{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-navy-block-buy-decision", "Kaine Statement On Navy Block Buy Decision", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 31, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On Navy Block Buy Decision \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after the Navy announced its intent to block buy two Ford-class aircraft carriers:\r\nI'm thrilled the Navy has decided to pursue a block buy for aircraft carriers, something I've been advocating to save billions in taxpayer dollars and offer more certainty to the Hampton Roads defense community. This smart move will save taxpayer dollars and help ensure the shipyards can maintain a skilled workforce to get the job done.Newport News buildsthe finest carriers in the world, and I know they are ready to handle this increase in work as we make progress toward the Navy's goal of a 355-ship fleet.\r\nKaine has long supported the block buying of aircraft carriers. He has championed language in annual defense and funding bills to allow for a block buy and frequently discussed the benefits with military leadership. \r\n###\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senators-urge-trump-to-reverse-course-raise-pay-for-federal-employees", "Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Course, Raise Pay for Federal Employees", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 31, 2018\n\t\t\t Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Course, Raise Pay for Federal Employees \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~Senate had approved 1.9 percent pay increase on a bipartisan basisbut on December 28,the President unilaterallyimposed a pay freeze for non-military federal workers~\r\nWASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him in the strongest possible terms toback off aplannedpay freeze forcivilian federal employees in 2019.\r\n\"We write to urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse your decision to freeze pay rates for non-military federal workers in 2019. After months of indecisiveness and mixed signals, your decision further penalizes hard-working federal employees already straining under the impact of the unnecessary government shutdown that began on December 22nd,\"the Senators told Trump.\"Freezing pay for federal workers adds insult to injury for dedicated public servants already subject to political attacks and gamesmanship.\"\r\nWhile the White House's FY19 budget proposed an across-the-board pay freeze for non-military federal workers, in August, the Senate approved appropriations legislation providing for a 1.9 percent pay increase for federal workers. However, the House's failure to take up the bill allowed President Trump to sign an executive order on December 28 -- day six of thepartial government shutdown -- unilaterallyfreezing pay for civilian federal employees.\r\nIn today's letter, the Senators pushed Trump to change course, highlighting bipartisan support for the Senate-passed 1.9 percent pay raise. They also underscored how freezing pay hinders the federal government's hiring competitiveness with the private sector, and called out the President for not doing more to prioritize human capital investments. The Senators also committed to working towards a pay adjustmentfor FY19 if President Trump fails to reverse his decision.\r\n\"There should be a particular sense of urgency in bolstering, rather than undermining, the competitiveness of the federal workforce considering that the share of federal employees eligible for retirement is expected to jump to 30 percent in five years,\"the Senators wrote. \"As a businessman, we would expect you to understand the importance of human capital investments in recruiting and retaining talented employees. We are deeply troubled that you would abdicate your responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the federal workforceparticularly while so many federal employees are actively working without pay during a shutdown triggered by your own equivocation.?\"\r\nThe full text of today's letter is availablehereand below.\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nWe write to urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse your decision to freeze pay rates for non-military federal workers in 2019. After months of indecisiveness and mixed signals, your decision further penalizes hard-working federal employees already straining under the impact of the unnecessary government shutdown that began on December 22nd.\r\nFreezing pay for federal workers adds insult to injury for dedicated public servants already subject to political attacks and gamesmanship. In February 2018, your administration's budget proposed freezing federal civilian pay for 2019. In August 2018, the United States Senate included a 1.9 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees in the appropriations bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. This action recognized the many contributions of federal workers and rebuked your unsubstantiated proposal to further hinder their economic security and our collective ability to compete with the private sector.There should be a particular sense of urgency in bolstering, rather than undermining, the competitiveness of the federal workforce considering that the share of federal employees eligible for retirement is expected to jump to 30 percent in five years.\r\nAs a businessman, we would expect you to understand the importance of human capital investments in recruiting and retaining talented employees. We are deeply troubled that you would abdicate your responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the federal workforceparticularly while so many federal employees are actively working without pay during a shutdown triggered by your own equivocation.\r\nWe strongly encourage youto take immediate action to reverse your ill-advised pay freeze and lift federal workers from this added layer of financial insecurity. Should you choose not to change course, we will continue working on a bipartisan basisto ensure federal workers receive a pay adjustment for Fiscal Year 2019.\r\n###???\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-warner-on-the-president-signing-the-ashanti-alert-act-into-law", "Sen. Warner on the President Signing the Ashanti Alert Act Into Law", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement after President Trump signed the Ashanti Alert Act legislation that will create a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64into law:\r\n\"Despite the tragic loss of Ashanti Billie, with the love and support of Meltony and Brandy Billie along with the Hampton Roads community, the Ashanti Alert Act is now law of the land. In this New Year, it is my hope that this important law enforcement tool can help save countless lives.\"\r\nThe Ashanti Alert Act is named after Ashanti Billie, the 19-year-old who was abducted in Norfolk, Va. on September 18, 2017. Her body was discovered in North Carolina 11 days after she was first reported missing. At the time of Ashanti's abduction, she was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert. The Ashanti Alert, like the other alert systems, would notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, through a national communications network to assist law enforcement in the search.\r\nIn June, Gov. Northam signed into law legislation introduced by Del. Jay Jones creating a statewide Ashanti Alert system in Virginia. In September, the House of Representatives unanimously passed its version of theAshanti Alert Act, which was introduced by outgoing Congressman Scott Taylor. After the House billin its original formwas blocked from passing in the Senate, Sen. Warner worked with his colleagues to make modifications to the bill to allow for its eventualpassage by unanimous consentin that chamber. In December, the House of Representatives passed the modified Ashanti Alert Act, sending it to the President's desk for signature.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senators-urge-trump-to-reverse-course-raise-pay-for-federal-employees", "Senators Urge Trump to Reverse Course, Raise Pay for Federal Employees", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him in the strongest possible terms toback off aplannedpay freeze forcivilian federal employees in 2019.\r\n\r\n\"We write to urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse your decision to freeze pay rates for non-military federal workers in 2019. After months of indecisiveness and mixed signals, your decision further penalizes hard-working federal employees already straining under the impact of the unnecessary government shutdown that began on December 22nd,\"the Senators told Trump.\"Freezing pay for federal workers adds insult to injury for dedicated public servants already subject to political attacks and gamesmanship.\"\r\n While the White House's FY19 budget proposed an across-the-board pay freeze for non-military federal workers, in August, the Senate approved appropriations legislation providing for a 1.9 percent pay increase for federal workers. However, the House's failure to take up the bill allowed President Trump to sign an executive order on December 28 -- day six of thepartial government shutdown -- unilaterallyfreezing pay for civilian federal employees. \r\nIn today's letter, the Senators pushed Trump to change course, highlighting bipartisan support for the Senate-passed 1.9 percent pay raise. They also underscored how freezing pay hinders the federal government's hiring competitiveness with the private sector, and called out the President for not doing more to prioritize human capital investments. The Senators also committed to working towards a pay adjustmentfor FY19 if President Trump fails to reverse his decision.\r\n\"There should be a particular sense of urgency in bolstering, rather than undermining, the competitiveness of the federal workforce considering that the share of federal employees eligible for retirement is expected to jump to 30 percent in five years,\"the Senators wrote. \"As a businessman, we would expect you to understand the importance of human capital investments in recruiting and retaining talented employees. We are deeply troubled that you would abdicate your responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the federal workforceparticularly while so many federal employees are actively working without pay during a shutdown triggered by your own equivocation.?\"\r\n\r\nThe full text of today's letter is availablehereand below.\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n\r\nWe write to urge you in the strongest possible terms to reverse your decision to freeze pay rates for non-military federal workers in 2019. After months of indecisiveness and mixed signals, your decision further penalizes hard-working federal employees already straining under the impact of the unnecessary government shutdown that began on December 22nd.\r\n\r\nFreezing pay for federal workers adds insult to injury for dedicated public servants already subject to political attacks and gamesmanship. In February 2018, your administration's budget proposed freezing federal civilian pay for 2019. In August 2018, the United States Senate included a 1.9 percent pay raise for civilian federal employees in the appropriations bill that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. This action recognized the many contributions of federal workers and rebuked your unsubstantiated proposal to further hinder their economic security and our collective ability to compete with the private sector.There should be a particular sense of urgency in bolstering, rather than undermining, the competitiveness of the federal workforce considering that the share of federal employees eligible for retirement is expected to jump to 30 percent in five years.\r\n\r\nAs a businessman, we would expect you to understand the importance of human capital investments in recruiting and retaining talented employees. We are deeply troubled that you would abdicate your responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the federal workforceparticularly while so many federal employees are actively working without pay during a shutdown triggered by your own equivocation.\r\n\r\nWe strongly encourage youto take immediate action to reverse your ill-advised pay freeze and lift federal workers from this added layer of financial insecurity. Should you choose not to change course, we will continue working on a bipartisan basisto ensure federal workers receive a pay adjustment for Fiscal Year 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/statement-sen-warner-on-navy-s-announcement-to-block-buy-two-ford-class-aircraft-carriers", "Sen. Warner on Navy's Announcement to Block Buy Two Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Navy announced they will block buy two Gerald R. Ford aircraft carriers:\r\n\r\nI am pleased that the Navy has announced its plan to move forward in the procurement of two aircraft carriers, which will generate significant cost savings for taxpayers. This announcement is not only important for the men and women of the Newport News shipbuilding industry, it also makes a critical investment in our nation's defense by ensuring the Navy has the capabilities needed to combat any adversary.\r\n\r\nSen. Warner has continued to express support for the block buy of Ford-class aircraft carriers that would save taxpayer dollars and strengthen our national defense. In December 2017, Sen. Warner joined Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 15 Senators in a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis to support the Pentagon's pursuit in the block buy in FY2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/op-ed", "Op-Ed: Stop treating federal employees like bargaining chips, Mr. President", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Roughly 2 million civilian employees work for the federal government. They are men and women of every racial background and from every state in the country. Yet there is one thing they all have in common: They made a choice to serve, even knowing, in many cases, that they could be making more money in the private sector.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, it appears that we have a president who, rather than leading the nation's public workforce, consistently chooses to belittle it. The latest example came when the president took to Twitter on Thursday morning, day six of an unnecessary government shutdown instigated by congressional Republicans at President Trump's behest. In what has become a familiar pattern of politicizing the largely nonpartisan, nuts-and-bolts work of the federal government, Trump tried to exert political pressure on congressional Democrats to fund his ineffective border wall by asking: Do the Dems realize that most of the people not getting paid are Democrats?\r\n\r\nWhat the president fails to understand is that federal employees don't go to work wearing red or blue jerseys. What they do wear are the badges of law enforcement and the hats of park rangers and the uniforms of first responders, and they make up the backbone of our government. They bring their skills and expertise to strengthen our nation and make a difference in the lives of their fellow citizens, regardless of political affiliation.\r\n\r\nAs the senior senator from Virginia, I represent hundreds of thousands of federal employees and service members. I have no idea how many of them are Democrats, but I know this: They include voters and nonvoters alike; they are independents and Republicans and Democrats and libertarians and vegetarians. Those who are hurt by this shutdown include Forest Service firefighters and National Weather Service forecasters in red states, and U.S. marshals and Drug Enforcement Administration agents in blue states. What distinguishes them isn't their partisan affiliation  it's their commitment to serving our country.\r\n\r\nLike all Americans, federal employees have a right to hold personal political beliefs. But what separates your average public servant from the president is an ability and, indeed, a legal obligation to leave their political views at home and do their jobs without regard for partisan politics.\r\n\r\nThe president who declared that he would be proud to shut down the government is holding one-quarter of the federal government's agencies hostage in an effort to get $5.7 billion for a wall that experts say would fail to improve border security  in the process treating 800,000 federal workers like poker chips from one of his failed casinos. Sadly, this is only the latest salvo by a president determined to attack and undermine our country's public servants.\r\n\r\nIt started with the hiring freezes that threw a wrench into the day-to-day operations of nearly every federal agency  with no apparent benefit to the taxpayers. It continued with executive orders undermining workplace protections for federal workers and their ability to organize as part of a union. The targeting was compounded by the administration's plan to cut retirement benefits for 2.6 million federal retirees and survivors, and recently led to an attempt by the president to arbitrarily freeze the pay of the entire federal workforce. Thankfully, the Senate saw the shortsightedness of that endeavor and voted to override the administration's freeze. The House can and should follow suit.\r\n\r\nInstead of receiving thanks for their service, right now thousands of federal workers are simply wondering whether their next paycheck is going to come, and how they are going to pay their bills. About 380,000 federal workers have been furloughed  forced to take unpaid time off  while another 420,000 are being expected to work without pay for the duration of the shutdown.\r\n\r\nDuring one of the busiest travel times of the year, thousands of air-traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents worked without pay so Americans could get home to spend the holidays with their families. Meanwhile, some of them didn't know how they were going to pay for Christmas presents for their own kids.\r\n\r\nWhile the Senate moved before Christmas to guarantee back pay for any federal worker hurt by the shutdown, the House left town without voting on the bill. This is to say nothing of the thousands of federal contractors also affected by this shutdown, most of whom are unlikely to ever receive retroactive pay.\r\n\r\nThese are real people with real families who are struggling. They aren't bargaining chips, Mr. President. Please stop holding hard-working federal employees hostage. It's time to work with Congress to reopen the government and end this pointless, painful government shutdown.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-trump-shutdown", "Scott Statement on Trump Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement:\nRepublicans currently control the House of Representatives, the Senate and the White House, yet we are entering the second government shutdownthisyear. The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan solution to keep the government open until February 8thwhile we continue to debate the best way tofund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year, and House Democrats were willing to support that compromise. However, House Republicans blockeda clean continuing resolutionat the request of President Trump. This Republican dysfunction will force government employees to pay the price. 800,000 of them will be forced to go without pay during the holidays  including 420,000 federal employees who will have to work without pay. This shutdown will needlesslyhurt federal employees andunderminepublic safety. I stand willing and ready to find common ground to do right thing for the American people.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-partial-government-shutdown", "McEachin Statement on Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement on President Trump's partial government shutdown:\nAt the expense of the American people, President Trump got exactly what he asked for  another government shutdown. Shutting down our government jeopardizes our economy as well as denies Americans their income and services. Unfortunately, House Republicans decided that funding for the divisive border wall was more important than governing in the best interest of the people when we had the opportunity to avoid this shutdown.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 306-0546", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1139", "Beyer And Connolly Seek GSA Action To Correct Asbestos Tracking Deficiencies In Federal Buildings, Following GAO Report", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressmen Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly today wrote to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) seeking fixes to problems identified by a General Accountability Office investigative report into asbestos in federal buildings. The report found that the GSA has failed to abide by its own tracking and recording guidelines, including the operation of a tracking database called IRIS, which tracks asbestos surveys in GSA-owned buildings constructed prior to 1998.\r\nThe Representatives wrote:\r\nAs you are aware, GSA's policy requires that the agency should have an asbestos survey in each building constructed prior to 1998, when asbestos was widely used in building construction, and should enter the results of that survey into GSA's building inventory database, IRIS. However, according to GAO, asbestos-related survey data was missing for 66 percent of the 436 GSA-controlled office buildings constructed prior to 1998.\r\nIn addition, although GSA policy requires annual reinspection of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings to assess their condition and whether they pose a potential health risk, the GSA's inventory database that is supposed to track this information did not have a data field designed to capture the reinspection information. Adding a data field to properly capture this information should not be a difficult fix.\r\nThe GAO recommended that GSA take action to address asbestos-related shortcomings in the agency's federal building database by: (1) implementing a plan to enter the missing asbestos data (either by obtaining the $550,000 for system upgrades or training additional individuals to use the current database); and (2) adding a mechanism to track the reinspection data for asbestos-containing materials (or ensuring that the aforementioned database upgrade includes this fix).\r\nFailure to make these minor upgrades to the system would be negligent with regard to federal employees' health and safety. We urge you to prioritize this $550,000 for the database system upgrades in your FY2020 budget request, or make alternative plans immediately so that GSA is fully tracking and recording asbestos in its federal buildings, as required, moving forward.\r\nThe GAO report, initially requested by Rep. Beyer in 2017, reviewed documentation from 44 of 436 federal buildings that had asbestos surveys conducted, one of which had no supporting asbestos documentation at all. Although GSA policy requires annual re-inspections of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings to access their condition and whether they pose a potential health risk, the GSA's building inventory database designed to track this information did not have a data field designed to capture this information.\r\nA complete update to the GSA building inventory database would cost an estimated $550,000, which would include between $50,000 and $100,000 for specific asbestos reporting requirement upgrades. However, GAO found that GSA has not yet made any decision to fund the upgrade to the database and GSA currently has no alternative plan in place to capture the critical asbestos data. As GAO concluded in its report, GSA is not well positioned to oversee the management of asbestos in its facilities.\r\nThe GAO recommended that GSA take action to address asbestos-related shortcomings in the agency's federal building database by entering the missing asbestos survey data and implementing a mechanism to track re-inspections of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings. The GSA concurred with these recommendations.\r\nThe potential long-term health effects from exposure to asbestos may be profound. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States alone more than 2,500 people died from malignant mesothelioma, a deadly disease linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a building material resistant to fire was widely used in the construction of buildings decades ago. Asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, often develop decades after exposure has occurred.\r\nFull text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-secretary-devos-rescinding-guidance-that-protect", "Scott Statement on Secretary DeVos Rescinding Guidance that Protect Students Civil Rights", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\nWASHINGTON, DC Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Department of Education announced that it is rescinding the 2014 ED-DOJ Discipline Guidance.\nThe Department's decision to rescind the 2014 discipline guidance will undermine access to a quality education for students of color and students with disabilities. The guidance was issued to help schools address thetroubling and undeniable evidencethat Black students, boys, and students with disabilities receive harsher punishments than their classmates for similar or lesser offenses, without jeopardizing students' safety. Rescinding the guidance will stall, if not reverse our progress toward addressing these disparities.\nEven worse, by using the school safety commission report to justify this decision, the Department is sending a terrible message that schools are safest when they discriminate against students of color.\nTitle VI of the Civil Rights Act expressly prohibits policies and programs that disproportionately impact students of color, regardless of their intent. With or without the discipline guidance, the administration is legally responsible for ensuring school discipline policies do not have a disparate impact on historically disadvantaged students.\nCongress must hold the administration accountable for meeting its obligation to fully enforce federal civil rights law and for providing justifications for this decision based on facts, not rhetoric.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1529", "Beyer and Connolly Seek GSA Action To Correct Asbestos Tracking Deficiencies In Federal Buildings, Following GAO Report", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressmen Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly today wrote to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) seeking fixes to problems identified by a General Accountability Office investigative report into asbestos in federal buildings. The report found that the GSA has failed to abide by its own tracking and recording guidelines, including the operation of a tracking database called IRIS, which tracks asbestos surveys in GSA-owned buildings constructed prior to 1998.The Representatives wrote: As you are aware, GSA's policy requires that the agency should have an asbestos survey in each building constructed prior to 1998, when asbestos was widely used in building construction, and should enter the results of that survey into GSA's building inventory database, IRIS. However, according to GAO, asbestos-related survey data was missing for 66 percent of the 436 GSA-controlled office buildings constructed prior to 1998. In addition, although GSA policy requires annual reinspection of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings to assess their condition and whether they pose a potential health risk, the GSA's inventory database that is supposed to track this information did not have a data field designed to capture the reinspection information. Adding a data field to properly capture this information should not be a difficult fix.  The GAO recommended that GSA take action to address asbestos-related shortcomings in the agency's federal building database by: (1) implementing a plan to enter the missing asbestos data (either by obtaining the $550,000 for system upgrades or training additional individuals to use the current database); and (2) adding a mechanism to track the reinspection data for asbestos-containing materials (or ensuring that the aforementioned database upgrade includes this fix).  Failure to make these minor upgrades to the system would be negligent with regard to federal employees' health and safety. We urge you to prioritize this $550,000 for the database system upgrades in your FY2020 budget request, or make alternative plans immediately so that GSA is fully tracking and recording asbestos in its federal buildings, as required, moving forward. The GAO report, initially requested by Rep. Beyer in 2017, reviewed documentation from 44 of 436 federal buildings that had asbestos surveys conducted, one of which had no supporting asbestos documentation at all. Although GSA policy requires annual re-inspections of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings to access their condition and whether they pose a potential health risk, the GSA's building inventory database designed to track this information did not have a data field designed to capture this information.  A complete update to the GSA building inventory database would cost an estimated $550,000, which would include between $50,000 and $100,000 for specific asbestos reporting requirement upgrades. However, GAO found that GSA has not yet made any decision to fund the upgrade to the database and GSA currently has no alternative plan in place to capture the critical asbestos data. As GAO concluded in its report, GSA is not well positioned to oversee the management of asbestos in its facilities.  The GAO recommended that GSA take action to address asbestos-related shortcomings in the agency's federal building database by entering the missing asbestos survey data and implementing a mechanism to track re-inspections of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings. The GSA concurred with these recommendations.  The potential long-term health effects from exposure to asbestos may be profound. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States alone more than 2,500 people died from malignant mesothelioma, a deadly disease linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a building material resistant to fire was widely used in the construction of buildings decades ago. Asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, often develop decades after exposure has occurred. Full text of the letter follows below, and a signed copy is available here. December 20, 2018 The Honorable Emily Murphy  \r\nAdministrator  \r\nU.S. Government Services Administration  \r\n1800 F Street, NW  \r\nWashington, D.C. 20405 Dear Administrator Murphy, Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an investigative report into the prevalence of asbestos in federal buildings. The report found that the General Services Administration (GSA) has failed to properly monitor and record information regarding asbestos in its federal buildings, potentially putting the health and safety of federal employees at risk.  The potential long-term health effects from exposure to asbestos can be profound. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in the United States alone more than 2,500 people died from malignant mesothelioma, a deadly disease linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, often develop decades after exposure has occurred.  As you are aware, GSA's policy requires that the agency should have an asbestos survey in each building constructed prior to 1998, when asbestos was widely used in building construction, and should enter the results of that survey into GSA's building inventory database, IRIS. However, according to GAO, asbestos-related survey data was missing for 66 percent of the 436 GSA-controlled office buildings constructed prior to 1998. In addition, although GSA policy requires annual reinspection of asbestos-containing material in federal buildings to assess their condition and whether they pose a potential health risk, the GSA's inventory database that is supposed to track this information did not have a data field designed to capture the reinspection information. Adding a data field to properly capture this information should not be a difficult fix.  According to GSA officials cited in GAO's report, a complete update to the GSA building inventory database would cost an estimated $550,000, which would include between $50,000 and $100,000 for specific asbestos reporting requirement upgrades. GAO found that GSA has not yet made any decision to fund the upgrade to the database and GSA currently has no alternative plan in place to capture the critical asbestos data.  The GAO recommended that GSA take action to address asbestos-related shortcomings in the agency's federal building database by: (1) implementing a plan to enter the missing asbestos data (either by obtaining the $550,000 for system upgrades or training additional individuals to use the current database); and (2) adding a mechanism to track the reinspection data for asbestos-containing materials (or ensuring that the aforementioned database upgrade includes this fix).  Failure to make these minor upgrades to the system would be negligent with regard to federal employees' health and safety. We urge you to prioritize this $550,000 for the database system upgrades in your FY2020 budget request, or make alternative plans immediately so that GSA is fully tracking and recording asbestos in its federal buildings, as required, moving forward.  Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-decision-rescind-2014-discipline-guidance-package", "McEachin Statement on Decision to Rescind 2014 Discipline Guidance Package", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement following Secretary DeVos' decision to rescind the 2014 Discipline Guidance Package:\nRescinding the Obama-era discipline guidance is extremely disappointing  but not surprising. Over the last two years, the Trump Administration has actively worked since day one to weaken or eliminate critical civil rights protections for students. Rescinding the guidelines that have helped make schools fairer and safer while reducing unfair discipline disparities will harm students of color and students with disabilities. With this move, the administration sends a clear message that it is not committed to ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all children in our nation's schools.\nThese disparities exist in my congressional district, and I have worked extensively to address them in several ways, including my call last year for a district-wide investigation of our school systems. Instead of removing these protections, Secretary DeVos should maintain and expand them. With or without the discipline guidance, the administration is still legally responsible for ensuring students are free from discrimination. I look forward to working with my colleagues next Congress to ensure the administration does its job and protects our children.\n###\nBackground:  \n\tAs the son of a special education teacher, Congressman McEachin worked for decades to address school discipline issues as a member of Virginia's General Assembly and has continued that work in the 115th Congress. Rep. McEachin co-led a bicameral letter in support of preserving the 2014 Discipline Guidance Package and hosted a congressional briefing with Ranking Member Bobby Scott on protecting students' civil rights.\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news/videos/watch/a-look-back-at-2018", "A Look Back at 2018", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Alert: Sign Up for E-Newsletters\n\nNews Alert: Click Here for Resources for Federal Workers", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-trump-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-afghanistan-and-syria", "Kaine Statement On Trump Decision To Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan And Syria", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On Trump Decision To Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan And Syria \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement on President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan and Syria:\r\nJust this month,military leaders confirmed to me that there were no plans to change our military strategy in Afghanistan. The President's decision to withdraw American forces from Syria and Afghanistan on a whim are thelatest in a series of reckless decisions by a Commander in Chief who advances his political goals at the expense of our security. By ignoring the advice of his military advisors, President Trump's incoherent decision-making is destroying partnerships we have forgedwith allies across the world. This irresponsible move by the President poses a serious threat to servicemembers as they conduct a hasty withdrawal in an uncertain security environment.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-celebrate-bill-renaming-charlottesville-post-office-becoming-law", "Warner & Kaine Celebrate Bill Renaming Charlottesville Post Office Becoming Law", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 21, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Celebrate Bill Renaming Charlottesville Post Office Becoming Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine celebrated that the bill to rename a Charlottesville post office as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office was signed into lawtoday.U?.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, a graduate of the University of Virginia, was born on September 9, 1976, and died on June 8, 2004, while in service to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.He was killed by an improvised explosive device outside of his base in Baqubah, Iraq.His efforts that morning saved the lives of more than one hundred soldiers.\r\nCaptain Khan is revered not only in Charlottesville, but across the nation,the Senators said.With the dedicationof this post office, we're showing the Khan family that we're forever grateful forhis service and sacrifice for our country.\r\nThe United States Postal Service (USPS) facility is located at 180 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. The bill, introduced by Congressman Tom Garrett, cleared the House unanimously on November 29thand passed the Senate on December 12th. In early December, Warner and Kainewrote to theChair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Senate Committee that overseesUSPS, voicing their support for renaming the post office.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/call-on-trump-administration-to-stop-pushing-health-insurance-plans-that-weaken-pre-existing-condition-protections", "Call On Trump Administration to Stop Pushing Health Insurance Plans That Weaken Pre-Existing Condition Protections", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) led a group of 38 Senators in calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw recent changes that makes it easier for states to promote junk plans. These health care plans typically lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and would increase costs for millions of Americans. Under the Administration's new guidance, states can use federal subsidies to pay for these subpar plans by utilizing a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) intended to give states additional flexibility to implement targeted improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. The Senators argue that the Administration is improperly using Section 1332 to allow states to do the exact opposite.\r\nWe have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress,said the Senators in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma, and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.\r\nThe Senators made it clear these actions did not reflect Congress' intent in creating the 1332 waiver program, stating the Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage.\r\n\r\nAdditionally the proposed changes, which were outlined in guidance provided by the Administration and a discussion paper released a few months back, will allow states to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for the majority of beneficiaries if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower for some.\r\n\r\nWe ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability,concluded the Senators.\r\n\r\nIn October, Senators forced a vote in the Senate on a discharge petition that would have blocked the Trump Administration's rule to expand junk insurance plans. Themeasurewas supported by 50 Senators, including one Republican. Ultimately, the petition did not receive the simple majority needed to pass the Senate and send it to the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n\r\nIn addition to Sens. Warner, Cardin, Shaheen, and Baldwin, the letter was signed by Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Tom Udall (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter can be foundhereand below.\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Seema Verma\r\nSecretary  \r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services \r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW \r\nWashington, DC 20201 \r\n\r\nThe Honorable Alex Azar \r\nSecretary \r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services  \r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW \r\nWashington, DC 20201 \r\n\r\nThe Honorable Steven Mnuchin\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of the Treasury\r\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, DC 20220\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Azar, Administrator Verma and Secretary Mnuchin:\r\nWe write to express concern with the Administration's October 22 guidance and November 29 discussion paper on new options for states pursuing a Section 1332 waiver under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new guidance and discussion paper promote health plans that lack protections for people with pre-existing conditions and low-income families enshrined in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance released in 2015 and adopt new principles that were not envisioned by Congress. We have serious concerns they will increase health care costs for millions of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In light of substantive concerns that we have with the impact on patients, and procedural concerns that we have with the manner in which these significant policy changes have been promulgated, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress.\r\nSection 1332 of the ACA gives states additional flexibility to implement state-specific improvements that expand coverage, reduce costs and provide more comprehensive benefits. In fact, Congress enacted so-called guardrails that waiver proposals must meet in order for the Secretary to approve them. Specifically, waivers must ensure 1) health coverage is at least as comprehensive as it would be under the ACA, 2) cost-sharing and premiums are as affordable as they would be under the ACA, 3) the number of individuals with coverage remains comparable to the number of individuals covered under the ACA, and 4) the waiver does not increase the Federal deficit.\r\nThe Administration's recent guidance significantly changes enforcement of these four important guardrails, undermining Congressional intent and posing a significant risk to consumers that now have affordable and comprehensive health coverage. The waiver concepts, published after the release of the recent guidance, suggests that the Secretary will permit states to use Federal subsidies for the purchase of short-term, limited-duration (STLDI) junk plans that do not meet Federal patient protections. The new guidance will also allow states to count junk plans as health insurance when determining how many individuals are enrolled in coverage.\r\nThis change will allow states to enroll more individuals in subpar plans that do not offer essential health benefits such as mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage or substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, these subpar plans can discriminate against individuals with pre-existing conditions, older Americans and women by excluding these essential benefits. These plans may also charge certain customers more for their coverage, deny coverage entirely, impose annual and lifetime limits on care, and other anti-consumer practices. This use of federal tax dollars for subpar, often deceptively-marketed insurance that barely provides coverage at all is completely unacceptable.\r\nIt is important to note that hospitals, insurers, patient groups and independent health experts have all agreed that the increased use of these junk plans will increase the cost of health care coverage for many Americans, undercut protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and erode stability in the health insurance markets.\r\nIn addition to the increased use of junk plans, the discussion paper makes clear that the Secretary will also give states more flexibility to increase out-of-pocket maximums and reduce the value of coverage, weaken essential health benefits, and implement changes that increase health care costs for those who need it most if a state can demonstrate costs will be lower in the aggregate. We have serious concerns about how these changes will impact the quality and affordability of coverage, especially for vulnerable sub-populations.\r\nFurthermore, we are concerned that this guidance may exceed the Secretary's legal authority by not requiring Congressional approval to changeexisting law and by subverting the full notice and comment rule-making process. The guidance violates the statute by allowing states to provide access to instead of provision of affordable and comprehensive coverage to at least the same number of residents. It also redefines health insurance to include plans that lack the ACA's consumer protections. In addition, by forgoing Congressional approval and the rule-making process the Administration has excluded an opportunity for public comment from millions of Americans and other stakeholders that will be impacted by these changes. In contrast, the Department finalized the 2015 guidance only after taking into account feedback from stakeholders and experts. The Department finalized this new guidance immediately, without getting any vital input from affected stakeholders.\r\nFor these reasons, we ask that you immediately withdraw this guidance and work with us and other stakeholders on policies that maintain protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions and improve affordability. Thank you for your consideration of our letter and we look forward to your response. \r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-intel-vice-chair-warner-on-dni-report", "Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on DNI Report", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the below statement after the Director of National Intelligence concluded that Russia and other foreign countries used social media and additional means of influence to target Americans during the 2018 midterm elections:\r\nAs the Director of National Intelligence reminds us, the Russians did not go away after the 2016 election. Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans. Congress has to step up and enact some much-needed guardrails on social media, and companies need to work with us so that we can update our laws to better protect against attacks on our democracy.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/statement-senate-intel-vice-chair-warner-on-dni-report", "STATEMENT: Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on DNI Report", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the below statement after the Director of National Intelligence concluded that Russia and other foreign countries used social media and additional means of influence to target Americans during the 2018 midterm elections:\r\nAs the Director of National Intelligence reminds us, the Russians did not go away after the 2016 election. Now that the Russian playbook is out in the open, we're going to see more and more adversaries trying to take advantage of the openness of our society to sow division and attempt to manipulate Americans. Congress has to step up and enact some much-needed guardrails on social media, and companies need to work with us so that we can update our laws to better protect against attacks on our democracy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-celebrate-bill-renaming-charlottesville-post-office-after-captain-khan-becoming-law", "Warner & Kaine Celebrate Bill Renaming Charlottesville Post Office After Captain Khan Becoming Law", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine celebrated that the bill to rename a Charlottesville post office as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office was signed into lawtoday.U .S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, a graduate of the University of Virginia, was born on September 9, 1976, and died on June 8, 2004, while in service to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.He was killed by an improvised explosive device outside of his base in Baqubah, Iraq.His efforts that morning saved the lives of more than one hundred soldiers.\r\nCaptain Khan is revered not only in Charlottesville, but across the nation,the Senators said.With the dedicationof this post office, we're showing the Khan family that we're forever grateful forhis service and sacrifice for our country.\r\nThe United States Postal Service (USPS) facility is located at 180 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. The bill, introduced by Congressman Tom Garrett, cleared the House unanimously on November 29thand passed the Senate on December 12th. In early December, Warner and Kainewrote to theChair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Senate Committee that overseesUSPS, voicing their support for renaming the post office.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1134", "Beyer and Wittman Introduce Legislation To Protect Federal Workers Pay As Government Shutdown Looms", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) today will introduce the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act, legislation to guarantee back pay to furloughed workers in the event of a government shutdown. Funding for the federal government expires at midnight tomorrow.\r\nWe do not want a government shutdown, but if it comes our bill would protect federal workers from the worst of the consequences, said Rep. Beyer. This legislation is designed to shield civil servants, who need to support their families, from the disastrous effects of failure to agree on a measure to fund the government. We hope it will not be needed, but time is running out and the current outlook is not good.\r\nThe bill currently has 66 bipartisan cosponsors.\r\n\"Federal employees should not be penalized for Congress' inability to get its job done on time,\" Rep. Wittman said. \"This legislation sends a clear signal to our federal workers that they will not be harmed in the unfortunate event of a shutdown. While this legislation would minimize the impacts of funding uncertainty, my focus remains on returning Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\"\r\nTogether the two Virginia Congressmen represent nearly 120,000 federal employees.\r\nA shutdown would temporarily suspend paychecks for federal employees in affected agencies, and retroactive pay for federal workers must be approved by Congress. The Beyer-Wittman legislation would guarantee that no federal employees would lose pay if a government shutdown occurs. Similar legislation was passed to pay civil servants in the wake of the government shutdown in early 2018.\r\nText of the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-passage-of-first-step-act", "Scott Statement on Passage of First Step Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the First Step Act of 2018:\nOur criminal justice system is long overdue for significant and comprehensive reform. For far too long, policymakers have chosen to play politics by enacting so-called tough on crime' slogans and soundbites, such as three strikes and you're out,' mandatory minimum sentencing,' and even rhymes such as, you do the adult crime, you do the adult time.' These policies may sound appealing, but their impact ranges from a negligible reduction in crime to an actual increase in crime. A better policy has always been to follow evidence and research to reduce crime and save money.\nI voted in favor of the First Step Act when it was first considered in the House in May of this year, despite my concerns with the process. I commend Representatives Jeffries and Collins for incorporating several provisions that I have advocated for over the last several congresses. These include fixing the calculation of good time credits, improving the auditing process for enforcing the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), prohibiting the shackling of pregnant and post-partum women, expanding the use and transparency of compassionate release for terminally ill prisoners, and requiring the Bureau of Prisons to house prisoners closer to home so they can maintain ties to their family and community. The bill also makes significant new investments in programs designed to reduce recidivism.\nThe bill before us today includes several sentencing reform provisions that were not included in the House bill, but have been proposed in the Sentencing Reform Act and the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act in this and the last session of Congress. Some of the sentencing provisions are long overdue. The bill finally makes retroactive the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, legislation that I authored in the House and that was signed into law by President Obama that finally reduced the crack-power cocaine sentencing disparity from 100-1 to 18-1. The Senate additions also include an overdue reauthorization of the Second Chance Act of 2007, which I proudly helped author with my friend and colleague Congressman Danny Davis of Illinois that was signed into law by President George W. Bush.\nIn spite of all of the good work on the bill, the lack of extensive hearings and a meaningful CBO score make it impossible to fully analyze the impact of the bill. For example, the bill appears to create a meaningful reduction in incarceration and recidivism, yetthe CBO score shows an overall increase in federal spending over ten years. Previous CBO scores of many crime bills have shown significant federal budget savings, so the CBO score on this bill raises questions about the impact of expansions of mandatory minimums in some parts of the bill. However, I agree with advocates and proponents of the legislation who argue that on balance the bill does more good than harm. But that's the problem when we rush criminal justice reform legislation to the floor without hearings and a full vetting and impact analysis of each provision.\nIt is clear that this bill will help some, but it is also clear that the bill may actually make our system less just and fair for others. I decided to vote for this legislation, but I hope that in the new year and with a new Congress we can revisit some of these problematic provisions and actually advance legislation that is based on evidence and research and will address the injustices in our justice system and truly reduce mass incarceration.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1532", "Connolly Joins Beyer and Wittman to Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Employee Pay During Shutdown", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Vice Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, joined Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) in introducing the Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act. This legislation would guarantee back pay to furloughed federal employees during a potential shutdown. The bill currently has 66 bipartisan cosponsors. Federal employees shouldn't be held hostage by the President for a wall we were promised Mexico would pay for, said Congressman Gerry Connolly. Our bipartisan legislation will protect federal workers if the President moves forward with his reckless promise to shut down the government, and ensure they do not lose pay. We do not want a government shutdown, but if it comes our bill would protect federal workers from the worst of the consequences, said Rep. Beyer. This legislation is designed to shield civil servants, who need to support their families, from the disastrous effects of failure to agree on a measure to fund the government. We hope it will not be needed, but time is running out and the current outlook is not good. \"Federal employees should not be penalized for Congress' inability to get its job done on time,\" Rep. Wittman said. \"This legislation sends a clear signal to our federal workers that they will not be harmed in the unfortunate event of a shutdown. While this legislation would minimize the impacts of funding uncertainty, my focus remains on returning Congress to a regular schedule of budgeting and passing appropriations bills.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-installation-seec-vice-chair", "McEachin Statement on Installation as SEEC Vice-Chair", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement following his installation as a Vice-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC):\nScientific reports, record breaking natural disasters, and my constituents  especially our courageous young people  have made it crystal-clear: the time to act on climate is now. As members of SEEC's leadership team, we will take bold steps together to address our climate crisis. We will encourage our national transition to a clean energy economy; promote the creation of well-paying green jobs; and advocate for strong environmental protections, all while fighting to address long-standing environmental injustices. I am confident that in the new Democratic Majority, SEEC members will help lead our colleagues and our country toward a more sustainable future. I am excited and honored to be part of the leadership that will help make that happen.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mceachin-recovered-500000-constituents-successfully-resolved-1000-cases", "Rep. McEachin Recovered $500,000 for Constituents, Successfully Resolved 1,000 Cases in First Term", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, Va.  As his first term in Congress comes to an end, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) proudly announced that his office has successfully resolved 1,000 individual constituent issues with federal agencies resulting in the successful recovery of more than $500,000.00 for constituents of the 4th Congressional District of Virginia. The resolved cases involved work with a wide range of federal departments and agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of State.\nMy office works diligently every day to advocate on behalf of our constituents and resolve issues when possible. I could not be prouder of the work my staff and I have accomplished in returning more than half of one million dollars to the people of the 4th Congressional District in our first term, said Congressman Donald McEachin. Although our federal agencies are designed to serve the American people, there are instances when constituents struggle to get the results they need. That is when my office can work directly with a federal agency liaison on their behalf. We look forward to continuing our service to constituents in the 116th Congress.\nCongressman Donald McEachin has served as a steadfast advocate for his constituents by working with government partners at the federal, state, and local levels.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-resignation-of-secretary-mattis", "Kaine Statement On Resignation Of Secretary Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On Resignation Of Secretary Mattis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement on the resignation of Secretary of Defense James Mattis:\r\nSecretary Mattis has served this country with distinction and honor for nearly five decades. He is one of the finest public servants I have worked with in 24 years in public life. Mattis protects this nation against the worst instincts of a President who puts our national security at risk. His announced departure should alarm every American.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/president-signs-compromise-farm-bill-that-legalizes-industrial-hemp-production", "President Signs Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 20, 2018\n\t\t\t President Signs Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Legislation includes other Warner-Kaine priorities to increase Chesapeake Bay clean-up funding, protect Va. agricultural products, prevent animal abuse, and fund SNAP ~\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, President Trump signed into law a compromise package that includes Virginia priorities championed by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA). These include an increase in funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protections for Virginia agricultural products, increased protections to prevent animal abuse, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2018 Farm Bill also includes a Warner-Kaine sponsored measure to legalizeindustrial hempproduction, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia but which the agriculture industry cannot currently grow for commercial use.\r\nWe are proud this bipartisan legislation finally ending a ban that has held back our farmers from participating in the emerging industrial hemp market has been signed into law. This is an industry that will help bring new business to Virginia and create new jobs, said the Senators. This compromise bill is a big win for Virginia, adding measures to expand successful Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protect Virginia commodities like dairy and cotton, and maintain funding for a nutrition assistance program that Virginia families depend on.\r\nWarner and Kaine's priorities for Virginia in the 2018 Farm Bill include:\r\n \r\nHemp Farming Act: a bill that would remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity. States would be given authority to regulate hemp, and hemp researchers will be able to apply for USDA grants. Hemp farmers would also be eligible to collect crop insurance under this provision. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized industrial hemp to be made available for agricultural research purposes. Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University have been active in hemp research in recent years. However, Congress must act in order to legalize hemp production for commercial purposes. Hemp is distinct from marijuana in that it has a miniscule concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and thus no narcotic capability. The plant is estimated to be used in more than 25,000 products spanning agriculture, textiles, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverages, paper, construction materials, and personal care.\r\nChesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act: a bill which makes technical changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) intended to bring more federal conservation funding into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Farm Bill triples mandatory funding for RCPP from $100 million to $300 million providing farmers with the tools they need to implement effective conservation practices within the Bay watershed. These changes will improve sustainability across the region and result in a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.\r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI): includes a technical change to the HFFI program that would allow both retailers and enterprises to be eligible for loans and grants under HFFI. Currently, only brick-and-mortar operations are able to receive funding through the HFFI program. This technical change could allow more non-traditional food access projects  such as mobile markets, farmers markets, and food banks to access HFFI funds. These changes closely follow Sen. Warner's efforts in the Senate to eradicate food deserts. \r\nPet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act: a bill that expands existing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against a victim's pet, and provides grant funding to programs that offer shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets. The Farm Bill authorizes $3 million a year for FY2019-2023 for a grant program that will provide emergency and transitional housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets.\r\n \r\nIn the wake of President Trump's ongoingtrade war, the Farm Bill also includes a significant investment in trade promotion programs and activities. Trade Promotion is used by the United States to pursue trade agreements that support and create U.S. jobs while helping American manufacturers, service providers, farmers, and ranchers increase U.S. exports and compete in a highly competitive, globalized economy.\r\nIn addition, the bill includes measures to protect the U.S. dairy and cotton industry. It streamlines a program that allows dairy producers to insure marginsthe difference between the prices of milk and feedand increases its funding. The bill also makes cotton once again eligible to participate in federal crop insurance programs, which are used by farmers to protect themselves against either the loss of their crops due to natural disasters, or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. Livestock producers will also receive assistance through a new program that will give USDA the authority to operate a disease and disaster prevention program and a vaccine bank, including for foot and mouth disease. The bill also reauthorizes full funding to help vulnerable Virginia families put food on the table through SNAP.\r\nFor more information on the 2018 Farm Bill, clickhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/president-signs-compromise-farm-bill-that-legalizes-industrial-hemp-production", "President Signs Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, President Trump signed into law a compromise package that includes Virginia priorities championed by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA). These include an increase in funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protections for Virginia agricultural products, increased protections to prevent animal abuse, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2018 Farm Bill also includes a Warner-Kaine sponsored measure to legalizeindustrial hempproduction, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia but which the agriculture industry cannot currently grow for commercial use.\r\nWe are proud this bipartisan legislation finally ending a ban that has held back our farmers from participating in the emerging industrial hemp market has been signed into law. This is an industry that will help bring new business to Virginia and create new jobs, said the Senators. This compromise bill is a big win for Virginia, adding measures to expand successful Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protect Virginia commodities like dairy and cotton, and maintain funding for a nutrition assistance program that Virginia families depend on.\r\nWarner and Kaine's priorities for Virginia in the 2018 Farm Bill include:\r\n \r\nHemp Farming Act: a bill that would remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity. States would be given authority to regulate hemp, and hemp researchers will be able to apply for USDA grants. Hemp farmers would also be eligible to collect crop insurance under this provision. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized industrial hemp to be made available for agricultural research purposes. Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University have been active in hemp research in recent years. However, Congress must act in order to legalize hemp production for commercial purposes. Hemp is distinct from marijuana in that it has a miniscule concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and thus no narcotic capability. The plant is estimated to be used in more than 25,000 products spanning agriculture, textiles, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverages, paper, construction materials, and personal care.\r\nChesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act: a bill which makes technical changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) intended to bring more federal conservation funding into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Farm Bill triples mandatory funding for RCPP from $100 million to $300 million providing farmers with the tools they need to implement effective conservation practices within the Bay watershed. These changes will improve sustainability across the region and result in a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.\r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI): includes a technical change to the HFFI program that would allow both retailers and enterprises to be eligible for loans and grants under HFFI. Currently, only brick-and-mortar operations are able to receive funding through the HFFI program. This technical change could allow more non-traditional food access projects  such as mobile markets, farmers markets, and food banks to access HFFI funds. These changes closely follow Sen. Warner's efforts in the Senate to eradicate food deserts. \r\nPet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act: a bill that expands existing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against a victim's pet, and provides grant funding to programs that offer shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets. The Farm Bill authorizes $3 million a year for FY2019-2023 for a grant program that will provide emergency and transitional housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets.\r\n \r\nIn the wake of President Trump's ongoingtrade war, the Farm Bill also includes a significant investment in trade promotion programs and activities. Trade Promotion is used by the United States to pursue trade agreements that support and create U.S. jobs while helping American manufacturers, service providers, farmers, and ranchers increase U.S. exports and compete in a highly competitive, globalized economy.\r\nIn addition, the bill includes measures to protect the U.S. dairy and cotton industry. It streamlines a program that allows dairy producers to insure marginsthe difference between the prices of milk and feedand increases its funding. The bill also makes cotton once again eligible to participate in federal crop insurance programs, which are used by farmers to protect themselves against either the loss of their crops due to natural disasters, or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. Livestock producers will also receive assistance through a new program that will give USDA the authority to operate a disease and disaster prevention program and a vaccine bank, including for foot and mouth disease. The bill also reauthorizes full funding to help vulnerable Virginia families put food on the table through SNAP.\r\nFor more information on the 2018 Farm Bill, clickhere.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-warner-praises-final-passage-of-ashanti-alert-act", "Sen. Warner Praises Final Passage of Ashanti Alert Act", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) praised final passage in Congress of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that will create a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64. Currently, the U.S. does not have an alert system for missing adults. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nThe Ashanti Alert Act is named after Ashanti Billie, the 19-year-old who was abducted in Norfolk, Va. on September 18, 2017. Her body was discovered in North Carolina 11 days after she was first reported missing. At the time of Ashanti's abduction, she was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert. The Ashanti Alert, like the other alert systems, would notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, through a national communications network to assist law enforcement in the search.\r\nIn the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, Meltony and Brandy Billie did something extraordinary: they channeled grief into a determination that other families would be spared the anguish of losing a loved one like they did Ashanti. Though no one can ever erase their pain, I hope it comforts them now to know that Ashanti's death will not have been in vain, said Sen. Warner. Ashanti's memory will carry on in the lives that will be saved through this new alert system.\r\nIf you knew Ashanti, then you knew that you had a friend. I have said often that she never met a stranger. Though it has been hard coping with her leaving me, her earthly father, I have great joy knowing that she is with her heavenly Father and one day we will see one another again. I am eternally grateful for her lifea life well livedbecause through the Ashanti Alert Act lives will be saved, said Meltony Billie, father of Ashanti Billie. I thank my family for carrying me when I began to weaken, I want to thankMichael Muhammad, Kimberly Wimbish, Attorney Don Scott, Delegate Jay Jones and his team, Congressman Scott Taylor and his team, Senator Mark Warner and his team, and I dare not forget about the Hampton Roads Community, and everyone who has being praying for my family.\r\nWe are elated that this legislation has been enacted. Just because my daughter's life was tragically cut short, that doesn't mean that my time as a mother, her mother is over; far from it. This federal legislation, the Ashanti AlertAct, is the first step in my current journey without my daughter by my side. The Ashanti Alert will be a beacon of hope for those that have a loved one deemed as missing under questionable circumstances. Our dream is to bring as many as possible of those missing back home safely, said Brandy Billie, mother of Ashanti Billie. I feel that Ashanti has been an angel watching not only over me, but guiding all those that have helped us. From day one the local community in the Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, Norfolk area have welcomed us as family and helped in our search for our daughter, and we say thank you. To our team Michael Muhammad, Don Scott and Kim Wimbish who have never left our side since day one, we say thank you. To all law enforcement and FBI personnel, we say thank you. To all the news outlets that have kept her story alive, we say thank you. To Delegate Jay Jones, Congressman Scott Taylor and Senator Mark Warner, we say thank you. Through the prayer, determination, and work of such a diverse village, the Ashanti Alert Act has come to be and will save lives.\r\nThis law will save lives. It closes a glaring gap in our present alert system. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Mark Warner on the Ashanti Alert Act and championed its quick passage through Congress. This law will create a real-time alert system for missing adults, providing vital information to first responders and helping save lives, said Blumenthal. Ashanti's family should be commended for sharing her story, and turning their grief and loss into meaningful action. Their strength and advocacy will help prevent other families from going through similar tragedies, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Sen. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, teamed up with Sen. Warner on this legislation after hearing from Ashanti's cousin, Connecticut State Representative Patricia Billie Miller.\r\nThe NAACP is proud to support this crucial legislation, the Ashanti Alert Act, said Mr. Hilary O. Shelton, the Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy. We are grateful to Senator Warner and Congressman Taylor for taking the lead and filling in a gap in our Nation's safety protections. Upon implementation of this law, we will be expanding the Amber Alert system, which has proven to be an effective tool, to include a demographic that is currently missing from its protections, those between the ages of 18 and 65.\r\nWe are grateful to Senator Warner for working with the FOP to improve this legislation to make Ashanti Alerts an effective tool for law enforcement and the public. Without his leadership, I do not think this bill would have gotten through the Congress, said Chuck Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order of Police.\r\n\"Virginia led the way this past legislative session by implementing a law focused on enhancing a vital component of public safety - the Amber and Senior Alert systems,\" said Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. \"Delegate Jay Jones spearheaded an effort to create an Amber Alert-like system for \"critically missing\" adults, upon hearing the heartbreaking story of a family whose 19 year old daughter went missing in the Norfolk area. Amber Alerts and Endangered Missing Child Media Alerts are for missing persons under the age 18; and Senior Alerts are issued for persons 60 years of age or older. This leaves a gap for adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years old. The 'Ashanti Alert', named after Ashanti Billie would address an important demographic of the population, and ensure that timely and efficient messaging is delivered to residents across Virginia to aid in search efforts. This law is a step in the right direction to ensuring a safer Commonwealth for all her residents.\"\r\nSenator Warner's Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 will help ensure that law enforcement has the information necessary to swiftly recover missing persons and accurately inform the general public about breaking news of a missing or endangered adult, said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. NAPO believes that the establishment of a stand-alone Ashanti Alert Network will help prevent horrible tragedies like case of Ashanti Billie. We support the Ashanti Alert Act and thank Senator Warner for working with us on this important legislation.\r\nThe Ashanti Alert is long overdue, said Camille Cooper, Director Government Affairs, The National Association to PROTECT Children. For decades, emphasis has been on finding missing children, while missing endangered adults has largely been ignored. With increases in human trafficking, murder and intimate partner violence, it's time that the national crisis of women disappearing and being subjected to violence is met with the urgency it deserves.\r\nIn June, Gov. Northam signed into law legislation introduced by Del. Jay Jones creating a statewide Ashanti Alert system in Virginia. In September, the House of Representatives unanimously passed its version of the Ashanti Alert Act, which was introduced by outgoing Congressman Scott Taylor. After the House billin its original formwas blocked from passing in the Senate, Sen. Warner worked with his colleagues to make modifications to the bill to allow for its eventual passage by unanimous consent in that chamber. This version of the bill has now passed the House and will head to the President's desk for signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/vice-chairman-warner-on-doj-chinese-hacking-indictment", "Vice Chairman Warner on DOJ Chinese Hacking Indictment", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the below statement after the Department of Justiceannouncedcharges against two hackers associated with the Chinese government:\r\nThe Department of Justice, and in particular Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, should be congratulated for their work on this announcement.DOJ's recent moves to hold China accountable are important inexposing some of the threats posed by China as it attempts to pursue economic and technological dominance over the United States.\r\nWhile legal action is important, a truly effective response will require a coordinated approach with our allies and a comprehensive strategy to protect our national security and enhance U.S. competitiveness and resiliency. We have to punch back against China's malign activities  but we also have to do more than play defense if we're going to truly check China's bad behavior.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-bill-to-combat-alzheimers-disease-will-become-law", "Kaine Bill to Combat Alzheimer's Disease Will Become Law", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Bill to Combat Alzheimer's Disease Will Become Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, praised the House of Representatives' passage of legislation he introduced with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) called theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act.This bill will build out the systems necessary to create a public health infrastructure to combat Alzheimer's disease and promote brain health. The legislation cleared the Senate unanimously on December 12th and will now head to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nMy family, like nearly 150,000 Virginia families, knows what it's like to have a loved one with Alzheimer's. As I've shared my story, it seems as though every colleague I have in the Senate and everybody I talk to out in the community has an Alzheimer's story that's very close to them,Kaine said. The numberof people who have Alzheimer's in this countryis alreadyhuge,andit's frighteningtolook at what the projections are in the next ten or twenty years. I'mproudthat this bipartisan bill will help strengthen the public health response to Alzheimer's so we can provide much-needed relief to those affected by this devastating disease now and in the years to come.\r\nMore than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. In 2018, the United States will spend $277 billion, including $186 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, to care for those with Alzheimer's. The number of Americans with Alzheimer's is expected to nearly triple to almost 14 million by 2050, costing the nation as much as $1.1 trillion.\r\nThis legislation would apply a public health approach to Alzheimer's disease by establishing a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias. Coordinated primarily by the Centers of Disease and Prevention (CDC), it would establish:\r\n \r\nAlzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellencededicated to promoting effective Alzheimer's disease and caregiving interventions as well as educating public health officials, health care professionals, and the public on the most current information and research related to Alzheimer's disease, including cognitive decline, brain health, and health disparities.\r\nCooperative Agreementsawarded to State, Local, and Tribal Health Departments to develop and carry out evidence-based Alzheimer's interventions, including supporting early detection and diagnosis, reducing the risk of potentially avoidable hospitalizations, improving caregiver support and care planning, among others.\r\nImproved Data Analysis and Timely Reportingthat would help ensure that data on Alzheimer's, such as cognitive decline, caregiving, and health disparities are analyzed and disseminated to the public in a timely manner.\r\n \r\nIn addition to Kaine and Collins, the bill is also sponsoredby Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and cosponsored by a total of 58Senators. The legislation issupported by 183 organizations and individuals, including the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, and Maria Shriver, founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.\r\nRepresentatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives, which is cosponsored by 251 members.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-warner-on-sec-s-adoption-of-a-transaction-fee-pilot-for-nms-stocks", "Sen. Warner on SEC's Adoption of a Transaction Fee Pilot For NMS Stocks", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment, released the following statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a transaction fee pilot for National Market System (NMS) stocks to test the effects of maker-taker fee models on order routing and execution quality. The pilot program will create two test groups, one that bans rebates and linked pricing with another that tests a fee cap of $0.0010:\r\nI've long urged the SEC to take the step it has taken today, and I'm heartened to see the SEC adopt this pilot. It's time we get this data to better understand stock exchange transaction-based fees and rebates so we can make sure our market structure is benefiting Main Street investors.\r\nUnder the maker-taker pricing model, securities exchanges pay rebates to brokers that send bids and offers not intended for immediate execution, in the hopes of incentivizing liquidity in the market. Brokers who immediately execute their orders pay fees, which offset the rebates paid to brokers who create liquidity by not immediately executing their orders. However, this model has come under Congressional scrutiny aftera 2013 studyfound evidence it created a conflict of interest for brokers  who may be incentivized to send orders that generate the largest rebate for the broker, rather than the best trade for the client.\r\nSince 2014, Sen. Warner has been raising concerns about the maker-taker model. In April 2016, Sen. Warner and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)wrote to the SECexpressing support for a pilot program to study the effects of rebates on U.S. equity markets. In July 2017,Warner wroteto newly-appointed SEC Chairman Jay Clayton and called for pursuing the full elimination of [maker-taker] rebates.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-warner-votes-for-criminal-justice-reform", "Sen. Warner Votes for Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today cast his vote in support ofbipartisan legislation that would reform the federal criminal justice system.\r\nWhile this measure is not a cure-all for the problems that plague our criminal justice system, this is an overdue step to improve a system that still imprisons too many people  particularly people of color  for committing nonviolent crimes. Instead, this bill will allow law enforcement to redirect taxpayer resources toward catching and punishing dangerous and violent criminals,said Sen. Warner.\r\nTheFirst Step Act, a bipartisan bill to lower the recidivism rate and reduce sentences for certain nonviolent offenders, tonight passed the Senate in an overwhelmingly bipartisanvote. The compromise legislation has support from a broad range of Democrats and Republicans, including President Trump, and has been endorsed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police (the nation's largest police group),as well as the National District Attorneys Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Governors Association.\r\nSome of the changes included theFirst Step Actinclude:\r\n \r\nUnder the bill, offenders who are deemed to be at low risk to commit more crimes will be given incentives to reduce their sentences and access to evidence-based programs (like drug treatment) to better prepare them to return to their neighborhoods and become productive members of the community.\r\nThe bill also contains a number of sentencing reforms: for instance, it gives federal judges more discretion in sentencing low-level non-violent offenders who cooperate with the government, so that the sentence truly fits the crime. It also reduces some mandatory minimums, and makes sure that only repeat offenders are subjected to the harshest forms of sentencing, as Congress intended.\r\nAnd for a long time, the law disproportionately targeted African Americans by punishing possession of crack cocaine at a much higher level than powder cocaine. Under this bill, those who are serving sentences under those old, outdated federal laws can petition for sentence reductions  if they have a record of good behavior, and meet other qualifications.\r\n \r\nThe legislation now heads to the House of Representatives, which earlier this year passed a similar bill in a broad bipartisan vote.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-intel-statement-on-treasury-department-s-sanctions-on-oleg-deripaska-companies", "Senate Intel Statement on Treasury Departments Sanctions on Oleg Deripaska, Companies", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on the Treasury Department'sannouncementthat it intends to delist companies owned by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska amid restructuring and corporate governance changes:\r\n\r\nToday's announcement, which comes as a result of negotiated changes to the En+ corporate structure, does not change the fact that Mr. Deripaska, his employees, and his companies work at Vladimir Putin's behest and operate as de facto representatives of the Russian government - a government that has occupied and intimidated its neighbors, sought to disrupt free and fair elections, violated nuclear treaties, and continued to wage influence campaigns to undermine western democracies, including our own. While the Treasury Department has made great strides in reducing Mr. Deripaska's ownership state in En+ and making beneficial changes to the corporate governance, this deal will require constant monitoring to ensure that neither Mr. Deripaska nor the Russian government violate the terms of the agreement. The addition of Victor Boyarkin, one of Mr. Deripaska's key lieutenants, to the sanctions list will help counter some of Russia's malign influence efforts, and is a welcome step. We will continue monitoring these sanctions' effects, and to hold accountable those who would violate them.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-unanimously-passes-warner-backed-bill-to-ensure-veterans-receive-full-housing-benefits", "Senate Unanimously Passes Warner-Backed Bill to Ensure Veterans Receive Full Housing Benefits", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate unanimously passed theForever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, bipartisan legislation backed by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits.\r\nThousands of Virginia veterans and their families depend on Forever GI Bill housing benefits while pursuing higher education. But the VA has dropped the ball in carrying out the law as Congress intended,said Sen. Warner.Now that this bill has passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, it's time to get this bill through the House and swiftly signed into law so that veterans can receivethe full housing benefits they rightfully earned and deserve.\r\nThe Forever GI Bill that was signed into law in July 2017 included changes to how veteran housing benefits are calculated. However, because of missteps in updating their IT systems combined with a lack of internal processes, the VA has failed to provide timely or accurate payments as set by the Forever GI Bill. Delayed or insufficient VA payments have forced many student veterans into difficult financial circumstances. However, the VA has indicated that it will be more than a year before it will be able to correctly calculate veterans' housing allowance under the Forever GI Bill.\r\nTheForever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Actwould require the VA to:\r\n \r\nEnd improper payments as soon as possible;\r\nEstablish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error;\r\nProvide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and\r\nCertify the department is fully compliant with the law.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe legislation is also sponsored by Sens. John Boozman (R-AR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).\r\nLast month, Sen. Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA)sent a letterto Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, calling on the VA to immediately address the lack of timely payments to veterans.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-urge-congressional-leaders-to-include-miners-priorities-in-end-of-year-legislation", "Warner & Kaine Urge Congressional Leaders to Include Miners' Priorities in End-of-Year Legislation", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are urging congressional leadership to include in end-of-year legislation an extension of the coal excise tax at current levels for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, the addition of orphan miners from 2018 bankruptcies into the Coal Act, and a permanent fix to ensure the solvency of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan.\r\nOur nation's coal miners made a commitment to provide our nation with the energy we needed to power our nation to prosperity and they risked their health and lives to do so. Now is not the time to pull back on funding or abandon our miners in their hour of need. It is time for us to keep our full promise to them and ensure their benefits are not lost,the Senators wrote in a letter to Senate and House leaders.\r\nIn addition to Sens. Warner and Kaine, the letter was signed by Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Bob Casey (D-PA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and U.S. Reps. Matt Cartwright, Conor Lamb, Mike Doyle, Marcia Fudge, Wm. Lacy Clay, Bennie Thompson and Brenda Lawrence.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine are strong advocates for coal miners and their families. In August, they introduced andpassed into lawlegislation to improve early detection and treatment of black lung disease among coal miners. Last year, they successfully fought to permanently protect more than 10,000 retired coal miners and their families in Virginia who were in danger of losing their health benefits. Sens. Warner and Kaine are also leading sponsors of theBlack Lung Benefits Improvement Actto ensure black lung claims are processed fairly and quickly, and of theAmerican Miners Pension Act, which would protect the pensions of more than 7,000 retired Virginia coal miners who are in danger of losing their benefits if the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan becomes insolvent.\r\n\r\nThe full text of the letter to congressional leadership is availablehereand below:\r\n\r\nDear Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi:\r\nWe write to ask you to include key assistance for our nation's miners in end-of-year legislation. Our nation's coal miners have done the heavy lifting for our country and, yet, they continually are burdened with fighting for the health care and retirement benefits they have earned over lifetimes of back-breaking work. We urge you to include an extension of the coal excise tax for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, the addition of orphan miners from 2018 bankruptcies into the Coal Act, and a permanent fix to ensure the solvency of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan.\r\nMore than 25,000 coal miners and their dependents rely on the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to pay for critical medical treatment and basic expenses. These miners dedicated years to working in the coal mines, providing energy for our nation, and are now facing the devastation of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, or black lung disease, caused by inhaling coal mine dust. After their years of service, it is our responsibility to ensure that they have the care and support that they need. Black lung is a devastating disease. One pulmonologist described it as suffocating while alive. And it is only getting worse. We are seeing more and more cases of black lung  particularly the worst form of the disease  and we are seeing it in younger and younger miners who have spent less time in the mines. That is why we urge you to extend the coal excise tax at current levels before the end of the year. This important tax, which is set to decrease by 55% without Congressional action, funds the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. If the tax is not extended, this already indebted Trust Fund could face borrowing costs of more than $15 billion by 2050.\r\nCoal company bankruptcies continue to devastate our coal communities, often leaving coal miners without the benefits they were promised. Due to 2018 coal company bankruptcies, there are approximately 1,200 miners and dependents who will be left without health care in the coming months. It is imperative that Congress act to ensure these coal miners' health benefits are protected.\r\nAnd, we continue to seek a fix to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan crisis  this fund was well-managed but, as a result of the 2008 financial crisis and ongoing coal bankruptcies, our nation's retired miners are at risk of losing their hard-earned pension benefits. In the last two years alone contributions have dropped by more than $100 million, leaving less than $25 million per year still coming in to the Plan.\r\nAnd, by no fault of their own, these miners are now at risk of losing the modest pensions they earned. While the average UMWA pension is less than $600 per month, these benefits are critical to so many miners and their families. We must protect the pensions of these 87,000 current beneficiaries and 20,000 more whose pensions have vested.\r\n\r\nIf the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan collapses beneficiaries and their dependents will be dropped into the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), destroying that agency and requiring the American taxpayer to foot the bill. The UMWA 1974 Plan actuaries currently expect the Plan to become insolvent in the 2022-2023 time-frame, however any market downturn will rapidly accelerate insolvency. The time to act is now.\r\nOur nation's coal miners made a commitment to provide our nation with the energy we needed to power our nation to prosperity and they risked their health and lives to do so. Now is not the time to pull back on funding or abandon our miners in their hour of need. It is time for us to keep our full promise to them and ensure their benefits are not lost.\r\nOur miners are the hardest working people in America. We look forward to working with you to ensure all of these benefits are secured and protected for our nation's miners.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-the-school-safety-commission-report", "Scott Statement on the School Safety Commission Report", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\nWASHINGTON, DC Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the release of the Trump administration's school safety commission report.\nThe Federal School Safety Commission Report is not a serious or good-faith effort to make schools safer for students and educators. The report's recommendations ignore both the research consensus and the demands of students and parents for tougher gun laws. Instead, the report promotes a longstanding, conservative agenda to undermine policies that protect students' civil rights.\nThe report makes no recommendations to address the common denominator in school tragedies  easy access to assault-style firearms designed for the battlefield. Rather than confronting the role of guns in gun violence, the Trump administration blames school shootings on civil rights enforcement  specifically the 2014 guidance that assists local school leaders in ending discrimination in discipline without jeopardizing school safety. This guidance has no connection to school shootings.\nThe 2014 guidance was issued to help address the troubling and undeniable evidence  outlined in a recent GAO report  that Black students, boys, and students with disabilities receive harsher punishments than their classmates for similar or lesser offenses. The Commission's report ignores this disparate impact and attempts to blame civil rights protections for school tragedies. This sends the message that schools are safest when they discriminate against students of color.\nWith or without the discipline guidance, the administration is legally responsible for ensuring students are free from discrimination. Congress will hold the administration accountable for meeting its obligation to fully enforce federal civil rights law and for providing fast-based justifications for the report's recommendations.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-meets-richmond-postmaster-search-solutions-constituents-issues", "McEachin Meets with Richmond Postmaster in Search of Solutions for Constituents Issues", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, VA  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04)sent a letterto Richmond Postmaster Thekkekara reiterating his concern that local United States Postal Service (USPS) representatives were unaware of many complaints regarding mail delivery in Richmond.\nDuring an in-person meeting held on Monday, Rep. McEachin personally informed Postmaster Thekkekara and members of the Richmond USPS team about the several constituent complaints he and his staff have received in the last 30 days.\nThe constituents of the 4thCongressional District deserve the best quality of service from the programs their tax dollars support. To ensure quick results for my constituents, I informed Postmaster Thekkekara directly about the outstanding number of issues we see in the Richmond area. I am pleased that our offices were able to agree on open, regular communication to achieve our shared goal for those experiencing delivery issues,said Congressman McEachin. I am hopeful that yesterday's meeting was helpful for Postmaster Thekkekara, most importantly, to help my constituents receive their mail expeditiously.\nSince the last meeting with local USPS representatives, Congressman McEachin has regularly communicated with USPS representatives at the federal and local level to advocate for mail delivery improvements across the 4thCongressional District. Constituents who continue to experience postal delivery troubles, should contact Congressman McEachin's office at (804) 486-1840 or call USPS' local complaint line directly at (804) 775-6313.\nFull letter text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-first-step-act", "Kaine Statement On Senate Passage Of Bipartisan First Step Act", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On Senate Passage Of Bipartisan First Step Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement after the Senate passed the First Step Act:\r\nRacial disparities and mandatory minimums have left countless Americans in prison fornonviolentoffenses. Passage of this compromise bill is a much-needed first step to fix the sentencing and incarceration policies that have disproportionately hurt communities of color.We should build on this success by pursuing anti-profiling and civil rights reforms to makeadditionalimprovements to our criminal justice system.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/pilot", "Virginian-Pilot Editorial: Critical need for better cyber security", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This editorial was originally published in The Virginian-Pilot on 12/18/2018\r\n\r\nMEMBERS OF Congress, other government leaders and the private sector should heed Virginia Sen. Mark Warner's call for a major overhaul of the nation's approach to cyber security.\r\nThe technology that pervades our lives on almost every level is dangerously vulnerable to hackers, and neither the government nor the private sector is making much progress toward protecting sensitive and private information.\r\nCyber security seems to be like the old saying about the weather  everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it.\r\nIn recent years, we've seen a rash of data breaches resulting in identity theft and fraudulent charges on credit cards. In 2013, a data breach at Target stores exposed 41 million customer payment cards. More recently, data breaches have exposed the personal data of millions of customers of the Marriott hotel chain and millions of people whose information was on file with Equifax, the giant credit-reporting company. The list of breaches goes on, with many smaller-scale security lapses causing problems for people but not making headlines.\r\nThen there are the hacking attacks on social media, which range from mildly annoying to downright sinister, such as the Russian efforts to spread false information during our 2016 presidential campaign.\r\nEven more alarming are the threats to national security, including the potential for cyber attacks on critical defense systems. The United States' heavy use of technology and the Internet means it has highly sophisticated tools, but it also means it is especially vulnerable to cyber attacks. As home to some of the nation's most important military installations, Hampton Roads and other areas of Virginia have a special interest in beefing up security.\r\nWarner has good reason to be concerned, not only because he represents Virginia, but also as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. With U.S. Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, the committee chairman, he's leading the Senate's investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.\r\nIn a recent speech, Warner pointed out that despite lots of committee meetings and other talk, the government has failed to come up with a strong, workable plan to defend the country against cyber attacks and efforts to spread disinformation.\r\nAmong other measures, he called for more investment in cyber security at the Pentagon. He also criticized the Trump administration for cuts to cyber offices at the White House and the State Department.\r\nDeparting from the conventional governmental wisdom, Warner called for outlining predetermined responses to cyber attacks mounted by other nations, such as sanctions and even military action in extreme cases.\r\nThere will be differences of opinion and room for debate, but Warner reminds us that every day without action is another day at risk.\r\nMeanwhile, a new report in the House of Representatives suggests interest in cyber security there as well, even as it makes clear some of the major obstacles.\r\nThe investigations panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which tackled the problem after the data breach at Target five years ago, issued a report with suggestions for the Democratic majority that will take over next year. The fact that the committee has been working since 2013 with few results speaks volumes.\r\nThe report warns that making changes will be difficult because so much of the Internet is owned by the private sector, but any successful approach must include government leadership. So far, government and industry have shied away from regulations that would require better cyber security in private business.\r\nThe report suggests some strategies, such as creating incentives to encourage consumers to abandon aged, insecure technology more quickly. That's a real problem when expensive devices are rapidly outdated.\r\nThe House committee talked about coming up with a holistic approach to cyber security.\r\nIt should be clear to everyone that we're all in this together  private citizens, tech companies, social media, government, the military. We're all vulnerable to annoying hackers and more sinister cyber attacks, and we all need better defenses.\r\nIt makes sense that government should play a leading role in developing that strong defense. It's time to move beyond endless talking and do something about cyber security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/rtd-editorial-chinese-hackers-are-stealing-us-blind-we-don-t-have-to-help-them", "RTD Editorial: Chinese hackers are stealing us blind. We don't have to help them.", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This Editorial was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 12/18/2018\r\n\r\nAccording to a news story in Friday's Wall Street Journal, Chinese hackers are breaching Navy contractors to steal everything from ship-maintenance data to missile plans, officials and experts said, triggering a top-to-bottom review of cyber vulnerabilities. While the entire Department of Defense has had its share of cyber vulnerabilities, the sea service seems to be having an especially egregious time with security breaches by its contractors. The news story says that victims have included large contractors as well as small ones, some of which are seen as lacking the resources to invest in securing their networks.\r\nThis is completely unacceptable. Last week, Sen. Mark Warner released A New Doctrine for Cyberwarfare & Information Operations. In it, he noted several notorious American intelligence failures of late and the urgency with which we need to develop a sound U.S. cyber doctrine. Warner said he believes we have entered a new era of nation-state conflict: one in which a nation projects strength less through traditional military hardware, and more through cyber and information warfare.\r\nThe senator is right. The entire nation, but especially our security, defense, and intelligence agencies, need to get deadly serious about cyber security. According to the consultancy firm Willis Tower Watson, 90 percent of all cyber claims stem from either human negligence, error, or malicious intent. We need to start holding people and organizations accountable when a security breach is caused by carelessness, ineptitude, or failure to install regular maintenance updates.\r\nAs for military contractors  if they can't guarantee cybersecurity, they should not be granted a contract. If small contractors don't have the resources to protect their networks, they shouldn't be bidding for jobs. Chinese hackers are stealing us blind as it is; we don't need to leave the front door wide open for them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/new-reports-shed-light-on-internet-research-agency-s-social-media-tactics", "New Reports Shed Light on Internet Research Agencys Social Media Tactics", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, third-party experts released two independent analyses of social media tactics used by Russia's Internet Research Agency (IRA) in their attempts to influence U.S. political discourse. The reports are the first comprehensive analyses of their kind conducted by entities other than social media companies themselves, and are based in part on data provided by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI).\r\nThe reports, titled The Tactics and Tropes of the Internet Research Agency and The IRA and Political Polarization in the United States, 2015-2017, were authored by New Knowledge, and University of Oxford and Graphika, respectively.\r\nStatement from Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC):\r\nIncreasingly, we've seen how social media platforms intended to foster open dialogues can be usedby hostile foreign actors seeking to manipulate and subvert public opinion. This newly released data demonstrates how aggressively Russia sought to divide Americans by race, religion and ideology, and how the IRA actively worked to erode trust in our democratic institutions. Most troublingly, it shows that these activities have not stopped. As we work to address these threats, these reports are proof positive that one of the most important things we can do is increase information sharing between the social media companies who can identify disinformation campaigns and the third-party experts who can analyze them.\r\n\r\nStatement from Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA):\r\nThese reports demonstrate the extent to which the Russians exploited the fault lines of our society to divide Americans in an attempt to undermine and manipulate our democracy. These attacks against our country were much more comprehensive, calculating and widespread than previously revealed. This should stand as a wake up call to us all that none of us are immune from this threat, and it is time to get serious in addressing this challenge. That is going to require some much-needed and long-overdue guardrails when it comes to social media. I hope these reports will spur legislative action in the Congress and provide additional clarity to the American public about Russia's assault on our democracy.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe third-party reports released today are based in part on data provided by the Committee under its Technical Advisory Group, whose members serve to provide substantive technical and expert advice on topics of importance to ongoing Committee activity and oversight. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions presented within are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Senate Intelligence Committee or its Membership.\r\nSeparate from the Technical Advisory Group, the Committee is conducting an ongoing investigation into the extent of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. As part of its investigation, the Committee has held severalopen hearingson the use of social media by foreign influence campaigns, including recent hearings with third-party experts inAugust 2018and social media company officials inSeptember 2018. The Committee will release its own report on social media with its findings as an installment of its investigation.\r\n\r\nTo read New Knowledge's report, The Tactics and Tropes of the Internet Research Agency,click here.\r\nTo read University of Oxford and Graphika's report, The IRA and Political Polarization in the United States, 2015-2017,click here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1129", "Ryan Zinke To Step Down One Day Before Dems Get Oversight Powers", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Ryan Zinke To Step Down One Day Before Dems Get Oversight Powers \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 15, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Huff Post |  \r\n\r\nInterior Secretary Ryan Zinke has often said that he's not afraid of a fight. \r\n\r\n\r\nIn an interview with Breitbart News last month, the former Montana congressman and Navy SEAL dismissed reports that his days in the Trump administration were numbered as nothing more than rumors.\r\n\r\n\r\nI've been in a lot of firefights. I don't mind getting shot at, he said. It is better to charge up a hill under fire than cower in a foxhole.  \r\n...  \r\n\r\n\r\nStepping down now may spare Zinke some embarrassment, but it will not reduce the need for oversight of the Administration's poor stewardship at Interior, Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said in a statement. Click here to read the full article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-affordable-care-act-ruling", "Kaine Statement on Affordable Care Act Ruling", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement on Affordable Care Act Ruling \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement today following the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas's ruling that the Affordable Care Act is invalid:\r\nThis is devastating news for the tens of millions of Americans who could lose their health care. Americans with a history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, an injury, or a whole host of other medical conditions who were protected under the Affordable Care Act are now at risk of losing their insurance. For the sake of all protected under the ACA, an appeals court needs to overturn this decision, and the Trump Administration needs to stop its cruel attacks on our health care.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1127", "Bonamici, Beyer Lead 96 Members in Calling on Trump to Act on Climate Change, Defend the Findings of the National Climate Assessment", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's Environment Subcommittee,and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Vice Ranking Member of the Committee,led 96 members in urging President Trump to heed the dire warnings in the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) and act on climate change. The NCA is the most comprehensive science-based evaluation of the consequences of climate change, the risks of inaction, and potential adaptation strategies for the United States to date. In a recent Washington Post interview, the President dismissed the NCA's findings. The Members call on President Trump to reverse his Administration's attacks on the environment and take climate change seriously.\r\nWe write to convey our grave concern that time is running out for the United States to work to reverse and mitigate the worst effects of a warming climate, the Members write. We ask that you heed the dire warning of the Fourth National Climate Assessment and work with us to protect the health of our planet.\r\nThe NCA adds to the overwhelming research indicating that the consequences of inaction on climate change will be serious and swift. According to the NCA, without intervention, we will see record heat waves, more acidic oceans, raging wildfires, rising sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather events  all in our lifetime.\r\nThe National Climate Assessment makes clear that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the only explanation for the observed global warming over the last six decades. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are now higher than at any time in the last three million years, and we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\r\nRather than ignoring the important findings of the NCA, we request that you reconsider maintaining the nation's commitment to the Paris Agreement and fully implement and enforce the Clean Power Plan, fuel economy standards, methane emission controls, and safeguards for clean air and clean water. We urge you to recognize the value of the NCA as a collaborative, peer-reviewed effort across federal agencies compiled by the nation's top scientists, and take seriously the grave warnings of the NCA by immediately enacting meaningful policies to protect the environment.\r\nYou can read a full copy of the Members' letter here and below.\r\nIn addition to Bonamici and Beyer, the letter was signed by: Ral M. Grijalva, Peter DeFazio, Zoe Lofgren, Paul D. Tonko, Gerald E. Connolly, Doris Matsui, Anna G. Eshoo, Jerry McNerney, Kathy Castor, Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, Bill Foster, Charlie Crist, Eliot L. Engel, Bobby L. Rush, Jan Schakowsky, Peter Welch, Ben Ray Lujn, Yvette D. Clarke, Scott H. Peters, Debbie Dingell, Matthew Cartwright, Alan Lowenthal, Mike Quigley, Chellie Pingree, A. Donald McEachin, Earl Blumenauer, Daniel W. Lipinski, Marcy Kaptur, Jerrold Nadler, Frederica S. Wilson, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ted Deutch, Nanette Diaz Barragn, Derek Kilmer, John Garamendi, Alcee L. Hastings, Rosa L. DeLauro, Salud Carbajal, Adam Smith, Barbara Lee, Jared Huffman, Grace F. Napolitano, Emanuel Cleaver II, Daniel T. Kildee, Jamie Raskin, Bennie G. Thompson, Mark Pocan, Sean Patrick Maloney, Dina Titus, Ted W. Lieu, Henry C. \"Hank\" Johnson, Jr., Seth Moulton, Darren Soto, Betty McCollum, Jimmy Panetta, Adam B. Schiff, Rick Larsen, James A. Himes, Susan Wild, John Yarmuth, James P. McGovern, Albio Sires, Gwen Moore, Nydia M. Velzquez, Adriano Espaillat, Brian Higgins, Terri A. Sewell, Mike Thompson, Tim Ryan, Denny Heck, Joe Courtney, Eric Swalwell, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, Stephen F. Lynch, Eleanor Holmes Norton, David N. Cicilline, Mark DeSaulnier, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Ruben Gallego, David Price, Gregory W. Meeks, J. Luis Correa, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Jos E. Serrano, Brenda L. Lawrence, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Wm. Lacy Clay, Jim Langevin, Steve Cohen, Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Judy Chu, Linda T. Snchez, Joseph Kennedy III, Thomas R. Suozzi, and Susan A. Davis.\r\nThe U.S. Global Change Research Program released the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment on a holiday weekend as part of a thinly-veiled attempt by the Administration to minimize the findings.Every day until Democrats are in the Majority in the House in January and can take meaningful action on climate change, Bonamici is sharing findings from the National Climate Assessment on Twitter.Youcanfollow alonghere.\r\nAs leaders on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Bonamici and Beyer continue to provide oversight over the Trump Administration's dismissal and disrespect of science. Earlier this year, they led 97 of their colleagues in opposing ActingAdministratorWheeler's plans to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of the Science Advisor, the Agency's independent office for scientific analysis.\r\nLetter Text:\r\nDecember 13, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\r\nPresident of the United States of America\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nWe write to convey our grave concern that time is running out for the United States to work to reverse and mitigate the worst effects of a warming climate. We ask that you heed the dire warning of the Fourth National Climate Assessment and work with us to protect the health of our planet.\r\nThe U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) released the second volume of the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA) on a holiday weekend, which appeared to be in an effort to minimize the findings. It is the most comprehensive science-based evaluation of the consequences of climate change, the risks of inaction, and potential adaptation strategies for the United States to date. The NCA adds to the overwhelming research indicating that the consequences of inaction on climate change will be serious and swift. According to the NCA, without intervention, we will see record heat waves, more acidic oceans, raging wildfires, rising sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather events  all in our lifetime.[1]\r\nThe United States has the ability and the obligation to lead the world's efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but in June of 2017 you announced plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord.[2] As a result, the United States has fallen far behind the pledges made in the Paris Agreement and is unlikely to meet the targets set by 2025.[3] Air and water pollution do not recognize international borders. This decision weakens our standing with international allies and further endangers our planet. According to new research from the Global Carbon Project, global carbon dioxide emissions are projected to increase by 2.7 percent in 2018 alone.[4] As negotiations continue at the 24th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United States must show leadership and take meaningful steps to sharply reduce emissions.\r\nWe should be encouraging states to meet carbon emission reduction standards based on energy consumption, and we should incentivize investment in renewable energy. Fossil fuel-fired power plants, which would continue to pollute under the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Affordable Clean Energy rule, would exacerbate and accelerate the effects of climate change. Even the Agency's own analysis found that the proposed rule will have negative effects on public health, leading to as many as 1,400 additional premature deaths per year.[5] Proposals that increase emissions of dangerous pollutants and harm public health should be resoundingly rejected.\r\nAdditionally, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation have proposed regulations to roll back our greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles. Transportation is a significant source of greenhouse gas pollution in the country, and fuel economy and vehicle emissions standards are effective policies to combat climate change and avoid adverse public health risks. Climate change and hazardous air pollutants disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities, and these rules are particularly concerning for those communities.\r\nAlso, methane has the potential to warm the planet by up to 86 times as much as carbon dioxide.[6] Alarmingly, methane accounts for nearly 10 percent of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.[7] Yet recently, the EPA and the Bureau of Land Management proposed rules to weaken methane leak monitoring and repair requirements for oil and gas operations and eviscerate measures designed to reduce methane venting, flaring, and leaks from oil and gas operations on public lands. These proposals once again demonstrate that the Administration is putting special interests ahead of safeguarding public health and access to clean air and clean water.\r\nFinally, the National Climate Assessment makes clear that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the only explanation for the observed global warming over the last six decades. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are now higher than at any time in the last three million years, and we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.[8] Climate change will harm air quality by increasing ground-level ozone and particulate matter, and it will threaten water supplies.[9] Unfortunately, the EPA is also trying to weaken permitting safeguards and eliminate limits on hazardous pollutants, undermine landmark mercury and air toxic standards for power plants, and weaken a clean water rule that protects water bodies that supply drinking water to tens of millions of people.\r\nRather than ignoring the important findings of the NCA, we request that you reconsider maintaining the nation's commitment to the Paris Agreement and fully implement and enforce the Clean Power Plan, fuel economy standards, methane emission controls, and safeguards for clean air and clean water. We urge you to recognize the value of the NCA as a collaborative, peer-reviewed effort across federal agencies compiled by the nation's top scientists, and take seriously the grave warnings of the NCA by immediately enacting meaningful policies to protect the environment.\r\nSincerely,\r\n   \r\n\r\n[1] \"Fourth National Climate Assessment Summary Findings. U.S. Global Change Research Program. https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] \"Statement by President Trump on the Paris Climate Accord.\" June 1, 2017. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-trump-paris-climate-accord/\r\n\r\n\r\n[3] \"Emissions Gap Report 2018.\" United Nations Environment Programme, November 2018. http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/26895/EGR2018_FullReport_EN.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1\r\n\r\n\r\n[4] Global Carbon Budget 2018 December 5, 2018. https://www.earth-syst-sci-data.net/10/2141/2018/essd-10-2141-2018.pdf\r\n\r\n\r\n[5] \"Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Proposed Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guideline Implementing Regulations; Revisions to New Source Review Program\" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), August 2018. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-08/documents/utilities_ria_proposed_ace_2018-08.pdf\r\n\r\n\r\n[6] How Bad of a Greenhouse Gas Is Methane? Scientific American, December 22, 2015. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-bad-of-a-greenhouse-gas-is-methane/\r\n\r\n\r\n[7] \"Overview of Greenhouse Gases - Methane Emissions.\" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases\r\n\r\n\r\n[8] \"Fourth National Climate Assessment - Chapter 2: Our Changing Climate. U.S. Global Change Research Program. https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/2/\r\n\r\n\r\n[9] \"Fourth National Climate Assessment - Chapter 1: Overview. U.S. Global Change Research Program. https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/1/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-the-passage-of-bipartisan-juvenile-justice-bill", "Scott Statement on the Passage of Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Bill", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\nWASHINGTON, DC Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the top Democrat on theCommittee on Education and the Workforce, issued the following statement after the passage of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (H.R.6964), which reauthorizes and reforms the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) to help state and local leaders better serve juvenile offenders and at-risk youth.\nToday is the culmination of a multi-year, bipartisan effort to improve our juvenile justice system. Rather than setting policy based in slogans and soundbites, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act is guided by the best-available evidence and the best interests of young offenders, at-risk youth, and communities across the country.\nThis legislation strengthens each of the core protections for children in the juvenile justice system: It ensures children are treated separately  both in approach and location  than adult offenders; it shifts the focus from punishing young people to supporting them through education and programming; and it puts a spotlight on the racial disparities in our juvenile justice system. I am particularly gratified that this bill incorporates key elements of the Youth P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Act, which I have worked on over the last decade, as a way to reduce juvenile delinquency and gang involvement.\nLastly, while the bill reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) through 2020, I look forward to working with my colleagues next Congress on a full reauthorization of RHYA programs that makes needed improvements and recognizes the need for appropriate funding for such programs. I'd like to thank Chairwoman Foxx and Representative Lewis for their steadfast work in producing a bill that will change the trajectory for countless young people and strengthen our communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1527", "Connolly Leads Letter to OMB Director Mulvaney on Trump Administration's Compliance with Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney requesting a compliance report on the Trump administration's implementation of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 (FATAA; PL 114-191). Connolly was joined by FATAA co-authors Judge Ted Poe (R-TX) and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA) and Ted Yoho (R-FL), and Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance, also signed the letter. We are writing to support efforts to improve the transparency and accountability of U.S. foreign assistance, including the implementation of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016, the members wrote. With better information about U.S. aid, decision-makers, taxpayers, partner countries, and civil society have a much clearer picture of where the U.S. is spending its money, for what purpose, and with what result. The members requested additional information on progress made including:  \r\n\r\n \r\n    A list of agencies that have failed to adopt goals, performance metrics, and monitoring and evaluation plans by OMB's January 2019 deadline;\r\n    A list of agencies that have failed to publish timely, high-quality aid data;\r\n    And a full report of OMB's efforts to consolidate duplicative aid dashboards and consolidate State's ForeignAssistance.gov (FA.gov) and USAID's Foreign Aid Explorer (FAE) websites.\r\n    \r\n \r\nPlease provide all requested information and a briefing by January 12, 2019. We look forward to continuing to work with you to advance the accountability and effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid, the members concluded.We must ensure that FATAA is being properly implemented in order to maximize the impact of U.S. foreign aid, said George Ingram, MFAN Co-Chair and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Evaluation policies, high-quality data, and access to U.S. aid information will enable U.S. assistance to be more accountable and effective. The Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act, when fully implemented, will ensure our scarce foreign assistance dollars are used efficiently and effectively, said Tessie San Martin, MFAN Co-Chair and President & CEO of Plan International USA. We support the call for OMB to provide information on the progress and status of FATAA implementation. The full letter follows and is available here.  December 12, 2018 The Honorable Mick Mulvaney  \r\nDirector  \r\nOffice of Management and Budget  \r\n725 17th Street, NW  \r\nWashington, DC 20503 Dear Director Mulvaney, We are writing to support efforts to improve the transparency and accountability of U.S. foreign assistance, including the implementation of the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 (FATAA; PL 114-191).  Congress passed FATAA with overwhelming bipartisan support to increase the transparency and evaluation of U.S. foreign aid by tracking, measuring, and allocating resources for maximum impact. With better information about U.S. aid, decision-makers, taxpayers, partner countries, and civil society have a much clearer picture of where the U.S. is spending its money, for what purpose, and with what result. Furthermore, FATAA required the President to establish a high standard for agency evaluation policies to ensure a strong cross-agency commitment to monitoring and evaluating programs and to inform future projects and budgets. Now, more than two years after the enactment of this landmark legislation, we request that you provide us and the relevant congressional committees a detailed written response and a briefing on the status of FATAA and FATAA-related implementation. Please include an assessment of progress made to date, a detailed timeline for completing all outstanding elements, and what congressional action, if any, would assist with implementation and the goal of greater transparency and accountability. We are particularly interested in progress in the following areas: \tAgencies adopt strong evaluation policies. Section 3 of FATAA requires the President to establish guidelines for agency goals, performance metrics, and monitoring and evaluation plansaccording to the best practices of monitoring and evaluation. We welcome the robust guidelines published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in January, 2018. In Memorandum M-18-04, OMB encourages all agencies administering foreign assistance to put in place high-quality evaluation policies that adhere to these standards within one year  by January 11, 2019. Furthermore, OMB made a commitment to require agencies to report annually through the Budget submission process on implementation of monitoring and evaluation policies and practices related to these guidelines. We expect all agencies to comply with OMB's guidance by the January 11, 2019 deadline. We request that OMB provide us with a list of agencies that miss the deadline to establish evaluation policies, an assessment of agency adherence to this memorandum, and a timeline and plan for each covered agency's full compliance. \tAgencies publish timely, high-quality aid data. Beginning in 2012, all U.S. agencies that fund or execute foreign assistance activities have been required to meet the specific reporting requirements of OMB Bulletin 12-01.  Section 4 of FATAA continues this transparency principle by requiring covered agencies to report comprehensive, timely, and comparable information to an online, publicly available database within two years. OMB is responsible for reporting to Congress on agencies that did not fully meet these obligations, providing both an explanation and a plan for complete reporting.  According to the ForeignAssistance.gov website, there are still a number of agencies which are not fully reporting their foreign assistance activities. We request that OMB provide a list of agencies that have not submitted comprehensive information about their covered U.S. foreign assistance programs to the Secretary of State, a list of agencies whose relevant information has not been published by the Secretary of State on foreignassistance.gov, a detailed assessment of where agencies are in their transparency compliance, and a timeline and plan for each agency's full compliance.\r\n   \r\n\tAgencies consolidate duplicative aid dashboards, building on USAID's Foreign Aid Explorer platform. Section 4(d) also noted the existence of two U.S. foreign assistance platforms, State's ForeignAssistance.gov (FA.gov) and USAID's Foreign Aid Explorer (FAE). FATAA requested that, by the end of fiscal year 2018, the Secretary of State and the USAID Administrator coordinate the consolidation of processes and data collection and presentation for the two websites. That deadline has now passed. An analysis by the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network and Publish What You Fund found that the two dashboards are duplicative, contradictory, and incomplete to varying degrees. The analysis recommended that the solution build upon FAE's existing data and well-established data collection processes, and then fill in any needed functionalities and identify incomplete data. We endorse that solution. We request that OMB provide a full report on the efforts to consolidate these two websites, including any reactions to the joint analysis referenced above, and submit a plan for a consolidated dashboard as part of the President's Fiscal Year 2020 Budget request.\r\n   \r\nThank you for your prompt attention to this request. Please provide all requested information and a briefing by January 12, 2019. We look forward to continuing to work with you to advance the accountability and effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1528", "Connolly and Chabot Introduce Bipartisan Global Health Security Act", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan Global Health Security Act, which reaffirms the United States' commitment to promoting global health security. The legislation is cosponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).  The Global Health Security Act seeks to address two main issues  that U.S. global health security staffing and activities are largely reliant on an executive order and not specifically supported in law, and that the U.S. needs a permanent designated official responsible for coordinating the interagency response to a global health security emergency.  Republican and Democratic presidents alike have recognized the critical importance of global health security  from President Obama's role in launching the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) to President Trump's National Security Strategy and National Biodefense Strategy. The Global Health Security Act codifies U.S. investments in the ability to prepare for and respond to public health threats and reduce or prevent their spread across borders. In particular, this bill bolsters U.S. commitments under the Global Health Security Agenda, which is a multilateral initiative to build countries' capacity to manage infectious disease threats and elevate heath security as a global priority.   Saving lives from the next global pandemic starts with investing in preparedness before it strikes, said Rep. Gerald E. Connolly. As we've seen time and time again, diseases do not respect borders, and global health crises have immense security, economic, and humanitarian consequences. Our legislation recognizes the critical role of U.S. leadership in international health security, enshrines U.S. global health security policy in statute, and ensures that there is a permanent designated official responsible for coordinating these efforts in a strategic way. Deploying the tools to prevent diseases like Zika and Ebola from reaching America is a vital component of protecting our nation, said Rep. Steve Chabot. I am pleased to work with Congressman Connolly to introduce this legislation to provide Congressional authorization and oversight for the Administration's efforts to advance global health security. I look forward to working with him, the Trump Administration, and other stakeholders to strengthen and pass this legislation early in the 116th Congress. I believe the Global Health Security Act offers some much needed improvements in the way our country prepares for  and potentially responds to  a dangerous epidemic, said Ron Klain, former Ebola czar under the Obama Administration. It builds on the lessons learned from prior incidents, and puts in place a sound structure going forward.  Such bipartisan measures are important and should be enacted by the Congress as quickly as possible. \"The Global Health Security Act strengthens the way the US works to protect, detect, and respond to major international epidemics. It would help to codify the GHSA, bring coordination to the relevant programs across agencies, and clarify responsibility for leadership of the effort. It builds on the early successes of the GHSA,\" said Tom Inglesby, President and CEO of JHU Center for Health Security. The Global Health Security Act is endorsed by the Global Health Council, IntraHealth International, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and PATH. Text of the legislation is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-us-senate-vote-to-end-us-support-for-the-war-in-yemen", "Kaine Statement On U.S. Senate Vote To End U.S. Support For The War In Yemen", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On U.S. Senate Vote To End U.S. Support For The War In Yemen \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after the Senate voted 56-41 to cease U.S. support for the war in Yemen and passed a resolution to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi:\r\nToday the Senate showed that we won't stand by silently as the United States supports a war that's killed thousands of people and forced millions more to the brink of famine. We won't enable a President who chooses to cover up for Saudi leadership instead of standing up for American values. And we won't let Saudi Arabia get a free pass for the horrific murder of a journalist and Virginia resident.\r\nFor months, Kaine has been calling on his colleagues to vote for the bipartisan joint resolution, which he is a co-sponsor of, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis in Yemen. The resolution was introduced by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). Kaine has beenoutspokenagainst the Saudi-sponsored murder of Virginia resident Jamal Khashoggi and has called to cease arms sales to Saudi Arabia until there is real accountability for Khashoggi's death and dramatic improvement in the nation's treatment of journalists and political dissidents.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-praise-senate-passage-of-bill-to-rename-charlottesville-post-office-after-captain-khan", "Warner & Kaine Praise Senate Passage Of Bill To Rename Charlottesville Post Office After Captain Khan", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 13, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Praise Senate Passage Of Bill To Rename Charlottesville Post Office After Captain Khan \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tBill now heads to President Trump's desk for signature\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine praised Senate passage of a bill to rename a Charlottesville post office as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office. U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, a graduate of the University of Virginia, was born on September 9, 1976, and died on June 8, 2004, while in service to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was killed by an improvised explosive device outside of his base in Baqubah, Iraq.His efforts that morning saved the lives of more than one hundred soldiers.\r\n\r\nIt's hard to encapsulate the importance of Captain Khan's heroic efforts, but we hope that this gesture honors his memory and service to the nation, for which we are forever grateful, the Senators said. We hope that President Trump will quickly sign this bill into law.\r\n\r\nThe United States Postal Service (USPS) facility is located at 180 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. The bill, introduced by Congressman Tom Garrett, cleared the House unanimously on November 29th and will now head to President Trump's desk for his signature. In early December, Warner and Kaine wrote to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Senate Committee that oversees USPS, voicing their support for renaming the post office.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-praise-senate-passage-of-bill-to-rename-charlottesville-post-office-after-captain-khan", "Warner & Kaine Praise Senate Passage of Bill to Rename Charlottesville Post Office After Captain Khan", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine praised Senate passage of a bill to rename a Charlottesville post office as the Captain Humayun Khan Post Office. U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, a graduate of the University of Virginia, was born on September 9, 1976, and died on June 8, 2004, while in service to his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was killed by an improvised explosive device outside of his base in Baqubah, Iraq.His efforts that morning saved the lives of more than one hundred soldiers.\r\nIt's hard to encapsulate the importance of Captain Khan's heroic efforts, but we hope that this gesture honors his memory and service to the nation, for which we are forever grateful, the Senators said. We hope that President Trump will quickly sign this bill into law.\r\nThe United States Postal Service (USPS) facility is located at 180 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. The bill, introduced by Congressman Tom Garrett, cleared the House unanimously on November 29th and will now head to President Trump's desk for his signature. In early December, Warner and Kaine wrote to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, the Senate Committee that oversees USPS, voicing their support for renaming the post office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-on-senate-passage-of-a-resolution-to-end-u-s-military-assistance-in-saudi-led-war-in-yemen", "Warner on Senate Passage of a Resolution to End U.S. Military Assistance in Saudi-led war in Yemen", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the below statement following the passage of S.J.Res.54, ajoint resolution to end U.S. military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen:\r\nI voted for the resolution to end unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Yemen because I can no longer, in good conscience, support the current approach by the Saudi-led coalition in that conflict. As the years-long conflict drags on, the people of Yemen are suffering one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in the world. Despite stated commitments by the Saudis to improve the targeting of their air strikes, scores of innocent civilians continue to be killed by careless bombings, and deep lasting progress towards a negotiated end to the violence has remained elusive.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains an important partner in confronting shared threats like al-Qaeda and ISIL and in countering Iran, and we will continue to work on shared security interests, but we should be clear that the United States will not provide unconditional assistance to their operations in Yemen.\r\nUnfortunately, at a moment in which it is most needed, the Trump Administration has abdicated America's moral leadership. In filling that void and in light of the actions by the Saudis both in Yemen and in Jamal Khashoggi's murder, the Senate must send a message that America's moral voice will not be diminished.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/washington-post-virginia-s-senators-do-the-commonwealth-proud", "Washington Post: Virginias senators do the commonwealth proud", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We have gotten so used to hyperpartisan sniping and dull-witted sound bites that when you finally hear one  two, even!  politicians demonstrate a granular grasp of the issues, pragmatism and farsightedness, it's both surprising and invigorating. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce got a dose of grown-up governance on Thursday morning at a round table with Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\r\nBefore the event I asked Kaine about the prospects for end-of-year legislation. I think criminal justice prospects are high. ... The budget issue is a challenge, it really is. Congress laid out two options, he said  $1.6 billion in border security funding (up from the $1.3 billion last year that the administration could not spend entirely) or pass everything else (there are six other, noncontroversial appropriations bills) and keep talking for two months. (Warner cracked, I'm still waiting for the check from Mexico.)\r\nOn the Yemen issue he said, We are going to have a strong vote in the Senate. ... [It] sends two very important messages  that we are starting to pull back to ourselves the initiation of war ... and to the Saudis that they aren't going to be able to walk around on Capitol Hill as if they have a free pass. Interestingly, he noted that as his last act of public service, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) squirreled away a provision in the newly passedfarm billthat would make it unnecessary for the House to vote on whatever the Senate passes on Saudi Arabia.\r\nKaine and Warner were both enthusiastic about issues that don't necessarily get headlines. Warner spoke passionately about the need to improve investment in human capital  be it by tax changes, accounting changes or changes in education policy. He said that we need to think much more radically\" in bolstering workforce capital. Kaine, who will be working on a new higher education funding bill next year, emphasized the need to promote alternatives to four-year colleges. (He noted that the labor shortage is so acute that employers are looking to take workers still under supervision in a drug rehabilitation program)\r\nBoth Democrats were enthusiastic about thenew Amazon headquarters in Arlington, which they envisioned will help attract other high-tech businesses and retain millennials in the region. (Amazon founder and chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Post.) Warner said that this is going to be a game changer for the region and the state as a whole, and he praised the decision to split the headquarters in two (the other location will be in New York City). It makes it more palatable, he said in reference to the challenges of integrating 25,000 new employees in Northern Virginia. Kaine said that a regional housing authority is needed to assure continued access to affordable housing and suggested that some Amazon partners and contractors could be located downstate, a nod to areas that have been economically left behind.\r\nThe senators ticked through the nitty-gritty of improved governance: reducing the backlog of security clearances which reached 700,000 at one point; investing in cybersecurity to push back when we are attacked; buying phones and computer equipment with better security; moving forward on climate change (Warner pointed out if they call it something else  sea-level rise  Republicans are more inclined to go along); fine-tuning Dodd-Frank; and getting federal priority to refurbish the Memorial Bridge. The two former governors showed their wonkiness, but also a recognition that these kinds of issues cumulatively make a big difference in livelihood and quality of life.\r\nWarner called President Trump's previous infrastructure plan a scam extraordinaire, since it actually took more money out of the federal highway trust fund than it put in. He said, We have to put up new federal funding. We cannot simply wish money out of the sky. Kaine was especially optimistic about the prospects for a bill, which could include broadband, noting that there is no more natural connection between the president, who is a builder, and the Congress than on infrastructure. He said that if Trump wanted to get something done, this would be the topic.\r\nIt was refreshing to hear two lawmakers praise free trade  while also acknowledging the need to help those displaced by trade and automation. On the new NAFTA, Kaine warned Trump not to pull the plug on the existing deal as a means of pressuring the Senate to pass the new deal. He said that it would be idiotic for Trump to try bullying the Senate. We're the Article I branch. We don't play Mother May I. Warner criticized Trump for creating a crisis in trade that has frayed relations with allies. He also expressed concern that having created a tariff war with China, he will settle for increased purchases of U.S. agricultural products but give away the store on issues such as intellectual property.\r\nWarner was blunt about the impact of the tax code, asserting that it was a missed opportunity to use revenue for investment in human capital and infrastructure. He also said that thanks to the debt it rang up, it depleted most of the tools in our toolkit should a recession come along.\r\nA Senate of 100 Tim Kaines and Mark Warners would be fully capable of tackling some complex problems. Yet what becomes apparent in listening to some of the most dedicated legislators is that our biggest problem is not trade or China or any other external challenge, but the hyperpartisan know-nothingism of many of their colleagues. Unless we start electing more serious problems, none of our policy challenges can be fixed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522", "Top Oversight Democrat Wants Hearing on Trump Wasting DHS Funds", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Griffin Connolly\r\n  \r\nThe second-highest ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is calling for a public hearing on the Trump administration's reported wasteful spending on border security.The inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security found that a staffing plan green-lighted by the president has been marred by wasted resources and overlapping responsibilities among employees and contractors. In one case, the government paid outside consulting firm Accenture nearly $14 million to hire two border patrol agents. While President Trump threatens a holiday shutdown for a wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for, we find out his Administration spent $14 million to hire two border agents, Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly said in a statement, referring to Congress' Dec. 21 deadline to get a spending package or continuing resolution to the president's desk to stop the government from shutting down over Christmas. Connolly is in line to be the vice-chairman of the House Oversight Committee when Democrats take back the majority in January. Congress gave him money for border security and he is wasting it, Connolly said of Trump. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee must look into this. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inked the Accenture group's federal services subsidiary to a $297 million contract in 2017 to hire thousands of new employees as part of Trump's plan to curb illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border. But Accenture is nowhere near satisfying its 7,500-person hiring goal over the next 5 years, the inspector general wrote in a report issued last week. Further, CBP has used significant staffing and resources to help Accenture do the job for which it was contracted. As such, we are concerned that CBP may have paid Accenture for services and tools not provided. The customs agency risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on a hastily approved contract that is not meeting its proposed performance expectations, the inspector general reported. http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/top-oversight-democrat-urges-hearing-wasteful-spending-trumps-dhs", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1523", "CBP issues partial stop work order on Accenture hiring contract", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nicole Ogrysko Customs and Border Protection has issued Accenture Federal Services, the vendor the agency hired to help CBP recruit border patrol agents and officers more quickly, a partial stop work order. The agency coordinated with Accenture and has asked the vendor to reduce emphasis on some elements of the contract to allow more emphasis on others, a CBP spokeswoman wrote in an email to Federal News Network. Specifically, the agency asked Accenture to stop work on applicant processing, because the agency has more than enough capacity available to handle those activities on its own, the spokeswoman said. In addition, CBP will resume responsibility for performing polygraphs on its applicants. And because there are a limited number of polygraphists in the market, it makes more sense for CBP to perform that work rather than having Accenture compete with the agency for polygraph personnel and resources, the agency said. We do continue to need and see positive results from activities related to marketing, advertising, applicant care and data analytics, the CBP spokeswoman said. Therefore, we are asking Accenture to continue effort in those areas while we continue to assess what, if any, more permanent changes to the contract might be appropriate. The partial stop work order notice came before a damning report from the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general, which questioned whether Accenture had truly lived up to the promises described in the $297 million contract that CBP signed with the company last November. We remain focused on fulfilling our client's expectations under our contract, a spokeswoman for Accenture Federal Services said in an email to Federal News Network. Accenture had agreed to help the agency move qualified applicants through CBP's 12-step hiring process, test and vet candidates and improve the process for the better. Mission shortfalls Under the contract, which includes one base year and four additional option years, CBP asked Accenture to help the agency hire 7,500 qualified applicants to positions as border patrol agents, CBP officers and air and marine interdiction agents. Accenture is nowhere near satisfying its 7,500-person hiring goal over the next 5 years, the IG wrote in a Dec. 6 management alert. Further, CBP has used significant staffing and resources to help Accenture do the job for which it was contracted. As such, we are concerned that CBP may have paid Accenture for services and tools not provided. Accenture planned to execute its own hiring process in tandem with CBP's and collaborate with the agency along the way. CBP designed the contract so that the agency would pay Accenture  up to $40,000 per hire  once a new applicant accepted the agency's job offer and began duty. But as of Oct. 1, CBP had paid Accenture $13.6 million for startup costs, security requirements, recruiting and applicant support, the IG said. Accenture had processed two accepted job offers. CBP, however, said Accenture had contributed more than the two accepted job offers. In return for $13.6 million, Accenture has created a hiring structure, tailored technology solutions to support and manage the hiring process, stood up an applicant care center, marketed and recruited thousands of new applicants and conducted many of the hiring steps for several thousand applicants, CBP wrote in response to the IG's alert. In addition, the IG said CBP handled much of the work that Accenture was originally supposed to do. While CBP gave Accenture a three-month interim period to ramp up more operations to fulfill the contract's terms, the agency processed and hired 14 applicants on behalf of its contractor. During this period, since Accenture could not determine which applicants it recruited, CBP agreed to give credit and temporarily pay Accenture for a percentage of all applicants regardless of whether CBP or Accenture processed the applicants, the IG said. All 14 applicants accepted job offers, and seven started duty by Oct. 1. As such, CBP paid $500,000 to Accenture for the work it had completed. Struggle to attract, hire border agents CBP awarded the contract, in part, to help the agency meet the demands of the president's 2017 executive orders on border security, which ordered the Homeland Security Department and CBP to hire as many as 15,000 new border patrol agents and immigration officers. To get started, the Trump administration charged DHS human capital leadership to hire 5,000 new employees. But CBP has long struggled to attract and hire qualified border patrol agents and officers. The agency has condensed its 12-step hiring process into more measurable segments and had cut its time-to-hire from 400 to 170 days, Kevin McAleenan, CBP's commissioner, said in 2017. The National Border Patrol Council estimated the Border Patrol had to recruit and train 2,729 new agents a year for the next five years to meet the president's hiring demands. The Border Patrol hasn't met hiring and staffing targets since fiscal 2014, the House Homeland Security Committee said earlier this year. Several members of Congress had criticized the Accenture contract when CBP first announced it, and many more lawmakers said the IG's recent report reaffirmed their concerns. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the likely chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on government operations, called for a hearing on the IG's recent report. House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), the likely chairman of the committee in the next Congress,  said he continues to doubt CBP's rationale on the Accenture contract. Going forward, it is critical CBP complete a thorough assessment of which aspects of this contract are and are not effective, Thompson said Monday afternoon in a statement. I also suggest that CBP consider whether some of the contract money not yet obligated could be used to go toward workforce incentives to promote retention of its current personnel. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents some CBP officers and agriculture specialists, called the contract a waste. CBP still needs to hire 2,500 additional CBP officers and more than 700 agriculture specialists to meet the agency's current staffing models, according to NTEU. The $297 million would have been better spent to pay the salaries of as many new Office of Field Operations employees  recruited and processed by DHS's and CBP's existing personnel  as possible, as well as for recruitment, relocation and retention and other incentives, NTEU National President Tony Reardon said in a statement. https://federalnewsnetwork.com/contractsawards/2018/12/cbp-issues-partial-stop-work-order-on-accenture-hiring-contract/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-farm-bill-conference-report", "McEachin Statement on Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement on his vote in support of the Conference Report on the farm bill:\nAs I promised I would, I stood up for the needs of the farmers in my district in this critical legislation. After months of hard work and conversation, we finally have a bill that supports and assists farmers in Virginia and across the country who feed our families. I am pleased that with this legislation we can fulfill our moral obligation to fight hunger, and give farmers the fair, level playing field they need to do business and feed America.\nEarlier this year, I led more than 100 of my colleagues on a letter opposing anti-environmental and conservation provisions in the previously passed House version of the Farm Bill. While there is always more work to be done, I am pleased that our collective efforts yielded the removal of the most egregious provisions. I am committed to being a strong voice against policies that harm our Earth.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-third-anniversary-paris-agreement-adoption", "McEachin Statement on Third Anniversary of Paris Agreement Adoption", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued this statement observing the third anniversary of the Paris Agreement adoption during the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference:\nThe Paris Agreement is a monumental step toward globally addressing and mitigating the impact of climate change. This partnership was designed to keep our world livable and healthy. Our withdrawal will endanger everyone who shares this one planet. The Trump Administration's refusal to respond to our environmental crisis jeopardizes the world as we know it from infrastructure to our economy, to public health.\nClimate change is truly one of the most important issues we face, and we must do all we can to ensure that our children and children's children have clean water, land, and air. The Paris Agreement is a crucial first step. Inaction on this issue is not an option.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/united-climate-and-environmental-justice-task-force-co-chairs-introduced", "United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force Co-Chairs Introduced Environmental Rights Legislation", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), along with his United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force co-chairs, Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), introduced legislation to affirm all people's right to clean air, pure water, and the sustainable preservation of our natural environment.\nClimate change continues to ravage our communities, contributing to ever-worsening droughts, storms, and other severe weather events. Our seas are rising, threatening homes and livelihoods. These threats affect all people, but communities of color and low-income communities continue to suffer disproportionately. It is our responsibility to pursue climate justice, and serve the American people by implementing stronger protections, said Congressman McEachin. This amendment seeks to guarantee that all Americans enjoy clean air, pure water, and access to a healthy natural environment. By enshrining these critical safeguards in our Constitution, we will ensure that our both our environment and our people are protected.\nAs a founding co-chair or the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force, I am proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Donald McEachin and Nanette Diaz Barragn, in introducing this critical amendment, said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Everyone in our country and in our world deserves access to clean air and clean water. This is about safeguarding our environment, but it is also about advancing equity in all of our communities, especially the frontline communities that bear disproportionate impacts of climate change. It is about protecting the health of our children and our future. This amendment is past-due, and I look forward to advancing it alongside my colleagues in Congress.\nAccess to clean air and clean water are two of the biggest challenges facing the health and well-being of communities across America. For too long, our most vulnerable communities, including my own district, have been at the frontlines of the environmental injustices inflicted by climate change, said Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragn. By introducing this amendment, my colleagues and I are reaffirming our commitment that every person, no matter where they live, has a right to clean air and clean water.\nThe proposed constitutional amendment is the final piece of legislation the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force will introduce in the 115th Congress. The co-founders will continue to introduce legislation in the next Congress, in the Democratic Majority, to fulfill their mission to address the disproportionate environmental impact on communities of color, low-income families and rural areas.\nComplete text of H.J. Res 144 is available here.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-landmark-legislation-to-combat-alzheimers", "Senate Passes Landmark Legislation to Combat Alzheimer\u2019s", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Landmark Legislation to Combat Alzheimer's \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed theBuilding Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). This bipartisan bill would, for the first time, create a public health infrastructure across the country to combat Alzheimer's disease and preserve brain health. The BOLD Act now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.\r\nAlzheimer's disease is one of the greatest and under-recognized public health threats of our time. Five and a half million Americans are living with the disease, and that number is soaring as our overall population grows older and lives longer,said Senator Collins, a founder and Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. After decades of increasing investments in biomedical research for Alzheimer's, we are ready for the next step: to translate research into practice. The BOLD Act takes a multi-pronged public health approach that would create a modern infrastructure for the prevention, treatment, and care of Alzheimer's and related dementias.\r\nThe bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act will fund and promote early diagnosis, effective intervention, and better treatment options and establish Centers of Excellence to educate the public and professionals on the illness. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to support doctors, caregivers and all those working to improve the quality of life and finally find a cure for people suffering the effects of Alzheimer's and related cognitive disorders,said Senator Cortez Masto.\r\nTo prevent millions of more Americans and their families from being devastated by Alzheimer's, we have to tackle this disease on all fronts. The BOLD Act helps us do that by empowering our federal and state public health infrastructure to play an expanded role and by helping us gain a better understanding of the true scope of the disease,Senator Capito said. This is a very personal priority for me, and I'm so glad to see it head to the president's desk. It's a great step for those living with Alzheimer's and those who care for and love them.\r\nAlzheimer's is a devastating disease affecting nearly 150,000 Virginia families  including mine  and we only expect more families to be touched by it in the years to come,SenatorKaine said. Today's passage of our comprehensive BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act was an encouraging step forward in our work to face this problem head-on. I hope that the House will quickly take it up so we can start providing better support to those impacted by Alzheimer's.\r\nOn behalf of the millions of Americans affected by Alzheimer's disease, we want to thank Senators Collins, Cortez Masto, Capito, and Kaine for their steadfast leadership in the fight to end Alzheimer's,said Alzheimer's Association Chief Public Policy Officer, Robert Egge. The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act is innovative legislation that will allow our nation to address Alzheimer's as the urgent public health crisis that it is. We appreciate Senator Collins and the more than half of Congress who followed her lead in cosponsoring the bill for recognizing the impact this devastating disease has on our nation, and for taking decisive action to change the trajectory of this disease.\r\nMore than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and the United States spends more than $277 billion per year, including $186 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Without further action, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's is expected to triple to as many as 14 million by 2050, costing the nation more than $1.1 trillion per year.\r\nThis legislation would apply a public health approach to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, advance care, improve data, and ultimately change the trajectory of this devastating disease. Headed by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), it would authorize $20 million annually over the next five years to establish:\r\n \r\nAlzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellencededicated to promoting effective Alzheimer's disease and caregiving interventions as well as educating the public on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, and brain health. The centers would implement the CDC's Healthy Aging Public Health Road Map, and would take key steps to support health and social services professionals as well as families and communities.\r\n  \r\nCooperative Agreementswith the CDC that would be awarded to State Health Departments to help them meet local needs in promoting brain health, reducing risk of cognitive decline, improving care for those with Alzheimer's, and other key public health activities.\r\n  \r\nData Grantsto improve the analysis and timely reporting of data on Alzheimer's, cognitive decline, caregiving, and health disparities at the state and national levels.\r\n \r\nThe BOLD Act wasintroducedby Senators Collins, Cortez Masto, Capito, and Kaine last year and is cosponsored by a total of 57Senators andsupported by 183 organizations and individuals, including the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, and Maria Shriver, founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.\r\nRepresentatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives, which is cosponsored by 251 members.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1126", "Beyer Statement on Trumps Dirty Water Rule", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Beyer Statement on Trump's Dirty Water Rule \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 11, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Don Beyer today issued the following statement on the Trump Administration's proposal to significantly weaken protections for wetlands and waterways under the Clean Water Act's jurisdiction:\r\nTrump's proposed rule to gut the Clean Water Act's environmental protections for streams and wetlands will put at risk the water sources that tens of millions of Americans depend upon, said Rep. Beyer. Trump is again acting to boost the profits of industry magnates and corporate polluters who spent millions to get him elected, while pretending EPA data showing the harm this will do to streams and wetlands simply doesn't exist. The Dirty Water Rule is a farcical abuse of office which will damage the health of Americans and their environment.\r\nThe new definitions of protected waters were announced by EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, and embattled Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-van-hollen-secure-funding-to-aid-chesapeake-bay-in-final-2018-farm", "Scott, Van Hollen Secure Funding to Aid Chesapeake Bay in Final 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, the House and Senate leaders of the Agriculture Committeesunveileda bipartisan, bicameral2018Farm Billconference report.The conference reportcontains severalmajor provisions from theChesapeake Bay Farm Bill EnhancementsAct,whichwas introduced by Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)last year.\nImproving conservation practices throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed is critical to our efforts to help restore the Chesapeake Bay, and that is why we introduced the Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act, said Congressman Scott. I am very thankful that the leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have decided to include important provisions of our legislation in this year's Farm Bill so we can continue our work to protect and restore the Bay. \nThe Chesapeake Bay isn't just a national treasure  it is vital to Maryland jobs and our economy,said Senator Van Hollen.I introduced the Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act to boost restoration efforts and improve the health of the Bay. I want to thank Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for working with me to include much of the legislation in this year's Farm Bill. This new investment will help ensure that our Bay economy continues to thrive and that Marylanders and tourists can enjoy this treasure for generations to come.\nThis final Farm Bill contains major provisions of the Chesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act including:\n $300 million in mandatory funding for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which provides funding to conservation partners and agricultural producers to work together to reduce pollution and improve water quality.\n\tA higher percentage of RCPP funding for Critical Conservation Areas like the Bay  an increase from 35 percent to 50 percent.\n\tImportant reforms and technical assistance for partners.\n \n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1521", "Connolly Calls for House Oversight Hearing on IG Report Finding Trump Administration Spent $14 Million to Hire Two Border Agents", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Connolly Calls for House Oversight Hearing on IG Report Finding Trump Administration Spent $14 Million to Hire Two Border Agents \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 11, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Vice Ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, released the following statement on today's Huffington Post report that the Trump administration spent $14 million to recruit two border agents. \r\nWhile President Trump threatens a holiday shutdown for a wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for, we find out his Administration spent $14 million to hire two border agents. Congress gave him money for border security and he is wasting it. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee must look into this. \r\nThe full OIG report is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mceachin-joined-lcv-panel-fellow-united-climate-and-environmental", "Congressman McEachin Joined LCV Panel with Fellow United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force Co-Chairs", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), and his United for Climate and Environmental Justice Task Force co-chairs, Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), participated in a panel discussion about the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and its importance to all communities.\nI will never stop fighting for the LWCF, and for the communities it helps across the country, said Congressman Donald McEachin. Over the past five decades, LWCF has protected some of our nation's most treasured places. Because of LWCF, people across the country have the chance to explore the great outdoorstaking in sunshine, breathing clean air, and enjoying beautiful vistas they might never otherwise have seen. They are able to visit countless historical sites, including battlefields in my district, that tell the rich story of our nationplaces that could otherwise have been lost forever.\nAll Americans should be able to visit these places; future generations deserve to see them in all their undiminished glory. In my own district, LWCF has protected important stretches of the James Riverboth the water and the shore, added Rep. McEachin. I want my children and grandchildren to enjoy those areas just as much as I haveand I want the same for families across our nation. If that is the future we want, there is only one option: we must permanently reauthorize and fully fund LWCF.\nDespite broad bipartisan support for the program, Republican congressional leaders let LWCF expire earlier this year on September 30, 2018. The more than 50-year-old program has helped protect some of America's most iconic landscapes, including the Grand Canyon and the Appalachian Trail. LWCF has also supported urban open spaces ranging from New York City's Central Park, to neighborhood ball fields and local parks in nearly every congressional district across the country.\nCLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 306-0546", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-compromise-farm-bill-that-legalizes-industrial-hemp-production-", "Senate Passes Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Includes other Warner-Kaine priorities to increase Chesapeake Bay clean-up funding, protect Va. agricultural products, prevent animal abuse, and fund SNAP ~\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, the U.S. Senate passed a compromise package that includes Virginia priorities championed by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA). These include an increase in funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protections for Virginia agricultural products, increased protections to prevent animal abuse, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2018 Farm Bill also includes a Warner-Kaine sponsored measure to legalizeindustrial hempproduction, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia but which the agriculture industry cannot currently grow for commercial use.\r\nThis compromise bill includes significant victories for Virginia, including measures to expand successful Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protect Virginia commodities like dairy and cotton, and maintain funding for a nutrition assistance program that Virginia families depend on, said the Senators. And, after decades of waiting, states will be allowed to choose the best way to regulate production of industrial hemp. We are proud to support this bipartisan legislation that finally puts an end to a ban that has held back our farmers from participating in the emerging industrial hemp market, an industry that will help bring new business to Virginia and create new jobs.\r\nWarner and Kaine's priorities for Virginia in the 2018 Farm Bill include:\r\n \r\nHemp Farming Act: a bill that would remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity. States would be given authority to regulate hemp, and hemp researchers will be able to apply for USDA grants. Hemp farmers would also be eligible to collect crop insurance under this provision. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized industrial hemp to be made available for agricultural research purposes. Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University have been active in hemp research in recent years. However, Congress must act in order to legalize hemp production for commercial purposes. Hemp is distinct from marijuana in that it has a miniscule concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and thus no narcotic capability. The plant is estimated to be used in more than 25,000 products spanning agriculture, textiles, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverages, paper, construction materials, and personal care.\r\nChesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act: a bill which makes technical changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) intended to bring more federal conservation funding into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Farm Bill triples mandatory funding for RCPP from $100 million to $300 million providing farmers with the tools they need to implement effective conservation practices within the Bay watershed. These changes will improve sustainability across the region and result in a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.\r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI): includes a technical change to the HFFI program that would allow both retailers and enterprises to be eligible for loans and grants under HFFI. Currently, only brick-and-mortar operations are able to receive funding through the HFFI program. This technical change could allow more non-traditional food access projects  such as mobile markets, farmers markets, and food banks to access HFFI funds. These changes closely follow Sen. Warner's efforts in the Senate to eradicate food deserts. \r\nPet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act: a bill that expands existing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against a victim's pet, and provides grant funding to programs that offer shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets. The Farm Bill authorizes $3 million a year for FY2019-2023 for a grant program that will provide emergency and transitional housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets.\r\n \r\nIn the wake of President Trump's ongoingtrade war, the Farm Bill also includes a significant investment in trade promotion programs and activities. Trade Promotion is used by the United States to pursue trade agreements that support and create U.S. jobs while helping American manufacturers, service providers, farmers, and ranchers increase U.S. exports and compete in a highly competitive, globalized economy.\r\nIn addition, the bill includes measures to protect the U.S. dairy and cotton industry. It streamlines a program that allows dairy producers to insure marginsthe difference between the prices of milk and feedand increases its funding. The bill also makes cotton once again eligible to participate in federal crop insurance programs, which are used by farmers to protect themselves against either the loss of their crops due to natural disasters, or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. Livestock producers will also receive assistance through a new program that will give USDA the authority to operate a disease and disaster prevention program and a vaccine bank, including for foot and mouth disease. The bill also reauthorizes full funding to help vulnerable Virginia families put food on the table through SNAP.\r\nThe bill now moves to the House for consideration. For more information on the 2018 Farm Bill, clickhere.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-more-than-165-million-in-head-start-funding-for-virginia", "Warner & Kaine Announce More Than $16.5 Million In Head Start Funding For Virginia", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Announce More Than $16.5 Million In Head Start Funding For Virginia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $16,557,883 millionin federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start programs throughout Virginia.\r\nWe're pleased to announce funding through the Head Start program to support young children across Virginia, the Senators said. The Head Start program is important to ensuring that schools and organizations have the resources they need to support early childhood development.\r\nThe following organizations will receive funding:\r\n \r\nLynchburg Community Action Group Inc. will receive $3,344,772.\r\nEastern Shore AAA/CAA in Exmore will receive $1,932,019.\r\nPeople Incorporated of Virginia in Abingdon will receive $4,449,701.\r\nBuchanan County Head Start in Grundy will receive $1,463,253.\r\nClinch Valley Community Action, Inc. in Tazewell will receive $1,665,748.\r\nAugusta County School Board in Verona will receive $2,257,832.\r\nLee County School District in Jonesville will receive $1,444,558.\r\n \r\nAs Governors and Senators, Warner and Kaine have advocated for investments in early childhood education. Head Start programs promote school readiness for children under 5 years old from low-income families through health, education, family support, and social services.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-welcome-announcement-that-wmata-will-receive-20-million-in-funds-to-rehab-seven-virginia-metro-stations", "Warner, Kaine Welcome Announcement that WMATA Will Receive $20 Million in Funds to Rehab Seven Virginia Metro Stations", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner, Kaine Welcome Announcement that WMATA Will Receive $20 Million in Funds to Rehab Seven Virginia Metro Stations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Grant money will be used to improve and update outdoor platforms on the Blue and Yellow lines ~\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Today U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will receive $20 million in federal funds to support platform rehabilitation work at seven outdoor Metrorail stations in Virginia. The funding provided through the DOT's Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, formerly known as the TIGER program, will be used to restore platforms, increase safety and improve the rider experience at the Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, National Airport, and Huntington stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.\r\n\r\nThis is a welcome federal investment in stations that serve thousands of Virginia residents and commuters every day, said the Senators. After years of exposure to snow, rain, wind, and other elements, many of Metro's outdoor platforms are in need a significant rehabilitation. This money is part of a significant multi-year effort to improve safety at Metro's outdoor stations, the majority of which are located in Northern Virginia.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-passes-compromise-farm-bill-that-legalizes-industrial-hemp-production", "Senate Passes Compromise Farm Bill That Legalizes Industrial Hemp Production", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. Senate passed a compromise package that includes Virginia priorities championed by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA). These include an increase in funding for Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protectionsfor Virginia agriculturalproducts, increased protections to prevent animal abuse, andfunding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).The 2018 FarmBill also includes aWarner-Kaine sponsored measuretolegalizeindustrial hempproduction, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia but which the agriculture industry cannot currently grow for commercial use.\r\nThis compromise bill includes significant victories for Virginia, including measures to expand successful Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts, protect Virginia commodities like dairy and cotton, and maintain funding for a nutrition assistance program that Virginia families depend on,said the Senators.And, after decades of waiting, states will be allowed to choose the best way to regulate production of industrial hemp. We are proud to support this bipartisan legislation that finally puts an end to a ban that has held back our farmers from participating in the emerging industrial hemp market, an industry that will help bring new business to Virginia and create new jobs.\r\nWarner and Kaine's priorities for Virginia in the 2018 Farm Bill include:\r\n \r\nHemp Farming Act: a bill that would remove hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity. States would be given authority to regulate hemp, and hemp researchers will be able to apply for USDA grants. Hemp farmers would also be eligible to collect crop insurance under this provision. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized industrial hemp to be made available for agricultural research purposes. Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University have been active in hemp research in recent years. However, Congress must act in order to legalize hemp production for commercial purposes. Hemp is distinct from marijuana in that it has a miniscule concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and thus no narcotic capability. The plant is estimated to be used in more than 25,000 products spanning agriculture, textiles, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverages, paper, construction materials, and personal care.\r\n \r\n \r\nChesapeake Bay Farm Bill Enhancements Act: a bill which makes technical changes to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) intended to bring more federal conservation funding into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Farm Bill triples mandatory funding for RCPP from $100 million to $300 million providing farmers with the tools they need to implement effective conservation practices within the Bay watershed. These changes will improve sustainability across the region and result in a cleaner, healthier Chesapeake Bay.\r\n \r\n \r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI): includes a technical change to the HFFI program that would allow both retailers and enterprises to be eligible for loans and grants under HFFI. Currently, only brick-and-mortar operations are able to receive funding through the HFFI program. This technical change could allow more non-traditional food access projects  such as mobile markets, farmers markets, and food banks to access HFFI funds. These changes closely follow Sen. Warner'seffortsin the Senate to eradicate food deserts.\r\n \r\n \r\nPet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act: a bill that expands existing federal domestic violence protections to include threats or acts of violence against a victim's pet, and provides grant funding to programs that offer shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets. The Farm Bill authorizes $3 million a year for FY2019-2023 for a grant program that will provide emergency and transitional housing assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets.\r\n \r\nIn the wake of President Trump's ongoingtrade war, the Farm Bill also includes asignificant investment in trade promotion programs and activities. Trade Promotionis used by the United States to pursue trade agreements that support and create U.S. jobs while helping American manufacturers, service providers, farmers, and ranchers increase U.S. exports and compete in a highly competitive, globalized economy.\r\nIn addition, the bill includes measures to protect the U.S. dairy and cotton industry. It streamlines a program that allows dairy producers to insure marginsthe difference between the prices of milk and feedand increases its funding. The bill also makes cotton once again eligible toparticipate in federal crop insuranceprograms, which are used by farmers to protect themselves against either the loss of their crops due to natural disasters, or the loss of revenue due to declines in the prices of agricultural commodities. Livestock producers will also receive assistance through a new program that will give USDA the authority to operate a disease and disaster prevention program and a vaccine bank, including for foot and mouth disease. The bill also reauthorizes full funding to help vulnerable Virginia families put food on the table through SNAP.\r\nThe bill now moves to the House for consideration. For more information on the 2018 FarmBill, clickhere.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-16-5-million-in-head-start-funding-for-virginia", "Warner & Kaine Announce more than $16.5 Million in Head Start Funding for Virginia", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $16,557,883 millionin federal grant funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start programs throughout Virginia.\r\nWe're pleased to announce funding through the Head Start program to support young children across Virginia,the Senators said. The Head Start program is important to ensuring that schools and organizations have the resources they need to support early childhood development.\r\nThe following organizations will receive funding:\r\nLynchburg Community Action Group Inc. will receive $3,344,772.\r\nEastern Shore AAA/CAA in Exmore will receive $1,932,019.\r\nPeople Incorporated of Virginia in Abingdon will receive $4,449,701.\r\nBuchanan County Head Start in Grundy will receive $1,463,253.\r\nClinch Valley Community Action, Inc. in Tazewell will receive $1,665,748.\r\nAugusta County School Board in Verona will receive $2,257,832.\r\nLee County School District in Jonesville will receive $1,444,558.\r\n\r\nAs Governors and Senators, Warner and Kaine have advocated for investments in early childhood education. Head Start programs promote school readiness for children under 5 years old from low-income families through health, education, family support, and social services.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-welcome-announcement-that-wmata-will-receive-20-million-in-funds-to-rehab-seven-virginia-metro-stations", "Warner, Kaine Welcome Announcement that WMATA Will Receive $20 Million in Funds to Rehab Seven Virginia Metro Stations", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will receive $20 million in federal funds to support platform rehabilitation work at seven outdoor Metrorail stations in Virginia. The funding provided through the DOT's Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, formerly known as the TIGER program, will be used to restore platforms, increase safety and improve the rider experience at the Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, National Airport, and Huntington stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.\r\nThis is a welcome federal investment in stations that serve thousands of Virginia residents and commuters every day,said the Senators. After years of exposure to snow, rain, wind, and other elements, many of Metro's outdoor platforms are in need a significant rehabilitation. This money is part of a significant multi-year effort to improve safety at Metro's outdoor stations, the majority of which are located in Northern Virginia. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mceachin-announced-2018-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Congressman McEachin Announced 2018 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, Va.  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) announced the winner of the 4th Congressional District's 2018 Congressional App Challenge  Dylan Pruitt who won with his application Heroku MUD. Dylan is a senior in the engineering specialty program at Nansemond River High School in Suffolk, Virginia.\nDylan's dedication to coding and designing a new app is most impressive. A command of computer science skills will be a wonderful skill in our 21st-century workforce and Dylan is well on his way to achieving greater success, said Congressman Donald McEachin. I am proud of Dylan and look forward to his bright future.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious competition that acknowledges students for their command of computer science. Dylan will represent Virginia's 4th Congressional District at the federal level. His Heroku MUD app will be on display in the United States Capitol.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 306-0546", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-mceachin-schneider-introduced-paris-climate-act", "Representatives McEachin, Schneider Introduced P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressmen A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced the Produce All Relevant Information to Safeguard (P.A.R.I.S.) Climate Act at the same time the United Nations Climate Change annual conference takes place in Poland.\nClimate change poses an existential threat to the world as we know it, and preventing that change is one of the most pressing issues we face. Public health, environmental quality, and our economy are at risk if we do not act. Several international and domestic reports have confirmed the urgency of our situation, and this administration must use the facts we have to protect the American people and everyone with whom we share this one Earth, said Congressman McEachin. Three years after the signing of the Paris Agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference, Congressman Schneider and I introduced the P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act because we know the Paris Agreement was a crucial step toward ensuring our world is livable and healthy, and science shows our withdrawal endangers that precious goal.\nThe Trump Administration is stubbornly set on ignoring the science of climate change and slowing our transition to renewable sources of energy, said Congressman Schneider. The recently released National Climate Assessment illustrates that time is running out to curb emissions and address the climate threat to our economy, nation, and planet. Our legislation would require the Administration to answer for its wrong-headed decision to unilaterally withdraw from the international Paris Agreement. I will continue to work with Congressman McEachin and my colleagues to put the United States on a path to lower emissions and reengagement with the international community.\nThe P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act will require the Secretary of State to regularly publish a public assessment that highlights exactly how anomalous and damaging the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement truly is. This straightforward bill demands regular answers to the following questions:\n How many parties have formally indicated an intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement?\n\tDoes the State Department have a reasonable expectation that any parties may pursue withdrawal in the next year? If so, which, and for what reasons?\n\tHas the U.S. established specific terms for re-engagement with the Paris Agreement, per stated administration policy?\n The P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act will force the administration to acknowledge the dangers of withdrawal, again and again. Every other nation recognizes the threat posed by climate change; Reps. McEachin and Schneider believe that this administration should stop preventing the United States from doing as much as possible to mitigate the impact of climate change. Bill text of H.R. 7220 is available here.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-november-jobs-report-1", "Scott Statement on November Jobs Report", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\nWASHINGTON, DCRanking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement afterthe Bureau of Labor Statisticsannounced that the economy added155,000 jobsin November. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.7 percent.\nToday's jobs report reveals the economic state of workers and middle-class families remains fragile despite a prolonged period of low unemployment. Wages have remained largely stagnant  particularly for low-wage earners  and too many workers are forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. What's worse, the Majority's major legislative accomplishment from the 115thCongress was a massive tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits corporations and the wealthy.\nNext year, this Committee will work to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. This means raising the federal minimum wage, expanding access to overtime pay, protecting all workers from discrimination, expanding access to health care and child care, and ensuring that all Americans can retire with dignity.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-urge-devos-to-hold-student-loan-companies-accountable-increase-transparency-to-ensure-companies-are-following-the-law", "Kaine, Colleagues Urge DeVos to Hold Student Loan Companies Accountable, Increase Transparency To Ensure Companies Are Following the Law", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine, Colleagues Urge DeVos to Hold Student Loan Companies Accountable, Increase Transparency To Ensure Companies Are Following the Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFollowing DeVos' troubling pattern of shielding student loan companies from accountability, Senators urge DeVos to increase transparency and accountability for companies receiving taxpayer-funded contracts\r\nSenators: Borrowers, taxpayers, schools, and policymakers are poorly served by the lack of transparency over student loan servicing\r\nWashington, D.C. Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Tim Kaine joined 24 colleagues in a letterto Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos highlighting the need for the Department of Education to ensure student loan servicing companies that receive federal contracts are following the law and operating in the best interest of student loan borrowers. In the letter, the Senators cited concerns with Secretary DeVos' past actions to shield student loan companies and debt collectors from accountability and urged her to make performance information about student loan companies public to ensure that corporations receiving taxpayer-funded contracts are following the law.\r\nThe Department's goal of modernizing our student loan repayment system has the potential to provide borrowers with consistent and quality help while they repay their student loans,the Senators wrote.To realize this vision, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) must ensure that student loan companies and debt collectors are using federal taxpayer dollars fairly, effectively, and legally. NextGen will only succeed if the Department begins to hold student loan companies accountable to the law, and if the Department allows state and federal regulators to do their job.\r\nAfter Secretary DeVosdialed back a series of consumer protectionsfor student loan borrowers andended the Department's cooperationwith the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, DeVosclaimed that statescould not step in and protect borrowers from shady or deceptive practices of student loan corporations. Givenpersistentcomplaintsfrom student loan borrowers about servicing problems and this Administration's actions to weaken oversight of the industry that further put borrowers at risk, especiallystudents of color, the Senators are urging Secretary DeVos to make information public so that states, federal agencies, borrowers, and the public can ensure these companies are now complying with the law.\r\nIn addition Senators Murray and Kaine, the letter was signed by Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Blumenthal (D-CT), Brown (D-OH), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Feinstein (D-CA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hassan (D-CA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Leahy (D-VT), Merkley (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Reed (D-RI), Sanders (I-VT), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Stabenow (D-MI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warren (D-MA), Whitehouse (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR), Durbin (D-IL), Jones (D-AL), and Casey (D-PA).\r\n\r\nThe text of the letter is below and the PDF isHERE.\r\nDecember 6, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Betsy DeVos\r\nSecretary of Education\r\nU.S. Department of Education\r\n400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.\r\nWashington, DC 20202\r\nDear Secretary DeVos:\r\nThis letter is regarding Phase II of the solicitation for the Next Generation Processing and Servicing System (NextGen) which will determine the future of customer service provided to more than 42 million federal student loan borrowers throughout this country. The Department's goal of modernizing our student loan repayment system has the potential to provide borrowers with consistent and quality help while they repay their student loans. To realize this vision, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) must ensure that student loan companies and debt collectors are using federal taxpayer dollars fairly, effectively, and legally. NextGen will only succeed if the Department begins to hold student loan companies accountable to the law, and if the Department allows state and federal regulators to do their job.\r\nFederal contractors should place consumer protection among their highest priorities. However, recent developments have raised serious questions whether student loan servicers may be actively harming borrowers by failing to inform them of their options. More than one million student loan borrowers default on their loans each year, and often due to systematic servicing failures. This astounding level of default is unacceptable. The Department has access to an unprecedented amount of information on servicer interactions with borrowers, and this data should be used to promote better performance and high-quality customer service. The data should also be provided to independent regulators that oversee servicers' compliance with the law. Servicers should have both a moral and regulatory obligation to operate in the best interest of borrowers.\r\nIn recent legislation funding the Department, Congress has directed the agency to evaluate NextGen contractors' history of compliance with consumer protection laws, and that this system must incentivize more support to borrowers at risk of being distressed.[1]These requirements also clearly extend to any subcontractors, the performance of which Congress has made clear shall be accounted for in the prime contract and in the overall performance of the prime contractor. The Department has subsequently said that it will comply with the FY 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill.[2]Unfortunately, we remain strongly concerned that Congressional directives to protect student loan borrowers will be ignored given the Department's pattern of actions to protect student loan companies from accountability.\r\nThe Department has failed to take appropriate steps to actually provide effective oversight of this industry, including through an attempt to limit states' rights. The Department has claimed that theHigher Education Act of 1965preempts all state oversight of federal student loan servicers and debt collectors. The Department justified this decision to obstruct independent oversight by states by heralding its own performance, specifically stating that such state oversight of student loan companies is unnecessary because the Department provides exemplary customer service that protects borrowers from substandard practices.[3]The Department's go-it-alone track record in the intervening months offers little evidence to support this case.\r\nIn order to allow stakeholders across the higher education system to understand and evaluate the baseline you have proposed for the future of the student loan systemand to verify that the Department will uphold rules of the roadthe Department should release much more information about the current effort. This information will also provide interested parties, including NextGen vendors themselves, the opportunity to understand how and why the Department's performance evaluations may change. Borrowers, taxpayers, schools, and policymakers are poorly served by the lack of transparency over student loan servicing.\r\nGiven our concerns with the Department's historically poor oversight and management of student loan companies, we request the Department publicly release the following:\r\n \r\nHow, and to what standards, it will hold all vendors accountable for both compliance and performance, disaggregated by each component of NextGen.\r\nAll supporting documentation for NextGen, including the attachments identified in Section J of Phase II of the solicitation.\r\nCopies of all past routine and targeted audits and reviews of servicer or vendor compliance.\r\nAll currently-utilized performance data used for monitoring, evaluation, or allocation\r\nA list of all applicable laws, regulations, and other legal mandates to which it expects bidders to be in compliance with in order to win federal contracts.[4]\r\nHow it will process all enforcement disclosure requests under the Statement of Records Notice for the Direct Loan Program (Common Services for Borrowers, 18-11-16) made pursuant to thePrivacy Act of 1974and consistent with directives from Congress.[5]\r\nWhen it will reestablish the required memorandum of understanding to share complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).\r\n \r\nWe ask that you provide the requested information no later than January 3, 2019. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we owe it to all federal loan borrowers to build a servicing system that makes repaying loans easier and holds student loan companies accountable if they break state and federal law. As amended, NextGen does not meet these goals. We stand willing to work with you to improve student loan servicing, and we look forward to your response.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-legislation-kaine-cosponsored-to-strengthen-veteran-owned-small-business", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Kaine Cosponsored To Strengthen Veteran-Owned Small Business", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Kaine Cosponsored To Strengthen Veteran-Owned Small Business \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation that was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworthto helpveteran entrepreneurs grow their small businesses and expand economicopportunity. TheVeterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, would allowveteran small business owners to acquire equipment and property that the federal government no longer has a use for by addingveterans to the list of eligible recipients for federal surplus personal property, which already includes women and minority small business owners as well as Veterans Service Organizations.\r\nWhen the men and women who have tirelessly served our nation come home and begin new careers in their communities, we owe them our support,Kaine said. That's why one of my top priorities in the Senate has been easing servicemembers' transition from active duty to the civilian workforce. I'm excited that this commonsense legislation brings us closer to that goal by helping veterans who own small businesses thrive and in turn strengthen their communities.\r\nKaine has focused in the Senate on supporting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. He's been a leader on efforts to reduce unemployment for veterans and military spouses and ensure those who serve our nation receive the health care and benefits they were promised.The first bill Kaine introduced in the Senate  theTroop Talent Actof 2013 was a bill to ease the transition for servicemembers into the civilian workforce.This year, Kaine introduced two bills  theMilitary Spouse Employment Act of 2018and theJobs and Childcare for Military Families Act of 2018 to reduce military spouse unemployment and support military families. Key provisions of these two military spouse billsweresigned into lawas part of the Fiscal Year 2019National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA).\r\nThe General Services Administration (GSA) has overseen distribution of federal surplus personal property for 15 years in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP) through the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program. When there is no federal need for excess property, SASPs disburse the property to eligible recipients who otherwise may have been unable to acquire it. This legislation is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property (NASASP), and the American Legion.\r\nAmerican Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad has previously said:The American Legion supports legislation that would give veteran-owned small businesses access to surplus federal property. Unclaimed surplus property costs the federal government millions of dollars to dispose of or maintain every year. This same surplus property may help small businesses offset the overhead expenses associated with opening a storefront or office, which benefits the United States.\r\nThere aremore than 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses across the country, including approximately76,000inVirginia. As more Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans transition out of the military and begin their next career, this number will only increase.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-legislation-kaine-cosponsored-to-strengthen-veteran-owned-small-businesses", "Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Kaine Cosponsored To Strengthen Veteran-Owned Small Businesses", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation Kaine Cosponsored To Strengthen Veteran-Owned Small Businesses \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation that was cosponsored by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworthto helpveteran entrepreneurs grow their small businesses and expand economicopportunity. TheVeterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, would allowveteran small business owners to acquire equipment and property that the federal government no longer has a use for by addingveterans to the list of eligible recipients for federal surplus personal property, which already includes women and minority small business owners as well as Veterans Service Organizations.\r\nWhen the men and women who have tirelessly served our nation come home and begin new careers in their communities, we owe them our support,Kaine said. That's why one of my top priorities in the Senate has been easing servicemembers' transition from active duty to the civilian workforce. I'm excited that this commonsense legislation brings us closer to that goal by helping veterans who own small businesses thrive and in turn strengthen their communities.\r\nKaine has focused in the Senate on supporting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. He's been a leader on efforts to reduce unemployment for veterans and military spouses and ensure those who serve our nation receive the health care and benefits they were promised.The first bill Kaine introduced in the Senate  theTroop Talent Actof 2013 was a bill to ease the transition for servicemembers into the civilian workforce.This year, Kaine introduced two bills  theMilitary Spouse Employment Act of 2018and theJobs and Childcare for Military Families Act of 2018 to reduce military spouse unemployment and support military families. Key provisions of these two military spouse billsweresigned into lawas part of the Fiscal Year 2019National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA).\r\nThe General Services Administration (GSA) has overseen distribution of federal surplus personal property for 15 years in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASP) through the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program. When there is no federal need for excess property, SASPs disburse the property to eligible recipients who otherwise may have been unable to acquire it. This legislation is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property (NASASP), and the American Legion.\r\nAmerican Legion National Commander Brett P. Reistad has previously said:The American Legion supports legislation that would give veteran-owned small businesses access to surplus federal property. Unclaimed surplus property costs the federal government millions of dollars to dispose of or maintain every year. This same surplus property may help small businesses offset the overhead expenses associated with opening a storefront or office, which benefits the United States.\r\nThere aremore than 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses across the country, including approximately76,000inVirginia. As more Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans transition out of the military and begin their next career, this number will only increase.\r\n###\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-300000-to-support-danville-innovation", "Warner & Kaine Announce $300,000 To Support Danville Innovation", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 07, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Announce $300,000 To Support Danville Innovation \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $300,000 for Southside Business Technology Center, Inc. in Danville, a group that funds local entrepreneurs to support start-up companies. This money will support the Launch Place Seed Fund2, a non-profit that is working to diversify the Dan River region's economy through entrepreneurship. The goal of the project is to support the region's transition to an economy that recruits, retains, and develops start-up businesses and supports expansions.\r\nWe're thrilled to announce funding to drive start-up creation in Danville. These dollars will help create innovative jobs in the region and stimulate growth by diversifying the local economy, the Senators said.\r\nThis funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration's Seed Fund Support Grants. The Trump Administration's fiscal year 2018 budget proposed to eliminate funding for the Economic Development Administration. Following a letter from Warner and Kaine to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Congress rejected this proposal.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-calls-for-society", "Warner Calls for Society-Wide Cyber Doctrine", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON OnFriday, December 7, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and co-founder of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, delivered a major policy speech at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) on the need for a U.S. cyber doctrine.\r\nRussia's interference in the 2016 election, relying on a hybrid strategy of conventional cyber-theft, weaponized leaks, and wide-scale social media disinformation, marked a turning point in how we understand the threat landscape. And these active measures have continued well past the 2016 election, illustrating the pressing need for the United States to develop a clear and explicit plan for responding to any future attacks. In his remarks, Sen. Warner called for a whole-of-society doctrine to respond to the cyber and misinformation threats facing our nation.\r\nWatch the Speech\r\n\r\n\r\nListen to the Speech (via Lawfare)\r\nRead the Speech\r\n2018.12.07 CNAS Warner Cyber Doctrine Speech as-Prepared by MarkWarner on Scribd", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-himes-welcome-input-on-portable-retirement-accounts", "Warner & Himes Welcome Input on Portable Retirement Accounts", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Responding to changes in the economy and the nature of work, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT) today released aproposalfor portable accounts that would make saving for retirement easier for American workers who can increasingly expect to work multiple jobs for multiple employers over the course of a career.\r\nIn awhite paper, Sen. Warner and Rep. Himes put forward a proposal for a new type of retirement savings vehicle, the Portable Retirement and Investment Account (PRIA). The accounts  which would be universal for all Americans, and travel from job to job over the course of a lifetime in a workforce  would offer those workers who are not currently well-served by existing retirement programs a new avenue to save and manage their retirement assets. The accounts would not replace 401(k)s, IRAs, and other existing retirement accounts and would also make it easier for employees to consolidate their existing retirement accounts if they change jobs.\r\nChanges in the nature of work mean that Americans are more likely to change jobs and be engaged in non-traditional forms of work than they were a generation ago, but our policies haven't kept up with these shifts. As more and more Americans can expect to hold multiple jobs across a career, a year, and even a day, we need to provide them with access to flexible, portable benefits such as retirement savings that will carry with them from employer to employer and gig to gig,said Sen. Warner. Input from stakeholders will becritical as we look towards developing functional solutions that will work for employers and employees alike.\r\nMillions of Americans are not properly preparing for retirement and need a mechanism that makes it easier to save throughout their lives. To achieve this, Congress should create a portable retirement account that is personalized and independent from employment status. I've introduced a version in the House as a first draft and am grateful to Senator Warner in joining me to develop the idea further in a bicameral way. Today's release of our white paper is a call to partnership for all interested parties who know our system isn't working and are committed to fixing it,said Rep. Himes. With input from experts and stakeholders, we'll be able to create a new, flexible and portable plan that will be an integral part of overcoming the challenges facing our retirement system.\r\nAmerican workers are increasingly likely to hold several different jobs over the course of their careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, younger baby boomers held, on average, 12 jobs by the time they turned 50  and current economic trends indicate that younger workers can expect to change jobs even more frequently. At the same time, fewer companies now offer traditional defined benefit pensions to their workers, and, whether by choice or necessity, a growing number of Americans are also engaged in alternative work arrangements that offer little or no access to retirement benefits. These trends all point to the need to offer workers a new option to save for their retirementin addition to or in lieu of traditional employer-based plans.\r\nSen. Warner and Rep. Himes are now seeking input from stakeholders regarding theirproposalwith an eye towards potential legislation. Submissions can be made to Sen. Warner's office atPRIA@warner.senate.govand to Rep. Himes' office atMark.Snyder@mail.house.govby Friday, January 11.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-announce-300-000-to-support-danville-innovation", "Warner & Kaine Announce $300,000 to Support Danville Innovation", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $300,000 for Southside Business Technology Center, Inc. in Danville, a group that funds local entrepreneurs to support start-up companies. This money will support the Launch Place Seed Fund2, a non-profit that is working to diversify the Dan River region's economy through entrepreneurship. The goal of the project is to support the region's transition to an economy that recruits, retains, and develops start-up businesses and supports expansions.\r\nWe're thrilled to announce funding to drive start-up creation in Danville. These dollars will help create innovative jobs in the region and stimulate growth by diversifying the local economy,the Senators said.\r\nThis funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration's Seed Fund Support Grants. The Trump Administration's fiscal year 2018 budget proposed to eliminate funding for the Economic Development Administration. Following a letter from Warner and Kaine to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Congress rejected this proposal.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/washington-post-sen-warner-calls-for-national-cyber-policy-overhaul", "Washington Post: Sen. Warner calls for national cyber-policy overhaul", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ByJoseph Marks\r\n\r\nThe U.S. government has failed for decades to mount a workable defense against foreign cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns and must shift tactics or risk losing this century's major battles, Sen. Mark R. Warner said in a cyber-policy speech Friday.\r\nThat shift should include greater investments in military cybertechnology, more funding for cybersecurity research and development and a reinvigorated process of building international cyber norms with allies and punishing nations that violate them, Warner (D-Va.) said during a speech at the Center for a New American Security think tank.\r\nOne new global rule the United States could advocate would be an agreement that nations will not hack one another's private companies, he said.\r\nWarner, who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, attributed U.S. cyberdefense failures to numerous causes, including underinvestment at the State and Defense departments, convoluted oversight by overlapping congressional committees and market incentives that do not reward companies for investing in cyber protections.\r\nHe also called out Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies, saying they are not doing enough to secure their platforms against malign influence operations such as the Russian campaign that spread disinformation in advance of the 2016 election.\r\nWarner, a former telecommunications investment executive, is leading the Senate's investigation into Russia's influence campaign, along with Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Intelligence Committee.\r\nThe government's underinvestment in cybersecurity has been partly driven by a naive belief that the U.S. model of a free and open Internet would naturally beat out Russian and Chinese models, which view the Internet as a place for commerce but also for censorship and disinformation operations, Warner said.\r\nIn fact, China has been wildly successful at harnessing the economic benefits of the Internet in the absence of political freedom, Warner said, adding that today, China's cyber and censorship infrastructure is the envy of authoritarian regimes around the world.\r\nWarner criticized a lack of presidential leadership on cybersecurity and faulted the Trump administration for downsizing cyber offices at the White House and State Department.\r\nHe also pointed to longer-term lapses, such as a failure to adequately protect major Pentagon weapons systems from cyberattacks.\r\nWarner broke from typical government practice by urging the government to outline predetermined responses for nation-backed cyberattacks based on the perpetrator, the target and the severity of the attack.\r\nThose responses could range from indictments and economic sanctions to retaliatory cyber-strikes and conventional military operations.\r\nU.S. officials have typically argued that it would be counterproductive to predetermine responses to a cyberattack because that would limit the government's flexibility and invite adversaries to walk up to a point that would invite retaliation but not cross it.\r\nWarner acknowledged, however, that it will not be easy to halt Russia's digital assaults and that the United States' extreme reliance on Internet-connected technology would make it more vulnerable in an escalating tit-for-tat cyber-conflict with its former Cold War adversary.\r\nIf a cyberattack shuts down Moscow for 24 hours with no power, that's a problem, he said. But if someone were to shut down New York for 24 hours with no power  that would be a global crisis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-scott-statement-on-education-corporation-of-america", "Ranking Member Scott Statement on Education Corporation of America", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats\nWASHINGTON, DCRanking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) statement on today's announcement that the Education Corporation of America (ECA) will close all of its more than 75 campuses, affecting roughly 20,000 students. ECA is accredited by ACICS and makes up about half of ACICS accredited schools. ECA's abrupt closure calls into question the Department's recent decision to reinstate ACICS as a recognized accreditor.\nWe have repeatedly warned about the risks low-quality, for-profit education companies and irresponsible accreditors pose to students and taxpayers across the country. Today's announcement is another painful reminder of those risks. Just as with ITT Technical Institute and Corinthian Colleges, Education Corporation of America's (ECA) abrupt closing will leave thousands of students with non-transferrable credits, crippling debt, and few of the job opportunities they were promised. And, once again, the programs being shuttered were accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) until the day before ECA announced they were closing.\nStudents, their families, and the federal government rely on accreditors to set a standard for quality higher education and determine which institutions should be eligible to receive federal student aid. It is particularly notable that within the past two weeks the Department moved to restore ACICS as a recognized accreditor, despite its long record of granting legitimacy to schools like ECA. Previously ECA unsuccessfully attempted to be recognized by another accreditor but was ultimately denied because they failed to meet the minimum standards.\nThis announcement captures many of the substantive issues we have raised about the Department's efforts to rollback accountability in for-profit education by lowering standards for schools and accreditorsand making it harder for defrauded students to be made whole.\nI hope the Department will take this opportunity to rethink its recognition of ACICS as an accreditor.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1520", "Connolly Statement on Chairman Sharon Bulovas Announcement She Will Not Seek Re-election", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Connolly Statement on Chairman Sharon Bulova's Announcement She Will Not Seek Re-election \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, released the following statement on Chairman Sharon Bulova's announcement that she will not seek re-election:I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Sharon Bulova for more than 20 years and she is a true community treasure. Under her leadership, she turned the idea of the Virginia Railway Express into a reality. As Chairman, she guided the County through the worst of the Great Recession, while still maintaining the critical investments and services that Fairfax residents have come to expect. And over her years of public service, she has helped transform our community into one that is envied by all others. Sharon's time on the Board will be remembered for her decency and commitment to collegiality, her willingness to listen to her constituents and bring people together, and her drive to leave Fairfax a better place for future generations. I want to thank my dear friend for her lifetime of service and the undeniable mark she has left on our community.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://goo.gl/vmLhRg", "After No Reply Or Public Explanation To Previous Request, Top Senate & House Democrats Demand In-Person Briefing From DOJs Chief Ethics Official On Whether He Has Advised Mr. Whitaker To Recuse Himself From Overseeing The Mueller Investigation", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "goo.gl", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Top Senate and House Democrats today sent a new letter to the Department of Justice's Chief Ethics Official, Assistant Attorney General Lee J. Lofthus, demanding an in-person meeting and renewing their November 11, 2018, requestto which they received no replyto immediately be notified in writing as to whether he or any other ethics officials at the Department of Justice have advised Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from the Special Counsel investigation, and to be provided with all ethics guidance Mr. Whitaker has been given to date. Despite the serious ethical considerations that should preclude any involvement by President Trump's handpicked Attorney General Matthew Whitaker with Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, the Democrats note that 14 months after joining the DOJ, Mr. Whitaker's ethics review is still incomplete.\r\nThe Democrats' previousletter, signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Ranking Member Adam Schiff, and House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, included a number of examples of Mr. Whitaker's many conflicts of interest and hostile statements toward Special Counsel Mueller's investigation. These examples include Mr. Whitaker's televised statement suggesting that the investigation be defunded or subjected to strict limitations on its scope, a published online opinion piece referring to the investigation as a witch hunt, and a statement in which he clearly pre-judged the outcome of the investigation.\r\nSenate and House Democrats' second letter to Assistant Attorney General Lee J. Lofthus renewing their request can be foundhereand below:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Lee J. Lofthus  Assistant Attorney General for Administration\r\nand Designated Agency Ethics Officer\r\nDepartment of Justice  950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20530\r\n\r\nDear Assistant Attorney General Lofthus:\r\n\r\nOn November 11, 2018, we wrote to request that you immediately notify us in writing as to whether you or any other ethics officials at the Department of Justice have advised Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from the Special Counsel investigation, and that you provide to us all ethics guidance Mr. Whitaker has been given to date. A copy of our earlier letter is attached.\r\nIt is our understanding that, 14 months after Mr. Whitaker joined the Department, his ethics review is still incomplete. The Department has offered no public explanation for this extraordinary delay, nor have we received any reply to our letter. This is unacceptable.\r\nWe therefore write to renew our November 11, 2018 request, and we ask that you also make yourself available to brief us and answer our questions in person. Our staff will contact you to schedule a time for this meeting.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nCharles E. Schumer\r\nDemocratic Leader\r\nU.S. Senate\r\n\r\nNancy Pelosi\r\nDemocratic Leader\r\nU.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\nDianne Feinstein\r\nRanking Member\r\nCommittee on the Judiciary\r\nU.S. Senate\r\n\r\nJerrold Nadler\r\nRanking Member\r\nCommittee on the Judiciary\r\nU.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\nMark R. Warner\r\nVice Chairman\r\nSelect Committee on Intelligence\r\nU.S. Senate\r\n\r\nAdam B. Schiff\r\nRanking Member\r\nPermanent Select Committee on Intelligence\r\nU.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\nElijah Cummings\r\nRanking Member\r\nCommittee on Oversight & Government Reform\r\nU.S. House of Representatives\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-warner-celebrate-pay-raise-progress-for-federal-employees-in-virginia-beach-and-norfolk", "Kaine & Warner Celebrate Pay Raise Progress For Federal Employees In Virginia Beach And Norfolk", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine & Warner Celebrate Pay Raise Progress For Federal Employees In Virginia Beach And Norfolk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Senators have pushed the Trump Administration to approve these raises that now await Trump's authorization\r\nIf authorized, a locality pay adjustment will go into effect January 2019 for approximately 30,400 Virginians\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner are celebrating new progress in their efforts toward securing a much-deserved pay raise for federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk starting in January of 2019. In November, the Federal Salary Council confirmed its recommendation for these raises, a process that was started in 2015, and tomorrow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within the Trump Administration will formally publish in the Federal Register the final rule that includes these raises, indicating that they will be set by the President. Kaine and Warner have pushed OPM to take the necessary steps to implement a pay raise for federal employees in the region. In Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the cost of living has greatly outpaced federal salary increases, and while federal employees in the region could have been receiving higher pay for the last year, OPM's delay in implementing the pay scale adjustment exacerbated the situation for Virginia families who had been long-expecting a raise.\r\n\r\nWe are thrilled that the hardworking federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk will finally receive the long-overdue pay raise we've pushed for to counter the high cost of living, the Senators said. These individuals work hard every day to serve our country, and it's a shame that many of them have struggled to get by as the cost of living has outpaced federal salary increases. We hope that President Trump will quickly set these pay rates to offer Virginians peace of mind as they head into the holiday season.\r\nLast year, Kaine and Warner wrote to the Acting Director of OPM concerned that federal employees in the Hampton Roads region were led to believe they would see a pay raise for calendar year 2017 and asked that the agency take quick action to implement the pay scale adjustment. And earlier this year, Kaine and Warner spoke out against President Trump's threat to deny all federal employees a 1.9 percent cost of living adjustment in 2019, his latest attack on hardworking public servants. If authorized, this pay scale adjustment for federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk would be on top of the 1.9 percent cost of living adjustment for all federal employees nationwide, which is awaiting Congressional approval as part of the end-of-year spending package.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/murray-kaine-and-senate-democrats-urge-department-of-justice-watchdog-to-investigate-decision-making-process-for-epstein-case", "Murray, Kaine, and Senate Democrats Urge Department of Justice Watchdog to Investigate Decision-Making Process for Epstein Case", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2018\n\t\t\t Murray, Kaine, and Senate Democrats Urge Department of Justice Watchdog to Investigate Decision-Making Process for Epstein Case \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIn 2007, then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta entered a non-prosecution agreement with Jeffrey Epstein, accused of abusing and coercing young girls into sex acts\r\nAccording to new Miami Herald investigation, Epstein was given the deal of a lifetime\r\nSenate Democrats raised alarm during Acosta's nomination process for Secretary of Labor, new details raise further questions about Acosta's handling of the case\r\nWashington, D.C.  Led by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), 16 Senate Democrats sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General requesting an investigation into the DOJ's decision-making process when then-U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta entered into a non-prosecution agreement with accused serial sexual abuser, Jeffrey Epstein. Acosta's involvement in the case was brought up during his nomination process for Secretary of Labor by Senators Murray and Kaine, and the Senators are calling for the DOJ Inspector General to investigate given new information brought to light in the Miami Herald's reporting.\r\nWe are deeply concerned by Mr. Epstein's horrific, serial abuse of children and new revelations about the process by which he was given, to quote the Herald, the deal of a lifetime,' the Senators wrote. It is essential that an independent investigatory office conduct an investigation to determine whether DOJ policies and procedures were followed in this matter.\r\nIn addition to the request for an independent investigation, the Senators also voiced concern that the plea bargain Acosta struck with Epsteinwhich was kept secret from the victimsviolated the Crime Victims' Rights Act, which provides victims with important protections, including the right to be informed of any plea agreement. Epstein was accused of coercing underage girls into sex acts in his home in Florida and of trafficking dozens of young girls, often from overseas. The non-prosecution agreement required Epstein to only serve 13 months in county prison, where he was allowed to leave each day to go to work, and essentially shut down an ongoing FBI investigation into whether there were more victims or more people involved in Epstein's crimes.\r\nIn addition to Senators Murray and Kaine, the letter was signed by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), Gillibrand (D-NY), Brown (D-OH), Hassan (D-NH), Markey (D-MA), Warren (D-MA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Whitehouse (D-RI), Sanders (I-VT), Baldwin (D-WI), Cantwell (D-WA), Merkley (D-OR), and Durbin (D-IL).\r\nThe full text of the letter is below and the PDF is HERE.\r\nDecember 6, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Michael E. Horowitz\r\nInspector General\r\nU.S. Department of Justice\r\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530-0001\r\nDear Inspector General Horowitz:\r\nWe write to request that your office conduct an investigation regarding the decision-making process by which the Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed, deliberated upon, and entered into a plea agreement with Jeffrey Epstein. As you are aware, considerable public attention is being paid to this matter in the wake of recent investigative journalism centered on the propriety and legality of the agreement, brokered on behalf of DOJ by then-United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida R. Alexander Acosta, who currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Labor.\r\nIn an article published on November 28, 2018, the Miami Herald revealed new details about the interconnected relationships between the prosecution and defense and explored many of the horrifying details of the alleged actions of Mr. Epstein, including child sex trafficking.[1] We are deeply concerned by Mr. Epstein's horrific, serial abuse of children and new revelations about the process by which he was given, to quote the Herald, the deal of a lifetime. It is essential that an independent investigatory office conduct an investigation to determine whether DOJ policies and procedures were followed in this matter.\r\nWe understand that similar requests have been made of your office by other Members of Congress with respect to this matter and that the subject matter is substantively and procedurally complex. While it is important that federal prosecutors are provided flexibility to strike plea bargains that serve the interests of justice and make our nation both safer and more fair, such negotiations and agreements must comport with federal law and DOJ policy, including ethical guidelines, and must be struck on terms that are beyond reproach.\r\nThe federal Crime Victims' Rights Act provides numerous protections for victims of crime, including the right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement.[2] We are concerned about whether this agreement is in compliance with the law, based on reported interviews with a number of Mr. Epstein's victims who deny being informed, as well as court filings by DOJ seeking to justify the Department's secrecy by claiming Mr. Epstein's concession that his victims were in fact victims is of sufficient importance to warrant giving him special treatment. Our justice system is predicated on the fundamental value that no individual is above the law, and to that end, it is essential that plea agreements involving well-connected individuals not only follow the law and standard practice, but also stand up under scrutiny.\r\nWhile the legality of the non-prosecution agreement and the horrifying treatment of Mr. Epstein's victims are both matters subject to ongoing litigation, the judicial process must not be a substitute for oversight by Congress and the Executive Branch. We ask that you examine the circumstances and substance of this agreement to ensure compliance with all applicable DOJ rules and regulations and that you provide answers to the following questions:\r\n \r\nThe plea agreement grants immunity to any potential co-conspirators who were also involved in Mr. Epstein's crimes. Is it consistent with the practice and policy of the Department of Justice to enter into plea agreements that provide a blanket immunity to unnamed, potentially-nonexistent unindicted co-conspirators?\r\n  \r\nDoes the United States Attorney of jurisdiction retain sole authority to approve such provisions or is approval required from the Attorney General of the United States or any other senior DOJ official?\r\n  \r\nIn this case, was Mr. Acosta the individual ultimately tasked with approving the terms of the agreement, including the immunity provisions?\r\n  \r\nAt the time of the agreement, was it consistent with federal law and DOJ policy for the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida to fail to notify the victims of Mr. Epstein's crimes?\r\n  \r\nWould such practice be consistent with current federal law and DOJ policy?\r\n  \r\nIt is also reported that Mr. Epstein was permitted to serve his extremely limited jail sentence not in state or federal prison, but rather in county jail, where he was permitted work release privileges that were not made available to other sex offenders. Did the non-prosecution agreement include stipulations as to the terms of Mr. Epstein's physical confinement in Palm Beach County jail, including that he would be afforded work release or other perquisites not available to other individuals incarcerated for similar crimes?\r\n \r\nThank you for your time, consideration, and attention to this important matter. We look forward to a prompt response.\r\n###\r\n    \r\n\r\n[1]How a future Trump Cabinet member gave a serial sex abuser the deal of a lifetime, Miami Herald (Nov. 28, 2018). https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article220097825.html\r\n\r\n\r\n[2] 18 U.S.C. ?? 3771(a)(9)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-155-million-for-virginia-inland-port-improvements", "Warner & Kaine Announce $15.5 Million For Virginia Inland Port Improvements", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 06, 2018\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Announce $15.5 Million For Virginia Inland Port Improvements \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tExpansion of tracks will help alleviate big truck congestion on I-81 and other Virginia roads\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the Department of Transportation is awarding the Port of Virginia $15,500,197 to increase terminal capacity at the Virginia Inland Port (VIP) in Front Royal. The Port of Virginia built the inland port 30 years ago to extend the reach of Virginia's ports, help distribute commerce among both highways and railroads, and spur economic development for the entire region. The funding provided through the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, formerly known as the TIGER program, will be used to help optimize the flow of traffic inside the port gate through the addition of three long loading tracks, to lengthen existing loading tracks, to purchase two hybrid straddle carriers, and to construct a new highway bridge grade separation. The improvements will increase the Port's capacity and its ability to safely handle the largest ships in the Atlantic.\r\nThe Port of Virginia plays a critical role in the economy of the East Coast, and we're proud to announce these dollars to ensure the entire system, both in Tidewater and in Front Royal, remains strong, the Senators said. The Virginia Inland Port moves goods and materials throughout the region, extending the economic benefits of the Port and helping to keep fewer trucks off of crowded roads like I-81. These funds will allow even more cargo to move through the facility, while also making much-needed safety improvements to support the hard working men and women at the Port.\r\nWarner and Kaine wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao asking the Department to fund these improvements. As a direct result of the VIP facility opening in 1989, nearly 40 manufacturing and distribution centers have located in the region, creating roughly 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-intel-vice-chair-warner-on-huawei-arrest", "Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on Huawei Arrest", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the below statementfollowing the Canadian government's arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei:\r\nThere is ample evidence to suggest that no major Chinese company is independent of the Chinese government and Communist Party  and Huawei, which China's government and military tout as a national champion,' is no exception. It has been clear for some time that Huawei, like ZTE, poses a threat to our national security. Now we know that Huawei, like ZTE, has violated U.S. sanctions law. It's my hope that the Trump Administration will hold Huawei fully accountable for breaking sanctions law, as it failed to do in the case of ZTE.\r\nThis is a reminder that we need to take seriously the risks of doing business with companies like Huawei and allowing them access to our markets. I continue to strongly urge our close ally Canada to reconsider Huawei's inclusion in any aspect of its 5G infrastructure.\r\nSen. Warner, a former telecommunications executive and entrepreneur, has long expressed concerns about the risks to our national security posed by Chinese-controlled telecom companies.\r\nOn October 12, 2018, Sen. Warner and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)sent a letterto Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging his country to reconsider Huawei's inclusion in any aspect of Canada's 5G development, introduction, and maintenance.\r\nIn September, Sen. Warner joined several colleagues to introduce theZTE Enforcement Review and Oversight (ZERO) Act. The bipartisan bill would enforce full compliance by ZTEa Chinese state-directed telecommunications firm that repeatedly violated U.S. laws  with all probationary conditions outlined in a Commerce Department deal with the company that lifted a denial order banning the export of U.S. parts and components.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/vice-chairman-warner-introduces-legislation-to-revamp-security-clearance-process", "Vice Chairman Warner Introduces Legislation to Revamp Security Clearance Process", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced legislation to modernize our antiquated security clearance system, reduce the background investigation backlog, and ensure the government has the trusted workforce necessary to perform its national security and public safety missions. Earlier this year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) added the government-wide Personnel Security Clearance Process to their High-Risk List of federal areas in need of either broad-based transformation or specific reform to prevent waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.\r\nThe current process for granting security clearances to government personnel and contractors is in dire need of reform, said Sen. Warner. In light of new and emerging threats, this bill reflects the changes we need to make to this 70-year-old system to adjust to the increasing availability of data, new technologies, and a more mobile workforce so that we can maintain the pipeline of trusted professionals that the nation requires.\r\nPSC and the contractor community owe Vice Chairman Warner thanks for his tenacious and persistent focus on modernizing and streamlining the federal government's security clearance processes, said David J. Berteau, president and CEO of the Professional Services Council. The current backlog and wait times add risk to government missions, contract performance, and the ability of both the government and contractors to recruit and hire the talent we need. Enactment of the Modernizing the Trusted Workforce for the 21st Century Act will reduce these negative impacts while maintaining integrity in the system and better protecting our national security.\r\nThe Modernizing the Trusted Workforce for the 21st Century Act would:\r\n \r\nHold the Executive Branch accountable for addressing the immediate crisis of the background investigation backlog and provide a plan for consolidating the National Background Investigation Bureau at the Department of Defense, as the Administration has committed to doing;\r\nImplement practical reforms so that we can design policies and timelines for clearances that reflect modern circumstances.Reforms must be implemented equally for all departments, and for personnel requiring a clearance, whether they are employed by the government or industry;\r\nStrengthen oversight of the personnel vetting apparatus by codifying the Director of National Intelligence's responsibilities as the Security Executive Agent; and\r\nPromote innovation, including by analyzing how a determination of trust clearance can be tied to a person, not to an agency's sponsorship. The bill draws on provisions that were contained in the Intelligence Authorization Act unanimously reported out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in June 2018.\r\n \r\nSen. Warner has been a strong voice on security clearance reform, urging the White House to prioritize reforms to the clearance process. The Intelligence Authorization Act that was unanimously by the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this year contains similar provisions found in this bill.\r\nFor more information on this bill, click here. The full text can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-announce-15-5-million-for-virginia-inland-port-improvements", "Warner & Kaine Announce $15.5 Million for Virginia Inland Port Improvements", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the Department of Transportation is awarding the Port of Virginia $15,500,197 to increase terminal capacity at the Virginia Inland Port (VIP) in Front Royal. The Port of Virginia built the inland port 30 years ago to extend the reach of Virginia's ports, help distribute commerce among both highways and railroads, and spur economic development for the entire region. The funding provided through the Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, formerly known as the TIGER program, will be used to help optimize the flow of traffic inside the port gate through the addition of three long loading tracks, to lengthen existing loading tracks, to purchase two hybrid straddle carriers, and to construct a new highway bridge grade separation. The improvements will increase the Port's capacity and its ability to safely handle the largest ships in the Atlantic.\r\nThe Port of Virginia plays a critical role in the economy of the East Coast, and we're proud to announce these dollars to ensure the entire system, both in Tidewater and in Front Royal, remains strong,the Senators said.The Virginia Inland Port moves goods and materials throughout the region, extending the economic benefits of the Port and helping to keep fewer trucks off of crowded roads like I-81. These funds will allow even more cargo to move through the facility, while also making much-needed safety improvements to support the hard working men and women at the Port.\r\nWarner and Kaine wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao asking the Department to fund these improvements. As a direct result of the VIP facility opening in 1989, nearly 40 manufacturing and distribution centers have located in the region, creating roughly 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-kaine-celebrate-pay-raise-progress-for-federal-employees-in-virginia-beach-and-norfolk", "Warner & Kaine Celebrate Pay Raise Progress for Federal Employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine are celebrating new progress in their efforts toward securing a much-deserved pay raise for federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk starting in January of 2019. In November,the Federal Salary Councilconfirmed its recommendation for these raises, a process that was started in 2015, and tomorrow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within the Trump Administrationwill formally publishin the Federal Register the final rule that includes these raises, indicating that they will be set by the President. Kaine and Warner have pushed OPM to take the necessary steps to implement a pay raise for federal employees in the region. In Virginia Beach and Norfolk, the cost of living has greatly outpaced federal salary increases, and while federal employees in the region could have been receiving higher pay for the last year, OPM's delay in implementing the pay scale adjustment exacerbated the situation for Virginia families who had been long-expecting a raise.\r\nWe are thrilled that the hardworking federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk will finally receive the long-overdue pay raise we've pushed for to counter the high cost of living,the Senators said.These individuals work hard every day to serve our country, and it's a shame that many of them have struggled to get by as the cost of living has outpaced federal salary increases. We hope that President Trump will quickly set these pay rates to offer Virginians peace of mind as they head into the holiday season.\r\nLast year,Kaine and Warner wrote to the Acting Director of OPMconcerned that federal employees in the Hampton Roads region were led to believe they would see a pay raise for calendar year 2017 and asked that the agency take quick action to implement the pay scale adjustment. And earlier this year, Kaine and Warner spoke out against President Trump's threat to deny all federal employees a 1.9 percent cost of living adjustment in 2019, his latest attack on hardworking public servants. If authorized, this pay scale adjustment for federal employees in Virginia Beach and Norfolk would be on top of the 1.9 percent cost of living adjustment for all federal employees nationwide, which is awaiting Congressional approval as part of the end-of-year spending package.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-presses-ftc-on-inadequate-response-to-digital-ad-fraud", "Warner Presses FTC on Inadequate Response to Digital Ad Fraud", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) sent anotherletterto Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph J. Simons pressing the leader of the agency to use the authorities granted to it by Congress to protect American businesses and shoppers from digital advertising fraud, whichreached$7.4 billion in 2016  costs that are later passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. Today's letter follows an earlierOct. 25 letterurging the FTC to do more to respond to the prevalence of digital ad fraud, in light of inaction by major industry players like Google to voluntarily curb the problem.\r\nSen. Warner noted that in large part because of enforcement decisions made by the FTC, Google has come to dominate the digital ad market, but has done little to crack down on fraud. Google was the only major social media company absent for a September hearing in the Senate Intelligence Committee, on which Sen. Warner serves as Vice Chairman.\r\nSen. Warner today criticized the FTC's failure to take action, writing,As long as Google stands to profit from the sale of additional advertisements, the financial incentive for it to voluntarily root out and address fraud remains minimal. It was thus enormously discouraging to readyour own responseto my [Oct. 25] letter, which did nothing to address the inaction of major industry stakeholders in curbing these abuses. Instead, your letter appeared to suggest that your authority to address deceptive and unfair practices does not apply to this conduct; rather, your letter portrays the FTC as successfully addressing online fraud through workshops and education campaigns. Neither suggestion inspires confidence in the FTC's efforts as digital ad fraud has continued to proliferate.\r\nIn recent congressional testimony, you have urged Congress to provide the FTC with additional authority related to promoting competition and consumer protection in the digital age.Increasingly, I am not convinced the Commission is adequately utilizing the authority it already has to crack down on fraud and other misbehavior,Sen. Warner added.The FTC is the agency explicitly empowered to address fraud and deceptive practices, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act was written in broad terms precisely for this purpose. Since 1938, Congress has given your agency broad enforcement authority to protect consumers and expects you to use it. I would like to sit down with you in the next month to discuss how the FTC can ensure it does the job Congress intended it to do.\r\nThe full text of today's letter is availablehere, and also appears below.\r\nIn October, Sen. Warnerwrote a letterto the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons expressing concern following areport published by Buzzfeeddetailing continued prevalence of digital advertising fraud and inaction by Google to curb these efforts. AccordingBuzzfeed, this scheme has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent advertising revenues, with operations spanning more than 125 Android apps and websites. The FTC's November response can be foundhere.\r\n\r\nIn July 2016, Sen. Warner and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)wroteto then-FTC Chairwoman Ramirez calling on the agency to protect consumers from the growing digital ad fraud phenomenon. Since then,reportshave estimated that digital ad fraud has only grown to $7.4 billion in 2017  and projected to rise to $10.9 billion by 2021.\r\n\r\nThe full text oftoday's letterfollows:\r\n\r\nDecember 6, 2018\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Joseph J. Simons\r\nChairman\r\nFederal Trade Commission\r\n600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, D.C. 20530\r\n\r\nDear Chairman Simons,\r\n\r\nOn October 25th, I wrote to you to express grave concerns with the growing phenomenon of digital ad fraud, and in particular my frustration with the ways that large intermediaries have turned a blind eye to, and in certain cases helped enable, this fraud. This letter followed concerns Senator Schumer and I raised in a 2016 letter to your predecessor about the negative economic impact of ad fraud on end users, advertisers, and publishers. I was deeply disappointed by your November 19th response, which failed to substantively address any of the concerns that I have been raising for two years now regarding the Federal Trade Commission's failures to crack down on digital advertising fraud.\r\n\r\nThe digital advertising market has come to be largely dominated by one company, in part because of enforcement decisions by the FTC. The FTC's failure to act has had the effect of allowing Google to structure its own market; through a series of transactions, the company has accomplished a level of vertical integration that allows it in effect to act as the equivalent of market-maker, commodities broker, and commodities exchange for digital advertising  in the process creating a range of conflicts of interest. While the company controls each link in the supply chain and therefore maintains the power to monitor activity in the digital advertising market from start to finish, it has continued to be caught flat-footed in identifying and addressing digital ad fraud. As we've seen in other contexts  such as the rampant proliferation of online disinformation  major platforms including Google have often proved unwilling to address misuse of their platforms until brought to the wider public's attention by Congress or media outlets. As long as Google stands to profit from the sale of additional advertisements, the financial incentive for it to voluntarily root out and address fraud remains minimal.\r\n\r\nIt was thus enormously discouraging to read your own response to my letter, which did nothing to address the inaction of major industry stakeholders in curbing these abuses. Instead, your letter appeared to suggest that your authority to address deceptive and unfair practices does not apply to this conduct; rather, your letter portrays the FTC as successfully addressing online fraud through workshops and education campaigns. Neither suggestion inspires confidence in the FTC's efforts as digital ad fraud has continued to proliferate.\r\n\r\nIn recent congressional testimony, you urged Congress to provide the FTC with additional authority related to promoting competition and consumer protection in the digital age. Increasingly, I am not convinced the Commission is adequately utilizing the authority it already has to crack down on fraud and other misbehavior. The FTC is the agency explicitly empowered to address fraud and deceptive practices, and Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act was written in broad terms precisely for this purpose.\r\n\r\nSince 1938, Congress has given your agency broad enforcement authority to protect consumers and expects you to use it. I would like to sit down with you in the next month to discuss how the FTC can ensure it does the job Congress intended it to do.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nMark R. Warner\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-pushes-gsa-on-plan-to-build-new-va-medical-facility-in-hampton-roads", "Warner Pushes GSA on Plan to Build New VA Medical Facility in Hampton Roads", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Warner at a meeting with GSA Administrator Murphy\r\nCLICK HERE FOR HIGH QUALITY PHOTOS\r\nCLICK HERE FOR BROADCAST QUALITY VIDEO\r\nWASHINGTON  At a meeting with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) pushed GSA Administrator Emily W. Murphy and GSA Public Building Service Commissioner Daniel Matthews to provide an update on the agency's efforts to begin construction of a new VA medical facility in Hampton Roads. The 155,000 square foot outpatient facilitywhich is meant to alleviate demand in the regionis the result of a successful bipartisan effort spearheadedby Sen. Warner last year to approve 28 overdue VA medical facility leases, including an additional outpatient clinic in Fredericksburg.\r\nVeterans in Hampton Roads have been waiting for far too long for a new outpatient clinic that will expand access to care and speed-up the process through which they receive medical treatment, said Sen. Warner. At our meeting, I urged GSA to take all necessary steps to ensure veterans in the region can receive the best care available to them, and I vowed to keep a close eye on the process so we can guarantee this building is ready to serve our veterans as soon as possible.\r\nHampton Roads has one of the fastest-growing veterans populations in the country. From 2012 to 2016, patient visits in Hampton's service area increased by 21.4 percent, while the national average across the VA system was 7.3 percent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-secures-unanimous-passage-of-the-ashanti-alert-act-in-the-senate", "Warner Secures Unanimous Passage of the Ashanti Alert Act in the Senate", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) secured unanimous Senate passage of the Ashanti Alert Act, legislation that will create a new federal alert system for missing or endangered adults between the ages of 18-64. Currently, the U.S. does not have an alert system for missing adults.\r\nThe Ashanti Alert Act is named after Ashanti Billie, the 19-year-old who was abducted in Norfolk, Va. on September 18, 2017. Her body was discovered in North Carolina 11 days after she was first reported missing. At the time of Ashanti's abduction, she was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert. The Ashanti Alert, like the other alert systems, would notify the public about missing or endangered adults through radio and television broadcast systems to assist law enforcement in the search.\r\nAshanti's tragic death should not be in vain, said Sen. Warner. We must give law enforcement agencies and communities across the country the tools they need to locate missing adults and save more lives.\r\nI'm grateful to the family of Ashanti Billie for sharing her story with me and turning their grief and loss into meaningful action. I'm proud to work with Senator Warner on this important legislation to create a real time alert system for missing adults, which will provide vital information to first responders and help save lives, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). I urge my House colleagues to pass this revised bill before the end of the year. Sen. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, teamed up with Sen. Warner on this legislation after hearing from Ashanti's cousin, Connecticut State Representative Patricia Billie Miller.\r\n\"Virginia led the way this past legislative session by implementing a law focused on enhancing a vital component of public safety - the Amber and Senior Alert systems,\" said Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. \"Delegate Jay Jones spearheaded an effort to create an Amber Alert-like system for \"critically missing\" adults, upon hearing the heartbreaking story of a family whose 19 year old daughter went missing in the Norfolk area. Amber Alerts and Endangered Missing Child Media Alerts are for missing persons under the age 18; and Senior Alerts are issued for persons 60 years of age or older. This leaves a gap for adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years old. The 'Ashanti Alert', named after Ashanti Billie would address an important demographic of the population, and ensure that timely and efficient messaging is delivered to residents across Virginia to aid in search efforts. This law is a step in the right direction to ensuring a safer Commonwealth for all her residents.\"\r\nSenator Warner's Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 will help ensure that law enforcement has the information necessary to swiftly recover missing persons and accurately inform the general public about breaking news of a missing or endangered adult, said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. NAPO believes that the establishment of a stand-alone Ashanti Alert Network will help prevent horrible tragedies like case of Ashanti Billie. We support the Ashanti Alert Act and thank Senator Warner for working with us on this important legislation.\r\nThe NAACP is proud to support Senator Warner's legislation, the Ashanti Alert Act, said Mr. Hilary O. Shelton, the Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy.Upon implementation of this law, we will be expanding the Amber Alert system, which has proven to be an effective tool, to include a demographic that is currently missing from its protections, those between the ages of 18 and 65.\r\nThe Ashanti Alert is long overdue, said Camille Cooper, Director Government Affairs, The National Association to PROTECT Children. For decades, emphasis has been on finding missing children, while missing endangered adults has largely been ignored. With increases in human trafficking, murder and intimate partner violence, it's time that the national crisis of women disappearing and being subjected to violence is met with the urgency it deserves.\r\nIn June, Gov. Northam signed into law legislation introduced by Del. Jay Jones creating a statewide Ashanti Alert system in Virginia. In September, the House of Representatives unanimously passed its version of the Ashanti Alert Act, which was introduced by outgoing Congressman Scott Taylor.\r\nSen. Warner spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to urge his colleagues to work with him to ensure the Ashanti Alert Act becomes law after the House billin its original formwas blocked from passing. Sen. Warner worked with his colleagues to make modifications to the bill to allow for its eventual passage. Tonight, at Sen. Warner's request, the bill was discharged from the Senate Judiciary Committee, modified, and then passed by unanimous consent on the Senate floor. Following its passage in the Senate, the bill now heads back to the House.\r\nThe full text of the amended bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1518", "Connolly Requests Emergency House Oversight Hearing on North Carolina 9th Congressional District Race", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Connolly Requests Emergency House Oversight Hearing on North Carolina 9th Congressional District Race \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 5, 2018\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Vice Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, released the following statement requesting an emergency hearing into reports of election fraud in the race for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District:This is an appropriate end to the 115th Congress. While the Republican majority is once again chasing conspiracies, real election fraud is playing out right before us in North Carolina's 9th Congressional District. We should see every action they take to ignore this situation for what it is  a slap in the face to all voters in North Carolina who participated in the 2018 election with the expectation that every vote would be counted. Votes have been stolen by preying on senior and minority voters, and now a cloud of doubt and suspicion hangs over this election result. It is incumbent on Chairman Gowdy to hold an emergency hearing before the end of this congressional session so that we can shed light and understand what happened in this race.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1519", "Connolly Statement on the Release of the Postal Task Force Report", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Vice Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent report authored by the Trump Administration's Postal Task Force:The Postal Task Force's report, United States Postal System: A Sustainable Path Forward provides just the opposite  a path towards higher prices, less service, and fewer customers. Instead of engaging in meaningful consultations with Congress, the Task Force produced a report to support and continue the Trump Administration's unpopular push towards privatizing the Postal Service. A better way forward for the Postal Service is legislation pending in Congress, which has broad bipartisan support and the support of all postal stakeholders. The Postal Reform Act would provide the Postal Service with the legislative relief that it needs to stabilize its finances, modernize its business model, and return to solvency in order to continue to provide dependable service to millions of Americans across this country who rely on it. \r\n Connolly is an original cosponsor of the Postal Service Reform Act, which was approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee with a bipartisan voice vote in March, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1517", "Its time to move on sustainable infrastructure", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Paul Tonko (D-NY)A major infrastructure overhaul is long overdue. Revitalizing and updating our infrastructure is absolutely necessary for America to compete and maintain its leadership in the global economy. It's essential to creating jobs, including immediate construction jobs across the country and spurring long-term job growth across a variety of sectors. And a smart infrastructure plan is also a crucial opportunity to take bold and immediate action on climate change. Our country and our global economy are at a turning point, and any old infrastructure plan simply will not do. We need a plan to establish American leadership and prosperity for the next century. And for that, we need a plan built around sustainability and resilience. While serving to spur economic growth and increase our security, a smart infrastructure plan that takes the long-view must advance serious solutions to climate change. The most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that we have barely more than a decade to take serious action on climate change if we are going to prevent its most catastrophic impacts. Experts advise robust improvements in energy efficiency, innovative polices that support electrification across our economy, and investments to modernize our grid and encourage the deployment of more clean energy resources if we hope to prevent a global temperature increase that threatens all communities. These policies are not only vital to addressing climate change, but they're critical to building our communities and our economy in more resilient and sustainable ways. They are areas where we should be able to find bipartisan support and should be included in a forward-thinking, broad reaching infrastructure plan. There are so many reasons to move forward now on a sustainable infrastructure plan. Investing in clean energy, for example, isn't just about greenhouse gas pollution. It's also about spurring job growth in America's rural communities by increasing our reliance on wind power. It's about reducing hazardous air pollution that endangers the health of our families by increasing deployment of solar power and zero-emission vehicles. It's about giving American businesses the competitive advantage in rapidly growing sectors like battery storage. And for some, it's simply about energy freedomwhether that's the freedom from dependence on resources imported from a foreign power or the freedom to power your own home without having to rely on the grid. For members of Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, it's about all of the above and the urgent need to address the climate crisis. Too many Americans are losing their homes, their livelihoods, and in the worst cases their lives, to increasingly extreme storms, floods and fires. While striving to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, we also have to deal with the ones our communities are already facing by investing in more resilient infrastructure that can weather storms better and keep Americans safer. To ignore these dangers puts lives at risk and wastes significant taxpayer dollars. For example, in Norfolk, where sea-level rise is quickly putting many parts of the community in harm's way, a recently constructed $318 million light-rail systempaid for primarily with federal fundswas built at sea level. Currently, the system risks ultimately being swept away and the money wasted, but with better planning, the tracks could have been elevated to safeguard against the rising tides. Last February our Caucus put together a broad reaching infrastructure proposal, which includes many legislative ideas for building more sustainably. We can institute policies to protect natural ecosystems like wetlands and forests that provide communities with water filtration, flood mitigation and protection from storm surge, and we can support community investment in storm water systems that better manage increased flooding and water runoff associated with climate change. Any infrastructure plan we consider must be a job creator and a bold climate bill. According to the BlueGreen Alliance, a clean infrastructure plan that protects workers, communities and the environment could create up to 2.7 million jobs across the economy. It's hard to enumerate all the possibilities for a smart, sustainable infrastructure plan. Our proposal only scratches the surface, but our hope is that it will spur action to address these serious environmental challenges while promoting economic opportunity and building the infrastructure we need to keep America competitive for the next century. All our communities, red and blue, will only suffer if we fail to pass a sustainable infrastructure package. Connolly, Matsui and Tonko are co-chairs of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC).  https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/419201-its-time-to-move-on-sustainable-infrastructure", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-mceachin-asks-postmaster-explanation-and-immediate-solution", "Congressman McEachin Asks Postmaster for Explanation and Immediate Solution to Delivery Issues in Church Hill", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, VA  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) sent a letter to the Richmond Postmaster expressing concern about the serious mail issues occurring in Church Hill.\nI am distressed that once again my constituents are unable to rely on the accurate and safe delivery of their mail. They are finding their personal mail, including potentially legal documents, medications and household necessities, strewn across their lawns or simply undelivered, said Congressman McEachin. I want to know what steps are being taken immediately to remedy this unacceptable situation.\nI have reached out to the regional postmaster and sent a copy to the U.S. Postmaster General. I hope and expect to receive a quick reply, but even more importantly, to know from my constituents that the situation has been remedied, Congressman McEachin concluded.\nFull letter text is available here.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-seeks-information-rrha-remedy-rodent-infestation-whitcomb-court", "McEachin Seeks Information on RRHA Remedy to Rodent Infestation at Whitcomb Court", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, VA  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) sent a letter to Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA) requesting information about a resolution to the serious rodent infestation in an apartment in Whitcomb Court. Ultimately, Rep. McEachin seeks to assist RRHA and local leaders with addressing and eliminating the infestation.\nCongressman McEachin said:\nRodent infestations are a health and safety risk. These animals carry disease, bring dangers into the home, and destroy foodstuff as well as property. The tenants should not be subjected to this kind of repeated intrusion, with numerous invasions and no long-term solution. RRHA must do more than simply plug holes and apply sticky paper. They need to ensure this apartment, and all apartments under their supervision, are rodent free and safe and clean. I want to hear more about what is being done to remedy this issue immediately before someone is bitten or falls ill. My constituents' health, safety and access to an adequate and decent shelter are of paramount concern for me.\nSince RRHA is a public housing entity under the authority of city government a copy of this letter was also sent to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Mayor Levar Stoney, and members of the city council. Congressman McEachin stands ready to assist and support the team at RRHA to ensure that his constituents always have clean, warm shelter. Full letter text is available here.\n###\nContact: Jamitress Bowden  \n\t(202) 306-0546", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-announces-new-state-director", "Kaine Announces New State Director", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine Announces New State Director \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine announced thatKerenCharles Dongo will assume the role of his office's State Directorfollowing the retirement of current State DirectorJohnKnappat the end of this year.\r\nI'm so proud ofJohn's work over the past six years and am grateful to haveKerenserve as my new State Director,Kaine said.Johnhas been a keen listener and advocate for Virginians, and his dedication has helped me and my staff better serve the Commonwealth. With her deep ties to Virginia and past success on both my state and legislative staff,Kerenbrings a level of talent and experience that is sure to continue my state team's record of excellence.\r\nKeren was most recently Campaign Manager for Kaine's 2018 re-election campaign. Prior to that,Kerenworked as Deputy State Director and Legislative Assistant in Kaine's Senate office. In these roles, she directed the state team's outreach efforts and oversaw legislation related to federal employees, civil rights, crime and law enforcement, general government, and campaign finance reform. She played a key role in one of Kaine's signature legislative accomplishments by helping to draft and build support for the400 Years of African American History Act, which passed last year and established a commission to commemorate the 400th anniversary in 2019 of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans into English Colonial America.Kerenalso served as Virginia's Deputy State Director for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Prior to joining Kaine's office,Kerenserved as director of Virginia's Democratic Coordinated Campaign in 2012, which worked to elect Tim Kaine to the Senate, re-elect President Barack Obama, and elect Democratic members to the House.In addition to serving as deputy field director at the ONE Campaign,Kerenhas also served as an advisor to U.S. Representative Bobby Scott and Outreach and Political Director of the 2008 Democratic Coordinated Campaign in Virginia.\r\nUnderJohn's leadership, Kaine's state team has held over 900 public events throughout the Commonwealth and helped over 11,700 constituents address issues with federal agencies.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-coons-statement-calling-for-release-of-americans-wrongfully-detained-in-iran", "Kaine, Coons Statement Calling For Release Of Americans Wrongfully Detained In Iran", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 03, 2018\n\t\t\t Kaine, Coons Statement Calling For Release Of Americans Wrongfully Detained In Iran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Chris Coons, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement calling for the release of the American citizens and legal residents wrongfully detained in Iran:\r\n\"As members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we call for the immediate release of all wrongfully imprisoned on groundless charges by the Iranian regime. This includes those individuals listed in a heartbreaking letter written by their families and published by the Center for Human Rights in Iran that alleges torture. We are especially concerned about the detained American citizens and legal residents Robert Levinson, Baquer and Siamak Namazi, Nizar Zakka, and Xiyue Wang. We encourage the Trump administration to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran to secure the release of these political prisoners. We will pressfor their releaseuntil they are home and reunited with their loved ones, and we will hold Iran accountable for these human rights abuses.\"\r\nToday, families of these American citizens and residents published an open letter to world leaders, human rights organizations, and the media to bring attention to the detainment of these individuals.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/warner-menendez-reed-pen-letter-to-pres-trump-urging-against-withdrawing-u-s-from-inf-treaty", "Warner, Menendez, Reed Pen Letter to Pres. Trump Urging Against Withdrawing U.S. from INF Treaty", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONIn a letter to President Donald Trump,SenatorsBob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,Jack Reed(D-R.I.),Ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee,and Mark Warner (D-Va.),Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed their serious concerns regarding the Administration's expressed intention to pull the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty.\r\nWhile we understand the challenges of getting Russia to reverse its violation of the INF Treaty, the Administration's sudden decision to withdraw unilaterally is a political and geostrategic gift to Russia,wrote the Senators.It takes the focus away from Russia's transgressions and malign behavior and instead feeds a narrative that the United States is willing to shred our commitments unilaterally without any strategic alternative. Additionally, it allows Russia to expand the production and deployment of its intermediate range missile system, the 9M729, which will further menace Europe.\r\nThe senators' letter comes on the heels of a scheduled NATO Foreign Ministerial later this week, which presents the Trump administration with an opportunityto consult with European allies on the INF treaty and show the United States will not take unilateral steps to the detriment of European security and stability.\r\nMoving forward, before taking steps to withdraw or suspend participation in the INF Treaty, we urge you and your administration to engage with Congress on the implications of this step for strategic stability and our relations with European and Asian allies,concluded the Senators.\r\nA copy of the letter can be foundHEREand below.\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\r\nPresident of the United States of America\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n\r\nWe write to you to express our serious concerns regarding your announced intention to pull the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.\r\n\r\nWithdrawal from the INF Treaty, which has been a cornerstone of the European security architecture for over thirty years, was announced without any notice or consultations with the Senate, much less a path toward Senate advice and consent to the withdrawal. This was despite multiple opportunities to explain the rationale for this decision, including a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on arms control and Russia held only a few weeks prior to your announcement. In that hearing, senior officials from the Department of State and the Department of Defense provided no indication that a decision to withdraw was even imminent, nor that U.S. forces envisioned any military operational benefit from near-term withdrawal.\r\n\r\nWe are concerned about Russia's ongoing violation of the INF Treaty, and believe Russia must return to compliance and fulfil its obligations. While we understand the challenges of getting Russia to reverse its violation of the INF Treaty, the Administration's sudden decision to withdraw unilaterally is a political and geostrategic gift to Russia. It takes the focus away from Russia's transgressions and malign behavior and instead feeds a narrative that the United States is willing to shred our commitments unilaterally without any strategic alternative. Additionally, it allows Russia to expand the production and deployment of its intermediate range missile system, the 9M729, which will further menace Europe.\r\n\r\nThe United States withdrawal from the INF Treaty also threatens to exacerbate tension in relationships with our European allies, particularly those in NATO. This decision, taken without coordination with foreign partners, once again shows an eagerness to take unnecessary unilateral actions over the objections of our closest allies to the serious detriment of European security and stability. A spokesperson for EU High Representative Federica Mogherini condemned the U.S. withdrawal from INF noting the world doesn't need a new arms race that would benefit no one and on the contrary would bring even more instability. Other leaders from major European allies echoed these sentiments, expressing deep concern that in withdrawing from the INF Treaty the United States was moving toward an unconstrained nuclear arms race with Russia.\r\n\r\nGiven the lack of strategic forethought and planning apparent in the hasty decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty, we believe it is important for the U.S. government to re-emphasize the integral nature of effective arms control as a part of nuclear deterrence and strategic stability. In fact, our nuclear defense planning and modernization programs are contingent on the arms control architecture the United States has diligently built over many decades. The decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty suggests that you may take a similarly dangerous approach and renege on other key arms control agreements, such as New START, which would only serve to diminish international security further and potentially necessitate vast increases in nuclear spending. We do not believe that the degradation of our arms control agreements that have provided strategic stability for decades serves U.S. security interests or those of our allies and partners.\r\n\r\nMoving forward, before taking steps to withdraw or suspend participation in the INF Treaty, we urge you and your administration to engage with Congress on the implications of this step for strategic stability and our relations with European and Asian allies. We also ask you to consider once again the importance of arms control within the context of U.S. and international security.\r\n\r\n  Sincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1440, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "VA", "p2": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1440, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1440, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 1440, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1440, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-12-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ewarner~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2018~2F12~2Fwarner-menendez-reed-pen-letter-to-pres-trump-urging-against-withdrawing-u-s-from-inf-treaty", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2018&_next=2018-12-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ewarner~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2018~2F12~2Fwarner-menendez-reed-pen-letter-to-pres-trump-urging-against-withdrawing-u-s-from-inf-treaty&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 285.61777900904417, "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"}