they need to monitor and quickly respond to future emergencies,\u201d said Murphy.\n\n\u201cWe need collaboration across all levels of government to ensure that our public health experts have the information they need to make the best decisions,\u201d said Smith. \u201cAddressing the information gaps in public health data is crucial, and this bill provides a much-needed update to the way local, federal, and tribal authorities communicate, ensuring that we are ready to respond to the next public health crisis and keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\nThe United States\u2019 early response to the COVID-19 pandemic was hindered by gaps in public health data, varying definitions of data across government agencies, and difficulties accessing data. These barriers made it more difficult for health care professionals to access the data they needed to make timely, evidence-based clinical decisions, and prevented public health officials from accurately monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks. Our public health system learned from these gaps in data and we must make permanent these data sharing requirements. The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would help save lives and prepare the U.S. for future public health crises.\n\nSpecifically, the Improving DATA in Public Health Act would improve public health data sharing by:\n\nDirecting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish uniform data standards for sharing public health data across local, state, and federal public health systems. Without uniform standards, it\u2019s difficult for federal agencies like the CDC to aggregate public health data and for local and state health systems across the country to respond to public health threats;\n\nAllowing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to strengthen data sharing processes between public health entities, like health care facilities, laboratories, and public health departments;\n\nCreating a grant program for health care providers, academic medical centers, and state and local public health systems to develop best practices on soliciting demographic information used for public health purposes to strengthen the quality and completeness of demographic data collection; and\n\nEstablishing an advisory committee of experts to ensure that public health data reporting processes are carried out effectively.\n\nKaine originally introduced a version of this bill last year, and some provisions were included in the Senate HELP Committee\u2019s PREVENT Pandemics Act, which became law as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill that Kaine helped pass. The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would build on those provisions to strengthen our public health data sharing system.\n\nKaine has long led efforts to modernize our public health data systems. In 2019, he led bipartisan legislation to fund improvements to our nation\u2019s public health data infrastructure. The American Rescue Plan, which Kaine helped pass, provided funding to support and strengthen public health data surveillance and analytics systems at the CDC. Kaine specifically pushed for this funding to be included in the final bill. Last year, he announced over $74 million in funding to strengthen the public health workforce and infrastructure in Virginia.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-applaud-passage-of-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-to-servicemembers", "Warner, Kaine Applaud Passage of Legislation to Provide Back Pay to Servicemembers", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of legislation they cosponsored with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to provide back pay, retroactive promotion dates, and other needed administrative fixes for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Passage of this legislation comes one week after Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released his months-long block of more than 400 military promotions.\n\n\u201cThe brave men and women of our military do not serve any particular political party. They serve our nation as a whole \u2013 working to defend our national interests and the values that we hold sacred as Americans. As such, we owe it to the members of our military to prevent them from becoming pawns in any political game. After a months-long blockade by a single Senator, we\u2019re glad to see over 400 military promotions finally moving forward, and are proud to pass legislation to ensure that this senseless hold does not affect the pay, seniority, or benefits, of our brave men and women in uniform,\u201d said the senators.\n\nThe Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 \u2013 which applies to any officer that was held by Sen. Tuberville and confirmed by the end of the 2023 calendar year \u2013 would grant retroactive pay, allowances, benefits, and seniority for the grade or rank to which a servicemember had been appointed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1D9E0914-D5F0-425A-88CC-2CAE63835AB2", "Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on Congressional Passage of the Nation's Annual Defense Bill", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), applauded congressional passage of the nation\u2019s annual defense bill, which includes key priorities for Virginia and a series of measures championed and backed by Sen. Warner.\n\n\u201cDespite all the current chaos in Congress, I\u2019m encouraged that we were finally able to pass this annual defense spending bill that strengthens our military, provides support for our troops, bolsters our nation\u2019s defense capabilities, and delivers for Virginia. Once signed by the president, this legislation will ensure that our military and Department of Defense have what they need to safeguard our national security interests and continue to keep Americans safe. I hope that my colleagues in both the House and the Senate will look to this deal, realize that bipartisan agreement is within reach, and reach the consensus needed to fund the government and fulfill our commitment to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel.\u201d\n\nThe legislation supports $886.3 billion in funding for our nation\u2019s defense, and includes crucial measures supported by Sen. Warner.\n\nServicemembers and the civilian defense workforce:\n\nAuthorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce \u2013 the largest raise in two decades.\n\nImproves living conditions for enlisted servicemembers by greenlighting improvements to the quality and oversight of barracks. This provision specifically authorizes the replacement of substandard barracks and establishes new requirements that enlisted housing meet the same basic standards as all other military housing.\n\nImproves living conditions for junior Navy Sailors whose vessels are undergoing an extended maintenance overhaul. This legislation authorizes basic allowance for housing (BAH) payments that allow these servicemembers to live in commercial housing, rather than aboard the ship.\n\nSupports more equitable housing rates in markets with limited housing inventory by modifying the calculation of basic allowance for housing (BAH) rates.\n\nAllows for additional financial support for servicemembers, by reducing the threshold used to determine high cost-of-living areas for the purpose of providing a cost-of-living allowance to servicemembers assigned to locations in the continental United States.\n\nTakes a number of steps to address critical childcare shortages and improve availability for military families. To help address the overwhelming demand for childcare, last year Sen. Warner was able to secure $3.5 million in planning & design funding to support two new child development centers at Hampton Roads installations. This bill authorizes $104 million to fund two Child Development Centers, one at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and one at Naval Station Norfolk.\n\nStrengthening our nation\u2019s defense and cyber defense capabilities:\n\nAuthorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) through inclusion of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 \u2013 legislation authored by Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Warner.\n\nAuthorizes $16.7 billion for military construction projects, including $570 million for 20 military construction projects in Virginia. This includes $104 million to fund two Child Development Centers, one at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and one at Naval Station Norfolk. It also includes authorization for $20 million for a replacement hanger and additional airfield infrastructure in Sandston for the Virginia National Guard, and $4 million in planning and design funding for a new Army Reserve training center in Richmond.\n\nAuthorizes the Navy to enter into one or more contracts for the multiyear procurement of the next block of 13 Virginia-class submarines.\n\nRequires the development of a regional cybersecurity strategy to support the operations of each geographic combatant command.\n\nRequires the establishment of a dedicated cyber intelligence capability to support information-sharing on technology developments, capabilities, operations, and intentions of actors who pose cyber threats.\n\nDirects DoD to support institutions of higher education on cyber workforce education and development efforts in the fields of cybersecurity, intelligence, data science, information security management, and quantum information science.\n\nIncreases transparency surrounding the DoD\u2019s investments in Artificial Intelligence by requiring DoD to provide information to Congress by mid-June of 2024 detailing the applications of AI technologies and their respective investment amounts, and an analysis of how these investments align with the Department\u2019s stated objectives regarding AI. This provision stems from an amendment led by Sen. Warner.\n\nTakes steps towards securing the nation\u2019s supply of domestic energy by establishing a Nuclear Fuel Security Program to boost domestic uranium mining, production, and enrichment for the types of nuclear fuel used in commercial reactors and anticipated for next-generation reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Sen. Warner was an original cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nCountering aggression by adversaries like Russia and China:\n\nProhibits the purchase of drones from countries like China that pose a national security concern. This provision, championed in part by Warner, prohibits federal dollars from being used to procure or operate drones from countries or companies identified as posing a national security threat.\n\nAuthorizes the full budget request for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).\n\nUnderscores the United States\u2019 commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a unified response to the Russian Federation\u2019s unjust war in Ukraine. Sen. Warner has been a strong supporter of NATO, which conducts crucial work in Virginia at NATO Allied Command Transformation in Hampton Roads.\n\nSupports Ukraine in its fight against Russian attacks and aggression by extending the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2026 and authorizing $300 million in fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The USAI is one of the main tools used by the U.S. in support of Ukraine\u2019s defensive needs. This legislation also extends waivers for the streamlined acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes additional munitions eligible for multiyear procurement contracts.\n\nSupports advancement of the AUKUS Partnership between the U.S., Australia, and the UK, including through additional funding and authorizations to operationalize the agreement, and support close engagement between these three nations \u2013 which has a particular relevance to Virginia\u2019s naval and industrial base infrastructure.\n\nProvides support to Taiwan by establishing a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for the military forces of Taiwan.\n\nNow that it\u2019s been passed by the Senate and House of Representatives, this legislation will head to President Biden\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=473DB335-FF10-4E29-896A-0CCD32A292E8", "Warner & Kaine Applaud Passage of Legislation to Provide Back Pay to Servicemembers", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today,U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of legislation they cosponsored with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to provide back pay, retroactive promotion dates, and other needed administrative fixes for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Passage of this legislation comes one week after Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released his months-long block of more than 400 military promotions.\n\n\u201cThe brave men and women of our military do not serve any particular political party. They serve our nation as a whole \u2013 working to defend our national interests and the values that we hold sacred as Americans. As such, we owe it to the members of our military to prevent them from becoming pawns in any political game. After a months-long blockade by a single Senator, we\u2019re glad to see over 400 military promotions finally moving forward, and are proud to pass legislation to ensure that this senseless hold does not affect the pay, seniority, or benefits, of our brave men and women in uniform,\u201d said the senators.\n\nThe Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 \u2013 which applies to any officer that was held by Sen. Tuberville and confirmed by the end of the 2023 calendar year \u2013 would grant retroactive pay, allowances, benefits, and seniority for the grade or rank to which a servicemember had been appointed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-rubio-applaud-senate-passage-of-their-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-any-us-president-from-leaving-nato", "Kaine & Rubio Applaud Senate Passage of Their Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Any U.S. President from Leaving NATO", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan bill to prohibit any President of the United States from withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) without Senate approval or an Act of Congress. The legislation was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed by a bipartisan vote of 87-13.\n\n\u201cNATO has held strong in response to Putin\u2019s war in Ukraine and rising challenges around the world,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThe Senate\u2019s vote today to pass my bipartisan bill to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO reaffirms U.S. support for this crucial alliance that is foundational for our national security. It also sends a strong message to authoritarians around the world that the free world remains united.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Senate should maintain oversight on whether or not our nation withdraws from NATO. We must ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies,\u201d said Rubio.\n\nKaine and Rubio successfully fought to include their bipartisan bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA. Specifically, the amendment would require the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress before suspending, terminating, or withdrawing U.S. membership in NATO. If any U.S. President attempts to leave NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress, the amendment prohibits any funding from being used to do so.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-national-defense-act-including-his-bills-to-prevent-any-us-president-from-leaving-nato-and-address-fentanyl-crisis", "Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of National Defense Act, Including His Bills to Prevent Any U.S. President from Leaving NATO and Address Fentanyl Crisis", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Senate\u2019s bipartisan vote to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bipartisan bill includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support our national security and Virginia\u2019s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill.\n\n\u201cEvery year, the defense bill provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our national security and better support our nation\u2019s servicemembers and their families. As a member of the Armed Services Committee and senator from one of the most military-connected states, I\u2019m proud of the bipartisan work we\u2019ve done to provide a pay raise for servicemembers, support Virginia\u2019s defense community, fund important projects at Virginia military installations, and help ensure the Navy and Marine Corps have the ships they need to keep us safe. The legislation also bolsters our alliances, as it includes my bipartisan bill to prevent any U.S. President from withdrawing from NATO, as well as provisions I secured to support the Australia-U.K-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement. Our NATO and AUKUS alliances are critical to our national security and economic growth in Hampton Roads, which is home to the only operational NATO command in the U.S. and the best shipbuilders in the world. I also fought to include my bipartisan bill to direct increased federal attention to combat the fentanyl crisis, which is hurting so many communities in Virginia. I urge the House to pass this bill and get it to the President\u2019s desk as soon as possible.\u201d\n\nKaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nNATO: Includes Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.\n\nDisrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act: Includes provisions from Kaine\u2019s bipartisan bill with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by utilizing Pentagon tools like counter-drug intelligence and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis and disrupt cartel activity in Mexico. Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by:\n\nHighlighting the need to address the threat to national security posed by fentanyl trafficking\n\nDirecting the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific counter-drug strategy, including enhanced cooperation with Mexican defense officials,\n\nRequiring the Secretary of Defense to enhance security cooperation with the Mexican military, and\n\nAddressing coordination efforts between the military and federal law enforcement agencies.\n\nAustralia and U.K. Partnership: Strengthens the United States\u2019 partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom in the implementation of the AUKUS agreement, in which the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia will share and collaborate on technologies crucial to the allies\u2019 long-term security. Because a significant portion of Virginia-class submarines are built in Hampton Roads, the AUKUS agreement creates opportunity for further job creation and economic growth in Hampton Roads.\n\nShipbuilding: Authorizes investments to help meet the congressionally mandated requirement to have 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps, by restoring funding for LPD-33 and strengthening oversight of the Navy\u2019s shipbuilding plan. Improves acquisition processes, expands defense industrial base capacity, and supports workforce development initiatives.\n\nPay Raises: Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workforce. Requires a review of military pay rates to determine if the current basic pay table adequately compensates junior enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-4.\n\nRecruitment: Establishes an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for the purpose of introducing community and junior college students to the military and preparing selected students for enlisted service in the Armed Forces. This follows conversations Kaine has had in Hampton Roads about tackling the recruitment and retention challenges in the military.\n\nU.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific: Expands cooperation and engagement to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, through Fiscal Year 2024 and authorizes the full budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. Establishes the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA) to improve maritime security and boost information-sharing among partners in the region. Includes bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Kaine to increase coordination and boost cooperation with Pacific Island nations on emergency humanitarian response, law enforcement and maritime security activities, and counterintelligence.\n\nTaiwan: Establishes a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for military forces of Taiwan. Improves U.S.-Taiwan cooperation related to military cybersecurity activities.\n\nSupport for Ukraine: Extends Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through Fiscal Year 2027 and authorizes the full budget request in Fiscal Year 2024. Extends waivers for the streamlined acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes additional munitions eligible for multiyear procurement contracts.\n\nServicemember Health Care: Includes various provisions to strengthen and expand access to quality health care for servicemembers and dependents with a focus on improving mental health services.\n\nRequires a study in military treatment facilities on the efficacy of opioid alternatives for pain management department assessment on the rates of opioid prescriptions to servicemembers.\n\nAllows licensed Military and Family Life Counselors to provide non-medical counseling services outside of the state in which they are licensed.\n\nProvides career flexibility for the services\u2019 mental health workforce to increase retention.\n\nMilitary Construction: Includes over $561 million for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.\n\n$23M for Maritime Surveillance System Facility at Dam Neck Annex\n\n$57M for Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$37M for Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico\n\n$157M for Child Development Center, MQ-25 Aircraft Facilities, and a submarine pier at Naval Station Norfolk\n\n$46M for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown\n\n$81M for Drydock Saltwater System at Norfolk Naval Shipyard\n\n$25M for Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters annex at Fort Belvoir\n\n$61M for Special Operations Forces Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2 Operations Support Facility at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$30M for pedestrian access at the Pentagon\n\n$12M for Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar support facilities at Dam Neck\n\n$4M for an Equine Training Facility at Fort Belvoir\n\n$20M for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston\n\n$4M to complete maintenance and readiness centers at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Roanoke Regional Readiness Center in Troutville\n\n$4M for the Army Reserve Center in Richmond\n\nMilitary Families:\n\nExpands servicemember eligibility to receive reimbursement for qualified spouse relicensing or business costs when the servicemember relocates as the result of reassignment or a transfer from active duty to the reserves\u2014making it easier for military spouses to continue their careers.\n\nMakes mental health care more accessible and affordable for beneficiaries in the active duty family members category and TRICARE Young Adult program, by waiving cost sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year.\n\nDirects a review and report on access to resources and services related to mental health for students of Department of Defense Education Activity Schools.\n\nMilitary Housing:\n\nImproves military housing for servicemembers E-6 and below without dependents whose ships are undergoing maintenance by providing the authority to allow these junior enlisted servicemembers to collect a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and not live aboard the ship. This follows conversations that Kaine had with servicemembers in Hampton Roads about mental health challenges while living aboard ships during long maintenance periods.\n\nAuthorizes improvements to the quality and oversight of military enlisted barracks, including the replacement of substandard barracks.\n\nRequires that unaccompanied housing meets the same basic standards as all other military housing.\n\nImproves the calculation of BAH rates with respect to junior enlisted members, by delinking that calculation from specific housing types and provides additional flexibility to ensure equitable housing rates can be calculated in markets with limited housing inventory.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-dhs-extension-of-temporary-protected-status-re-registration-period", "Warner & Kaine Statement on DHS Extension of Temporary Protected Status Re-Registration Period", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) praised an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The announcement follows a Warner-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from Sudan and a Kaine-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This move will extend the amount of time allotted for TPS recipients to re-register for the program and its benefits from 60-days to the full 18-month validity period for each country with a TPS designation.\n\n\u201cWe are very encouraged by DHS\u2019 move to extend the re-registration period for those needing to renew their TPS status. Virginia is home to tens of thousands of TPS recipients who play essential roles in their communities and serve as a key part of our economy. This needed extension will provide these individuals \u2013 who are unable to safely return to their countries of origin due to extreme circumstances \u2013 with the additional time they need to carefully navigate the re-registration process and ensure that they can retain their lawful status, continue to work legally, and avoid deportation,\u201d said the senators.\n\nEstablished by the U.S. Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to a work permit for foreign nationals from certain countries who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions.\n\nUnder this extension, the TPS re-registration periods are as follows:\n\nEl Salvador: July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025\n\nHonduras: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025\n\nNepal: October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025\n\nNicaragua: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025\n\nSudan: August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025\n\nHaiti: January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2FE783F1-7B1F-4D05-94EB-FA2B9C7C65EE", "Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner & Tim Kaine on DHS Extension of TPS Re-Registration Period", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) praised an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The announcement follows a Warner-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from Sudan and a Kaine-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This move will extend the amount of time allotted for TPS recipients to re-register for the program and its benefits from 60-days to the full 18-month validity period for each country with a TPS designation.\n\n\u201cWe are very encouraged by DHS\u2019 move to extend the re-registration period for those needing to renew their TPS status. Virginia is home to tens of thousands of TPS recipients who play essential roles in their communities and serve as a key part of our economy. This needed extension will provide these individuals \u2013 who are unable to safely return to their countries of origin due to extreme circumstances \u2013 with the additional time they need to carefully navigate the re-registration process and ensure that they can retain their lawful status, continue to work legally, and avoid deportation,\u201d said the senators.\n\nEstablished by the U.S. Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to a work permit for foreign nationals from certain countries who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions.\n\nUnder this extension, the TPS re-registration periods are as follows:\n\nEl Salvador: July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025\n\nHonduras: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025\n\nNepal: October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025\n\nNicaragua: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025\n\nSudan: August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025\n\nHaiti: January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EC4C325E-713B-4D67-84FD-445E58561999", "Warner, Rubio Praise Passage of Intel Authorization Act", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statements on passage of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which was included the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The IAA authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). After the House of Representatives approves the legislation, it will head to the president for his signature.\n\n\u201cThe Intelligence Authorization Act plays a crucial role in ensuring that America\u2019s intelligence agencies have the tools they need to protect the American people,\u201d said Chairman Warner. \u201cThis year\u2019s bill improves the IC\u2019s ability to track threats posed by our adversaries while promoting much-needed reforms to our nation\u2019s security classification system and expanding the Committee\u2019s efforts to reform the security clearance process in order to attract the best and brightest talent to the intelligence space. I am glad that Congress is coming together to pass this package that meets the needs of our Intelligence Community.\n\n\u201cOur adversaries, especially China, Russia, and Iran, are growing increasingly aggressive and collaborative in their efforts to weaken America and degrade the international rules-based system,\u201d said Vice Chairman Rubio. \u201cThe Intelligence Community (IC) has a critical role to play in identifying and mitigating these significant threats. This Intelligence Authorization Act strengthens our Committee\u2019s ongoing oversight of intelligence activities, makes important reforms to preserve our American values, and ensures that the IC effectively manages critical resources, authorities, and personnel to protect our national security.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe IAA for Fiscal Year 2024 authorizes funding for the IC and ensures that it has the resources, personnel, and authorities it needs to protect our country and inform decision makers, while ensuring continued robust congressional oversight. The bill\u2019s provisions focus on the following key areas:\n\nIncreases oversight of the national security threats posed by People\u2019s Republic of China, including its economic practices, foreign malign influence operations, military capabilities, and investments in, and attempts to dominate, the supply chains of artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation energy technologies, and biotechnology, among many others.\n\nEstablishes a new IC atrocities coordinator to increase collection, analysis, and intelligence support to government-wide efforts to hold China accountable for its egregious human rights abuses, including the Uyghur genocide.\n\nImproves the IC\u2019s procurement, adoption, and integration of emerging technologies by requiring the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to establish policies for the IC\u2019s acquisition, adoption, development, and use of AI, to create an intelligence innovation board, and to submit a plan for implementing an Intelligence Community Innovation Unit to integrate commercial emerging technologies.\n\nEnhances insight into the Maduro regime\u2019s imprisonment of United States persons in Venezuela.\n\nEnsures the IC has a first-class workforce by improving workforce mobility among IC agencies to meet national security needs; and increasing recruitment priorities for candidates with financial intelligence and technical expertise.\n\nEstablishes new requirements for reporting and investigating allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment with the CIA.\n\nIncreases transparency by strengthening Unidentified Aerial Phenomena funding limitations and reporting requirements.\n\nPromotes reform of the nation\u2019s security classification system to ensure accountability, increase transparency, and strengthen trust between the American people and their elected government.\n\nContinues to drive improvement in the security clearance process by requiring a policy framework to facilitate the mobility of the Intelligence Community workforce; renewing a report on the number of clearance holders in the government and industry; requiring updated timeliness standards the granting of clearances to reflect progress under the Trusted Workforce (TW) 2.0 initiative; annually measuring satisfaction among agencies, industry, and applicants with TW 2.0; and promoting shared IT among Intelligence Community elements to harmonize their clearance processes.\n\nProhibits the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence and Analysis from conducting custodial briefings in certain circumstances, collecting on journalists, and hiring personnel who collect information on domestic terrorism for a period of one year.\n\nRequires intelligence assessments of the strategic competition in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as assessments of certain cartels.\n\nEnsures continued support to the victims of anomalous health incidents (AHIs or \u201cHavana Syndrome\u201d) by improving the CIA\u2019s funding flexibility for payments to qualified victims; and requiring each IC element to issue regulations and procedures for implementing HAVANA Act of 2021 authorities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cardin-rubio-kaine-cassidy-durbin-issue-bipartisan-statement-calling-on-guatemala-to-uphold-rule-of-law-ensure-the-peaceful-transfer-of-power", "Cardin, Rubio, Kaine, Cassidy, Durbin Issue Bipartisan Statement Calling on Guatemala to Uphold Rule of Law, Ensure the Peaceful Transfer of Power", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement calling for the rule of law and peaceful transfer of power to be upheld in Guatemala in the lead up to President-elect ?Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo\u2019s January 2024 inauguration.\n\n\u201cFriday\u2019s announcement by Guatemalan prosecutors to strip President-elect Ar\u00e9valo of his legal immunity and cast doubt on his January 14, 2024 inauguration is a threat to Guatemala\u2019s democracy. Together, with democratic actors and international organizations from around the world, we stand in solidarity with the people of Guatemala in the defense of the rule of law and democracy.\n\n\u201cWe urge Attorney General Porras to ensure that the Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office upholds the rule of law and rejects efforts that undermine the peaceful transfer of power. We call on President Giammattei to advocate that Guatemalan institutions join with the private sector and civil society to support and respect a peaceful transition of power, as expected of every democracy. A commitment to uphold Guatemala's place among the community of democratic nations will be crucial for the future of U.S.-Guatemala relations.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-substance-use-disorder-recovery-resources", "Kaine & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Substance Use Disorder Recovery Resources", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act to reauthorize and expand resources for individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals in recovery often struggle to reintegrate into society due to stigma, lack of support, and limited access to resources they need. The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would support those in recovery by reauthorizing and expanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration\u2019s Building Communities of Recovery grant program, which allows organizations to develop and enhance peer recovery and general recovery support services.\n\n\u201cSubstance use disorder impacts Virginians across the Commonwealth, and it\u2019s important that we help individuals and families get the support they need to recover,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThe Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would help develop, improve, and expand peer support and recovery services for Virginians in need.\u201d\n\nSUD represents a significant public health challenge in Virginia. In 2022, 22,398 Virginians visited the emergency room due to an overdose, and 2,490 Virginians died from an overdose. Despite the number of Virginians impacted by substance use disorder, the availability of recovery services is limited. The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would increase the availability of recovery services by:\n\nReauthorizing the Building Communities of Recovery grant program for five years,\n\nIncreasing funding for the grant program from $5 million per year to $16 million per year, and\n\nProviding funding to allow organizations to offer a number of recovery services, including advocacy, education, employment assistance, and outreach to families and communities. Organizations would also be enabled to collaborate with other harm reduction entities, such as community-based partnerships that provide individuals that use drugs with the tools and resources they need to recover.\n\nIn June, the McShin Foundation in Richmond was awarded federal funding through the Building Communities of Recovery program. The McShin Foundation supports individuals returning to the community from jails, prisons, or institutions, individuals with a history of reoccurring substance use, and individuals in need of aftercare upon leaving Richmond addiction treatment centers. The funding will be used to provide peer support services to those incarcerated in rural areas, housing in one of their recovery residences for those transitioning from incarceration, and for the training and development of six Peer Recovery Specialists per year. This will help Virginians recover and contribute to their communities and local economies. The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act will help ensure the McShin Foundation receives this funding.\n\n\u201cTo be able to provide all these services to people when they need it not only is life-changing for the individual, but it creates a healing change as well as a prosperous future in our whole community,\u201d said Honesty Liller, CEO of the McShin Foundation.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here. A one pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bills-to-support-substance-use-disorder-recovery-address-teacher-shortages-and-more", "Kaine Applauds Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Bills to Support Substance Use Disorder Recovery, Address Teacher Shortages, and More", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded the HELP Committee\u2019s passage of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act and the Advancing Research in Education (AREA) Act. The bills, which now head to the Senate floor, include several provisions Kaine secured to support individuals recovering from substance use disorder and to strengthen education by addressing teacher shortages and more.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the HELP Committee has advanced the SUPPORT Act, which will provide support for those in recovery from substance use disorder, and the AREA Act, which will help collect the data we need to address issues facing our students and educators. The bills include provisions I\u2019ve worked to secure, including support for peer support specialists, who play a crucial role in the recovery process, and resources to expand access to recovery programs. They also include improvements to our education data collection systems to help address teacher shortages. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these bills across the finish line.\u201d\n\nThe SUPPORT Reauthorization Act will reauthorize and expand the SUPPORT Act of 2018, which expired in September of this year. The bill supports prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nSupporting Peer Support Specialists: Includes provisions from Kaine\u2019s bipartisan Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act, legislation to codify the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and help peer support specialists serving individuals recovering from a mental health condition or substance use disorder by removing barriers to certification and practice.\n\nBoosting Recovery Resources and Services: Includes bipartisan legislation Kaine cosponsored to reauthorize and expand the Building Communities of Recovery grant program, which provides resources for community-based organizations to develop and improve recovery services, including peer support, advocacy, education, employment assistance, and outreach to families and communities.\n\nSupporting People Living with Chronic Pain: Includes bipartisan legislation Kaine cosponsored to advance research and help clinicians and scientists more effectively study chronic pain conditions.\n\nThe AREA Act reauthorizes the Education Sciences Reform Act, which expired in 2008. The bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Institute of Education Sciences to conduct research and collect data on the U.S. education system, which policymakers, education leaders, teachers, parents, and researchers use to improve education outcomes for students. Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nAddressing Teacher Shortages: Includes new requirements for collection of data on the teacher workforce, including recruitment, retention, and qualifications, to help local, state, and federal officials develop better solutions to address teacher shortages in different states or regions. These provisions are modeled off of Kaine\u2019s Supporting Teaching and Learning through Better Data Act, legislation to help address teacher workforce shortages by strengthening data collection on the teacher workforce.\n\nSupporting Career and Technical Education (CTE): Includes bipartisan legislation Kaine cosponsored that would ensure federal education data and research incorporates CTE to help improve states\u2019 career readiness programs, meets the needs of the economy, and expands a skilled workforce.\n\nStudying the Effects of Cellphones in Schools: Includes two amendments Kaine cosponsored that model provisions from his bipartisan Focus on Learning Act. The amendments allow the U.S. Department of Education to collect data on state and local policies about student smartphone use and study the impacts of smartphone use during instructional time on academic achievement and youth mental health. The study would also examine the impacts of policies schools have chosen to implement to restrict student cellphone use.\n\nSupport for Training Grants for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), Including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Includes programs to expand pipelines and increase participation of researchers at HBCUs and other MSIs, including fellowships and early career grants, as well as technical assistance for recipients.\n\nToday, Kaine also helped pass out of the HELP Committee the Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to women with low income, are uninsured or underinsured, and who do not qualify for Medicaid, and the bipartisan Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act, which will improve patients\u2019 ability to access medication treatment for opioid use disorder by modernizing outdated rules, empowering board-certified physicians to prescribe methadone to patients, and allowing U.S. pharmacies to dispense methadone.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-532435-in-funding-for-housing-in-central-and-southwest-virginia", "Warner and Kaine Announce $532,435 in Funding for Housing in Central and Southwest Virginia", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $532,435 in federal funding to help low-income families in Central and Southwest Virginia make critical housing improvements. The funding was awarded by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.\n\n\u201cEvery Virginian should have access to safe housing,\u201d said the senators. \u201cThis federal funding is critical to helping low-income Virginians make repairs to their homes to protect their health and safety.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be awarded as follows:\n\n$212,435 for Thomas Jefferson Planning District to partner with local housing nonprofit organizations to carry out emergency repairs, rehabilitation, and home safety modifications for homeowners in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties.\n\n$210,000 for Renovation Alliance to help homeowners in Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, and Roanoke Counties make repairs to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Funds will be used for restoration activities, including new roofs; electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling repairs; and improvements to address structural issues with the homes.\n\n$110,000 for Appalachia Service Project, Inc. for critical housing rehabilitation and repairs in Lee, Wise, and Dickenson Counties.\n\nKaine, a former fair housing attorney, has introduced bicameral legislation to protect low-income families and veterans from housing discrimination by banning discrimination based on source of income. Warner and Kaine have introduced legislation to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers through more friendly mortgage rates. The senators also secured $210,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Appalachia Service Project for home repairs as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=483D0BF6-B6BF-49F8-B55B-DE26D1AB3867", "Statement of Senate Intel Chair Mark R. Warner on Zelenskyy Meeting", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy\u2019s meeting with senators:\n\n\u201cFor nearly two years, President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have defended their country against Russia\u2019s unprovoked and brutal invasion. I am proud that the United States has led the world in support of Ukraine\u2019s efforts to push back against Vladimir Putin\u2019s aggression, and today\u2019s meeting highlighted the importance of continuing this support. The time to act is now. We must honor our commitments and pass a security package before the year ends.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-grassley-and-murray-lead-bipartisan-push-for-clear-guidance-on-the-new-free-application-for-federal-student-aid", "Kaine, Grassley & Murray Lead Bipartisan Push for Clear Guidance on the New Free Application for Federal Student Aid", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Patty Murray (D-WA) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Education to provide clear guidance and communication to students, families, educators, college access counselors, and schools leading up to and after the release of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The redesigned FAFSA\u2014which was made possible by legislation Kaine helped pass\u2014will make it easier for students to get financial aid and help 1.5 million more students, including 37,916 students in Virginia, access the maximum Pell Grant award. While the Department announced earlier this month that the new FAFSA will be released by December 31, 2023, it did not provide a concrete date and indicated that there will be processing delays in the first months of 2024, creating uncertainty for students and their families.\n\n\u201cWe understand that overhauling the current application and reconfiguring the federal student aid system requires significant time, preparation, and resources. However, despite a one-year delay in the implementation process, the Department recently announced the new FAFSA will be available to students by December 31, 2023, with no indication of an actual date,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cFurther, the Department\u2019s latest announcement also revealed that processing delays will take place in the first few months of 2024, meaning that schools will not be able to generate financial aid offers for their students in a timely fashion,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cWhile the simplified FAFSA is meant to provide more students with federal student aid, we fear the most vulnerable students will be negatively impacted by these delays.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cFAFSA delays can be particularly burdensome for students who lack reliable broadband access, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, first-generation students, students experiencing financial insecurity, and so many more.\u201d\n\nThe Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act, which Kaine successfully pushed to pass, and the FAFSA Simplification Act, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2021 government funding bill that Kaine helped pass, took important steps to streamline the FAFSA process. Kaine also introduced bipartisan legislation that would expand Pell Grant eligibility by allowing students to use federal Pell Grants to afford high-quality, shorter-term job training programs for the first time.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Grassley, and Murray, the letter is signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe letter is endorsed by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), National College Attainment Network (NCAN), and SchoolHouse Connection.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Cardona:\n\nWe write to thank you for your work as the U.S. Department of Education (\u201cDepartment\u201d) prepares for the launch of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and to urge you to provide ample guidance and communication to students and families, educators, college access counselors, schools, and the financial aid community throughout the rollout process.\n\nIn recent years, Congress has taken important steps to streamline the complex and burdensome FAFSA process through the passage of the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. Prior to these efforts, it was estimated that students left anywhere from $2 to $3.5 billion in federal Pell Grants on the table annually by not completing the FAFSA. Now, due to Congressional and Administrative efforts on FAFSA simplification, the Department has estimated that over 610,000 new students from low-income backgrounds will receive Pell Grants, and nearly 1.5 million more students will receive the maximum Pell Grant award.\n\nWe understand that overhauling the current application and reconfiguring the federal student aid system requires significant time, preparation, and resources. However, despite a one-year delay in the implementation process, the Department recently announced the new FAFSA will be available to students by December 31, 2023, with no indication of an actual date. This is a considerable departure from the traditional launch date of October 1st. Further, the Department\u2019s latest announcement also revealed that processing delays will take place in the first few months of 2024, meaning that schools will not be able to generate financial aid offers for their students in a timely fashion.\n\nWhile the simplified FAFSA is meant to provide more students with federal student aid, we fear the most vulnerable students will be negatively impacted by these delays. FAFSA delays can be particularly burdensome for students who lack reliable broadband access, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, first-generation students, students experiencing financial insecurity, and so many more. That is why we ask that you work with schools, financial aid administrators, college access organizations, and other key stakeholders to do the following:\n\nProvide clear communication to applicants upon submission of their FAFSA by giving realistic timelines and detailed next steps.\n\nEnsure increased availability and adequate staffing of help centers for students and financial aid offices, including the availability of bi- or multi-lingual staff and weekend and evening hours in January and February.\n\nMaintain low verification selection rates for the 2024-2025 cycle.\n\nEnsure that FAFSA instructions clearly inform applicants that their primary residence should not be included in evaluating the value of a for-profit farm or small business for asset reporting purposes on the FAFSA.\n\nAllow parents without Social Security Numbers, who are unable to verify their identities online, to securely upload their documentation to expedite the process of getting them a Federal Student Aid ID.\n\nEncourage institutions of higher education (IHE) to push back their financial aid deadlines to March 1st, at the earliest, so that students, families, and counselors have adequate time to complete the form.\n\nAllow IHEs to accept electronic copies of verification materials, including electronic signatures.\n\nPartner with key stakeholders to strongly encourage students to complete the FAFSA through trusted sources.\n\nOffer IHEs timely updates on progress and provide them the resources to address student\u2019s questions, concerns, or challenges.\n\nShare timely FAFSA completion data with the field to monitor progress.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-led-bicameral-congressional-delegation-discusses-democracy-migration-and-economic-stability-during-visits-to-guatemala-and-honduras", "Kaine-Led Bicameral Congressional Delegation Discusses Democracy, Migration, and Economic Stability During Visits to Guatemala and Honduras", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last night, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and previously worked as a missionary in Honduras, concluded a bicameral congressional delegation visit to Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. Kaine led the delegation, which included U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3) and Norma Torres (D-CA-35).\n\nWhile the delegation was in Guatemala, the country\u2019s Attorney General attempted to nullify the results of the country\u2019s recent free and fair elections\u2014prompting strong condemnation from the delegation before national and international press. Facing mounting pressure, including from the delegation, Guatemala\u2019s private sector and the international community, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei was forced to distance himself from this brazen attempt to void the will of the Guatemalan people.\n\nMaintaining democracy and economic and political stability in Central America is critical to stopping forced migration and advancing U.S. national security and the security of our borders. During the visit, the delegation expressed their strong support for strategies to strengthen prosperity, stability, and security in the region, as well as bilateral coordination in countering Chinese government influence. During the visit, President-elect Ar\u00e9valo\u2019s transition team announced its intention to maintain Guatemala\u2019s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.\n\n\u201cOur national and economic security depend in part on our ability to address issues like drug trafficking, transnational crime, and the root causes of migration\u2014all of which impact Virginia,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cDemocratic backsliding, including the attempt to overturn a free and fair election in Guatemala that occurred while we were there, further drives irregular migration and poses a serious danger to our ability to work together to tackle those problems. I\u2019m glad our delegation was on the ground to vigorously condemn that attack on Guatemala\u2019s democracy, and to pressure outgoing President Giammattei to denounce it. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I will keep doing all that I can to support strategies for prosperity and security in Guatemala, Honduras, and the entire region.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bicameral trip to Guatemala occurred at a critical moment for the country\u2019s democracy amid ongoing protests following provocative actions by the Public Ministry to undermine a decisive election,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cI have raised concerns for months about democratic backsliding in Guatemala and neighboring Honduras, with cowardly attacks on the free press and efforts to expose government corruption. This trip included productive conversations about a better democracy for the people of Guatemala and Honduras, and I look forward to working with soon to be inaugurated Guatemalan President-Elect Ar\u00e9valo.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur trip was an opportunity to reaffirm America\u2019s support for the will of the Guatemalan people, who resoundingly elected Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo as their new president. As the country prepares for President-elect Ar\u00e9valo\u2018s transition in January, the United States remains unwavering in its support for a peaceful and orderly transfer of power,\u201d said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cU.S. support for the rule of law and democracy was also a key theme for our time in Honduras. Our two peoples share an important commitment to democratic ideals, as well strong cultural and economic ties. In Guatemala and Honduras, the delegation saw firsthand how critical it is we bolster our relationship with both nations.\n\n\u201cThis weekend, our delegation had the unique experience of seeing democracy and diplomacy in action while abroad. And, we were reminded of how fragile democracy can be at times and the essential role of civil society\u2014with alarming events unfolding in Guatemala during our visit and with warnings of democratic backsliding in Honduras,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cStrengthening the rule of law and supporting transparent, democratic governance is the best hope for these countries\u2019 development. Every month, thousands of desperate Guatemalan and Honduran families are fleeing hunger, poverty, injustice, and gang violence in search of safety and a better life. Our countries have a common, urgent interest in addressing the complex root causes of migration. This trip was an opportunity to listen and to share more about a path forward to real progress in the months and years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cStability in Central America is critical for our national security and necessary for easing migration bottlenecks at our border,\u201d said Senator Butler. \u201cI was inspired by the women and girls who are fighting for a fair future, who deserve a chance to play a role in the decisions that shape their lives. At a time when faith and confidence in the electoral process is under threat around the world, we have a moral obligation to counter efforts to undermine democracy in every corner of the globe.\"\n\n\u201cDemocratic backsliding and the blatant disregard for the rule of law are existential threats to Guatemala's future. The ruling regime is attempting to cancel the votes of the most oppressed populations, harming the future of all young Guatemalans. The United States must use every tool at its disposal to uphold democracy in the region and ensure aid helps the people most in need, not corrupt, selfish leaders. If these corrupt actors won't stop their efforts to undermine democracy, we stand ready to support those fighting for a democratic future and are prepared to take further action,\u201d said Congresswoman Torres, the only Guatemalan-born Member of Congress.\n\n\u201cThe well-being and prosperity of our communities across the globe, including those in IL-03, are interconnected. As the proud daughter of brave Guatemalans, I recognize how important it is to strengthen our diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to address the challenges that motivate families like mine to depart their countries of origin,\u201d said Congresswoman Ramirez, Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee. \u201cI am honored to have joined this bicameral delegation to Guatemala and Honduras to listen, learn and further our resolve to protect democracy, support economic growth, defend human rights, deter corruption, and address the root causes of migration. I look forward to continuing to work on our shared mission to create safer, thriving communities in Guatemala, Honduras, and our nation.\u201d\n\nIn Guatemala, the lawmakers first met with officials of the outgoing administration of President Giammattei to urge them to guarantee the peaceful transition of power and respect the voice of the people in electing President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo. Shortly after that meeting, the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s declared that Guatemala\u2019s national election results were \u2018null and void.\u2019 In response, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, Welch, and Butler and Representatives Torres and Ramirez immediately denounced that move.\n\nThe delegation also met with Guatemalan President-elect Ar\u00e9valo to share their concerns regarding provocative actions by the Public Ministry (Guatemala\u2019s justice department), including the raiding of facilities holding electoral materials, opening of ballot boxes, and intimidation of peaceful protestors, among other brazen attempts to nullify the results of Guatemala\u2019s recent elections. The delegation met with staff at the U.S. Embassy to discuss the status of bilateral engagement with the Guatemalan government. Then, they met with civil society and indigenous leaders to talk about how corruption in Guatemala causes irregular migration to the United States and how the U.S. and Guatemala can work together to tackle the root causes of migration. They also talked about how impunity for violence committed against Guatemalan citizens inhibits economic development and diverts scarce resources away from government agencies. Next, they met with members of the private sector to talk about how a peaceful democratic transition is crucial to Guatemala\u2019s ability to further attract private investment. In November, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch condemned attacks on democracy in Guatemala, and underscored how those actions are destabilizing for the entire region.\n\nNext, the delegation traveled to Honduras, where they met with staff at the U.S. Embassy to underscore the importance of bilateral engagement with the Honduran government. The delegation met with representatives of the private sector and civil society, who discussed the investment climate and raised concerns over deteriorating rule of law and the strength of Honduras\u2019 democratic institutions. Then, they held meetings with the Honduran President of Congress Luis Redondo, President Xiomara Castro, and Foreign Minister Enrique Reina to reinforce democratic principles, reinvigorate stalled anti-corruption reforms, and foster the political and economic stability necessary to reducing migration. They discussed opportunities to strengthen ties between the United States and Honduras, including by continuing to partner to address the root causes of migration, combat narcotics trafficking, and protect the rule of law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-256-million-in-funding-for-safety-improvements-in-virginia-beach-and-richmond", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $25.6 Million in Funding for Safety Improvements in Virginia Beach and Richmond", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $25,668,909 in federal funding to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and in Richmond. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, which funds initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators helped pass.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s critical that our transportation networks have the infrastructure needed to keep Virginians safe while they walk, bike, and drive,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed will be used to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and help prevent serious injuries and deaths at intersections in Richmond.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be awarded as follows:\n\n$14,900,000 for Virginia Beach to make multiple safety improvements for the Virginia Beach Trail project to address unsafe pedestrian conditions in the Hampton Roads area and create an active transportation link between downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Town Center. Once completed, the shared-use path will have over three miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails completely separated from vehicles and move people walking and biking off a busy road. The trail will link multiple universities, businesses, and employment opportunities to underserved communities along the corridor. The project also includes a pedestrian bridge over the 10-lane road, high-visibility crosswalks, and improved lighting.\n\n$10,768,909 for Richmond to address safety issues at 13 different corridors across the city. About 40% of the killed or seriously injured traffic incidents in Richmond occur on 3% of the street network, and many occur at intersections. The funding will be used to implement the Federal Highway Administration\u2019s Proven Safety Countermeasures and the Virginia Department of Transportation\u2019s Systemic Safety Countermeasures, including high visibility signal backplates (for 56 projects); flashing yellow arrows (72 projects); LED street lights (733 projects); infrastructure upgrades for unsignalized intersections, where the control of right-of-way is determined by the presence of a YIELD or STOP sign, or no sign at all (132 projects); red light enforcement cameras (11 projects); pedestrian hybrid beacons (7 projects); transit stop ADA accessibility enhancements (86 projects); permanent bicycle lane separation (1.93 miles); and other intersection improvements (26 projects).\n\nWarner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $38 million in federal funding to improve shared-use and bicycle paths and roadway safety in Northampton, Accomack, Chesterfield, Rockingham, and Fairfax Counties. The senators also announced nearly $2 million in federal funding to promote increased safety for Virginia drivers and motorists.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-mcclellan-call-for-answers-to-mail-delivery-issues-in-the-richmond-area", "Warner, Kaine, & McClellan Call for Answers to Mail Delivery Issues in the Richmond Area", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Friday, Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) sent a letter to the Virginia District Manager of the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting answers and improved transparency regarding the recent mail delivery issues in the Richmond area. In their letter, the lawmakers urge Virginia District Manager Gerald Roane to address these issues and communicate directly with impacted residents.\n\n\u201cWe write to advocate on behalf of our constituents, who have continued to share countless stories of mail delays and mail security concerns throughout Virginia and the Fourth Congressional District. While we appreciate your outreach with our offices, we feel our constituents would greatly benefit from direct communications from you or an appropriate United States Postal Service (USPS) representative,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cTherefore, we request your office to facilitate a town hall for concerned residents regarding their postal service concerns no later than January 19, 2024.\u201d\n\nOver the past few months, the lawmakers received hundreds of reports of mail delivery issues, including late and missing deliveries, sudden stops in service, and mail theft. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight various cases currently under investigation, including a local small business owner in the Bellevue neighborhood and a constituent in the Fan neighborhood.\n\n\u201cOne notable case involves a 38-year resident of the Bellevue neighborhood and small business owner who has been grappling with mail delivery issues for over four months. Weekly missed deliveries since September have resulted in the non-receipt of crucial items such as paychecks, credit card bills, and insurance policies. This has, in turn, led to the imposition of late fees and, in some instances, the cancellation of essential services,\u201d they continued. \u201cSimilarly, a constituent in the Fan neighborhood of Richmond reported a mail hiatus lasting up to eight days. Despite reporting the issue to their local post office, USPS made no efforts to follow up or notify the family about the status of their case. Ultimately, an automated message from the postal service declared the matter resolved without any prior communication.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continue to open constituent cases to advocate on their behalf and resolve these issues. Read their full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1022E7AA-477A-4CA8-9076-4AAC84F92DA3", "U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine Announce over $25.6 Million in Funding for Safety Improvements in Virginia Beach and Richmond", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $25,668,909 in federal funding to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and in Richmond. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, which funds initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators helped pass.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s critical that our transportation networks have the infrastructure needed to keep Virginians safe while they walk, bike, and drive,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed will be used to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and help prevent serious injuries and deaths at intersections in Richmond.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be awarded as follows:\n\n$14,900,000 for Virginia Beach to make multiple safety improvements for the Virginia Beach Trail project to address unsafe pedestrian conditions in the Hampton Roads area and create an active transportation link between downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Town Center. Once completed, the shared-use path will have over three miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails completely separated from vehicles and move people walking and biking off a busy road. The trail will link multiple universities, businesses, and employment opportunities to underserved communities along the corridor. The project also includes a pedestrian bridge over the 10-lane road, high-visibility crosswalks, and improved lighting.\n\n$10,768,909 for Richmond to address safety issues at 13 different corridors across the city. About 40% of the killed or seriously injured traffic incidents in Richmond occur on 3% of the street network, and many occur at intersections. The funding will be used to implement the Federal Highway Administration\u2019s Proven Safety Countermeasures and the Virginia Department of Transportation\u2019s Systemic Safety Countermeasures, including high visibility signal backplates (for 56 projects); flashing yellow arrows (72 projects); LED street lights (733 projects); infrastructure upgrades for unsignalized intersections, where the control of right-of-way is determined by the presence of a YIELD or STOP sign, or no sign at all (132 projects); red light enforcement cameras (11 projects); pedestrian hybrid beacons (7 projects); transit stop ADA accessibility enhancements (86 projects); permanent bicycle lane separation (1.93 miles); and other intersection improvements (26 projects).\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $38 million in federal funding to improve shared-use and bicycle paths and roadway safety in Northampton, Accomack, Chesterfield, Rockingham, and Fairfax Counties. The senators also announced nearly $2 million in federal funding to promote increased safety for Virginia drivers and motorists.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D288EB92-82EA-4C70-97D9-08A8A1FD235F", "U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Rep. McClellan Call for Answers to Mail Delivery Issues in the Richmond Area", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Friday, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) sent a letter to the Virginia District Manager of the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting answers and improved transparency regarding the recent mail delivery issues in the Richmond area. In their letter, the lawmakers urge Virginia District Manager Gerald Roane to address these issues and communicate directly with impacted residents.\n\n\u201cWe write to advocate on behalf of our constituents, who have continued to share countless stories of mail delays and mail security concerns throughout Virginia and the Fourth Congressional District. While we appreciate your outreach with our offices, we feel our constituents would greatly benefit from direct communications from you or an appropriate United States Postal Service (USPS) representative,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cTherefore, we request your office to facilitate a town hall for concerned residents regarding their postal service concerns no later than January 19, 2024.\u201d\n\nOver the past few months, the lawmakers received hundreds of reports of mail delivery issues, including late and missing deliveries, sudden stops in service, and mail theft. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight various cases currently under investigation, including a local small business owner in the Bellevue neighborhood and a constituent in the Fan neighborhood.\n\n\u201cOne notable case involves a 38-year resident of the Bellevue neighborhood and small business owner who has been grappling with mail delivery issues for over four months. Weekly missed deliveries since September have resulted in the non-receipt of crucial items such as paychecks, credit card bills, and insurance policies. This has, in turn, led to the imposition of late fees and, in some instances, the cancellation of essential services,\u201d they continued. \u201cSimilarly, a constituent in the Fan neighborhood of Richmond reported a mail hiatus lasting up to eight days. Despite reporting the issue to their local post office, USPS made no efforts to follow up or notify the family about the status of their case. Ultimately, an automated message from the postal service declared the matter resolved without any prior communication.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continue to open constituent cases to advocate on their behalf and resolve these issues.\n\nCopy of the full letter available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-rounds-manchin-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold", "Kaine, Rounds, Manchin, & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and one of the most forceful voices who pushed to end Senator Tuberville\u2019s reckless hold on military promotions, joined U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing the bipartisan Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 to provide back pay to military officers who were denied promotions for months.\n\n\u201cBy denying servicemembers\u2019 military promotions at the time they were supposed to receive them, Senator Tuberville also denied them the pay, allowances, and benefits that come with these promotions,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cWhile I\u2019m glad many of these servicemembers received the promotions they\u2019ve earned this week, this bill is critical to helping ensure the impacted servicemembers are compensated.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would provide those officers impacted by Tuberville\u2019s promotions hold with backpay commensurate to the date they would have otherwise been promoted. It also directs the Secretary of Defense to adjust their time in grade, or associated seniority for the grade or rank associated with their appointment, and carry out other administrative fixes, including allowances and benefits.\n\nTuberville\u2019s hold on military promotions resulted in the delayed promotion or assignment of 430 flag or general officers. This week, the Senate confirmed 425 of these promotions and is expected to confirm the remaining ones before the end of the year. Last month, Kaine held the Senate floor for over an hour, calling up every individual military promotion being blocked by Tuberville, which Tuberville denied. Kaine also spoke on the Senate floor various times and during Senate Armed Services Committee hearings to highlight how the blockade impacted servicemembers in Virginia and across the country.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Rounds, and Manchin, the Military Personnel Confirmation Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-from-lawmakers-on-guatemalan-attorney-generals-attempt-to-nullify-fair-election", "Statement from Lawmakers on Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s Attempt to Nullify Fair Election", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) released the following statement regarding the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s attempt to nullify the fair election of anti-corruption reformist President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo and Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera:\n\n\u201cWe categorically condemn and reject the Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s declaration that Guatemala\u2019s national election results are \u2018null and void.\u2019 The Attorney General\u2019s continued efforts to overturn the election and brazenly defy the will of the Guatemalan voter yet again threaten to undermine Guatemala\u2019s political and economic stability and its standing in the international community. The election results must be upheld, and we call on the Constitutional Court to reject the Attorney General's arbitrary attempts to nullify the election. President Giammattei must demonstrate leadership and uphold his stated commitment to a peaceful transition of power. We call on President Giammattei and Attorney General Mar\u00eda Consuelo Porras to immediately stop this attempted coup.\u201d\n\nThe Attorney General had previously filed spurious charges against President-elect Ar\u00e9valo, Vice President-Elect Herrera, and other officials and attempted to strip them of their pre-trial immunity. While President Alejandro Giammattei has publicly acknowledged Arevalo\u2019s electoral victory, the Attorney General has continued to systematically attempt to undermine the electoral transition and engage in targeted investigations against the President-elect's political party and other democracy defenders. Guatemala\u2019s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the country\u2019s top electoral court, has indicated it will not hold a repeat of these elections and that the results are unalterable. In November, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch condemned those attacks on democracy in Guatemala, and underscored how those actions are destabilizing for the entire region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-2-million-to-plan-new-rail-routes-across-virginia", "Warner and Kaine Announce $2 Million to Plan New Rail Routes Across Virginia", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,000,000 in federal funding to study huge improvements to passenger rail in Virginia and surrounding states by potentially extending Amtrak service to new cities, increasing frequency, and creating faster routes. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which supports comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development in order to create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation. The Corridor ID Program was authorized and funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, legislation strongly supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine.\n\n\u201cFor years, we\u2019ve been championing the expansion of rail to every corner of the Commonwealth because it\u2019s a slam dunk for local economies, cuts traffic, and protects the environment,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is taking a big step towards expanding service across the entire Commonwealth so communities along the I-95 corridor and beyond can be connected by more convenient, consistent passenger rail.\u201d\n\nThe funding is broken down as follows:\n\n$500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would extend Amtrak service to Bristol. The proposed corridor would also include new frequencies, improved travel times, improvements to reliability, and new stations, including an infill stop in Bedford.\n\n$500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville and the New River Valley. The proposed corridor would provide new service on existing alignment, complementing existing state-supported Northeast Regional services connecting Washington, DC with Newport News and Roanoke, VA.\n\n$500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a proposed project that would address infrastructure capacity constraints along the existing Carolinian service between Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC by improving services in Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, Virginia and several stops in North Carolina. Improvements include rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Raleigh, NC and Petersburg, VA that is more direct than the existing routing, potentially shaving more than an hour off the travel time between the two states.\n\n$500,000 for Amtrak for a proposed project that would increase existing Amtrak Cardinal Service frequency from three days per week to daily. The Amtrak Cardinal Serve currently connects Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge, Virginia to cities including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and more.\n\nWith the announcement of funding, each project now enters \u201cStep 1\u201d of the Corridor ID Program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve and expand rail service across Virginia. Yesterday, the senators announced a $729 million investment in the Long Bridge Project, a transformative initiative that will alleviate a major passenger and freight rail bottleneck between Virginia and Washington, DC. The announcement is the result of years of work by the senators, from passing , which authorized critical land transfers that allowed construction of the project to move forward, to previous announcements of $20 million for the project. Additionally, the bipartisan infrastructure law represented the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak, and since its passage, Sens. Warner and Kaine have announced several seismic rail projects including $100 million for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, a historic $58 million investment in the Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) rail corridor, and the opening of the Silver Line Extension to Dulles International Airport. Sens. Warner and Kaine have also been longtime advocates for one of the routes proposed today, extending rail service all the way to Bristol. Sens. Warner and Kaine also advanced Amtrak service to Lynchburg, which in 2017 was extended to Roanoke.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8C973C57-5657-4DA9-9A40-25F5D6AB6951", "Warner and Kaine Announce $2 Million to Plan New Rail Routes Across Virginia", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,000,000 in federal funding to study huge improvements to passenger rail in Virginia and surrounding states by potentially extending Amtrak service to new cities, increasing frequency, and creating faster routes. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which supports comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development in order to create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation.?The Corridor ID Program was authorized and funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, legislation strongly supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine.\n\n\u201cFor years, we\u2019ve been championing the expansion of rail to every corner of the Commonwealth because it\u2019s a slam dunk for local economies, cuts traffic, and protects the environment,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is taking a big step towards expanding service across the entire Commonwealth so communities along the I-95 corridor and beyond can be connected by more convenient, consistent passenger rail.\u201d\n\nThe funding is broken down as follows:\n\n$500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would extend Amtrak service to Bristol. The proposed corridor would also include new frequencies, improved travel times, improvements to reliability, and new stations, including an infill stop in Bedford.\n\n$500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville and the New River Valley. The proposed corridor would provide new service on existing alignment, complementing existing state-supported Northeast Regional services connecting Washington, DC with Newport News and Roanoke, VA.\n\n$500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a proposed project that would address infrastructure capacity constraints along the existing Carolinian service between Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC by improving services in Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, Virginia and several stops in North Carolina. Improvements include rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Raleigh, NC and Petersburg, VA that is more direct than the existing routing, potentially shaving more than an hour off the travel time between the two states.\n\n$500,000 for Amtrak for a proposed project that would increase existing Amtrak Cardinal Service frequency from three days per week to daily. The Amtrak Cardinal Serve currently connects Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge, Virginia to cities including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and more.\n\nWith the announcement of funding, each project now enters \u201cStep 1\u201d of the Corridor ID Program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve and expand rail service across Virginia. Yesterday, the senators announced a $729 million investment in the Long Bridge Project, a transformative initiative that will alleviate a major passenger and freight rail bottleneck between Virginia and Washington, DC. The announcement is the result of years of work by the senators, from passing the Long Bridge Act, which authorized critical land transfers that allowed construction of the project to move forward, to previous announcements of $20 million for the project. Additionally, the bipartisan infrastructure law represented the largest investment in passenger rail since the creation of Amtrak, and since its passage, Sens. Warner and Kaine have announced several seismic rail projects including $100 million for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, a historic $58 million investment in the Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) rail corridor, and the opening of the Silver Line Extension to Dulles International Airport. Sens. Warner and Kaine have also been longtime advocates for one of the routes proposed today, extending rail service all the way to Bristol. Sens. Warner and Kaine also advanced Amtrak service to Lynchburg, which in 2017 was extended to Roanoke.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cardin-rubio-durbin-cassidy-lead-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-joint-statement-on-the-maduro-regimes-harassment-of-democratic-opposition", "Kaine Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Joint Statement on the Maduro Regime\u2019s Harassment of Democratic Opposition", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) issued a joint, bipartisan statement condemning the Maduro regime for arresting democratic opposition leader Roberto Abdul and for issuing arrest warrants against other senior members of Venezuela\u2019s democratic opposition.\n\n\u201cWe are extremely concerned over recent arrest warrants issued by the Maduro regime against members of Mar\u00eda Corina Machado\u2019s political party and coalition. This brazen act is a clear violation of the spirit of the Barbados Agreement and another indication that the Maduro regime is not following through on its commitment to free and fair elections in 2024. Additionally, the blatant refusal to release political prisoners or American hostages, the continued arrest warrants against other key opposition leaders, and the petulant saber rattling against Guyana show that the Maduro regime, far from taking steps towards the meaningful return of democracy, is moving towards an even more brutal dictatorship. The U.S. and our democratic partners should respond accordingly using all diplomatic tools, including imposing select sanctions.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-secures-wins-in-bicameral-bipartisan-national-defense-bill", "Kaine Secures Wins in Bicameral, Bipartisan National Defense Bill", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, released the following statement after an agreement was reached between the Senate and House Armed Services Committees for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, which the full Senate voted to proceed on today, includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support Virginia\u2019s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I\u2019m proud of the bipartisan, bicameral work we\u2019ve done to advance a defense bill that will protect our national security, strengthen our alliances, and support Virginia servicemembers, their families, and our robust defense community. The bill includes many provisions that I\u2019ve fought for, including a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers and Defense Department personnel, resources to improve access to mental health services, and funding to improve military installations across Virginia. It also includes support to implement the Australia-U.K.-U.S. agreement and my bipartisan bills to address the fentanyl crisis and ensure no President can unilaterally withdraw from NATO. I\u2019m glad the Senate will debate the legislation on the Senate floor next week and urge my colleagues to pass this bill as soon as possible, so we can get it to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nKaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation:\n\nShipbuilding: Authorizes investments to help meet the congressionally mandated requirement to have 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps, by restoring funding for LPD-33 and strengthening oversight of the Navy\u2019s shipbuilding plan. Improves acquisition processes, expands defense industrial base capacity, and supports workforce development initiatives.\n\nPay Raises: Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and the Department of Defense (DOD) civilian workforce. Requires a review of military pay rates to determine if the current basic pay table adequately compensates junior enlisted personnel in pay grades E-1 through E-4.\n\nNATO: Includes Kaine\u2019s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.\n\nDisrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act: Includes Kaine\u2019s bipartisan bill with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by utilizing Pentagon tools like counter-drug intelligence and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis and disrupt cartel activity in Mexico.\n\nAustralia and U.K. Partnership: Strengthens the United States\u2019 partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom in the implementation of the AUKUS agreement, in which the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia will share and collaborate on technologies crucial to the allies\u2019 long-term security. Because a significant portion of Virginia-class submarines are built in Hampton Roads, the AUKUS agreement creates opportunity for further job creation and economic growth in Hampton Roads.\n\nRecruitment: Establishes an Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program for the purpose of introducing community and junior college students to the military and preparing selected students for enlisted service in the Armed Forces.\n\nU.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific: Expands cooperation and engagement to ensure the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. Extends the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, through Fiscal Year 2024 and authorizes the full budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. Establishes the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative (IPMDA) to improve maritime security and boost information-sharing among partners in the region. Includes bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Kaine to increase coordination and boost cooperation with Pacific Island nations on emergency humanitarian response, law enforcement and maritime security activities, and counterintelligence.\n\nTaiwan: Establishes a comprehensive training, advising, and institutional capacity-building program for military forces of Taiwan. Improves U.S.-Taiwan cooperation related to military cybersecurity activities.\n\nSupport for Ukraine: Extends Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through Fiscal Year 2027 and authorizes the full budget request in Fiscal Year 2024. Extends waivers for the streamlined acquisition of defense stocks related to Ukraine and authorizes additional munitions eligible for multiyear procurement contracts.\n\nServicemember Mental Health: Includes various provisions to strengthen and expand mental health care for servicemembers and dependents regardless of their location.\n\nAllows licensed Military and Family Life Counselors to provide non-medical counseling services outside of the state in which they are licensed.\n\nProvides career flexibility for the services\u2019 mental health workforce to increase retention.\n\nRequires a study in military treatment facilities on the efficacy of opioid alternatives for pain management department assessment on the rates of opioid prescriptions to servicemembers.\n\nMilitary Construction: Includes over $561 million for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.\n\n$23M for Maritime Surveillance System Facility at Dam Neck Annex\n\n$57M for Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$37M for Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico\n\n$157M for Child Development Center, MQ-25 Aircraft Facilities, and a submarine pier at Naval Station Norfolk\n\n$46M for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown\n\n$81M for Drydock Saltwater System at Norfolk Naval Shipyard\n\n$25M for Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters annex at Fort Belvoir\n\n$61M for Special Operations Forces Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 2 Operations Support Facility at JEB Little Creek-Fort Story\n\n$30M for pedestrian access at the Pentagon\n\n$12M for Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar support facilities at Dam Neck\n\n$4M for an Equine Training Facility at Fort Belvoir\n\n$20M for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston\n\n$4M to complete maintenance and readiness centers at Virginia Army National Guard\u2019s Roanoke Regional Readiness Center in Troutville\n\n$4M for the Army Reserve Center in Richmond\n\nMilitary Families:\n\nExpands servicemember eligibility to receive reimbursement for qualified spouse relicensing or business costs when the servicemember relocates as the result of reassignment or a transfer from active duty to the reserves\u2014making it easier for military spouses to continue their careers.\n\nMakes mental health care more accessible and affordable for beneficiaries in the active duty family members category and TRICARE Young Adult program, by waiving cost sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year.\n\nDirects a review and report on access to resources and services related to mental health for students of Department of Defense Education Activity Schools.\n\nMilitary Housing:\n\nImproves military housing for servicemembers E-6 and below without dependents whose ships are undergoing maintenance by providing the authority to allow these junior enlisted servicemembers to collect a Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) and not live aboard the ship.\n\nAuthorizes improvements to the quality and oversight of military enlisted barracks, including the replacement of substandard barracks.\n\nRequires that unaccompanied housing meets the same basic standards as all other military housing.\n\nImproves the calculation of BAH rates with respect to junior enlisted members, by delinking that calculation from specific housing types and provides additional flexibility to ensure equitable housing rates can be calculated in markets with limited housing inventory.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos/b-roll-virginia-delegation-secures-729-million-for-transforming-rail-in-virginia-phase-2-projects", "PHOTOS/B-ROLL: Virginia Delegation Secures $729 Million for Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase 2 Projects", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "PHOTOS AND B-ROLL ARE AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) held an event in Arlington to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding they secured for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects. The funding will support the completion of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River to connect D.C. and Virginia, make improvements to L\u2019Enfant Station, and lay a third track along key sections of the corridor in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties. This will help alleviate current bottlenecks, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. The TRV projects will help expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail services between D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to additional service to current destinations, these projects are also a necessary intermediate step for future passenger rail service for the New River Valley and Bristol. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, and Spanberger helped pass in 2021.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled we secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River and expand rail capacity and reliability in Virginia,\u201d said Senators Warner and Kaine. \u201cThis is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the Commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast. I appreciate the collaboration between our senators, our congressional delegation, and our Secretary of Transportation to finalize the funding for this critical project this year and get this accomplished expeditiously. This project\u2019s impact on the Commonwealth cannot be overstated \u2014 it will ease congestion, make our supply chain more resilient, improve freight movement in and out of our world-class port, and boost local economies,\u201d said Governor Youngkin.\n\n\"The funding we announced today is a huge deal for Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region. This grant will support the completion of a new Long Bridge to connect Virginia and Washington, D.C., doubling capacity at a bottleneck for much of the freight rail traffic in the mid-Atlantic and bringing billions of dollars in projected economic benefits,\u201d said Representative Beyer. \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I was proud to help pass, this historic infrastructure investment will benefit Virginians by expanding rail capacity, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic growth. This project is a fantastic example of the good we can do with smart investment and forward-thinking public policy.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, we celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in action,\u201d said Representative Connolly. \u201cThis is an historic investment in our future and a transformative project for all Virginians that will reduce rail and road congestion, improve commutes, and increase our regional transportation capacity. I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding and I can\u2019t wait to see these federal dollars at work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis federal investment is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law is continuing to deliver for Virginia\u2019s communities,\u201d said Representative Spanberger. \u201cIn Congress, I\u2019ve had the honor of representing Virginians up and down the I-95 corridor. And for years, they have been calling for stronger investments in reliable passenger rail. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Virginians I serve, I look forward to seeing these major and historic improvements in action.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to improve our Commonwealth\u2019s public transportation infrastructure and strengthen the capacity and resiliency of our passenger and freight rail network,\u201d said Representative McClellan. \u201cVirginia Democrats called on the Department of Transportation to support the Long Bridge Project. Today, we celebrate this robust federal funding, which will have profoundly beneficial impacts in Virginia.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant is great news for Virginians,\u201d said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. \u201cThe full funding of our Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase II projects, in particular, Long Bridge will result in a transformative increase in rail travel in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast. VPRA is grateful for the immense support we have received from our Virginia senators and Congressional delegation for this initiative. Their support has been immeasurable.\u201d\n\nThe existing Long Bridge is the most significant choke point along the East Coast. It\u2019s the only rail bridge connecting Virginia to D.C. and serves as the main rail connection between the Southeast and Northeast for passenger and freight rail. The Long Bridge expansion is estimated to contribute $1.1 billion annually to the national economy and support 17,750 jobs.\n\nSpecifically, the funding will be used for:\n\nLong Bridge Project: Design and construct a new Long Bridge between Arlington and D.C., including five rail bridges and two pedestrian/bicycle bridges. Once completed, the four-track corridor will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail.\n\nL\u2019Enfant Fourth Track and Station Improvements: Construct approximately one mile of mainline track through and around L\u2019Enfant Plaza in D.C., VRE\u2019s busiest station, and make improvements to the existing station platform.\n\nNeabsco Creek to Woodbridge Third Track: Design and construct three miles of a third track in Prince William County.\n\nAquia Creek Third Track South: Design and construct approximately two miles of a third track in Stafford County.\n\nCrossroads Third Track: Design and construct approximately four miles of a third track in Spotsylvania County.\n\nWarner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, Spanberger, and McClellan have been vocal advocates for the completion of the TRV Phase 2 projects and sent a letter in support of the project to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg in October. Warner and Kaine successfully worked to pass the Long Bridge Act, which authorized critical land transfers that allowed construction of the project to move forward. Warner and Kaine previously secured $20 million in federal funding to create a new bicycle-pedestrian bridge that crosses the Potomac River between Long Bridge Park in Arlington and West Potomac Parks in D.C. Warner and Kaine also secured $100 million in federal funding to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, which will allow Amtrak and VRE trains to seamlessly cross over two freight rail tracks, preventing delays and expanding capacity for additional service. Warner and Kaine applauded $58 million in federal funding to support the construction of the Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) corridor, which will eventually result in new intercity passenger rail service between Raleigh and Richmond.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-kaine-schatz-and-colleagues-announce-amendment-requiring-that-use-of-us-supplemental-aid-comply-with-us-international-law", "Van Hollen, Durbin, Kaine, Schatz & Colleagues Announce Amendment Requiring that Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), as well as Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DL), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Ed Markey (D-MA) announced that they are working on an amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes.\n\n\u201cU.S. taxpayer dollars have never come in the form of a blank check. It\u2019s critical that we hold all nations who receive our assistance to the same standards \u2013 and that includes ensuring the use of this assistance is in line with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. We must also insist that our partners cooperate with us in allowing the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our amendment does all that and puts in place necessary reporting to Congress in order to track these measures. As we work to provide critical funding in the national security supplemental, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these fundamental issues,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. is an indispensable country in helping allied nations in times of conflict,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cWith any such assistance, including supplemental packages, we have a responsibility to ensure the aid follows U.S. and international law. With this amendment, we are reinforcing that key point and our American values.\u201d\n\n\u201cU.S. assistance to our allies and partners has always come with the expectation that they will follow international laws of war,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThis global amendment reaffirms the need to protect innocent civilians caught in conflict zones and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations. We must ensure that even as we stand with our partners and allies across the world, our support remains consistent with the core values and strong support for human rights expressed by the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhenever we approve federal spending \u2013 whether it\u2019s for things like public housing and highway repairs or our own Defense Department\u2019s programs \u2013 we require detailed plans on exactly how the money will be used. We also expect to receive some form of reporting on it afterward. It should be no different for assistance funding we provide to allies around the world, including Israel. It\u2019s our responsibility to make sure the funding and weapons we provide are used in a manner that\u2019s consistent with international humanitarian law and American values,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to U.S. military aid to Israel, American support cannot be a blank check to a right-wing Netanyahu government that has demonstrated a gross disregard for the lives of Palestinian civilians. U.S. military aid always includes conditions, and there is no exception, even for our allies,\u201d said Senator Warren.\n\n\u201cThe United States should never supply or sell weapons to any country without guarantees that they will be used in compliance with international law,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cNo exceptions.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring civilians are protected and have access to adequate humanitarian assistance resources during times of conflict should be our first priority. Also essential is guaranteeing that U.S. weapons and defense articles sent overseas are used in compliance with international law. Senator Van Hollen\u2019s amendment to the National Security and Supplemental Appropriations Act will further these goals. As we continue negotiations, I will keep advocating vigorously to the Biden Administration and Senate leadership for other changes to the legislation that address the accountability, ethicality, and transparency of arms sent abroad,\" said Senator Welch.\n\n\u201cOur country stands for freedom and democracy, and both are grounded in our firm belief that innocent civilians should never be the target of war. It\u2019s imperative that this commitment extends to ensuring our weapons are used only in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. I stand by Israel and I also join my colleagues in insisting on the clarity that Israel\u2019s enemy in Gaza is Hamas - not the children, not Palestinian civilians,\u201d said Senator Heinrich.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to join my colleagues on this amendment, which reiterates that U.S. military assistance provided to our partners must be used in accordance with the law \u2013 particularly U.S. law and international humanitarian law,\u201d said Senator Carper. \u201cThese principles are always imperative, but especially as we support those working to defend democracy around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis amendment will further ensure that American aid is used in accordance with international law and American values,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cAs we support Israel\u2019s right to defend itself, we must continue working to create the conditions for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is imperative that all assistance to Israel abide by U.S. and international law, prioritize the protection of civilians, assure the provision of desperately needed humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and align with a long-term vision for peace, security, and two-state diplomatic solution. I thank Senator Van Hollen and my colleagues for working together on this measure to ensure all military aid to countries within the supplemental package adheres to well-established, existing U.S. and international law and to require reporting to Congress on the use of such aid,\u201d said Senator Markey.\n\nThe Senators\u2019 amendment:\n\nRequires that the weapons received by any country under this bill are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.\n\nRequires that the president obtain assurances that any country receiving weapons through this bill cooperate fully with U.S.-supported efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver.\n\nRequires that the president report to the Congress within 30 days on whether each country receiving U.S. security assistance through this bill is:\n\nUsing U.S.-funded military equipment in accordance with:\n\nTheir intended purposes and U.S. end-use monitoring programs;\n\ninternational humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, and U.S. law;\n\nthe President\u2019s 2023 Conventional Arms Transfer (CAT) Policy and the Defense Department\u2019s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP);\n\nFully cooperating with U.S. efforts and U.S.-supported international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians\n\nClarifies that these provisions do not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes.\n\nThe text of the amendment is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CC27A572-D718-4F5C-AFC1-5943FE50D549", "Warner, Rounds, Reed, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Enforce Sanctions on Terrorist Organizations Like Hamas", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) today introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on terrorist organizations like Hamas by applying sanctions to foreign parties that facilitate financial transactions with terrorists.\n\nCurrently, these sanctions are imposed only in limited circumstances, primarily on the terrorist group Hezbollah following passage of the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act in 2015. The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act introduced today will expand this type of sanctions to cover all U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including Hamas, and other foreign parties that are controlled by or act on behalf of those FTOs.\n\n\u201cThe Terrorism Financing Prevention Act will make sure that the Treasury Department has the tools necessary to enforce our sanctions against Hamas and other terror groups,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to join Senators Rounds, Reed, and Romney in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical that the Department of the Treasury has the necessary counter-terrorism tools to combat modern threats,\u201d said Sen. Rounds. \u201cThe Terrorism Financing Prevention Act takes commonsense steps toward rooting out terrorism by sanctioning foreign financial institutions and foreign digital asset companies that assist them in committing these heinous acts. Cutting off funding for terrorist organizations at the source will save lives. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation that takes decisive action to disrupt terrorist finance networks.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical to bolster the Treasury Department\u2019s tools to protect our national and economic security. With this bill, we are forcing foreign financial institutions and foreign crypto firms to choose between doing business with terrorist organizations or maintaining access to the U.S. financial system,\u201d said Sen. Reed. \u201cWe must protect the integrity of our financial system from new and emerging threats from terrorist organizations, including Hamas that carried out the despicable attacks on Israel on October 7.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe October 7 attacks on Israel perpetrated by Hamas have made it more urgent and necessary for the U.S. to counter the role that cryptocurrency plays in the financing of terrorism. Our legislation would expand financial sanctions to cover all terrorist organizations\u2014including Hamas\u2014and it would equip the Treasury Department with additional resources to counter terrorism and address emerging threats involving digital assets,\u201d said Sen. Romney.\n\nUnder the terms of the Terrorism Financing Prevention Act, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is required to identify any foreign bank or foreign digital asset transaction facilitator that knowingly facilitates transactions with an FTO or related party. Once these actors are identified, the bill requires imposition of sanctions on them, restricting either their use of U.S. correspondent bank accounts (in the case of a bank), or barring their digital asset or other transactions with U.S. persons (in the case of a digital asset transaction facilitator).\n\nThe bill also contains a key provision from the Crypto-Asset National Security Enhancement and Enforcement (CANSEE) Act the senators previously introduced, giving FinCEN authority to restrict transactions with \u201cprimary money laundering concerns\u201d that do not involve a U.S. correspondent bank account. This provision will provide FinCEN with appropriate tools to address threats involving digital assets and non-traditional finance networks, just as they currently can where correspondent accounts are involved.\n\nThe Terrorism Financing Prevention Act also authorizes the resources the Treasury Department needs to carry out these programs.\n\nA copy of the full bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E817D5AC-FFF7-49C5-B083-D20E23479918", "Virginia Delegation Secures $729 Million for Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase 2 Projects", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) held an event in Arlington to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding they secured for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects. The funding will support the completion of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River to connect D.C. and Virginia, make improvements to L\u2019Enfant Station, and lay a third track along key sections of the corridor in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties. This will help alleviate current bottlenecks, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. The TRV projects will help expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail services between D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to additional service to current destinations, these projects are also a necessary intermediate step for future passenger rail service for the New River Valley and Bristol. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, and Spanberger helped pass in 2021.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re thrilled we secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River and expand rail capacity and reliability in Virginia,\u201d said Sens. Warner and Kaine. \u201cThis is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the Commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast. I appreciate the collaboration between our senators, our congressional delegation, and our Secretary of Transportation to finalize the funding for this critical project this year and get this accomplished expeditiously. This project\u2019s impact on the Commonwealth cannot be overstated \u2014 it will ease congestion, make our supply chain more resilient, improve freight movement in and out of our world-class port, and boost local economies,\u201d said Gov. Youngkin.\n\n\"The funding we announced today is a huge deal for Northern Virginia and the National Capital Region. This grant will support the completion of a new Long Bridge to connect Virginia and Washington, D.C., doubling capacity at a bottleneck for much of the freight rail traffic in the mid-Atlantic and bringing billions of dollars in projected economic benefits,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I was proud to help pass, this historic infrastructure investment will benefit Virginians by expanding rail capacity, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic growth. This project is a fantastic example of the good we can do with smart investment and forward-thinking public policy.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, we celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in action,\u201d said Rep. Connolly. \u201cThis is an historic investment in our future and a transformative project for all Virginians that will reduce rail and road congestion, improve commutes, and increase our regional transportation capacity. I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding and I can\u2019t wait to see these federal dollars at work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis federal investment is proof that the bipartisan infrastructure law is continuing to deliver for Virginia\u2019s communities,\u201d said Rep. Spanberger. \u201cIn Congress, I\u2019ve had the honor of representing Virginians up and down the I-95 corridor. And for years, they have been calling for stronger investments in reliable passenger rail. On behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Virginians I serve, I look forward to seeing these major and historic improvements in action.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to improve our Commonwealth\u2019s public transportation infrastructure and strengthen the capacity and resiliency of our passenger and freight rail network,\u201d said Rep. McClellan. \u201cVirginia Democrats called on the Department of Transportation to support the Long Bridge Project. Today, we celebrate this robust federal funding, which will have profoundly beneficial impacts in Virginia.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis grant is great news for Virginians,\u201d said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. \u201cThe full funding of our Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase II projects, in particular, Long Bridge will result in a transformative increase in rail travel in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast. VPRA is grateful for the immense support we have received from our Virginia senators and Congressional delegation for this initiative. Their support has been immeasurable.\u201d\n\nThe existing Long Bridge is the most significant choke point along the East Coast. It\u2019s the only rail bridge connecting Virginia to D.C. and serves as the main rail connection between the Southeast and Northeast for passenger and freight rail. The Long Bridge expansion is estimated to contribute $1.1 billion annually to the national economy and support 17,750 jobs.\n\nSpecifically, the funding will be used for:\n\nLong Bridge Project: Design and construct a new Long Bridge between Arlington and D.C., including five rail bridges and two pedestrian/bicycle bridges. Once completed, the four-track corridor will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail.\n\nL\u2019Enfant Fourth Track and Station Improvements: Construct approximately one mile of mainline track through and around L\u2019Enfant Plaza in D.C., VRE\u2019s busiest station, and make improvements to the existing station platform.\n\nNeabsco Creek to Woodbridge Third Track: Design and construct three miles of a third track in Prince William County.\n\nAquia Creek Third Track South: Design and construct approximately two miles of a third track in Stafford County.\n\nCrossroads Third Track: Design and construct approximately four miles of a third track in Spotsylvania County.\n\nSens. Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, Spanberger, and McClellan have been vocal advocates for the completion of the TRV Phase 2 projects and sent a letter in support of the project to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg in October. Warner and Kaine successfully worked to pass the Long Bridge Act, which authorized critical land transfers that allowed construction of the project to move forward. Warner and Kaine previously secured $20,000,000 in federal funding to create a new bicycle-pedestrian bridge that crosses the Potomac River between Long Bridge Park in Arlington and West Potomac Parks in D.C. Warner and Kaine also secured $100 million in federal funding to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to design and build the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, which will allow Amtrak and VRE trains to seamlessly cross over two freight rail tracks, preventing delays and expanding capacity for additional service. Warner and Kaine applauded $58 million in federal funding to support the construction of the Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) corridor, which will eventually result in new intercity passenger rail service between Raleigh and Richmond.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-rubio-and-merkley-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-crimes-in-brazilian-amazon-strengthen-regional-stability", "Kaine, Rubio, and Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Crimes in Brazilian Amazon, Strengthen Regional Stability", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act, bipartisan legislation to address crimes committed by organized criminal and drug trafficking groups who are devastating communities in and around the Brazilian Amazon, upending rule of law, and accelerating environmental degradation and deforestation. The bill would provide the U.S. government with more resources to support U.S.-Brazil efforts to address these crimes and prioritize identifying investment opportunities for U.S. companies in the Brazilian Amazon. This would help promote regional stability across the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\u201cThe rise in environmental crimes and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is interconnected with the uptick in violence, displacement, and drug trafficking in the region and has direct consequences for our security here at home,\u201d said Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. \u201cThis bipartisan bill would support the United States\u2019 efforts to address these crimes, protect the environment and local communities, and improve the stability of the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cNarcotraffickers, smugglers, and our adversaries have used the Amazon as a base to weaken our national security interests and destabilize the entire region. Through this bill, the U.S. and Brazil will work together to crack down on illegal activity in this vital region,\u201d said Rubio, Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.\n\n\u201cThe Amazon provides sanctuary for countless wildlife, and the trees of this tropical forest support not only Brazil\u2019s environment, but the planet\u2019s lifeblood,\u201d said Merkley, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cAs the impacts of climate chaos become deadlier and more frequent\u2014threatening our health, planet, and future\u2014the U.S. must support Brazil's efforts to stand against the criminal and often violent efforts driving deforestation and environmental degradation in the Brazilian Amazon.\u201d\n\nTackling environmental crimes and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect the environment, and address rising violence and displacement in the region. In 2022, there were more than 8,000 violent deaths in the Brazilian Amazon.\n\nSpecifically, the Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act would:\n\nDirect the Secretary of State, in coordination with other U.S. federal agencies, to prioritize supporting Brazil\u2019s efforts to identify and disrupt transnational criminal networks committing environmental crimes.\n\nDirect the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to support local communities and vulnerable areas in the Brazilian Amazon.\n\nRecommend the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) place an individual in Brazil responsible for identifying sustainable economic opportunities for U.S. businesses in the Brazilian Amazon.\n\nRequire the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress regarding drivers of deforestation and environmental degradation in the Brazilian Amazon.\n\nAdvise the United States to encourage international financial institutions to prioritize promoting sustainable development in the Amazon and oppose loans or programs that would exacerbate environmental crimes in the region.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-to-lead-bicameral-congressional-delegation-visits-to-guatemala-and-honduras-to-discuss-democracy-stability-migration-economic-growth-and-security", "Kaine to Lead Bicameral Congressional Delegation Visits to Guatemala and Honduras to Discuss Democracy, Stability, Migration, Economic Growth, and Security", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Later this week, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and previously worked as a missionary in Honduras, will lead a congressional delegation visiting Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. Senator Kaine will be joined by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3) and Norma Torres (D-CA-35). During their meetings, the lawmakers will discuss strategies to strengthen prosperity and security in the region and underscore the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law. Maintaining democracy and political stability in Central America is critical for U.S. national security and the security of our borders.\n\nThe congressional delegation\u2019s visit to Guatemala comes at a critical moment for the country\u2019s democracy amid ongoing protests following provocative actions by the Public Ministry (Guatemala\u2019s justice department), including the raiding of facilities holding electoral materials, opening of ballot boxes, and intimidation of peaceful protestors, among other brazen acts. The Public Ministry has also filed spurious charges against President-elect Bernardo Arevalo, Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera, and other officials and attempted to strip them of their pre-trial immunity. While President Alejandro Giammattei has publicly acknowledged Arevalo\u2019s electoral victory, the Public Ministry continues to systematically attempt to undermine the electoral transition and engage in targeted investigations against the president-elect's political party and other democracy defenders. In November, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch condemned those attacks on democracy in Guatemala, and underscored how those actions are destabilizing for the entire region.\n\nIn Honduras, the ruling party\u2019s decision to use a procedural workaround to unilaterally appoint their preferred candidate as interim Attorney General (AG) has similarly raised concerns about undermining the credibility of independent institutions. In November, Kaine spoke out about that undemocratic power grab, noting that \u201cunilaterally appointing an interim Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General undermines the confidence in Honduras\u2019 democratic institutions, especially after months of negotiation.\u201d In October, Kaine, Merkley, and Welch urged the U.S. Department of State to address corruption in Honduras and express their concerns regarding delays in the establishment of the International Commission Against Corruption and Immunity in Honduras (CICIH), which President Xiomara Castro pledged to create. Last year, Kaine outlined his strong support for CICIH ahead of a strategic dialogue between the United States and Honduras. In April, Kaine, Durbin, Ramirez and Torres called on the Biden Administration to continue protecting displaced Hondurans by redesignating Honduras for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).\n\nLast year, Kaine led a congressional delegation in visiting Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, which are all founding members of the Alliance for Development in Democracy (ADD), to discuss the lawmakers\u2019 support for the ADD, which is focused on strengthening democracy and promoting economic growth between their countries.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-rename-roanoke-federal-building-after-civil-rights-lawyer-reuben-lawson", "Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Rename Roanoke Federal Building After Civil Rights Lawyer Reuben Lawson", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to rename a federal building in Roanoke, VA the \u201cReuben E. Lawson Federal Building\u201d in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson. Today, December 6th, marks what would have been Lawson\u2019s 103rd birthday.\n\n\u201cReuben Lawson dedicated his life and career to fighting against segregation and paving the way for historic civil rights action,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe are proud to introduce this legislation, which would ensure Mr. Lawson\u2019s relentless pursuit of social justice is cemented in Roanoke and remembered across Virginia.\u201d\n\nLawson graduated from Howard Law School in 1945 and spent his career in Roanoke, working closely with civil rights titan Oliver Hill. Lawson filed the first desegregation case in Southwest Virginia, which resulted in the admission of 13 African American students into Floyd County\u2019s high school, which until then had only admitted white students. Similar efforts then followed in Pulaski, Grayson, and Roanoke Counties. Lawson also played a key role in convincing the Roanoke City Council to defy Virginia\u2019s segregation law in 1961 and integrate Roanoke\u2019s Victory Stadium.\n\nIn September of this year, Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Roanoke attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John Fishwick, Reverend Edward Burton, and members of the Roanoke community who have championed the effort to honor Mr. Lawson through renaming this Federal Building.\n\n\u201cReuben E. Lawson was a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Roanoke, Virginia,\u201d said former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick. \u201cHis legacy and fearlessness during a turbulent time of civil unrest throughout our country has long been overlooked, and naming Roanoke\u2019s federal building in his honor will give Mr. Lawson the recognition he deserves.\u201d\n\n\u201cI knew Reuben Lawson through our work in the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP in the 1960s. Reuben was soft-spoken and easy to relate to, but worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to integrate the schools in our region through the courts. He led us in that day and time, and I am proud of the effort to honor his legacy,\u201d said Rev. Edward Burton.\n\n\u201cMr. Lawson deserves to be recognized for his contributions to ending Jim Crow. The Roanoke Branch NAACP has a shared history with Mr. Lawson and continues to advocate for justice as Mr. Lawson did those many years ago; we can think of no more deserving honor than naming the Federal Courthouse in Roanoke\u2014where Mr. Lawson valiantly fought segregationist policies\u2014after him. Mr. Lawson was truly Roanoke's own civil rights attorney, embodying not only the city, but the spirit of its diverse population,\u201d said Dr. Brenda L. Hale, President of the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP.\n\nThe building is currently named after former Virginia Congressman and State Supreme Court Justice Richard H. Poff, who opposed integration and voted against the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964 and 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warren-kaine-hirono-blumenthal-murray-duckworth-urge-pentagon-to-implement-reforms-and-address-substandard-housing-conditions-for-military-families", "Warren, Kaine, Hirono, Blumenthal, Murray, Duckworth Urge Pentagon to Implement Reforms and Address Substandard Housing Conditions for Military Families", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting information on the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) plans to address the unhealthy prevalence of mold, lead-based paint, and asbestos in housing for America\u2019s service members, as well as concerns regarding the distrust and confusion surrounding the formal dispute resolution process that military families can use to address disputes with the private housing companies.\n\n\u201cWe write in regard to concerning reports about asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold in military housing and DoD\u2019s implementation of the formal dispute resolution process available to tenants in privatized military housing,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe seek further information regarding steps that the Department of Defense are taking to address asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold in military housing units and improve implementation of the formal dispute resolution process.\u201d\n\nA 2023 Army Audit found that the Army\u2019s inspection program for asbestos and lead-based paint had failed to adequately ensure that homes were safe for families. The Army Audit Agency uncovered that 41 percent of the homes it reviewed \u201chad no documented survey identifying the home\u2019s asbestos risk areas.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are highly alarmed by the consistent failure of the Army housing office inspectors to properly assess these homes and protect service members and their families from the hazards of asbestos and lead-based paint,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nSimilarly, the DoD has failed to ensure that military families\u2019 homes are free of mold. A family living on Marine Corps Base in Hawaii experienced a variety of concerning health conditions from exposure to mold such as \u201chair loss, bluish-gray skin, heart palpitations, fatigue, worsening headaches, rashes, and stomach problems.\u201d The 2022 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey found that almost a quarter of military families had \u201cbeen exposed to environmental toxins\u201d in their homes, with a 2021 survey respondent indicating that, \u201c(i)t is almost as if the privatized housing office feels as though there will not be another large-scale inspection, so they just turn their blind eye to service members\u2019 complaints of black mold growing in their homes.\u201d\n\nTo address these problems, Congress established a formal dispute resolution process. However, the Government Accountability Office identified broader confusion among both military families and military housing officials on its implementation. Military families have also expressed concerns that they must agree to keeping any formal dispute resolution process confidential upon signing their lease, and the tendency for the process to favor the private housing companies.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Defense has a long way to go to fully implement reforms and restore military families\u2019 confidence,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cMilitary families should not be forced into a confidentiality clause if they choose to use the formal dispute resolution process to address unsafe housing conditions, and the Department needs to take steps to improve this process and protect service members and their families.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=013C0B2B-FAA8-411A-8761-2E545BD6972A", "Sen. Warner Kicks off the Holiday Season with Tree Trimming Party", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO FROM SEN. WARNER'S TREE DECORATION\n\nTHE NORTH POLE \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and his Washington, D.C. staff are ready for Christmas! Today, Sen. Warner welcomed kindergarteners from Bel Air Elementary School in Woodbridge, VA to his Capitol Hill office to kick off the holiday season with carols, milk and cookies, and decoration of the office Christmas tree. This year\u2019s tree, a 12-foot Fraser fir, is from Mt. Rogers Tree Farm in Grayson County, Va.\n\nStudents helped Sen. Warner decorate his tree with handmade ornaments while serenading members of his staff with classic carols such as \u201cJingle Bells\u201d and \u201cRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.\u201d\n\nSen. Warner has hosted students from across the Commonwealth to help him get in the holiday spirit nearly every year since taking office in 2009.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5C315C1F-AF1B-4A2A-AAF3-31278B396EF6", "Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Rename Roanoke Federal Building After Civil Rights Lawyer Reuben Lawson", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to rename a federal building in Roanoke, VA the \u201cReuben E. Lawson Federal Building\u201d in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson. Today, December 6th, marks what would have been Lawson\u2019s 103rd birthday.\n\n\u201cReuben Lawson dedicated his life and career to fighting against segregation and paving the way for historic civil rights action,\u201dsaid the senators. \u201cWe are proud to introduce this legislation, which would ensure Mr. Lawson\u2019s relentless pursuit of social justice is cemented in Roanoke and remembered across Virginia.\u201d\n\nLawson graduated from Howard Law School in 1945 and spent his career in Roanoke, working closely with civil rights titan Oliver Hill. Lawson filed the first desegregation case in Southwest Virginia, which resulted in the admission of 13 African American students into Floyd County\u2019s high school, which until then had only admitted white students. Similar efforts then followed in Pulaski, Grayson, and Roanoke Counties. Lawson also played a key role in convincing the Roanoke City Council to defy Virginia\u2019s segregation law in 1961 and integrate Roanoke\u2019s Victory Stadium.\n\nIn September of this year, Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Roanoke attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John Fishwick, Reverend Edward Burton, and members of the Roanoke community who have championed the effort to honor Mr. Lawson through renaming this Federal Building.\n\n\u201cReuben E. Lawson was a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Roanoke, Virginia,\u201d said former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick. \u201cHis legacy and fearlessness during a turbulent time of civil unrest throughout our country has long been overlooked, and naming Roanoke\u2019s federal building in his honor will give Mr. Lawson the recognition he deserves.\u201d\n\n\u201cI knew Reuben Lawson through our work in the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP in the 1960s. Reuben was soft-spoken and easy to relate to, but worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to integrate the schools in our region through the courts. He led us in that day and time, and I am proud of the effort to honor his legacy,\u201d said Rev. Edward Burton.\n\n\u201cMr. Lawson deserves to be recognized for his contributions to ending Jim Crow. The Roanoke Branch NAACP has a shared history with Mr. Lawson and continues to advocate for justice as Mr. Lawson did those many years ago; we can think of no more deserving honor than naming the Federal Courthouse in Roanoke\u2014where Mr. Lawson valiantly fought segregationist policies\u2014after him. Mr. Lawson was truly Roanoke's own civil rights attorney, embodying not only the city, but the spirit of its diverse population,\u201d said Dr. Brenda L. Hale, President of the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP.\n\nThe building is currently named after former Virginia Congressman and State Supreme Court Justice Richard H. Poff, who opposed integration and voted against the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964 and 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=802CDD29-F260-40A7-81C8-C15DC0B2E142", "Sen. Warner on Failed Supplemental Vote", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a statement after the Senate failed to reach the 60 votes needed to move forward on a supplemental spending package to provide crucial aid to aid our allies and protect our national security:\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s hopes for victory rest on the U.S. walking away from Ukraine. In 21 months, Ukraine has succeeded in decimating the military and morale of one of our chief geopolitical adversaries in Vladimir Putin\u2019s Russia without the loss of a single American or NATO soldier. We know from intelligence community assessments that Putin believes Ukraine will fall within just months without renewed U.S. support. Why, at this moment in time, would we prove Putin right?\n\n\u201cI believe Congress can and must pass a supplemental spending package that supports the fight for democracy in Ukraine, supplies our partner Israel, provides much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, and secures our border. But given the urgency of what\u2019s facing the Ukrainians this winter, we cannot afford to wait. Autocrats around the world, including President Xi, are watching.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-the-lifting-of-many-of-senator-tubervilles-reckless-holds-on-military-promotions", "Kaine Statement on the Lifting of Many of Senator Tuberville\u2019s Reckless Holds on Military Promotions", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps, released the following statement regarding the lifting of many of Senator Tommy Tuberville\u2019s (R-AL) reckless holds on military promotions, which follows intense pressure by Kaine:\n\n\u201cI've been pushing Sen. Tuberville to lift this reckless hold on military promotions for months. I'm glad that more than 400 servicemembers will finally receive the promotions they've earned, but we must confirm all of them.\u201d\n\nKaine has been one of Congress\u2019 most forceful voices working to finally confirm these nominees and highlighting how the blockade hurts America\u2019s national security, military readiness, and military families. Last month, in recognition of Veterans Day and Military Day in the state of Alabama, Kaine held the Senate floor for over an hour in an effort to end the blockade. Kaine also spoke on the Senate floor various times to highlight how the blockade impacts servicemembers in Virginia and across the country. Additionally, Kaine railed against the blockade during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in September.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-and-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-virginia-jobs-remove-retaliatory-tariffs-on-whiskey-and-spirits", "Kaine, Warner and Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Protect Virginia Jobs, Remove Retaliatory Tariffs on Whiskey and Spirits", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Rand Paul (R-KY), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in a letter urging the Biden Administration to act quickly to protect the millions of U.S. jobs that rely on American whiskey and spirits producers by negotiating with the European Union (EU) to remove retaliatory tariffs that hurt these businesses in Virginia and across the country. In Virginia, the spirits industry supports 16,600 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, including over $1.7 billion in 2019. Without urgent action from the Biden Administration, the EU will implement a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports on January 1, 2024, and American and Virginia wine and other distilled spirits imports could see sharp tariff increases by 2026, hurting their businesses and jeopardizing jobs.\n\n\u201cWe write today to request an expedited agreement with the European Union (EU) to secure the permanent removal of retaliatory tariffs on spirits and wines,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cWe are deeply concerned that a lack of a permanent solution risks the re-imposition of tariffs.\u201d\n\n\u201cSpirits have had a significant cultural impact in our country, and currently have a profound impact on the U.S. economy. In 2022 alone, U.S. distilled spirit exports reached $2.06 billion. But the impact of the retaliatory tariffs was devastating\u2026 Our belief is that the imposition of additional tariffs on this industry is detrimental,\u201d the senators concluded. \u201cThere are mutual benefits in finding a path forward, and our belief is that spirits and wines are a point where there can be consensus to limit the damage for all parties.\u201d\n\nRetaliatory tariffs by the EU have cost domestic sprits distillers and winemakers billions of dollars since 2018, and the U.S. needs a permanent solution to safeguard over 1.7 million production, distribution, and hospitality jobs that rely on the industry. The EU originally set the whiskey tariff at 25%, and following Kaine\u2019s push, the Biden Administration negotiated an agreement to suspend the tariff until 2024. Unless an agreement is reached before January 1, the tariff will be reimposed and doubled to 50%. The senators\u2019 bipartisan letter urges U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to negotiate a deal to permanently remove retaliatory tariffs on all American-made sprits and wines.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Cornyn (R-TX).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Ambassador Tai,\n\nWe write today to request an expedited agreement with the European Union (EU) to secure the permanent removal of retaliatory tariffs on spirits and wines. While we applaud the Administration\u2019s efforts to suspend retaliatory tariffs for five-years on spirits and wines in the WTO Large Civil Aircraft Dispute and the two-year pause on American Whiskeys in the steel and aluminum dispute, we are deeply concerned that a lack of a permanent fix risks the re-imposition of tariffs. As of now, a 50 percent tariff is set to hit American Whiskeys on January 1, 2024.\n\nSpirits have had a significant cultural impact in our country, and currently have a profound impact on the U.S. economy. In 2022 alone, U.S. distilled spirit exports reached $2.06 billion. But the impact of the retaliatory tariffs was devastating. For the American Whiskey industry, exports decreased from $702 million to $440 million, a loss of 20 percent between 2018 and 2021. In 2022, American spirits exports rebounded over 2017 pre-tariff levels \u2013 the last full year before retaliatory tariffs \u2013 due in large part to the suspension of retaliatory tariffs. For many in the hospitality industry and others such as retailers, grocers, importers and distributors, many of which are small, locally-owned businesses, the impact was severe, compounded by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.\n\nWhile we understand that you continue to negotiate towards a deal to settle the dispute related to steel, we believe that the targeting of spirits is extraneous. Likewise, a permanent fix is needed as the two-year pause on American Whiskey tariffs is set to snapback soon.\n\nUnderstanding that tariffs are a \u2018tool in the toolbox\u2019 in negotiating a deal, the imposition of additional tariffs on this industry would be detrimental. There are mutual benefits in finding a path forward, and our belief is that spirits and wines are a point where there can be consensus to limit the damage for all parties.\n\nWe look forward to your support in finding a permanent fix for retaliatory tariffs on spirits and wines.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:34:08Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/in-light-of-inspector-general-probe-virginia-leaders-push-for-pause-on-fbi-relocation", "In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push for Pause on FBI Relocation", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-8), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-2), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-4), Bobby Scott (D-VA-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process.\n\nThe OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety \u2013 a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself.\n\n\u201cIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\u201d\n\nThe effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is the best home for the FBI in part because of its diverse and developed workforce, proximity to critical national security facilities, and easy access to transit. Last month, after a flawed selection process that included last-minute changes to the selection criteria and allegations of political interference, a political appointee overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel of career experts and selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the site for the new FBI headquarters.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and text is below.\n\nDear Director Young,\n\nWe write regarding the site selection process for a new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, led by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). On November 30, GSA\u2019s Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that they were initiating an evaluation of the site selection to \u201cassess [GSA]\u2019s process and procedures for the site selection to relocate the FBI Headquarters.\u201d This review follows a November 15 letter that we sent to OIG outlining our significant concerns with the site selection process, including credible allegations of impropriety and politicization.\n\nThe FBI Director, Christopher Wray, has raised strenuous objections to both the process and outcome of the GSA-administered site selection process. These concerns were brought directly and repeatedly to GSA throughout the agencies\u2019 deliberations. As Director Wray noted in a message to FBI personnel on November 9, following GSA\u2019s announced selection, \u201cour concerns about the process remain unresolved.\u201d The nature of these concerns draws into question the integrity of a site selection process that demanded fairness and transparency, and they warrant thorough review.\n\nIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion. We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\n\nFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-and-video-kaine-celebrates-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-support-virginias-seafood-industry", "PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Kaine Celebrates Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Support Virginia\u2019s Seafood Industry", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today in Lottsburg, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine celebrated the introduction of his Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced alongside Senator Mark Warner that would help seafood processors hire the seasonal workers they need in a timely manner.\n\n\u201cThe seafood industry is not just important to our economy, but important to who we are as Virginians. We want to make sure we keep you around for a very long time,\u201d Kaine said to seafood industry leaders. \u201cIt would be a shame if we got choked up because we couldn\u2019t solve this labor issue. So let\u2019s stay at the table together \u2013 we will make this happen.\u201d\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s seafood businesses rely on seasonal workers to keep their operations up and running. However, even in the best of circumstances, seafood processors struggle to find enough workers to meet demand,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cThis legislation would exempt seasonal, non-immigrant workers in the seafood processing industry from the limits on H-2B visas, allowing processors to fully staff their operations during harvest season, avoid the frustrating uncertainty of the H-2B lottery, and focus on growing their businesses.\u201d\n\nThe Virginia seafood industry contributes over $1 billion to the Commonwealth\u2019s economy each year, supports over 7,000 jobs for Virginians, and generates $26 million in state tax revenue. Many of Virginia\u2019s seafood processors rely on workers from the H-2B visa program to harvest and process Virginia crabs and oysters in season, but processors annually struggle to get enough workers during the season when they are needed most. The SOS Act would permanently exempt seasonal, non-immigrant workers who work in seafood processing from the cap on H-2B visas, ensuring that processors have the workforce they need, when they need them to meet the increased demand at the start of the harvesting season.\n\nKaine and Warner have long supported Virginia\u2019s seafood industry. Earlier this year, the senators met with former Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Marty Walsh to discuss workforce challenges for Virginia\u2019s seafood industry and urge DOL to consider reforms to the H-2B lottery to help seafood processors meet their seasonal labor needs. Kaine and Warner also successfully pushed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the release of additional H-2B visas to support Virginia\u2019s seafood industry.\n\nJoining Kaine and Warner in introducing the legislation are Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1E0D6C04-AE36-49AE-8C1C-CAF92BDFBD4E", "In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push for Pause on FBI Relocation", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process.\n\nThe OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety \u2013 a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself.\n\n\u201cIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\u201d\n\nThey continued, \u201cFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\u201d\n\nThe effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is the best home for the FBI in part because of its diverse and developed workforce, proximity to critical national security facilities, and easy access to transit. Last month, after a flawed selection process that included last-minute changes to the selection criteria and allegations of political interference, a political appointee overruled the unanimous recommendation of a three-person panel of career experts and selected Greenbelt, Maryland as the site for the new FBI headquarters.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and text is below.\n\nDear Director Young,\n\nWe write regarding the site selection process for a new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, led by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). On November 30, GSA\u2019s Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that they were initiating an evaluation of the site selection to \u201cassess [GSA]\u2019s process and procedures for the site selection to relocate the FBI Headquarters.\u201d This review follows a November 15 letter that we sent to OIG outlining our significant concerns with the site selection process, including credible allegations of impropriety and politicization.\n\nThe FBI Director, Christopher Wray, has raised strenuous objections to both the process and outcome of the GSA-administered site selection process. These concerns were brought directly and repeatedly to GSA throughout the agencies\u2019 deliberations. As Director Wray noted in a message to FBI personnel on November 9, following GSA\u2019s announced selection, \u201cour concerns about the process remain unresolved.\u201d[2] The nature of these concerns draws into question the integrity of a site selection process that demanded fairness and transparency, and they warrant thorough review.\n\nIt is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General\u2019s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion. We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.\n\nFor more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI \u2013 GSA\u2019s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-kaine-speaks-at-virginia-economic-summit-and-forum", "PHOTOS: Kaine Speaks at Virginia Economic Summit and Forum", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "Photos are available here.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine gave keynote remarks at the 14th Annual Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade in Richmond. The summit was hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and it was attended by almost 600 business and policy leaders.\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s workers and business community are second to none, and we\u2019ve made so much progress together to recover from the pandemic,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cToday\u2019s gathering was a good opportunity to discuss how we can keep building on our economic recovery, including by making our workforce even stronger. That\u2019s why I will continue championing my JOBS Act to expand access to high-quality job training, my legislation to make child care more affordable, and more.\u201d\n\nDuring his remarks, Kaine spoke about funding and provisions he secured to boost economic development across the Commonwealth. A list of some of the projects he\u2019s secured funding for is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-improve-student-outcomes", "Kaine Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Improve Student Outcomes", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM) in introducing the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023, legislation to improve student outcomes and strengthen public education by expanding full-service community schools. Full-service community schools are public schools and districts that bring in wraparound support services, including medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, technical assistance, and continuing education courses. They have a proven track record of producing tangible results for students, including advancing academic achievement and improving attendance. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would provide essential resources to school districts to plan, implement, expand, and build infrastructure for full-service community schools.\n\n\u201cSchools provide more than a traditional education. For many students, they also serve as critical support systems that help them access the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cBy expanding access to community schools like this bill does, more public schools will be better equipped to serve students and families, particularly those from low-income and underserved backgrounds.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would:\n\nInvest $3.65 billion over the next five years to plan, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools serving low-income students;\n\nProvide renewable grant opportunities and additional resources to existing community schools to improve collaboration and communication among school leadership and strengthen wraparound services that support the needs of students, families, and neighborhoods.\n\nBuild out community school infrastructure by funding the establishment of state-level teams that provide professional development opportunities and resources for community school staff, and collaborate with local education agencies on integrating supports for community schools;\n\nEnsure Tribes and Tribal organizations receive priority consideration in the application process and are included in stakeholder coordination efforts;\n\nSet aside up to 5% of funds for an elementary and secondary Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools program for planning and capacity building, implementation, expansion, and renewal grants; and\n\nSet aside up to 5% of funds for technical assistance and support to leverage federal, state, and local resources that address health care and early childhood education, connect local education agencies with other statewide institutions, and inform LEAs of funding opportunities.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Brown, Van Hollen, Gillibrand, and Luj\u00e1n, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Martin Heinrich (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-3) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023 is endorsed by the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Indian Education Association, the Institute for Educational Leadership, the Coalition for Community Schools, First Focus on Children, the National Association for Elementary School Principals, the National Association for Secondary School Principals, MENTOR, Journey 4 Justice, the School Superintendents Association, Maryland State Education Association, Maryland Out of School Time Network, Public School Superintendents\u2019 Association of Maryland, Communities in Schools New Mexico, Southwest Institute for Transformational (SWIFT) Community Schools, National Education Association New Mexico (NEA-NM), American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT NM), ABC Community School Partnership, Nevada State Education Association, Communities in Schools of Nevada, and Clark County School District.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-wyden-crapo-and-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-and-stand-up-to-china-support-american-workers-and-human-rights", "Kaine, Wyden, Crapo & Colleagues Call on White House to Reverse Course on Digital Trade and Stand Up to China, Support American Workers and Human Rights", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) called on President Biden to reaffirm America\u2019s global economic leadership by reversing a decision by the U.S. Trade Representative to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that allow the free flow of information across borders, protect against the forced transfer of American technology and promote open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Charles Grassley (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Angus King (I-ME), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Cardin, D-MD), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), James Risch (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).\n\nFor nearly 30 years, the United States, along with democratic allies like the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and others, have supported the internet and free information flows as an engine of innovation and economic growth and a bulwark against authoritarian regimes that seek to dominate international digital rules. Human rights and free expression advocates such as Freedom House raised concerns that USTR\u2019s decision to withdraw support for key positions, without offering any alternatives, gives China, Russia and other repressive regimes an opening to advance policies allowing greater surveillance and censorship. U.S. creators, small businesses and major industries have also warned the USTR move will further China\u2019s model for digital protectionism and allow unfair trade practices targeting U.S. employers.\n\n\u201cThese commitments reflect bipartisan principles that, until now, the United States has strongly supported across political parties, administrations, and the federal government: an open internet that promotes the flow of information across borders to support American exports and American values. USTR\u2019s decision to abandon these commitments at the WTO creates a policy vacuum that China and Russia will fill,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe WTO e-commerce negotiations have been supported by a wide range of American employers, including manufacturers, automakers, retailers, small businesses, creators in the film, music, and book publishing industries, precision agriculture, logistics and semiconductor sectors.\n\nThe senators emphasized that the U.S. can and should advance regulations to protect Americans\u2019 privacy and security, and that the WTO principles involving data flows, intellectual property and unjustified data localization are compatible with smart regulation of tech and other industries.\n\n\u201cRetreating from our longstanding principles without offering a viable alternative does not help U.S. workers, it does not help U.S. consumers, it does not help U.S. businesses, and it does not help U.S. allies; it only helps our adversaries,\u201d they wrote.\n\nThe text of the letter is here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-leaders-welcome-ig-investigation-into-fbi-site-selection-process", "Virginia Leaders Welcome IG Investigation into FBI Site Selection Process", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today welcomed the news that the Inspector General (IG) of the General Services Administration (GSA) will initiate an investigation into the site selection to relocate the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, issuing the following statement:\n\n\u201cGiven the overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by politics, we agree that an inspector general investigation is the appropriate next step. We applaud the inspector general for moving quickly and encourage him to move forward to complete a careful and thorough review. In the meantime, the GSA must pause all activities related to the relocation until the IG\u2019s investigation is complete.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-108-million-to-improve-coastal-resilience-in-norfolk-and-virginias-coastal-communities", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $10.8 Million to Improve Coastal Resilience in Norfolk and Virginia\u2019s Coastal Communities", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $10,801,611.50 in federal funding to improve coastal resilience and combat sea level rise in Norfolk and Virginia\u2019s coastal communities. The funding was awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation\u2019s National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), which provides funding to restore, increase, and strengthen natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife.\n\n\u201cSevere flooding and sea level rise hurt Virginia communities, businesses, and economies. It\u2019s important that we have the infrastructure in place to protect these communities,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding will help Norfolk and other coastal communities in Virginia improve resilience and address challenges created by flooding, storms, and sea level rise.\u201d\n\nThe funding is distributed as follows:\n\n$10,000,000 for Norfolk to improve flood management and water quality at St. Paul\u2019s Blue-Greenway, a multipurpose park that will be located in St. Paul\u2019s Redevelopment Project in Tidewater Gardens, one of Norfolk\u2019s largest public housing complexes. The area is susceptible to frequent flooding due to stormwater events and the current stormwater system's ineffective connection to the river through canals and box culverts. The funding will be used to construct a nine-acre stormwater wetland, a shallow area with vegetation that captures stormwater and removes pollutants, which helps mitigate flooding and improves water quality. The wetland will also provide habitats and open spaces to support various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, and other small mammals and insects.\n\n$493,702.82 for the Old Dominion Research Foundation to address flooding and sea level rise in Southside Norfolk. The funding will be used to collect data related to flooding, engage the Southside community in designing infrastructure and nature-based solutions to alleviate recurring problems caused by flooding, storms, and sea level rise, and provide training and employment opportunities to community members living in underserved river front neighborhoods.\n\n$307,908.65 for Anthropocene Alliance to support 10 community-based organizations in the Atlantic Coastal Plain \u2013 which includes Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina \u2013 to address issues of climate risk, displacement, relocation, and the deployment of nature-based solutions to provide protection from storm surges, high tides, and sea level rise. The project will provide each community-based organization with a detailed road map for community resilience development and implementation of projects that builds off existing priorities and plans for addressing coastal hazards.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long supported efforts to build coastal resilience and address sea level rise in Virginia\u2019s coastal communities. Earlier this month, the senators applauded $10 million in federal funding for the development of St. Paul\u2019s Blue-Greenway. The senators also announced over $10.3 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements that will boost resilience at military installations in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. They announced $25 million to protect critical infrastructure from flooding in Virginia Beach.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:33:57Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7412E67E-5480-4433-AD4E-24B4770095F4", "Virginia Leaders Welcome GSA Investigation Into FBI Site Selection", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today welcomed the news that the Inspector General (IG) of the General Services Administration (GSA) will initiate an investigation into the site selection to relocate the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, issuing the following statement:\n\n\u201cGiven the overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by politics, we agree that an inspector general investigation is the appropriate next step. We applaud the inspector general for moving quickly and encourage him to move forward to complete a careful and thorough review. In the meantime, the GSA must pause all activities related to the relocation until the IG\u2019s investigation is complete.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D9714945-96BE-4AC1-807C-39E722B8A325", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $10.8 Million to Improve Coastal Resilience in Norfolk and Virginia\u2019s Coastal Communities", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $10,801,611.50 in federal funding to improve coastal resilience and combat sea level rise in Norfolk and Virginia\u2019s coastal communities. The funding was awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation\u2019s National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), which provides funding to restore, increase, and strengthen natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife.\n\n\u201cSevere flooding and sea level rise hurt Virginia communities, businesses, and economies. It\u2019s important that we have the infrastructure in place to protect these communities,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding will help Norfolk and other coastal communities in Virginia improve resilience and address challenges created by flooding, storms, and sea level rise.\u201d\n\nThe funding is distributed as follows:\n\n$10,000,000 for Norfolk to improve flood management and water quality at St. Paul\u2019s Blue-Greenway, a multipurpose park that will be located in St. Paul\u2019s Redevelopment Project in Tidewater Gardens, one of Norfolk\u2019s largest public housing complexes. The area is susceptible to frequent flooding due to stormwater events and the current stormwater system's ineffective connection to the river through canals and box culverts. The funding will be used to construct a nine-acre stormwater wetland, a shallow area with vegetation that captures stormwater and removes pollutants, which helps mitigate flooding and improves water quality. The wetland will also provide habitats and open spaces to support various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, and other small mammals and insects.\n\n$493,702.82 for the Old Dominion Research Foundation to address flooding and sea level rise in Southside Norfolk. The funding will be used to collect data related to flooding, engage the Southside community in designing infrastructure and nature-based solutions to alleviate recurring problems caused by flooding, storms, and sea level rise, and provide training and employment opportunities to community members living in underserved river front neighborhoods.\n\n$307,908.65 for Anthropocene Alliance to support 10 community-based organizations in the Atlantic Coastal Plain \u2013 which includes Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina \u2013 to address issues of climate risk, displacement, relocation, and the deployment of nature-based solutions to provide protection from storm surges, high tides, and sea level rise. The project will provide each community-based organization with a detailed road map for community resilience development and implementation of projects that builds off existing priorities and plans for addressing coastal hazards.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long supported efforts to build coastal resilience and address sea level rise in Virginia\u2019s coastal communities. Earlier this month, the senators applauded $10 million in federal funding for the development of St. Paul\u2019s Blue-Greenway. They also announced $25 million to protect critical infrastructure from flooding in Virginia Beach.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-durbin-collins-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-uptick-in-attacks-on-postal-service-mail-carriers", "Kaine, Durbin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Uptick in Attacks on Postal Service Mail Carriers", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in introducing bipartisan legislation to address the steep increase in robberies against postal workers, who are often targeted for their arrow keys. These keys can command thousands of dollars on the clandestine market because they allow access to cluster mailboxes and their contents, including Social Security checks, prescriptions, and other valuable items. The Postal Police Reform Act would ensure that Postal Police Officers may be assigned to duty outside of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) real property to protect letter carriers on their routes.\n\n\u201cMail carriers and Postal Service employees play a critical role in ensuring millions of Americans receive their mail,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cAmid a rise in mail theft in recent years, this bipartisan bill will help protect mail and mail carriers and will ensure Americans who depend on the Postal Service get their bills, prescription medications, and more.\u201d\n\nThe Postal Inspection Service reports that armed robberies of letter carriers increased sharply between 2018 and 2021, rising from 36 incidents to 154 incidents. Communities across Virginia, including Henrico County, Newport News, and Richmond, have seen robberies of USPS drivers, mail carriers, and post boxes in recent months.\n\nIn 2020, under the leadership of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the USPS issued a directive that restricted Postal Police Officers to physical USPS properties. This directive has prevented Postal Police Officers from protecting the postal service and the integrity of the postal system outside physical postal properties. Prior to this order, Postal Police Officers were regularly granted authority to carry out their duties both on and off USPS property through annual appropriations language. The Postal Police Reform Act would counteract Postmaster General DeJoy\u2019s 2020 directive and again allow Postal Police Officers to operate outside of Postal Service real property.\n\nKaine has long worked to improve USPS in Virginia. In 2022, he helped pass the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act to strengthen transparency and accountability for USPS performance, eliminate unnecessary financial burdens, and help ensure USPS can better serve the American people. Kaine remains committed to ensuring that the legislation is efficiently and properly implemented. In May 2023, Kaine pressed USPS on mail delivery issues after hearing from constituents across the Commonwealth.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Durbin, and Collins, the bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (I-ME).\n\nThe Postal Police Reform Act is endorsed by the National Association of Postal Supervisors and the Postal Police Officers Association.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-shares-stories-from-fairfax-city-blacksburg-on-senate-floor-to-highlight-need-to-address-child-care-crisis", "VIDEO: Kaine Shares Stories from Fairfax City, Blacksburg on Senate Floor to Highlight Need to Address Child Care Crisis", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding the need to renew child care funding that recently expired and help families get the support they need. During his remarks, Kaine shared stories from a parent in Fairfax City and a provider in Blacksburg to highlight the detrimental consequences of the lack of affordable child care.\n\nClick HERE to WATCH Kaine\u2019s speech.\n\n\u201cWe have to act to restore the child care funding that created breathing room for our providers and our families. And I stand together with my colleagues to do all we can to support President Biden\u2019s request that we add $16 billion in child care funding at this most critical time,\u201d Kaine said.\n\nKaine referenced two stories from Virginians in his speech.\n\nHeather, a parent in FairfaxCity, said: \u201cOne of the reasons my family ended up homeless was because we didn't have access to quality, affordable child care for our boys when they were little. They also lost access to programs that would allow them to be school-ready. When I was pregnant with our twins, I was hospitalized for almost 12 weeks, and we couldn't afford child care for our boys, so my husband would drop them off at the hospital so that he would be able to go to work.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, without access to child care and a hospital being no place for kids to stay all day long, he ended up losing jobs, which in turn meant we lost money to provide for ourselves. We had to go on SNAP to have food, and eventually, he lost his business, and we became homeless... one of the biggest contributing factors was the lack of access to affordable child care. At the time there was not enough space in other programs like Head Start.\n\n\u201cWithout access to affordable, quality child care, families are hurting. The lack of access to this vital service has forced families to not be able to work, go to school, or even leave kids at home in compromising positions just to be able to put food on the table\u2026\n\n\u201cI forgot to include that at the time, we were considered middle class before all of this; both my husband and I are college-educated. I was working at first, too, but also had to leave my job because we couldn't afford the childcare for both of us to work. And my husband is an honorably discharged combat veteran. I meant to add this to help demonstrate how far-reaching this is and to break down myths about who this affects.\u201d\n\nKristi, a provider in Blacksburg, said: \u201cSince the pandemic, we have had to really decrease the number of families that we were able to serve because we're having such a difficult time with our staffing. Being able to pay early childhood teachers has always been a significant difficulty for us, but since the pandemic, it has been a tremendous difficulty... I think what the Senate needs to understand is that if this industry collapses, and I would say that we are very much on the verge of a major collapse. It is going to have a detrimental impact on the workforce\u2026\u201d\n\nKaine secured funding in the American Rescue Plan to help child care providers keep their doors open during the pandemic. This funding expired on September 30 and Kaine has introduced the Child Care Stabilization Act to extend it. Kaine also urged President Biden to include resources to extend the funding in his request for supplemental funding from Congress. Biden heeded that call, and now Kaine is working to get the supplemental request passed through Congress.\n\nAdditionally, Kaine has introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act, legislation that would expand access to child care, raise wages for providers, and lower costs for families by ensuring no family pays more than 7% of their income on child care. He has also introduced bipartisan legislation to develop, administer, and evaluate early childhood education apprenticeships.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-624-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-upgrades-in-virginia", "Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $62.4 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $62,362,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing to communities for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, pollution control, wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, and water reuse. More than $47 million of this funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner and Kaine helped pass.\n\n\u201cClean water is important for the health of all Virginians,\u201d the senators said. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding will help improve infrastructure throughout Virginia and ensure our communities have access to safe water.\u201d\n\nVirginia will use the funding to help communities across the Commonwealth fund necessary water projects that some communities may not have been able to afford otherwise. Specifically, the funding may be used to:\n\nImprove wastewater collection and treatment facilities,\n\nUpgrade stormwater management systems,\n\nClean up contaminated brownfields such as abandoned factories, gas stations, and dry cleaners,\n\nBuild living shorelines, which are made from natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock and purify water, buffer floods, and reduce erosion, and\n\nConserve lands.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve water infrastructure. Earlier this month, the senators announced over $8.1 million in federal funding to improve wastewater treatment in Kilmarnock and Clarksville. Warner and Kaine also announced over $4 million in federal funding, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for clean water improvement in September of this year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=76B7AA8C-4786-48D5-8584-4F7B8BB544A5", "U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner & Tim Kaine Announce Nearly $62.4 Million for Clear Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $62,362,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing to communities for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, pollution control, wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, and water reuse. More than $47 million of this funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Sens. Warner and Kaine helped pass.\n\n\u201cClean water is important for the health of all Virginians,\u201d the senators said. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this funding will help improve infrastructure throughout Virginia and ensure our communities have access to safe water.\u201d\n\nVirginia will use the funding to help communities across the Commonwealth fund necessary water projects that some communities may not have been able to afford otherwise.\n\nSpecifically, the funding may be used to:\n\nImprove wastewater collection and treatment facilities,\n\nUpgrade stormwater management systems,\n\nClean up contaminated brownfields such as abandoned factories, gas stations, and dry cleaners,\n\nBuild living shorelines, which are made from natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock and purify water, buffer floods, and reduce erosion, and\n\nConserve lands.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve water infrastructure. Earlier this month, the senators announced over $8.1 million in federal funding to improve wastewater treatment in Kilmarnock and Clarksville. the senators also announced over $4 million in federal funding, courtesy of the BIL for clean water improvement in September of this year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-wicker-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-commemorate-90th-anniversary-of-holodomor-reaffirm-support-for-ukraine", "Kaine & Wicker Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Holodomor, Reaffirm Support for Ukraine", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a resolution commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Ukraine Famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, and underscoring the threat of Russia\u2019s current war on Ukraine to the existence of the Ukrainian people and global food security. The resolution comes in advance of negotiations over a bipartisan supplemental funding package to support key national security priorities, including aid for Ukraine. Kaine has called for swift passage of this package.\n\n\u201c90 years ago, millions of Ukrainians lost their lives because of Joseph Stalin\u2019s forced famine,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cToday, Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine is having devastating impacts on the Ukrainian people and global food supply. We must remember the victims and survivors of the Holodomor, condemn Vladimir Putin\u2019s war on Ukraine and his weaponization of hunger, and continue to support Ukraine\u2019s right to defend itself against Russian aggression.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Ukrainian people are no strangers to the cruel will of a Russian dictator. Ninety years ago, a Soviet-imposed famine killed millions. Today, Vladimir Putin\u2019s unprovoked assault has not only brought hunger to millions but also threatened the very existence of Ukraine. As we mark the anniversary of the Holodomor, we also need to recognize Ukraine\u2019s current peril and continue helping them win,\u201d said Senator Wicker.\n\nRussia\u2019s war in Ukraine has strangled Ukraine\u2019s ability to export much-needed wheat. As the producer of roughly a fifth of the world\u2019s high-grade wheat, Ukraine has historically played an outsized role in the global food supply. The ongoing war and Russia\u2019s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal, which allowed international shipments of corn, wheat, barley, and other food products from three ports in Ukraine, is causing prices for grains to soar around the world, threatening to put millions of people in countries dependent on Ukraine\u2019s food exports in danger, and devastating Ukraine\u2019s economy.\n\nThe number of people around the world facing acute food insecurity greatly increased from 193 million in 2021 to 258 million in 2022. Last year, approximately 35 million people experienced emergency levels of acute food insecurity, which is just one step away from famine. These figures are expected to worsen for 2023.\n\nFull text of the resolution is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-secure-41-million-to-support-small-businesses-in-virginia", "Warner & Kaine Secure $4.1 Million to Support Small Businesses in Virginia", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine secured $4.1 million in federal funding for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) to help small businesses across Virginia access capital. Specifically, the funding will provide small business owners with technical assistance like webinars, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, job and resource fairs, and community events. The funding was awarded under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant Program, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan was supported by Warner and Kaine and passed the Senate by one vote.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses help keep our communities and economy running, but many of the smallest and most underserved businesses face significant barriers accessing capital,\u201d said the senators. \u201cThanks to the American Rescue Plan we passed, Virginia is receiving funding for the SSBCI program to help ensure entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to access capital and grow their business.\u201d\n\nIn December 2022, Virginia received $230.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the SSBCI program, which will enhance access to capital for Virginia\u2019s small businesses. The $4.1 million in funding will help ensure very small and underserved businesses receive technical assistance to assist them in applying for funding through this and other federal programs. The VSBFA anticipates providing technical assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries, resulting in 500 pitch applications submitted to the state\u2019s SSBCI capital programs and other federal programs.\n\nWarner, the co-chair of the Senate CDFI Caucus, has been a longtime leader in Congress for increasing access to capital for small businesses in underserved communities. To combat hemorrhaging jobs and the loss of economic opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner authored legislation to make a record $12 billion investment in CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and successfully fought to include it in the December 2021 COVID-19 relief package, which the senators voted to pass. Kaine pushed for permanent authorization of the Minority Business Development Administration, including his Reaching America\u2019s Rural Minority Businesses Act, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=64F82B87-D113-4CDD-B4C7-0DC089FC5D96", "U.S. Sens. Warner & Kaine Secure $4.1 Million to Support Small Businesses in Virginia", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine secured $4.1 million in federal funding for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) to help small businesses across Virginia access capital. Specifically, the funding will provide small business owners with technical assistance like webinars, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, job and resource fairs, and community events. The funding was awarded under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant Program, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan was supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine and passed the Senate with a one vote margin.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses help keep our communities and economy running, but many of the smallest and most underserved businesses face significant barriers accessing capital,\u201d said the senators. \u201cThanks to the American Rescue Plan we passed, Virginia is receiving funding for the SSBCI program to help ensure entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to access capital and grow their business.\u201d\n\nIn December 2022, Virginia received $230.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the SSBCI program, which will enhance access to capital for Virginia\u2019s small businesses. The $4.1 million in funding will help ensure very small and underserved businesses receive technical assistance to assist them in applying for funding through this and other federal programs. The VSBFA anticipates providing technical assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries, resulting in 500 pitch applications submitted to the state\u2019s SSBCI capital programs and other federal programs.\n\nSen. Warner, the co-chair of the Senate CDFI Caucus, has been a longtime leader in Congress for increasing access to capital for small businesses in underserved communities. To combat hemorrhaging jobs and the loss of economic opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner authored legislation to make a record $12 billion investment in CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and successfully fought to include it in the December 2021 COVID-19 relief package, which the senators voted to pass. Sen. Kaine pushed for permanent authorization of the Minority Business Development Administration, including his Reaching America\u2019s Rural Minority Businesses Act, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/following-kaine-and-colleagues-push-va-pauses-foreclosures-for-veterans-at-risk-of-losing-their-homes", "Following Kaine & Colleagues\u2019 Push, VA Pauses Foreclosures for Veterans at Risk of Losing their Homes", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that the VA will pause foreclosures for veterans and servicemembers using VA home loans for six months to ensure they can stay in their homes. The announcement follows a push by Kaine and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Jack Reed (D-RI) to urge the VA to take immediate action to prevent thousands of veterans and servicemembers who used VA home loan guarantee benefits from losing their homes.\n\n\u201cOur veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we owe them our gratitude and support,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cI\u2019m glad the VA heeded our call by taking this positive step to help our veterans and servicemembers stay in their homes. I\u2019ll keep fighting to support those who have served and encourage the Department to implement a long-term solution as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nVeterans and servicemembers with VA home loans who faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic used forbearance to pause their mortgage payments without penalty. The VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments, but for more than a year, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgages current, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes.\n\nTo ensure these veterans and servicemembers can stay in their homes, the VA is calling on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA home loans through May 31, 2024. It is also extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024, to allow veterans to access a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan from the Department to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA loan to achieve affordable monthly payments for the duration of this extension.\n\nIn addition to pausing foreclosures and extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program, the VA is continuing its efforts to launch the Department\u2019s newest home retention option, the VA Servicing Purchase Program. This new program will help more veterans lower their payments and remain in their homes.\n\nIf you are a veteran who is struggling to make your VA home loan payment, visit www.va.gov/housing-assistance or call 877-827-3702 for assistance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-the-black-lung-benefits-program", "Warner & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the Black Lung Benefits Program", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) in introducing the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease and their survivors access the workers\u2019 compensation they are entitled to receive under the Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation would remove barriers that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing their benefits such as lengthy processing times, lack of a legal representative, and inflation.\n\n\u201cFor generations, coal miners across Virginia have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives and their health to electrify our nation,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cMiners living with black lung and their survivors need easy access to the benefits they\u2019ve earned \u2013 but far too often, red tape gets in the way. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act would take important steps to make sure miners can access legal representation, have protection against inflation, and more so America can keep making good on the debt it owes to victims of black lung.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany of our nation\u2019s miners have developed black lung disease, and we owe it to them to provide them with the care and support they need,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThe Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act is critical to helping more miners, miner retirees, and their families receive the benefits and compensation they\u2019ve earned following their tremendous sacrifices.\u201d\n\nMany miners have developed coal workers\u2019 pneumoconiosis\u2014commonly referred to as \u201cblack lung\u201d\u2014a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes needed updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the Nation\u2019s coal miners by:\n\nRestoring cost-of-living benefit increases for black lung beneficiaries and ensuring cost-of-living increases are never withheld in the future,\n\nHelping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by providing interim attorney fees for miners that prevail at various stages of their claim,\n\nAllowing miners or their survivors to reopen their cases if they had been wrongly denied benefits because of errors in medical interpretations, and\n\nProhibiting unethical conduct by attorneys and doctors in the black lung claims process, such as withholding evidence of black lung, and helping miners review and rebut potentially biased or inaccurate medical evidence developed by coal companies.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long worked to support miners and their families. The Senate-passed draft of the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill includes $12.19 million in federal funding for black lung clinics, which the senators are working to ensure is included in the final version of the bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass, included a permanent extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund\u2019s excise tax at a higher rate, providing certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. This followed Warner and Kaine\u2019s successful efforts to ensure that miners receive the pensions and health care they earned. In July, the senators reintroduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which would ease restrictions to make it easier for miners\u2019 survivors to successfully claim benefits. Warner and Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to issue new silica standards to protect miners across America \u2013 a push that helped contribute towards the release of those standards.\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9CB62D94-0DAB-4EF8-94C3-307B33A71FF9", "Warner & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the Black Lung Benefits Program", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) in introducing the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease and their survivors access the workers\u2019 compensation they are entitled to receive under the Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation would remove barriers that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing their benefits such as lengthy processing times, lack of a legal representative, and inflation.\n\n\u201cFor generations, coal miners across Virginia have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives and their health to electrify our nation,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cMiners living with black lung and their survivors need easy access to the benefits they\u2019ve earned \u2013 but far too often, red tape gets in the way. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act would take important steps to make sure miners can access legal representation, have protection against inflation, and more so America can keep making good on the debt it owes to victims of black lung.\u201d\n\n\u201cMany of our nation\u2019s miners have developed black lung disease, and we owe it to them to provide them with the care and support they need,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThe Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act is critical to helping more miners, miner retirees, and their families receive the benefits and compensation they\u2019ve earned following their tremendous sacrifices.\u201d\n\nMany miners have developed coal workers\u2019 pneumoconiosis\u2014commonly referred to as \u201cblack lung\u201d\u2014a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes needed updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the Nation\u2019s coal miners by:\n\nRestoring cost-of-living benefit increases for black lung beneficiaries and ensuring cost-of-living increases are never withheld in the future,\n\nHelping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by providing interim attorney fees for miners that prevail at various stages of their claim,\n\nAllowing miners or their survivors to reopen their cases if they had been wrongly denied benefits because of errors in medical interpretations, and\n\nProhibiting unethical conduct by attorneys and doctors in the black lung claims process, such as withholding evidence of black lung, and helping miners review and rebut potentially biased or inaccurate medical evidence developed by coal companies.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long worked to support miners and their families. The Senate-passed draft of the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bill includes $12.19 million in federal funding for black lung clinics, which the senators are working to ensure is included in the final version of the bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass, included a permanent extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund\u2019s excise tax at a higher rate, providing certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. This followed Warner and Kaine\u2019s successful efforts to ensure that miners receive the pensions and health care they earned. In July, the senators reintroduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which would ease restrictions to make it easier for miners\u2019 survivors to successfully claim benefits. Warner and Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to issue new silica standards to protect miners across America \u2013 a push that helped contribute towards the release of those standards.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=AD1C1E88-EBE2-42BE-AD7A-28C0CA0CD7D3", "Senate Intel Chair Warner on the Deal to Free Hostages Held by Hamas", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the statement below after the announcement of a deal between Israel and Hamas to free hostages taken in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in exchange for a multi-day cessation of hostilities in Gaza.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m very heartened to see the announcement of a deal to finally bring home some of the hostages taken during the unconscionable terrorist attacks on October 7. I applaud all parties involvedin the negotiations, including the Biden Administration, for reachingthis critical breakthrough. However, our work will not be finished until all hostages have been returned to their families. It\u2019s also clear that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated, and that the multi-day cessation of hostilities secured as part of the deal willenable the delivery of much-neededhumanitarian aid andsave many innocent Palestinian lives. Now that we have a deal, it\u2019s incumbent on both parties to honor this agreement and to continue making every effort to protect innocent civilian lives.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-kaine-van-hollen-lead-colleagues-in-calling-for-immediate-steps-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-and-protect-civilians", "Baldwin, Kaine, Van Hollen Lead Colleagues in Calling for Immediate Steps to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza and Protect Civilians", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led their colleagues in urging President Biden to work with Israel and international partners to implement a plan that will protect innocent civilian life in Gaza, deliver sustained humanitarian aid, and work toward the long term goals of ending Hamas\u2019s threat, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. In the letter to President Biden, the senators call for the protection of civilians and civilian sites, the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and access to prompt medical attention for civilians injured to help address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.\n\n\u201cAs you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you\u2019ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cWe are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances.\u201d\n\nThe senators concluded, \u201cThis conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senators Baldwin, Kaine, and Van Hollen, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) also signed the letter.\n\nThe full letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nAs you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you\u2019ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians.\n\nHamas\u2019s October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel were nothing short of horrific. Israel has the right and the obligation to defend its people against these unspeakable horrors, to seek the release of hundreds of innocent hostages, and to ensure Hamas can never carry out a massacre like this again. We also believe that while Israel works to defeat Hamas, Israel must employ all possible measures to protect innocent civilians in Gaza. It is important for Israel to take every step possible to make clear it is defending Israelis against Hamas, not waging war on Palestinians. Eliminating the threat posed by Hamas and protecting civilians are not mutually exclusive aims. Indeed, International Humanitarian Law requires that civilians be protected during armed conflict.\n\nIt is hard to overstate the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The United Nations estimates 1.6 million Palestinians are internally displaced within the Gaza Strip, a land area comparable to twice the size of the District of Columbia. It is estimated that half of the displaced civilians are in make-shift United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) shelters. It is largely unknown where the remaining displaced civilians are seeking shelter. The United States must urge Israel to work with international relief agencies to facilitate safe and adequate accommodations for displaced individuals, and the United States must make clear that no non-combatant individuals should be compelled to leave Gaza.\n\nThis humanitarian crisis will precipitate a significant, and preventable loss of human life if not addressed immediately. More than half of Gaza\u2019s hospitals have shut down, desalination plants are struggling to remain operational, and the last operative flour mill has been shut down due to a lack of fuel.\n\nWe recognize the urgent need to fulfill your emergency supplemental request for necessary security assistance to help Israel defend itself and humanitarian assistance to civilians impacted by the war. As we work to secure the needed humanitarian funds in bipartisan legislation, we also expect our international partners to share the responsibility to improve the conditions of life in Gaza.\n\nMoreover, the conflict cannot leave Gaza so destroyed and devastated that there is no possibility for Palestinians to return to their communities and rebuild. We are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances. Professional militaries have a dual responsibility throughout their campaigns to minimize civilian casualties during tactical operations and to sustain living conditions for civilians.\n\nWe therefore urge you to communicate to the Israeli government and other relevant parties that the ongoing military operations must provide for:\n\nThe protection of civilians and civilian sites, in coordination with the relevant United Nations organizations.\n\nThe sustained delivery of the basic essentials of life (including water, food, medical and hygiene supplies and fuel for transportation of such essentials) in quantities sufficient to meet the current need. To do so, the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza, the main access point for supplies before October 7, must reopen to facilitate the proper inspection and delivery of larger quantities of aid and the reopening of this crossing must become part of the humanitarian support plan.\n\nAccess to prompt medical attention for sick and wounded civilians, both within Gaza as well as the option to evacuate to a neighboring country.\n\nThrough United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and UN vetting and oversight processes, the U.S. must help ensure that the humanitarian aid and protections afforded civilians are not used or exploited by Hamas or other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza.\n\nLastly, there must be hope for the future. We worry the current trajectory of the conflict moves us further away from our shared goals of ending Hamas\u2019s threat and removing them from power in Gaza, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. Mr. President, it is in our national interest that you clearly articulate that vision. To these ends, we urge you to define a U.S. vision for the future of Israel and Palestine as well as the role our country will play in encouraging a peaceful resolution and rebuilding. Part of this vision must not only include two sovereign states for Israelis and Palestinians, but an expectation of equal treatment under law, including a serious effort to address violence committed by a minority of Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents of the West Bank.\n\nThis conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-celebrate-appointment-of-interagency-regional-coordinator-for-resilience", "Warner, Kaine, Scott Celebrate Appointment of Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Department of Defense announced the selection of the Hampton Roads region as the first defense community in the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience Pilot Program, which aims to increase federal support for collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to enhance climate resilience in defense communities. U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA) and Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03) have long advocated for additional federal support for climate adaptation in the region, including the creation of a coordinator position in Hampton Roads.\n\n\u201cThe Hampton Roads region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which puts crucial military instillations at risk,\u201d said the lawmakers. \u201cThe Interagency Regional Coordinators for Resilience will help ensure that our military readiness is maintained by enacting effective climate adaptation strategies that build on the work of local governments and existing regional efforts. We will keep working together to help make sure Hampton Roads continues to serve as a model for other communities working to build resilience.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, the lawmakers secured passage of language to establish the pilot program in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act as an amendment, which Rep. Scott introduced with the support of Senators Warner and Kaine.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-durbin-merkley-and-welch-statement-on-guatemala", "Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch Statement on Guatemala", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT), released the following statement regarding efforts to strip Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo and several members of his party of their immunity:\n\n\u201cThe Guatemalan Attorney General\u2019s efforts to strip the immunity of President-elect Bernardo Ar\u00e9valo and Vice President-elect Herrera are a blatant abuse of power and undermine the peaceful transition of power in Guatemala. The Attorney General\u2019s arrests of civil society and members of the Semilla party yesterday are an unacceptable criminalization of free speech and an affront to the rule of law. They represent another tragic chapter in the Giammattei administration\u2019s systematic persecution against anti-corruption advocates, journalists, and political opponents. We condemn these attacks against democracy in Guatemala. These attacks are not only destabilizing for Guatemala, but also the entire region. The Biden administration has rightly imposed visa restrictions on those attempting to undermine the peaceful political transition to President-elect Ar\u00e9valo. We stand with President-elect Ar\u00e9valo, the Organization of American States, and the Guatemalan people in demanding a peaceful transition of power, and again call on Guatemalan officials to respect the will of the people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-urge-department-of-education-to-combat-antisemitism-and-islamophobia-on-college-campuses", "Warner and Kaine Urge Department of Education to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia on College Campuses", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) wrote to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona to urge the DOE to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on college and university campuses. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas crisis, higher education institutions have seen a precipitous rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, including hate speech, harassment, and violence \u2013 creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe letter draws attention to a few specific and recent examples of Islamophobia and antisemitism on college campuses. At Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest.\n\n\u201cIn the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cWe look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators specifically call on the DOE to:\n\nexpand the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign,\n\ncraft an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign,\n\nconduct additional outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities, and\n\nprovide resources to colleges and universities from the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long been vocal advocates against Islamophobia and antisemitism. Earlier this week, they also sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Cardona:\n\nWe write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage.\n\nThe United States prides itself on being a nation that values diversity, inclusion, and religious freedom. Unfortunately, hate-fueled incidents targeting Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab students on our college campuses have shown that we still have much work to do to uphold these values. Incidents such as hateful rhetoric, harassment, vandalism, and threats have been reported, creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students, many of whom have deep and personal connections to the region and the ongoing conflict.\n\nAt Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest. Sadly, these are just a few of the startling incidents reported across the country, and we must do all we can to prevent it from growing.\n\nWe want to commend the Department of Education for the creation of the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign, which lays out a set of initiatives to ensure that all students, including Jewish students, are able to attend school free from discrimination. Recent events have highlighted the urgency and importance of continuing and expanding this campaign, which we urge you to do.\n\nSimilarly, in following the Administration\u2019s recent announcement to establish the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia, we urge you to build upon that and create an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign for educational institutions. Through this effort, it is critical to acknowledge that Islamophobia also hurts those who are not of the Muslim faith. Individuals perceived to be Muslim, such as members of the Christian Arab and Sikh community, have unfortunately experienced the pain of anti-Muslim hate.\n\nAs you work to combat these various acts of hate, we also ask you to expand outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities. This outreach should aim to address the specific concerns and challenges faced by these communities and provide a platform for support and action. By actively listening and understanding their unique concerns, we can work towards creating an environment where students feel safe, heard, and protected.\n\nAdditionally, we were pleased to learn that the Department of Education recently issued a Dear Colleague reminding schools of their legal obligation to provide all students with a learning environment free from discrimination. This Dear Colleague included an updated discrimination complaint form, which specifies additional protections for students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We appreciate these efforts and request that you continue to provide comprehensive information and resources from the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights to colleges and universities. These tools can empower educational institutions to respond effectively to and report discrimination, harassment, bias, and related incidents.\n\nIn the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that.\n\nWe look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=38C8BD98-454E-4F0C-83E5-3D18397D9997", "Warner and Kaine Urge Department of Education to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia on College Campuses", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) wrote to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona to urge the DOE to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on college and university campuses. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas crisis, higher education institutions have seen a precipitous rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, including hate speech, harassment, and violence \u2013 creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe letter draws attention to a few specific and recent examples of Islamophobia and antisemitism on college campuses. At Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest.\n\n\u201cIn the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cWe look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators specifically call on the DOE to:\n\nexpand the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign,\n\ncraft an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign,\n\nconduct additional outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities, and\n\nprovide resources to colleges and universities from the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long been vocal advocates against Islamophobia and antisemitism. Earlier this week, they also sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.\n\nA copy of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Cardona:\n\nWe write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage.\n\nThe United States prides itself on being a nation that values diversity, inclusion, and religious freedom. Unfortunately, hate-fueled incidents targeting Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab students on our college campuses have shown that we still have much work to do to uphold these values. Incidents such as hateful rhetoric, harassment, vandalism, and threats have been reported, creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students, many of whom have deep and personal connections to the region and the ongoing conflict.\n\nAt Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest. Sadly, these are just a few of the startling incidents reported across the country, and we must do all we can to prevent it from growing.\n\nWe want to commend the Department of Education for the creation of the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign, which lays out a set of initiatives to ensure that all students, including Jewish students, are able to attend school free from discrimination. Recent events have highlighted the urgency and importance of continuing and expanding this campaign, which we urge you to do.\n\nSimilarly, in following the Administration\u2019s recent announcement to establish the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia, we urge you to build upon that and create an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign for educational institutions. Through this effort, it is critical to acknowledge that Islamophobia also hurts those who are not of the Muslim faith. Individuals perceived to be Muslim, such as members of the Christian Arab and Sikh community, have unfortunately experienced the pain of anti-Muslim hate.\n\nAs you work to combat these various acts of hate, we also ask you to expand outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities. This outreach should aim to address the specific concerns and challenges faced by these communities and provide a platform for support and action. By actively listening and understanding their unique concerns, we can work towards creating an environment where students feel safe, heard, and protected.\n\nAdditionally, we were pleased to learn that the Department of Education recently issued a Dear Colleague reminding schools of their legal obligation to provide all students with a learning environment free from discrimination. This Dear Colleague included an updated discrimination complaint form, which specifies additional protections for students under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We appreciate these efforts and request that you continue to provide comprehensive information and resources from the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Civil Rights to colleges and universities. These tools can empower educational institutions to respond effectively to and report discrimination, harassment, bias, and related incidents.\n\nIn the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that.\n\nWe look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/brown-tester-reed-kaine-urge-va-secretary-to-help-veterans-stay-in-their-homes", "Brown, Tester, Reed, Kaine Urge VA Secretary to Help Veterans Stay in Their Homes", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, along with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs and a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee, Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, urged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to protect veterans who used their VA home loan guarantee benefit from foreclosure.\n\nVeterans and servicemembers with VA loans who faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic used forbearance to pause their mortgage payments and stay in their homes. VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments. But for more than a year, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgages current, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes.\n\n\u201c[Tens] of thousands of veterans and servicemembers are left with no viable options to get back on track with payments and save their homes. Stories from across the country show that this is already having severe consequences for veterans and their families,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWith each additional day that passes, risks mount for borrowers who are facing foreclosure while they wait for a solution from VA.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter can be found HERE or below.\n\nDear Secretary McDonough:\n\nWe write today urging the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA) to address the potential crisis facing many veterans who used their VA home loan guarantee benefit. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique hardships for millions of Americans, including veterans and servicemembers. Recognizing the financial burden that the pandemic would cause for families, Congress acted quickly in 2020 to allow borrowers to pause their mortgage payments without penalty. VA also acted quickly to implement this forbearance and assure borrowers that they would not be required to make up their missed payments all at once when forbearance ended.\n\nFor some time, veterans and servicemembers with VA loans did have the ability to move those missed payments to the end of their loan term through the Veterans Assistance Partial Claim Payment (VAPCP) program. But since that program expired in October 2022, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgage current and stay in their homes. VA\u2019s current COVID-19 loss mitigation option, the refund modification program, still requires borrowers to modify their loans and pay current market interest rates, which makes it hard to lower payments for borrowers who benefited from record-low interest rate loans in 2020 and 2021. However, even this option is no longer available, as the program is set to expire at the end of the year, and servicers must stop offering a product in advance to ensure that they have time to complete loss mitigation requests in the pipeline. All this has left veterans and servicemembers with worse options than the options available to borrowers with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans or loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, all of which allow borrowers to move missed payments to the end of the term.\n\nWe appreciate the significant work that VA has undertaken and the dedication of VA staff as they design and implement a new loss mitigation solution that will help more veterans lower their payments and remain in their homes, even in today\u2019s higher interest rate environment. Once available, this new program could provide relief for thousands of borrowers. However, guidance on the program\u2019s terms is not yet available, and it will take time for lenders and servicers participating in the VA home loan program to implement the guidance and begin offering this program. In the meantime, tens of thousands of veterans and servicemembers are left with no viable options to get back on track with payments and save their homes. Stories from across the country show that this is already having severe consequences for veterans and their families.\n\nWith each additional day that passes, risks mount for borrowers who are facing foreclosure while they wait for a solution from VA. We urge you to extend the availability of the refund modification program to ensure it is available to help the borrowers it can. We also request that you direct servicers to implement an immediate pause on all VA loan foreclosures where borrowers are likely to be eligible for VA\u2019s new Veterans Assistance Servicing Purchase (VASP) program until it is available and borrowers can be evaluated to see if they qualify. Without this pause, thousands of veterans and servicemembers could needlessly lose their homes through no fault of their own. This was never the intent of Congress. Additionally, we ask that you provide us what resources or legislative changes are needed to ensure users of the VA home loan program are afforded the same protections as those with other federally-backed loans.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this request and for your service to our nation\u2019s veterans.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-domestic-abuse-survivors-from-gun-violence", "Kaine & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in introducing the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. The bill was named in honor of Lori Jackson of Connecticut and Nicolette Elias of Oregon, who tragically lost their lives to gun violence when they were killed by their abusive partners.\n\n\u201cEvery year, survivors of domestic violence tragically lose their lives to gun violence, and we must do more to ensure they\u2019re protected,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis bill would better protect domestic violence survivors by keeping guns out of the hands of abusers.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would:\n\nRestrict individuals under emergency restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Current federal law prevents domestic abusers from purchasing or possessing a firearm only when a court issues a final restraining order, leaving survivors unprotected when there is only a temporary or emergency restraining order.\n\nExtend protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The current definition of \u201cintimate partner\u201d used to prohibit domestic violence abusers from purchasing a firearm includes spouses, former spouses, people with a child in common, and cohabitants; however, many survivors of domestic violence were never married, do not live with their abuser, and have no children.\n\nEstablish a new grant program to help state and local governments implement policies that keep firearms out of the hands of domestic violence perpetrators while they are subject to a temporary or emergency restraining order. These policies include: requiring a domestic violence abuser to surrender or sell any firearm or ammunition in their possession; revoking their permit or license to purchase, possess or carry a firearm or ammunition while the restraining order is in effect; and requiring that a background check be performed before any firearm or ammunition is returned to the person subject to the restraining order.\n\nKaine has long supported efforts to prevent gun violence and make our communities safer. Last year, Kaine voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, landmark legislation to curb gun violence. Kaine has introduced legislation to close the loophole that allows gun sales to proceed if a background check is not completed within a certain time period and legislation to ban the marketing of firearms to children. He has also introduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence, which would improve background checks, strengthen safeguards for victims of domestic violence, and establish a federal Extreme Risk Protection Order process to remove firearms from individuals who pose a high risk of harming themselves or others.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Blumenthal, and Wyden, the bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT-4).\n\nThe Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act is endorsed by Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords, Jewish Women International, March for Our Lives, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-western-district-of-virginia-judicial-recommendations", "Warner and Kaine Announce Western District of Virginia Judicial Recommendations", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to President Biden recommending both Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon to fill one upcoming vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which will be created when Judge Michael F. Urbanski assumes senior status in July 2024.\n\nPatice Holland was born and raised in Franklin County and has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk and now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia.\n\nJasmine Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024,\u201d said the senators. \u201cBoth would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.\u201d\n\nWarner and Kaine recommended Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon based on their distinguished records and the assessments of an independent panel of attorneys from across the Commonwealth as well as feedback from numerous bar associations in Virginia. President Biden will now nominate one individual for the position to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the full Senate.\n\nUnder President Biden, the senators have confirmed 153 federal judges to the bench, including the Honorable Toby Heytens, Patricia Tolliver Giles, Michael S. Nachmanoff, Elizabeth Haines, Jamar Walker, and Robert Ballou for federal courts across Virginia.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024. Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.\n\nBorn and raised in Franklin County, Virginia, Ms. Holland has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk to now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia. These experiences give us great confidence that Ms. Holland would make an excellent nominee for this seat.\n\nMs. Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases. These experiences qualify Ms. Yoon for this nomination and we are honored to recommend her.\n\nUltimately, we believe either of these individuals would secure confirmation from the Senate and serve capably on the bench. We are honored to recommend them to you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-request-guidance-on-federal-employees-right-to-self-expression-during-middle-east-conflict", "Warner and Kaine Request Guidance on Federal Employees\u2019 Right to Self-Expression During Middle East Conflict", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This letter comes in response to concerns voiced by Virginia federal workers who fear censorship or retaliation for expressing their personal views about the ongoing conflict.\n\n\u201cVirginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cUnfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs federal employees \u2013 many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict \u2013 continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government,\u201d they continued. \u201cAlthough we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter is available here, and full text is available below.\n\nDear Director Ahuja and Acting Special Counsel Gorman:\n\nWe are writing on behalf of federal employees in Virginia who have expressed fears about censorship and reprisal resulting from their expression of views related to the horrific terrorist attack committed by Hamas against Israel on October 7 and the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We are concerned that the federal government has not provided adequate guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights to self-expression. To that end, we request that you develop and circulate clear guidance, or direct agencies to do so, concerning the federal government\u2019s policies on federal employee self-expression, and that you ensure federal employees do not face retaliation for expressing their personal views in line with that guidance.\n\nVirginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens. Unfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.\n\nWe understand your office held a \u201cLearning Community Webinar\u201d to discuss antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of religious discrimination on October 27. We appreciate efforts such as this and strongly encourage you to build on this conversation to further inform federal employees and provide clarity on their rights to self-expression. As federal employees \u2013 many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict \u2013 continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government.\n\nAlthough we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=861B3EF1-B5A9-409D-93FC-8CCEE8DE9BC1", "Warner and Kaine Announce Western District of Virginia Judicial Recommendations", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to President Biden recommending both Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon to fill one upcoming vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which will be created when Judge Michael F. Urbanski assumes senior status in July 2024.\n\nPatice Holland was born and raised in Franklin County and has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk and now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia.\n\nJasmine Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024,\u201d said the senators. \u201cBoth would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.\u201d\n\nWarner and Kaine recommended Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon based on their distinguished records and the assessments of an independent panel of attorneys from across the Commonwealth as well as feedback from numerous bar associations in Virginia. President Biden will now nominate one individual for the position to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the full Senate.\n\nUnder President Biden, the senators have confirmed 153 federal judges to the bench, including the Honorable Toby Heytens, Patricia Tolliver Giles, Michael S. Nachmanoff, Elizabeth Haines, Jamar Walker, and Robert Ballou for federal courts across Virginia.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024. Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.\n\nBorn and raised in Franklin County, Virginia, Ms. Holland has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk to now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia.Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia. These experiences give us great confidence that Ms. Holland would make an excellent nominee for this seat.\n\nMs. Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases. These experiences qualify Ms. Yoon for this nomination and we are honored to recommend her.\n\nUltimately, we believe either of these individuals would secure confirmation from the Senate and serve capably on the bench. We are honored to recommend them to you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=962F881D-1551-4C2E-A681-0057FDCD601F", "In Response to the People's Republic of China's Dominance in the Industry, Senate Intel Chair and Vice Chair Lead Colleagues in Push to Support Critical Mineral Projects", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 In response to China\u2019s continued dominance of the critical mineral supply chain, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) led a group of bipartisan colleagues in a call for action to secure supply chains and reduce U.S. reliance on the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) for minerals that are inputs for critical technologies, including through increased government support to U.S. private sector companies investing and operating in critical mineral projects.\n\nThis is the latest step that the Intelligence Committee leaders have taken to counter China\u2019s dominance of this growing industry. Last month, Sens. Warner and Rubio hosted government officials and domestic industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on access to critical minerals.\n\nIn a letter to the Biden administration, the senators highlighted the exploding demand of critical minerals and their growing importance to U.S. national security, while pointing out the U.S. is falling behind its adversaries in efforts to secure the global critical mineral supply chain.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cDemand for critical minerals is growing exponentially, yet the U.S. substantially lags behind its adversaries in securing critical mineral supply chains. In fact, in many cases China controls nearly 100 percent of the end-to-end supply chain, and is actively seeking to maintain and increase its control of these resources around the globe.\u201d\n\nOutlining key areas where improvement is needed to expand domestic capabilities, the senators requested that the administration take a series of steps to ensure U.S. support to domestic industry, to strengthen internal coordination across government agencies, and to formulate a strategy for U.S. collaboration with our allies, to combat China\u2019s growing dominance in this space.\n\nThey continued, \u201cFocusing the efforts of the U.S. government, in coordination with our allies, upon standing up processing, refining, and metallurgical capacity must be a priority if we are going to succeed in reducing our reliance on China for critical minerals.\u201d\n\nSens. Warner and Rubio were joined in this letter by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), James Lankford (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\nIn a separate letter to Reta Jo Lewis, Chair of Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), Sens. Warner and Rubio advocated for the prioritization of EXIM\u2019s projects to secure critical mineral supply chains both domestically and in allied and partner nations, in order to reduce dependence on China.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cGiven the national security and economic implications of critical mineral supply chains, U.S. government agencies and institutions \u2013 including EXIM \u2013 must better align efforts to support the establishment of supply chains that serve our interests and are independent of the influence and control of the PRC.\u201d\n\nIn order to ensure that appropriate steps to prioritize critical mineral projects are being taken, the senators requested EXIM seek approval from their board of directors to invest in relevant projects, develop a strategy to coordinate with the private sector engaged in this space, and notify Congress of any additional resources or fixes needed to better support critical mineral projects.\n\nThey concluded, \u201cThe stakes of our economic struggle with the PRC demands that we reduce our dependence on them in critical technology sectors and for critical goods, especially those with defense and energy applications.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9B1B4FD0-5E9E-440A-8C74-2F0519D56089", "Warner and Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Turbocharge Investment in American Spaceports", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to support spaceports across the nation, unleashing investment in space and addressing the concerning spaceport bottleneck. TheAlleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators (ASTRO) Act would award funding to spaceports with proven track records of launches, protecting and promoting America\u2019s strategic, military, and commercial interests in space exploration while supporting local economies surrounding spaceports.\n\n\u201cSpace is an incredibly critical frontier for the next generation of America\u2019s strategic needs and economic growth,\u201dsaid Sen. Warner. \u201cTheASTRO Act would solve a pressing need by allowing successful spaceports to rapidly scale their operations, unleashing the potential for more frequent launches and paving the way for breakthroughs across the cosmos.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s spaceports are facing increasing demand for launch services,\u201d said Sen. Sullivan. \u201cAs one of four sites in the United States with a demonstrated ability to vertically launch objects into orbit, the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island plays a key role in providing American access to space, and also providing much-needed missiles to our allies, like Israel. The ASTRO Act is a critical step towards strengthening our space launch capabilities and will allow for needed infrastructure developments that will help bolster our national security, and propel our nation\u2019s space ambitions for generations to come.\u201d\n\nAmerica faces a severe and worsening \u201cspaceport bottleneck\u201d as the need for space launch facilities vastly outstrips supply, creating very high demand on a small number of facilities. TheASTRO Actwould get non-federal spaceports the resources they need to build transit infrastructure and quickly increase launch capacity and cadence. Under theASTRO Act, spaceports would receive $250,000 for each licensed launch and $100,000 for each permitted launch up to $2.5 million annually, promoting investment in spaceports that already have a record of successful launches.\n\nSpaceports across the nation would be eligible for these funds, including the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia, and the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island, Alaska.\n\nFull text of theASTRO Actis availablehere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B2730789-BEDF-4806-BDDF-D357275417B2", "Warner and Kaine Request Guidance on Federal Employees' Right to Self-Expression During Middle East Conflict", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This letter comes in response to concerns voiced by Virginia federal workers who fear censorship or retaliation for expressing their personal views about the ongoing conflict.\n\n\u201cVirginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cUnfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs federal employees \u2013 many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict \u2013 continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government,\u201d they continued. \u201cAlthough we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.\u201d\n\nA copy of the letter is available here, and full text is available below.\n\nDear Director Ahuja and Acting Special Counsel Gorman:\n\nWe are writing on behalf of federal employees in Virginia who have expressed fears about censorship and reprisal resulting from their expression of views related to the horrific terrorist attack committed by Hamas against Israel on October 7 and the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We are concerned that the federal government has not provided adequate guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights to self-expression. To that end, we request that you develop and circulate clear guidance, or direct agencies to do so, concerning the federal government\u2019s policies on federal employee self-expression, and that you ensure federal employees do not face retaliation for expressing their personal views in line with that guidance.\n\nVirginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens. Unfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.\n\nWe understand your office held a \u201cLearning Community Webinar\u201d to discuss antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of religious discrimination on October 27. We appreciate efforts such as this and strongly encourage you to build on this conversation to further inform federal employees and provide clarity on their rights to self-expression. As federal employees \u2013 many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict \u2013 continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government.\n\nAlthough we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees\u2019 rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cassidy-kaine-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improving-retirement-savings-for-working-americans", "Cassidy, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Bill Improving Retirement Savings for Working Americans", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate HELP Committee, introduced the Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act. The legislation would help more Americans ages 18 to 20 years old access employer-sponsored retirement plans by removing barriers that discourage companies from offering these benefits to younger employees.\n\n\u201cAmericans who decide to enter the workforce instead of going to college should have every opportunity available to save for retirement,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis legislation increases those opportunities and empowers working Americans to plan for a secure retirement.\u201d\n\n\u201cYoung people who are starting out in their careers should be able to access employer-sponsored retirement plans like everyone else,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cThis bipartisan bill would help more Americans access critical retirement benefits and put them on a path to a better financial future.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the bill would lower the participation age of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)-covered defined contribution (DC) plans to 18 years old under certain circumstances, providing access to retirement savings plans for eligible workers in this age range who currently don\u2019t have access to their employers\u2019 plans. Covered plans would still be able to set a minimum age threshold up to 18 years old.\n\nThis legislation also removes costly provisions that would otherwise make covering younger workers expensive. Specifically, the bill delays ERISA provisions that require businesses to undergo mandatory audits if they allow employees under the age of 21 to start contributing to their pension. The legislation also exempts 18 to 20-year-old employees from testing related to retirement funds that would otherwise increase the cost of administering retirement plans for these employees.\n\nA 2021 report showed that 40 percent of workplaces only offer benefits to employees who are 21 years or older. Employees between the ages of 18 and 21 are missing out on additional savings and three years of compound interest.\n\nThe Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act is supported by the American Benefits Council, BPC Action, and LPL Financial Holdings Inc.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-introduces-bill-to-support-student-survivors-of-sexual-assault", "Kaine Introduces Bill to Support Student Survivors of Sexual Assault", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors (SUCCESS) Act, legislation to support student survivors of sexual assault and other violence. The bill would help improve academic outcomes for student survivors and help ensure universities and colleges have the resources to support them.\n\n\u201cColleges and universities have an obligation to do everything they can to prevent sexual assault on their campuses and provide resources to support student survivors,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis bill is critical to helping ensure survivors of sexual assault can access the support they need to pursue their academic and career goals.\u201d\n\nApproximately 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students report experiencing sexual assault or violence. Many student survivors are impacted physically, psychologically, emotionally, and academically. Research has found that survivors of sexual assault are more likely to have lower grade point averages and ultimately drop out of school. The SUCCESS Act aims to improve student survivors\u2019 academic outcomes and help them complete their degrees.\n\nSpecifically, the SUCCESS Act would provide funding for universities and colleges to:\n\nIncrease mental health services for student survivors of sexual assault and other violence.\n\nProvide higher education re-entry assistance for student survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence.\n\nIncrease training for faculty and administrators on helping students access patient-centered care and recognizing the signs of trauma.\n\nProvide patient-centered professional development training for academic advisors and counselors on how to support student survivors\u2019 academic goals.\n\nProvide academic accommodations for students experiencing trauma, such as training for tutors or the establishment of a confidential tutoring program designed specifically to assist student survivors of sexual assault and other violence.\n\nCreate or enhance a fund for survivors of sexual assault and other violence to use for wrap-around services like housing, health care, and mental health treatment.\n\nThe SUCCESS Act is endorsed by American Psychological Association (APA); End Rape on Campus; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN); and Survivor Fund Hub.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/on-two-year-anniversary-of-infrastructure-law-how-virginians-are-benefiting", "On Two-Year Anniversary of Infrastructure Law: How Virginians are Benefiting", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement to mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law:\n\n\u201cIn the two years since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed into law, communities across Virginia have reaped its benefits. We\u2019re finally seeing once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade our roads and bridges, improve water infrastructure, expand broadband, and more. We are proud to have passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make these improvements possible. We\u2019re excited to see how this law will continue to improve our infrastructure, create jobs, and transform communities across Virginia.\u201d\n\nSo far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including funding for over 247 specific projects. Read below for some examples of how Virginians across the Commonwealth are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nCardinal News: $25M federal grant will deliver high-speed internet to Wise, Lee and Norton\n\nA $25 million federal grant will bring a \u201cfiber-to-the-premises\u201d network that will deliver high-speed internet to more than 17,000 residents and more than 1,000 businesses in Wise and Lee counties and the city of Norton, federal legislators announced Monday.\n\nThe money was awarded to the Scott County Telephone Cooperative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s ReConnect Program and was funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, according to a joint news release from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and releases by U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nCBS19 News: Virginia airports receiving nearly $400 million in federal funding\n\nThe Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Louisa County/Freeman Field Airport, and Orange County Airport are among the facilities that will be receiving federal funding.\n\nSenators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Va., announced on Wednesday that airports throughout Virginia will be receiving nearly $400 million over the next five years from the bipartisan infrastructure deal that was signed into law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nLoudoun Now: Dulles Airport to Get $20M for New Concourse from Infrastructure Law\n\nThat funding, from the bill\u2019s Airport Terminals Program, joins another $49.6 million the project already received. It would replace gates built in the 1990s at the eastern end of Concourse A, where many regional-flight passengers currently go outdoors to access their planes via the walkways and stairs. Passengers instead will be able to board their flights using jet bridges. Connected to an Aerotrain station, the new concourse will be nearly four times larger than the current facility.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nRichmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond receives $18.4 million infrastructure grant for bridge project\n\nA federal infrastructure grant will help Richmond raise an aging bridge out of the way of freight train traffic at a critical railroad crossing at the northern gateway to the city along Arthur Ashe Boulevard.\n\nThe $18.4 million award is in one of the first federal grants approved under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It will help the city replace a 79-year-old bridge that carries Ashe Boulevard over CSX railroad tracks that divide Scott\u2019s Addition from what the city bills as \u201cthe Diamond District,\u201d a proposed economic development surrounding the baseball stadium that is home to the Richmond Flying Squirrels.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginia Mercury: Franconia-Springfield Bypass gets $100 million to improve congestion on NoVa rail corridor\n\nVirginia will receive $100 million in federal funding to help alleviate rail congestion and delays by constructing a passenger rail bridge in a busy train corridor in Northern Virginia.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nThe $100 million in funding for the $405 million project comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the federal government\u2019s 2022 spending bill, according to a Thursday announcement from Democratic U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginia Mercury: New federal programs offer Virginia households a subsidy for affordable high-speed internet\n\nFederal and state officials are rolling out a fleet of new programs in an expansive effort to bring faster and less expensive internet to all Virginians, especially those who have had trouble connecting in the past.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginian-Pilot: Virginia utilizes infrastructure grant to help reconnect communities divided by interstates\n\nAn interstate divided the Jackson Ward neighborhood in Richmond decades ago, and now leaders hope a bridge will help reunite it.\n\nThe proposed project area for a bridge deck to better connect the neighborhood runs from the Belvidere Street bridge to east of the North First Street bridge over Interstate 95. Federal dollars from a new program will help fund the project.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nDemocratic Virginia U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced in late February nearly $3 million in federal funding to improve transportation infrastructure and reconnect communities in Richmond and Norfolk.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWAVY: New agreement signed to deepen, widen Port of VA\n\nNORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) \u2014 Local and federal authorities have reached an agreement that funnels federal funding to the ongoing construction of the Port of Norfolk.\n\nThe agreement, signed Friday morning, means the federal government will financially invest in the construction effort to widen and deepen the commercial shipping channels and Norfolk Harbor.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nThe signing of the PPA authorizes the flow of more than $225 million in federal funding that has already been secured for the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nOfficials say the construction is further made possible with a $72 million federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWHSV: SHD continuing growth with funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\n\nShenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) continues growing.\n\nWith more than one million dollars awarded from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, plans are already underway.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWSET: Danville Regional Airport gets $1.2M to make infrastructure improvements\n\nOn Thursday, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $13,240,212 in federal funding for Virginia airports to make infrastructure improvements, including extending runways, rehabilitating aprons, and improving taxiway lighting.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWVEC: Norfolk, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sign coastal storm agreement\n\nAn agreement on Monday morning between Norfolk officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will solidify a partnership on the Resilient Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. It allows them to access nearly $399 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-delegation-members-request-investigation-of-site-selection-process-for-new-fbi-hq", "Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, members of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).\n\n\u201cWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cThere is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThen GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cWe request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Erickson,\n\nWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\n\nThroughout the site selection deliberations, GSA suppressed, dismissed, and overrode the judgement and recommendations of career officials from GSA and the FBI. This has led the Director of the FBI to take the extraordinary step of calling into question the \u201cfairness and transparency in the process and GSA\u2019s failure to adhere to its own site selection plan.\u201d\n\nIn July 2023, the agency executed a series of changes to significantly alter long-established site selection criteria and scoring rules. The changes made to the criteria were almost exclusively responsive to perceived concerns and direct requests from representatives of the Greenbelt site, meant to tilt the selection process in favor of Greenbelt. GSA made these changes over the objections of the FBI, which wrote to GSA in a June 26, 2023 memo that the original scoring criteria \u201cbest balanced the many wide-ranging elements considered for optimal site selection.\u201d\n\nThat same month, the agency finalized a plan to unilaterally remove a career official from the position of Site Selection Authority, the person tasked with confirming the recommendation of the site selection panel and certifying a final site selection. The agency, instead, installed a political appointee as the Site Selection Authority. Director Wray, once again, raised serious objections to the change. Additionally, the FBI identified potential conflicts of interest that the appointee had related to the Greenbelt site, and raised concerns about potential impartiality. These concerns were never fully addressed by GSA.\n\nIn August 2023, the site selection panel, comprised of two career GSA officials and one career FBI official, reached a unanimous decision to select Springfield, Virginia as the home for the new FBI headquarters. The new Site Selection Authority unilaterally overturned the decision of the panel, including by making changes to the scoring \u2013 contrary to GSA\u2019s own site selection plan \u2013 which benefited consideration of the Greenbelt site, and hurt the Springfield site. According to the FBI, \u201cthe justification offered for those changes have been both varied and insufficient.\u201d\n\nIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director. Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\n\nThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation. We request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown", "Warner & Kaine Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to avert a government shutdown by passing a stopgap government funding bill that will fund federal agencies covered by the Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water Development and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills through January 19 and all remaining departments through February 2:\n\n\u201cToday, we voted to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. We have long warned that a shutdown would cause catastrophic damage to Virginia\u2019s economy, hurt our military readiness, and jeopardize Virginians\u2019 ability to access crucial services, like help resolving issues with Social Security or Medicare benefits. While today\u2019s bipartisan action is a relief, we share Virginians\u2019 frustration with short-term fixes. We will continue to urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a full-year budget as quickly as possible, and will keep working to ensure that budget includes Virginia\u2019s priorities.\u201d\n\nKaine and Warner have been vocal in emphasizing the harmful impacts of government shutdowns, including on America\u2019s military readiness and the Commonwealth\u2019s economy, air travel, and food security. Additionally, the senators worked to secure key wins for Virginia in the draft Fiscal Year 2024 budget bills, which will provide long-term government funding and are making their way through the legislative process.\n\nToday\u2019s vote comes after a series of bipartisan agreements to fund the government. Earlier this year, congressional leadership and a majority of House Republicans came to an agreement with the White House regarding government funding levels for Fiscal Year 2024. As a means of protesting that bipartisan agreement, a vocal minority of House Republicans pushed Congress to the brink of a government shutdown at the end of September, when the Fiscal Year 2023 budget was set to expire. A bipartisan coalition of Senate and House lawmakers, including Kaine and Warner, came together on September 30 to overcome that effort and passed a stopgap funding bill to fund the government through November 17.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=174BFB88-65F7-478D-973A-CF272AB58E94", "On Two-Year Anniversary of Infrastructure Law: How Virginians are Benefiting", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement to mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law:\n\n\u201cIn the two years since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed into law, communities across Virginia have reaped its benefits. We\u2019re finally seeing once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade our roads and bridges, improve water infrastructure, expand broadband, and more. We are proud to have passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make these improvements possible. We\u2019re excited to see how this law will continue to improve our infrastructure, create jobs, and transform communities across Virginia.\u201d\n\nSo far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including funding for over 247 specific projects. Read below for some examples of how Virginians across the Commonwealth are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nCardinal News: $25M federal grant will deliver high-speed internet to Wise, Lee and Norton\n\nA $25 million federal grant will bring a \u201cfiber-to-the-premises\u201d network that will deliver high-speed internet to more than 17,000 residents and more than 1,000 businesses in Wise and Lee counties and the city of Norton, federal legislators announced Monday.\n\nThe money was awarded to the Scott County Telephone Cooperative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s ReConnect Program and was funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, according to a joint news release from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and releases by U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nCBS19 News: Virginia airports receiving nearly $400 million in federal funding\n\nThe Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Louisa County/Freeman Field Airport, and Orange County Airport are among the facilities that will be receiving federal funding.\n\nSenators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Va., announced on Wednesday that airports throughout Virginia will be receiving nearly $400 million over the next five years from the bipartisan infrastructure deal that was signed into law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nLoudoun Now: Dulles Airport to Get $20M for New Concourse from Infrastructure Law\n\nThat funding, from the bill\u2019s Airport Terminals Program, joins another $49.6 million the project already received. It would replace gates built in the 1990s at the eastern end of Concourse A, where many regional-flight passengers currently go outdoors to access their planes via the walkways and stairs. Passengers instead will be able to board their flights using jet bridges. Connected to an Aerotrain station, the new concourse will be nearly four times larger than the current facility.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nRichmond Times-Dispatch: Richmond receives $18.4 million infrastructure grant for bridge project\n\nA federal infrastructure grant will help Richmond raise an aging bridge out of the way of freight train traffic at a critical railroad crossing at the northern gateway to the city along Arthur Ashe Boulevard.\n\nThe $18.4 million award is in one of the first federal grants approved under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It will help the city replace a 79-year-old bridge that carries Ashe Boulevard over CSX railroad tracks that divide Scott\u2019s Addition from what the city bills as \u201cthe Diamond District,\u201d a proposed economic development surrounding the baseball stadium that is home to the Richmond Flying Squirrels.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginia Mercury: Franconia-Springfield Bypass gets $100 million to improve congestion on NoVa rail corridor\n\nVirginia will receive $100 million in federal funding to help alleviate rail congestion and delays by constructing a passenger rail bridge in a busy train corridor in Northern Virginia.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nThe $100 million in funding for the $405 million project comes from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, the bipartisan infrastructure law and the federal government\u2019s 2022 spending bill, according to a Thursday announcement from Democratic U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginia Mercury: New federal programs offer Virginia households a subsidy for affordable high-speed internet\n\nFederal and state officials are rolling out a fleet of new programs in an expansive effort to bring faster and less expensive internet to all Virginians, especially those who have had trouble connecting in the past.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nVirginian-Pilot: Virginia utilizes infrastructure grant to help reconnect communities divided by interstates\n\nAn interstate divided the Jackson Ward neighborhood in Richmond decades ago, and now leaders hope a bridge will help reunite it.\n\nThe proposed project area for a bridge deck to better connect the neighborhood runs from the Belvidere Street bridge to east of the North First Street bridge over Interstate 95. Federal dollars from a new program will help fund the project.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nDemocratic Virginia U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced in late February nearly $3 million in federal funding to improve transportation infrastructure and reconnect communities in Richmond and Norfolk.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWAVY: New agreement signed to deepen, widen Port of VA\n\nNORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) \u2014 Local and federal authorities have reached an agreement that funnels federal funding to the ongoing construction of the Port of Norfolk.\n\nThe agreement, signed Friday morning, means the federal government will financially invest in the construction effort to widen and deepen the commercial shipping channels and Norfolk Harbor.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nThe signing of the PPA authorizes the flow of more than $225 million in federal funding that has already been secured for the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nOfficials say the construction is further made possible with a $72 million federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWHSV: SHD continuing growth with funds from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\n\nShenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) continues growing.\n\nWith more than one million dollars awarded from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, plans are already underway.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWSET: Danville Regional Airport gets $1.2M to make infrastructure improvements\n\nOn Thursday, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $13,240,212 in federal funding for Virginia airports to make infrastructure improvements, including extending runways, rehabilitating aprons, and improving taxiway lighting.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\nWVEC: Norfolk, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sign coastal storm agreement\n\nAn agreement on Monday morning between Norfolk officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will solidify a partnership on the Resilient Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. It allows them to access nearly $399 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\nMore information on this announcement can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F34AB38-57E2-4C4D-9F02-874E010A00BC", "Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Today, members of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).\n\n\u201cWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cThere is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThen GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation,\u201d the Members concluded. \u201cWe request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Acting Inspector General Erickson,\n\nWe write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety \u2013 one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.\n\nThroughout the site selection deliberations, GSA suppressed, dismissed, and overrode the judgement and recommendations of career officials from GSA and the FBI. This has led the Director of the FBI to take the extraordinary step of calling into question the \u201cfairness and transparency in the process and GSA\u2019s failure to adhere to its own site selection plan.\u201d\n\nIn July 2023, the agency executed a series of changes to significantly alter long-established site selection criteria and scoring rules. The changes made to the criteria were almost exclusively responsive to perceived concerns and direct requests from representatives of the Greenbelt site, meant to tilt the selection process in favor of Greenbelt. GSA made these changes over the objections of the FBI, which wrote to GSA in a June 26, 2023 memo that the original scoring criteria \u201cbest balanced the many wide-ranging elements considered for optimal site selection.\u201d\n\nThat same month, the agency finalized a plan to unilaterally remove a career official from the position of Site Selection Authority, the person tasked with confirming the recommendation of the site selection panel and certifying a final site selection. The agency, instead, installed a political appointee as the Site Selection Authority. Director Wray, once again, raised serious objections to the change. Additionally, the FBI identified potential conflicts of interest that the appointee had related to the Greenbelt site, and raised concerns about potential impartiality. These concerns were never fully addressed by GSA.\n\nIn August 2023, the site selection panel, comprised of two career GSA officials and one career FBI official, reached a unanimous decision to select Springfield, Virginia as the home for the new FBI headquarters. The new Site Selection Authority unilaterally overturned the decision of the panel, including by making changes to the scoring \u2013 contrary to GSA\u2019s own site selection plan \u2013 which benefited consideration of the Greenbelt site, and hurt the Springfield site. According to the FBI, \u201cthe justification offered for those changes have been both varied and insufficient.\u201d\n\nIn summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria \u2013 which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency\u2019s own best practices for site selection \u2013 in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director. Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selection to Greenbelt, the political appointee promptly left the federal government, implicating Congress\u2019s ability to engage with this individual in an oversight capacity. In defending the indefensible, GSA has decided to proceed with the selection of Greenbelt over the objections of its client agency, the FBI.\n\nThese facts, when taken together, paint an ugly picture of a fatally flawed procurement that demands further investigation. We request that your office initiate an immediate investigation into the site selection process for the FBI headquarters.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DE657E29-FEAF-4EE7-9D29-7499D94AE196", "Statement of U.S. Sens. Warner and Kaine on Senate Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to avert a government shutdown by passing a stopgap government funding bill that will fund federal agencies covered by the Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water Development and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills through January 19 and all remaining departments through February 2:\n\n\u201cToday, we voted to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. We have long warned that a shutdown would cause catastrophic damage to Virginia\u2019s economy, hurt our military readiness, and jeopardize Virginians\u2019 ability to access crucial services, like help resolving issues with Social Security or Medicare benefits. While today\u2019s bipartisan action is a relief, we share Virginians\u2019 frustration with short-term fixes. We will continue to urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a full-year budget as quickly as possible, and will keep working to ensure that budget includes Virginia\u2019s priorities.\u201d\n\nWarner and Kaine have been vocal in emphasizing the harmful impacts of government shutdowns, including on America\u2019s military readiness and the Commonwealth\u2019s economy, air travel, and food security. Additionally, the senators worked to secure key wins for Virginia in the draft Fiscal Year 2024 budget bills, which will provide long-term government funding and are making their way through the legislative process.\n\nToday\u2019s vote comes after a series of bipartisan agreements to fund the government. Earlier this year, congressional leadership and a majority of House Republicans came to an agreement with the White House regarding government funding levels for Fiscal Year 2024. As a means of protesting that bipartisan agreement, a vocal minority of House Republicans pushed Congress to the brink of a government shutdown at the end of September, when the Fiscal Year 2023 budget was set to expire. A bipartisan coalition of Senate and House lawmakers, including Kaine and Warner, came together on September 30 to overcome that effort and passed a stopgap funding bill to fund the government through November 17.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-4-million-in-federal-funding-for-conservation-efforts-across-virginia", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $4 Million in Federal Funding for Conservation Efforts Across Virginia", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $4,024,286 in federal funding to support conservation efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which covers 60% of Virginia and includes the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James Rivers and hundreds of streams across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation\u2019s Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, which supports efforts to conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitats, improve public access and water quality, and partner with underserved communities to coordinate restoration and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake WILD program was created by the Chesapeake WILD Act, which the senators sponsored before it became law.\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay watershed supports wildlife, local economies, and the health of Virginians,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re glad this federal funding will support conservation efforts, protect wildlife, and help Virginians enjoy the region for generations to come.\u201d\n\nThe funding will be allocated as follows:\n\n$750,000 for the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia to reacquire over 700 acres of ancestral lands along the Rappahannock River in Richmond County to restore and conserve aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The Tribe will also receive $183,000 to establish a state-wide conservation council led by federally recognized tribes to conserve the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This project will improve access to the Rappahannock River and nearby lands, rebuild fish and wildlife habitats, and protect cultural resources that are being lost to development and sea level rise.\n\n$749,544 for the Valley Conservation Council to permanently protect wildlife corridors across 15 properties, totaling over 2,000 acres in the Shenandoah Valley. The project will help conserve the area, require the adoption of best management practices, and prepare the region for future projects that will benefit plant and animal species in high elevation wetlands.\n\n$748,519 for the James River Association to restore freshwater mussel communities and 60 acres of riparian buffers, which are strips of vegetation like trees, shrubs, or grass that are planted along bodies of water, in the James River watershed. Restoring the buffers will help us understand their impact on instream habitats and their ability to support freshwater mussels.\n\n$650,000 for the Elizabeth River Project to create a model for urban habitat restoration within the Elizabeth River watershed. The project will help create and reconnect habitats, improve water quality, and improve access to recreation and educational opportunities for approximately 16,000 individuals from underserved communities.\n\n$582,239 for the Friends of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk to collaborate with partners to restore, conserve, and improve public access to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.\n\n$75,000 for the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation in Arlington and Alexandria to improve aquatic recreation access and opportunities at Four Mile Run Park by creating a public, ADA-accessible kayak and canoe launch site. The project will open 1.5 miles of Four Mile Run and provide access to the Run and Potomac River Water Trail in the D.C. metro area for the first time.\n\n$75,000 for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission in Prince William County to introduce a companion mussel species to the brook floater\u2014a small-stream dwelling mussel\u2014to help determine if it can survive in a similar habitat.\n\n$74,997 for the Smithsonian Institution in Fauquier County to develop best management practices for the conservation of eastern box turtles.\n\n$74,991 for the Criminal Injustice Reform Network in Hampton and Newport News to engage with underserved communities to protect and restore tidal marshes and blue crab populations.\n\n$60,996 for the Friends of the Rappahannock\u2019s Rappahannock River Roundtable to lead a workgroup that will host a series of planning workshops and partner meetings to establish guiding principles to improve conservation and public access to the Rappahannock River.\n\nWarner and Kaine have long supported Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts. In July, the senators introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a Chesapeake National Recreation Area, which would combine voluntarily contributed park areas and Bay properties under the operation of the National Park Service (NPS) to provide more federal resources for environmental conservation and spur economic growth in the region. Earlier this year, President Biden signed the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Act into law, legislation the senators introduced to direct the Secretary of the Interior to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the swamp and its associated sites as a National Heritage Area. In 2018, Warner and Kaine led bipartisan legislation to federally recognize six Virginia tribes, including the Rappahannock, which made it possible for the Tribe to receive this funding.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 344, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "VA", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 344, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-11-14,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ekaine~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fwarner-and-kaine-announce-over-4-million-in-federal-funding-for-conservation-efforts-across-virginia", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=VA&year=2023&_next=2023-11-14%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ekaine~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fwarner-and-kaine-announce-over-4-million-in-federal-funding-for-conservation-efforts-across-virginia&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 275.22465819492936, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}