{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"VA\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-on-legislation-to-stop-annoying-robocalls-signed-into-law", "Warner on Legislation to Stop Annoying Robocalls Signed Into Law", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the followingstatement after President Trump signed into law a bill sponsored by Sen. Warner to crack down on illegal robocall scams:\r\nThe truth is, folks in Virginia and across the nation are sick and tired of receiving unsolicited robocalls at all hours of the day, said Sen. Warner. These calls are intrusive and often set up by scammers looking to pray on vulnerable individuals. I'm proud to have sponsored this legislation and am very excited to see it signed into law so that it can start giving individuals some peace of mind. Personally, I know I won't miss these annoying robocalls, and I have a feeling other Virginians won't either.\r\nThe Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act gives regulators more time to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those who are caught, requires service providers to adopt call authentication and blocking, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally break laws. Sen. Warner sponsored the Senate version of the bill, which passed the Senate in 97-1 vote in May 2019. After the House passed an amended version of the bill earlier this month, the Senate unanimously voted to send the bill to the President's desk for signature on December 18.\r\nThe TRACED Act:\r\n \r\nBroadens the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call on people who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions.\r\nExtends the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to four years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has told the committee that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against violators.\r\nBrings together the Department of Justice, FCC, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other relevant federal agencies, as well as state attorneys general and other non-federal entities to identify and report to Congress on improving deterrence and criminal prosecution at the federal and state level of robocall scams.\r\nRequires voice service providers to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones.\r\nDirects the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers.\r\nDirects the FCC to initiate a rulemaking process to protect consumers from one-ring scams.\r\nRequires the FCC to establish a working group to issue best practices to prevent hospitals from receiving illegal robocalls.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2378", "President Trump Signs into Law Spanbergers Legislation to Combat Trafficking & Smuggling Networks in Central America, Strengthen U.S. Border Security", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HENRICO, V.A.  U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed into law U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger's bipartisan legislationled alongside U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX-23)to combat Central American trafficking and smuggling networks and strengthen U.S. border security.\r\nSpecifically, Spanberger and Hurd's Trafficking and Smuggling Intelligence Act directs the U.S. intelligence community to prioritize efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and human smuggling networks in the Northern Triangle countriesHonduras, Guatemala, and El Salvadorand Mexico. Additionally, it uses the expertise of the intelligence community to understand how these criminal organizations in the region contribute to the ongoing security and humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Spanberger and Hurdboth former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officersintroduced the legislation in July 2019, and their legislation passed in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this month.\r\nTo tackle the security and humanitarian challenges at our southern border, we need to understand the root causes of instability, illegal migration, increased levels of asylum seekers, and senseless violence in Mexico and the Northern Triangle, said Spanberger, a former federal law enforcement agent and CIA case officer. As two former intelligence officers, Congressman Hurd and I recognize how the reprehensible activities of criminal organizations in this region create a devastating ripple effect that threatens our national security and exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis along the U.S-Mexico border. At its core, our bipartisan legislation will deploy the expertise of the intelligence community to keep the American people safe and secure. I'd like to thank President Trump for signing our bill into lawand I'd like to thank Congressman Hurd for working across the aisle to protect vulnerable populations in Central America and for committing to strengthening the security of our borders and points of entry.\r\nMy philosophy is simple and has remained the same: the only way we get big things done in Congress is by working together. My bipartisan effort with Rep. Spanberger to stop drug smugglers exacerbating our border crisis and putting innocent lives at risk is the perfect example of that, said Hurd. I'm proud that this is my 16th piece of legislation to be signed in to law in 5 years, and I'll continue to work with my colleagues in Congress over the next year to find solutions to big problems and deliver real results back home.\r\nDuring a speech delivered on the floor of the U.S. House in July 2019, Spanberger spoke in support of her amendment, and she described the range of impacts Central American trafficking and smuggling activities can have on the health and safety of American communities. Click hereto watch her full remarks.\r\nSpanberger has continued to advocate for smart, effective reforms to U.S. border security and immigration policiesand she has stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of increased migration. Earlier this year, she joined a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives inpassing a bipartisan emergency supplemental funding packageto help mitigate the effects of the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. And later that month, Spanberger visited the southern border with a bipartisan group of her U.S. House colleagues.\r\nAdditionally, the FY2020 NDAA includes key provisions from Spanberger's legislation to combat child pornography on government-associated networks, as well as her amendment to increase transparency in the use of military force in counterterrorism operations abroad. The defense authorization package signed into law yesterday includes key provisions of a bipartisan amendment introduced by Spanberger and U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC-11) to help the Department of Defense (DoD) stop the use of its affiliated internet networks to possess or obtain child pornography.\r\nSpecifically, the End National Defense (END) Network Abuse Act upgrades the training and technical capacity of military criminal investigative organizations to confront the misuse of DoD computers, facilities, and equipment to access and trade child pornography. Spanberger and Meadowsintroduced a standalone versionof this bipartisan amendment earlier this year. In the U.S. Senate, the END Network Abuse Act is led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nThe Spanberger-supported defense authorization bill includes additional provisions to strengthen support for U.S. servicemembers and their families, including:\r\n \r\n    Giving American servicemembers the pay raise they deserve.The funding authorization includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for service men and women. This increase is equal to the pay raise requested by the President in his budget blueprint released earlier this year.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Addressing unacceptable military housing conditions through increased oversight and accountability.The defense authorization bill requires the armed forces to establish a tenants' bill for rights for residents in privatized military family housing. Additionally, the legislation directs the Defense Secretary to develop an assessment tool to identify and measure health and safety hazards in U.S. military housing around the world. Earlier this year, Spanbergerhelped introduce bipartisan legislationto increase accountability and oversight on private contractor-provided housing for military families.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Providing paid parental leave for federal employees. The final, bipartisan NDAA includes 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=150", "Reps. Wexton and McEachin Call for the Replacement of Virginias Robert E. Lee Statue at the U.S. Capitol", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Representatives Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) wrote to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, calling for the replacement of Virginia's statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, housed in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol Building. The National Statuary Hall Collection consists of two statues donated by each state, with 100 statues total in the collection, that honor notable persons in a state's history. Currently, Virginia's two statues in the collection depict George Washington and Robert E. Lee.  Virginia's statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection is placed in the U.S. Capitol Crypt, a prominent location that is displayed to almost every tour group that visits the U.S. Capitol. Virginia's decision to donate the statue of Lee was a part of a national effort to rewrite the history of the South's secession and rehabilitate the image of Confederate leaders. In their letter to Governor Northam, the Representatives outline Virginia's long history of racial injustice, dating from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans, to the era of Jim Crow and racial terror, to current inequities that still exist. As Virginians, we have a responsibility to not only learn from but also confront our history, The Representatives wrote. As part of this responsibility, we must strive for a more complete telling of history by raising up the voices, stories, and memories of minorities and people of color. In doing so, we should consider what monuments we can add to acknowledge the horrors of slavery, expose the injustices of institutional racism, and honor those who dedicated their lives to fighting for equality. Wexton and McEachin go on to list some of the numerous historical figures who would better represent Virginia in the National Statuary Hall Collection, listing Virginians such as civil rights leader, Oliver Hill, and renowned 19th century thinker, Booker T. Washington. In the letter, the Representatives call on Governor Northam to include the replacement of the Robert E. Lee statue in the U.S. Capitol as part of his agenda for the 2020 Legislative Session. In order for the statue of Lee to be replaced, authorizing legislation must be passed through the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. The request must then be communicated to the Architect of the Capitol. Notably, Florida recently replaced its statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith with that of civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Similarly, in 2019, Arkansas replaced its two statues of Civil War and Reconstruction figures with those of civil rights leader, Daisy Bates, and cultural icon, Johnny Cash.   The full text of the letter can be found below and here. \r\n                        The Honorable Ralph S. Northam\r\n                        Office of the Governor\r\n                        P.O. Box 1475\r\n                        Richmond, VA 23218\r\n                        Dear Governor Northam,\r\n                        We write regarding the Commonwealth of Virginia's statues within the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol Building. The National Statuary Hall Collection consists of two statues donated by each state, with 100 statues total in the collection, that honor notable persons in a state's history. Currently, Virginia's two statues in the collection depict George Washington and Robert E. Lee. \r\n                        The statue of Lee, which depicts him in his Confederate uniform, was donated by the Commonwealth during the period from 1900 to the 1930s when dozens of Confederate monuments were erected across the country. These statues aimed to rewrite Lee's reputation from that of a cruel slave owner and Confederate General to portraying him as a kind man and reluctant war hero who selflessly served his home state of Virginia. \r\n                        The statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection is placed in the U.S. Capitol Crypt, a prominent location that is displayed to almost every tour group that visits the U.S. Capitol, and as such serves as a prevalent reminder of Virginia's disturbing racial legacy. This history began when enslaved Africans landed at Point Comfort in August 1619 and led to 550,000 people being enslaved in the Commonwealth by 1860. Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America, which seceded from the Union for the explicit purpose of protecting the institution of slavery. Following the Civil War, the Commonwealth enacted black codes, laws aimed at restricting African Americans' freedoms and ensuring that they continued to work for low wages. Despite being placed under Army occupation during Reconstruction, many of these restrictive codes remained intact across the South for years. \r\n                        These laws set the groundwork for Jim Crow laws, which, following the Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, mandated racial segregation in the Commonwealth and restricted African Americans' voting rights. The Supreme Court later overturned Plessy with Brown v. Board of Education and consequently ordered the integration of schools. Following this decision, however, the Commonwealth led the Massive Resistance by passing legislation to prevent the desegregation of public schools, including a law shutting down public schools that attempted to integrate. The ramifications of this institutionalized racism are still seen today through racial disparities in income, health care, schooling, and many other areas in the Commonwealth.\r\n                        The Commonwealth still has a long way to go to address these disparities. Overall, the incomes of black Virginians are significantly less than those of white Virginians even when comparing individuals who are employed full-time and have the same education level. Similarly, black Virginians experience higher levels of unemployment even when compared to whites with the same education level. In education itself, white Virginians are significantly more likely to earn a high school or college degree. These disparities continue when examining the health care industry. For example, black women are more than twice as likely to die within a year of giving birth as white women in the Commonwealth.\r\n                        Despite this disturbing past, there were also many prominent Virginians who bravely chose to fight for justice and equality. Nat Turner, a slave in Virginia, fought for his freedom by leading one of the most notable slave rebellions in United States history. Following emancipation, Booker T. Washington, an emancipated slave who is recognized as one of the most important thinkers of the 19th century, founded Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and served as an adviser to Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. Maggie Walker, the daughter of an emancipated slave and a strong civil rights advocate, was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States. \r\n                        During the Jim Crow era, while some Virginians were leading the fight against school integration, two notable Virginians, Oliver Hill and Barbara Johns, were at the forefront of fighting for equality in education. In 1951, Barbara Johns organized a walkout of her African American school to protest the unequal facility conditions and overcrowding. Shortly after, she reached out to attorney Oliver Hill, who was himself a Virginian and an NAACP lawyer. They filed suit in a case that would become one of the five cases in the landmark decision Brown v. Board of Education, ultimately overturning separate but equal laws and desegregating schools across the United States. \r\n                        As Virginians, we have a responsibility to not only learn from but also confront our history. As part of this responsibility, we must strive for a more complete telling of history by raising up the voices, stories, and memories of minorities and people of color. In doing so, we should consider what monuments we can add to acknowledge the horrors of slavery, expose the injustices of institutional racism, and honor those who dedicated their lives to fighting for equality.\r\n                        There are countless commendable Virginians who would better represent our Commonwealth in the U.S. Capitol than a Confederate General, including the Virginians mentioned above. To that end, we urge you to include the replacement of the Robert E. Lee statue in the U.S. Capitol as part of your agenda for the 2020 Legislative Session.\r\n                        As outlined in the attached Procedures and Guidelines for Replacement of Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection by the Architect of the Capitol, the current replacement procedure calls for authorizing legislation to be passed through the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor. The request must then be communicated to the Architect of the Capitol. Several southern states have recently utilized this process to replace their state's statutes in the collection; Alabama and Florida have each removed statues honoring Confederate military officials, and Florida and Arkansas are adding statues depicting civil rights activists Mary McLeod Bethune and Daisy Bates.\r\n                        Our offices are ready to work with you to move Virginia forward.\r\n                        Sincerely,\r\n                        ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-praise-signing-of-virginia-beach-strong-act-into-law", "Warner & Kaine Praise Signing of Virginia Beach Strong Act into Law", "2019-12-22", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 22, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Praise Signing of Virginia Beach Strong Act into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Legislation will make donations to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund tax deductible ~\r\n WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after theirlegislationto treat Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund donations as tax-deductible contributions was signed into law:\r\nFollowing the horrific shooting in Virginia Beach, we were heartened to see the community come together to support victims and their families by helping alleviate some of the financial burden of the tragedy,the Senators said.Our bill will now make sure that the community's generosity is treated appropriately by making donations to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund tax-deductible. We are thrilled that Congress and the White House were able to put any partisanship aside and rapidly get this bill signed for the sake of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth.\r\nOn May 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, killing 12 people and injuring four. Soon after, the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund was created to support the wounded victims and the families of those killed. However, because the fund was set up exclusively for the benefit of those affected by the tragedy, it violates a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable tax rule that requires a charitable organization to serve a charitable class of persons that is indefinite or of sufficient size.Accordingly, charitable funds can't be earmarked for specific individuals. As a result, donors are not able to receive a tax deduction for their contributions. TheVirginiaBeachStrong Actrectifies this flaw by classifying any contribution made on or after May 31, 2019 through June 1, 2021 as tax-deductible.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine, along with U.S. Rep.Elaine Luria (D-VA) have been fierce advocates for the victims and families affected by the May 31st shooting. Earlier this month, the Senatorssecured congressional passageof this legislation and in June, theywroteto the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that victims and families were not being taxed on the contributions they were receiving. In August, the Presidentsigned into law legislation the Senators introduced to rename aVirginiaBeachpost office after Ryan Keith Cox, a longtime public utilities employee who, alongside other victims, sacrificed his own life to save others during the shooting. Additionally, the Senatorssecured unanimous passageearlier this year of a Senate resolution honoring the 12 victims of theVirginiaBeachshooting.\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/2019/12/warner-kaine-praise-signing-of-virginia-beach-strong-act-into-law", "Warner & Kaine Praise Signing of Virginia Beach Strong Act into Law", "2019-12-22", "2019", "2019-12", "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) released the following statement after theirlegislationto treat Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund donations as tax-deductible contributions was signed into law:\r\nFollowing the horrific shooting in Virginia Beach, we were heartened to see the community come together to support victims and their families by helping alleviate some of the financial burden of the tragedy,the Senators said.Our bill will now make sure that the community's generosity is treated appropriately by making donations to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund tax-deductible. We are thrilled that Congress and the White House were able to put any partisanship aside and rapidly get this bill signed for the sake of Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth.\r\nOn May 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, killing 12 people and injuring four. Soon after, the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund was created to support the wounded victims and the families of those killed. However, because the fund was set up exclusively for the benefit of those affected by the tragedy, it violates a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable tax rule that requires a charitable organization to serve a charitable class of persons that is indefinite or of sufficient size.Accordingly, charitable funds can't be earmarked for specific individuals. As a result, donors are not able to receive a tax deduction for their contributions. TheVirginiaBeachStrong Actrectifies this flaw by classifying any contribution made on or after May 31, 2019 through June 1, 2021 as tax-deductible.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine, along with U.S. Rep.Elaine Luria (D-VA) have been fierce advocates for the victims and families affected by the May 31st shooting. Earlier this month, the Senatorssecured congressional passageof this legislation and in June, theywroteto the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that victims and families were not being taxed on the contributions they were receiving. In August, the Presidentsigned into law legislation the Senators introduced to rename aVirginiaBeachpost office after Ryan Keith Cox, a longtime public utilities employee who, alongside other victims, sacrificed his own life to save others during the shooting. Additionally, the Senatorssecured unanimous passageearlier this year of a Senate resolution honoring the 12 victims of theVirginiaBeachshooting.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3726", "Connolly, 50 Members Call for Investigation into Reports of CBP Officials Issuing Fake Court Notices to Asylees", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) joined Reps. Tony Crdenas (D-CA),  J. Luis Correa (D-CA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), and more than 50 House Members in calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to open an investigation into recent reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials are issuing fake court notices and barring refugees from entering the United States after being granted asylum. In a letter to the DHS OIG, the congressional delegation asked that a full report of the investigation be sent to the United States House of Representatives and should agency officials be found criminally liable that they are held accountable.According to news reports, refugees who have been granted asylum are intentionally being given incorrect information by CBP officials as a strategy to keep them out of the U.S. This type of behavior by a government agency is abhorrent, violates the rule of law, and is antithetical to our values and the very essence of what we stand for as a nation, the Members wrote. We request that DHS Inspector General answer our questions, investigate this matter, and issue a full report to the United States House of Representatives. Additionally, if the investigation finds that officials are criminally liable, we demand that they are held accountable immediately and referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. The letter was signed by Rep. Tony Crdenas (CA-29); Rep. J. Luis Correa (CA-46); Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31); Rep. Don Beyer Jr. (VA-08); Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-03); Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07); Rep. Katherine Castor (FL-11); Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27); Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-39); Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-05); Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11); Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04); Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03); Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13); Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14); Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07); Rep. Jess \"Chuy\" Garca (IL-4); Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29); Rep. John Garamendi (CA-03); Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Rep. Ral Grijalva (AZ-03); Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07); Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17); Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19); Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47); Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-2); Rep. Jerry Nadler (NY-10); Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA-32); Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02); Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52); Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-4); Rep. Linda Snchez (CA-38); Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09); Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09); Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41); Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35); Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13); Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51); Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43); Rep. Peter Welch (VT); Rep Susan Wild (PA-07); Rep. Nydia Velzquez (NY-07); Rep. Danny K. Davis (CA-53); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23); Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC); Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37); Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20); Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) The text of the letter is copied below, and the full letter can be found here. \r\nDecember 20, 2019 Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to request the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) open an investigation into recent reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials are issuing fake court notices and barring refugees from entering the United States after being granted asylum. According to news reports, refugees who have been granted asylum are intentionally being given incorrect information by CBP officials as a strategy to keep them out of the U.S.  This type of behavior by a government agency is abhorrent, violates the rule of law, and is antithetical to our values and the very essence of what we stand for as a nation. In January, DHS began implementation of the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) a policy that has broad disapproval from lawmakers. Under MPP, families and children fleeing violence and seeking asylum are forced to remain in Mexico as they wait for their asylum case to be adjudicated. To date, over 54,000 migrants have been placed in this program.  Reports indicate four individuals have been denied the ability to stay in the U.S. after being granted asylum.  In one case, a Cuban refugee was forced by DHS to return to Mexico even after his request for asylum in the U.S. was granted by a judge because DHS decided to appeal his case. These appeals can take months or even years to complete. This is not an insignificant burden. People who are forced to remain in Mexico face ongoing threats of murder, sexual violence, kidnapping, and other harm. To date, the State Department designated 31 travel advisories in Mexico including five Mexican states explicitly noting do not travel due to unsafe conditions in Mexico. The warning notes that these states are hotspots of drug cartel activity and are either hosting trafficking routes or extensive drug-crop cultivation. The fact that federal government officials are putting people at risk and forcing refugees who have been granted asylum to remain in Mexico is unacceptable. CBP officials are allegedly providing fraudulent documents to refugees who have already been adjudicated as needing protection in an effort to dissuade them from staying in the country. Even CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan recently stated, that [fake documents] shouldn't be happening.  We need immediate answers about these practices. We call for a full and thorough investigation to determine the extent of these practices, examining, among other things the following questions: Were CBP officials given any guidance with regards to individuals who obtained relief (this includes musters, official guidance from CBP or DHS leadership)?  Was CBP or DHS leadership aware that officials were issuing fake hearing notices to asylum seekers who had been granted asylum to the U.S.? When did CBP officials start issuing fake hearing notices to asylum recipients? Who approved such notices? If CBP confirms such notices, provide the following information on individuals who have been returned to Mexico following an immigration judge's decision to grant any form of relief or terminate the case, including: - Nationality;  \r\n- Family Unit status;  \r\n- Whether they were granted relief or had their case terminated;  \r\n- Port of entry at which they were returned to Mexico;  \r\n- Date of the relief grant or termination;  \r\n- Date that CBP has asked them to return to the port of entry;  \r\n- Whether ICE OPLA in fact sought an appeal in their case, and the status of any such appeal;  \r\n- Whether the individual in fact returned to the port of entry on the date provided on the MPP tear sheet. Have CBP officials provided any guidance to officers on how to process individuals who return to a port of entry on the date listed on the MPP tear sheet, who do not have a court hearing because they have previously been granted relief or have had their cases terminated? Has the Inspector General received complaints on this issue?  If so, when were they received and how many? How many fake hearing notices have been provided to asylum recipients to date? Has any CBP senior official intimated or explicitly ordered CBP officers to issue false documents to asylum seekers? We request that DHS Inspector General answer our questions, investigate this matter, and issue a full report to the United States House of Representatives. Additionally, if the investigation finds that officials are criminally liable, we demand that they are held accountable immediately and referred to the Department of Justice for prosecution. We look forward to a prompt response to our above concerns. Sincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-applauds-markup-postal-renaming-legislation-0", "McEachin Applauds Markup of Postal Renaming Legislation", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) released the following statement after the House Committee on Oversight and Reform markup of H.R. 3847, his legislation to designate the Hopewell post office on 117 West Poythress Street as the Reverend Curtis West Harris Post Office Building.\nYesterday's hearing was an important step forward in our shared commitment to celebrate the life of a strong and fearless leader of our community, and I am pleased that my legislation passed unanimously, said Congressman Donald McEachin. Reverend Harris was a civil rights hero who dedicated his remarkable life to championing social and economic equity. I am humbled to have led a delegation-wide effort to honor his legacy to the Civil Rights Movement, the Commonwealth, and our nation. I urge the House to pass this important bill immediately, and I look forward to it becoming law.\nFull bill text can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/statement-warner", "Sen. Warner on the USMCA Agreement", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today announced that he will support the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is intended to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).\r\nI believe that trade is good for Virginia's economy. I believed that as Governor of Virginia, and I believe it now. Whether in agricultural products, digital goods, or heavy-duty manufacturing, Virginia has benefited from the exports of the Commonwealth's globally competitive businesses. And the bustling Port of Virginia ensures that Virginia benefits from much of the imports flowing through our region, said Sen. Warner. Trade relationships are also a form of diplomacy, allowing us to increase U.S. influence abroad and deepen our relationships with foreign partners in ways that benefit not just American prosperity but U.S. security and leadership.\r\nI'm optimistic that this trade agreement will help American farmers, ports, manufacturers, retailers, and workers. This deal will address issues like digital trade that NAFTA couldn't fully anticipate, and help decrease market barriers to agricultural products that have been huge points of concern for Virginia farmers. I'm also enormously grateful for the work of House and Senate Democrats in improving key provisions of this bill, most notably related to environmental and fair labor practices. This agreement includes strong labor protections, including monitoring and enforcement, to ensure that companies in our partner nations are held accountable to the same labor standards as American firms. These improvements are critical to ensuring that American workers are permitted to compete with foreign workers on a level playing field, Sen. Warner said.\r\nOverall, I'm hopeful that the agreement will provide the consistency and stability the business community needs, Sen. Warner continued. At the same time, I worry that the costs of this deal will come in the form of reduced U.S. credibility and trust from our allies and closest trading partners. Throughout the negotiation process, the President's repeated threats to withdraw from NAFTA, to heedlessly close the border with Mexico, and to levy tariffs on Canada and Mexico have exemplified the troubling and erratic approach to trade issues that we've seen from this Administration.\r\nI want to note that I have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Congress is beginning an important, bipartisan debate about whether Section 230 is working as intended, and many  including prominent civil rights groups  believe that Section 230 has allowed internet intermediaries to ignore misuse of their platforms by bad actors. I would urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in future free trade agreements until that debate has reached its apex, concluded Sen. Warner.\r\nVirginians applauded Warner's announcement today.\r\nVirginia Poultry Federation is grateful for Senator Warner's support of this agreement, which preserves access to our largest international market for U.S. poultry exports, Mexico, and creates opportunities for expanding poultry trade with Canada. This is a big deal for Virginia's largest agricultural sector, and we appreciate Senator Warner's leadership, said Hobey Bauhan, President, Virginia Poultry Federation.\r\nVirginia Cattlemen's Association appreciates Senator Warner being a supporter of USMCA. The USMCA is a great trade deal for Virginia cattle producers, as the number of cattle being sold into Canada is growing each year, stated Tracy Fitzsimmons, Executive Director, Virginia Cattlemen's Association.\r\nAmerica's dairy farmers produce nutritious and quality dairy products that are enjoyed both domestically and around the world. USMCA provides a valuable update to prior agreements and ensures that dairy products can access the two markets closest to us, Mexico and Canada.USMCA will improve and strengthen America's relationship with Mexico, our top dairy customer, said Eric Paulson, Executive Director, Virginia State Dairymen's Association. It will also open up new opportunities for U.S. dairy products to be sold in Canada. Increasing dairy exports to our two closest trading partners will benefit producers both in Virginia and nationwide,\r\nThis is very welcome news for Virginia hog farmers, all U.S. pork producers and American agriculture, said Jessica Cunningham, President, Virginia Pork Council. USMCA provides much-needed certainty to export-dependent hog farmers, ensuring duty-free access to markets representing approximately 40 percent of total U.S. pork exports. We thank Senator Warner for his support of the USMCA and applaud this milestone toward the agreement's ratification.\r\nFarm Credit of the Virginias supports the USMCA as it provides a true economic benefit to America's farmers and ranchers. Of particular importance for our farmers in Virginia, USMCA will provide new market access for dairy and poultry products in Canada and maintains the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products and on all ag products to Mexico, Peery Heldreth, CEO, Farm Credit of the Virginias, said.\r\nVirginia Farm Bureau supports adoption of the USMCA trade agreement. The USMCA builds on the success of NAFTA while modernizing and updating that agreement with important provisions that support U.S. agriculture, and drive American innovation and competitiveness. The USMCA will provide new market access for dairy and poultry products in Canada and maintains the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products to Mexico, said Ben Rowe, National Affairs Coordinator, Virginia Farm Bureau.\r\nThis is good news for trade, specifically for grain farmers, pork and poultry producers and lumber exporters, said John F. Reinhart, CEO and Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority. We expect to see our export volumes begin to rebound, so this is a positive development for The Port of Virginia's customers, cargo owners, port users and ultimately, the American economy. Trade thrives in a predictable, stable and open environment.\r\nInternational trade is a pillar of Virginia's economy and for nearly a century the Virginia Maritime Association has promoted, protected, and encouraged trade through Virginia's ports.Therefore, we are pleased the U.S., Mexico, and Canada have reached an agreement with terms that reflect the business and economic changes since NAFTA was negotiated and which we hope will benefit Virginia companies for many years to come, David White, Executive Vice President, Virginia Maritime Association, stated.\r\nSTIHL Inc. believes the USMCA extends the fundamental tenants of free trade and offers mutual benefits for North American workers, farmers, manufacturers and businesses, said Bjoern Fischer, President of STIHL Inc. in Virginia Beach.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-appeals-courts-affordable-care-act-decision-", "Kaine Statement On Appeals Court\u2019s Affordable Care Act Decision", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Kaine Statement On Appeals Court's Affordable Care Act Decision  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement today following the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' decision declaring the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate unconstitutional and directing a district court to determine whether the rest of the law can stand without the individual mandate:\r\nThe Fifth Circuit ruling is the result of the latest effort by Republicans  in this case Republican State Attorneys General acting in concert with the Trump Administration  to take health care away from millions of Americans. I am optimistic that, just as in previous lawsuits, the continuous efforts to sabotage health care will ultimately fail. And I am confident that the American people will remember who worked to expand their health care and who schemed to take it away.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/mcconnell/kaine-bill-to-raise-tobacco-purchase-age-to-21-now-goes-to-president-for-signature", "McConnell/Kaine Bill to Raise Tobacco Purchase Age to 21 Now Goes to President for Signature", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t McConnell/Kaine Bill to Raise Tobacco Purchase Age to 21 Now Goes to President for Signature \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSenate approves bipartisan bill introduced by Senators McConnell and Kaine to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. Utilizing his role as Senate Majority Leader, McConnell successfully secured their provision in the end of the year funding bills.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  The United States Senate approved today the Tobacco-Free Youth Act, introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), to raise the nationwide minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, from 18 to 21 and help protect young people from the dangers of nicotine. Utilizing his role as Majority Leader and as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator McConnell secured their bipartisan bill in the Fiscal Year 2020 government-funding agreement, which now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.\r\nKentucky continues to punch above its weight in Washington as I use my position as Majority Leader to advance Kentucky priorities, such as my bipartisan bill with Senator Tim Kaine, to stem the tide of early nicotine addiction among youth in Kentucky and across the nation, said Majority Leader McConnell. I'm proud the Senate approved legislation today including our Tobacco-Free Youth Act to help address this urgent crisis and keep these dangerous products away from our children. It is because of my position as a tobacco state Senator that I introduced this bill, and it is because of my role as Senate Majority Leader that President Trump will be signing the Tobacco-Free Youth Act into law by week's end.\r\nPassage of this lifesaving legislation is an enormous victory for the health of our young people. By raising the age to buy tobacco products nationwide, we can save 223,000 lives and reduce youth tobacco use. I'm grateful for the work of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and all the Virginians who made their voices heard to join us in this critical effort to improve public health. This is one of many steps we should take to tackle the youth e-cigarette epidemic that touches every corner of our nation, said Senator Kaine.\r\nAs senators from two states with a long history of tobacco production and consumption, Senators McConnell and Kaine have seen the negative effects of youth tobacco use and have heard compelling public health stories from concerned constituents throughout their states. According [cdc.gov] to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, over 6 million U.S. middle and high school students were current users of tobacco products with 1 in 3 high school students and 1 in 8 middle school students reporting using some type of tobacco product in the past 30 days. In response, the two Senators introduced the Tobacco-Free Youth Act to help stem the tide of these alarming trends by making it unlawful for retailers to sell tobacco products to anyone younger than 21. A report [nationalacademies.org] from the Institute of Medicine found that most adult smokers start smoking before age 21 and that increasing the tobacco age to 21 could save lives, improve public health, and reduce tobacco initiation among youth. Young tobacco users may not know what chemicals they are putting into their bodies, let alone the long-term health risks that could negatively impact them as adults.\r\nBackground: The Tobacco-Free Youth Act will be effective immediately upon signature of the President and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acting swiftly to enforce this law.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-12-million-in-funding-for-conservation-and-sustainable-agriculture", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Federal funding creates opportunities for innovative environmental solutions at Virginia Tech and Appalachian Sustainable Development ~\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,269,461 in federal funding from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to support innovation in resource conservation and agricultural practices at Virginia Tech and in the Appalachian-Blue Ridge Forests ecoregion of Virginia.\r\nWhen we talk about forest farming and pollinator-friendly grazing, we're talking about some of the most innovative work in conservation and sustainable agriculture, and it's happening right here in Virginia, said the Senators. The work Appalachian Sustainable Development is doing with forest botanicals represents an important step in growing an industry that is creating jobs while conserving our natural heritage. We're also proud to see Virginia Tech at the forefront of creating market-based sustainable solutions to environmental challenges facing our farmers and our ecosystems.\r\nAppalachian Sustainable Development will receive $386,539 to use market-based incentives to help forest owners pilot the alley cropping of high-value forest botanicals. This project is intended for use by small, historically underserved forest owners to conserve endangered forest ecosystems. Forest farming is an agroforestry practice that cultivates herbal, edible, decorative, and handicraft non-timber forest products (NTFP) under a forest canopy modified or maintained to provide shade levels and habitats that favor growth and enhance production. Forest farming allows farmers to produce and sell raw material that is traceable, unadulterated, and sustainable. In 2016, consumers spent an estimated $7.45 billion on herbal supplements, an increase of approximately $530 million from 2013.\r\nThe USDA will also award Virginia Tech $882,922 to research the integration of pollinator-friendly plant species in grazing systems. The project will evaluate the economic and ecological impact of native wildflowers into the Southeastern grazing system.\r\nThe funding is awarded through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program at USDA. CIG projects encourage the creation of tools, technologies, and strategies to create market-based solutions to protect our environment for generations to come.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-praise-passage-of-government-funding-bills", "Warner & Kaine Praise Passage of Government Funding Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 19, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Praise Passage of Government Funding Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Bills to avert a government shutdown head to the President's desk ~\r\nWASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) praised Senate passage of two bipartisan, bicameral spending bills to fund federal programs that are critical to Virginia and keep the federal government open through 2020. Following today's Senate passage, the bills now head to the President's desk for signature.\r\nToday I voted to avert another painful government shutdown like the one that hurt thousands of Virginia families earlier this year, during President Trump's 35-day government shutdown,said Sen. Warner.Every year I advocate for much-needed resources to strengthen communities across Virginia and this year is no exception. In this bill, we finally secured health care and pension benefits that our miners have rightfully earned, and successfully pushed for a well-deserved pay raise for our federal workforce and men and women in uniform. This bill also forces the Department of Justice to finally adhere to a firm deadline on the full implementation of the Ashanti Alert system, just to name a few wins for Virginia. With so much critical funding at stake for the Commonwealth, I urge the President to swiftly sign these bills into law.\r\nI'm proud many of our efforts to improve the lives of Virginians were included in our final spending package, said Sen. Kaine. This bipartisan legislation includes my bill to raise the tobacco age to 21 and a bill I cosponsored to protect the health and pension benefits of retired miners. It also includes significant funding I supported to boost resiliency at military installations at risk from threats like climate change, strengthen rural infrastructure, and support career and technical education. I'm thrilled our colleagues worked together to fund these crucial priorities.\r\n\r\nThe following list includes many of the provisions Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated for:\r\n400 Years of African-American History Commission:Includes $3.3 million in federal funding for the Commission to honor four centuries of African-American history. The Senators sponsoredlegislation, which was signed into law in 2018, to establish the Commission and participated in events this year to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in English Colonial America at Point Comfort, Virginia.\r\nAshanti Alert:Includesa provisionsupported by both Senators that wouldrequire theDepartment of Justice to provide Congress with a progress report of the Ashanti Alert implementation within 30 days. Additionally, the legislation requires that the DOJ establish a firm deadline for fullimplementation of the Ashanti Alert Act no later than 90 days after the bill is signed into law.\r\nTobacco 21:Includes theTobacco-Free Youth Actintroduced by Sen. Kaine and supported by Sen. Warner that would raise the nationwide minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.Additionally, the bill providesincentives to states to continue inspections and reporting to ensure retailers do not sell tobacco products to those under 21.\r\nMiners' Benefits:The Senators successfullypushed toinclude a fix for miners' health care and pensions, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies.This bill will secure the pensions of 92,000 coal miners and protect healthcare benefits for 13,000 miners across the country  that includes hundredsof retirees in Southwest Virginia who were affected by the recent Westmoreland Coal bankruptcy.The bill also extends funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund until the end of 2020 by extending the tax on mining companies that helps fund the program.\r\nArmy Corps of Engineers:Provides $7.65 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $651.5 million above FY 2019, including $2.5 million for the Norfolk Harbor Widening and Deepening project.\r\nNASA:Provides $22.63 billion in federal funds, an increase of $1.13 billion above the FY 2019 enacted level. The bill also includes $783.9 million for NASA's aeronautic research to advance aviation technology by cutting airtraffic congestion and pollution, improving safety, and introducing new technologies for the future of flight. Aeronautics research at NASA is increasingly focusing on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Traffic Management, which will improve the integration of drones into our national airspace. Earlier this year, Sen. Warner introducedlegislationto boost aeronautics industry innovation, research and development.\r\nEconomic Development Administration:Includes $333 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), $30 million above FY 2019. Last year, Virginia received 12 EDA grants totaling $3.97 million. A majority of these funds went to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) to support the construction for an expansion to house the CCAM Apprentice Academy, including classrooms, administrative support, a break room, and a high bay training area.\r\nRichmond International Airport Reimbursement:The Senators successfully pushed for the inclusion of $40 million in federal funds to help reimburse airports that purchased security screening equipment following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Richmond International Airport spent almost $4 million in 2005 to protect passenger safety and was promised federal reimbursement, which it has yet to fully receive. The airport is expected to receive $734,314 from this tranche of funds, bringing total reimbursement to date to $2,386,522, more than halfway to the $4 million the airport was owed.\r\nCensus:Provides $7.56 billion in new discretionary funding, $1.4 billion above the President's budget request, to enable the Bureau to effectively prepare for and conduct a thorough and accurate 2020 Decennial Census.The Senators introducedlegislationto oppose efforts by the Administration to include politically motivated questions to the census that would curb participation.\r\nFBI Headquarters:Provides no federal funds for the Trump Administration to follow through on their hasty and controversial proposal to rebuild the current FBI headquarters building without a proper and full analysis.Sens. Warner and Kaine havefor yearsworked to secure funding for a new FBI headquarters to replace the current, deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, which was built in 1974. In 2017, the Trump Administration abruptly backed away fromplansto possibly move the FBI headquarters to Virginia, announcing instead in February 2018plansto demolish the existing FBI headquarters in Washington and build a new facility in its place.\r\nOPM-GSA Merger:The bill does not provide funding for the Administration's proposal to merge the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the General Services Administration (GSA).Earlier this week, Congress blocked the Trump Administration from executing their proposed merger without first providing Congress and the public transparency on the rationale behind the move, backed by sound, independent analysis of the potential costs and benefits. This mirrors an effortpushedby Sens. Warner and Kaine to prevent the federal workforce from being subjected to continued political attacks and increased political interference by the Trump Administration.\r\nElection Security:Includes $435 million for a new round of election security grants ahead of the 2020 elections. The manager's package included critical language specifying that the grants be used for the purchase of election equipment that uses paper ballots, the conduct of post-election audits, cybersecurity training of election officials, and other cyber-security related improvements.\r\nVA leases:Includes a provision to urge the General Services Administration to expedite the lease procurement projects for new VA medical clinics  which includesan outpatientclinicin Hampton Roads run by GSA and an outpatientclinicin Fredericksburg run by the VA that Sen. Warner has continuously pushed to get open and operational to ease the wait times for Virginia veterans.\r\nDefense Community Infrastructure Program:The bill provides $50 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which allows DoD to work with state and local governments to address critical infrastructure improvements affecting resiliency of our military installations.\r\nMilCon:Includes nearly $500 million in funding for 11 military construction projects across the Commonwealth.\r\n \r\nFort Belvoir: Provides $60 million for a Secure Operations and Administration Facility.\r\nJoint Base Langley-Eustis: Provides $55 million for an Advanced Individual Training Barracks Complex.\r\nNaval Station Norfolk: Provides $79.1 million for a Mariner Skills Training Center.\r\nPortsmouth Shipyard: Provides $48.9 million for Dry Dock Flood Protection improvements.\r\nQuantico: Provides $70 million for a Wargaming Center.\r\nDam NeckAnnex: Provides $12.7 million for a SOF Demolition Training Compound Expansion.\r\nDefense Distribution Depot Richmond: Provides $98.8 million for an Operations Center.\r\nJoint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story: Provides $32.6 million for theconstruction of aSOF Operations Support Facility and$13 million for a SOF Training Facility.\r\nPentagon: Provides $8.6 million for a backup generator and $20.1 million for a control tower and fire station.\r\n \r\nVeterans:Provides $91.9 billion infundingfor the VA, anincrease of $5.4 billion above FY19. The bill would increasefundingtoseveralVeteranHealth Administration priority areas, including $1.5 billion for electronic health record modernization, $9.4 billion to increase mental health services forveterans, and $221.7million for suicide prevention programs. It includes $1.9billion for homelessness programssuch as $380 million forthe Supportive Services forVeteransand Families program and $408.3 million for theHousing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which provides assistance to homelessveterans.\r\nAgent Orange:The bill also provides $153.6 million to fund the VA's implementation of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act,legislationsponsored by the Senators and signed into law to get veterans benefits for illnesses related to toxic herbicide Agent Orange, including those who were stationed on ships off the Vietnamese coast, also known as Blue Water Navy veterans. The bill also includes language to force the Administration to explain the delay in expanding the presumptive list, a cost estimate for adding new diseases, and the date the VA plans to implement the decision. This week, Sen. Warnerspoke on the Senate floorurging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to block an expansion of approved Agent Orangerelated conditions that qualify a veteran for benefits.\r\nGold Star Families:This legislation corrects one of the many unintended consequences of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017  legislation forced through by the GOP that, among other things, treats military and VA survivor benefits as trusts or estates, subjecting the benefits of many military families to a much higher tax rate.The Senatorsintroduced legislationearlier this year to make sure surviving families aren't unfairly penalized,and pay back those families that had to incur this unjust tax hike.\r\nShipbuilding:The bill provides over $13 billion in VA Shipbuilding priorities such as:Ford-class aircraft carrier construction ($2.27 billion), aircraft carrier overhaul ($650 million), and Virginia-class ($8.32 billion) and Columbia-class ($1.82 billion) submarine construction. The bill also provides over $13 billion for ship repairs.\r\nFederal Employee & Military Pay Raise:Provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees and our military. Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to override President Trump's request for a punitive, across-the-board pay freeze for the federal workforce.\r\nAnimal Protection:The bill provides $1 million to ensure stronger enforcement of the Horse Protection Act to stop the cruel practice of horse soring, a $295,000 increase above FY 19. Sen. Warner introduced and Sen. Kaine cosponsored the bipartisanPAST Actto end horse soring,and both Warner and Kaine introducedlegislationto protectdomestic violence victims and their pets.\r\nChesapeake Bay Program:Includes $85 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program, an increase of $12 million over fiscal year 2019. The Chesapeake Bay Program coordinates Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and protection efforts, and the majority of its funds are passed through to the states and local communities for on-the-ground restoration. The Senatorswroteto congressional appropriators urging them to include significant increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program in the final spending bill. The bill also includes $3 million for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, an increase of $1 millionover FY 2019. TheSenatorsintroducedlegislationto reauthorize the highly successful Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails programrun by the National Park Service.\r\nLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):Provides $495 million for LWCF, an increase of $60 million over FY 2019. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the Virginia outdoors industry supports approximately $21.9 billion in annual consumer spending and 197,000 direct jobs. The bill also includes $2.42 million for land acquisition around Petersburg National Battlefield, which is a direct result of the Senatorslegislationto complete the expansion that was signed into law by President Obama. Additionally, the bill includes $1.36 million for land conservation efforts around the George Washington Memorial Parkway.\r\nVirginia Tribes:Includes $1.281 million for the New Tribes program, an increase of $161,000 over FY 2019. Last year, the Senatorssuccessfully securedfederal recognition for Virginia's six tribes.\r\nNational Park Service:Provides $3.37 billion for the Park Service, an increase of $154 million from FY 2019. This includes $1.15 billion for bridge repair and replacement, $70 million for nationally significant federal transportation assets, and $100 million for the Appalachian Development Highway System. In 2018, more than 25.8 million individuals visited Virginia's 22 National Parks. SenatorWarnerhas sponsoredlegislation, cosponsored by Kaine, to address the$12 billion maintenance backlogat the National Park Service, half of which is transportation needs.\r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative:Includes $5 million for USDA's Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), an increase of $4 million over FY 2019. The program closely follows Sen. Warner'seffortsin the Senate to eradicate food deserts and increase access to healthy, nutritious foods.\r\nMine Safety and Health Administration (MHSA):Provides $17.18 million for MSHA, which will work to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthy workplaces for miners in Virginia. There are approximately 3,000 coal miners employed in Virginia.\r\nAppalachian Regional Commission:Includes $175 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an increase of $10 million over FY 2019. Last fiscal year, ARC supported 32 projects in Virginia totaling $8.2 million in federal investment. This investment has been matched by nearly $20.5 million in state, local, and private investments. This funding helped create and retain 950 jobs in the region last year.\r\nHemp:The bill provides $16.5 million in new funding to implement the Hemp Production Program, which was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill included a provision sponsored by both Senators that removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as a commodity for use in agriculture, textile, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverage, paper, personal care, and construction products. The bill also includes $2 million for the FDA to research and develop policies on CBD. Senators Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of hemp as an agricultural commodity and they successfullysecuredVirginia's inclusion in a pilot to develop a crop insurance program for industrial hemp.\r\nJob Corps:After the Administration's failed attempt to close the Flatwoods Jobs Corps Program in Coeburn, Va., the bill secures $1.7 billion in federal funding, an increase of $25 million, to support the Jobs Corps program, the nation's largest career technical training and educational program for at-risk youth that also supports locations in Marion and Monroe. Sens. Warner and Kainesent a letterto the Secretaries ofLabor and Agriculture calling on the Trump Administration to reverseplans to close the Flatwoods facility and introducedlegislationto prevent the Administration from using any federal funding to close Jobs Corps facilities across the country.\r\nSecure Rural Schools Program:Extends for two years the Secure Rural Schools program that provides funding for public schools and Virginia communities located near or within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. In the last fiscal year, 51 Virginia counties received a combined $1.34 million in SRS payments\r\nPreschool Development Grants. Provides a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants for a total of $275 million. These grants will improve coordination of existing early childhood care and education programs. Virginia received a $9.9 million Preschool Development Grant in January 2019 and received $17.5 million for four consecutive years (FY14-FY17).\r\nTRIO Program:TRIO programs help low-income and first generation students get into and complete college. The bill provides $1.1 billion for TRIO programs, a $30 million increase from FY19. During the 2018-19 school year, Virginia's TRIO programs served more than 14,500 students with more than $17 million in federal resources.\r\nHBCU & MSIs:Provides $93 million in critical funding to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This bill would provide money for the five HBCUs in Virginia to make campus improvements and strengthen financial management, academic resources and endowment-building capacity. Earlier this month, Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to get theFUTURE Actsigned into lawtorestore $255 million in federal funding for these critical institutions.\r\nDistance Learning and Telemedicine Grants:Includes $50 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. In November 2019, Virginia received $1.1 million through this program.The funding was awarded to the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, the University of Virginia (UVA), George Mason University, and the Community Memorial Hospital.The Community Memorial Hospital, for example, will use the funds to provide medical services via interactive video conferencing equipment to four sites in Mecklenburg County and will benefit approximately 11,000 residents.\r\nRural Broadband Grants: Includes $550 million for the ReConnect Pilot Program rural broadband grants, a program established by USDA last year to expand broadband infrastructure and service in rural communities. In the first round of ReConnect Pilot Program investments in 2019, USDA invested nearly 3.8 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for more than 1,250 rural households, two volunteer fire departments, and four educational facilities in Mecklenburg County.  \r\nThe Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Reauthorization:Includes aWarner-led provisionthat would reauthorize for another ten years the research institute established by the Affordable Care Act that provides independent evidence on the effectiveness, benefits and harms of different treatment options for a condition.\r\nPublic Health Data Modernization:The bill includes funding Sen. Kaine hasfought forto shore up our public health data infrastructure to expedite identification and response to public health threats. The legislation provides $50 million to modernize public health data systems at CDC.\r\nFundsChildhoodDiseaseResearch:Provides $12.6 million for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program to conduct pediatric cancer and disease research. The Senators worked toenact the legislationauthorizing this program, named for 10-year-old Gabriella Miller of Loudoun County, who passed away from cancer in October of 2013.\r\nGun Violence Research:Includes $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Health (NIH) to support firearm injury and mortality prevention research for the first time in 20 years, with the potential to identify interventions to help save lives. The Senators introduced legislationearlier this year to fund firearms safety and gun violence prevention research at the CDC.\r\nBUILD InfrastructureGrants.Provides $1 billion for competitive transportation grants through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, formerly known as TIGER grants. Virginia has previously used these grants for projects including I-95 Express Lanes, I-564 connector from Norfolk International Terminals at the Port of Virginia, I-64 Delta Frames Bridges in Rockbridge County, thePulsebus-rapid transit system in Richmond, and Northstar Boulevard in Loudoun County near Dulles.\r\nWMATA:Includes the full federal funding of $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to fund critical capital investment and safety projects. In May, the Senators introducedlegislationto renew the federal funding commitment to Metro, provide critical safety reforms, and strengthen oversight of WMATA.\r\nUAS Research:Provides $24 million for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research. Drone research will benefit applications like disaster response, search and rescue efforts, infrastructure inspection, package delivery, and countless others. The Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is an FAA-designated test site for unmanned aircraft systems. One key project at MAAP has been drone-delivery technology, and Virginia Tech has been the site of some of the most significant testing in the country. The program has received money in the past and will benefit from this continued funding.\r\nRemote Tower System: Includes the Senators' amendment to provide $7million for the Federal Aviation Administration to continue its remote tower system pilot program at smaller airports. This includes the Remote Air Traffic Control Tower at Leesburg Executive Airport, the first of its kind in the United Sates, which has been run as a partnership between Leesburg Airport and Saab Technologies.As part of the program, air traffic controllers are able to work remotely, which could help ease capacity and staffing constraints. There are also similar remote tower projects being planned across the country.\r\nPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF):The bill includesSen. Kaine's requestto direct the Department of Education to remove bureaucratic hurdles the Department created for student loan borrowers in accessing the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TEPSLF) and also directs the Department to improve outreach to borrowers who have been denied TEPSLF and PSLF. The Senators have urged theU.S. Department of Educationto take steps to improve PSLF and recently called on theConsumer Financial Protection Bureauto provide greater oversight of the program.\r\nContingent Gig Workers:Directs the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) to provide an annual supplement to the Current Population Survey to allow for collection of data on contingent and alternative work arrangements every two years and data on other topics related to the labor force in alternate years. Sen. Warner has continued to push the federal agency to conduct further research on the contingent workforce and introducedbipartisan legislationto test and evaluate innovative portable-benefits models for independent workers.\r\nNew Markets Tax Credit (NMTC):Extends New Markets Tax Credit through 2020 to help increase the flow of private dollars to distressed and underserved areas. Sen. Warner introducedlegislationearlier this year to direct more NMTC investment in rural areas across the Commonwealth.\r\nBrand USA:The bill reauthorizes the Brand USA Program through 2027, which is a highly effective public-private promotion program which drives important foreign tourism to the Commonwealth.In 2018, we had over 1.1 million international tourists visit the Commonwealth, who spent $2 billion in our economy. The Senatorscosponsoredthe Brand USA Extension Act earlier this year and Sen. Warnerspokeat the VA-1 Tourism Summit about the issues facing Virginia's booming tourism industry, including the need for Brand USA reauthorization. \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-vote-to-ratify-usmca", "Scott Statement on Vote to Ratify USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act:\nAfter months of tough negotiations between Speaker Pelosi and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer, I was pleased to see them reach an agreement in the current form of the USMCA. Last year, the Trump administration announced a version of USMCA that wasdeeplyflawed.It would have locked in high prescription drug prices, exposed our environment and communities to dangerous pollution, accelerated the outsourcing of jobs, and it did nothing to protect the wages of American workers or the rights of our Mexican counterparts. While the current deal is still not perfect, itwillstrengthen environmental protections and improve labor standards through enforcement mechanisms that have been routinely absent from past trade deals.\nWhile the Trump administration is wrong to claim that this agreement will bring back hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs,USMCA's improved labor standards and unprecedented enforcement mechanisms canaddress the imbalances wroughtbythe race-to-the-bottom policiesembodied inNAFTA andbegin to level the playing field forworkers across North America.As Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, I will be carefully reviewing the implementation of this Agreement to ensure Mexico abides by its labor commitments.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3725", "Oversight Committee Advances Connolly FedRAMP and Restore the Partnership Legislation", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform advanced two pieces of legislation authored by Congressman Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the Government Operations Subcommittee. H.R. 3941, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Authorization Act, would codify the existing FedRAMP Program at the General Services Administration (GSA). FedRAMP was established in 2011 to provide a standardized government-wide approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud computing services. The program reduces the redundancies of federal cloud migration for both the federal government and for cloud service providers, Connolly said. Unfortunately, the current state of cloud adoption in the federal government involves various agency-specific processes, making it complicated for agencies to issue an authorization to operate for cloud services, even when a cloud service provider has already been authorized for use at other agencies. Our bipartisan bill will streamline the FedRAMP process and reduce the redundancies in federal cloud migration, so federal agencies can modernize their IT and realize cost-efficiencies, Connolly added.  H.R. 3883, the Restore the Partnership Act, revives the concept of the defunct Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) by creating the Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. The commission, an independent commission composed of 31 federal, state, local and tribal representatives, would be authorized to provide a forum for critical deliberations on issues of great intergovernmental import and will serve to collect and share best practices for effective collaboration, provide needed technical assistance, and recommend solutions that lead to more appropriate delegations of governmental functions. As a former member and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I know firsthand how crucial it is for our local governments to have the cooperation and support of their federal, state, and tribal partners, said Connolly. America's federated system of government relies on collaboration across all levels of government to ensure the reliable administration of public services and the protection of the public welfare. Only with earned trust and open channels of communication can all governments in the United States truly work together to reduce overlap and actually do the business of improving people's lives. I would like to one again thank my partner on this legislation, Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah. This process has been bipartisan, transparent, and effective and I look forward to future opportunities to work on such critical legislation, Connolly added.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2349", "Spanberger Votes to Pass Landmark USMCA Trade Deal, Praises Agreements Provisions to Support Central Virginia Businesses, Farms, & Workers", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "**VIDEO/AUDIO: On Floor of the U.S. House, Spanberger Urges Her Colleagues to Support the USMCA**\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today joined a bipartisan majority of her colleagues in passing a landmark trilateral trade deal that would strengthen export markets and level the playing field for Central Virginia businesses, farms, and workers.\r\nSpanberger voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA), whichif enactedwould replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Earlier this month, a deal was announced between House negotiators and the administration on changes to the agreement. Just days before this announcement, Spanbergerjoined Vice President Mike Pencein a bipartisan meeting with five of her colleagues at the White House to discuss the status of the USMCA and the need to finalize the agreement.\r\nThere's no doubt that Central Virginia's economy depends on tradeand today's vote to pass the USMCA legislation in the House is a vote on the side of our district's economic security. Whether in discussions with cattlemen in Louisa or small business owners in Chesterfield, I've heard firsthand from those I represent about the much-needed benefits of the USMCA, said Spanberger. I've long called for implementing legislation to come to the floor of the House, and I'm calling on the Senate to take action now to strengthen our markets, secure fair labor and environmental standards, and put our businesses on equal footing with their competitors. Our businesses and farms have waited long enough for this improved agreementand they're expecting us to deliver an enacted USMCA.\r\n\"Today's vote on the USMCA is an important step toward ensuring duty-free market access across most of North America for Virginia consumers, businesses, manufacturers, and farmers, said Barry DuVal, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This historic trade agreement will drive export growth, boost our small businesses in Virginia, and provide much-needed reforms for e-commerce, customs procedures, and financial services. We appreciate Congresswoman Spanberger's leadership in advocating for all Virginians through this initiative.\r\nVirginia Farm Bureau was proud to see USMCA ratified by the House. USMCA builds on the success of NAFTA while modernizing and updating that agreement with important provisions that support U.S. agriculture, and drive American innovation and competitiveness, said Ben Rowe, National Affairs Coordinator, Virginia Farm Bureau. At a time when American farmers are facing low commodity prices, natural disasters, and overseas trade wars, the USMCA provides trade certainty and shows bipartisan support for the agriculture industry.  \r\n\r\nThe Virginia Agribusiness Council applauds the passage of the USMCA. Access to these two critical export markets is vital to agribusinesses throughout the entire supply chain in the Commonwealth,\" said Kyle Shreve, Executive Director, Virginia Agribusiness Council. \"It preserves markets for our poultry, cattle and dairy sectors and maintains the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products.\r\nLast year, Virginia exported $4.3 billion dollars-worth of goods to Canada and Mexico. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, one out of six Virginia manufacturing firms exports to Canada and Mexico. For these manufacturers, the USMCA would raise standards, improve transparency, and end anti-U.S. discrimination from Canada and Mexicoas well as prevent a $466 million increase in taxes due to tariffs.\r\nThe USMCA would also establish preferential market access for Central Virginia agricultural exporters. For dairy farmers, the trade agreement would expand market opportunities in Canada, and it would eliminate an unfair milk pricing program that long allowed Canadian farmers to undersell U.S. producers. And for poultry producers, the USMCA would increase access to Canadian markets for chicken and eggs. According to a report from the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico would grow by nearly 7 percentand exports to Canada would grow by nearly 6 percent.\r\nEarlier today on the floor of the U.S. House, Spanberger called for her colleagues to pass the USMCA. Click here to watch her full speech. A full transcript of her remarks is below:\r\n---\r\nLast year, Virginia exported $4.3 billion dollars-worth of goods to Canada and Mexico. 1 out of 6 Virginia manufacturers exports to these two countriesand of these firms, 64 percent are small or medium-sized businesses.\r\nThese businesses are the backbone of our economy, and today, they're looking to Congress to take this vital step toward securing long-term trade stability.\r\nEarlier this month, I made that point clear at a meeting with Vice President Pence. During our discussion, I underscored the USMCA's potential to stimulate growth across the Seventh District of Virginia.\r\nFor Central Virginia businesses, today's vote is a welcome step toward modernizing NAFTA and staying competitive in the 21st century economy.\r\nFor Central Virginia crop and livestock producers, today's vote means protecting and expanding relationships with critical buyers in Canada and Mexico.\r\nAnd for Central Virginia workers, today's vote carries with it a commitment from our trading partners to live up to their labor commitments.\r\nI know that Central Virginia's economyand the hardworking men and women who spur it forwardhave waited patiently for this day to arrive.\r\nI thank everyone for their work on thisMr. Chairman, Mr. Ranking Member, Ambassador Lighthizer, and my colleagues in the working group. I urge my colleagues to support the USMCA.\r\n---\r\nSpanberger has long worked to move the USMCA forward and fought for the trade priorities of Central Virginia businesses, workers, and producers, including by:\r\n \r\n    Meeting directly with administration officials to voice the concerns of Central Virginia farms, businesses, and workers.In aMay 2019 meetingwith Deputy U.S. Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney, Spanberger discussed the status of ongoing USMCA negotiations and the potential benefits of the USMCA for Virginia's economy. Additionally, in March 2019, she met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to discuss the status of the USMCA.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Hearing from Central Virginians about the potential benefits of the USMCA.In October 2019, Spanbergerhosted a roundtable on the USMCA and tradewith the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners. And during her2019 Farm Tour, she heard from farmers and agribusinesses about the need to protect critical trade relationships with buyers in Canada and Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Pressing her colleagues to make progress on the USMCA.Last month, Spanbergerspoke on the floor of the U.S. Houseto urge House negotiators and the administration to reach a final deal on the USMCA.Click hereto watch her speech.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=146", "Wexton Bill Would Establish NSF Prize Competition to Spark New Deepfake Detection Technology", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) introduced legislation directing the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish prize competitions in order to incentivize new research into technology that would detect deepfakes.  \r\nDeepfakes pose a serious threat to our national security, and there are significant challenges in our ability to effectively identify this manipulated content, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Establishing prize competitions in this critical field of research will help spur greater innovation and research into technologies that can detect deepfakes. With this bill, we will expand the tools available to address this growing threat to our democracy. \r\nPrize competitions at NSF have helped spur further research on important and emerging topics like data science, engineering, and astrophysics. The rapidly developing nature of artificial intelligence and machine learning has created a demand for new thinking and new technology to keep up with this threat. The United States General Services Administration estimates that since 2010 federal agencies have conducted more than 840 prize competitions and offered more than $280 million in prize money.\r\nIn October, Wexton pressed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on his site's unwillingness to moderate political deepfakes, particularly Facebook's decision to not remove the widely-circulate deepfake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  \r\nWexton also authored an amendment to the Identifying Outputs of Generative Adversarial Networks (IOGAN) Act, which passed the House last week. The IOGAN Act supports research to close existing gaps in the technology to identify outputs of generative adversarial networks (GANs), also known as deepfake videos. Wexton's amendment directs the National Science Foundation to support research on public awareness and understanding of manipulated digital content. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=147", "Wexton Helps Pass Elimination of SALT Cap to Restore Major Tax Deductions for Nearly 150,000 VA-10 Households", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which would eliminate the state and local tax (SALT) cap instituted by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Wexton is a cosponsor of the legislation and has been a forceful advocate for eliminating the SALT cap. Passage of this bill is significant for Virginia's 10th Congressional District where over half of households claim the SALT deduction and an estimated 150,000 households have been impacted by this cap and could see savings with its removal. The SALT deduction has protected Virginia taxpayers from double taxation for over 100 years -- that changed when Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans imposed the SALT cap, hurting hardworking Virginians and over 11 million Americans, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Today, we are restoring this important tax relief and putting money back in the pockets of 150,000 households right here in the 10th District. WATCH: Rep. Wexton speaks in support of the Restoring Tax Fairness for State and Localities Act on the House floor.  \r\nThe SALT deduction has protected taxpayers from double taxation since 1913 by allowing them to deduct all state and local taxes from their federal liability. That changed in 2017 when President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, instituting a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction.\r\nThis has particularly impacted families in Wexton's district. In 2017, the 10th District had the highest average SALT deduction in the commonwealth at $17,885, the greatest number of households claiming SALT at 213,500, and the highest percentage of households claiming SALT in Virginia at 52.7%. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act temporarily repeals the cap on SALT deductions for the years 2020 and 2021. It also doubles the cap of $5,000 per individual for joint filers which was instituted by the TJCA and has resulted in an unfair marriage penalty. The bill increases the deduction for school teachers' out-of-pocket classroom expenses, from $250 to $1,000, saving money for over ten thousand teachers in Wexton's district. It also establishes a new $1,000 deduction for out-of-pocket work-related expenses of first responders.  Last week, Wexton signed onto a letter to House Leadership urging them to bring H.R. 5377 to the floor before the end of the year. In April, Wexton released a report detailing the negative impacts of the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act on homeowners in Virginia's 10th District. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=148", "Rep. Wexton Votes to Pass USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, following successful negotiations by House Democrats to improve the agreement and secure strong enforceable labor standards, meaningful environmental protections, and eliminate giveaways to Big Pharma companies. From the manufacturing facilities and apple orchards in Frederick County to the Dulles Tech Corridor, trade is crucial to our district's local economy, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Thanks to the negotiations led by House Democrats, this agreement will deliver fairer trade rules and the strongest enforcement mechanisms of any U.S. trade agreement -- ensuring that Virginia businesses continue to thrive and Virginia's workers are protected. Wexton discussed the ongoing trade negotiations with constituent businesses across her district since being sworn into office. Wexton also worked closely with her colleagues on the House Working Group on NAFTA Renegotiation and met with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and foreign ministers from Canada and Mexico to emphasize the importance of trade in her district and to advocate for priorities important to Virginia during the negotiations process. In 2018, Virginia exported $4.3 billion of goods to Canada and Mexico. On December 10, Democratic House Leadership and the White House announced that, following months of negotiations, a deal was reached on a final agreement for a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The final USMCA includes victories on every provision that House Democrats fought for, including:\r\n \r\n    Enforcement: Prevents a trade cheating nation from blocking enforcement complaints and creates strong rules of evidence to improve litigation.\r\n    Labor: Stronger rules on labor commitments and enforcement, including new mechanisms for monitoring for compliance and a rapid-response enhanced labor-specific enforcement provision.\r\n    Environment: Establishment of high-standard protections against environmental violations along with new mechanisms and additional resources for regular monitoring and accountability.\r\n    Prescription drugs: Removal of provisions that contribute to high prescription drug prices and giveaways to Big Pharma companies, preserving the ability of Congress to improve access to life-saving medicines.\r\n \r\nMore information about the Democratic priorities secured in the USMCA agreement and the new standard this deal sets for U.S. trade can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=149", "Rep. Wexton Votes to Pass USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, following successful negotiations by House Democrats to improve the agreement and secure strong enforceable labor standards, meaningful environmental protections, and eliminate giveaways to Big Pharma companies. From the manufacturing facilities and apple orchards in Frederick County to the Dulles Tech Corridor, trade is crucial to our district's local economy, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Thanks to the negotiations led by House Democrats, this agreement will deliver fairer trade rules and the strongest enforcement mechanisms of any U.S. trade agreement -- ensuring that Virginia businesses continue to thrive and Virginia's workers are protected. Wexton discussed the ongoing trade negotiations with constituent businesses across her district since being sworn into office. Wexton also worked closely with her colleagues on the House Working Group on NAFTA Renegotiation and met with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and foreign ministers from Canada and Mexico to emphasize the importance of trade in her district and to advocate for priorities important to Virginia during the negotiations process. In 2018, Virginia exported $4.3 billion of goods to Canada and Mexico. On December 10, Democratic House Leadership and the White House announced that, following months of negotiations, a deal was reached on a final agreement for a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The final USMCA includes victories on every provision that House Democrats fought for, including:\r\n \r\n    Enforcement: Prevents a trade cheating nation from blocking enforcement complaints and creates strong rules of evidence to improve litigation.\r\n    Labor: Stronger rules on labor commitments and enforcement, including new mechanisms for monitoring for compliance and a rapid-response enhanced labor-specific enforcement provision.\r\n    Environment: Establishment of high-standard protections against environmental violations along with new mechanisms and additional resources for regular monitoring and accountability.\r\n    Prescription drugs: Removal of provisions that contribute to high prescription drug prices and giveaways to Big Pharma companies, preserving the ability of Congress to improve access to life-saving medicines.\r\n \r\nMore information about the Democratic priorities secured in the USMCA agreement and the new standard this deal sets for U.S. trade can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-kaine-announce-over-1-2-million-in-funding-for-conservation-and-sustainable-agriculture", "Warner & Kaine Announce Over $1.2 Million in Funding for Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "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) announced $1,269,461 in federal funding from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to support innovation in resource conservation and agricultural practices at Virginia Tech and in the Appalachian-Blue Ridge Forests ecoregion of Virginia.\r\nWhen we talk about forest farming and pollinator-friendly grazing, we're talking about some of the most innovative work in conservation and sustainable agriculture, and it's happening right here in Virginia, said the Senators. The work Appalachian Sustainable Development is doing with forest botanicals represents an important step in growing an industry that is creating jobs while conserving our natural heritage. We're also proud to see Virginia Tech at the forefront of creating market-based sustainable solutions to environmental challenges facing our farmers and our ecosystems.\r\nAppalachian Sustainable Development will receive $386,539 to use market-based incentives to help forest owners pilot the alley cropping of high-value forest botanicals. This project is intended for use by small, historically underserved forest owners to conserve endangered forest ecosystems. Forest farming is an agroforestry practice that cultivates herbal, edible, decorative, and handicraft non-timber forest products (NTFP) under a forest canopy modified or maintained to provide shade levels and habitats that favor growth and enhance production. Forest farming allows farmers to produce and sell raw material that is traceable, unadulterated, and sustainable. In 2016, consumers spent an estimated $7.45 billion on herbal supplements, an increase of approximately $530 million from 2013.\r\nThe USDA will also award Virginia Tech $882,922 to research the integration of pollinator-friendly plant species in grazing systems. The project will evaluate the economic and ecological impact of native wildflowers into the Southeastern grazing system.\r\nThe funding is awarded through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program at USDA. CIG projects encourage the creation of tools, technologies, and strategies to create market-based solutions to protect our environment for generations to come.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-kaine-praise-passage-of-government-funding-bills", "Warner & Kaine Praise Passage of Government Funding Bills", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "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) praised Senate passage of two bipartisan, bicameral spending bills to fund federal programs that are critical to Virginia and keep the federal government open through 2020. Following today's Senate passage, the bills now head to the President's desk for signature.\r\nToday I voted to avert another painful government shutdown like the one that hurt thousands of Virginia families earlier this year, during President Trump's 35-day government shutdown,said Sen. Warner.Every year I advocate for much-needed resources to strengthen communities across Virginia and this year is no exception. In this bill, we finally secured health care and pension benefits that our miners have rightfully earned, and successfully pushed for a well-deserved pay raise for our federal workforce and men and women in uniform. This bill also forces the Department of Justice to finally adhere to a firm deadline on the full implementation of the Ashanti Alert system, just to name a few wins for Virginia. With so much critical funding at stake for the Commonwealth, I urge the President to swiftly sign these bills into law.\r\nI'm proud many of our efforts to improve the lives of Virginians were included in our final spending package, said Sen. Kaine. This bipartisan legislation includes my bill to raise the tobacco age to 21 and a bill I cosponsored to protect the health and pension benefits of retired miners. It also includes significant funding I supported to boost resiliency at military installations at risk from threats like climate change, strengthen rural infrastructure, and support career and technical education. I'm thrilled our colleagues worked together to fund these crucial priorities.\r\nThe following list includes many of the provisions Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated for:\r\n400 Years of African-American History Commission:Includes $3.3 million in federal funding for the Commission to honor four centuries of African-American history. The Senators sponsoredlegislation, which was signed into law in 2018, to establish the Commission and participated in events this year to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in English Colonial America at Point Comfort, Virginia.\r\nAshanti Alert:Includesa provisionsupported by both Senators that wouldrequire theDepartment of Justice to provide Congress with a progress report of the Ashanti Alert implementation within 30 days. Additionally, the legislation requires that the DOJ establish a firm deadline for fullimplementation of the Ashanti Alert Act no later than 90 days after the bill is signed into law.\r\nTobacco 21:Includes theTobacco-Free Youth Actintroduced by Sen. Kaine and supported by Sen. Warner that would raise the nationwide minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.Additionally, the bill providesincentives to states to continue inspections and reporting to ensure retailers do not sell tobacco products to those under 21.\r\nMiners' Benefits:The Senators successfullypushed toinclude a fix for miners' health care and pensions, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies.This bill will secure the pensions of 92,000 coal miners and protect healthcare benefits for 13,000 miners across the country  that includes hundredsof retirees in Southwest Virginia who were affected by the recent Westmoreland Coal bankruptcy.The bill also extends funding for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund until the end of 2020 by extending the tax on mining companies that helps fund the program.\r\nArmy Corps of Engineers:Provides $7.65 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, $651.5 million above FY 2019, including $2.5 million for the Norfolk Harbor Widening and Deepening project.\r\nNASA:Provides $22.63 billion in federal funds, an increase of $1.13 billion above the FY 2019 enacted level. The bill also includes $783.9 million for NASA's aeronautic research to advance aviation technology by cutting airtraffic congestion and pollution, improving safety, and introducing new technologies for the future of flight. Aeronautics research at NASA is increasingly focusing on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Traffic Management, which will improve the integration of drones into our national airspace. Earlier this year, Sen. Warner introducedlegislationto boost aeronautics industry innovation, research and development.\r\nEconomic Development Administration:Includes $333 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), $30 million above FY 2019. Last year, Virginia received 12 EDA grants totaling $3.97 million. A majority of these funds went to the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) to support the construction for an expansion to house the CCAM Apprentice Academy, including classrooms, administrative support, a break room, and a high bay training area.\r\nRichmond International Airport Reimbursement:The Senators successfully pushed for the inclusion of $40 million in federal funds to help reimburse airports that purchased security screening equipment following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Richmond International Airport spent almost $4 million in 2005 to protect passenger safety and was promised federal reimbursement, which it has yet to fully receive. The airport is expected to receive $734,314 from this tranche of funds, bringing total reimbursement to date to $2,386,522, more than halfway to the $4 million the airport was owed.\r\nCensus:Provides $7.56 billion in new discretionary funding, $1.4 billion above the President's budget request, to enable the Bureau to effectively prepare for and conduct a thorough and accurate 2020 Decennial Census.The Senators introducedlegislationto oppose efforts by the Administration to include politically motivated questions to the census that would curb participation.\r\nFBI Headquarters:Provides no federal funds for the Trump Administration to follow through on their hasty and controversial proposal to rebuild the current FBI headquarters building without a proper and full analysis.Sens. Warner and Kaine havefor yearsworked to secure funding for a new FBI headquarters to replace the current, deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, which was built in 1974. In 2017, the Trump Administration abruptly backed away fromplansto possibly move the FBI headquarters to Virginia, announcing instead in February 2018plansto demolish the existing FBI headquarters in Washington and build a new facility in its place.\r\nOPM-GSA Merger:The bill does not provide funding for the Administration's proposal to merge the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the General Services Administration (GSA).Earlier this week, Congress blocked the Trump Administration from executing their proposed merger without first providing Congress and the public transparency on the rationale behind the move, backed by sound, independent analysis of the potential costs and benefits. This mirrors an effortpushedby Sens. Warner and Kaine to prevent the federal workforce from being subjected to continued political attacks and increased political interference by the Trump Administration.\r\nElection Security:Includes $435 million for a new round of election security grants ahead of the 2020 elections. The manager's package included critical language specifying that the grants be used for the purchase of election equipment that uses paper ballots, the conduct of post-election audits, cybersecurity training of election officials, and other cyber-security related improvements.\r\nVA leases:Includes a provision to urge the General Services Administration to expedite the lease procurement projects for new VA medical clinics  which includesan outpatientclinicin Hampton Roads run by GSA and an outpatientclinicin Fredericksburg run by the VA that Sen. Warner has continuously pushed to get open and operational to ease the wait times for Virginia veterans.\r\nDefense Community Infrastructure Program:The bill provides $50 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which allows DoD to work with state and local governments to address critical infrastructure improvements affecting resiliency of our military installations.\r\nMilCon:Includes nearly $500 million in funding for 11 military construction projects across the Commonwealth.\r\n \r\nFort Belvoir: Provides $60 million for a Secure Operations and Administration Facility.\r\nJoint Base Langley-Eustis: Provides $55 million for an Advanced Individual Training Barracks Complex.\r\nNaval Station Norfolk: Provides $79.1 million for a Mariner Skills Training Center.\r\nPortsmouth Shipyard: Provides $48.9 million for Dry Dock Flood Protection improvements.\r\nQuantico: Provides $70 million for a Wargaming Center.\r\nDam NeckAnnex: Provides $12.7 million for a SOF Demolition Training Compound Expansion.\r\nDefense Distribution Depot Richmond: Provides $98.8 million for an Operations Center.\r\nJoint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story: Provides $32.6 million for theconstruction of aSOF Operations Support Facility and$13 million for a SOF Training Facility.\r\nPentagon: Provides $8.6 million for a backup generator and $20.1 million for a control tower and fire station.\r\n \r\nVeterans:Provides $91.9 billion infundingfor the VA, anincrease of $5.4 billion above FY19. The bill would increasefundingtoseveralVeteranHealth Administration priority areas, including $1.5 billion for electronic health record modernization, $9.4 billion to increase mental health services forveterans, and $221.7million for suicide prevention programs. It includes $1.9billion for homelessness programssuch as $380 million forthe Supportive Services forVeteransand Families program and $408.3 million for theHousing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which provides assistance to homelessveterans.\r\nAgent Orange:The bill also provides $153.6 million to fund the VA's implementation of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act,legislationsponsored by the Senators and signed into law to get veterans benefits for illnesses related to toxic herbicide Agent Orange, including those who were stationed on ships off the Vietnamese coast, also known as Blue Water Navy veterans. The bill also includes language to force the Administration to explain the delay in expanding the presumptive list, a cost estimate for adding new diseases, and the date the VA plans to implement the decision. This week, Sen. Warnerspoke on the Senate floorurging the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to block an expansion of approved Agent Orangerelated conditions that qualify a veteran for benefits.\r\nGold Star Families:This legislation corrects one of the many unintended consequences of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017  legislation forced through by the GOP that, among other things, treats military and VA survivor benefits as trusts or estates, subjecting the benefits of many military families to a much higher tax rate.The Senatorsintroduced legislationearlier this year to make sure surviving families aren't unfairly penalized,and pay back those families that had to incur this unjust tax hike.\r\nShipbuilding:The bill provides over $13 billion in VA Shipbuilding priorities such as:Ford-class aircraft carrier construction ($2.27 billion), aircraft carrier overhaul ($650 million), and Virginia-class ($8.32 billion) and Columbia-class ($1.82 billion) submarine construction. The bill also provides over $13 billion for ship repairs.\r\nFederal Employee & Military Pay Raise:Provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for federal civilian employees and our military. Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to override President Trump's request for a punitive, across-the-board pay freeze for the federal workforce.\r\nAnimal Protection:The bill provides $1 million to ensure stronger enforcement of the Horse Protection Act to stop the cruel practice of horse soring, a $295,000 increase above FY 19. Sen. Warner introduced and Sen. Kaine cosponsored the bipartisanPAST Actto end horse soring,and both Warner and Kaine introducedlegislationto protectdomestic violence victims and their pets.\r\nChesapeake Bay Program:Includes $85 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program, an increase of $12 million over fiscal year 2019. The Chesapeake Bay Program coordinates Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and protection efforts, and the majority of its funds are passed through to the states and local communities for on-the-ground restoration. The Senatorswroteto congressional appropriators urging them to include significant increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program in the final spending bill. The bill also includes $3 million for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, an increase of $1 millionover FY 2019. TheSenatorsintroducedlegislationto reauthorize the highly successful Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails programrun by the National Park Service.\r\nLand and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):Provides $495 million for LWCF, an increase of $60 million over FY 2019. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the Virginia outdoors industry supports approximately $21.9 billion in annual consumer spending and 197,000 direct jobs. The bill also includes $2.42 million for land acquisition around Petersburg National Battlefield, which is a direct result of the Senatorslegislationto complete the expansion that was signed into law by President Obama. Additionally, the bill includes $1.36 million for land conservation efforts around the George Washington Memorial Parkway.\r\nVirginia Tribes:Includes $1.281 million for the New Tribes program, an increase of $161,000 over FY 2019. Last year, the Senatorssuccessfully securedfederal recognition for Virginia's six tribes.\r\nNational Park Service:Provides $3.37 billion for the Park Service, an increase of $154 million from FY 2019. This includes $1.15 billion for bridge repair and replacement, $70 million for nationally significant federal transportation assets, and $100 million for the Appalachian Development Highway System. In 2018, more than 25.8 million individuals visited Virginia's 22 National Parks. SenatorWarnerhas sponsoredlegislation, cosponsored by Kaine, to address the$12 billion maintenance backlogat the National Park Service, half of which is transportation needs.\r\nHealthy Food Financing Initiative:Includes $5 million for USDA's Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI), an increase of $4 million over FY 2019. The program closely follows Sen. Warner'seffortsin the Senate to eradicate food deserts and increase access to healthy, nutritious foods.\r\nMine Safety and Health Administration (MHSA):Provides $17.18 million for MSHA, which will work to prevent death, illness, and injury from mining and promote safe and healthy workplaces for miners in Virginia. There are approximately 3,000 coal miners employed in Virginia.\r\nAppalachian Regional Commission:Includes $175 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an increase of $10 million over FY 2019. Last fiscal year, ARC supported 32 projects in Virginia totaling $8.2 million in federal investment. This investment has been matched by nearly $20.5 million in state, local, and private investments. This funding helped create and retain 950 jobs in the region last year.\r\nHemp:The bill provides $16.5 million in new funding to implement the Hemp Production Program, which was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill included a provision sponsored by both Senators that removed hemp from the list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as a commodity for use in agriculture, textile, recycling, automotive, furniture, food, nutrition, beverage, paper, personal care, and construction products. The bill also includes $2 million for the FDA to research and develop policies on CBD. Senators Warner and Kaine have been strong supporters of hemp as an agricultural commodity and they successfullysecuredVirginia's inclusion in a pilot to develop a crop insurance program for industrial hemp.\r\nJob Corps:After the Administration's failed attempt to close the Flatwoods Jobs Corps Program in Coeburn, Va., the bill secures $1.7 billion in federal funding, an increase of $25 million, to support the Jobs Corps program, the nation's largest career technical training and educational program for at-risk youth that also supports locations in Marion and Monroe. Sens. Warner and Kainesent a letterto the Secretaries ofLabor and Agriculture calling on the Trump Administration to reverseplans to close the Flatwoods facility and introducedlegislationto prevent the Administration from using any federal funding to close Jobs Corps facilities across the country.\r\nSecure Rural Schools Program:Extends for two years the Secure Rural Schools program that provides funding for public schools and Virginia communities located near or within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. In the last fiscal year, 51 Virginia counties received a combined $1.34 million in SRS payments\r\nPreschool Development Grants. Provides a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants for a total of $275 million. These grants will improve coordination of existing early childhood care and education programs. Virginia received a $9.9 million Preschool Development Grant in January 2019 and received $17.5 million for four consecutive years (FY14-FY17).\r\nTRIO Program:TRIO programs help low-income and first generation students get into and complete college. The bill provides $1.1 billion for TRIO programs, a $30 million increase from FY19. During the 2018-19 school year, Virginia's TRIO programs served more than 14,500 students with more than $17 million in federal resources.\r\nHBCU & MSIs:Provides $93 million in critical funding to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). This bill would provide money for the five HBCUs in Virginia to make campus improvements and strengthen financial management, academic resources and endowment-building capacity. Earlier this month, Sens. Warner and Kaine successfully pushed to get theFUTURE Actsigned into lawtorestore $255 million in federal funding for these critical institutions.\r\nDistance Learning and Telemedicine Grants:Includes $50 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants. In November 2019, Virginia received $1.1 million through this program.The funding was awarded to the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, the University of Virginia (UVA), George Mason University, and the Community Memorial Hospital.The Community Memorial Hospital, for example, will use the funds to provide medical services via interactive video conferencing equipment to four sites in Mecklenburg County and will benefit approximately 11,000 residents.\r\nRural Broadband Grants: Includes $550 million for the ReConnect Pilot Program rural broadband grants, a program established by USDA last year to expand broadband infrastructure and service in rural communities. In the first round of ReConnect Pilot Program investments in 2019, USDA invested nearly 3.8 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for more than 1,250 rural households, two volunteer fire departments, and four educational facilities in Mecklenburg County.  \r\nThe Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Reauthorization:Includes aWarner-led provisionthat would reauthorize for another ten years the research institute established by the Affordable Care Act that provides independent evidence on the effectiveness, benefits and harms of different treatment options for a condition.\r\nPublic Health Data Modernization:The bill includes funding Sen. Kaine hasfought forto shore up our public health data infrastructure to expedite identification and response to public health threats. The legislation provides $50 million to modernize public health data systems at CDC.\r\nFundsChildhoodDiseaseResearch:Provides $12.6 million for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program to conduct pediatric cancer and disease research. The Senators worked toenact the legislationauthorizing this program, named for 10-year-old Gabriella Miller of Loudoun County, who passed away from cancer in October of 2013.\r\nGun Violence Research:Includes $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Health (NIH) to support firearm injury and mortality prevention research for the first time in 20 years, with the potential to identify interventions to help save lives. The Senators introduced legislationearlier this year to fund firearms safety and gun violence prevention research at the CDC.\r\nBUILD InfrastructureGrants.Provides $1 billion for competitive transportation grants through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, formerly known as TIGER grants. Virginia has previously used these grants for projects including I-95 Express Lanes, I-564 connector from Norfolk International Terminals at the Port of Virginia, I-64 Delta Frames Bridges in Rockbridge County, thePulsebus-rapid transit system in Richmond, and Northstar Boulevard in Loudoun County near Dulles.\r\nWMATA:Includes the full federal funding of $150 million for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to fund critical capital investment and safety projects. In May, the Senators introducedlegislationto renew the federal funding commitment to Metro, provide critical safety reforms, and strengthen oversight of WMATA.\r\nUAS Research:Provides $24 million for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research. Drone research will benefit applications like disaster response, search and rescue efforts, infrastructure inspection, package delivery, and countless others. The Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) is an FAA-designated test site for unmanned aircraft systems. One key project at MAAP has been drone-delivery technology, and Virginia Tech has been the site of some of the most significant testing in the country. The program has received money in the past and will benefit from this continued funding.\r\nRemote Tower System: Includes the Senators' amendment to provide $7million for the Federal Aviation Administration to continue its remote tower system pilot program at smaller airports. This includes the Remote Air Traffic Control Tower at Leesburg Executive Airport, the first of its kind in the United Sates, which has been run as a partnership between Leesburg Airport and Saab Technologies.As part of the program, air traffic controllers are able to work remotely, which could help ease capacity and staffing constraints. There are also similar remote tower projects being planned across the country.\r\nPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF):The bill includesSen. Kaine's requestto direct the Department of Education to remove bureaucratic hurdles the Department created for student loan borrowers in accessing the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TEPSLF) and also directs the Department to improve outreach to borrowers who have been denied TEPSLF and PSLF. The Senators have urged theU.S. Department of Educationto take steps to improve PSLF and recently called on theConsumer Financial Protection Bureauto provide greater oversight of the program.\r\nContingent Gig Workers:Directs the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) to provide an annual supplement to the Current Population Survey to allow for collection of data on contingent and alternative work arrangements every two years and data on other topics related to the labor force in alternate years. Sen. Warner has continued to push the federal agency to conduct further research on the contingent workforce and introducedbipartisan legislationto test and evaluate innovative portable-benefits models for independent workers.\r\nNew Markets Tax Credit (NMTC):Extends New Markets Tax Credit through 2020 to help increase the flow of private dollars to distressed and underserved areas. Sen. Warner introducedlegislationearlier this year to direct more NMTC investment in rural areas across the Commonwealth.\r\nBrand USA:The bill reauthorizes the Brand USA Program through 2027, which is a highly effective public-private promotion program which drives important foreign tourism to the Commonwealth.In 2018, we had over 1.1 million international tourists visit the Commonwealth, who spent $2 billion in our economy. The Senatorscosponsoredthe Brand USA Extension Act earlier this year and Sen. Warnerspokeat the VA-1 Tourism Summit about the issues facing Virginia's booming tourism industry, including the need for Brand USA reauthorization. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-urge-changes-to-usda-industrial-hemp-production-program", "Warner, Kaine Urge Changes to USDA Industrial Hemp Production Program", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 18, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner, Kaine Urge Changes to USDA Industrial Hemp Production Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~ Responding to concerns raised by Virginia farmers, the Senators suggest tweaks to USDA's proposal for regulating industrial hemp ~\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make changes to its proposed hemp regulations to better help Virginia farmers seeking to grow industrial hemp. Responding to concerns raised by farmers in Virginia, the Senators encouraged the Department to make several specific changes to draft plans regulating the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, which was established by Congress as part of the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\nWe appreciate USDA's commitment to developing a viable U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program for hemp producers in Virginia and across the country. We look forward to working with you to ensure Virginia hemp growers are able to take full advantage of this opportunity, the Senators wrote in a letter to Secretary Perdue.\r\nAmong the issues the Senators raised in their letter:\r\n \r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires growers to test hemp plants within 15 days of anticipated harvest. The Senators urged USDA to adopt a more reasonable testing timeframe of 30 days to reduce burdens to hemp producers and reduce unnecessary delays in getting products to market.\r\nUSDA's interim final rules requires that hemp plant testing must be conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered laboratory, but Virginia has only a small number of DEA-registered labs. The Senators urged USDA to remove the requirement that testing can only occur at DEA-registered labs and allow testing to be conducted at independent testing labs that meet USDA standards.\r\nUSDA's interim final rule establishes a negligence threshold for hemp at 0.5% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a grower is found to have hemp with a THC level above 0.5% they could face legal repercussions under the current guidelines. The Senators urged USDA to raise the threshold to 1.0% THC before a grower is subject to penalties, since it is possible hemp growers could take all the necessary steps and precautions to produce hemp according to the guidelines and still produce hemp plants that exceed the 0.5% THC concentration due to factors out of their control. The Senators also urged USDA to examine mediation options to deal with growers who accidentally exceed the THC threshold.\r\nThe Senators also asked USDA to offer maximum flexibility to states like Virginia when it comes to implementing industrial hemp production, noting that Virginia is in the process of developing a State Action Plan to adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill and USDA rulemaking, but that the General Assembly in Virginia, like many states, is only in session for a short period, and it is possible that USDA will issue a final rule after the General Assembly has already completed its 2020 session.\r\n \r\nSens. Warner and Kaine championed the legislation to legalize the production of industrial hemp, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia. 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. In September, Warner and Kaine successfully secured Virginia's inclusion in a pilot to develop a crop insurance program for industrial hemp.\r\nThe full text of the letter appears below. A copy of the letter is available here.\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Sonny Perdue\r\nSecretary\r\nUnited States Department of Agriculture\r\n1400 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, DC 20250\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nWe write today to provide comments in response to the issuance of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) interim final rule for the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. While we applaud USDA for its work in developing this rule in a timely manner, we are concerned about some of the effects this interim final rule would have on hemp production in the Commonwealth of Virginia.\r\nVirginia has taken full advantage of recent changes in federal law to become a national leader in industrial hemp research and production. As of November 2019, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has registered 1,183 industrial hemp growers, 262 processors, and 117 dealers. Nearly 2,200 acres of industrial hemp were planted in the Commonwealth in 2019. In addition, VDACS projects that Virginia growers could plant up to 15,000 acres of hemp during the 2020 growing season. Industrial hemp presents an incredible opportunity for Virginia farmers, and it is important that guidelines and regulations for the hemp industry do not unduly burden our growers.\r\nFollowing, in no particular order, are our concerns regarding the interim final rule. We appreciate your consideration of these concerns and look forward to working with you as USDA finalizes its U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.\r\n \r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires growers to test hemp plants within 15 days of anticipated harvest. We are concerned that a 15-day testing window will not provide adequate time for growers to test each crop, submit the testing sample, and receive a response. A 15-day window would be incredibly burdensome for Virginia hemp producers and would lead to unnecessary delays in getting products to market. We believe a 30-day window would provide a more reasonable testing timeframe that would be less burdensome on producers and testing facilities.\r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires that hemp plant testing must be conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered laboratory. Currently, Virginia only has very limited number of DEA-registered labs. With the projected increase in hemp production in Virginia and the proposed 15-day turnaround time for testing, it will be incredibly difficult for a small number of DEA-registered labs to meet these requirements during harvesting season. A backlog at testing facilities could negatively impact Virginia growers, processors, and dealers. We recommend that USDA remove the requirement that testing can only occur at DEA-registered labs and allow testing to be conducted at independent testing labs that meet USDA standards.\r\nThe interim final rule establishes a negligence threshold for hemp at 0.5% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a grower is found to have hemp with a THC level above 0.5% they could face legal repercussions under the current guidelines. We are concerned that the 0.5% THC threshold is arbitrary and far too low considering THC levels can vary widely depending on a number of factors including weather and geography. Hemp growers could take all the necessary steps and precautions to produce hemp according to the guidelines and still produce hemp plants that exceed the 0.5% THC concentration due to factors out of their control. We believe this threshold should be raised to at least 1.0% THC before a grower is subject to negligent violation to protect individuals who follow regulations and best practices. We also encourage USDA to examine mediation options to deal with growers who accidentally exceed the THC threshold. \r\nFinally, as USDA begins to implement a final rule we ask that the agency consider how implementation impacts individual states. Many states, including Virginia, are in the process of developing State Action Plans that adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill and USDA rulemaking. However, the Virginia General Assembly, along with many state legislatures, are only in session for a short period. Once USDA implements its final rule, the Virginia General Assembly will need to pass legislation aligning its hemp program with USDA's regulations. It is possible that USDA will issue the final rule after the Virginia General Assembly has completed its 2020 session. We ask that USDA consider these timelines and provide maximum flexibility to states as they prepare to implement their State Action Plans.\r\n \r\nAgain, thank you for your careful consideration of these concerns. We appreciate USDA's commitment to developing a viable U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program for hemp producers in Virginia and across the country. We look forward to working with you to ensure Virginia hemp growers are able to take full advantage of this opportunity.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\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=4685", "Beyer In Impeachment Debate: The Votes I Cast Today Will Stand The Test Of Time", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) gave floor remarks during the House of Representatives debate on articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. Beyer argued for voting in favor of both articles, which would impeach President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. [Video] Beyer's remarks as delivered:\r\nToday, I will vote to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.\r\nI don't hate the President, but I love my country, and I have no other choice.\r\nVoting for these articles of impeachment is the only moral course of action, the only way to honor our oath of office.\r\nI have no doubt that the votes I cast today will stand the test of time.\r\nThis has nothing to do with the 2016 elections.\r\nI am so disappointed that my Republican friends approve the President's abuses of power and solicitation of foreign interference in our elections. This is the very definition of the willful suspension of disbelief.\r\nThey know in their hearts that what the President has done is deeply wrong.\r\nThey know that they would vote without hesitation to impeach a Democratic president who had done these things.\r\nI remind all Americans that the President did not rebut the facts  the many, many facts  which led to these articles of impeachment today.\r\nFor the sake of our democracy, our Constitution, and our country, we must do the right thing and vote to impeach President Trump.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4686", "Beyer Statement On Federal Court Decision Imperiling Americans Healthcare", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Beyer Statement On Federal Court Decision Imperiling Americans' Healthcare \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 18, 2019\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  \r\n    \r\n      Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement today on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling siding with Republican-led states and the Trump Administration against the Affordable Care Act:\r\nThis ruling underscores the fact that the end result of Republicans' healthcare vision would be the evisceration of protections for people with preexisting conditions, tens of millions of Americans losing coverage, and more expensive healthcare for much of the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-fifth-circuit-court-s-ruling-in-texas-case", "Scott Statement on Fifth Circuit Courts Ruling in Texas Case", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education & Labor\nWASHINGTON, DCChairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement released the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court's decision in Texas v. United States.\nToday, Republican attorneys general and the Trump administration took another step toward stripping access to affordable health care from millions of Americans. The latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act is legally frivolous. The argument that the absence of a monetary penalty for failing to purchase coverage invalidates the law is absurd on its face, and inherently shows the plaintiffs' lack of standing to bring this case.\nThe court's decision continues to jeopardize the patient protections and expanded access to care that so many Americans rely on every day. The Affordable Care Act's protections for patients with preexisting conditions, its prohibition on insurance companies setting annual and lifetime caps, and the Medicaid expansion that helped more than 17 million Americans gain coverage are all at risk.\nAmericans are tired of Republicans playing politics with their health care. Rather than continuing a nine-year assault on the Affordable Care Act, Republican leaders should focus their energy toward building on the progress it achieves for Americans across the country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3724", "Connolly Statement in Support of Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) delivered the following remarks on the House floor today in support of articles impeachment against President Donald J. Trump:\"Each of us took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Not to the President. Not to our political party.  Today, history will judge. Did we abide that oath? To extort a foreign country to investigate your political opponent is an unconstitutional abuse of power. To solicit foreign interference in an American election is an unconstitutional abuse of power. The need to protect against just such abuses prompted our founders to grant the sole power of impeachment to this House.  The delicate balance of power that underpins our democracy is threatened when a President disregards the Constitution by obstructing Congress to cover up illegal behavior. In doing that, President Trump violated his oath. Today, we must put country over party. Conscience over complicity. Today, we must assert that no one is above the law. Today, we are summoned by history to do the right thing.\" Video of Connolly's remarks can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-statement-impeachment-president-trump", "McEachin Statement on Impeachment of President Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) released the following statement following his vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump.\nToday is a somber day in our nation's history, said Congressman McEachin. I am saddened that the president's actions and disregard for our Constitution has led us to this place and time. However, I take very seriously my oath and sacred obligation to uphold the Constitution, and to hold the president accountable for his actions.\nThe president has violated his oath of office and with his actions, demonstrated complete disregard and disdain for our Constitution. President Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election for personal and political gain, and by doing so, risked the national security of the United States.\nThen, when faced by a legitimate Congressional inquiry into his actions, President Trump chose to stonewall that inquiry, refuse to cooperate, and instead, mock its legitimacy. If we value our democracy and our Constitution, then we cannot ignore nor justify President Trump's actions.\nI came to Congress to make a difference for my constituents and to improve their lives. I did not come to impeach a president. Today's decision is not just about holding this president accountable for his abuses of power; it is about restoring integrity and honor to the office of the presidency, and ensuring that any future president, regardless of political party, is held to the standard every American expects and deserves. Thus, I cast my vote to impeach President Trump.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2348", "Spanberger: Budget Deal Protects Critical Investments in Rural Broadband Projects, includes Healthcare & Workforce Training Wins for Central Virginia", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger yesterday joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing bipartisan funding bills that would protect funding for rural broadband projects, block a proposed congressional pay raise, and strengthen investment in apprenticeship programs.\r\nThe package includes funding Spanberger fought to include for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) ReConnect Loan and Grant program. Across the country, this program partners with rural communities to expand high-speed internet infrastructure. In October 2019, Spanberger called for U.S. House and U.S. Senate appropriators to include ReConnect funding in the final budget legislation after the U.S. Senate zeroed-out funding for the program in its fiscal year (FY) 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill.\r\nThe legislation also includes a provision Spanberger helped spearhead to block a proposed congressional pay raise. Earlier this year, Spanberger was part of a small group of Democrats and Republicans who successfully pushed to block a pay raise for Members of Congress in the FY2020 Legislative Branch appropriations.\r\nAcross Central Virginia's rural communities, a lack of access to high-speed internet impedes the ability of our students, businesses, and farms to stay competitive in an increasingly digitally-based economy. Many counties in our district have applied for ReConnect grants to expand access to reliable high-speed broadband internet, and I'm pleased that after pushing for continued ReConnect funding, this vital program will continue into next year, said Spanberger. A budget should reflect our prioritiesand this budget deal includes many wins I helped secure for Central Virginiaincluding additional support for Alzheimer's disease research, the repeal of the Health Insurance Tax, and strong investments in career-focused apprenticeship programs. And at a time when Congress has many priorities it should be focused on for the American people, I'm glad we were able to block a proposed congressional pay raise yet again. As we approach the holidays, I'm encouraged that we are on a pathway toward keeping our government open and giving our federal employees peace of mindand I encourage the Senate to move quickly on advancing this bill to the President's desk.\r\nYesterday, the U.S. House passed this bipartisan package of federal appropriations bills as part of a bicameral funding agreement. This past week, Spanberger called on Democrats and Republicans to work together to responsibility fund the government and prevent another reckless shutdown. Government funding is currently set to expire on Friday, December 20, 2019.\r\nSpanberger successfully fought to include additional provisions in the bipartisan bill to advance Central Virginia's healthcare, environment, child nutrition, and veterans priorities, including:\r\nHEALTHCARE\r\n \r\n    Boosting federal funding to combat and treat Alzheimer's disease. Spanberger helped secure a $350 million funding increase for Alzheimer's disease research. Last week, Spanberger met with the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Richmond to discuss the potential positive impacts of this additional funding.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Repealing the Health Insurance Tax (HIT). Earlier this year, Spanberger called on her colleagues to repeal the HITa fee that she believes imposes unnecessary increases to healthcare costs. The funding package includes a provision that would repeal the HIT.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Strengthening federal support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Spanberger requested $41.6 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and this bill provides $41.7 billion for the NIH's cutting edge research. This amount is $2.6 billion above the FY2019-enacted level.\r\n \r\nCHILD NUTRITION\r\n \r\n    Preventing children from going hungry. Spanberger's advocacy led to a 25 percent increase in funding for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which keeps children from missing meals when schools are not in session. In addition to signing onto a letter requesting increased funding, Spanberger sent her own letter to appropriators advocating for the Summer EBT Program and highlighting its importance to Central Virginiaespecially in rural communities in Virginia's Seventh District. Virginia previously received Summer EBT funding, but USDA changes to the program and funding constraints resulted in support for Virginia being discontinued.\r\n \r\nWORKFORCE TRAINING\r\n \r\n    Increasing federal funding for apprenticeship programs. The bipartisan package includes $175 million for registered apprenticeships, which is an increase of $90 million above last year's level. In a letter sent to appropriators earlier this year, Spanberger requested additional support for these work-based learning programs.\r\n \r\nENVIRONMENT\r\n \r\n    Protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The bipartisan funding package includes additional funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program. Spanberger successfully advocated for a 16 percent increase in funding, compared to FY2019. This additional investment would allow Virginia and other states in the Watershed to improve or advance environmental sustainability, collaborate with state and local governments, support farm conservation initiatives, and advance shared public health goals.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Conserving natural resources and protecting outdoor recreation opportunities. SpanbergerChair of the House Agriculture Committee's Conservation and Forestry Subcommitteerepeatedly requested strong funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Her push helped bring about an increase of $57 million from FY2019the highest funding level for the LWCF in 15 years.\r\n \r\nVETERANS\r\n \r\n    Supporting specialized medical services for women veterans. The bipartisan package includes $585,000,000 for gender-specific care for women veterans. Earlier this year, Spanberger sent a letter requesting strong funding for Medical Support and Compliance and Medical Services within the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) budget, which funds patient care services and women's health services at VA healthcare facilities.\r\n \r\nBACKGROUND\r\nEarlier this year, Spanberger introduced and passed an amendment to secure millions of additional dollars in funding for the ReConnect program. Since arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has worked to expand high-speed broadband internet access across Central Virginia's rural communities, including by:\r\n \r\n    Bringing awareness to the issue of rural broadband access.In August 2019, Spanberger held herRural Broadband Summitin Louisa County to hear about how a lack of reliable broadband internet access is impacting families, farmers, first responders, and small business owners across Central Virginia.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n    Amplifying and collecting the stories of Central Virginians. Spanberger has worked to amplify and collect the stories of Central Virginians who are currently facing unnecessary challenges due to the absence of broadband internet in their community. Earlier this year, shecollected these storiesthrough her 2019 Rural Broadband Survey, in which she asked Central Virginians to describe how a lack of reliable broadband access has personally impacted them, their families, or their businesses.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Bringing the eConnectivity concerns of Central Virginians directly to USDA leadership.During her first House Agriculture Committee hearing,Spanberger asked USDA Secretary Perdueabout his thoughts on expanding rural broadband. Spanberger also invited Secretary Perdue to visit her district to hear directly from Central Virginia farmers and dairy producers, and get their feedback on current USDA policies and 2018 Farm Bill implementation. He accepted her invitation.Click herefor a full video of her remarks.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Working with colleagues to find common ground on rural broadband policy.Earlier this year, Spanberger announcedher appointment to a new task forcefocused on expanding high-speed internet access in rural communities. The House Task Force on Rural Broadband will provide coordination and leadership to increase investment in rural broadband internet infrastructure across the United States, and it will operate under an overarching goal to make sure all Americans have reliable access to high-speed internet by 2025. And as Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition's rural opportunity task force,she co-authored an op-edon Fox News online to highlight the need to pursue smart, bipartisan rural broadband infrastructure policies.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/wexton-statement-passage-articles-impeachment", "Wexton Statement on Passage of Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I did not come to Congress to impeach the President. I came to fight for the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District -- to lower the cost of health care, work to end the epidemic of gun violence, and to strengthen America's middle class -- but President Trump's actions have left us no choice. As a former prosecutor, I approached the question of impeachment with only the facts and evidence in mind -- the seriousness of this moment transcends politics. Over the course of a fair and transparent process, the investigating committees presented Congress and the American people with overwhelming evidence that the President violated his oath of office. On both articles of impeachment, the facts are uncontested and the truth is inescapable. The President committed a grave abuse of power when he withheld vital military aid from an ally at war with a U.S. adversary in exchange for the announcement of a baseless investigation into his political opponent that would support his own reelection. When his actions came to light, the President engaged in a systematic campaign to obstruct congressional investigations -- administering a wholesale blockade of fact witnesses, seeking to silence and intimidate any witnesses who did come forward, and refusing to produce even a single subpoenaed document. The President leveraged the highest office in the land for personal political gain. In doing so, he jeopardized our national security, undermined the integrity of our elections, and betrayed the public trust. The Framers gave Congress the power of impeachment precisely to protect our democracy from this kind of abuse of power. The President's pattern of misconduct outlined in the articles of impeachment and his unrepentant contempt for the rule of law make it clear that he poses a clear and present danger to the very foundations of our democracy. Voting to impeach the President was not an easy decision, nor was it one I took any pleasure in.I cast my vote with a heavy heart and a solemn sense of duty to protect our Constitution. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=145", "Wexton Statement on Passage of Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I did not come to Congress to impeach the President. I came to fight for the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District -- to lower the cost of health care, work to end the epidemic of gun violence, and to strengthen America's middle class -- but President Trump's actions have left us no choice.  As a former prosecutor, I approached the question of impeachment with only the facts and evidence in mind -- the seriousness of this moment transcends politics. Over the course of a fair and transparent process, the investigating committees presented Congress and the American people with overwhelming evidence that the President violated his oath of office. On both articles of impeachment, the facts are uncontested and the truth is inescapable. The President committed a grave abuse of power when he withheld vital military aid from an ally at war with a U.S. adversary in exchange for the announcement of a baseless investigation into his political opponent that would support his own reelection. When his actions came to light, the President engaged in a systematic campaign to obstruct congressional investigations -- administering a wholesale blockade of fact witnesses, seeking to silence and intimidate any witnesses who did come forward, and refusing to produce even a single subpoenaed document. The President leveraged the highest office in the land for personal political gain. In doing so, he jeopardized our national security, undermined the integrity of our elections, and betrayed the public trust. The Framers gave Congress the power of impeachment precisely to protect our democracy from this kind of abuse of power. The President's pattern of misconduct outlined in the articles of impeachment and his unrepentant contempt for the rule of law make it clear that he poses a clear and present danger to the very foundations of our democracy. Voting to impeach the President was not an easy decision, nor was it one I took any pleasure in. I cast my vote with a heavy heart and a solemn sense of duty to protect our Constitution. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/on-floor-warner-calls-on-trump-administration-to-reverse-decision-blocking-agent-orange-benefits", "On Floor, Warner Calls on Trump Administration to Reverse Decision Blocking Agent Orange Benefits", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R.Warner (D-VA) took to the Senatefloortoday to draw attention to the plight of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling to get veterans benefits for illnesses related to toxic herbicide Agent Orange. In his speech, Warner called on the Trump Administration to reverse its decision to block an expansion of approved Agent Orangerelated conditions that automatically qualify a veteran for benefits. \r\nAccording to documents obtained by the Military Times, in early 2018 White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney blocked a request by then-Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin to add three medical conditions (bladder cancer, Parkinson's-like symptoms and hypothyroidism) to the list of approved Agent Orangerelated conditions. The documents reveal that an estimated 83,000 veterans would have been made eligible for coverage if the decision had gone through.\r\nThere is more than enough evidence to expand the list of Agent Orangerelated conditions. We should be thanking these veterans for their service, not nickel and diming them,said Sen. Warner on the Senate floor.I urge my colleagues to listen to the veterans in their states. And I urge the White House to let the V-A provide these veterans with the benefits they've earned.\r\nIn his remarks, Warner also shared the stories of two Hampton Roads veterans, William Badgett and Sam Harvey, and one Richmond-area veteran, Dorman Watts of North Chesterfield, VA. In recent months, Sen. Warner's office has helped these veterans with their Department of Veterans Affairs (V-A) claims related to Agent Orange.\r\nMy office hears regularly from veterans facing health problems like prostate cancer like Parkinson's and other conditions that have been linked to Agent Orange. Time and again we hear how the V-A tries to deny benefits on the basis of a technicality, continued Sen. Warner. Mr. President, this is just not right. Unfortunately, this administration is far from the first to ignore the evidence about Agent Orange in order to save a few bucks.\r\nFrom 1962 to 1975, the U.S. Military sprayed over 20 million gallons of Agent Orange across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This toxic chemical had devastating health effects on millions of American service members in Southeast Asia, as well as to the civilians who were exposed. In 1991, Congress passed a law requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide presumptive coverage to all Vietnam veterans with illnesses that the Institute of Medicine has directly linked to Agent Orange exposure, including those who were stationed on ships off the Vietnamese coast, also known as Blue Water Navy veterans. In June, the President signed into law the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, a Warner-sponsored bill that ended the exclusion of these Blue Water veterans. This bipartisan legislation clarified the existing law so that Blue Water Navy veterans will be granted V-A coverage equitable to those who are already covered.\r\nCongress is poised to vote on appropriations legislation this week that will provide $153.6 million to fund the V-A's implementation of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. That funding package also includes language requiring the V-A to report to Congress within 30 days 1) the reason for the two-year delay in expanding the presumptive list; 2) a cost estimate for adding new diseases; and 3) the date the VA plans to implement a decision.\r\n\r\nSen. Warner's remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below:\r\nMr. President, I rise today to draw attention to a group of veterans who served this country decades ago, but who continue to suffer to this day as a result of their service. I'm talking about the hundreds of thousands of veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during their service.\r\nFrom 1962 to 1975, the U.S. sprayed over 20 million gallons of Agent Orange across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.\r\nMillions of our service members, not to mention Vietnamese civilians, were exposed.\r\nFifty years later, hundreds of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans are still paying the price.\r\nFrom the start, the federal government has tried to slow-walk attempts to cover the care these veterans earned. It wasn't until 1991 that the VA recognized the connection between Agent Orange exposure and several diseases and conditions, finally allowing these veterans to seek medical treatment from the VA.\r\nCurrently the list of conditions recognized by the VA stands at 14. But the science tells us that the list is far from complete.\r\nIn 2017, then-Veterans Affairs Secretary Shulkin called for three more conditions to be added to the list: bladder cancer, underactive thyroid, and Parkinson's-like symptoms.\r\nNow, these weren't randomly chosen. They were conditions found by the National Academy of Science to be connected to Agent Orange exposure.\r\nThe science was there, the VA was there. Yet, the White House and OMB Director Mick Mulvaney have blocked this effort to expand the list of conditions.\r\nDo you know what the deciding factor was? It wasn't the scientific evidence. It wasn't the advice of VA doctors.\r\nNo, Mr. Mulvaney decided that the cost of providing care to 83,000 veterans suffering from these conditions was just too high.\r\nAnd for that, Mr. President, this administration turned its back on 83,000 veterans who answered the call to serve.\r\nUnfortunately, this is just the latest example of the federal government trying to avoid paying for the careof men and women our nation sent to war. My office hears regularly from veterans facing health problems like prostate cancer like Parkinson's and other conditions that have been linked to Agent Orange.\r\nTime and again we hear how the VA tries to deny benefits on the basis of a technicality.\r\nMr. President, this is just not right. Unfortunately, this administration is far from the first to ignore the evidence about Agent Orange in order to save a few bucks.\r\nI want to share a few stories from my state of Virginia, which more than 204,000 Vietnam-era veterans currently call home. In many cases, veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange have been fighting multiple administrations to get these life-or-death benefits that they earned decades ago.\r\nOne veteran, William Badgett, of Hampton, Virginia, was exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam with the Army.\r\nHe was in the 101st Airborne, 1st cavalry where he served as a helicopter mechanic and supply sergeant. He has been diagnosed with a number of health conditions, including enlarged prostate, osteoporosis, kidney disease, and hardened arteries  none of which are on the VA's presumptive list.\r\nWhile the VA considers prostate cancer to be on the list, Mr. Badgett's enlarged prostate is not presumed by the VA to be connected to his exposure to Agent Orange because it is not cancer.\r\nSam Harvey from Newport News, VA was exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970 aboard the USS Constellation.\r\nHe was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. Yet despite prostate cancer being on the presumptive list, he has struggled to get VA approval for the treatment he needs.\r\nFinally, I want to talk about Dorman Watts from North Chesterfield, VA, a Vietnam veteran, who has struggled for yearsto get the disability rating from the VA that would qualify him for comprehensive healthcare from the VA.\r\nHe has prostate cancer and heart disease and is currently undergoing radiation treatment from a private provider. \r\nMr. President, this is unacceptable. That's why I'm glad that Congress included important accountability measures, as part of the defense appropriations legislation we passed this week.\r\nFinally, after years of reluctance, years of ignoring the science, these veterans are going to get some answers about the conditions that resulted from their service.\r\nMr. President, there is more than enough evidence to expand the list of Agent-Orange-related conditions. We should be thanking these veterans for their service, not nickel and diming them.\r\nI urge my colleagues to listen to the veterans in their states. And I urge the White House to let the VA provide these veterans with the benefits they've earned.\r\nThank you, Mr. President.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/statement-of-sen-warner-on-the-fifth-circuit-court-of-appeals-decision-on-the-aca", "Statement of Sen. Warner on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Decision on the ACA", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the followingstatement after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unconstitutional, sending the case back to the lower courts:\r\nDespite the millions of Americans who have gained health care coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the critical protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, Republicans remain determined to throw out our existing health care system with no viable options to replace it.\r\nThe uncertainty created by this court ruling and the repeated attacks on our nation's health care laws place essential health care coverage for American families in serious jeopardy. As I have said before  the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress should be working in a bipartisan fashion to strengthen existing law, not engaging in misguided attempts to take away people's health care.\r\nShould Republicans succeed in their campaign of health care sabotage, millions of Americans would be without insurance, have higher costs, and have fewer protections. In light of this ruling  I remain committed to strengthening our health care law and will do everything I can to protect it.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-kaine-urge-changes-to-usda-industrial-hemp-production-program", "Warner, Kaine Urge Changes to USDA Industrial Hemp Production Program", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "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) wrote to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to encourage the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make changes to its proposed hemp regulations to better help Virginia farmers seeking to grow industrial hemp. Responding to concerns raised by farmers in Virginia, the Senators encouraged the Department to make several specific changes to draft plans regulating the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program, which was established by Congress as part of the 2018 Farm Bill.\r\nWe appreciate USDA's commitment to developing a viable U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program for hemp producers in Virginia and across the country. We look forward to working with you to ensure Virginia hemp growers are able to take full advantage of this opportunity, the Senators wrote in a letter to Secretary Perdue.\r\nAmong the issues the Senators raised in their letter:\r\n \r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires growers to test hemp plants within 15 days of anticipated harvest. The Senators urged USDA to adopt a more reasonable testing timeframe of 30 days to reduce burdens to hemp producers and reduce unnecessary delays in getting products to market.\r\nUSDA's interim final rules requires that hemp plant testing must be conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered laboratory, but Virginia has only a small number of DEA-registered labs. The Senators urged USDA to remove the requirement that testing can only occur at DEA-registered labs and allow testing to be conducted at independent testing labs that meet USDA standards.\r\nUSDA's interim final rule establishes a negligence threshold for hemp at 0.5% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a grower is found to have hemp with a THC level above 0.5% they could face legal repercussions under the current guidelines. The Senators urged USDA to raise the threshold to 1.0% THC before a grower is subject to penalties, since it is possible hemp growers could take all the necessary steps and precautions to produce hemp according to the guidelines and still produce hemp plants that exceed the 0.5% THC concentration due to factors out of their control. The Senators also urged USDA to examine mediation options to deal with growers who accidentally exceed the THC threshold.\r\nThe Senators also asked USDA to offer maximum flexibility to states like Virginia when it comes to implementing industrial hemp production, noting that Virginia is in the process of developing a State Action Plan to adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill and USDA rulemaking, but that the General Assembly in Virginia, like many states, is only in session for a short period, and it is possible that USDA will issue a final rule after the General Assembly has already completed its 2020 session.\r\n \r\nSens. Warner and Kaine championed the legislation to legalize the production of industrial hemp, a crop which is already cultivated for research purposes in Virginia. 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. In September, Warner and Kaine successfully secured Virginia's inclusion in a pilot to develop a crop insurance program for industrial hemp.\r\nThe full text of the letter appears below. A copy of the letter is available here.\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Sonny Perdue\r\nSecretary\r\nUnited States Department of Agriculture\r\n1400 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, DC 20250\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nWe write today to provide comments in response to the issuance of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) interim final rule for the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. While we applaud USDA for its work in developing this rule in a timely manner, we are concerned about some of the effects this interim final rule would have on hemp production in the Commonwealth of Virginia.\r\nVirginia has taken full advantage of recent changes in federal law to become a national leader in industrial hemp research and production. As of November 2019, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has registered 1,183 industrial hemp growers, 262 processors, and 117 dealers. Nearly 2,200 acres of industrial hemp were planted in the Commonwealth in 2019. In addition, VDACS projects that Virginia growers could plant up to 15,000 acres of hemp during the 2020 growing season. Industrial hemp presents an incredible opportunity for Virginia farmers, and it is important that guidelines and regulations for the hemp industry do not unduly burden our growers.\r\nFollowing, in no particular order, are our concerns regarding the interim final rule. We appreciate your consideration of these concerns and look forward to working with you as USDA finalizes its U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program.\r\n \r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires growers to test hemp plants within 15 days of anticipated harvest. We are concerned that a 15-day testing window will not provide adequate time for growers to test each crop, submit the testing sample, and receive a response. A 15-day window would be incredibly burdensome for Virginia hemp producers and would lead to unnecessary delays in getting products to market. We believe a 30-day window would provide a more reasonable testing timeframe that would be less burdensome on producers and testing facilities.\r\nUSDA's interim final rule requires that hemp plant testing must be conducted by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered laboratory. Currently, Virginia only has very limited number of DEA-registered labs. With the projected increase in hemp production in Virginia and the proposed 15-day turnaround time for testing, it will be incredibly difficult for a small number of DEA-registered labs to meet these requirements during harvesting season. A backlog at testing facilities could negatively impact Virginia growers, processors, and dealers. We recommend that USDA remove the requirement that testing can only occur at DEA-registered labs and allow testing to be conducted at independent testing labs that meet USDA standards.\r\nThe interim final rule establishes a negligence threshold for hemp at 0.5% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a grower is found to have hemp with a THC level above 0.5% they could face legal repercussions under the current guidelines. We are concerned that the 0.5% THC threshold is arbitrary and far too low considering THC levels can vary widely depending on a number of factors including weather and geography. Hemp growers could take all the necessary steps and precautions to produce hemp according to the guidelines and still produce hemp plants that exceed the 0.5% THC concentration due to factors out of their control. We believe this threshold should be raised to at least 1.0% THC before a grower is subject to negligent violation to protect individuals who follow regulations and best practices. We also encourage USDA to examine mediation options to deal with growers who accidentally exceed the THC threshold. \r\nFinally, as USDA begins to implement a final rule we ask that the agency consider how implementation impacts individual states. Many states, including Virginia, are in the process of developing State Action Plans that adhere to the 2018 Farm Bill and USDA rulemaking. However, the Virginia General Assembly, along with many state legislatures, are only in session for a short period. Once USDA implements its final rule, the Virginia General Assembly will need to pass legislation aligning its hemp program with USDA's regulations. It is possible that USDA will issue the final rule after the Virginia General Assembly has completed its 2020 session. We ask that USDA consider these timelines and provide maximum flexibility to states as they prepare to implement their State Action Plans.\r\n \r\nAgain, thank you for your careful consideration of these concerns. We appreciate USDA's commitment to developing a viable U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program for hemp producers in Virginia and across the country. We look forward to working with you to ensure Virginia hemp growers are able to take full advantage of this opportunity.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-mcsallys-veteran-treatment-court-bill-passes-senate", "Kaine and McSally\u2019s Veteran Treatment Court Bill Passes Senate", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Kaine and McSally's Veteran Treatment Court Bill Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced that the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan legislation to expand access to veteran treatment courts for veterans in need today.\r\nU.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are co-sponsors of the legislation.\r\nThe Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019 establishes a program in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to help state, local, and tribal governments to develop and maintain veteran treatment courts. The bill would provide grants, training, and technical assistance for veteran treatment courts and communities interested in starting a program.\r\nSome veterans come home with invisible wounds that result in addiction or trouble with the law, said McSally. Instead of spiraling down, veteran treatment courts provide an opportunity for vets to receive treatment and add accountability to reverse that spiral, heal, and continue to contribute positively to society. I have seen their powerful lifesaving impact first-hand in Arizona and look forward to getting our bill to the president's desk to help more vets around the country.\r\nAs veterans return home, the transition to civilian life can often be complicated by PTSD, brain injury, or other trauma and mental health issues. Veteran treatment courts have played a critical role in the criminal justice system by working to help get our veterans get back on track,Kaine said. I'm proud of this bipartisan legislation that will expand access to these courts, help rehabilitate those in need, and reduce recidivism.\r\nOnNovember 5, McSally introducedtheVeteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaines-military-housing-reforms-pass-congress", "Video: Kaine\u2019s Military Housing Reforms Pass Congress", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 17, 2019\n\t\t\t Video: Kaine's Military Housing Reforms Pass Congress \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tLegislation will now go to the President for signature\r\nYou can watch video of Kaine talking about the legislationhere\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement after Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Kaine's provisions to improve military housing and many of his other priorities for Virginia, including paid family leave for federal employees and support for shipbuilding. The bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nEvery year, I'm proud of the bipartisan work that goes into delivering a national defense bill that helps support our servicemembers and protect ourcountry. Thisyear,one of my top prioritieswasaddressingthe dangerous conditionsthatI saw firsthand in military housing across Virginia, including mold issues and safety concerns. I'm thankful that my colleagues supported my provisions totackle this issue.These reforms will go a long way towards fixing the problem, and we need to stay on this to ensure safer housing for our troops and their families,said Kaine.\r\nThe final legislation includes two Kaine amendments to address dangerousconditions in military family housing. The first amendment would require DOD to establish a move-out checklist so that both the tenant and military housing office verify that outstanding maintenance needs are fixed and that the tenant is leaving the home in good condition. This would address concernsKaine has heardfrommilitary families who moved into homes with unsatisfactory maintenance conditions and others who were charged unjustifiable maintenance fees that were difficult to dispute because they had already moved out of the home. This provision would help prevent housing companies from charging former tenantsfees or failing to repair outstanding maintenance items. It would also help ensure that tenants meet their obligations of leaving the home in an acceptable condition for the next tenant. Kaine's second military housing amendment will require the Secretary of Defense to work with local law enforcement to ensure military police can patrol locations where privatized military housing is not located on a military installation. During Kaine's visit to Naval Station Norfolk, where military housing is often located outside the base's gate, Kaine heard confusion about who had law enforcement responsibility in those neighborhoods  base police or Norfolk police.Thisprovisionwould address residents' concerns that neither local law enforcementnor military police were respondingto security incidents at off-base military housing because neither believed they had jurisdiction.\r\nKaine has been a leader in supporting military families with safe housing,includingbyurging Armed Services Committee leaders to protect military families in the defense billand introducing abill with Senator Warner to protect military families living in private housing.Kainetoured privatized military housingnear Naval StationNorfolk andvisitedFort Belvoirto hear from military families about their experiences with militaryhousing. He shared what he learned with military leadersand members of the Armed Services Committee to underscore the severity of the housingproblems.\r\nThe following list includes additional programs and provisions Kainesupported that were included in the final bill:\r\nSupports Shipbuilding and Repair:Provides over $13 billion for Virginia shipbuilding priorities, including carrier refueling and overhaul, new carrier construction, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. Authorizes nearly $11billionfor ship repair.\r\nPaid Family Leave for Federal Employees:Provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal civilian employees.\r\nAuthorizes Military Construction (MILCON):Authorizes over $540 million for 15 critical military construction projects throughout the Commonwealth,includingatFt. Belvoir, the Pentagon, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Dam Neck, Quantico, Yorktown, and Richmond.\r\nBlocks President from Withdrawing Troops from NATO:Expands upon a Kaine amendment to prevent the President from withdrawing from NATO for one year. Kaine introducedlegislationearlier this year to explicitly prohibit any President from withdrawing from NATO withoutcongressional approval. The legislationpassedtheForeign Relations Committee last week.\r\nProvides Financial Relief To Civilian Federal Employees:IncludeslegislationKaine introduced with Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to provide financial relief to certain civilian federal employees whomove for work. TheRelocation Expense Parity Actwould close a loophole that prevents certain federal workers from having additional taxes on their moving expenses fully reimbursed.\r\nCleans Up Dioxin at Bien Hoa Air Base:Includes a Kaine amendment to provide funding for USAID to clean up dioxin  a byproduct of Agent Orange  at Bien Hoa Air Base near Ho Chi Minh City, which was one of the largest U.S. military basesduring the Vietnam war. In April, Kaine participated in the formal inauguration of the second U.S.-fundeddioxinremediation project atBienHoa, which will remediate land contaminated during the war bydioxin.The clean-up is being accomplished with help from innovative Virginia companies.\r\nAddresses Recurring Areas of Instability:Includes aKaineproposal which finally allows DOD to better transition to stability operations following conflict.A key lesson learned from the Iraq War was thatthe U.S.military was not equipped to conduct post-conflict stability operations which contributed to a resurgence of violence.Agencies like the Department of State and U.S. Administration for International Development (USAID) are equipped to handle stability operations in post-conflict zones, but lack the resources and security to access the areas where assistance is needed.Kaine's provision will finally authorize DOD to properly support State and USAID in their efforts to access hard to reach areas in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan,Yemen, Libya, and Somalia in order toprovide lasting stability.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4678", "Bipartisan Bill to Improve Militarys Energy Security Included in NDAA", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today announced that bipartisan legislation to improve the U.S. military's energy security and reduce carbon emissions has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference agreement approved by the Senate. The Securing Energy for our Armed Forces Using Engineering Leadership (SEA FUEL) Act would direct the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to pioneer new technologies that will capture carbon dioxide from air and seawater and convert it to clean fuels or other useful products. This marks the first time a federal program will be created for dedicated research and deployment of direct air capture and blue carbon technologies. The program has been allocated $8 million in the 2020 appropriations agreement set to be approved by Congress this week.\r\nThe military has much at stake with climate change. Rising seas are lapping at bases at home and abroad, and the danger of conflict across the globe is increasing as natural resources dry up, said Senator Whitehouse. Investing the military's research capabilities in carbon capture technology holds the promise of making overseas installations more self-sufficient while heading off the effects of climate change. \r\nThe Pentagon recognizes that climate change is real and poses serious national security challenges. This provision directs the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Homeland Security to invest in promising research into carbon capture technologies, said Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee. \r\nThe U.S. military has an opportunity to accelerate innovative technologies that could help our fleet project strength and operate in every corner of the globe like never before, while also revolutionizing energy use and improving the lives of people around the world, said Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The SEA FUEL Act will build on the progress of the Navy's 2017 carbon capture breakthrough and hopefully lead to beneficial new ways to utilize carbon dioxide to supply and power our future. I'm glad to cosponsor Senator Whitehouse's legislation and see its inclusion in this year's NDAA.\r\nWhitehouse introduced the SEA FUEL Act along with Reed and Sullivan in May. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), David Schweikert (R-AZ), and Anthony Brown (D-MD) introduced the House companion in June. \r\nCongress' passage of the SEA FUEL Act is excellent news which will result in forward progress on the climate crisis, said Congressman Beyer. Our just-passed bipartisan legislation will reduce the carbon footprint of the US military while increasing readiness. Importantly, the SEA FUEL Act will also help foster the emerging technologies to address the increased concentration of carbon in our air and in our water. I thank our bipartisan group of cosponsors for their support of the bill, and look forward to seeing it signed into law.\r\nAmerica's military readiness depends on our ability to effectively respond to the national security threat posed by climate change, said Congressman Brown. Adopting carbon capture technology across the Department of Defense and Armed Services will improve our fuel security and foster innovation critical to responding to these challenges.\r\nTechnologies are emerging from the carbon capture sector that remove carbon emissions directly from the air and convert carbon dioxide into new materials like plastics, chemicals, or jet fuel. These promising technologies could generate new industries and jobs, and have an important role in removing carbon emissions from the environment.\r\nDefense Department facilities and vessels rely heavily on fuels transported from offsite, creating security risks. Overseas military installations would benefit from technology to convert excess carbon dioxide into fuel onsite. In addition, the captured carbon may be turned into useful products like building materials that could be used to increase low-lying elevations and protect infrastructure in remote areas.\r\nThe U.S. Navy has already patented a technology that would remove excess carbon dioxide from ocean water and turn it into fuel. The Energy Future Initiative, chaired by former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, recently authored a report entitled Clearing the Air, which highlighted the value of researching and demonstrating carbon removal technologies across multiple agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4679", "Beyer-Led Effort To Reauthorize And Fund Key Patient-Centered Research Agency Passes House In Spending Bill", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today hailed the passage of the substance of his Protecting Access to Information for Effective and Necessary Treatment (PATIENT) Act in the House's end-of-year domestic funding package. The House-passed reauthorization of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), which is now set to become law, extends funding to PCORI for ten years, through FY2029.\r\nGiving PCORI authorization and funding for years to come will mean patients get the evidence-based information they need to make better healthcare decisions, said Rep. Beyer. I am very pleased that this patient-focused legislation will become law next to other vital healthcare priorities, including investments in NIH medical research, grants to prevent suicide and fight the opioid epidemic, and the first CDC funding for gun violence prevention research in two decades. The bill also fully funded the 2020 census, invests in election security, and gave civilian federal employees a 3.1 percent raise next year while avoiding another disastrous shutdown. We did not get everything I would have liked, but these provisions include important victories for Northern Virginia families that will really help our community.\r\nBeyer serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which advanced his PATIENT Act in June.\r\nAdditional details about the FY20 spending agreement are available here.  Congressman Don Beyer represents nearly 87,000 federal employees, the largest number of any Member of the House of Representatives. Beyer joined Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney this February to introduce the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4680", "Beyer Votes To Approve USMCA", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, today voted to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement.\r\nBeyer explained his support during the Ways and Means markup of the legislative text of the agreement (remarks as prepared):\r\nBEYER: I would like to add my voice to those thanking the Chairman, the Speaker, Trade Subcommittee Chairman Blumenauer, the members of the working group and their staffs as well staff of the committee, Katherine Tai and her team along with Katherine Mong in the Speaker's Office, for their tireless work through this summer and fall without which we would not be at this point.\r\nLast winter we were presented with an agreement that had a number of positive elements, many drawn from TPP, but that was also fundamentally flawed.\r\nToday I am proud to support a USMCA that has been fixed by House Democrats.\r\nFrom the moment we got that first draft of an unworkable deal, our leadership, this committee, and our caucus faced an organized campaign of political pressure dedicated to the thoughtless passage of that agreement without fixing any of its deep flaws, which included a totally broken dispute settlement mechanism.\r\nWe were accused almost weekly of stalling or burying the agreement out of personal animus towards the President.\r\nThe December 10 agreement put the lie to that theory. House Democrats were ready to do the work as soon as the administration recognized that political pressure could not replace substantive reform.\r\nI hope that passage of this agreement with a strong bipartisan vote will put an end to the cycle of threat and uncertainty that has governed our trading relationship with our closest neighbors. It's critical that this agreement provides the promised economic certainty.\r\nAnd I hope that if that proves not to be the case, if there is a return to tariffs or threats, we will see a similar bipartisan majority to restore the sanity and certainty promised by this agreement.\r\nThis revised agreement contains landmark reforms that set a new standard for labor enforcement, which my colleagues have discussed at length and of which I think we can duly be proud.\r\nAs we know from previous agreements, for these reforms to live up to their promise we need to continue to engage and support them. That's why it is so important that this bill contains a robust funding title.\r\nI understand the concerns held by my friends in the environmental community about what is not present in this agreement, the fact of the matter is that our counterparty in this negotiation remains steadfastly opposed not just to climate action but even to climate acknowledgment.\r\nBut what is there should not be overlooked. Here the funding title is again so important. I remember standing with my friend Earl Blumenauer at a wastewater treatment plant along the Tijuana River and watching, horrified, as untreated human waste poured into the sea, affecting communities on both sides of the border. This bill will clean that up.\r\nIt provides both the legal and personnel means for stepped up environmental enforcement and  and this cannot be overlooked- allows a future president who cares about the planet to enshrine our Paris commitments, and hopefully, a stronger future commitment to enforceable multilateral environmental agreements under USMCA.\r\nLike many others who have followed the politics and policy of trade closely, I can't escape a bit of mirth when I look at the totality of what my colleagues on the other side and in the Senate will be gleefully voting for.\r\nPart of that is about what is in the agreement, but also what is not there: the biologics provisions that industry demanded so vociferously, a stunning end to the debate that helped doom TPP.\r\nThis is one occasion where I'm glad that my Republican colleagues' devotion to President Trump overshadows their stated economic principles.\r\nThis has not been an easy process, or a perfect one. As the resolution we passed earlier today showed there remains much to do to secure and maximize the benefits of trade for the American people, but I look forward to casting yes votes today and on the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4681", "Beyer Introduces Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act, legislation that would bolster NASA's efforts to reduce emissions from the aviation industry while also reducing the impact of airplane noise in airport-adjacent communities.\r\nThe Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act would address climate change and noise pollution from aircraft, two of the most persistent problems I hear about from Northern Virginians, said Rep. Beyer. As the climate crisis continues to inflict damage on American communities, Congress must look at every available option to reduce emissions, and that should include the aviation industry. In addition to being better for the planet, this legislation will also lead to quieter skies above and peace of mind to communities near airports. I appreciate the support for this bill on both sides of Capitol Hill, and will be making the case for it in the House as our Committee takes up NASA's authorizing legislation.\r\nCompanion legislation was previously introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), with cosponsors including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).\r\nAviation currently accounts for approximately 3 percent of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions from this sector are expected to triple by 2050 given the projected growth of passenger air travel and freight. In addition, as air traffic volumes increase, communities are increasingly impacted by noise pollution from airplanes.\r\nThis legislation sets a goal for cleaner, quieter airplanes by 2030 (regional transport planes) and 2040 (single-aisle planes), and it authorizes NASA to accelerate its work developing and demonstrating the technologies to make this goal a reality.\r\nSpecifically, this bill:\r\n \r\n    Establishes an ambitious goal of commercial airplanes emitting 50 percent less greenhouse gas and 50 percent less noise compared to 2019 levels by 2030 for regional planes and 2040 for larger, single-aisle planes. \r\n    Authorizes NASA to accelerate its work on electrified propulsion systems and the integration of multiple technologies and airframe concepts to achieve noise and emissions reductions. \r\n    Challenges NASA to work with industry partners to carry out flight tests by 2025 and to bring new airplanes into service between 2030 and 2040. \r\n    Requires NASA to provide guidance on new technologies to help the FAA's work to ensure the safe and effective deployment of these technologies.\r\n \r\nBesides the benefits of less pollution and lower noise impacts on our communities, the initiative established in this legislation will help drive industry growth and innovation, maintain our competitiveness with other countries that are moving aggressively on electrified propulsion technologies, and ensure that United States airlines can fly with U.S.-generated technology to other countries that adopt stricter standards for noise and emissions.\r\nBy setting an ambitious goal and challenging NASA to work in collaboration with industry partners, this bill will help drive innovation, economic competitiveness, and a transformational shift to a cleaner, quieter, more sustainable aviation industry.\r\nText of the bill is available here. Original cosponsors include Paul Tonko (D-NY), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).\r\nBeyer serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, is co-chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus and the New Democrat Coalition's Climate Change Task Force, and is a Member of the Quiet Skies Caucus, which works to reduce noise pollution from aircraft.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-changes-to-devos-flawed-partial-relief-formula-focused", "Scott Statement: Changes to DeVos Flawed Partial Relief Formula Focused on Optics, Not Students", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education & Labor\nWASHINGTON, DC Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Department of Education revised its plan to provide only partial relief to student borrowers defrauded by predatory institutions.\nAt Thursday's hearing, Secretary DeVos refused to acknowledge serious flaws in her plan to provide only partial relief to some defrauded borrowers while outright denying relief for others. A day later, the Department quietly took the plan off of its website and issued a revised version with no public notice.\nUnfortunately, rather than fixing the partial relief formula so it is fairer to students, the revised plan only improves the optics of denying defrauded borrowers the relief they deserve. Not one defrauded borrower will receive more relief under the revised plan. In fact, the Department already began notifying borrowers of their relief amount under the old formula.\nThe Department's decision to rapidly revise its formula, while preserving a pre-determined outcome, raises several questions about the validity of its formula and the integrity of the process that produced it. We will be asking Secretary DeVos these questions and expect to get timely and responsive answers.\nUnder both versions of the Department's partial relief formula, defrauded student borrowerswill be unfairly denied relief. Secretary DeVos' plan is so flawed that borrowers will be denied relief simply because they attend a program in a high-cost state, or because graduates of similarly worthless programs are also stuck in low-wage jobs. Ultimately, the Department's new plan makes clear that even when borrowers document widespread and pervasive fraud at their institution, the Department will not make them whole.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment-against-president-trump", "Scott Statement on Articles of Impeachment Against President Trump", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump:\nEvery Member of Congress swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, and that oath should be the guide for all of us when considering articles of impeachment against the President of the United States. There has been considerable public debate over what constitutes impeachable offenses, as the Constitution names them as Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.' Under normal circumstances, the country could wait until the next election to remove an undesirable president from office. However, our founders included impeachment in the Constitution for times when an official's conduct was so egregious, we could not wait for the next election to remove that individual from office. President Trump's Ukraine scheme was intended to influence the 2020 election to make it an unfair process, and that highlights a key reason why he must be impeached and removed from office.\nMultiple House Committees have conducted extensive investigations into the President's conduct. The facts are uncontested. President Trump invited Ukraine to interfere in our next presidential election and leveraged desperately needed military aid and a high-profile visit to the White House to promote his scheme. This constitutes an attack on our electoral system and democracy itself and is a gross abuse of presidential power. This scheme needs to be viewed in the context of other actions by this President. The Mueller report found multiple instances of obstruction of justice committed by the President, and that obstruction has continued. Furthermore, the President has continued to violate the Emoluments Clause by profiting from foreign and domestic business transactions from the moment he took office, and that violation has continued.\nWith the Ukraine scheme, the President has admitted in public to actions that sacrifice national security for his own personal, political gain and then he insisted that he did nothing wrong. His ongoing attack of the whistleblower serves to discourage other whistleblowers from coming forward, his intimidation of witnesses during impeachment proceedings, his orders to witnesses to ignore subpoenas, and his invitation to China to meddle in our next election all indicate that, left unchecked, this President will not cease his misconduct and will seek to do it again. The President continues to put his own personal and political gain above the law and his conduct in these matters constitutes clear abuses of power and an ongoing threat to our democracy.\nIf the President had simply acknowledged the basic fact that trying to sabotage the next presidential election is wrong, and that he would not continue such behavior, we could be discussing the question of waiting until the next election to express our views on his conduct. However, that is not the case. President Trump continues to obstruct properly convened investigations and he continues to abuse his power by trying to undermine the next presidential election.\nFor all of these reasons, I will vote for both articles of impeachment.\nI came to the 116th Congress to serve the people of Virginia's Third Congressional District, and to focus on my work as chair of the Committee on Education and Labor. Committee Democrats have been working to expand access to the building blocks of a strong middle class  a quality education, a rewarding job, and affordable health care. The House has already passed theRaise the Wage Act, theLower Drug Costs Now Act, the Paycheck Fairness Act, theStronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, theButch Lewis Act, theDignity in Aging Act, and the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. The Committee has also approved the College Affordability Act, the Rebuild America's Schools Act, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, and other critical legislation awaiting a vote by the full House. Later this week, the House will ratify the USMCA with strong labor protections.\nHowever, if we expect our democracy to survive, President Trump's abuse of power cannot be ignored. No one is above the law.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-passage-of-government-funding-bills", "Scott Statement on Passage of Government Funding Bills", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "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 House Amendment to the Senate Amendment toH.R. 1158Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 and House Amendment to the Senate Amendment toH.R. 1865Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020:\nThese spending bills mark a bipartisan compromise and will help us avoid a harmful government shutdown. The funding approved in this legislation will meaningfully improve the lives of students, workers, and families across Virginia as well as the nation.\nI was very pleased to see the 400 Years of African American History Commission got a boost in this legislation. This past August, I joined with fellow Virginians and people from around the world to commemorate the 400thanniversary of the first landing of enslaved Africans to the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia. In 2017, Congress passed a bill that I sponsored with Senator Tim Kaine to establish the national commission that has, up to this point, been unfunded. This funding package both extends the commission's mandate until 2021 and appropriates $3.3 million to study and appropriately commemorate this chapter of our nation's history.\nThis package will also benefit the Commonwealth by increasing the Environmental Protection Agency's Chesapeake Bay Program funding to a record total of $85 million which will help restore the Bay. The bills also make critical investments in shipbuilding which received funding to procure multiple Navy ships and aircraft carriers. It also invests in efforts to deploy broadband services to our rural communities, as well as providing funding to ensure the Census is properly administered this coming year. It also supports the Department of Housing and Urban Development's work in Choice Neighborhoods by providing funding to improve health, income, and educational outcomes for households in target communities.\nAs the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor, I was pleased to see this spending package also reject the administration's proposed cuts to public education, job training, and access to basic health care services. Today, we voted to provide record-level funding for Head Start and America's public schools. We voted to invest $5.4 billion in job training, including increased funding for job training and increased funding for Job Corps, which the president proposed cutting by 40 percent. We also voted to invest in health services for low-income parents and improving support for victims of domestic violence.\nI am particularly gratified that this bill contains my proposal to protect retiree health care earned by coal miners along with bipartisan legislation to secure their hard-earned pensions. In addition, it includes a one-year extension of the excise tax rate on coal to preserve benefits for coal miners suffering from black lung disease.\n\"The funding approved in this legislation represents a responsible compromise, and I look forward to the President signing it.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-issues-statement-ahead-house-s-vote-impeachment", "Congresswoman Elaine Luria Issues Statement Ahead of House\u2019s Vote on Impeachment", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) issued the following statement ahead of the House's vote on impeachment on Wednesday.\nIn the Navy and in Congress, I swore an oath to protect our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, Congresswoman Luria said. President Trump took that very same oath when he was sworn in, but he has clearly put his personal and political interests above the good of our country. The President abused his power by withholding critical aid from a partner in exchange for information to detract from a political opponent. Voting to impeach President Trump was not an easy decision or one I take lightlybut I take my oath seriously, and I will be voting in favor of both articles of impeachment tomorrow.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-supports-two-crucial-fiscal-year-2020-spending-packages", "Congresswoman Luria Supports Two Crucial Fiscal Year 2020 Spending Packages to Avoid Government Shutdown", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) voted for two Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations packages advancing key priorities for Coastal Virginia and national security interests.\nI proudly support the two Fiscal Year 2020 spending packages, that will provide significant funding for programs that benefit working families in Coastal Virginia, Congresswoman Luria said. Among many other highlights, this critical legislation includes my Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act, which would provide urgent relief to Gold Star Families impacted by the 2017 tax law that caused America's most heroic families to see drastic tax increases. These funding levels will protect national security, preserve the environment, improve coastal resiliency, and support important economic development within the district. I will continue fighting to fund these important programs in Congress to ensure that Virginians have fair representation.\nHighlights of the two appropriations packages include:\nSupporting Military Servicemembers, Families, and Communities\n Tax relief for Gold Star families. This bill includes a fix championed by Congresswoman Luria to eliminate a tax hike causing many Gold Star families to pay thousands in additional taxes. Congresswoman Luria introduced the Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act in May and has been advocating tirelessly for a solution to this problem.\n\t3.1% civilian pay raise for Department of Defense Employees\n\t$50 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to support projects supporting military bases.\n\t$70 million for Impact Aid to assist school districts with high concentrations of families living in military housing.\n Protecting National Security\n $1.648 billion for naval nuclear reactors to continue safe and reliable operation of the Navy's nuclear-powered fleet.\n\t$783 million for NASA aeronautics research to support transonics and hypersonics research at NASA Langley.\n\t$172 million for the NATO Security Investment program to support responses to threats emanating from Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa.\n Shipbuilding and Maintenance \n $3 billion for the advance procurement of Virginia Class submarines.\n\t$1.062 billion for the construction of USS Enterprise (CVN-80).\n\t$1.215 billion for the construction of CVN-81.\n\t$625 million for ship depot maintenance for USS Boise, USS Hartford and USS Columbus.\n Preserving the Environment and Improving Coastal Resiliency\n $85 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program, the highest funding level in the program's history, to support conservation projects in Coastal Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay.\n\t$26 million for the CLARREO-Pathfinder (CPF) to support this mission led by NASA Langley to better understand climate and sea level rise.\n\t$1.7 million for Hampton Roads, Norfolk & Newport News Harbor drift removal.\n\t$120,000 for Hampton Roads to address emergency shoaling.\n\t$400,000 for Chincoteague Inlet refuge harbor.\n Investing in Economic Development\n $333 million for the Economic Development Agency, which has supported the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.\n\tIncreased funding for Community Development Block Grants, which supports low and moderate income families with economic opportunities, such as employment and affordable housing.\n\t$25 billion for USDA rural housing to help address critical affordable housing shortages on the Eastern Shore.\n\t$640 billion in rural broadband investments to support communities such as the Eastern Shore.\n Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-donates-200-books-highland-springs-high-school-library", "McEachin Donates 200 Books to Highland Springs High School Library", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Richmond, V.A.  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) visited Highland Springs High School in Henrico County to donate 200 new books from the Library of Congress to the school library. He was joined by elected senior class officers, school librarians Kimberly Paige and Adrienne Coffey, school principal Ken White, and Henrico Board of Supervisors members John Montgomery and Alicia Atkins.\nI am always pleased to visit the schools in our district and speak with students and faculty there, said Congressman McEachin. Today's visit was extra special because I was able to bring 200 brand new books donated from the Library of Congress for students to check out. I hope that the students will enjoy these new additions to their library.\nCongressman McEachin has donated books from the Library of Congress to schools and public libraries in Henrico, Chesterfield, Prince George, Hopewell, Petersburg and Surry.\n\n###\nContact: Keenan Austin Reed (202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mceachin-and-rep-long-applaud-passage-mapping-accuracy-promotes-services", "Rep. McEachin and Rep. Long Applaud Passage of Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) and Congressman Billy Long (MO-07) released the following statement praising House passage of their bipartisan Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act. The MAPS Act would prohibit broadband providers from willfully, knowingly, or recklessly providing inaccurate broadband coverage data to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).\nToo many Virginians do not have access to high-speed internet. Without these services, businesses and jobs relocate; community health suffers due to less connected hospitals and providers; and children lack much-needed internet access to complete their homework, said Congressman McEachin. We cannot expand broadband internet access to our communities, however, if we do not know exactly where broadband service is needed. The MAPS Act will help ensure we have a more complete understanding of broadband availability  and thus bring much-needed, high-speed internet to all our constituents. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider this bill immediately so that all Virginians and all Americans have access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband internet services.\nThe federal government spends billions of dollars each yearon rural broadband deployment, yet millions of Americans lack basic access to broadband services.For rural communities, such as those in Missouri, knowing where broadband is and is not available at certain speeds is crucial and will go a long way in closing the digital divide.I'm grateful for thestrong, bipartisan supportas we work towards a more connected future, and I commend my colleague, Rep. Donald McEachin, for his hard work on the MAPS Act, said Congressman Billy Long. \nThe Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act:\n Prohibits internet service providers from knowingly, willfully, or recklessly providing inaccurate data to the FCC; and\n Subjects providers who do submit inaccurate data appropriate penalty as determined by the FCC.\n\n###\nKeenan Austin Reed (McEachin) 202-225-6365  \n\tKatie Milner (Long) 202-225-6536", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2347", "Spanberger Chairs Hearing on Expanding Access to Federal Conservation Programs, Hears from Louisa County Cattleman", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail SpanbergerChair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee's Conservation and Forestry Subcommitteetoday led a hearing focused on expanding Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers' access to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) conservation programs.\r\nDuring today's Subcommittee hearing, Spanberger heard from Irvin Whitea first-generation farmer and consultant with a business based in Louisa County. For more than two decades, White has helped area farmers work in tandem with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement voluntary conservation practices. To date, his business has installed hundreds of miles of stream fencing and alternative watering systems throughout Central Virginiaincluding in Culpeper, Orange, Louisa, and Spotsylvania Counties.\r\nIn her opening statement, Spanberger highlighted how Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers often struggle to gain access, assistance, and the necessary credit to succeed in conservation implementation. Additionally, she called for USDA's conservation programs to better account for structural barriers and to recognize the critical contributions of Historical Underserved producersincluding women, beginning, minority, and veteran farmers and ranchers.\r\nTo support the next generation of producers, we need to make sure they can actively participate in conservation programs that will both increase the profitability of their farms and help mitigate the effects of extreme weather and climate change. But for generations, many farm families have faced discrimination and insufficient access to credit, which makes fully using federal conservation program more difficult today, said Spanberger. I greatly appreciated hearing the perspective of Mr. White, whose operations in Louisa County have helped many of our district's farmers and cattlemen expand their conservation efforts. His testimony underscored the numerous barriers to new and beginning farmers as they begin their operationsincluding a lack of cash and an inability to survive uncertain market conditions. Throughout today's hearing, I was honored to hear from a diverse spectrum of voices throughout production agricultureand I look forward to working with USDA and NRCS to give every farmer the tools they need to succeed and keep their operations sustainable.\r\nAgricultural conservation programs are vitally important not only for environmental sustainability, but also for the financial viability of farmers and ranchers. I see this in my work every day, both as I run and expand my own operation, and as I work with new and beginning farmers throughout Central Virginia, said Irvin White, Owner, White Fencing in Louisa County. What's more, technical assistance is essential in realizing the goals of these programs. It takes time to build relationships with farmers and to help them implement innovative practices, but this is an essential investment. In addition to conveying the importance of these programs, I appreciate Congresswoman Spanberger for providing me with the opportunity to bring the voices of Virginian farmers to Congress today.\r\nToday's witnesses also included Kimberly LaFleuera first-generation cranberry farmer from Massachusettsand Andrew Sancheza Navy veteran and minority farmer from New Mexico.\r\nThis hearing builds on Spanberger's efforts to examine how farmers can balance the environmental benefits of voluntary conservation programs with the practices they need to grow their businesses. In October 2019, Spanberger led a hearing focused on achieving the financial and conservation benefits of precision agriculture. During the hearing, Spanberger heard from Dustin Madisona farmer and crop consultant from Louisa County in Virginia's Seventh Districtabout how farmers can use precision ag tools to achieve tangible conservation benefits.\r\nSince arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has worked to amplify the voices of Central Virginia farmers, understand economic issues facing the district's rural communities, and give crop and livestock producers a seat at the table in the federal decision-making process.\r\nAs Chair of her Subcommittee, Spanberger has worked to hear directly from NRCS about how the agency intends to improve its financial and technical assistance to Central Virginia farmers. During herfirst hearing as Chair, Spanberger asked NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr and USDA Farm Services Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce about the progress of 2018 Farm Bill implementationparticularly related to the timeline to implement changes to USDA's conservation programs. And in June 2019, Spanbergerled a bipartisan, roundtable discussionabout federal efforts to protect and restore farmland and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.\r\nDuring hertwo-day farm tourlast August, she met with producers, farm families, and agribusinesses to learn more about how she can support economic growth and help build conditions for greater opportunity across the Seventh District. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wexton-votes-pass-bipartisan-funding-deal-avoid-government-shutdown-0", "Rep. Wexton Votes to Pass Bipartisan Funding Deal to Avoid Government Shutdown", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass two bipartisan minibus appropriations packages which would fund the government for Fiscal Year 2020 and avoid a government shutdown. The House passed the Domestic Priorities and International Assistance Appropriations Minibus, H.R. 1865 by a vote of 297-120. The House passed the National Security Appropriations Minibus, H.R. 1158 by a vote of 280-138.\nLurching from continuing resolution to continuing resolution is no way to run the government,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. The last government shutdown was devastating, seriously jeopardizing the financial security of tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors in my district -- many of whom are still recovering from its impacts.\nMy top priority was keeping the government open. With this bipartisan agreement, we will ensure the government remains funded through the end of FY2020 and that no federal employee goes through the holiday season without a paycheck. While this deal is not perfect, these bills are the product of bipartisan and bicameral compromise, and important priorities for Virginia are reflected in this agreement.\nThe funding packages include many crucial and hard-won budgetary priorities for Wexton, including:\nSupporting our federal workers\nMy colleagues and I fought for and won a long overdue, and well-deserved pay raise of 3.1% for all federal civilian employees,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. This increase will help the federal government compete with the private sector to attract and retain the best and brightest into public service.\n All federal employees receive a 3.1% average pay raise. Wexton cosponsored legislation to raise federal worker pay thatpassed the House in January.\n\tSenate-approved appropriations of $25 million to relocate two United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) research agencies is removed. USDA's authority to reorganize departments or reprogram funds without congressional consent has also been limited.Wexton led a bicameral effort to block the funding in October.\n Investing in our region's transportation infrastructure\nThe federal funding we secured for Metro will help ensure the continued success of our region,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. A world-class transit system will encourage job creation, reduce congestion and pollution, and promote equity in Northern Virginia.\nI was proud to advocate for the FAA's groundbreaking remote tower pilot program at the Leesburg airport, and I'm pleased to see a continued investment of $7 million for this innovative program. These funds will help ensure a safer and more efficient airport operation for the hundreds of Virginians who use the Leesburg airport every day.\nFunding programs to support our children and families\nVirginia's kids deserve every opportunity we can provide to help them live up to their full potential,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. We've secured record funding levels for Head Start, Child Care and Development Block Grants, and Title I schools to help every child succeed.\n Title I schools, Head Start, and the Child Care and Development Block Grants receive record base funding.\n\tState Opioid Response grants are funded with $1.5 billion, building on historic investments in combating this crisis over the past two years.\n\tThe legal age to buy tobacco products is raised to 21.\n Support for Virginia's agritourism industry\nAgritourism is a major driver of our local economy and helps preserve the rural character of our communities,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. This year's budget, which includes an extension of the tax break for craft beverage makers, will allow these businesses to continue to thrive in our region.\n An excise tax cut for alcoholic beverage producers is extended for one year, which has supported Virginia-10's small breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Earlier this year,Wexton launched the bipartisan Congressional Agritourism Caucus to highlight the importance of these businesses.\n\tBrand USA is reauthorized to continue support for marketing U.S. tourism opportunities across the globe, including its efforts to promote Virginia to international visitors.\n Historic funding to study the gun violence epidemic\nAfter 20 years of gridlock, I'm proud to have helped secure historic funding for gun violence prevention research through the CDC and NIH,said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. One hundred Americans die from gun violence every day, and with this funding we can finally address gun violence as the urgent public health emergency it is.\n $25 million is allocated to fund gun violence research through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Earlier this month,Wexton signed onto a letter urging House and Senate leadership to include this funding in the final appropriations. This is the first federal funding to study gun violence in over 20 years.\n Other important priorities for Virginia reflected in the appropriations bills include:\n $425 million in state election security grants, a priority that was not funded in last year's budget.\n\tFull funding of $7.6 billion for a fair and accurate 2020 Census.\n\tKey provisions that Wexton has fought for on the Financial Services Committee, including reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, the Terrorist Risk Insurance Program, and the Export-Import Bank.\n\tRecord-level funding of $41.7 billion for life-saving medical research at the NIH, with significant funding for Alzheimer's Disease and brain research.\n A detailed summary of the Domestic Priorities and International Assistance Appropriations Minibus, H.R. 1865, can be foundhere.\nA detailed summary of the National Security Appropriations Minibus, H.R. 1158, can be foundhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/banking-committee-democrats-press-trump-administration-on-future-of-fannie-mae-freddie-mac", "Banking Committee Democrats Press Trump Administration on Future of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Led by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), today Democrats on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee sent a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mark Calabria and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin with a series of questions regarding the Trump Administration's plans to return Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to private ownership. \r\nThe GSEs play a critical role in the U.S. housing market, providing the necessary liquidity and stability that makes the U.S. mortgage market the most dependable market in the world. This year the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held a number of hearings on our housing finance system. The message was clear  any reform must strengthen our housing finance system and provide the tools to address the nation's affordable housing crisis, wrote the Senators.\r\nIn addition to Sen. Warner, the letter was signed by Ranking Member Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Robert Menendez (NJ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).\r\nSaid the Senators, As members concerned with housing access and affordability, and the continued success of the secondary mortgage market, we request additional, detailed information regarding the Administration's plans to reform these entities and the analysis that supports these plans. Without additional information, Congress will be unable to fulfill its proper oversight role, or otherwise design policies to protect critical access and affordability to homeownership and rental housing.\r\nThe Senators requested responses to a variety of questions, including the Administration's timeline for releasing the entities and how proposed changes could impact affordable homeownership:\r\n \r\nPlease explain, in detail, the timeline, or benchmarks, by which the Administration intends to adopt reforms and release the GSEs from conservatorship. If multiple timelines are being considered, please provide all potential scenarios.\r\nPlease explain, in detail, any and all administrative reforms that you believe are necessary at the GSEs prior to their release from conservatorship, and how those reforms fulfill the GSEs' charter obligations.\r\nWould you consider releasing the GSEs prior to full implementation of the enumerated reforms? If so, please provide your reasoning and under what circumstances you would considering doing so.\r\nPlease explain, in detail, what reforms or policy changes may be adopted as part of an amendment to the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (PSPA). What, if anything, prevents future modifications to these changes?\r\nDo you intend to maintain a line of credit with the Treasury outside of conservatorship through the PSPAs? Would you maintain the current dollar amount of the line of credit or adjust to some other amount? What, if anything, prevents removing that line of credit in the future?\r\nPlease explain, in detail, the legal basis for using a consent agreement to accelerate the release of the GSEs from conservatorship. Under what conditions does the Administration plan to use the consent agreement to further the release of the GSEs from conservatorship, and what reforms or restrictions would be considered under this agreement?\r\nWhat, if anything, prevents a future modification to the consent agreement?\r\nWhat capital levels do you believe would be necessary for purposes of releasing the GSEs from conservatorship?\r\nWould you consider releasing the GSEs from conservatorship before they have built the level of capital you require of them as their regulator? If so, please explain why you would release them prior to having met their regulatory capital requirements?\r\nHow does the Administration plan to raise the level of capital that FHFA deems necessary and on what timeline? Would the Administration consider releasing the GSEs from conservatorship prior to achieving a threshold capital level, and if so, what level would that be?\r\nFannie Mae and Freddie Mac make valuable contributions to the housing market, in part due to investments made over the past decade. Would the Administration consider reducing the value that the GSEs provide to American taxpayers in order to expedite the release of the GSEs from conservatorship?\r\nWould the Administration consider changing the repayment requirements of the existing PSPA? If so, how?\r\nDoes the Administration plan to reduce the GSEs' footprint? If so, what specific product lines and services would see an increase in price or be curtailed or eliminated at the GSEs? What is the statutory authority for such a plan? Please provide any models or assessment that FHFA has conducted to analyze the impact of these changes on prospective homeowners, existing homeowners, renters, and the cost and availability of credit across mortgage products.\r\nDo you believe that the GSEs will provide a smaller cross-subsidy in the mortgage market if their role is reduced, as you propose? If not, how would they be able to provide the same level of cross-subsidy and nationwide access in both the single-family and multifamily markets in a reduced role? If so, what do you propose to do administratively to ensure that they are still able to provide as much support for low- and moderate-income lending and access to credit among underserved communities?\r\nWill the GSEs continue to contribute annually to the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund throughout any transition to your desired end state? Under what circumstances would you potentially consider allocations to these trust funds as preventing the GSEs from completing a capital restoration plan? Do you expect to deem either GSE as undercapitalized?\r\nDoes the Administration intend to undertake a new rulemaking for the Enterprise Housing Goals for mortgages purchased by the GSEs? Will the scope of that rulemaking exceed the scope of the previous rulemaking, which recalibrated numerical purchase goals but did not alter the fundamental structure of the goals?\r\nWill the Administration seek to amend the Duty to Serve rule, or otherwise amend the types of products and services the Enterprises may offer to meet their Duty to Serve requirements?\r\nWhat analysis has the Administration undertaken to understand the impact of any reforms or changes in product offerings or pricing to the profitability of the GSEs? What analysis has it performed to understand the impact of such changes on housing affordability, g-fees, or potential market disruptions across all segments of borrowers? What analysis has it done on the impact of such changes on the production of multifamily properties?\r\nWhat analysis has the Administration performed to model specific effects of any reforms or changes in product offerings or pricing on access to mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income homebuyers and renters; first time homebuyers; or borrowers of color? Please explain in detail any assumptions underlying your analysis. If you have not conducted such an analysis, please explain how you could move forward on any of the proposed provisions without such calculation while also fulfilling the GSEs' statutory mandates to provide ongoing assistance to the secondary market for residential mortgages (including activities related to mortgages on housing for low- and moderate-income families involving a reasonable economic return that may be less than the return earned on other activities) by increasing the liquidity of mortgage investments and improving the distribution of investment capital available for residential mortgage financing and promote access to mortgage credit throughout the Nation (including central cities, rural areas, and underserved areas).\r\nPlease describe any concerns raised by investors with releasing the GSEs from conservatorship without an indefinite government backstop and any response you might have to those concerns.\r\nPlease provide FHFA's analysis of impacts on mortgage costs and the To-Be-Announced market from releasing the GSEs from conservatorship or any other changes to the GSEs' current status without a line of credit or other catastrophic backstop.\r\nWill the Administration conduct a fair housing analysis of all proposed policy changes? If not, why not? Has the Administration already conducted such an analysis of its proposed policy changes?\r\n \r\nAs housing finance reform discussions continue we believe that it is critical to maintain a system that provides certainty for borrowers, renters, investors, and lenders; that can be sustained in all economic conditions; and that continues to support working families as they buy and rent homes and build wealth. Any contemplated reforms should be thoughtful and focused on maintaining access to credit for creditworthy home buyers and renters in every community, noted the Senators.\r\nA copy of the letter is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/burr-warner-praise-house-and-senate-passage-of-three-year-intel-authorization-act", "Burr, Warner Praise House and Senate Passage of Three-Year Intel Authorization Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, on a 86-8 vote, the Senate passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, which included the Damon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The legislation was passed last week by the House.\r\nSenate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-NC) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released the following statements on the bill's passage by Congress:\r\nI applaud the Senate's passage today of the Senate Intelligence Committee's bipartisan authorization legislation as part of our nation's defense authorization bill, said Vice Chairman Warner. The bipartisan intelligence authorization bill ensures that the women and men of our intelligence agencies have the resources they need to do their jobs, as well as robust provisions to improve oversight of our nation's intelligence functions. I am particularly proud that the NDAA carries a provision providing twelve weeks of paid parental leave for government employees that builds upon the Committee's original provision providing twelve weeks of paid parental leave to Intelligence Community personnel, including adoptive and foster parents. This provision will help recruit and retain top talent within the IC. I am also pleased that it includes a number of other provisions aimed at deterring foreign influence in our elections, tackling the technological threats from China as the U.S. and other nations move to 5G communications, modernizing our outdated security clearance process, and enabling the IC to exchange talent with the private sector.\r\nThe men and women of our Intelligence Community work tirelessly to keep our nation safe by naming the threats we face today and preparing for those we may face tomorrow,said Chairman Burr.This legislation, which passed the Senate Intelligence Committee unanimously and cleared the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan majorities, is a significant investment in America's vital interests and national security. It is also an investment in the people who are essential for achieving our strategic goals. The Intelligence Authorization Act deters foreign threats, secures our elections, builds a strong intelligence workforce, and ensures proper Congressional oversight. I am proud to see this bill finally passed by Congress, and look forward to seeing it signed into law.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe IAA for Fiscal Years 2018-2020 authorizes funding and enables comprehensive, Congressional oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community. This legislation is named for two dedicated staff members on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, Damon Nelson and Matt Pollard, respectively, who passed away last year.\r\nSpecifically, the bill improves the Intelligence Community's ability to defend the United States by:\r\n \r\nDeterring aggression from Russia and other foreign actors by increasing the United States' capability of detecting malign activities, such as active measure campaigns, illicit financial transactions, and other intelligence activities.\r\nSecuring our elections from foreign interference by requiring strategic assessments of Russian cyber threats and influence campaigns, and facilitating increased information sharing between local, state, and federal government officials.\r\nModernizing the security clearance process by requiring plans to reduce the background investigation backlog, capitalizing on technology to improve efficiency, creating an interagency information sharing program for positions of trust, and enhancing the ability of government and industry personnel with active clearances to move between agencies and companies.\r\nProtecting the U.S. Government technology supply chain by creating a task force within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and improving the procurement process to defend against intrusion and sabotage.\r\nBolstering the recruitment and retention of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals by enhancing career path flexibility and benefits for cybersecurity experts working within the Intelligence Community.\r\nAdvancing the Intelligence Community workforce by establishing a Public-Private Talent Exchange to foster professional experiences and growth.\r\n \r\nThe IAA was approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee on a unanimous and bipartisan 15-0 vote on May 14, 2019. The full Senate passed IAA as part of the NDAA on June 27, 2019 on a vote of 86-8.\r\nThe full House passed the House Intelligence Committee's IAA on July 17, 2019, by a vote of 397-31.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/senate-passes-warner-backed-military-housing-reforms-in-annual-defense-bill", "Senate Passes Warner-Backed Military Housing Reforms in Annual Defense Bill", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) applauded Congressional passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). After the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 86-8, sending the legislation to the President's desk for signature, Sen. Warner released the following statement:\r\nI've heard gut-wrenching stories from servicemembers and their families about being subjected to dangerous living conditions in privatized military housing. I've walked through these homes in communities across the Commonwealth and have seen firsthand mold and insect-infested conditions that no one should ever be exposed to. Military families shouldn't have to worry that their homes might make their families sick, nor should they feel powerless when facing companies charged with providing high-quality housing. I'm proud to have secured large portions of my legislation within this bill to provide greater oversight over military housing and to live up to the promises we've made to our men and women in uniform.\r\nI'm also pleased that today's bill provides a 3.1 percent pay raise for our military and repeals the unjust tax on more than 4,000 military widows in Virginia, which has prevented them from receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled. This bipartisan bill also guarantees 12 weeks of paid parental leave for Virginia's 170,000 federal civilian employees, which will serve as an important recruitment and retention tool as more and more existing federal workers become eligible for retirement. Additionally, with the passage of today's bill we are able to provide consistent funding to support our world-class shipbuilding fleet in Hampton Roads. This includes $11 billion for ship repair and the restoration of mid-life refueling for the USS Truman (CVN 75). It also provides funding to execute the Navy's recently announced block buy of Virginia-class submarines, which will generate 25,000 jobs and save billions in taxpayer dollars. Collectively, these essential shipbuilding programs will support thousands of jobs in the region and help advance our nation's security and military readiness.\r\nI also successfully pushed for the inclusion of the bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) to provide our intelligence community with the resources they need to protect our country from emerging threats from countries such as China, Russia, and North Korea. The IAA also includes much-needed reforms to modernize our antiquated security clearance process to make sure we have the personnel we need to tackle emerging cyber and technology threats. While we've substantially reduced the background investigation backlog to under 300,000, down from 725,000, this bill includes many of my provisions to establish a vetting system that reflects today's threats, supports our mobile workforce and capitalizes on modern technology.\r\nFollowing reports of health hazards in privatizedmilitaryhousingacross the Commonwealth and the country, Sen. Warner has fought to improve housing conditions for servicemembers and their families, introducing the Ensuring Safe Housing for our Military Act to make much-needed reforms to privatized military housing. After pushing Congressional negotiators to protect these vital military housing provisions from the NDAA that passed earlier this year in the Senate, Sen. Warner successfully secured large portions of his legislation in this annual defense bill.\r\nIn March, Sen. Warner joined then-Secretary of the Army, now-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper in visiting Fort Belvoirfor a private tour and roundtable discussion to hear directly from militaryfamilies about their experiences withmilitary housing. Sen. Warner has also met with military families inNorfolkand atFort Lee. To keep up the pressure on addressing the deplorablehousingconditions, Sen. Warner wrote to four privatemilitaryhousingcompanies requesting a plan of action from each company,and hasurgedthe Department of Defense to develop long-term solutions for fixing the overall privatizedhousingprogram by reopening and renegotiating the agreements with the private companies.\r\nAs a strong advocate of Virginia's defense and shipbuilding community, Sen. Warner has supported a block buy of aircraft carriers, saving billions in taxpayer dollars, and pushed for robust funding for shipbuilding and ship-repair in the annual defense bill. In December 2017, Sen. Warner joined 16 Senators in a letter to then-Defense Secretary James Mattis to support a block buy. Last week, Sen. Warner praised the Navy's block buy of nine Virginia-class submarines, poised to create 25,000 jobs in Hampton Roads, that was authorized in today's defense bill package.\r\nAs Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Warner also successfully pushed for the inclusion of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018-2020, to ensure the intelligence community is postured to effectively address the growing array of threats to our national security. This includes provisions Sen. Warner sponsored to make the security clearance system simpler and more effective, including demanding plans to reduce the number of security tiers, creating an electronic portal for applicants to track their progress, and much more. The broader defense bill also carries a provision providing twelve weeks of paid parental leave to civilian federal employees. The IAA included an amendment offered by Senator Warner that would have provided a similar benefit to intelligence community employees.\r\nAdditionally, the final defense bill prevents the Trump Administration from merging the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the General Services Administration (GSA) without first providing Congress and the public transparency on the rationale behind the move, backed by sound, independent analysis of the potential costs and benefits. This mirrors an effort pushed by Sen. Warner to prevent the federal workforce from being subjected to continued political attacks and increased political interference by the Trump Administration. Also included in the legislation is a provision led by Sen. Warner to provide financial relief to certain civilian federal employees who have to relocate for work.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-bill-to-raise-tobacco-age-to-21-included-in-government-funding-deal", "Kaine Bill To Raise Tobacco Age To 21 Included In Government Funding Deal", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Kaine Bill To Raise Tobacco Age To 21 Included In Government Funding Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine,a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on the news that his bipartisanlegislation with Senate Majority LeaderMcConnelltoraise the tobacco age to 21will be voted on as part of the appropriations package in the House and Senate this week:\r\nI'm thrilled that our billto raise the tobacco age from 18 to 21 will get a vote in the House and Senate this week. This legislation will have an enormous positive impact on public health in America, and it's needed now more than ever as we grapple with theyouth e-cigarette epidemic.It's estimated that raising the tobacco age to 21 would reduce the number of premature deaths by 223,000 and significantly reduce lung cancerdeathsand other health problems. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work on this critical effort  including LeaderMcConnell, Leader Schumer, and Senators Murray, Alexander,Schatz, Young, Durbin, and Romney.I hope we can get this lifesaving bill across the finish line without delay,Kaine said.\r\nSince I introduced my legislation earlier this year to raise the minimum nationwide purchase age for tobacco products from 18 to 21, stories of vaping related illnesses and deaths -- especially among young people -- have stunned Kentucky and the nation, McConnell said.I'm grateful to the communities, the businesses and my fellow elected officials who joined Senator Kaine and me to address this urgent crisis and keep these dangerous products away from our children. It is because of my position as a tobacco state Senator that I introduced this bill, and it is because of my role as Senate Majority Leader that it will become law. Together, we can help Kentucky's young people grow up healthy and with every opportunity to reach their full potential.\r\nTheTobacco-Free Youth Actwould raise the nationwide minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.The billpassedthe HELP Committee in June.Kaine has a long track record ofpromoting public health andbattlingtobacco use.As Governor of Virginia, Kaine signed a bill into law to ban smoking in bars and restaurants in the Commonwealth, as well as an executive order to ban smoking in state buildings and vehicles. Over the past few months, Kaine has held roundtables in Arlington, Harrisonburg, and Henrico to discuss efforts to address the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-more-than-800000-in-federal-funding-to-help-reduce-veteran-homelessness-in-virginia-", "Warner & Kaine Announce More Than $800,000 In Federal Funding To Help Reduce Veteran Homelessness In Virginia", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Announce More Than $800,000 In Federal Funding To Help Reduce Veteran Homelessness In Virginia  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $883,881 infederal funding from a collaborative program between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The funding will help homeless veterans find affordable and stable housing.\r\nOur nation's veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and we owe them our support as they make the transition to civilian life, the Senators said. We're pleased to announce this funding to help those who have served get access to safe and affordable housing.\r\nThe funding will be awarded as follows:\r\n \r\nPortsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $38,883 for 5 housing units.\r\nNewport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $37,583 for 5 housing units.\r\nHopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $31,701 for 5 housing units.\r\nNorfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $42,294 for 5 housing units.\r\nRichmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $35,633 for 5 housing units.\r\nDanville Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $26,356 for 5 housing units.\r\nRoanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $25,139 for 5 housing units.\r\nChesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $37,620 for 5 housing units.\r\nFairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $304,980 for 25 housing units.\r\nPetersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $34,024 for 5 housing units.\r\nVirginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation will receive $38,464 for 5 housing units.\r\nPrince William County Office of Housing and Community Development will receive $231,204 for 20 housing units.\r\n \r\nThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance voucher programs for homeless veterans administered by HUD with case management and clinical services provided by the VA.\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://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2344", "Spanberger Calls for Democrats & Republicans to Work Together to Fund Government Through End of FY2020", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger is calling on Congress to come to a bipartisan agreement that will fully fund the federal government through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2020. Currently, government funding is set to expire on December 20, 2019.\r\nIn a letter sent to U.S. House and U.S. Senate leadership, Spanberger and her colleagues urged Republican and Democratic leadership to work together to prevent another government shutdown and to maintain critical funding for national defense and domestic programs. Additionally, the letter underscores the tremendous uncertainty created by repeated short-term government funding resolutions. Spanberger sent the joint letter with members of the Republican Tuesday group and members of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition.\r\nWe write to express grave concerns regarding the dwindling timeframe for the consideration of regular appropriations bills prior to the current funding deadline on December 20, the letter states. With six days on the legislative calendar before funding expires, a bipartisan commitment is needed to fully fund the entire government through the end of FY2020 and prevent yet another costly and unnecessary government shutdown.\r\nProviding adequate funding for government operations constitutes one of Congress's most fundamental responsibilities to the American people, the letter continues. With millions of our constituents depending on the certainty of federal funding for critical national defense operations and domestic programs, any lapse in appropriations represents an unacceptable outcome that needlessly jeopardizes their well-being.\r\nLast month, Spanberger warned against the continued passage of stopgap measures that repeatedly push the federal government toward potential shutdowns.\r\nThe bipartisan letter was led by all members of Blue Dog Coalition leadershipU.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-07), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ-01), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22), and Kurt Schrader (D-OR-05)as well as Co-Chairs of the Tuesday Group, U.S. Representatives John Katko (R-NY-24) and Fred Upton (R-MI-06), and member of the Tuesday Group, U.S. Representative Steve Womack (R-AR-03).\r\nClick here to read the letter. The full text of the letter is also below:\r\n\r\nDear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer,\r\nWe write to express grave concerns regarding the dwindling timeframe for the consideration of regular appropriations bills prior to the current funding deadline on December 20. With six days on the legislative calendar before funding expires, a bipartisan commitment is needed to fully fund the entire government through the end of FY2020 and prevent yet another costly and unnecessary government shutdown.\r\nProviding adequate funding for government operations constitutes one of Congress's most fundamental responsibilities to the American people. With millions of our constituents depending on the certainty of federal funding for critical national defense operations and domestic programs, any lapse in appropriations represents an unacceptable outcome that needlessly jeopardizes their well-being.\r\nIn the absence of a long-term spending agreement, Congress has become reliant on short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) to avoid a government shutdown. These stop-gap CRs create financial uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and an even larger number of Americans who depend on the services they provide. Moreover, our military leaders have warned Congress that lurching from CR to CR is detrimental to our troops and dangerous for our national security. Our armed forces depend on predictable budgeting to make reliable investments in technology and training that empower our men and women in uniform to combat growing threats around the globe.\r\nCongress must end the political games and focus on delivering meaningful solutions to the American people. We urge you, the leaders of the House and the Senate, to come together to reach an agreement that fully funds the entire federal government through the end of FY 2020, so the American people can have the peace of mind they deserve.\r\nThank you for your time and consideration of this request. We look forward to working together and ensuring our constituents have a strong voice on this pressing issue.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2345", "Spanberger Statement on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement announcing her position on articles of impeachment.\r\nAs a former federal agent and CIA officer, I have spent my professional career in search of facts and evidencethe facts and evidence necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect our national security. Today, I am driven by facts and evidence to protect the integrity of our democracy.\r\nThis week, the House of Representatives will vote on two articles of impeachment. In advance of casting my vote, I have read the articles and studied the evidenceincluding the majority and minority reports, deposition transcripts, and public testimony.\r\nThe facts are not in dispute; witnesses, including those called by both parties, affirm these facts. The President has abused his power by soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election and leveraging U.S. security assistance dollars paid for by taxpayers and appropriated by both parties in Congress to compel a close allyat war and dependent on our aidto malign his political rival. When these actions became known, the President endeavored to hide the truth, and he obstructed Congress' constitutional duty to investigate by withholding documents, evidence, and fact witnesses.\r\nThe President's actions violate his oath of office, endanger our national security, and betray the public trust. Because of the oath I swore to support and defend the Constitution, I will be voting in favor of both articles of impeachment. This vote is about more than one man's abuse of power; it is about the power of the presidency and whether we, as citizens, can expect that our elected officials, and most powerfully, our President, will fulfill their obligation to uphold the Constitution. The framers foresaw the risks to our republic that could come with a President willing to put self-interest before national interest, and they gave Congress the sole power of impeachment as a remedy.\r\nIt is with a heavy heart, a solemn devotion to our Constitution, and a deep belief in our country that I believe we must pursue this remedy. The world, and our children, are watching as the foundation of the world's longest-standing democracy is tested. Through this trying time, nothing is more important than fulfilling our obligation to defend the Constitution and protect our republic.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-kaine-a", "Warner & Kaine Announce more than $800,000 in Federal Funding to Help Reduce Veteran Homelessness in Virginia", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "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 (both D-VA) announced $883,881 infederal funding from a collaborative program between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The funding will help homeless veterans find affordable and stable housing.\r\n\r\nOur nation's veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our nation, and we owe them our support as they make the transition to civilian life, the Senators said. We're pleased to announce this funding to help those who have served get access to safe and affordable housing.\r\n\r\nThe funding will be awarded as follows:\r\n \r\nPortsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $38,883 for 5 housing units.\r\nNewport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $37,583 for 5 housing units. \r\nHopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $31,701 for 5 housing units. \r\nNorfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $42,294 for 5 housing units.\r\nRichmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $35,633 for 5 housing units.\r\nDanville Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $26,356 for 5 housing units.\r\nRoanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $25,139 for 5 housing units. \r\nChesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $37,620 for 5 housing units. \r\nFairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $304,980 for 25 housing units. \r\nPetersburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority will receive $34,024 for 5 housing units. \r\nVirginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation will receive $38,464 for 5 housing units. \r\nPrince William County Office of Housing and Community Development will receive $231,204 for 20 housing units. \r\n \r\nThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance voucher programs for homeless veterans administered by HUD with case management and clinical services provided by the VA.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4674", "Beyer Welcomes FCC Decision To Designate 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Hotline", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), founder and co-chair of the bipartisan House Suicide Prevention Task Force, today praised the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) unanimous vote to approve a proposal designating 9-8-8 as the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Hotline.\r\nCreating a National Suicide Prevention Hotline will save lives. The growing epidemic of Americans lost to suicide is an emergency, and establishing this hotline makes that fact clear and takes meaningful action to address it, said Rep. Beyer. Congress should support the FCC's action and strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by passing my bipartisan legislation to create an education campaign to tell people about the hotline. Our bill would also promote a better discourse around suicide prevention. I will continue to press for Congress to take action on this and other suicide prevention measures in 2020.\r\nBeyer is the sponsor of the Campaign To Prevent Suicide Act, a bipartisan bill that would set up an educational campaign recommended by suicide prevention advocates and the FCC to raise awareness for the three-digit suicide lifeline phone number. The legislation would also promote suicide prevention resources, and help educate Americans about strategies to identify warning signs that may precede suicide and encourage effective discourse to prevent suicide.\r\nBeyer is the founder of thebipartisan House Suicide Prevention Task Force, the author of the bipartisan Barriers To Suicide Act, and co-lead on the bipartisan Extreme Risk Protection Order Act and the bipartisan Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-nlrb-s-proposed-rule-to-stall-union-elections", "Scott Statement on NLRBs Proposed Rule to Stall Union Elections", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education & Labor\nWASHINGTON, DC Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a final rule rescinding key portions of the 2014 Election Rule, which prohibits employers from delaying or obstructing union elections.\nIn 2014, the Obama administration delivered a major victory for American workers by protecting their right to hold fair and timely union elections. Five years later, the Trump administration is erasing that victory by restoring employers' power to undermine workers' ability to organize and negotiate for decent wages, benefits, and working conditions. This major rewrite of the election rules was enacted with no notice to the public, no opportunity for public comments, and no evidence-based explanation.\nUnfortunately, the NLRB's new rule is the most recent example of how the Trump administration is failing to keep its promise to fight for American workers.\nWithout the commonsense guidelines in the 2014 Elections Rule, anti-union companies will once again be emboldened to frustrate union elections, effectively denying employees the rights guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act. In particular, the rule allows employers to delay union elections through protracted litigation, further weakening workers' collective bargaining rights and eroding their power in the workplace.\nWorkers represented by labor unions consistently enjoy higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Protecting workers' right to join a union is critical to rebuilding the middle class and ensuring that hardworking people receive a fair share of the profits they produce.\nUnder the new rule, the minimum time between the filing of a petition for an election and the actual election was extended from 15 to 55 days. According to studies, the longer the delay prior to an election, the more often employers commit unfair labor practices, including firing or otherwise coercing union supporters. A 2019 studyfound that US employers are charged with violating labor law in more than 41 percent of all union elections.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-announces-department-health-and-human-services-grant", "McEachin Announces Department of Health and Human Services Grant", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) today announced a grant award of $207,907 from the Department of Health and Human Services to Virginia Commonwealth University for cancer treatment research.\n\"In 2016, over 40,000 Virginians were diagnosed with cancer, and it is typically one of the two leading causes of death in the Commonwealth, said Congressman McEachin. Research into treatment can improve thosestatistics and allow more Virginians to conquer this pernicious disease and lead healthy and long lives.\"\n###\nContact: Keenan Austin Reed (202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/help-committee-passes-key-provisions-of-kaine-bills-to-strengthen-support-for-children-at-risk-of-abuse", "HELP Committee Passes Key Provisions Of Kaine Bills To Strengthen Support For Children At Risk Of Abuse", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2019\n\t\t\t HELP Committee Passes Key Provisions Of Kaine Bills To Strengthen Support For Children At Risk Of Abuse \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded HELP Committee passage of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which includes key provisions of his legislation to strengthen America's child welfare system: the Child Welfare Workforce Support Act and the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act.TheChild Welfare Workforce Support Actwouldaddress high turnover rates among child welfare workers, and theProtecting LGBTQYouthActwouldhelp preventthemaltreatmentofLGBTQ youth, who are nearlyfourtimes more likely to experience childhood sexual abuse than their non-LGBTQ peers. The pair of bills would help ensure there are enough well-trained child welfare workers and improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. In addition to Kaine, theProtecting LGBTQ Youth Actis cosponsored by Senator Tammy Baldwin.\r\nAs we reform our child welfare system, it's important that we grapple with the reality that LGBTQ youth are significantly more likely to suffer from abuse than other kids. I'm thankful that my colleagues supported my legislation to help ensure our child welfare policies reflect this reality and protect LGBTQ children. I'm also pleased we were able to pass provisions of my bill to address major shortages in the child welfare workforce  whether it's social workers or other mental health professionals. We need more resources to help prevent child abuse and neglect, create greater stability for families, and improve services for vulnerable kids. I'm hopeful this legislation will help make sure we have the workforce in place to meet that demand, said Kaine.\r\nThe physical and emotional challenges inherent in child welfare work, combined with relatively low compensation and work benefits, make these careers difficult to sustain, resulting in high turnover rates  including a 30% annual turnover rate in Virginia.High turnoverdecreasesthe quality of services delivered to children and families and resultsin an estimated cost of $54,000 per worker leaving an agency.\r\nThe Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act includes the following provisions from Kaine's bills:\r\nFrom the Child Welfare Workforce Support Act: \r\nCreates a capacity building grant program that would:\r\n \r\nReduce barriers to recruitment, development, and retention of child welfare workers.\r\nBetter support the child welfare workforce and their efforts to better meet the unique needs of infants and children.\r\nProvide ongoing professional development opportunities and support, including addressing secondary trauma, to improve the retention of child welfare workers.\r\n \r\nFrom the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act:\r\n \r\nInclude a definition for underreported and overrepresented youth in the child welfare system that references risk factors associated with LGBTQ youth.\r\nDirect the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research to protect underserved populations, including LGBTQ youth, from child abuse and neglect and to improve the well-being of victims.\r\nInclude individuals experienced in working with underserved populations, including LGBTQ youth and families, in state task forces.\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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4669", "Safe Climate Caucus Co-Chairs Statement and Resolution on the Four-Year Anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reps. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Don Beyer (D-VA), co-chairs of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus, today issued the following statement on their introduction of a resolution celebrating the fourth anniversary of the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement:\r\nThe climate crisis is the existential threat of our time. It impacts every facet of our economy, the environment, our national security, public health, and the future we leave our children. We are already beginning to experience its effects, and those effects will only get worse if we do not begin to earnestly address this issue. As long as President Trump is in office, this anniversary will serve as a sobering reminder of the lack of climate leadership we have in the White House and the battle ahead to address climate change.\r\nHowever, we will not let President Trump's decision to initiation the year-long formal withdrawal from the Agreement be the voice for the entire of the country. In the Democratic-led House of Representatives, we have held over 100 hearings on climate change, passed the Climate Action Now Act (HR 9), and sent a high-level delegation to COP25 in Spain. Our record on the climate crisis in the 116th Congress speaks for itself. With this resolution marking this important day in history and our work to address the existential threat of our generation, we are continuing to let the world know that we are still in.\r\nThe resolution was cosponsored by 61 Members of Congress. It celebrates the anniversary of the Paris Agreement and supports global efforts to keep warming under 2 degrees Celsius, efforts to protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of climate change, and policies at the Federal, State, and local level that promote reductions in carbon pollution. Text of the resolution can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4670", "House Passes Meaningful Legislation To Lower Prescription Drug Prices", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, today hailed the passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The historic legislation would lower the costs of key medicines and medical treatments by thousands of dollars, making lifesaving care more affordable for American families.\r\nToday House Democrats delivered on a core promise which we made to the American people, that we would take action to lower the cost of their prescription drugs, said Rep. Beyer. This legislation is a huge step forward in our fight to secure access to affordable health care for all Americans. Patients in the United States pay four times more than those in other countries for the exact same drugs and treatments, and today we are doing something about that. If the President and his allies in the Senate would honor his core campaign promise to act on drug prices, they should take up this lifesaving legislation without delay and pass it into law.\r\nAn analysis by the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has partial jurisdiction over health care legislation, shows that passing H.R. 3 into law would result in enormous savings for residents of Beyer's VA-8 district and people across Virginia, including:\r\n \r\n    Breast Cancer: Virginia patients could save $45,100 off the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance per year;\r\n    Leukemia: Virginia patients could save $66,300 off the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna per year;\r\n    Prostate Cancer: Virginia patients could save $72,100 off the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga per year;\r\n    Arthritis: Virginia patients could save $30,000 off their total costs on most arthritis drugs per year;\r\n    Asthma: Virginia patients could save $1,130 off their total costs on most Asthma drugs per year;\r\n    HIV/AIDS: Virginia patients could save $9,000 off their total costs on most HIV/AIDS drugs per year;\r\n    Multiple Sclerosis: Virginia patients could save $27,000 off their total costs on most MS drugs per year;\r\n    Diabetes: Virginia patients could save $15,000 off the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen per year.\r\n \r\nThe Lower Drug Costs Now Act finally levels the playing field for American patients and taxpayers:\r\n \r\n    Gives Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies,and creates powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need.\r\n    Makes the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries.\r\n    Stops drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs andadmit they still make a profit.\r\n    Creates a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries,and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare.\r\n    Reinvests the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational improvement to Medicare since its creation  delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits  and turbocharging the search for new cures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4671", "Beyer Will Vote Yes On Both Articles Of Impeachment", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement regarding articles of impeachment against President Donald John Trump:\r\nFor nearly three months, I have listened to accounts of the President's abuses of power. I read testimony, watched hearings, and weighed the growing mountain of evidence indicating historic presidential misconduct. I received messages from thousands of constituents, most of whom expressed the opinion that President Trump should be impeached.\r\nThe names and details in the story of President Trump's extortion of Ukraine are complex, but their import is clear and simple. President Trump demanded foreign influence in our elections. He used the power and weight of his office in pursuit of personal benefit, and did so in a manner that jeopardized the national security of the United States.\r\nThe facts allow for no other interpretation: President Trump violated his oath of office to faithfully execute the laws. In order to cover up his offenses, he engaged in unprecedented obstruction of Congress's oversight power and role as an equal branch of government. He committed high crimes that were more brazenly corrupt than any others in American presidential history. The Founders enumerated the impeachment power in the Constitution specifically to provide a recourse for a president like Donald Trump, and ignoring what he has done would endanger our democracy.\r\nI did not come to Congress to impeach anyone, but the gravity of these offenses allows no other choice to any person of conscience serving in the House of Representatives. For the future of our democracy, President Trump must be impeached, and I will vote for both articles of impeachment against him.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-mcdonald-s-decision-reflects-serious-issues-at-trump-nlrb", "Scott: McDonalds Decision Reflects Serious Issues at Trump NLRB", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education & Labor\nWASHINGTON, DCChairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) approved a settlement with McDonald's and franchisees involving numerous unfair labor practices committed by its McDonald's and its franchisees. The settlement was previously rejected by an administrative law judge, who found that the remedies were not reasonable compared to the scope of the violations alleged.\nThe NLRB's decision to force a settlement with McDonald's  despite the objections of the workers who allege McDonald's violated their rights, the ruling of an administrative law judge, and concerns regarding ethical conflicts within the Board  reflect serious issues with the NLRB's commitment to treating workers fairly.\nWhen workers are illegally fired or retaliated against for exercising their right to organize, the NLRB has an obligation to pursue their best interests and seek appropriate relief. The joint employer standard has always dictated that all parties involved in violating workers' right to organize should be held jointly liable for the damages workers suffer. Instead, the Republican-controlled Board is letting McDonald's off the hook in an agreement that failed to hold them accountable for their role in the violations committed by the company and its franchisees.\nFor this reason, an independent judge found the settlement not a reasonable resolution based on the nature and scope of the violations alleged and the settlements' limited remedial impact.'The Board is now overruling her, not because they found she abused her discretion, as the standard requires, but because the Board merely disagrees with the ruling.\nRegardless of the outcome, this 2-1 decision is tainted by the participation of Member William Emanuel, whose former law firm represented McDonald's and its franchisees on the underlying matters in this case.\nToday's decision is a disservice to workers in this case and across the country. It sends a clear message to both workers and employers that the Trump NLRB is refusing to fully enforce America's labor laws.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-praises-passage-of-landmark-bill-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs", "Scott Praises Passage of Landmark Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Chairman Robert C. Bobby Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act.\nBy passing H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, House Democrats are delivering on our promise to provide the American people long-awaited relief from skyrocketing prescription drug costs. This legislation will cut the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, families, taxpayers, and businesses across the country. This bill not only saves $500 billion by preventing drug companies from overcharging American consumers, it reinvests that money into expanding Medicare benefits, strengthening community health centers, and funding other vital public health programs. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act is a historic achievement on behalf of the American people,and I urge the Senate to join our effort to lower drug costs by immediately taking up this legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3719", "Paid parental leave may be coming to more than 2 million Americans", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Greg IacurciMore than 2 million Americans could soon have access to mandatory paid parental leave. Senior congressional members have reached a bipartisan deal that would provide federal workers with 12 weeks of guaranteed paid time off for parents following the birth, adoption or fostering of a child. The proposed policy, which would apply to the 2.1 million civilian workers employed by the federal government, is part of a broader $738 billion legislative package on defense spending for the government's upcoming fiscal year. The bipartisan agreement comes at a time when the U.S. lags behind most of the world in providing paid leave to workers. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said in a congressional hearing Tuesday that the U.S. is one of just two countries in the world without any sort of mandatory paid leave, the other being Papua New Guinea. The U.S. is dead last in the world in terms of not providing any sort of paid leave, said Wendy Chun-Hoon, co-director of Family Values @ Work, a group that advocates for paid family leave. The legislation would be the first update to federal family leave policy in a generation, since the Family and Medical Leave Act was enacted in 1993. That law provided employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off for personal illness and care of a newborn child or sick family member. However, it only covers roughly 60% of the workforce due to exemptions for firms with fewer than 50 employees. In addition, eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted paid family and medical leave policies. Proponents of paid leave say the proposed legislation would represent a step forward for the country, especially since the federal government is the largest employer in the U.S. It's the government deciding to put this in place for its own workforce, and it's a significant workforce, Chun-Hoon said. At the same time, there's much room for improvement, according to advocates, since the bill doesn't cover paid leave for family caregiving or personal injury. The majority of Americans who rely on the Family and Medical Leave Act do so for family caregiving and personal injury, not for parental leave, according to Chun-Hoon. The victory lap is somewhat circumscribed because there's still more work to do, said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. In all, only 19% of U.S. workers have access to paid family leave through their employers; roughly 40% have access to paid personal medical leave through employer-provided temporary disability insurance. The House is expected to vote this week on the bill, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act was added as a rider to the defense bill. The Senate is anticipated to vote on it next week. If it passes both chambers, as is expected, it would head to President Donald J. Trump's desk for signature. In addition to a mandatory paid leave policy, the legislation would establish the U.S. Space Force, President Trump's proposed sixth branch of the military. The parental leave policy is projected to cost the federal government about $3.3 billion over five years. Federal employees must be in federal service for one year to be eligible for the benefit and would have to return to work for at least the length of leave taken (or else pay for the amount of leave taken). https://www.cnbc.com/2019/12/11/paid-parental-leave-may-be-coming-to-more-than-2-million-americans.html", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3721", "Connolly, 100 Dems Introduce Legislation to Block USDA Rule Kicking People off SNAP", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) joined Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and more than 100 House Democrats in introducing the Protect SNAP Act, legislation to prevent the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing stricter work requirements under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill follows USDA's final rule restricting hundreds of thousands of Americans' access to SNAPAmerica's leading anti-hunger program.People are going to go hungry because of President Trump and his administration's cruel new restrictions on SNAP, said Congresswoman DeLauro. Despite the USDA's own research showing that the vast majority of SNAP recipients who can work do, President Trump is cutting off a vital lifeline and rigging SNAP against the very people who the program was created to help. That is a betrayal of our nation's values and the decades bipartisan leadership in support of SNAP. Congress defeated this immoral proposal in last year's farm bill, and we need to step up again by passing the Protect SNAP Act immediately to reinforce our authority and intent on this issue. Make no mistake: the Trump Administration's latest work requirement rule will not create jobs or help anyone find work  it's designed to punish unemployed or underemployed workers for falling on hard times, said Congresswoman Lee. What's more, we know that this rule will disproportionately affect communities of color, rural areas, and other places where good jobs are scarce. We cannot allow Trump to push more families further into poverty, and make it that much harder to climb out. Congress explicitly rejected these ideas in the last Farm Bill, and it's time to pass the Protect SNAP Act to further safeguard this critical program.  No one should be going to bed hungry in the richest nation on earth. The Administration is callously forging ahead with a rule that would strip critical food assistance from nearly 700,000 of our most vulnerable citizens.  Yet, they have not even attempted to determine who ABAWDs are, what hardships they face, or whether jobs are available in areas with high unemployment, said Congresswoman Fudge. Though the new policy doesn't take effect until April of next year, the decision to finalize this rule during the holiday season makes clear that the cruelty is the point.  I refuse to stand by while this Administration disregards, demonizes and devastates hundreds of thousands of people in need.  By preventing USDA from implementing this mean-spirited rule, the Protect SNAP Act will respect the dignity of hungry people and ensure they can continue to put food on the table. Earlier this year, Connolly was one of more than 100 House Democrats urging Secretary Perdue to withdraw the proposed rule.  Original cosponsors of the Protect SNAP Act include: Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07), Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Congressman Ral Grijalva (AZ-03), Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-09), Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14), Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21), Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28), Congressman Tony Crdenas (CA-29), Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30), Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37), Congresswoman Linda Snchez (CA-38), Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39), Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragn (CA-44), Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA-53), Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Congressman Al Lawson (FL-05), Congresswoman Val Demings (FL-10), Congressman Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Congressman Hank Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Congressman John Lewis (GA-05), Congressman David Scott (GA-13), Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), Congressman Bobby Rush (IL-01), Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Congressman Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Congressman Andre Carson (IN-07), Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III (MA-04), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05), Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04), Congressman David Trone (MD-06), Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Congressman William Lacy Clay (MO-01), Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Congressman David Price (NC-04), Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01), Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (NM-03), Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Congressman Jos Serrano (NY-15), Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Congressman Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03), Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07), Congressman Jim Langevin (RI-02), Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Al Green (TX-09), Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Congressman Don Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Congressman Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (VI-AL), Congressman Peter Welch (VT-AL), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-votes-bipartisan-bill-address-agricultural-labor", "Congresswoman Elaine Luria Votes for Bipartisan Bill to Address Agricultural Labor Shortages", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) announced the House's passage of H.R. 5038, Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019. This bipartisan bill will help Coastal Virginia's agricultural industry by implementing reforms that aim to address scarcities in labor.\nFarmers and growers throughout our Eastern Shore community have shared with me the need for access to a reliable workforce,Congresswoman Luria said. That is why I supported this measure to make it easier for agricultural employers to hire and retain workers and grow our regional economy.\nH.R. 5038 would address scarcities in the labor market by reforming the H-2A visa program and by creating a Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status. It will modernize the H-2A visa program by creating a single, online platform for completing and processing H-2A visa applications. This would allow employers to file a single petition for all H-2A visa applications, making the program more responsive and easier to use for employers. The CAW status under H.R. 5038 would create a pathway for certain agricultural workers to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.\nThe Farm Workforce Modernization Act would prevent agricultural businesses from hiring ineligible workers by phasing in a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for agricultural employers to verify the status of each worker. The bill would give smaller farms more time to implement this system to prevent excessive administrative burdens.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-votes-lower-prescription-drug-costs-coastal", "Congresswoman Elaine Luria Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Coastal Virginians", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) announced the House's passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. This bill would lower prescription drug costs for over 600,000 residents of Virginia's Second Congressional District.\nToday, I voted for landmark legislation that would lower prescription drug costs for hundreds of thousands of Coastal Virginians, Congresswoman Luria said. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act is an overdue bill that would ease the financial burdens of many hardworking families while funding groundbreaking research. I urge the Senate to make life-saving prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans by passing the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.\nH.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower drug prices for Coastal Virginians covered by private insurance and Medicare. Congresswoman Luria's amendment to strengthen this provision was incorporated into the House-passed bill. The amendment would ensure that federal employees benefit from the lower drug prices that Medicare negotiates. This would help 30,000 federal workers in Virginia's Second Congressional District benefit from the newly lowered drug prices.\nThe Lower Drug Costs Now Act ensures that Americans will no longer pay significantly more for their prescription drugs than people overseas. It would achieve this by mandating that manufacturers of drugs subject to negotiation agree on a price no higher than 120 percent of the average price in other industrialized countries.\nH.R. 3 would also implement a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for people covered by Medicare. This would reverse years of unfair price increases that are well above the price of inflation for thousands of drugs in Medicare.\nAccording to guidance from the Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 3 is estimated to save approximately $500 billion over the next five years. These savings will be used to reinvest in Medicare, allowing Medicare to include new vision, dental, and hearing benefits and coverage. The $500 billion in savings would also fund National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiatives that assist the research and development for breakthrough cures and treatments.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2338", "Spanberger, U.S. House Pass Landmark Prescription Drug Legislation, Vote to Give Medicare the Power to Negotiate Drug Prices", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today passed major legislation to lower drug costs for Central Virginia families and strengthen Medicare benefits for Central Virginia seniors.\r\nOver the past decade, rising drug costs have created tremendous financial certainty for seniors and families in Central Virginia and across the country. Between 2012 and 2017, the average annual cost of prescription drug treatments in Virginia increased by nearly 60 percent, while the annual income for Virginians only increased by 8.5 percent.\r\nThe Spanberger-cosponsored Lower Drug Costs Now Act would give Medicare Part D the power to negotiate directly with drug companies, and the resulting lower prices would also be available to Americans with private insurance. Additionally, the bill would expand Medicare benefits to include dental, vision, and hearing coverageand it would establish a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for individuals on Medicare. Currently, Medicare is prohibited by law from negotiating for lower prices.\r\nAt my prescription drug forum last month in Henrico County, I heard about the tough decisions Virginia seniors and families face every day as drug prices skyrocket. In conversation after conversation, it's clear that Central Virginians are being gouged on their lifesaving prescription medications. And for too long, Congress' hands have been tied by the pharmaceutical lobbyand lawmakers have refused to take action, said Spanberger. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and today's passage brings us one step closer to combating relentless price increases in our communities. I've long pushed to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower prices, and this bill delivers that commonsense provision. Our bill also cracks down on drug companies' abusive practices, and it would help reverse decades of unfair price hikes on medications to treat widespread conditions like diabetes, breast cancer, and arthritis. American families shouldn't be paying tens of thousands of dollars more for identical medications compared to other industrialized countries, and I urge the U.S. Senate to take up this legislation now.\r\nIn Virginia's Seventh District, more than 96,000 people are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, and nearly 614,000 individuals are enrolled in private health insurance. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would deliver tangible cost-savings for these Central Virginia seniors, families, and those with chronic conditions. For example, the legislation could decrease arthritis medication prices in Virginia from $40,000 to $10,000 per year.\r\nAdditionally, Virginians with diabetes would see dramatic price decreases. If enacted, the Lower Drug Costs Now would lower the total cost of the insulin medication NovoLOG Flexpen by an estimated 76 percentfrom $19,800 to $4,800 per year. Click here to read more about the Virginia-specific benefits of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.\r\nThe Spanberger-supported bill is also expected to save American taxpayers approximately $500 billion over the next 10 years. These savings would be reinvested into efforts to combat the substance abuse and addiction crisis and into cutting-edge research to discover new cures and treatments.\r\nThe legislation also includes an amendment Spanberger cosponsored to help rural and medically-underserved areas recruit new healthcare professionals. Specifically, the amendment would create a grant program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to cover the start-up costs for establishing Graduate Medical Education partnerships with hospitals that have existing programs.\r\nAdditional background information on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act can be found here.\r\nBACKGROUND\r\nSince arriving in the U.S. House, Spanberger has made lowering drug costs for Central Virginians a top priority. In October 2019, the U.S. Housevoted 403 to 0to pass her bipartisan legislation to help tackle the prescription drug affordability crisis and hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable.\r\nLast month, Spanberger convened a two-day healthcare tour across Virginia's Seventh District. To close the tour, Spanberger hosted a community forum in Henrico County alongside AARP Virginia to discuss high prescription drug prices in Central Virginia and to discuss the recent passage of her legislation to expand transparency within the murky world of PBMs.\r\nSpanberger's support for the Lower Drug Costs Now Act builds on her work in the U.S. House to address the prescription drug affordability crisis, spur competition in the prescription drug industry, and increase transparency in drug pricing, including:\r\n \r\n    Stopping practices that block generic alternatives from entering the consumer market.In October 2019, Spanbergerintroduced the bipartisanBiologic Patent Transparency Act, which would take a first step in stopping the practice of patent gaming and would seek to level the playing field for biosimilar drugs.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices.In January 2019,she helped introducetheMedicare Negotiation and Competitive Licensing Act, which would authorize the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical providers within Medicare Part D to help lower costs.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Hearing directly from Central Virginians about their prescription drug-related challenges.Last month during her two-day healthcare tour, Spanberger held a prescription drug forum in Henrico County to hear the stories and concerns of Central Virginians related to high prescription drug costs. And in August 2019, sheheld a prescription drug roundtable with local families, providers, and pharmacists to focus on the economic and healthcare issues caused by overpriced prescription drugs. During the discussion, she heard concerns from patients and pharmacists about the influence of PBMs on the prescription drug marketplace.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Addressing additional factors that impact the prices of prescription drugs.Earlier this year, Spanbergerhelped introduce and passlandmark campaign finance and ethics reform legislation that would strengthen transparency in the U.S. political system and limit the influence of special interestsincluding pharmaceutical companies.During a press conferenceprior to the passage of the legislation, she shared the story of Central Virginians concerned about rising prescription drug pricesand she stressed why increased transparency would restore faith in the democratic process and the ability of Members of Congress to effect change on these issues.Click hereto watch the full press conference.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2339", "Bipartisan Majority of U.S. House Passes Spanberger-Cosponsored Farm Workforce Modernization Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed bipartisan legislation originally cosponsored by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger to improve predictability for Central Virginia agriculture employers and to reform the U.S. immigration system for farmworkers.\r\nTo keep their operations open and grow their businesses, farms, greenhouses, and agribusinesses in Central Virginia need steady access to qualified and legal labor. However, the existing H-2A guest-worker program does not meet the employment requirements of local businesses and has long needed meaningful reforms.In Virginia's Seventh District, the current seasonal program doesn't fit local agriculture's need for year-round workersincluding in the dairy and horticulture sectors.\r\nLast month, Spanberger helped introduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would address some of the key challenges facing farms and agricultural workers in Central Virginia. The bill would modernize and streamline the H-2A process for growers to hire farmworkers in response to their labor needs. Additionally, the legislation would create a merit-based visa program for agricultural workers to earn legal status through continued employment.\r\nLast night's passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act marks an important success in our bipartisan efforts to reform our immigration system and strengthen our country's rural economies. In Central Virginia, our crop and livestock producers need to be able to ward off the farm labor crisis and retain their workforce, and our greenhouses and dairieswhich have unique labor requirementsneed modernized policies, said Spanberger. In face-to-face conversations with our producers, I've repeatedly heard that the current H-2A program is overly-burdensome and fails to address the year-round labor requirements of the Seventh District. By cutting down on red tape, creating a new year-round guest worker program, and stabilizing the existing workforce, this legislation reflects the needs of farmers in Central Virginia and across the country. As an original cosponsor of this bill, I'd like to thank my colleagues for advancing this commonsense, bipartisan legislationand I encourage the U.S. Senate to take up this bill for a vote as soon as possible.\r\nThe Farm Workforce Modernization Act has garnered the support of more than 300 U.S. agriculture groups, trade associations, and labor organizationsas well as Virginia dairy producers, greenhouses, and agribusinesses.\r\nThe Farm Workforce Modernization Act would provide much-needed certainty for our member producers and their families, and we thank Congresswoman Spanberger for her leadership in advancing this bill on behalf of Virginia's dairy farmers, said Jay Bryant, CEO, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association. Right now, many farmers in our industry struggle to find the workers they need to tend to their livestock, and the current seasonal H-2A program only exacerbates this challenge. This bill would make smart changes to the H-2A program, including allowing the employment of temporary workers in year-round jobs and implementing the use of E-Verify to confirm the work authorization of new hires. Yesterday's passage is a long overdue step in fixing the status quo, protecting current workers, and easing burdensome regulations for employersand we thank Congresswoman Spanberger for clearly recognizing and addressing the challenges of her district's dairy producers.\r\nOur greenhouse and nursery growers in Virginia's 7th Congressional District and beyond are thrilled to see the Farm Workforce Modernization Act pass the House. Labor shortages are the number one challenge faced by our small and family farms and businesses, said Craig Regelbrugge, Senior Vice President, AmericanHort. We thank Rep. Spanberger and all her colleagues on both sides of the aisle who committed to tackling this tough problem, and voted for this bill. We urge the Senate to pick up where the House left off, and advance farm workforce legislation through that chamber.\r\nThis week, Regelbrugge and former Virginia State Senator John C. Watkins (R-SD10) authored an op-ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in support of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.\r\nThe bipartisan bill is led by U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Collin Peterson (D-MN-07), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25). The legislationwhich was negotiated over several months with input from agriculture, businesses, and labor organizationswas introduced with the strong support of 26 Democratic and 23 Republican Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe Farm Workforce Modernization Act would expand and streamline the H-2A foreign guest-worker program, so producers can easily hire and retain skilled workers. Specifically, the bill would:\r\n \r\n    Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States toearn legal status through continued agricultural employment.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Create a new, capped prorgam for employers to meet year-round labor needs.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Establisha mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural hiringwith a structured phase-in and guaranteed due process for authorized workers who are incorrectly rejected by the system.\r\n \r\nClick here to read a one-pager about the bill, and click here to read the full bill text.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/wexton-votes-lower-cost-prescription-drugs", "Wexton Votes to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for their medicines than patients in other countries. This bipartisan bill gives the Department of Health and Human Services the power to negotiate the prices of the most costly drugs in the U.S, which don't face competition, and these lower prices will be transparent so that private insurance companies can make the same prices available to their consumers. With the savings from lower drug prices -- estimated to be nearly half a trillion dollars -- Medicare's benefits will be expanded to cover vision, dental, and hearing and billions of dollars will be directed to medical research on breakthrough cures, new investments to combat the opioid epidemic, and more. The legislation also creates a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. We have miracle drugs that can save lives, but they don't do any good when the American people can't afford them, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. The skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs are crushing Virginia families, taking a toll on their finances and -- in the worst cases -- costing lives. Many of my constituents are making impossible decisions, rationing their insulin and other medication to pay their rent or put food on the table. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to send this legislation to the President's desk as soon as possible. Too many Virginians -- of all ages -- have a hard time keeping up with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. There is an opportunity and an urgency for Congress to make prescription drugs more affordable, and I thank Representative Wexton for her leadership, said Jim Dau, State Director, AARP Virginia. My 8-year-old son, Jack, has cystic fibrosis. Recently, we were thrilled to learn that there's a new medication that has the potential to save his life. However, it costs $397 a day -- and Jack will need to take this medicine every day for the rest of his, hopefully long, life. My son needs this medicine, but if my family can't afford it, my child can't benefit from it. Medicine can only save lives if the people who need it can access it. Children like Jack need innovative medicines, but they also need their government to STOP allowing pharmaceutical companies to prioritize bloated corporate profits over patient lives. Jack, and all of our children, deserve better, said Tasha Nelson, a VA-10 constituent.\nWATCH: Rep. Wexton speaks on the House floor in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act\nIn April, the Congresswoman held a roundtable on the skyrocketing cost of diabetes drugs where she heard from patients, health care providers, and advocates. Participants shared stories of patients rationing insulin and of refugees and immigrants experiencing sticker shock at the cost of prescription drugs in America. Wexton pledged to take their stories back to Congress and find solutions to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. In Virginia's 10th Congressional District, there are 58,639 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 722,838 people enrolled in private health insurance -- all of whom stand to benefit from H.R. 3. For example, those living with diabetes, cancer, and asthma are expected to experience significant savings as a result of H.R. 3:\n Patients living with diabetes: 687,972 Virginia residents live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, Virginians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin.\n\tPatients living with breast cancer: In 2019, an estimated 7,120 women in Virginia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance by 65%.\n\tPatients living with prostate cancer: In 2019, an estimated 5,440 people in Virginia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga by 66%.\n\tPatients with asthma: About 8.9% of Virginia residents live with asthma, and H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year.\n In addition to lowering prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 also reinvests savings into expanding Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services. Over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia's 10th Congressional District would stand to gain from these added benefits.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=143", "Wexton Votes to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help bring down the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for their medicines than patients in other countries. This bipartisan bill gives the Department of Health and Human Services the power to negotiate the prices of the most costly drugs in the U.S, which don't face competition, and these lower prices will be transparent so that private insurance companies can make the same prices available to their consumers. With the savings from lower drug prices -- estimated to be nearly half a trillion dollars -- Medicare's benefits will be expanded to cover vision, dental, and hearing and billions of dollars will be directed to medical research on breakthrough cures, new investments to combat the opioid epidemic, and more. The legislation also creates a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. We have miracle drugs that can save lives, but they don't do any good when the American people can't afford them, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. The skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs are crushing Virginia families, taking a toll on their finances and -- in the worst cases -- costing lives. Many of my constituents are making impossible decisions, rationing their insulin and other medication to pay their rent or put food on the table. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to send this legislation to the President's desk as soon as possible. Too many Virginians -- of all ages -- have a hard time keeping up with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. There is an opportunity and an urgency for Congress to make prescription drugs more affordable, and I thank Representative Wexton for her leadership, said Jim Dau, State Director, AARP Virginia. My 8-year-old son, Jack, has cystic fibrosis. Recently, we were thrilled to learn that there's a new medication that has the potential to save his life. However, it costs $397 a day -- and Jack will need to take this medicine every day for the rest of his, hopefully long, life. My son needs this medicine, but if my family can't afford it, my child can't benefit from it. Medicine can only save lives if the people who need it can access it. Children like Jack need innovative medicines, but they also need their government to STOP allowing pharmaceutical companies to prioritize bloated corporate profits over patient lives. Jack, and all of our children, deserve better, said Tasha Nelson, a VA-10 constituent.\r\nWATCH: Rep. Wexton speaks on the House floor in support of H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act\r\n\r\nIn April, the Congresswoman held a roundtable on the skyrocketing cost of diabetes drugs where she heard from patients, health care providers, and advocates. Participants shared stories of patients rationing insulin and of refugees and immigrants experiencing sticker shock at the cost of prescription drugs in America. Wexton pledged to take their stories back to Congress and find solutions to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.  In Virginia's 10th Congressional District, there are 58,639 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 722,838 people enrolled in private health insurance -- all of whom stand to benefit from H.R. 3. For example, those living with diabetes, cancer, and asthma are expected to experience significant savings as a result of H.R. 3:\r\n \r\n    Patients living with diabetes: 687,972 Virginia residents live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, Virginians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin.\r\n    Patients living with breast cancer: In 2019, an estimated 7,120 women in Virginia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance by 65%.\r\n    Patients living with prostate cancer: In 2019, an estimated 5,440 people in Virginia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga by 66%.\r\n    Patients with asthma: About 8.9% of Virginia residents live with asthma, and H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year.\r\n \r\nIn addition to lowering prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 also reinvests savings into expanding Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services. Over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia's 10th Congressional District would stand to gain from these added benefits.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/foreign-relations-committee-passes-kaines-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-the-president-from-leaving-nato", "Foreign Relations Committee Passes Kaine\u2019s Bipartisan Bill To Prevent The President From Leaving NATO", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Foreign Relations Committee Passes Kaine's Bipartisan Bill To Prevent The President From Leaving NATO \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and Armed Services Committee (SASC), applauded SFRC passage of his bipartisan bill to explicitly prohibit any President of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.\r\nRecent actions have raised serious questions among our allies about America's commitment to NATO. This bill would clarify that no U.S. President can withdraw from NATO without Congressional approval. This sends a strong message that  after 70 years  Congress sees the continuing vitality of the alliance, Kaine said.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\r\n1. Require the President to seek the advice and consent of the Senate to terminate U.S. participation in NATO.\r\n2. Require the President to notify the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee of any effort to terminate U.S. membership in NATO within 48 hours after any such action is taken, and prohibits the use of funds for such actions without Congressional approval.\r\n3. Authorize the Senate Legal Counsel and General Counsel to the House of Representatives to challenge the Administration in court should the President seek a unilateral withdrawal.\r\nThe full text of the bill can be viewed here.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-congressional-passage-of-the-virginia-beach-strong-act", "Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 11, 2019\n\t\t\t Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t~Legislation to make contributions to the Virginia Beach Tragedy fund tax-deductible now heads to the President's desk for signature ~\r\n   WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the Senate passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act, a bill that would make contributions to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund tax-deductible. The legislation cleared the Senate unanimously following Monday's passage in the House of Representatives and will now head to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nFollowing the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach, folks from across the Commonwealth came together to provide financial relief for victims and families by donating to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund, said the Senators. Unfortunately, those donations aren't considered tax-deductible because the IRS generally disallows a deduction unless the donations go towards a charitable class of sufficient size, as opposed to a small group of individuals. But with Congress passing the Virginia Beach Strong Act, we can now fix this error with a stroke of the President's pen.\r\nU.S. Rep. Elaine Luria introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\r\n\r\nI am glad to see swift Senate passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act and I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their continued support of our Virginia Beach community following the May 31 mass shooting, said Rep. Luria. Six months later, many families of the victims are still facing financial hardships related to the shooting, in addition to the devastating loss of a loved one. I remain hopeful that President Trump will join this bicameral, bipartisan effort to support these families by signing into law the Virginia Beach Strong Act.\r\nOn May 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, killing 12 people and injuring four. Soon after, the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund was created to support the wounded victims and the families of those killed. However, because the fund was set up exclusively for the benefit of those affected by the tragedy, it violates a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable tax rule that requires a charitable organization to serve a charitable class of persons that is indefinite or of sufficient size. Accordingly, charitable funds can't be earmarked for specific individuals. As a result, donations to the fund are not currently tax-deductible for those making the contributions. Once signed into law, the VirginiaBeachStrong Actwould rectify this flaw by classifying any contribution made on or after May 31, 2019 as tax-deductible.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine, along with Rep. Luria have been fierce advocates for the victims and families affected by this mass shooting. In June, Sens. Warner and Kainewroteto the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that victims and families were not being taxed on the contributions they were receiving. In August, the President signed into law legislation the Senators introduced to rename aVirginiaBeachpost office after Ryan Keith Cox, a longtime public utilities employee who, alongside other victims, sacrificed his own life to save others during the shooting. Additionally, the Senatorssecured unanimous passageearlier this year of a Senate resolution honoring the 12 victims of theVirginiaBeachshooting.\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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-house-passage-of-defense-bill-for-fy-2020", "Scott Statement on House Passage of Defense Bill for FY 2020", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to Accompany S. 1790National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Congressman Scott served as a conferee for the education and labor provisions contained in the House and Senate versions of the FY 2020 NDAA:\nHampton Roads is the heart of our nation's shipbuilding industrial base. I am pleased that the conference report for this year's National Defense Authorization Act reaffirms the requirement that the United States Navy must maintain a minimum of 11 aircraft carriers and authorizes the first year of appropriations for the midlife refueling of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Additionally, the conference report preserves a plan for the Navy to procure 10Virginia-class submarines, and supports full funding for the Columbia-class submarine program. It also provides an additional $653 million for ship maintenance to address the ongoing backlog of ship and submarine maintenance. These provisions are beneficial not just to the Hampton Roads economy but are also critical to our national security.\nAs Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, I was pleased to see workplace safety being prioritized in this bill by codifying the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health. This committee brings unions, employers and maritime safety experts together to advise OSHA on improving protections for shipyard and longshore workers. By permanently establishing this committee, it will no longer be interrupted by lapses in its charter.\nAs the nation's largest employer, the federal government should be a leader in making workplaces more family friendly. I applaud the inclusion of paid parental leave for federal workers in this legislation. This is an important step toward ensuring all workers, no matter where they work or who they work for, have the right to take leave to welcome a child without worrying about loss of income or their jobs.\nIn addition to supporting growing families with paid parental leave, this report provides for a 3.1 percent pay increase  the largest in a decade  for our men and women in uniform. The so-called widows-tax' is also finally phased out, allowing tens of thousands of surviving military spouses to receive their full benefits.\nFinally, the conference report enacts several long overdue reforms to military family housing that will substantially increase oversight at all levels. Issues with military housing, including mold and inferior maintenance, have impacted many military families living in private military housing throughout Hampton Roads. The conference report requires the military services to create a Tenant Bill of Rights, establishes a new dispute resolution process that includes the ability to withhold Basic Allowance for Housing until a dispute is resolved, establishes new quality control measures, and increases health and hazard inspections. Subpar housing for those that are serving our nation is unacceptable and this year's NDAA makes significant improvements to addressing this problem.\nOverall, the FY2020 NDAA will help strengthen our nation's military, and protect our servicemembers, federal workers and our national security.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3718", "Connolly Amendments Included in House-Passed FY20 NDAA Conference Report", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House of Representatives adopted the conference report for the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act, which included amendments offered by Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) regarding the proposed elimination of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the government-wide backlog of security clearance adjudications, and the loopholes that still allow servicemembers who have been convicted in domestic violence cases to purchase firearms. The report also included a provision, backed by Connolly and the National Capital Region delegation, providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. The House passed the conference report 377-48.Proposed Merger of OPM and GSA: Connolly's amendment puts a hold on the administration's proposed merger of the Office of Personnel Management and the General Services Administration by prohibiting the transfer or merging of any authority or responsibility from OPM to GSA until a comprehensive study of the proposal is conducted and submitted to Congress. The whole of the federal government functions thanks in large part to the work of the dedicated staff at the Office of Personnel Management, said Connolly. They, and every federal employee, deserves better than the administration's shortsighted proposal to eliminate OPM altogether. This amendment makes clear that there are ways to improve efficiency and modernize the federal government. This merger simply isn't one of them. Paid Family Leave: This provision, originally introduced in the House by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits for all federal employees. Earlier this month, Rep. Connolly and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer were joined by the National Capital Region delegation in urging the Chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to include the provision in the final conference report.   \r\n\r\nIt is our absolute duty as Members of Congress to advocate on behalf of the 2.6 million federal employees who carry out the laws we pass and who make up the most professional, non-partisan civil service in the world, said Connolly. Providing this paid leave will allow the government to better recruit and retain the best and brightest, and will provide our federal workforce with some long overdue, and much deserved, financial security and peace of mind.\r\n\r\nSecurity Clearances Backlog: Connolly's amendment requires the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue a quarterly report to Congress detailing the government-wide backlog of security clearance adjudications and a mitigation plan to reduce the backlog. We all recognize the importance of properly vetting those who would keep our nation's secrets, said Connolly. But the proper vetting process is all for naught if it can't efficiently fill critical vacancies across the federal government.This amendment forces the Executive Branch to grapple with its unacceptable backlogs and will, I hope, result in an actionable plan for a better path forward.\r\n  \r\nDomestic Violence Loopholes: Under current law, Military Protective Orders (MPOs) issued by unit commanders in response to domestic violence incidents do not prohibit individuals from purchasing firearms. However, comparable civilian protective orders issued by judges do prohibit such purchases. Connolly's amendment, based on his Safe Homefront Act, tasks the Department of Defense with studying the feasibility of creating a database of military protective orders issued in response to domestic violence incidents, and either reporting such orders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System or establishing a process by which military judges, and not unit commanders, could issue protective orders in response to domestic violence.  Abuse is abuse, and no perpetrator of domestic violence  be they military or civilian  should be able to pass a background check and legally purchase a gun, said Connolly. This amendment simply asks DoD to hold servicemembers who break the law to the same standard as their civilian counterparts.  Since coming to Congress, Connolly has had nearly 40 amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act adopted in the House, including the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), which was enacted in law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2014.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-highlights-wins-final-conference-report-national", "Congresswoman Elaine Luria Highlights Wins in Final Conference Report of National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02) praised the results of the Conference Report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The final version of the NDAA keeps Congresswoman Luria's longstanding promise to advocate for servicemembers and military families in Coastal Virginia and beyond.\nI am honored to fight for our bravest men and women and ensure they have the resources they need to protect our country, Congresswoman Luria said. This year's National Defense Authorization Act upholds our promise to servicemembers and satisfies key priorities for military installations in Hampton Roads. I am proud to support this bipartisan, bicameral agreement that will advances our national security and protect and the wellbeing of our servicemembers and their families.\nThe FY2020 would:\n \nRepeal the Widow's Tax to end an unjust rule and ensure that Gold Star families can continue to receive Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits without reducing their SBP benefits.\n\tAuthorize $75 million for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which supports infrastructure projects in communities surrounding military installations.\n\tRequire the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify, mitigate, and plan for the effects of climate change on military installations and infrastructure, which is of critical for readiness of Hampton Roads installations.\n\tEstablish a limit of $13.22 billion for the construction of the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).\n\tReaffirm that the United States must maintain a minimum of 11 aircraft carriers to protect national security interests.\n\tAuthorize the first year of appropriations for the midlife refueling of the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).\n\tAuthorize $140.8 million to hire additional personnel to improve oversight and management of privatized military family housing and create a tenant bill of rights to protect families in military housing.\n\tProvide 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering.\n\tRequire DOD to develop a comprehensive mental health policy that examines the availability and effectiveness of these services for servicemembers.\n\tInstruct the DOD to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs, containing metrics to measure the effectiveness of suicide prevention treatments, programs, and screenings.\n\tProtect victims of sexual and domestic assault by requiring the establishment of a Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct.\n\tBan the use of harmful PFAS chemicals in firefighting agents and in meal packaging.\n \nThe FY2020 NDAA passed the House in July, containing several of Congresswoman Luria's amendments advancing Hampton Roads priorities.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2334", "Spanbergers Amendment to Combat Trafficking & Smuggling Networks in Central America Passes U.S. House in Defense Authorization Bill, Expected to be Signed into Law by President Trump", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. House of Representatives today passed U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger's bipartisan legislationintroduced alongside U.S. Representative Will Hurd (R-TX-23)to combat Central American trafficking and smuggling networks as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nAdditionally, the FY2020 NDAA includes key provisions from Spanberger's legislation to combat child pornography on government-associated networks, as well as her amendment to increase transparency in the use of military force in counterterrorism operations abroad. The defense authorization bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for a vote before heading to the President's desk.\r\nSpecifically, Spanberger and Hurd's Trafficking and Smuggling Intelligence Act would direct the U.S. intelligence community to prioritize efforts to combat drug trafficking, human trafficking, and human smuggling networks in the Northern Triangle countriesHonduras, Guatemala, and El Salvadorand Mexico. Additionally, it would use the expertise of the intelligence community to understand how these criminal organizations in the region contribute to the ongoing humanitarian suffering at the U.S.-Mexico border. Spanberger and Hurdboth former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officersintroduced the legislation in July 2019.\r\nTo strengthen the security of our borders and points of entry, part of our strategy must include addressing the root causes of increased migration and violent conflict in Central America. The volatility in our backyard should be a major concern as we look to protect American families and communities, and our legislation is a step toward building a tough, smart response to the reprehensible activities of cartels and traffickers in the Northern Triangle countries and Mexico, said Spanberger. As a former law enforcement agent and intelligence officer, I recognize that the ripple effects of these nefarious actors in their home countries can impact the safety of Americans across the border. Today, I'm proud to stand alongside Congressman Hurdhimself a fellow former intelligence officerin advancing our bipartisan legislation. I look forward to this bill moving to the Senate, and I am encouraged that it could soon be signed into law by President Trump.\r\nHuman traffickers and smugglers are exacerbating the crisis at our southern border and putting innocent lives at risk. Understanding and disabling these smuggling and trafficking networks should be a national intelligence priority, said Hurd, who spent nearly a decade as an undercover officer in the CIA and represents more of the U.S.-Mexico border than any other Member of Congress. I am proud of the work my friend Rep. Spanberger and I put into this bipartisan effort to dismantle these dangerous smuggling networks, mitigate the border crisis and keep Americans safe. I thank my colleagues for coming together today to pass this important measure, and I'll continue to work across the aisle over the next year to find bipartisan solutions to this crisis.'\r\nDuring a speech delivered on the floor of the U.S. House in July 2019, Spanberger spoke in support of her amendment, and she described the range of impacts Central American trafficking and smuggling activities can have on the health and safety of American communities. Click hereto watch her full remarks.\r\nThe defense authorization package also includes key provisions of a bipartisan amendment introduced by Spanberger and U.S. Representative Mark Meadows (R-NC-11) to help the Department of Defense (DoD) stop the use of its affiliated internet networks to possess or obtain child pornography.\r\nSpecifically, the End National Defense (END) Network Abuse Act would upgrade the training and technical capacity of military criminal investigative organizations to confront the misuse of DoD computers, facilities, and equipment to access and trade child pornography.\r\nPeer-to-peer trading of child pornography is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable. And while there is a broad national consensus that we should stop these images from circulating online and heavily prosecute those who share them, investigators within our government have had insufficient resources to crack down on this scourge, said Spanberger. To give military criminal investigators the resources they need to prevent the future misuse of Defense Department networks, Congressman Meadows and I joined together to introduce an amendment to the NDAA that would strengthen our country's responseand I'm proud to see our legislation pass today. These criminals should have no safe harbor on Defense Department computers or equipmentor anywhere at all.\r\nIt may be shocking to learn that online child sexual exploitation has reached into every corner of our society, including our military, but it's true, said Teresa Huizar, Executive Director of National Children's Alliance. The language from END Network Abuse Act included in the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act ensures military investigators have the tools needed to combat this abuse on America's military networks. More importantly, this bipartisan bill brings DoD and our nation's Children's Advocacy Centers even closer together as they work to help heal kids victimized by child abuse images. We are grateful to Rep. Spanberger and Rep. Meadows for their leadership in providing these critical tools to rid our nation's military networks of abuse.\r\nWe should be celebrating the day our elected officials join arms with the Department of Defense to help children, said J. Christian, CEO of the National Association to Protect Children and a retired member of the special operations community. Representative Spanberger's efforts will strengthen the bonds between the military and the families that serve.\r\nSpanberger and Meadowsintroduced a standalone versionof this bipartisan amendment earlier this year. In the U.S. Senate, the END Network Abuse Act is led by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).\r\nThe Spanberger-supported defense authorization bill includes additional provisions that would strengthen support for U.S. servicemembers and their families, including:\r\n \r\n    Giving American servicemembers the pay raise they deserve.The funding authorization includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for service men and women. This increase is equal to the pay raise requested by the President in his budget blueprint released earlier this year.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Addressing unacceptable military housing conditions through increased oversight and accountability.The defense authorization bill would require the armed forces to establish a tenants' bill for rights for residents in privatized military family housing. Additionally, the legislation would require the Defense Secretary to develop an assessment tool to identify and measure health and safety hazards in U.S. military housing around the world. Earlier this year, Spanbergerhelped introduce bipartisan legislationto increase accountability and oversight on private contractor-provided housing for military families.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Providing paid parental leave for federal employees. The final, bipartisan NDAA includes 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees.\r\n \r\nBACKGROUND\r\nSpanberger has continued to advocate for smart, effective reforms to U.S. border security and immigration policiesand she has stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of increased migration. Earlier this year, she joined a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives inpassing a bipartisan emergency supplemental funding packageto help mitigate the effects of the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. And later that month, Spanberger visited the southern border with a bipartisan group of her U.S. House colleagues.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-final-defense-authorization-wexton-amendment-support", "House Passes Final Defense Authorization with Wexton Amendment to Support Servicemembers\u2019 Transition Into Intelligence Workforce", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted for the Conference Report on S. 1790, the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included paid parental leave for all federal workers and Wexton's amendment to support military intelligence members as they transition into jobs in the public sector.\nThis defense authorization demonstrates our bipartisan commitment to a smart and strong national security approach, including important priorities for Virginia such as paid leave for all federal workers and a pay raise for our servicemembers, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. I'm pleased that my amendment to support military intelligence members as they transition into new jobs requiring a security clearance was included in the final legislation. These servicemembers are doing important work in cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, and other critical need areas that can continue to benefit our intelligence agencies and protect our national security beyond their military service.\nThis defense authorization supports a bipartisan, bicameral national defense strategy with a $738 billion defense budget, the most robust in our nation's history. The legislation also includes provisions for paid parental leave for all federal workers, provides a 3.1% pay raise for all servicemembers, repeals the widow's tax, establishes a much-needed tenant bill of rights for residents in private military family housing, and requires an intelligence assessment naming those responsible for the premeditated murder of Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. The final bill also includes a House-passed provision to block the merger of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the General Services Agency (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) without the review of an independent study.\nCongresswoman Wexton, a vocal advocate for the inclusion of the paid parental leave policy in the final defense bill, hailed its passage as a major victory for federal workers and an important step towards a comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy for all Americans.\nWexton's amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the feasibility of establishing a pilot program which would assist qualified servicemembers to obtain the necessary level of security clearance prior to beginning work in the intelligence community.\nWhile the legislation authorizes a smart defense strategy which delivers for our servicemembers and their families, Wexton acknowledged several provisions from the House-passed NDAA that were not included in the final conference report, namely the designation of PFAS chemicals as a hazardous substance, blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia to cut off support for the Saudi war in Yemen, repeal of the outdated 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, and a reversal of the ban on transgender servicemembers. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wexton-house-science-committee-members-seek-accountability-transparency", "Rep. Wexton, House Science Committee Members Seek Accountability, Transparency in USDA Relocation", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) led members of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee today in a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking answers about a cost-benefit analysis that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has refused to make public despite repeated efforts by Congressional requestors. USDA has relied on findings from this analysis to justify the relocation of two key research agencies out of Washington, D.C., which has resulted in hundreds of employees being removed from their jobs and an estimated cost of up to $215 million in lost expertise. The Representatives also requested that GAO review the relocation's impact on the agencies' missions and the critical contributions to scientific research that they provide.  This relocation has resulted in hundreds of federal employees being forced out of their jobs and critical scientific research being utterly stifled -- so how is it that USDA came to believe this move would benefit the missions of these agencies and American taxpayers? said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. USDA's refusal to comply with congressional oversight requests on the cost-benefit analysis raises serious questions about the decision-making process which led to the relocation of ERS and NIFA. I hope and expect that GAO will provide the transparency owed to this Committee, the employees of these agencies, and the American people.  Congresswoman Wexton's GAO review request is a crucial step in holding this administration accountable for the damage it has caused to our nation's premier food and agriculture research agencies. Farmers and all Americans deserve to know if the relocation wasted taxpayer money. GAO's review will also help prevent this Administration from taking a wrecking ball to other federal research agencies, said Dr. Rebecca Boehm, Economist with the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.  That USDA may have uprooted entire research units to undermine the work of non-partisan scientists, and at the expense of American taxpayers, is deeply concerning. As detailed in a recent report from the bipartisan National Task Force on Rule of Law & Democracy, Congress has a duty to investigate and respond to the politicization of government science, upon which so many policies pertaining to public health, the environment, and the economy depend, said Martha Kinsella, Counsel, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice.  In June, the USDA released an 11-page Executive Summary of the cost-benefit analysis, which it paid Ernst & Young approximately $339,000 of taxpayer dollars to produce. The full analysis behind the summary, however, has been blocked from the public and from Congress. The Summary claimed that the relocation of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS) away from the National Capital Region to the Kansas City Region would save nearly $300 million over 15 years. However, as the Representatives point out in the letter, this Summary failed to indicate the cost to taxpayers in the form of research lost due to employee attrition or whether or not USDA considered relocating within the National Capital Region to lower-cost office space they already owned. It is also unclear as to whether the criteria of the analysis met standard regulatory cost benefit analysis guidelines.  Based on the latest available data, the relocation has left approximately 64% of ERS positions and 75% of NIFA positions empty. As a result, the USDA is now delaying the publication of dozens of critical research reports, some of which may have to be abandoned entirely; there are also accounts of NIFA grants going unfulfilled. An independent analysis conducted by the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association estimated that the move could end up costing between $83 and $182 million, largely because of this lost research value.  Given concerns that critical research from NIFA and ERS has been compromised by this relocation, the letter also requests a review into what actions, if any, USDA took to comply with legal and regulatory requirements in planning and conducting its relocation process, a review of how the relocation is likely to impact the short and long-term missions of the agencies, and what oversight, if any, might be required to ensure that any future agency relocation is conducted in an objective way that upholds agency mission continuity.  Of note, the USDA Inspector General has concluded that the agency does not have the budgetary authority to relocate the two agencies.  Rep. Wexton has been a vocal opponent of the USDA relocation since it was announced, and--most recently--has advocated for House-passed legislation that would block funding for the implementation of the NIFA and ERS relocation in the FY2020 funding bill.  The letter is signed by Representatives Donald S. Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).  The full text of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=141", "Rep. Wexton, House Science Committee Members Seek Accountability, Transparency in USDA Relocation", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) led members of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee today in a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking answers about a cost-benefit analysis that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has refused to make public despite repeated efforts by Congressional requestors. USDA has relied on findings from this analysis to justify the relocation of two key research agencies out of Washington, D.C., which has resulted in hundreds of employees being removed from their jobs and an estimated cost of up to $215 million in lost expertise. The Representatives also requested that GAO review the relocation's impact on the agencies' missions and the critical contributions to scientific research that they provide.  This relocation has resulted in hundreds of federal employees being forced out of their jobs and critical scientific research being utterly stifled -- so how is it that USDA came to believe this move would benefit the missions of these agencies and American taxpayers? said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. USDA's refusal to comply with congressional oversight requests on the cost-benefit analysis raises serious questions about the decision-making process which led to the relocation of ERS and NIFA. I hope and expect that GAO will provide the transparency owed to this Committee, the employees of these agencies, and the American people.  Congresswoman Wexton's GAO review request is a crucial step in holding this administration accountable for the damage it has caused to our nation's premier food and agriculture research agencies. Farmers and all Americans deserve to know if the relocation wasted taxpayer money. GAO's review will also help prevent this Administration from taking a wrecking ball to other federal research agencies, said Dr. Rebecca Boehm, Economist with the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.  That USDA may have uprooted entire research units to undermine the work of non-partisan scientists, and at the expense of American taxpayers, is deeply concerning. As detailed in a recent report from the bipartisan National Task Force on Rule of Law & Democracy, Congress has a duty to investigate and respond to the politicization of government science, upon which so many policies pertaining to public health, the environment, and the economy depend, said Martha Kinsella, Counsel, Democracy Program, Brennan Center for Justice.  In June, the USDA released an 11-page Executive Summary of the cost-benefit analysis, which it paid Ernst & Young approximately $339,000 of taxpayer dollars to produce. The full analysis behind the summary, however, has been blocked from the public and from Congress. The Summary claimed that the relocation of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS) away from the National Capital Region to the Kansas City Region would save nearly $300 million over 15 years. However, as the Representatives point out in the letter, this Summary failed to indicate the cost to taxpayers in the form of research lost due to employee attrition or whether or not USDA considered relocating within the National Capital Region to lower-cost office space they already owned. It is also unclear as to whether the criteria of the analysis met standard regulatory cost benefit analysis guidelines.  Based on the latest available data, the relocation has left approximately 64% of ERS positions and 75% of NIFA positions empty. As a result, the USDA is now delaying the publication of dozens of critical research reports, some of which may have to be abandoned entirely; there are also accounts of NIFA grants going unfulfilled. An independent analysis conducted by the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association estimated that the move could end up costing between $83 and $182 million, largely because of this lost research value.  Given concerns that critical research from NIFA and ERS has been compromised by this relocation, the letter also requests a review into what actions, if any, USDA took to comply with legal and regulatory requirements in planning and conducting its relocation process, a review of how the relocation is likely to impact the short and long-term missions of the agencies, and what oversight, if any, might be required to ensure that any future agency relocation is conducted in an objective way that upholds agency mission continuity.  Of note, the USDA Inspector General has concluded that the agency does not have the budgetary authority to relocate the two agencies.  Rep. Wexton has been a vocal opponent of the USDA relocation since it was announced, and--most recently--has advocated for House-passed legislation that would block funding for the implementation of the NIFA and ERS relocation in the FY2020 funding bill.  The letter is signed by Representatives Donald S. Beyer (D-VA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Paul Tonko (D-NY).  The full text of the letter can be found here.\r\r \r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=142", "House Passes Final Defense Authorization with Wexton Amendment to Support Servicemembers Transition Into Intelligence Workforce", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted for the Conference Report on S. 1790, the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included paid parental leave for all federal workers and Wexton's amendment to support military intelligence members as they transition into jobs in the public sector. This defense authorization demonstrates our bipartisan commitment to a smart and strong national security approach, including important priorities for Virginia such as paid leave for all federal workers and a pay raise for our servicemembers, said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. I'm pleased that my amendment to support military intelligence members as they transition into new jobs requiring a security clearance was included in the final legislation. These servicemembers are doing important work in cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, and other critical need areas that can continue to benefit our intelligence agencies and protect our national security beyond their military service. This defense authorization supports a bipartisan, bicameral national defense strategy with a $738 billion defense budget, the most robust in our nation's history. The legislation also includes provisions for paid parental leave for all federal workers, provides a 3.1% pay raise for all servicemembers, repeals the widow's tax, establishes a much-needed tenant bill of rights for residents in private military family housing, and requires an intelligence assessment naming those responsible for the premeditated murder of Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. The final bill also includes a House-passed provision to block the merger of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) with the General Services Agency (GSA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) without the review of an independent study. Congresswoman Wexton, a vocal advocate for the inclusion of the paid parental leave policy in the final defense bill, hailed its passage as a major victory for federal workers and an important step towards a comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy for all Americans. Wexton's amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the feasibility of establishing a pilot program which would assist qualified servicemembers to obtain the necessary level of security clearance prior to beginning work in the intelligence community. While the legislation authorizes a smart defense strategy which delivers for our servicemembers and their families, Wexton acknowledged several provisions from the House-passed NDAA that were not included in the final conference report, namely the designation of PFAS chemicals as a hazardous substance, blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia to cut off support for the Saudi war in Yemen, repeal of the outdated 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq, and a reversal of the ban on transgender servicemembers. \r\r \r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2019/12/warner-kaine-applaud-congressional-passage-of-the-virginia-beach-strong-act", "Warner & Kaine Applaud Congressional Passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "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) applauded the Senate passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act, a bill that would make contributions to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund tax-deductible. The legislation cleared the Senate unanimously following Monday's passage in the House of Representatives and will now head to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nFollowing the tragic shooting in Virginia Beach, folks from across the Commonwealth came together to provide financial relief for victims and families by donating to the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund, said the Senators. Unfortunately, those donations aren't considered tax-deductible because the IRS generally disallows a deduction unless the donations go towards a charitable class of sufficient size, as opposed to a small group of individuals. But with Congress passing the Virginia Beach Strong Act, we can now fix this error with a stroke of the President's pen.\r\nU.S. Rep. Elaine Luria introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\r\nI am glad to see swift Senate passage of the Virginia Beach Strong Act and I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their continued support of our Virginia Beach community following the May 31 mass shooting, said Rep. Luria. Six months later, many families of the victims are still facing financial hardships related to the shooting, in addition to the devastating loss of a loved one. I remain hopeful that President Trump will join this bicameral, bipartisan effort to support these families by signing into law the Virginia Beach Strong Act.\r\nOn May 31, 2019, a gunman opened fire at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, killing 12 people and injuring four. Soon after, the Virginia Beach Tragedy Fund was created to support the wounded victims and the families of those killed. However, because the fund was set up exclusively for the benefit of those affected by the tragedy, it violates a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable tax rule that requires a charitable organization to serve a charitable class of persons that is indefinite or of sufficient size. Accordingly, charitable funds can't be earmarked for specific individuals. As a result, donations to the fund are not currently tax-deductible for those making the contributions. Once signed into law, the VirginiaBeachStrong Actwould rectify this flaw by classifying any contribution made on or after May 31, 2019 as tax-deductible.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine, along with Rep. Luria have been fierce advocates for the victims and families affected by this mass shooting. In June, Sens. Warner and Kainewroteto the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify that victims and families were not being taxed on the contributions they were receiving. In August, the President signed into law legislation the Senators introduced to rename aVirginiaBeachpost office after Ryan Keith Cox, a longtime public utilities employee who, alongside other victims, sacrificed his own life to save others during the shooting. Additionally, the Senatorssecured unanimous passageearlier this year of a Senate resolution honoring the 12 victims of theVirginiaBeachshooting.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/four-kaine-bills-included-in-bipartisan-health-care-package-including-bill-to-raise-tobacco-age-to-21", "Four Kaine Bills Included In Bipartisan Health Care Package, Including Bill To Raise Tobacco Age To 21", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t Four Kaine Bills Included In Bipartisan Health Care Package, Including Bill To Raise Tobacco Age To 21 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine,a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee,released the following statement on the bipartisan health careagreementannounced Sunday.Fourof Kaine'sbills were included in this comprehensive package: one toraise the tobacco age to 21, one toimprove the nation's public health data systems,onetoexpand health care to rural areas through telehealth, andprovisions of a billtoincrease patent transparency for biologic drugs.\r\nI'm excited that my reforms to improve our health care system were included in this bipartisan package, including my bill with Leader McConnell to raise the tobacco age to 21. Our nation is facing ayouthe-cigarette epidemic, and this legislation is a critical step to help keep tobacco products out of kids' hands.I'm pleased this packagealsoincludes my legislation with Senators Isakson and King to boost our ability to respond quickly to health threatsliketherecent outbreak ofvaping-linked lung injuries. Countless people will benefit from the expansion of telehealth in rural areas,greaterpatent transparency for innovative treatments, and reforms to stop the surprise medical bills that have wreaked financial havoc on families. This is a good compromise, and I hope we'll quickly pass it into law.\r\nKaine's proposals were drawn from four bipartisan bills he introduced this year:\r\nTheTobacco-Free Youth Act, legislation Kaine introduced with Senate Majority Leader McConnell to raise the nationwide minimum age to buy all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.The billpassedthe HELP Committee in June.The following Virginia organizations support theTobacco-Free Youth Act:Virginia Rural Health Association, Prevention Council of Roanoke County, Piedmont Community Services Board, Drug Free MHC (Martinsville-Henry County), Fresh (Focus on Response and Education to Stay Healthy) - Franklin County, RAYSAC, One Care of SWVA, and Loudoun Youth, Inc.\r\nTheSaving Lives Through Better Data Act, bipartisan legislationKaine introduced with Senators Isakson and Kingto modernize public health data infrastructure so clinicians, state health departments, and the CDC can work together more quickly and seamlessly to identify and respond to health threats like the current outbreak of vaping-linked lung injuries.\r\nTheExpanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2019 (ECHO 2019 Act), legislationKaine introduced with Senators Schatz and Murkowskito increase access to health care services in rural areas by expanding the use of technology-based collaborative learning and capacity building models.\r\nKey provisions of theBiologic Patent Transparency Act,legislation Kaine introduced with Senator Collins to require companies to publicly disclose the web of patents that protect their biologics, making it easier for competitors to evaluate and plan for the development ofbiosimilarversions of these drugs.It would also discourage late-filed patents and require the FDA to regularly publish information in its Purple Book on approved biologics, such as patents, exclusivity, and biosimilarity.\r\nThe agreementalso includes reforms to tackle surprise medical bills and extends funding for community health centersand other key primary care programsfor five years. A list of Virginia CHCs can be foundhere. It also includes as a number of other reforms to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic  like provisions improving age verification, increasingpenalties on retailers selling tobacco products to those under 21, updating regulations on advertising and sales requirements for all tobacco products,preventingonline salesof e-cigarettesto those under 21, including e-cigarettes in the definition of tobacco products banned in schools, and requiring labeling directly on e-cigarette devices.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-joins-lankford-hassan-on-bipartisan-bill-to-end-government-shutdowns", "Kaine Joins Lankford, Hassan on Bipartisan Bill to End Government Shutdowns", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 10, 2019\n\t\t\t Kaine Joins Lankford, Hassan on Bipartisan Bill to End Government Shutdowns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today introduced an updated version of their bipartisanPrevent Government Shutdowns Act. As Congress approaches the threat of a second government shutdown this year, Lankford and Hassan are joined by four of their Senate colleagues to push for this commonsense reform that protects federal employees and forces Congress to stay in DC to fund the government. If signed into law, the bill would set up an automatic Continuing Resolution (CR) at the current spending level until an agreement on funding is enacted. This will prevent a government-wide shutdown, continue critical services and operations for Americans, and hold federal workers harmless while Congress negotiates.\r\nThe last 40 years, we've had 21 government shutdowns led by both partieseach one costing taxpayers billions of dollars and hurting federal employees, said Lankford. The plan is simple: End government shutdowns, while keeping the government open as Members of Congress, their staffs, and the Office of Management and Budget remain in Washington to finish appropriations bills. It's time to hold Congress accountable for their most basic function and stop hurting federal families and taxpayers in another government shutdown.\r\nAmidst the partisan gridlock that has too often led to costly, irresponsible government shutdowns, Republican Senator James Lankford and I have been pushing for a commonsense solution: If Congressional leadership cannot come together on a bipartisan spending bill to avert a shutdown, our bill provides automatic funding to keep the government's doors from closing, and critically, Congress stays in Washington working until a deal is reached,said Hassan.We have seen time and time again the harmful effects that government shutdowns have on Granite Staters and Americans across the country. That's why Senator Lankford and I came together to work on a measure to end government shutdowns, and I hope that our colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us in supporting this bipartisan bill.\r\nSenators Ron Johnson (R-WI), chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Angus King (I-ME); Mike Enzi (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget; and Tim Kaine (D-VA) are original co-sponsors of the bill. Here's what they have to say:\r\nWe need to reduce the dysfunction in Washington. Government shutdowns hurt people, damage our economy and benefit no one. Politicians have talked for years about ending government shutdowns without taking action. With incentives for members of both parties to shape up, maybe we can start to make Washington work for the American people again,said Johnson.\r\nWhen Washington's dysfunction repeatedly hurts hardworking Americans, it's clear that something needs to change,said King.We've seen the impacts of shutdowns too many times: families left struggling, local small businesses seeing stark declines in their traffic, and Americans scrambling to receive the federal services they rely on. We can fix this  let's come together on a bipartisan basis and make government shutdowns a thing of the past.\r\nGovernment shutdowns do not benefit anyone and actually end up costing taxpayers more money, Enzi said. This legislation would help hold Congress accountable while avoiding irresponsible funding lapses. It is time to end unnecessary government shutdowns for good.\r\nOur federal workers and contractors can't afford another shutdown, nor can our federal budget. I'm proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation to end government shutdowns once and for all and ensure future budget disputes won't threaten government services and operations, said Kaine.\r\nBill Highlights\r\nThe bipartisan proposal is a simple solution to address the threat of government shutdowns. If federal funding is not in place through the enactment of all regular appropriations bills or a continuing resolution (CR) by October 1, no official travel will be allowed for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) leadership or staff and Members of Congress along with their committee and personal staff. During a period of lapsed appropriations, there will be:\r\n \r\nImplementation of an automatic CR on October 1 at last year's spending levels until passage of a law to appropriateall remaining lapsed spending for that fiscal year\r\nNo taxpayer-funded travel allowances for official business (except one return flight to Washington, DC)\r\nNo CODEL or STAFFDEL travel\r\nNo travel reimbursement (meals, per diem, or any type, including for state and district staff)\r\nNo use of campaign funds by congressional offices to supplement official duties or travel expenses\r\nExpedited consideration of bipartisan appropriations bills is provided for after 30 days to ensure that each chamber is further incentivized to process spending bills and fund the government\r\nNo motions to recess or adjourn the Senate or House are in order for more than 23 hours\r\nA required recorded quorum call vote is required each day at noon in the House and Senate to confirm attendance, which keeps Members in town for mandatory votes\r\nNo other matter can be considered on the floor of the Senate unless it relates to:\r\n\r\nGeneral appropriations measures (including a CR);\r\nDaily mandatory quorum calls;\r\nAfter 30 days, certain expiring authorization bills and executive calendar nominations would be eligible for consideration on the Senate floor. These include a nomination for a Justice of the Supreme Court or Cabinet Secretary; Reauthorization legislation for programs operating under an authorization which expired 60 days after the beginning of the fiscal year or less.\r\nFloor restrictions in the House or Senate can be waived if a two-thirds majority vote threshold is achieved in each Chamber\r\n\r\n\r\nThe bill has an effective date of September 30, 2020.\r\n \r\nSenator Ron Johnson (R-WI), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), also recently penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal in support of the bill.\r\nLankford released an episode of The Breakdown with James Lankford on the bill. Lankford and Hassan wrote an opinion piece on their simple, bipartisan legislation in July.\r\nLankford is a member of the Senate HSGAC Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.\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=4662", "Beyer Statement On Announced USMCA Agreement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, today issued the following statement upon the announcement that negotiators had reached an agreement in principle on the substance of the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement:\r\nThe announcement of an agreement on USMCA is an important and positive step forward.\r\nI thank Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, and the Democratic working group for fighting hard for months to fix this deal and improve outcomes for American workers. It was their successful efforts to deliver big victories on progressive policy areas that opened a pathway for this agreement to advance in Congress.\r\nThousands of Northern Virginia jobs depend on trade, and I will have the best interests of my constituents in mind as I evaluate the text of this agreement in days to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4664", "Beyer Statement On Articles Of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Beyer Statement On Articles Of Impeachment \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 released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee introduced articles of impeachment against President Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:\r\nI encourage all Americans to read the articles of impeachment against President Trump for themselves.\r\nFor weeks House investigators carefully followed the facts in an inquiry examining the President's misconduct towards our ally Ukraine. Those facts exposed a clear pattern in which the President abused his office, weakened our national security, and jeopardized our democratic elections in order to benefit himself and strengthen his own power. He continues to do so at this moment.\r\nThis is a sad moment for our country, and a solemn one. My duty requires that I review these articles and the evidence which led to them carefully, and to vote in a way that honors my oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4665", "Beyer Statement On NDAA Paid Parental Leave Provision", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald Beyer", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Don Beyer today hailed a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act conference report which would guarantee twelve weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees:\r\nThis paid parental leave provision is one of the biggest victories for the federal workforce in my lifetime.\r\nAgainst all odds, Chairman Smith, Majority Leader Hoyer, and the House negotiating team won this historic concession from an administration which has at times shown fierce hostility to the federal workforce.\r\nAll American workers deserve paid family and medical leave, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in pursuit of that goal. This measure represents enormous progress.\r\nCongressman Don Beyer represents nearly 87,000 federal employees, the largest number of any Member of the House of Representatives. Beyer joined Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney this February to introduce the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-praises-passage-of-future-act", "Scott Praises Passage of FUTURE Act", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As originally released by the Committee on Education & Labor\nWASHINGTON, DC Today, the House voted to pass theFUTURE Act, a bipartisan proposal to authorize permanent funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).\nThe legislation, which comes after months of negotiation between House and Senate leaders, provides more than $250 million in mandatory funding per year for these institutions. It also facilitates stronger cooperation between the IRS and Department of Education to simplify the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).\nHistorically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges or Universities, and other Minority-Serving Institutions play a significant role in expanding access to higher education for low-income students and students of color,said Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03)on the House Floor ahead of the vote.Unfortunately, despite their outsized role in serving our nation's most underserved students, these schools have historically been under-resourced compared to other institutions of higher education.\nNow, after careful negotiation and compromise, the bill we are voting on today does not just guarantee more than $250 million per year for HBCUs and MSIs, it simplifies the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, and makes it easier for students to access student aid and repay their loans. I would like to give special thanks to Chairman Neal for his dedication and hard work in negotiating to bring this legislation to the floor.\nTheFUTURE Act would ensurethat:\n \nHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to receive$85 millionper year.\n\tAmerican Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) continue to receive$30 millionper year.\n\tHispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) continue to receive$100 millionper year.\n\tPredominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) continue to receive$15 millionper year.\n\tAlaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHs) continue to receive$15 millionper year.\n\tAsian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) continue to receive$5 millionper year.\n\tNative American-Serving, Nontribal Institutions (NASNTIs) continue to receive$5 millionper year.\n \nTo read a recent report by the Committee on Education and Labor on the importance of funding HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, clickhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-luria-delivers-coastal-resiliency-win-military-communities", "Congresswoman Luria Delivers Coastal Resiliency Win for Military Communities", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria announced House passage of the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act (H.R. 729). This bipartisan bill contains her amendment advancing the coastal resiliency of military communities.\nRising sea levels and recurrent flooding present immense challenges to communities throughout Hampton Roads as well as our nation's military readiness,Congresswoman Luria said.My amendment improves H.R. 729 to better position military communities in Coastal Virginia.\nH.R. 729 would establish a grant program directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award grants to state and local governments to implement living shoreline projects. These projects restore and stabilize shorelines, including marshes, wetlands, and other parts of the shoreline ecosystem by using materials such as plants and oyster shells.\nCongresswoman Luria's amendment would ensure that the NOAA considers the potential of a living shoreline project that support resiliency at military installations or community infrastructure supportive of a military installation.\nThe Department of Defense's 2019Report on the Effects of a Changing Climatefound the greater Hampton Roads area is one of the most vulnerable to flooding military installations in the United States. Congresswoman Luria's amendment would encourage the NOAA to fund projects that bolster these installations from the threats of imminent flooding.\nThe amendment passed the House today in a 368-51 vote.\nAhead of the House's passage of Congresswoman Luria's amendment, she gave opening remarks on the House Floor. See below for transcribed remarks.\nOpening Remarks\nI rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act.\nMy amendment directs NOAA to consider the potential of proposed living shoreline projects to enhance the resiliency of military installations and the communities that support them.\nEarlier this year, the Department of Defense found that well over half of the highest-priority military installations are or will be at risk of recurrent flooding. The report found that greater Hampton Roads is one of the areas most vulnerable to flooding in the entire United States.\nHampton Roads is home to the largest Navy base in the world and installations from every branch of service. When it floods in Coastal Virginia, it is both a local nuisance as well as a threat to our national security.\nCoastal Virginians are stepping up to meet this challenge. The cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach have proposed almost one-and-a-half billion dollars in coastal resiliency infrastructure.\nBut Hampton Roads  and other coastal localities with military presence  cannot bear the costs of sea level rise, severe storms, and recurrent flooding alone.\nMy amendment will strengthen H.R. 729 by ensuring that NOAA takes into account the crucial role resiliency projects can play in bolstering both national security and our local communities.\nI urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://spanberger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2328", "Spanberger Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Abigail Spanberger", "S001209", "spanberger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after the announcement that the United States, Mexico, and Canada have reached a deal on the final text of the United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA).\r\nCentral Virginia businesses, farms, and manufacturers have waited patiently for this day to arrive. Since coming to the U.S. House, I've repeatedly heard business owners and workers describe the clear economic need for expanded export markets in Canada and Mexico. And just last week, I shared their views with Vice President Pence, said Spanberger. Today, I'm encouraged that the administration and House negotiators have been able to work out an agreement with all three countries that will bring greater long-term trade stability to the Commonwealth's economy. Now, we need to focus on receiving implementing legislation from the administration and advancing it to the floor of the U.S. Houseand I'll keep pressing all players involved until that happens.\r\nLast week, Spanberger joined Vice President Mike Pence and a bipartisan group of her colleagues at the White House to discuss the status of the USMCA and the need to finalize the agreement.\r\nAccording to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Virginia exported $4.3 billion of goods to Mexico and Canada in 2018.\r\nBACKGROUND\r\nSpanberger has long worked to press for final progress on the USMCA and advance the trade priorities of Central Virginia businesses, workers, and producers, including by:\r\n \r\n    Meeting directly with administration officials to voice the concerns of Central Virginia farms, businesses, and workers. In aMay 2019 meetingwith Deputy U.S. Trade Representative C.J. Mahoney, Spanberger discussed the status of ongoing USMCA negotiations and the potential benefits of the USMCA for Virginia's economy. Additionally, in March 2019, she met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus to discuss the status of the USMCA.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Hearing from Central Virginians about the potential benefits of the USMCA. In October 2019, Spanbergerhosted a roundtable on the USMCA and tradewith the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce and local business owners. And during her 2019 Farm Tour, she heard from farmers and agribusinesses about the need to protect critical trade relationships with buyers in Canada and Mexico.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Pressing her colleagues to make progress on the USMCA. Last month, Spanberger spoke on the floor of the U.S. House to urge House negotiators and the administration to reach a final deal on the USMCA. Click here to watch her speech.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-wexton-statement-inclusion-paid-leave-all-federal-employees-final-defense", "Rep. Wexton Statement on the Inclusion of Paid Leave for All Federal Employees in Final Defense Authorization", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to the announcement that the House and Senate have reached a final agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes paid parental leave for all federal employees, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) released the following statement:\nI am incredibly pleased that the House and Senate conferees have reached a deal to provide paid parental leave for all federal workers.\nThis policy would be life-changing for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families. Not only is paid leave sound economic policy, it would greatly improve efforts to attract and retain the best and brightest into public service.\nThere are more than 35,000 federal employees in Virginia's 10th Congressional District who are forced to cobble together sick days or unpaid time off to care for a new child -- that hurts Virginia families and the critical work these individuals do for the American people.\nOne of my first acts in Congress was to introduce the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act alongside Representatives Maloney, Hoyer, and Beyer. Providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees is an important step in the right direction toward ensuring comprehensive paid family and medical leave for all Americans.\nLast week, Rep. Wexton joined Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Chairs of the Armed Services Committees urging them to include the House-passed provision guaranteeing paid leave in the final version of the NDAA.\nRep. Wexton introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in February alongside Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), and Donald S. Beyer (D-VA).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/media/press-releases/wexton-statement-usmca-agreement", "Wexton Statement on USMCA Agreement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to the announcement of a revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) released the following statement:  Trade is a crucial part of our region's economy, and the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District deserve a trade agreement that puts their needs first. Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, and the Democratic working group who successfully overhauled a flawed agreement, secured victories on enforceable labor standards and meaningful environmental protections, and eliminated giveaways for Big Pharma. The trade rules for American workers will now be fairer thanks to this agreement. I look forward to evaluating all of the benefits that USMCA will offer to my constituents in the coming days.  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=140", "Rep. Wexton Statement on the Inclusion of Paid Leave for All Federal Employees in Final Defense Authorization", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer Wexton", "W000825", "wexton.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to the announcement that the House and Senate have reached a final agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes paid parental leave for all federal employees, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) released the following statement: I am incredibly pleased that the House and Senate conferees have reached a deal to provide paid parental leave for all federal workers. This policy would be life-changing for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families. Not only is paid leave sound economic policy, it would greatly improve efforts to attract and retain the best and brightest into public service. There are more than 35,000 federal employees in Virginia's 10th Congressional District who are forced to cobble together sick days or unpaid time off to care for a new child -- that hurts Virginia families and the critical work these individuals do for the American people. One of my first acts in Congress was to introduce the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act alongside Representatives Maloney, Hoyer, and Beyer. Providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees is an important step in the right direction toward ensuring comprehensive paid family and medical leave for all Americans. Last week, Rep. Wexton joined Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Chairs of the Armed Services Committees urging them to include the House-passed provision guaranteeing paid leave in the final version of the NDAA. Rep. Wexton introduced the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in February alongside Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), and Donald S. Beyer (D-VA).\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/in-bipartisan-letter-warren-cotton-kaine-and-romney-warn-of-national-security-and-public-health-risks-posed-by-chinas-influence-over-drug-supply-chain", "In Bipartisan Letter, Warren, Cotton, Kaine, & Romney Warn of National Security and Public Health Risks Posed by China's Influence Over Drug Supply Chain", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2019\n\t\t\t In Bipartisan Letter, Warren, Cotton, Kaine, & Romney Warn of National Security and Public Health Risks Posed by China's Influence Over Drug Supply Chain \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tForeign Imports Account for 80% of U.S. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients\r\nText of the Letter (PDF)\r\nWashington, D.C. - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper raising concerns about the national security risks posed by U.S. reliance on foreign-manufactured pharmaceutical products. The senators' letter follows the publication of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission's 2019 Annual Report that highlights the nation's \"growing reliance\" on products critical to the manufacturing of drugs, which are primarily made in China.\r\nIn recent years, China has come to dominate the global market for pharmaceutical products, particularly active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are necessary to manufacture pharmaceutical products such as generic drugs and vaccines. Despite the critical role of APIs in drug production, the United States only makes about 20% of the APIs used in domestic pharmaceutical production, with the remaining 80% coming from foreign sources.\r\n\"Millions of Americans, including servicemembers, rely on drugs to stay healthy-yet the United States imports a significant portion of these drug components from China,\" the senators wrote. \"It is critical that DoD, along with other key federal agencies, address the dangers posed by this reliance on foreign drug makers.\"\r\nIn their letter, the senators warned that an interruption in the delivery of APIs would impact the production of medicines and ultimately military readiness, noting that DoD provides servicemembers and their families with drugs that can contain ingredients from China. The senators also observed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consistently conduct tests to verify the contents of APIs or drugs that enter the United States, nor does it measure their quality, even after APIs that have been traced back to China have caused numerous public health crises in the United States and across the world.\r\n\"...overreliance on Chinese API exports raises the possibility that China could terminate or raise the cost of prescription drugs that millions of Americans, including servicemembers, rely on every day in the event of escalating geopolitical tensions,\" the senators continued. \"It is essential the United States develop strategies to avoid over- or sole-reliance on China for its critical drugs and drug ingredients.\"\r\nTo address their concerns, the senators asked Secretary Esper to answer a series of questions about the potential national security risks posed by U.S. reliance on Chinese pharmaceutical products and DoD's role in addressing these risks, and requested a briefing on the matter. They requested a response to their letter by December 20, 2019.\r\nSenators Warren, Cotton and Kaine are all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senators Romney and Kaine serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\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"], ["http://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaines-military-housing-reforms-included-in-final-2020-defense-bill", "Kaine\u2019s Military Housing Reforms Included In Final 2020 Defense Bill", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 09, 2019\n\t\t\t Kaine's Military Housing Reforms Included In Final 2020 Defense Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), released the following statement after today's announcement of the final conference report of theFiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), whichincludes Kaine's provisions to improve military housing and many of his other priorities for Virginia. The Senate and House of Representatives will vote on the final legislation.\r\n\r\nAfter seeing the horrific housing conditions that Virginia military families have dealt with, including mold issues that were making kids sick, I worked with my colleagues on reforms to make sure the families serving our country have safe places to live. I'm proud that we were able to once again secure key wins for Virginia's defense community in the NDAA, and I hope we can get this final bill across the finish line without delay.\r\n\r\nThe final legislation includes two Kaine amendments to address dangerousconditions in military family housing. The first amendment would require DOD to establish a move-out checklist so that both the tenant and military housing office verify that outstanding maintenance needs are fixed and that the tenant is leaving the home in good condition. This would address concernsKaine has heardfrommilitary families who moved into homes with unsatisfactory maintenance conditions and others who were charged unjustifiable maintenance fees that were difficult to dispute because they had already moved out of the home. This provision would help prevent housing companies from charging former tenantsfees or failing to repair outstanding maintenance items. It would also help ensure that tenants meet their obligations of leaving the home in an acceptable condition for the next tenant. Kaine's second military housing amendment will require the Secretary of Defense to work with local law enforcement to ensure military police can patrol locations where privatized military housing is not located on a military installation. This would address residents' concerns that neither local law enforcementnor military police were respondingto security incidents at off-base military housing because neither believed they had jurisdiction.\r\n\r\nKaine has been a leader in supporting military families with safe housing,includingbyurging Armed Services Committee leaders to protect military families in the defense billand introducing abill with Senator Warner to protect military families living in private housing.Kainetoured privatized military housingnear Naval StationNorfolk andvisitedFort Belvoirto hear from military families about their experiences with militaryhousing. He shared what he learned with military leadersand members of the Armed Services Committee to underscore the severity of the housingproblems.\r\n\r\nThe following list includes additional programs and provisions Kainesupported duringthe markup process that were included in the final bill, which will directly aid Virginia's defense industry:\r\n\r\nSupports Shipbuilding and Repair:Provides over $13 billion for Virginia shipbuilding priorities, including carrier refueling and overhaul, new carrier construction, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. Authorizes nearly $11billionfor ship repair.\r\n\r\nAuthorizes Military Construction (MILCON):Authorizes over $430 million for 12 critical military construction projects throughout the Commonwealth,includingatFt. Belvoir, the Pentagon, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Dam Neck, Quantico, Yorktown, and Richmond.\r\n\r\nTemporarily Prevents the President From Withdrawing NATO Troops From Europe:Expands upon a Kaine amendment to prevent the President from withdrawing from NATO for one year. Kaine introducedlegislationearlier this year to explicitly prohibit any President from withdrawing from NATO withoutcongressional approval. The legislation will be debated in the Foreign Relations Committee this week.\r\n\r\nProvides Financial Relief To Civilian Federal Employees:IncludeslegislationKaine introduced with Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to provide financial relief to certain civilian federal employees whomove for work. TheRelocation Expense Parity Actwould close a loophole that prevents certain federal workers from having additional taxes on their moving expenses fully reimbursed.\r\n\r\nCleans Up Dioxin at Bien Hoa Air Base:Includes a Kaine amendment to provide funding for USAID to clean up dioxin  a byproduct of Agent Orange  at Bien Hoa Air Base near Ho Chi Minh City, which was one of the largest U.S. military basesduring the Vietnam war. In April, Kaine participated in the formal inauguration of the second U.S.-fundeddioxinremediation project atBienHoa, which will remediate land contaminated during the war bydioxin.The clean-up is being accomplished with help from innovative Virginia companies\r\n\r\nAddresses Recurring Areas of Instability:Includes aKaineproposal which finally allows DOD to better transition to stability operations following conflict.A key lesson learned from the Iraq War was thatthe U.S.military was not equipped to conduct post-conflict stability operations which contributed to a resurgence of violence.Agencies like the Department of State and U.S. Administration for International Development (USAID) are equipped to handle stability operations in post-conflict zones, but lack the resources and security to access the areas where assistance is needed. Kaine's provision will finally authorize DOD to properly support State and USAID in their efforts to access hard to reach areas in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan,Yemen, Libya, and Somalia in order toprovide lasting stability.\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://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3717", "\u2018It\u2019s not hard, but you need to do it\u2019: Virginia congressman pushes REAL ID sign-up", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kristi King\r\n  \r\nVirginia does not require drivers to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license, but hundreds of thousands of contractors serving defense and intelligence agencies will need one, so state officials strongly encourage it.Leading by example, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., applied for his REAL ID-compliant license in Dumfries, Virginia, on Monday. I waited in line like everybody else, but I wanted to do it publicly to bring attention to why I need to do it and you need to do it, Connolly said. It's not hard, but you need to do it. After October 2020, anyone entering a secured federal facility or boarding a domestic flight will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of federally accepted identification, such as a passport. In addition to the many area military facilities that will require civilians to show REAL IDs, Connolly noted many private sector offices also will do so to comply with federal standards. We're all busy, and so we need a little jog to move this up in the priority list of things I gotta get done,' he said. Applicants need to appear in person and bring documents to prove identity, legal presence, residency and Social Security number. When is the best time to do it? Let me tell you: Now, Virginia DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb said. Normally, December and January are our slow months  February, March  it picks back up. Also at the news conference, Prince William County Supervisor-Elect Andrea Bailey tried to get her REAL ID, but needed to bring back a marriage license to verify her name had changed. Holcomb said that issue is one of the most common reasons applicants are initially turned away. Otherwise, the process flows quite smoothly. At the Dumfries office, 61 REAL ID-compliant licenses were processed before lunchtime. The Dumfries DMV Select office typically only processes vehicle-related issues, but on Monday, it was being visited by one of Virginia's DMV mobile operations. The way the word is getting out, and the feedback from everybody about how simple the process is here in the town of Dumfries, I think this is something we might need to explore doing monthly, or a little more often, Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood said. Maryland and D.C. drivers are required to get the REAL ID upgrade. You can check individual websites for Virginia, Maryland and D.C. for specific guidance or help with the process. And WTOP has answers to frequently asked questions about the process and paperwork needed to get a REAL ID. https://wtop.com/virginia/2019/12/virginia-congressman-pushes-real-id-sign-up/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://luria.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-elaine-luria-s-bill-providing-financial-relief-virginia-beach", "Congresswoman Elaine Luria\u2019s Bill Providing Financial Relief to Virginia Beach Mass Shooting Victims Passes House", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Elaine Luria", "L000591", "luria.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The House today passed Congresswoman Elaine Luria's Virginia Beach Strong Act. This bipartisan bill would make it easier for families of victims of the May 31 Virginia Beach mass shooting to receive urgently-needed financial support.\nMay 31, 2019 was a day that has forever changed Virginia Beach, and we will always remember the 12 wonderful people we lost that day, Congresswoman Luria said. In the immediate aftermath of our community's darkest hour, we experienced a selfless outpouring of financial support for grieving families. I am thankful the House has advanced my effort to help families of victims receive the financial assistance they need.\nFollowing the May 31 mass shooting, the City of Virginia Beach established a fund to help victims, survivors, and their families. Due to a technicality in the definition of charitable beneficiaries in the tax code, donations to this fund will likely not be considered tax-deductible without congressional action.\nThe Virginia Beach Strong Act is a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would ensure that donations to immediate family members of victims of the Virginia Beach mass shooting are tax-deductible. It would apply retroactively, making any contribution on or after May 31, 2019 tax-deductible.\nAhead of the vote, Congresswoman Luria spoke on the House Floor. See below for transcribed remarks and click here for the video of Congresswoman Luria's remarks. \nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\nToday, I rise in support of my bipartisan and bicameral bill, H.R. 4566, the Virginia Beach Strong Act.\nJust over six months ago, our Virginia Beach community suffered a devastating tragedy. On May 31, 12 wonderful people lost their lives in a mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.\nDuring our great city's darkest hour, we showed the world the strength and resolve that makes us Virginia Beach Strong. We saw first responders heroically running into Building 2 - sacrificing their safety to save others, doctors working long hours to provide victims with expert care, and many other displays of courage.\nMay 31, 2019 was a day that will change Virginia Beach forever. We will always remember the 12 individuals we lost that day and their irreplaceable contributions to our Virginia Beach Strong community. My heart continues to grieve for those who lost their lives, their families, and everyone who loved them.\nToday, many families of the victims are still facing financial hardships related to the shooting, in addition to the unfathomable loss of a loved one. In the aftermath of May 31, the City of Virginia Beach established a fund to help victims, survivors, and their families. Unfortunately, a technicality in the tax code means that these donations will likely not be considered tax-deductible. That's why I introduced the bipartisan Virginia Beach Strong Act. \nThe Virginia Beach Strong Act would make it easier to help bring urgently-needed support to our community's grieving families. This bipartisan bill would ensure that all donations made to immediate family members of the victims on or after May 31 will be considered tax-deductible. It is narrowly written so it does not make any broader changes to the tax code or the qualifications for 501(c) status.\nToday, we all have the opportunity to make a profound difference for families that have been through unimaginable pain following the Virginia Beach mass shooting. I want to thank my colleagues within the Virginia delegation for their support and I urge all my colleagues in to vote for H.R. 4566, the Virginia Beach Strong Act, and yield back. Thank you.\nCongresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. She serves on theHouse Armed Services Committee, where she is theVice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and theHouse Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where she serves asChair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mceachin.house.gov/media/press-releases/mceachin-applauds-passage-his-bill-help-grow-partnerships-between-small", "McEachin Applauds Passage of His Bill to Help Grow Partnerships Between Small Businesses and DHS", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "A. McEachin", "M001200", "mceachin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed his legislation H.R. 4727, the Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protg Program Act of 2019. H.R. 4727 seeks to encourage large prime contractors to partner with and enhance the capabilities of small businesses, and thus increase their ability to compete for future Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contracts. The mentor-protg program has been in existence at DHS since 2003 but has yet to be codified.\nIn Congress, I have vowed to fight for small businesses, including woman-, veteran-, and minority-owned firms, and work to enhance America's security. Today, I am proud to deliver on that promise, said Congressman McEachin. My bipartisan legislation is a win for Virginians and all Americans  building the capacity of small businesses and growing a broader, more diverse pool of contractors will create good-paying jobs, foster innovation, and ultimately, ensure a safer America. I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly pass this legislation to give small businesses a fairer shot at contracts with the Department of Homeland Security.\nThe Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protg Program Act of 2019 will:\n \nMotivate large businesses to provide developmental assistance and subcontracting opportunities to small businesses;\n\tStrengthen subcontracting opportunities and accomplishments for small businesses;\n\tFoster the establishment of long-term business relationships between large business prime contractors and small business subcontractors; and\n\tDiversify the contractor base supporting DHS, while improving the performance of DHS contracts and subcontracts.\n \nUnder the bill, mentor firms can provide technical, managerial, and financial, as well as subcontracting opportunities to protg firms. For its part, DHS may provide incentives to mentor firms such as additional credit when being evaluated for the award of future DHS contracts. To ensure that Congress monitors the effectiveness of the program, the bill requires DHS to report annually to Congress on program participation, including the benefits provided to small business participants.\n###\nContact: Keenan Austin Reed (202) 225-6365", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1856, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1856, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1856, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 1856, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1856, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-12-09,https~3A~2F~2Fmceachin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmceachin-applauds-passage-his-bill-help-grow-partnerships-between-small", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=VA&year=2019&_next=2019-12-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmceachin~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmceachin-applauds-passage-his-bill-help-grow-partnerships-between-small&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 313.6008479632437, "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"}