{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"VA\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398382", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for January", "2014-12-29", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffith\u2019s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of January.\u00a0 In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.\u00a0 Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect.\r\n\r\nJanuary 6, 2015\r\nTazewell County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nRichlands Town Hall  \r\n200 Washington Square  \r\nRichlands, VA\r\nBuchanan County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nGrundy Town Hall  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA\r\nPulaski County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nDublin Town Hall  \r\nRoute 100, 1 mile North of I-81  \r\nDublin, VA\r\nJanuary 7, 2015\r\nSmyth County: \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a010:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA\r\nCovington:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCovington City Hall  \r\nCity Hall Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA\r\nCraig County:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castle, VA\r\nBristol:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA\r\nJanuary 8, 2015\r\nGrayson County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room \u2013 Suite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA\r\nRussell County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA\r\nTazewell County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm   \r\nBluefield Town Hall \u2013 Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA\r\nGalax: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Main Street  \r\nGalax, VA\r\nJanuary 13, 2015\r\nGiles County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nPearisburg Town Hall  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA\r\nDickenson County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA \r\nSalem: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nSalem Library  \r\n28 East Main Street  \r\nSalem, VA\r\nWise County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nJanuary 14, 2015\r\nRadford: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA\r\nPulaski County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n60 3rd Street NW  \r\nPulaski, VA\r\nJanuary 15, 2015\r\nAlleghany County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA\r\nScott County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nCommunity Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA \r\nRoanoke County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA\r\nWise County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nJanuary 20, 2015\r\nCarroll County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n605 \u2013 1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA\r\nFloyd County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nFloyd County Library  \r\n321 W. Main Street  \r\nFloyd, VA\r\nJanuary 21, 2015\r\nHenry County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Society  \r\n3964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA  \r\nBland County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA\r\nWythe County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriff\u2019s Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nPatrick County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA\u00a0 \r\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398383", "Congressman Griffiths 2015 Congressional Issues Survey", "2014-12-29", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As your Congressman, I am committed to making sure that your views and positions are heard when key issues are debated in Washington.\u00a0 Please share with me your perspective about some the issues and proposals that may come before the Congress in 2015.\u00a0 To take the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, please click here or visit http://morgangriffith.house.gov/2015issuessurvey/ .\nWith concerns, comments, or to request a physical copy of the 2015 Congressional Issues Survey, you can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.\u00a0 To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-weighs-in-on-national-strategy-to-prevent-opioid-abuse", "Kaine Weighs In On National Strategy To Prevent Opioid Abuse", "2014-12-23", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Weighs In On National Strategy To Prevent Opioid Abuse\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 23, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined 20 of his colleagues to write a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Sylvia Mathews Burwell on the national strategy to address opioid abuse being developed by HHS. In the letter, Kaine and his colleagues urged HHS to focus on overdose education, access to substance abuse treatment services, and the distribution of naloxone, an antidote that stops the effects of an opioid overdose for a short period of time. Specifically, they encouraged HHS to expand surveillance and data collection around opioid abuse and include innovative ways to integrate naloxone into the health care delivery system. \u00a0\r\n\u201cGiven our shared concern about the growing rate of overdose deaths associated with heroin and prescription painkillers, we urge HHS to ensure that overdose prevention, specifically through the use of naloxone and other similarly effective drugs, figures prominently in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy, as well as the Administration\u2019s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cDespite the life-saving capabilities of naloxone, its use in overdose prevention is not widespread.\u00a0 A comprehensive plan for reducing overdose deaths should include adequate financial assistance for state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to purchase and distribute naloxone to first responders, law enforcement officials, medical facilities, and members of at-risk individuals\u2019 communities.\u201d \u00a0\r\nThis summer, Kaine participated in a Project REVIVE training session\u00a0in Lebanon, where he and other participants learned how to administer naloxone. He also recently visited Richmond-based pharmaceutical company Kal\u00e9o, which received FDA approval for its new naloxone auto-injector delivery system\u00a0 EVZIO\u2122.\u00a0 Kaine co-sponsored the\u00a0Opioid Overdose Reduction Act bipartisan \u201cGood Samaritan\u201d legislation that would protect individuals from civil liability who prescribe naloxone.\r\nIn June, Kaine joined 11 members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation to\u00a0call on Governor McAuliffe\u00a0to establish a statewide task force to address the growing heroin epidemic in Virginia. Governor McAuliffe answered their call by forming a task force in September. Kaine has also raised concerns over drug abuse in Virginia\u00a0with White House Drug Policy Acting Director Michael Botticelli\u00a0and\u00a0in a letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, which focused on the recent FDA approval of Zohydro ER and how it could potentially heighten the public health risk of opioid abuse in Virginia.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFull text of the letter can be found below:\r\nThe Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\r\n200 Independence Avenue, SW\r\nWashington, DC 20201\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Burwell:\r\nWe commend the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its commitment to develop a multi-pronged national strategy aimed at preventing opioid abuse.\u00a0 Given our shared concern about the growing rate of overdose deaths associated with heroin and prescription painkillers, we urge HHS to ensure that overdose prevention, specifically through the use of naloxone and other similarly effective drugs, figures prominently in the 2015 National Drug Control Strategy, as well as the Administration\u2019s Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal.\u00a0 We look forward to a strong focus on overdose education, naloxone distribution, and access to substance abuse treatment services and other follow-up care.\r\nDespite the life-saving capabilities of naloxone, its use in overdose prevention is not widespread.\u00a0 A comprehensive plan for reducing overdose deaths should include adequate financial assistance for state and local governments, as well as community organizations, to purchase and distribute naloxone to first responders, law enforcement officials, medical facilities, and members of at-risk individuals\u2019 communities.\u00a0\u00a0 We know that expanding naloxone access to a broader population can reverse drug overdoses and save lives, particularly when accompanied by education and training in overdose prevention and naloxone use. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nIn addition, we encourage HHS to expand surveillance and data collection around opioid abuse and best practices in the field.\u00a0 Most programs at the federal level focus on prescription drug misuse, abuse, and diversion.\u00a0\u00a0 The national strategy HHS is developing should shift that focus to better understand how local efforts \u2013 and federal programs and policies \u2013 can prevent these unnecessary opioid overdose deaths and it is our hope that the FY2016 budget will support those efforts. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe plan should also include innovative ways to integrate naloxone into the health care delivery system.\u00a0 For example, HHS could establish best practices for co-prescribing naloxone with opioids for high-risk populations and ensure Medicaid coverage for all forms of naloxone.\u00a0 Another component of the plan should address recent price increases for commonly used formulations of naloxone by seeking to secure stable and affordable supplies of the drug.\r\nMoreover, HHS should implement measures that connect overdose survivors and others in need of treatment with broader systems of care.\u00a0 While demand for services has grown dramatically, provider shortages, coverage barriers, and affordability prevent many from getting treatment.\u00a0 Initial reforms could include removing government restrictions that prevent drug treatment centers with more than 16 beds from billing Medicaid for services provided to beneficiaries and issuing guidance to payers regarding policies for lengths of stay and treatment intensity at substance abuse treatment facilities and addressing policies that limit healthcare professionals from treating patients in need of medication assisted therapies for addiction.\u00a0 While the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensures higher levels of coverage for these services, the law does not provide details on duration or intensity of treatment, resulting in variable and insufficient treatment policies across payers.\r\nToo many Americans have been lost to opioid overdose. We look forward to your leadership in developing a strategy that provides resources to improve overdose education, naloxone distribution, and substance abuse treatment services.\u00a0 We appreciate your consideration of these proposals and look forward to your response.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenator Tim Kaine\r\nSenator Richard J. Durbin\r\nSenator Jack Reed\r\nSenator Patrick Leahy\r\nSenator Dianne Feinstein\r\nSenator Sherrod Brown\r\nSenator Barbara Boxer\r\nSenator Robert Casey\r\nSenator Ben Cardin\r\nSenator Amy Klobuchar\r\nSenator Bernard Sanders\r\nSenator Sheldon Whitehouse\r\nSenator Kirsten Gillibrand\r\nSenator Al Franken\r\nSenator Mark Udall\r\nSenator Mark Warner\r\nSenator Richard Blumenthal\r\nSenator Cory Booker\r\nSenator Edward Markey\r\nSenator Elizabeth Warren\r\nSenator Mazie Hirono\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398381", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.22.14", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "God Bless Us, Every One! 171 years ago in 1843, well-loved English writer Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol.\u00a0 Even if they don\u2019t know of Charles Dickens by name, many Americans are familiar with the story of bitter, curmudgeonly old Ebenezer Scrooge and the redemptive journey that ultimately transforms him into a warmer, gentler, and more generous human being. A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale that remains popular to this day \u2013 particularly this time of year \u2013 whether in print or adapted to stage, film, or other types of media. \u00a0 Far lesser known is Dickens\u2019 first novel, The Pickwick Papers, published in 1837.\u00a0 In The Pickwick Papers, Dickens wrote a chapter similar in nature to the plot of A Christmas Carol, evidently developing what would in a few years become the classic. Among other stories in The Pickwick Papers is \u2018The Goblin and the Sexton,\u2019 in which Dickens tells of the morose, melancholy and lonely Gabriel Grub (who was a gravedigger and \u2018sexton,\u2019 or one who looks over a church).\u00a0 On Christmas Eve, as he was finishing digging a grave, Gabriel was met by a goblin sitting on a tombstone. \u00a0 \u201cWho makes graves at a time when all other men are merry, and takes a pleasure in it?,\" the goblin asked.\u00a0 The goblin soon continued, \u201cWe know the man with the sulky face and grim scowl, that came down the street to-night, throwing his evil looks at the children, and grasping his burying-spade the tighter.\u00a0 We know the man who struck the boy in the envious malice of his heart, because the boy could be merry, and he could not.\u00a0 We know him, we know him.\" Soon after, a number of goblins poured into the graveyard, which also filled with the lively music of an organ.\u00a0 The goblins proceed to take Gabriel Grubb away and show him the past and the future, much like in A Christmas Carol. As the story goes, \u201cAbove all, [Gabriel] saw that men like himself, who snarled at the mirth and cheerfulness of others, were the foulest weeds on the fair surface of the earth; and setting all the good of the world against the evil, he came to the conclusion that it was a very decent and respectable sort of world after all.\u201d\u00a0 Soon after this realization the goblins faded from view, and Gabriel Grubb fell asleep in the empty graveyard. \u00a0 When he awoke, \u201c\u2026he was an altered man, and he could not bear the thought of returning to a place where his repentance would be scoffed at, and his reformation disbelieved.\u00a0 He hesitated for a few moments; and then turned away to wander where he might, and seek his bread elsewhere.\u201d\u00a0 The whereabouts of Gabriel Grubb were unknown for some ten years, until he returned a ragged, though content, old man. \u00a0 Even though Dickens was a great, master storyteller, the role of The Pickwick Papers in developing the message of A Christmas Carol is clear.\u00a0 His story of holiday human redemption was a work in progress for a number of years before he saw it fit to publish A Christmas Carol. Not only do storylines and plots develop and progress with time, but we as people do so as well and, ideally, we improve with each passing year.\u00a0 The moral of Dickens\u2019 stories is that there is redemption.\u00a0 Like Gabriel Grubb and Ebenezer Scrooge, we all can become better.\u00a0 Doing so often requires patience and resolve, should our initial attempt be flawed or unsuccessful.\u00a0 However, I hope that neither you nor I require visits from goblins or the ghosts of Christmas to recognize we can improve.  Returning to Dickens\u2019 famous A Christmas Carol, we recall the beloved Tiny Tim and his famous line, \u201cGod bless us, every one!\u201d\u00a0 As we celebrate this holiday season and the birth of Christ, many celebrate with the giving of gifts, among other traditions.\u00a0 Particularly for Christians such as myself, we celebrate the gift that Jesus brought us with his birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection. This holiday season, I wish for you and your loved ones progress, success, health, and serenity.\u00a0 Best wishes for a safe and merry Christmas. \u00a0 And so I echo the words of Tiny Tim: God bless us, every one! As always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-delegation-calls-for-consideration-of-joint-base-langley-eustis-for-new-air-national-guard-cyber-operations-squadron", "Virginia Delegation Calls For Consideration Of Joint Base Langley-Eustis For New Air National Guard Cyber Operations Squadron", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Virginia Delegation Calls For Consideration Of Joint Base Langley-Eustis For New Air National Guard Cyber Operations Squadron\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRecent high profile cybersecurity breaches heighten need for skilled personnel to manage cyber defense system  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 22, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In a joint letter, U.S. Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and U.S. Congressmen Bobby Scott, Randy Forbes, Scott Rigell, Rob Wittman and Gerry Connolly urged the Director of the Air National Guard to consider the Virginia Air National Guard at Joint Base Langley-Eustis as a designation for an Air Force Space Command\u2019s Cyber Operations Squadron (COS). \u00a0\r\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s defense depends upon a robust and innovative cyber force that is trained and ready to respond to dynamic threats,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cAttacks and intrusions on internal and external networks and cyber systems can directly impair continuity of government operations and even continuity of government itself.\u00a0 We believe the Virginia Air National Guard (VANG) is an excellent candidate for a COS due to a highly skilled workforce, existing training and security infrastructure in the region, and alignment of existing missions currently located at JBLE.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of the letter can be found below:\r\nLieutenant General Stanley E. Clarke III\r\nDirector, Air National Guard\r\n1000 Air Force Pentagon, 5C1052\r\nWashington, D.C. 20330-1000\u00a0\r\nDear Lieutenant General Clarke:\r\nCybersecurity is one of the greatest challenges for our national security today and in the future.\u00a0 Our military, government and local communities depend upon secure and reliable cyberspace for critical infrastructure, communications, and coordination.\u00a0 To counter the persistent cyber threat, it is crucial that the Cyber Mission Force (CMF) be manned and trained with highly skilled personnel. \u00a0\r\nAs the Air National Guard considers the laydown of its Cyber Mission Forces, we request that you strongly consider the Virginia Air National Guard at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) as a designation for an Air Force Space Command\u2019s Cyber Operations Squadron (COS).\u00a0 Hampton Roads provides a compelling combination of affordability, high quality public education and quality of service for the Airmen and civilians who will execute this mission.\r\nOur nation\u2019s defense depends upon a robust and innovative cyber force that is trained and ready to respond to dynamic threats.\u00a0 Attacks and intrusions on internal and external networks and cyber systems can directly impair continuity of government operations and even continuity of government itself.\u00a0 We believe the Virginia Air National Guard (VANG) is an excellent candidate for a COS due to a highly skilled workforce, existing training and security infrastructure in the region, and alignment of existing missions currently located at JBLE.\u00a0\r\nThe Hampton Roads area offers a number of higher learning institutions and a vibrant high-tech defense sector that can provide enduring and sustained manning for a COS.\u00a0 JBLE and Joint Staff South in Suffolk provide turn-key Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facilities to support the elevated security requirements associated with the cybersecurity mission.\u00a0 JBLE can easily provide all Base Operation Support functions for a new Cyber Operations Squadron, such as personnel support, security, communications, logistics, medical, finance and several other services needed to sustain a mission.\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, establishing a Cyber Operations Squadron will help mitigate the long-term economic impact of a substantial manpower reduction due to the impending loss of several hundred active duty Air Force positions.\r\nWe recognize the difficult decisions and critical challenges you face in locating the Air Force Space COS. Locating this squadron at JBLE will deliver significant capability for the Air Force and leverage existing infrastructure to provide a low-cost solution.\u00a0\r\nThank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with you on this matter.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSenator Mark Warner\r\nSenator Tim Kaine\r\nCongressman Bobby Scott\r\nCongressman Randy Forbes\r\nCongressman Scott Rigell\r\nCongressman Gerry Connolly\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=50ed9f7c-c418-43a7-8105-56c0762cef64", "Sen. Warner Asks DDOT, Capitol Crossing Development for I 395 Traffic Impact Analysis", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today asked the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the developer of the planned Capitol Crossing project to provide information on the impacts of planned highway and ramp restrictions on the 90,000 vehicles using the Third Street Tunnel along Interstate 395 each day. District officials and the Federal Highway Administration recently rejected the builder\u2019s proposal to completely close a section of the interstate for up to 18 months during the construction of Capitol Crossing, and current plans call for restrictions on 395 traffic flows during overnight and weekend hours.\r\nIn letters today to DDOT and developer Property Group Partners, Sen. Warner expressed concerns about proposed ramp and lane closures required to facilitate construction, questioned the lack of coordination with regional and Virginia transportation agencies, and requested details and a briefing on the traffic impact analysis conducted in support of the planned overnight and weekend closures impacting I395.\r\n\u201cThe developer\u2019s failure to contact any Virginia transportation planners, and its last-minute decision to brief Virginia elected officials less three weeks before construction is scheduled to begin, defies this region\u2019s efforts to work in a collaborative way,\u201d Sen. Warner said. \u201cI want those who are leading this project to demonstrate they conducted appropriate due diligence on every possible alternative to disruption of one of the most highly-traveled and easily congested corridors in the region.\u201d\r\nThe texts of the two letters are below:\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 22, 2014\r\n\u00a0\r\nMatthew Brown\r\nDirector\r\nDistrict Department of Transportation\r\n55 M Street SE, Suite 400\r\nWashington, DC\u00a0 20003\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Mr. Brown:\r\nRecent news reports have drawn attention to your proposal to fully close portions of Interstate 395 (I-395) in order to speed construction of the $1.5 billion Capitol Crossing project in downtown Washington, D.C.\u00a0 I applaud the decision to withdraw the proposal, given the massive congestion problems it would have created for the estimated 90,000 daily users of I-395.\u00a0 However, what has received less attention is that current construction plans, scheduled to begin less than three weeks from now, could also have significant traffic implications for the region.\u00a0 I write to express my concerns about the lack of cooperation and coordination with regional partners on this project, and to request specific data related to delays the project will create for Virginia commuters who rely on this critical corridor.\u00a0\r\nIn recent correspondence with you, the Property Group Partners development team notes that current construction plans could result in traffic delays with half mile back-ups and the potential for an increase in accidents.\u00a0 As you know, a half mile back-up in the I-395 Tunnel could have significant repercussions across the region, potentially snarling traffic all the way into Virginia. Studies also indicate roughly 75 percent of travelers using this corridor are traveling to or from Virginia and Maryland rather than traveling within D.C.\u00a0 Taken as a whole, these assertions indicate we should expect significant traffic disruptions as a result of the project, and that Virginia and Maryland commuters will bear the brunt of those construction delays.\u00a0\r\nI respectfully request that you provide information on the following subjects to my office as soon as possible:\r\n \r\nAll traffic analysis and modeling indicating the impact on I-395 traffic from construction-related delays, particularly how any construction-related delays will impact travel to and from Virginia.\u00a0\r\nThe extent and nature of project sponsors\u2019 outreach to regional partners to coordinate a collaborative response to potential traffic problems, including the Washington Council of Governments, Maryland DOT, VDOT, and elected officials representing the National Capital Region.\u00a0\r\nBeyond your stated goal of limiting construction activity to nights and weekends, please provide information on any additional measures that may be considered to minimize construction and congestion delays during peak travel hours on I-395, including any additional measures not currently included in your plans.\u00a0\r\n \r\nAs a general matter, I support efforts where the public and private sectors can work together on economic revitalization projects and I believe Capitol Crossing has the potential to be such a project.\u00a0 The purpose of this letter is to ensure that all affected parties are provided necessary information about the project\u2019s potential impacts and to receive assurances that every effort has been made to minimize traffic delays during construction.\u00a0 Those of us who have the privilege of representing the National Capitol Region bear a special responsibility to collaborate and coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries. I would appreciate that you respond as soon as possible so that we can work together as a region to better address our transportation challenges.\u00a0\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nMARK R. WARNER\r\nUnited States Senate\r\n\u00a0\r\nDecember 22, 2014\r\n\u00a0\r\nRobert Braunohler\r\nProperty Group Partners\r\n1101 New York Avenue NW, Suite 909\r\nWashington, DC\u00a0 20005-4213\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Mr. Braunohler:\r\nRecent news reports have drawn attention to your proposal to fully close portions of Interstate 395 (I-395) in order to speed construction of the $1.5 billion Capitol Crossing project in downtown Washington, D.C.\u00a0 I applaud the decision to withdraw the proposal, given the massive congestion problems it would have created for the estimated 90,000 daily users of I-395.\u00a0 However, what has received less attention is that your current construction plans, scheduled to begin less than three weeks from now, could also have significant traffic implications for the region.\u00a0 I write to express my concerns about your lack of cooperation and coordination with regional partners on this project, and to request specific data related to delays the project will create for Virginia commuters who rely on this critical corridor.\u00a0\r\nIn recent correspondence with the D.C. Department of Transportation, you note that current construction plans could result in traffic delays with half mile back-ups and the potential for an increase in accidents.\u00a0 As you may know, a half mile back-up in the I-395 Tunnel could have significant repercussions across the region, potentially snarling traffic all the way into Virginia. You also note that your own studies indicate roughly 75 percent of travelers using this corridor are traveling to or from Virginia and Maryland rather than traveling within D.C.\u00a0 Taken as a whole, your assertions indicate we should expect significant traffic disruptions as a result of the project, and that Virginia and Maryland commuters will bear the brunt of those construction delays.\u00a0\r\nThe National Capital Region has more than its share of traffic problems, and we attempt to address those problems as a region, with cooperation from D.C., Maryland and Virginia.\u00a0 It is my understanding that as early as May of this year, you were encouraged by District Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton to reach out to Virginia and Maryland congressional representatives to provide background on the project.\u00a0 Your failure to contact any Virginia officials \u2013 including the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as far as we can determine \u2013 during this process runs counter to our collaborative regional approach, and is a significant disservice to the thousands of Virginians whose daily commutes will be disrupted by the construction.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nI respectfully request that you provide information on the following subjects to my office as soon as possible:\r\n \r\nAll traffic analysis and modeling indicating the impact on I-395 traffic from construction-related delays, particularly how any construction-related delays will impact travel to and from Virginia.\u00a0 Your recent statements and correspondence indicate that this impact could be \u201csignificant,\u201d yet, to date, you have not provided supporting data upon request.\u00a0\r\nThe extent and nature of your outreach to regional partners to coordinate a collaborative response to potential traffic problems, including the Washington Council of Governments, Maryland DOT, VDOT, and elected officials representing the National Capital Region.\u00a0\r\nBeyond your stated goal of limiting construction activity to nights and weekends, please provide information on any additional measures that may be considered to minimize construction and congestion delays during peak travel hours on I-395, including any additional measures not currently included in your plans.\u00a0\r\n \r\nAs a general matter, I support efforts where the public and private sectors can work together on economic revitalization projects and I believe Capitol Crossing has the potential to be such a project.\u00a0 The purpose of this letter is to ensure that all affected parties are provided necessary information about the project\u2019s potential impacts and to receive assurances that every effort has been made to minimize traffic delays during construction.\u00a0 Those of us who have the privilege of representing the National Capitol Region bear a special responsibility to collaborate and coordinate across jurisdictional boundaries. I would appreciate that you respond as soon as possible so that we can work together as a region to better address our transportation challenges.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\r\nMARK R. WARNER\r\nUnited States Senate", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/sundays-top-opinion-kaines-majority", "Sunday's Top Opinion: Kaine's majority", "2014-12-21", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday's Top Opinion: Kaine's majority\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Editorial Board\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Sunday, December 21, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Washington\u2019s political culture suffers from many deficiencies, not least among them a team-sports approach to politics that elevates superficial point-scoring above questions of substance and weight. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine has marched admirably against those headwinds.\r\nKaine himself has conceded that politics is a team sport. But he has risen above it through his dogged determination to produce a serious debate over war powers, particularly regarding U.S. military action against the Islamic State.\r\nHe has succeeded in no small part because his key points are beyond dispute.\r\nFirst, President Obama has exceeded his constitutional authority by acting unilaterally (and in contravention of his own stated principles). The Islamic State does not present an immediate threat to the U.S. homeland requiring a response too rapid to permit congressional deliberation.\r\nSecond, Congress has abetted Obama\u2019s behavior by abdicating its responsibility to lead. Many in Congress are happy to see the U.S. take action against ISIS, and equally happy to let the president take all the political risks such action entails.\r\nKaine rightly has condemned such cravenness. The country\u2019s leaders have no business asking young men and women to risk their lives on behalf of a cause for which they are not even willing to risk a vote.\r\nThanks to the junior senator\u2019s leadership, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has now approved a measure authorizing force against the Islamic State. It includes an expiration date and provisions to repeal or revise two now-defunct authorizations for the use of force that Obama has used as the legal pretext for acting alone.\r\nKaine\u2019s insistence on holding both the legislative and executive branches accountable is all the more remarkable because it puts him crosswise with Obama. Kaine supported Obama for president very early, when it was still risky to do so. He was on a short list for vice presidential prospects, and Obama persuaded him to lead the Democratic National Committee.\r\nA full floor vote did not happen before Congress adjourned for the holiday, but Kaine already has ensured the issue will not be ignored next year. That is quite an accomplishment. (Virginia\u2019s other senator, Mark Warner, has had more time in the Senate and achieved less.)\r\nIn theory, it takes at least 51 votes to get anything done in the Senate. By forcing his colleagues to take their constitutional responsibilities seriously, Kaine has proved the truth of the aphorism that one man with courage makes a majority.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/virginias-sen-kaine-grows-as-a-foreign-policy-expert", "Virginia's Sen. Kaine grows as a foreign policy expert", "2014-12-21", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Virginia's Sen. Kaine grows as a foreign policy expert\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Bob Stuart\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Sunday, December 21, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON -- Sen. Tim Kaine has a list of global concerns, but that list is topped by the threat posed by the terrorist group ISIS.\r\nSince June, Virginia's junior U.S. senator has argued that Congress needs to authorize military force against ISIS. That policy stand received a boost when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10-8 earlier this month for the use of military force against ISIS. Because the full Senate didn't vote before adjournment, similar action on ISIS will be needed by the Foreign Relations Committee when the 114th Congress takes office next month.\r\nKaine, D-Va., interviewed recently in his Washington office, said the authorization is clear and simple. Many of the provisions Kaine suggested are in the committee's action. \"It defines the scope of the mission. This is Congress meeting its constitutional authorization,'' he said. The authorization calls for air strikes, prohibits U.S. ground troops except to rescue troops and U.S. citizens and offers humanitarian aid. The authorization also has a three-year sunset.\r\nISIS poses the most serious immediate international challenge to the United States, said Kaine, a member of both the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees. He also considers the stopping of an Iranian nuclear program a significant challenge, and said Russia's ambitions are serious.\r\nAnd there is the wild card of North Korea, Kaine said. He said the Asian country has \"a degree of unpredictability.\" He is concerned about what North Korea might trigger among its neighboring countries.\r\nA week after the interview with Kaine, North Korea was suspected by the United States of a cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment that forced canceling of a Christmas movie release, \"The Interview.\"\r\nWhile Kaine has focused much on becoming a foreign and defense policy expert in his first two years in the Senate, those areas also spill over into the domestic economy of the United States.\r\n\"Every effort to slash the federal budget hurts Virginia more,'' said Kaine, who said sequestration cuts are a\u00a0 \"foolish way'' to deal with the federal deficit.\r\nKaine supports the nomination of Ashton Carter as defense secretary to replace Chuck Hagel. Kaine worked with Carter when he was a deputy defense secretary and said Carter brings Pentagon expertise and how to deal with global crises.\r\nThe senator said the Pentagon is a \"complicated management task. Ash Carter has a deep knowledge of how the Pentagon operates. He can manage the internal budget and other challenges as well as the outside challenges, such as how to deal with Russia.\"\r\nSince he came to the Senate, Kaine has worked on assisting America's veterans. He is particularly proud of the Troop Talent Act of 2013, a piece of legislation that activates a civilian work credential for veterans and helps them with employment. \"Vets have some amazing skills and talents,'' said Kaine, who continues to work for helping vets find work.\r\nWhile Republicans in both the House and Senate have questioned President Obama's executive action on immigration, Kaine said the president's authority is clear. He said it is up to the U.S. House to pass an immigration bill and work with the Senate.\r\n\"The House should pass an immigration bill,'' he said. \"If you don't like what the president did pass your own bill, have a conference and hammer out a compromise.\" Kaine said Senate legislation on immigration has been sitting in the House since the middle of 2013 without action.\r\nAs for Obama's authority, Kaine said presidents dating back to Dwight Eisenhower have used the authority to defer immigration enforcement. \"What I see is that the House has done nothing on immigration since 2013,'' Kaine said. \"I hope the president's action will get the House to pass its own immigration bill. Let's sit down and hammer out a compromise.\"\r\nKaine said life in the Senate continues to be a formidable challenge, much like his time serving as a private attorney, mayor of Richmond and lieutenant governor and governor of Virginia.\r\n\"I have frustrations but not any complaints,'' he said. \"What I love about every day is that I get to work on things that are really important -- support for veterans, our troops and on foreign relations. I am working on issues that matter to the commonwealth.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=710", "President Signs Issa-Connolly Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan legislation overhauling how the federal government purchases, implements, and manages information technology is now law.  Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Bipartisan legislation overhauling how the federal government purchases, implements, and manages information technology is now law. \u00a0The legislation -- co-authored by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Oversight Government Operations Subcommittee Ranking Member Gerry Connolly (D-VA) -- was included as Title 8 of the\u00a0Carl Levin and Howard P. \u201cBuck\u201d McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. President Obama signed the legislation on Friday.The Office of Management and Budget estimates the\u00a0Issa-Connolly legislation\u00a0could save taxpayers $2.5 billion over the next fiscal year and $20 billion or more over the next decade by enhancing information technology (IT) capabilities and eliminating waste and duplication of services across government.\u201cOver the last several years, Chairman Issa and I have worked together to develop and pass the first major comprehensive reform of the laws governing how the federal government manages information technology since the 1996 enactment of the seminal Clinger-Cohen Act,\u201d Connolly said.\u00a0 \u201cA lot has changed in the world of technology and in the federal government\u2019s use of technology since that time, and the need\u00a0to streamline and strengthen how government buys and manages technology\u00a0is long overdue.\u201cPointing to the frustrating rollout of the original\u00a0Healthcare.gov\u00a0website in 2013 and similar problems in 2005 when the federal government first unveiled its Medicare Part D website, which failed to function for the first three weeks after its launch date, Connolly said the bill would take major steps to fix\u00a0the broken federal information technology acquisition process.\u00a0\u201cQuite frankly, the federal government has no idea what technology it needs, struggles to manage what it has, and consequently wastes billions of taxpayer dollars on failed IT investments.\u00a0This not only wastes taxpayer dollars, but also jeopardizes our Nation\u2019s ability to carry out fundamental constitutional responsibilities, from conducting a census, to securing our borders, to caring for our veterans in a timely and effective manner,\u201d Connolly said.\u201cEffective federal IT procurement reform must start with leadership and accountability,\u201d Connolly said. \u201cThere are more than 250 identified CIOs in the federal government, yet none possess the necessary authority to effectively manage IT investments. This has resulted in duplicative and wasteful IT spending and, in many cases, astonishingly poor performance.\u201dThe Issa-Connolly bill ensures that reforms are adopted government-wide.\u00a0 It gives broad authority\u00a0over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for federal agency IT investments\u00a0to Chief Information Officers at federal agencies and provides transparency so that the American public can go online and view accurate cost, schedule, and performance data for individual federal IT investments.The Issa-Connolly bill, formerly known as the\u00a0Federal Information Technology Acquisition and Procurement Act\u00a0or FITARA (H.R. 1232), had previously passed in the House as a free-standing bill.\u00a0 To ensure its passage before the end of this year, House and Senate leaders reached agreement to include FITARA in Title 8 of this year's defense authorization bill. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Tom Coburn (R-OK) worked closely with Issa and Connolly to refine and strengthen the final version of FITARA that was included in the Defense act.\u00a0One of the simpler, common sense changes in the bill would\u00a0require development of an enhanced government-wide software purchasing program that agencies may use to lower acquisition and management costs.Other provisions of the Issa-Connolly legislation include: CIO Authority Enhancements\u00a0- Give civilian agency CIOs more authority over the budget, governance, and personnel processes for agency IT investments.\u00a0One central CIO in each agency shall approve the appointment of any other component-level CIOs within the agency.\u00a0This, along with the corresponding empowerment of the CIO in the Department of Defense, will significantly enhance agency CIOs across government.Data Center Consolidation\u00a0- Require more than 9,000 Federal data centers to be consolidated and optimized to achieve greatest usage, efficiency, and cost savings as recommended by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.\u00a0Portfolio Review\u00a0- Require agencies to annually review all IT investments to eliminate the type of duplication and waste that was exemplified in budget submissions for Fiscal Year 2011, where agencies reported 622 separate human resources IT systems at a total cost of $2.4 billion and 580 financial management systems at a total cost of $2.7 billion.Transparency & Risk Management\u00a0- Make agency IT investments more transparent to the public and require agencies to review troubled IT investments at high risk for failure.Government-wide Software Purchasing\u00a0- Require development of an enhanced government-wide software purchasing program that agencies may use to lower acquisition and management costs.Acquisition Workforce\u00a0\u2013 Require agencies to develop and deploy specialized IT acquisition cadres, which are interdisciplinary teams comprised of highly-skilled program and project managers, contracting personnel, and technology experts.Strategic Sourcing\u00a0- Require proper consideration of the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI) by contracting personnel to encourage the government to purchase through enterprise-wide contracts that leverage the purchasing power of the entire Federal Government to lower administrative burdens for contractors, while achieving lower costs for taxpayers \u201cThere are no quick fixes or legislative silver bullets that will magically transform a federal IT acquisition process designed for the 20th Century to meet the growing technology demands of the 21st,\u201d Connolly said.\u00a0 \u201cBut our bipartisan FITARA bill provides the blueprint, the right incentives, and most importantly, the legislative authority, to help the federal government accelerate the process of modernizing and enhancing federal IT systems so that they function with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-battlefield-protection-bill-becomes-law", "Kaine Battlefield Protection Bill Becomes Law", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Battlefield Protection Bill Becomes Law\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 19, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rush Holt (D-NJ), was signed into law by President Obama today following passage by both houses of Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015 last week. The legislation reauthorizes a National Park Service program that partners with landowners to preserve Civil War battlefields at risk of being lost to haphazard development.\u00a0 It will make Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefield sites eligible as well.\u00a0 Kaine first announced the legislation at Slaughter Pen Farm at Fredericksburg Battlefield in May 2013.\r\n\u201cVirginia is home to battlefields on which American soldiers gave their last full measure of devotion to bring about the nation we know today.\u00a0 Passage of this legislation helps preserve that land, allowing future generations to visit and reflect on our history,\u201d said Kaine.\u00a0 \u201cWhile it would be worth passing this legislation on that basis alone, battlefield preservation also helps drive local economies in small towns and helps preserve the rural character of fast-growing communities in our Commonwealth.\u00a0 I applaud my colleague Senator Cochran and our House partners Congressmen Wittman and Holt for the bipartisan cooperation that led to passage of this bill.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe are enormously grateful for Senator Kaine\u2019s efforts to have this legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act, and I commend him for his ongoing commitment to ensuring the protection of our nation\u2019s battlefields,\u201d said Civil War Trust president James Lighthizer.\u00a0 \u201cWe are blessed to have him as a staunch ally working towards our shared goals.\u00a0 His visionary leadership is directly responsible for the protection of thousands of acres of hallowed ground, both across Virginia and nation-wide.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThis program has preserved 24,000 acres of at-risk Civil War battlefield land in 16 states, including 11,500 acres in Virginia \u2013 more than any other state.\u00a0 A 2013 study found that compared to average tourists, tourists visiting Civil War battlefields stay twice as long and spend double the money. Kaine pushed for passage of the bill throughout the year, and, as Governor, worked with the General Assembly to support the program at the state level. \u00a0 \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=709", "Warner, Kaine, Connolly Applaud Closing on Final TIFIA Loans for Silver Line Construction", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Members of Virginia's congressional delegation applauded news that U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has closed on the final two low-interest loans to fund construction of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Warner, Kaine, Connolly Applaud Closing on Final TIFIA Loans for Silver Line ConstructionFederal financing for Phase Two will help lower overall cost of projectMembers of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation applauded news that U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has closed on the final two low-interest loans to fund construction of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.\u00a0Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and retiring Congressmen Jim Moran and Frank Wolf worked for months with Secretary Foxx and his predecessor Ray LaHood to secure a total of $1.9 billion in loans for the project.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Silver Line funding is the largest loan for a single project in the TIFIA program\u2019s history.\u00a0\u00a0Thursday afternoon, DOT closed on a $403 million TIFIA loan for Fairfax County and a $195 million TIFIA loan for Loudoun County to fund Phase Two construction.\u00a0\u00a0In August, DOT closed on the initial $1.28 billion TIFIA loan to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).\u201cThe first phase of the Silver Line has been an overwhelming success, and we look forward to ensuring the second half is just as successful,\u201d\u00a0Secretary Foxxsaid.\u201cToday marks another significant milestone for Rail to Dulles as we finalize a very complex financing package for the project,\u201d said\u00a0Senator Warner.\u00a0\u201cI congratulate all of our partners on this successful step.\u00a0 Now we can shift our focus to completing construction as soon, as efficiently and as safely as possible.\u201d\u201cI applaud this final financing step for Phase Two of the Silver Line,\u201d\u00a0Senator Kaine\u00a0said.\u00a0 \u201cThis project will boost the vitality of Dulles International Airport and improve daily life for thousands of commuters along the Dulles corridor.\u201d\"Phase One, connecting Tysons and Reston, has already created new commuting, employment, housing, and entertainment options for residents across the National Capital Region,\u201d said\u00a0Congressman Connolly.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThe TIFIA loans will lower the overall cost of constructing the Silver Line and help keep tolls in check for commuters in the Dulles Corridor.\"The Virginia lawmakers also recognized the collaboration of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and other Virginia officials in the complex TIFIA financing process.The Silver Line is one of the largest construction projects in the nation.\u00a0Phase One, extending Metrorail through Tysons to Reston, is already exceeding projections.\u00a0\u00a0Phase Two will add 11.4 miles from Reston through Herndon to Dulles and Loudoun.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-meets-with-eastern-shore-chamber-of-commerce-visits-house-raising-project-in-norfolk", "Kaine Meets With Eastern Shore Chamber Of Commerce, Visits House-Raising Project In Norfolk", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Meets With Eastern Shore Chamber Of Commerce, Visits House-Raising Project In Norfolk\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine continued his three-day tour through Virginia with a visit to Melfa to deliver remarks at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast. Throughout his remarks, Kaine highlighted the importance of workforce development and economic growth in the region.\r\nFollowing the Eggs & Issues breakfast, Kaine traveled to Norfolk to receive a briefing on the city\u2019s efforts to\u00a0plan for sea level rise\u00a0and visit the site of an ongoing house-raising project in one of the areas of Norfolk most severely impacted by\u00a0recurrent flooding.\r\n\u201cHampton Roads has already become a national leader in pulling together local, state, federal and military, university, private sector, even philanthropic organizations to plan what to do on sea level rise, and we need to encourage that kind of regional planning,\u201d Kaine said. \u201cHampton Roads is really at the front end of that. There are a number of ways I feel the federal government can be helpful.\u201d\r\nFollowing the visit to Norfolk, Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, traveled to Fort Eustis to visit the Maritime Training Directorate and discuss his work\u00a0to help servicemembers acquire credentials that would ease their transition into the civilian workforce.\u00a0\r\nTomorrow, Kaine will complete his three-day tour of the Commonwealth by joining members of his staff and other volunteers for a Citizen Day service project at the Colonial Heights Food Pantry to distribute food to residents from the City of Colonial Heights and the Matoaca and Ettrick areas of Chesterfield County.\u00a0Citizen Days\u00a0are opportunities for Kaine to share his passion for public service by bringing Virginians together to participate in service projects across the Commonwealth.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-connolly-applaud-closing-on-final-tifia-loans-for-silver-line-construction", "Warner, Kaine, Connolly Applaud Closing On Final TIFIA Loans For Silver Line Construction", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine, Connolly Applaud Closing On Final TIFIA Loans For Silver Line Construction\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 Members of Virginia\u2019s congressional delegation applauded news that U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has closed on the final two low-interest loans to fund construction of Phase Two of the Metrorail Silver Line extension to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.\u00a0\r\nSenators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and retiring Congressmen Jim Moran and Frank Wolf worked for months with Secretary Foxx and his predecessor Ray LaHood to secure a total of $1.9 billion in loans for the project. \u00a0\u00a0The Silver Line funding is the largest loan for a single project in the TIFIA program\u2019s history. \u00a0\r\nThursday afternoon, DOT closed on a $403 million TIFIA loan for Fairfax County and a $195 million TIFIA loan for Loudoun County to fund Phase Two construction.\u00a0 In August, DOT closed on the initial $1.28 billion TIFIA loan to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).\r\n\u201cThe first phase of the Silver Line has been an overwhelming success, and we look forward to ensuring the second half is just as successful,\u201d Secretary Foxx said.\r\n\u201cToday marks another significant milestone for Rail to Dulles as we finalize a very complex financing package for the project,\u201d said Senator Warner.\u00a0\u201cI congratulate all of our partners on this successful step.\u00a0 Now we can shift our focus to completing construction as soon, as efficiently and as safely as possible.\u201d\r\n\u201cI applaud this final financing step for Phase Two of the Silver Line,\u201d Senator Kaine said.\u00a0 \u201cThis project will boost the vitality of Dulles International Airport and improve daily life for thousands of commuters along the Dulles corridor.\u201d\r\n\"Phase One, connecting Tysons and Reston, has already created new commuting, employment, housing, and entertainment options for residents across the National Capital Region,\u201d said Congressman Connolly. \u00a0\u201cThe TIFIA loans will lower the overall cost of constructing the Silver Line and help keep tolls in check for commuters in the Dulles Corridor.\"\r\nThe Virginia lawmakers also recognized the collaboration of Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and other Virginia officials in the complex TIFIA financing process.\r\nThe Silver Line is one of the largest construction projects in the nation.\u00a0 Phase One, extending Metrorail through Tysons to Reston, is already exceeding projections.\u00a0 Phase Two will add 11.4 miles from Reston through Herndon to Dulles and Loudoun.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-sobre-la-liberacion-de-alan-gross-relaciones-de-ee-uu-y-cuba", "Kaine Sobre La Liberacion De Alan Gross, Relaciones De Ee Uu Y Cuba", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Sobre La Liberacion De Alan Gross, Relaciones De Ee Uu Y Cuba\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC - El senador Tim Kaine, un miembro del Comit\u00e9 de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado, hizo las siguientes declaraciones sobre Cuba:\u00a0\r\n\"Estoy muy contento sobre el anuncio hoy de\u00a0la liberaci\u00f3n de Alan Gross y le deseo lo mejor mientras se re\u00fane con su familia y seres queridos. Su liberaci\u00f3n marca una victoria para la diplomacia estadounidense. Me gustar\u00eda darle gracias a el Papa Francisco y al gobierno Canadiense por su papel como intermediarios en este esfuerzo.\r\nNuestra relaci\u00f3n con Cuba no va a cambiar de un d\u00eda al otro\u2013los derechos civiles y la libertad pol\u00edtica son\u00a0temas importantes que vamos a seguir insistiendo a que\u00a0el gobierno Cubano trabaje en ellos. Pero como\u00a0demostr\u00f3\u00a0el restablecimiento de las relaciones diplom\u00e1ticas con Vietnam,\u00a0el di\u00e1logo abierto a menudo\u00a0es m\u00e1s eficaz\u00a0que el aislamiento cuando se trata de promover\u00a0los intereses estadounidenses y valores democr\u00e1ticos.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-release-of-alan-gross-us-cuba-relations-", "Kaine Statement On Release Of Alan Gross, U.S.-Cuba Relations", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Release Of Alan Gross, U.S.-Cuba Relations \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Cuba:\r\n\u201cI am overjoyed by today\u2019s announcement of Alan Gross\u2019s release and wish him the very best as he reunites with his family and loved ones. His release marks a victory for American diplomacy. I\u2019d like to especially thank Pope Francis and the Canadian government for their role as intermediaries in this effort.\u201d\r\n\u201cOur relationship with Cuba will not change overnight \u2013 human rights and political freedom are important concerns that we will continue to raise with the Cuban government.\u00a0 But as the reestablishment of U.S. diplomatic ties with Vietnam proved, engagement rather than isolation is often more effective at advancing American interests and democratic values.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-visits-wallops-flight-facility-meets-with-chincoteague-business-leaders", "Kaine Visits Wallops Flight Facility, Meets With Chincoteague Business Leaders", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Visits Wallops Flight Facility, Meets With Chincoteague Business Leaders\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine began his three-day tour through Virginia with a visit to the Wallops Flight Facility to tour the damaged launch pad and meet with representatives from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, NASA, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, and Orbital Sciences. Kaine also met with first responders who were on call the night of the launch failure on October 28 and helped put out the fires caused by the explosion. Last week, Kaine and Senator Mark Warner announced that Wallops Flight Facility will receive $20 million in federal funding - a result of their efforts to secure additional funding to support repairs following the launch failure.\r\n\"Wallops Flight Facility is such a critical asset for Virginia that will continue to play a key role in the nation's great tradition of vigorous space exploration,\" said Kaine. \"We worked very hard to get $20 million into the budget which will be valuable to Wallops as it makes repairs. It was helpful to see the damage firsthand today, but also see how remarkably well the infrastructure fared, partly thanks to good planning by NASA Wallops and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport and partly to the swift response by our brave first responders that night. I was proud of our work to bring Orbital Sciences to Wallops as Governor and I am grateful that my work in the Senate, especially on the Budget Committee, allows me to continue supporting Wallops Flight Facility at the federal level.\"\r\nFollowing the visit to Wallops Island, Kaine held a roundtable discussion in Chincoteague with members of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, as well as area business and tourism leaders, to discuss issues impacting small businesses, as well as the important economic role that NASA Wallops plays on the Eastern Shore and the effect the Antares rocket failure has had on the local economy.\r\nTomorrow, Kaine will continue his three-day tour of the Commonwealth with stops on the Eastern Shore and in Hampton Roads.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-confirms-elizabeth-dillon-to-western-district-federal-bench", "Senate Confirms Elizabeth Dillon To Western District Federal Bench", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Confirms Elizabeth Dillon To Western District Federal Bench\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDillon to serve as the first woman on the Western District of Virginia U.S. District Court\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine today applauded the Senate\u2019s confirmation of Elizabeth K. Dillon to serve as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. Ms. Dillon, an attorney in Salem and a former assistant city attorney for Roanoke, will be the first woman to serve as a judge for the Western District in its nearly 200 years of existence.\r\n\u201cWe are pleased that the Senate has confirmed an exceptionally qualified individual to serve in the Western District of Virginia. \u00a0Ms. Dillon has received widespread support, including from the Virginia State Bar and the American Bar Association. Ms. Dillon consistently demonstrates exemplary character and a passion for pro bono work. We are confident that Ms. Dillon\u2019s demeanor and her significant experience in Virginia\u2019s state and federal courts, both in the public and private sector, will make her an invaluable addition to the court,\u201d the Senators said.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine recommended Ms. Dillon to the President in June. The White House nominated her in September, and the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed her nomination on Dec. 11. \u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=00e53466-e45c-43b0-9038-7d97c185d1b8", "Senate Confirms Elizabeth Dillon to Western District Federal Bench", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine today applauded the Senate\u2019s confirmation of Elizabeth K. Dillon to serve as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. Ms. Dillon, an attorney in Salem and a former assistant city attorney for Roanoke, will be the first woman to serve as a judge for the Western District in its nearly 200 years of existence.\r\n\u201cWe are pleased that the Senate has confirmed an exceptionally qualified individual to serve in the Western District of Virginia. \u00a0Ms. Dillon has received widespread support, including from the Virginia State Bar and the American Bar Association. Ms. Dillon consistently demonstrates exemplary character and a passion for pro bono work. We are confident that Ms. Dillon\u2019s demeanor and her significant experience in Virginia\u2019s state and federal courts, both in the public and private sector, will make her an invaluable addition to the court,\u201d the Senators said.\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine recommended Ms. Dillon to the President in June. The White House nominated her in September, and the Senate Judiciary Committee endorsed her nomination on Dec. 11.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398379", "Griffith to McAuliffe: Do Not Carry On the War on Coal", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today issued the following statement regarding reports that Governor Terry McAuliffe (D-VA) will soon be proposing to limit State tax credits and deductions that assist coal producers with coalfield jobs and electricity generation:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cCoal-producing regions such as the Ninth District of Virginia are already reeling from job losses resulting from federal regulations and the Obama Administration\u2019s ongoing war on coal.\u00a0 Sadly, now it seems our State Executive will soon be declaring his own war on coal as well.\u201d\r\n\u201cGovernor McAuliffe claims to want jobs, economic growth, and to \u2018put Virginia first.\u2019\u00a0 But one may question the motive behind his reported policies.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs I have said repeatedly, the war on coal, while targeting the coal industry, affects us all.\u00a0 Those working in the coalfields suffer as a result of these policies, but also harmed are the industries that rely on coal mines.\u00a0 When coal jobs are cut, the people who supply materials to the coal mines, those operating the trains carrying the coal, and the people working in the ports that ship the coal are all impacted.\u00a0 And when the work stops below the ground in coal-producing communities, life above ground is impacted as well, hurting the livelihoods of many in the surrounding communities.\u201d\r\n\u201cUnder the Constitution of Virginia, the State has an obligation to make sure educational opportunities are equal throughout the State.\u00a0 The continued war on coal makes it even harder on coal-producing localities to fund K-12 education.\u00a0 To make up for the dollars these localities are losing by virtue of the actions of the Obama Administration in Washington and now his Administration in Richmond, Governor McAuliffe should also be increasing the amount of money from the State Treasury going to these communities.\u00a0 Absent significant new expenditures for education in coal-producing parts of Southwest Virginia, I fear the Governor\u2019s proposals are short-sighted.\u201d\r\n\u201cI have one message for those waging the war on coal: end the war on coal so that the people in coal-producing regions of Southwest Virginia can better support their own local governments, schools, and their own families.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-extends-condolences-to-pakistani-terror-victims", "Kaine Extends Condolences To Pakistani Terror Victims", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Extends Condolences To Pakistani Terror Victims\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on today\u2019s terrorist attack in Peshawar.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of today\u2019s heinous terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan.\u00a0 I am shocked and appalled by this senseless act of violence against students and teachers and join the international community in strongly condemning the perpetrators. The barbarity and desperation of these terrorists is no match for the courage and resilience of the people of Pakistan. The United States remains committed to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to root out terrorism and extremism in the region.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398378", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.15.14", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More on Ending the Modern Filibuster Rule\nOn many occasions, I have taken issue with the modern interpretation of the Senate filibuster rule.\u00a0 When I last wrote on this topic in a newsletter, it was just before this year\u2019s elections.\u00a0 Control of the Senate had not yet been determined.\nAs I have said previously, this is not a partisan issue.\u00a0 On running the government efficiently, it might not matter which party wins the majority if the Senate rules are not changed.\nWhether or not you agree with Republican policies, come January 6, the Republican party will be in control of both the House and the Senate.\u00a0 I strongly believe that in November, the American people voted for change.\nI also strongly believe that the modern filibuster \u2013 which requires a super majority in order to make a decision on any issue of significance \u2013 violates the spirit of the Founding Fathers\u2019 intent to have a majority rule Republic based on Democratic principles.\u00a0 They never intended for a significant portion of the Senate\u2019s business to be blocked by a minority.\nThe historical rule \u2013 as depicted in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington when Jimmy Stewart holds the floor with an impassioned filibuster that slowly changes the minds of his fellow senators \u2013 is a good process.\u00a0 But starting in the 1970\u2019s, a senator can filibuster by merely making a request.\u00a0 This is generally called a \u201chold.\u201d\u00a0 Adding insult to injury, the senator\u2019s identity doesn\u2019t even have to be made public.\nI had been hopeful that a Senate Republican majority might see that this modern filibuster rule is a threat to the long-term stability of the Republic, and revert to the historical rule.\u00a0 Instead, unfortunately, some in the Senate seem unwilling to return to the historical filibuster rule, and are already making apologies.\u00a0 By apologies, I mean they are telling us in the House and their constituents that they can\u2019t get everything done the voters want because they still don\u2019t have 60 votes.\u00a0 But as I quipped to one new Senator-elect recently, \u201cIt\u2019s only a 60 vote requirement because you allow it to be that way in the rules.\u201d\u00a0 Clearly it would break with a 40-year tradition, but the Founding Fathers believed in majority rule.\u00a0 \nThere are many problems in Washington, and there are some rules in the House which need to be tweaked.\u00a0 Further, it would be helpful if the House actually followed its rules.\u00a0 But I believe that the modern filibuster rule is one of the biggest procedural problems in Washington, D.C. \nThe American people are deserving of a government that works.\u00a0 I have no problem with a Senator taking to the floor for a traditional filibuster should they object to a bill under consideration.\u00a0 Nor do I take issue with the fact that the filibuster reform I am supporting would likely result in bills coming to the House from the Senate that may be difficult votes for me and my colleagues.\u00a0 This would be especially true should the Democrats regain control of the Senate.\nBut by reverting to the historical rule, I believe more bills will be voted on, more compromises will be reached, and more progress can be made when it comes to growing jobs and our economy, fixing our health care system, securing our energy future, and more.\u00a0 \nThis is the how the process is designed to work.\u00a0 It is essential to begin building the consensus and compromise.\u00a0 This is what our country expects from its elected leaders.\nAfter reading my November 3, 2014 message calling for the end of the modern filibuster rule, several people said something to the effect of, \u201cOh, yes, of course Griffith wants to change this rule now that the Republican party gains control of the Senate,\u201d or, \u201cI don\u2019t remember Griffith calling for this change before, when the Republicans used this rule to block the President\u2019s agenda.\u201d\u00a0 To these folks, I would respectfully note that I wrote regarding my thoughts about the need for filibuster reform as early as November 16, 2012 \u2013 soon after the 2012 elections, in which President Obama won reelection and the Senate was firmly in Democrat hands with a combined total (53 Democrats and two Independents who caucused with the Democrats) of 55 seats.\u00a0 \nAs always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-urges-department-of-education-to-provide-information-on-sexual-assault-investigations", "Kaine Urges Department Of Education To Provide Information On Sexual Assault Investigations", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Urges Department Of Education To Provide Information On Sexual Assault Investigations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 15, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Tim Kaine submitted a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressing the current issues associated with sexual violence on college campuses. In the letter, Kaine applauded the Department of Education (ED) for initiating its Title IX investigations into how campuses handle sexual assault but requested that ED disclose more information regarding the progress of these investigations.\r\n\u201cSexual violence is a serious issue facing our nation, and we have concerns about the enforcement of sexual violence policies and the rights of survivors,\u201d Kaine wrote. \u201cWhile the specific details of these investigations are understandably confidential, there is a great deal that colleges and universities can learn from the findings to improve campus culture and campus sexual violence prevention policies. We request that the Department disclose best practices and consistent gaps that the Office of Civil Rights has found in school policy so that institutions can take proactive measures in their efforts to prevent sexual violence on campuses.\u201d\r\nIn the letter, Kaine noted that many of the Title IX investigations have been open for years and while he is pleased thorough investigations are taking place, it is important that they are completed in a timely manner.\r\nSenators Mark Warner, Dianne Feinstein, Al Franken, and Amy Klobuchar co-signed the letter.\r\n\r\nThe full text of Kaine\u2019s letter to Secretary Duncan can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/tim-kaine-bridge-builder", "Tim Kaine, bridge builder?", "2014-12-14", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tim Kaine, bridge builder?\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Fred Hiatt\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Sunday, December 14, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            With Elizabeth Warren following the Ted Cruz model last week, imploring the House faithful to defy their president even at risk of a government shutdown, you had to wonder: Is the Democratic Party heading for a schism that could rival the tea party-establishment battles on the Republican side?\r\nWarren has established herself as a leader of an anti-Wall Street, economic-populist left. Her side of the party is suspicious of international trade, big business and the economists and financiers who defined Clintonomics in the 1990s.\r\nThe party\u2019s more moderate branch, meanwhile, has been battered by electoral losses in red states, rhetorical attacks from the left for being corporate apologists or worse, and, most of all, the stagnation of middle-class incomes. The slowing of economic mobility seems to undermine the Clintonian premise that economic growth, rather than income redistribution, should be government\u2019s primary goal.\r\nIs there a way to bridge the divide as the party gears up for 2016? One Democrat wrestling with that question is Tim Kaine, Virginia\u2019s junior senator.\r\n\u201cTraditionally we\u2019ve had a spectrum of views in our party, but we haven\u2019t had wings,\u201d Kaine said during a visit to The Post last week. \u201cI\u2019m a little concerned that we might be moving toward wings.\u201d\r\n\r\nIf it is true that voters get the leaders they deserve, then Virginians are doing something right, because their Senate delegation of Mark Warner and Kaine is among the nation\u2019s most capable. At first glance the two also seem interchangeable: They are both pragmatic former Democratic governors who tried to work across the aisle in a purple state.\r\nBut whereas Warner has branded himself as defiantly bipartisan, or even nonpartisan, Kaine \u2014 an early Barack Obama supporter whose biography includes a stint as national party chair \u2014 has tried to stake out a clearer ideological position, and then prove that compromises can be achieved from there.\r\nAfter Warner\u2019s near-death experience last month, when Republican Ed Gillespie\u00a0almost unseated him, critics said Warner should have spent more time appealing to the base and less touting his willingness to work with Republicans.\r\n\u201cI would generally reject that,\u201d Kaine told me. \u201cVirginians want you to work across the aisle.\u201d But, he added, the best politics is \u201cto be affirmatively proud of who you are and what you are, and then work together.\u201d\r\nWhat would such an approach look like over the next two years? For Kaine, it has at least four elements. One is backing Hillary Clinton for president. He believes she can hold the party together even though she will take some grief from the left.\r\nA second entails a constructive model of opposition once Republicans take over the Senate next month.\r\n\u201cThirty-one of 46 of us have never been in the minority, and the only model of minority behavior we\u2019ve seen is \u2018we-want-him-to-fail\u2019 obstructionism,\u201d Kaine said. \u201cI think it would be better to draw a few really sharp contrasts than to fight on everything\u201d \u2014 better politically as well as for the Senate and the country.\r\n\r\nThird is to show seriousness about national security and foreign affairs. Kaine is one of three senators on both the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, and his leadership in writing and promoting\u00a0a new Authorization for Use of Military Force\u00a0in Iraq and Syria crosses ideological lines. The effort put him in opposition to Obama, who maintained until recently that he didn\u2019t need congressional authorization; it distinguished him from doves and isolationists, who would rather not get involved; but, with a provision barring the use of ground troops, it also put him to the left of the administration, which says it doesn\u2019t want to use troops but also opposes any such congressional restriction.\r\nMost important, Kaine says, the party must reject the demonization of the wealthy and the successful but come up with \u201ca credible income equality strategy\u00a0.\u2009.\u2009.\u00a0a human capital strategy\u00a0.\u2009.\u2009.\u00a0to make sure people can build a ladder of success.\u201d Career and technical education has been one of Kaine\u2019s signature issues in his first two years in the Senate.\r\nIn keeping with the non-demonization, Kaine was less alarmed than some in his party by the provision in the omnibus spending bill that increases the size of donations political parties can accept. Slipping the provision into a must-pass bill was \u201coutrageous,\u201d Kaine said, but reformers\u2019 focus should be on fighting \u201cdark money\u201d \u2014 the increasing influence of secret donations to independent groups. \u201cThat\u2019s the greatest corrupter of the system, more than whether a person can write a big check or even whether a corporation can write a big check.\u201d\r\nNone of this is academic for Kaine, whose term ends in 2019, meaning that \u2014 like Warner \u2014 he will be up for reelection in a non-presidential, low-turnout year, traditionally not an advantage for Democrats.\r\nUnless, of course, Hillary Clinton survives the primaries and has the sense to offer Kaine a spot on her ticket.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/war-authorization-against-the-islamic-state-should-be-a-priority", "War authorization against the Islamic State should be a priority", "2014-12-14", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "War authorization against the Islamic State should be a priority\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Editorial Board\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Sunday, December 14, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            AMONG THE business that Congress will leave unfinished this month is legal authorization of the war against the Islamic State. Though the war has been underway for five months, President Obama has said he would welcome legislation, and congressional leaders have denounced the president\u2019s unilateral actions in other spheres, neither the White House nor Congress has made a passage of an Authorization for Use of Military Force a priority. That puts the ongoing military operations on shaky legal ground and deprives them of the political mandate they ought to have.\r\nDemocrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee did succeed in forcing a committee vote last week on an authorization that would have sanctioned three years of military operations against the Islamic State while repealing the 2002 authorization of force for Iraq. Both the Obama administration and Republicans objected to limits the legislation placed on the use of ground forces. While trainers and some special forces missions were allowed, the more general use of ground forces was prohibited.\r\nSen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), one of the few in Congress to push hard for an authorizing vote, argues that if U.S. troops were needed to head off an attack on the United States \u2014 the circumstance Mr. Obama has cited that would alter his own opposition to combat forces \u2014 the president could act under his constitutional authority. That dodges the more simple and sensible conclusion that Congress\u2019s role is to authorize wars and their aims, not micromanage how they are waged. As Secretary of State John F. Kerry told the Foreign Relations Committee, it would be a mistake to \u201cpreemptively bind the hands of the commander in chief or our commanders in the field in responding to scenarios and contingencies that are impossible to foresee.\u201d\r\nMr. Kaine and the outgoing Foreign Relations chair, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), at least made a serious effort to forge a bill and get it passed. That\u2019s more than can be said for the White House, which despite saying that it wanted congressional authorization declined to submit its own legislation. It\u2019s the first time a president has asked for war authority without providing Congress with a draft. Mr. Obama contends that the military operations in Iraq and Syria are justified by the 2002 authorization on Iraq and a 2001 authorization aimed at al-Qaeda; but that stretches those statutes beyond what they were intended to address.\r\nThe president\u2019s passivity has been matched by congressional Republicans, who have cited Mr. Obama\u2019s failure to submit legislation as a reason not to move on an authorization. The Foreign Relations Committee\u2019s incoming chair, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), says he wants to see the administration spell out a coherent plan for Syria. While he\u2019s correct in identifying the biggest gap in Mr. Obama\u2019s war strategy, that shouldn\u2019t be a reason to delay a vote on the war.\r\nPutting off an authorization makes both the Obama administration and Congress less accountable for what is likely to be a long and difficult conflict. Rather than continue to dodge their legal and political duty, the White House and congressional leaders should make passage of a war authorization one of the first acts of the next Congress.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=69fb64d8-3198-40b0-b15b-4036a518651f", "Sens. Warner & Kaine Applaud Virginia Priorities Included in Spending Bill", "2014-12-14", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. \u00a0Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded Saturday night's Senate passage of the compromise spending legislation for fiscal year 2015, which\u00a0keeps 90% of the federal government funded through next September. The legislation\u00a0\u00a0includes funding for several top priorities for Virginia, including the refueling and overhaul of the aircraft carrier George Washington, full funding for Washington\u2019s Metro transit system, funds to repair the damages at NASA\u2019s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, and\u00a0funds\u00a0for a cost-of-living increase for federal workers. \u00a0The agreement largely maintains the spending caps that Congress and the White House agreed to last year.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe shouldn't allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. This package avoids the damage and disruption of another government shutdown, and it honors the spending caps that Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate agreed-to last year,\u201d\u00a0Sen. Warner said. \u201cThe Virginia delegation worked together to make sure our priorities received fair consideration, and I am very pleased we\u2019ve been able to maintain support for projects and programs that create jobs, strengthen economic opportunity and improve the quality-of-life in every region of the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\n\"I\u2019m happy we have a bipartisan appropriations bill that provides critical programs with certainty through the remainder of the fiscal year 2015,\u201d\u00a0Sen. Kaine said. \u201cThis bill includes important funding for priorities across Virginia that we have fought for throughout the year, including significant funding for repairs at NASA Wallops, maintaining our 11 aircraft carrier fleet, supporting shipbuilding in Hampton Roads, transportation funding in Northern Virginia, and funding for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cWhile I am disappointed that full-year funding for the Department of Homeland Security is held up and a measure to weaken Wall Street regulations has been included, I'm optimistic this legislation is a step in the right direction toward normal budgetary order.\u201d\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine highlighted the following Virginia priorities which are included in the legislation:\r\nNASA Wallops Flight Facility: provides $20 million for the Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, an important national asset that supports NASA\u2019s \u00a0initiatives to partner with the private sector on commercial spaceflight opportunities. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport\u2019s launch pad at Wallops suffered significant damage in a launch failure on Oct. 28.\r\nNASA Langley Advanced Composites Initiative:\u00a0 Increases funding for NASA\u2019s aeronautics program by $90 million, much of which will go to programs at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, including the Advanced Composites Initiative focused on developing the next generation of aircraft materials that Sen. Warner worked with NASA Langley officials to help establish.\u00a0\r\nWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro):\u00a0provides $150 million in capital improvements to rebuild the aging \u00a0Metro transit system, which provides 725,700 transit rail boardings each day across the National Capital Region.\r\nRefueling of the Navy Carrier George Washington:\u00a0Funds $848 million for the overhaul and refueling of the aircraft carrier George Washington, a decision which supports the U.S. Navy\u2019s commitment to an 11 aircraft carrier fleet, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act which Sen. Kaine worked to include as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \u00a0The bill also provides funding for the Ford-class aircraft carriers currently under construction in Newport News.\r\nMilitary Commissaries: restores $190 million which had been proposed to be cut from the military commissary program. Commissaries are important to families of enlisted personnel, reservists and retirees, and are a benefit equivalent to approximately $3,000 per year for younger military families. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act: Includes $12 million for a pediatric research initiative at the National Institutes of Health. Sens. Kaine and Warner worked to enact the authorizing legislation, named for 10-year-old Gabriella Miller of Loudoun County who passed away from cancer in October of 2013.\r\nCommunity Development Block Grants (CDBG):\u00a0increases the President\u2019s request for the CDBG program from $2.8 billion to $3.0 billion. CDBG provides flexible grants to local governments to support economic development, job creation, and safe, affordable housing.\r\nOil by Rail Safety:\u00a0Directs the Transportation Department\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to improve the existing DOT-111 tank car standards and designs by no later than January 15, 2015. Sens. Warner and Kaine urged USDOT to improve oil tank car standards following the April 30, 2014 derailment in Lynchburg of 17 rail cars carrying crude oil, sparking a fire and spill along the James River. \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nPILT, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes:\u00a0Extends current funding for PILT payments for counties that cannot collect property taxes on land under federal ownership, such as national forests.\r\nAppalachian Regional Commission:\u00a0increases funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission from $68 million to $90 million. The ARC, which promotes infrastructure development, economic development and job creation in the 13-state Appalachian region, was a key partner for Virginia when Sens. Warner and Kaine each served as Governor of Virginia.\r\nChesapeake Bay:\u00a0increases from $70 million to $73 million in funding for the multiagency program dedicated to restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay Program Office is an essential partner in carrying out efforts that range from wildlife protection to pollution monitoring and runoff reduction.\u00a0\r\nCenter for Campus Public Safety: provides $2 million for the National Center for Campus Public Safety, which was based on legislation introduced by Sen. Warner and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) to provide a clearinghouse at the U.S. Department of Justice for information, training techniques and best practices to help make college and university campuses safer.\r\nFederal Workers and Federal Retirees:\u00a0the bill allows a one-percent pay raise for federal workers, to take effect in January, and continues limits on official travel and agency conferences. It also includes language requested by Sen. Warner directing the \u00a0Office of Management and Budget to provide timely reports and briefings on reductions to the federal retiree application backlog, which exceeded 62,000 cases in 2012 and resulted in some retirees waiting one year or more before beginning to receive their earned benefits.\r\nHigh Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA): includes $245 million in funding for stepped-up drug enforcement in regions across the country battling methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription drug abuse. \u00a0\r\nBattlefield Land Preservation:\u00a0Provides $9 million under the American Battlefield Protection Program to preserve Civil War battlefield lands at risk of being lost to development.\u00a0 Sen. Kaine has supported this program since joining the Senate and recently led bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand it.\u00a0 Virginia leads the nation in historic Civil War battlefield acreage preserved under this program.\r\nJob Training:\u00a0includes $2.624 billion, a $36 million increase in funding, for the recently reauthorized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grants to States to provide job training skills and assistance to low-skilled adults, dislocated workers, and low-income youth with barriers to employment.\r\nBlack Lung Clinics Program:\u00a0maintains current funding for black lung clinics to provide primary care, patient and family counseling, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Sen. Kaine and Sen. Warner recently introduced legislation to reform the Black Lung Benefits System.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-applaud-virginia-priorities-included-in-compromise-spending-bill", "Kaine, Warner Applaud Virginia Priorities Included In Compromise Spending Bill", "2014-12-13", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine, Warner Applaud Virginia Priorities Included In Compromise Spending Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLegislation includes top priorities for Virginia delegation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSaturday, December 13, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Sens. \u00a0Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine applauded Saturday night's Senate passage of the compromise spending legislation for fiscal year 2015, which\u00a0keeps 90% of the federal government funded through next September. The legislation\u00a0\u00a0includes funding for several top priorities for Virginia, including the refueling and overhaul of the aircraft carrier George Washington, full funding for Washington\u2019s Metro transit system, funds to repair the damages at NASA\u2019s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, and\u00a0funds\u00a0for a cost-of-living increase for federal workers. \u00a0The agreement largely maintains the spending caps that Congress and the White House agreed to last year.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe shouldn't allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. This package avoids the damage and disruption of another government shutdown, and it honors the spending caps that Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate agreed-to last year,\u201d\u00a0Sen. Warner said. \u201cThe Virginia delegation worked together to make sure our priorities received fair consideration, and I am very pleased we\u2019ve been able to maintain support for projects and programs that create jobs, strengthen economic opportunity and improve the quality-of-life in every region of the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\n\"I\u2019m happy we have a bipartisan appropriations bill that provides critical programs with certainty through the remainder of the fiscal year 2015,\u201d\u00a0Sen. Kaine said. \u201cThis bill includes important funding for priorities across Virginia that we have fought for throughout the year, including significant funding for repairs at NASA Wallops, maintaining our 11 aircraft carrier fleet, supporting shipbuilding in Hampton Roads, transportation funding in Northern Virginia, and funding for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cWhile I am disappointed that full-year funding for the Department of Homeland Security is held up and a measure to weaken Wall Street regulations has been included, I'm optimistic this legislation is a step in the right direction toward normal budgetary order.\u201d\r\nSens. Warner and Kaine highlighted the following Virginia priorities which are included in the legislation:\u00a0\r\nNASA Wallops Flight Facility: provides $20 million for the Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, an important national asset that supports NASA\u2019s \u00a0initiatives to partner with the private sector on commercial spaceflight opportunities. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport\u2019s launch pad at Wallops suffered significant damage in a launch failure on Oct. 28.\u00a0\r\nNASA Langley Advanced Composites Initiative:\u00a0 Increases funding for NASA\u2019s aeronautics program by $90 million, much of which will go to programs at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, including the Advanced Composites Initiative focused on developing the next generation of aircraft materials that Sen. Warner worked with NASA Langley officials to help establish.\u00a0\r\nWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro):\u00a0provides $150 million in capital improvements to rebuild the aging \u00a0Metro transit system, which provides 725,700 transit rail boardings each day across the National Capital Region.\u00a0\r\nRefueling of the Navy Carrier George Washington:\u00a0Funds $848 million for the overhaul and refueling of the aircraft carrier George Washington, a decision which supports the U.S. Navy\u2019s commitment to an 11 aircraft carrier fleet, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act which Sen. Kaine worked to include as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \u00a0The bill also provides funding for the Ford-class aircraft carriers currently under construction in Newport News.\r\nMilitary Commissaries: restores $190 million which had been proposed to be cut from the military commissary program. Commissaries are important to families of enlisted personnel, reservists and retirees, and are a benefit equivalent to approximately $3,000 per year for younger military families. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nGabriella Miller Kids First Research Act: Includes $12 million for a pediatric research initiative at the National Institutes of Health. Sens. Kaine and Warner worked to enact the authorizing legislation, named for 10-year-old Gabriella Miller of Loudoun County who passed away from cancer in October of 2013.\r\nCommunity Development Block Grants (CDBG):\u00a0increases the President\u2019s request for the CDBG program from $2.8 billion to $3.0 billion. CDBG provides flexible grants to local governments to support economic development, job creation, and safe, affordable housing.\r\nOil by Rail Safety:\u00a0Directs the Transportation Department\u2019s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to improve the existing DOT-111 tank car standards and designs by no later than January 15, 2015. Sens. Warner and Kaine urged USDOT to improve oil tank car standards following the April 30, 2014 derailment in Lynchburg of 17 rail cars carrying crude oil, sparking a fire and spill along the James River. \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nPILT, or Payment in Lieu of Taxes:\u00a0Extends current funding for PILT payments for counties that cannot collect property taxes on land under federal ownership, such as national forests.\r\nAppalachian Regional Commission:\u00a0increases funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission from $68 million to $90 million. The ARC, which promotes infrastructure development, economic development and job creation in the 13-state Appalachian region, was a key partner for Virginia when Sens. Warner and Kaine each served as Governor of Virginia.\r\nChesapeake Bay:\u00a0increases from $70 million to $73 million in funding for the multiagency program dedicated to restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay Program Office is an essential partner in carrying out efforts that range from wildlife protection to pollution monitoring and runoff reduction.\u00a0\r\nCenter for Campus Public Safety: provides $2 million for the National Center for Campus Public Safety, which was based on legislation introduced by Sen. Warner and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) to provide a clearinghouse at the U.S. Department of Justice for information, training techniques and best practices to help make college and university campuses safer.\u00a0\r\nFederal Workers and Federal Retirees:\u00a0the bill allows a one-percent pay raise for federal workers, to take effect in January, and continues limits on official travel and agency conferences. It also includes language requested by Sen. Warner directing the \u00a0Office of Management and Budget to provide timely reports and briefings on reductions to the federal retiree application backlog, which exceeded 62,000 cases in 2012 and resulted in some retirees waiting one year or more before beginning to receive their earned benefits.\r\nHigh Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA): includes $245 million in funding for stepped-up drug enforcement in regions across the country battling methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription drug abuse.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nBattlefield Land Preservation:\u00a0Provides $9 million under the American Battlefield Protection Program to preserve Civil War battlefield lands at risk of being lost to development.\u00a0 Sen. Kaine has supported this program since joining the Senate and recently led bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and expand it.\u00a0 Virginia leads the nation in historic Civil War battlefield acreage preserved under this program.\r\nJob Training:\u00a0includes $2.624 billion, a $36 million increase in funding, for the recently reauthorized Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grants to States to provide job training skills and assistance to low-skilled adults, dislocated workers, and low-income youth with barriers to employment.\r\nBlack Lung Clinics Program:\u00a0maintains current funding for black lung clinics to provide primary care, patient and family counseling, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Sen. Kaine and Sen. Warner recently introduced legislation to reform the Black Lung Benefits System.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-adds-senate-aging-committee-to-list-of-committee-assignments-for-114th-congress", "Kaine Adds Senate Aging Committee To List Of Committee Assignments For 114th Congress", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Adds Senate Aging Committee To List Of Committee Assignments For 114th Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine was selected to serve on the Senate Special Committee on Aging for the 114th Congress. The Senate Committee memberships for the 114th Congress are subject to ratification by the Democratic caucus and the Senate when the 114th Congress convenes in January.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to have been asked to serve on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, where I\u2019ll focus on a wide range of issues impacting older Americans, from Medicare and Social Security to protecting seniors from fraud and abuse,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues from both parties to address the challenges facing seniors in Virginia and across the country.\u201d\r\nKaine will also continue to serve on the Senate Armed Services, Foreign Relations and Budget Committees in the 114th Congress.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/virginias-damaged-launch-pad-could-get-20-million-from-federal-budget", "Virginia's damaged launch pad could get $20 million from federal budget", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Virginia's damaged launch pad could get $20 million from federal budget\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Tamara Dietrich\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Friday, December 12, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The launch pad at Virginia's spaceport on Wallops Island that was damaged by a rocket explosion in October could get $20 million to fully fund needed repairs under a provision included in the proposed $1.1 trillion federal spending bill for fiscal year 2015.\r\nDemocratic senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced Thursday they'd sought the spending provision in an effort to help the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, known as MARS, \"rebound\" from that catastrophic launch failure. MARS is located at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore.\r\n\r\nVirginia's Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne has estimated the damage to the facility at up to $20 million. But the spaceport is state-owned, and state officials have said they didn't know where that money would come from.\r\n\"The Wallops Flight Facility is a key asset to Virginia that will continue to play a major role in the future of NASA and space exploration,\" Warner and Kaine said in a joint statement on their funding efforts.\r\n\r\nIt was unclear at press time Thursday, however, if that spending bill would survive intact as Democrats objected to banking and campaign-finance provisions and Republicans faltered in getting the necessary votes to pass it.\r\nThe state built MARS to accommodate Dulles-based Orbital Sciences Corp.'s medium-lift Antares rocket after Orbital won a $1.9 billion commercial contract with NASA to resupply the International Space Station. State leaders hope to turn MARS into a major hub for the commercial space flight industry.\r\nBut on Orbital's third resupply mission on Oct. 28, the Antares' first-stage engine malfunctioned seconds after launch. The resulting explosion damaged the launch pad and its support facility. The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority that oversees MARS has said it could take a year to complete the repairs. An official with the space authority couldn't be reached Thursday for comment on the spending provision.\r\nOrbital said it expects to resume flights from Virginia using an upgraded Antares in 2016. Until then, it has secured an Atlas V rocket to make its next resupply mission from Cape Canaveral, Fla., toward the end of 2015.\r\nKaine and Warner said Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, head of the Appropriations Committee, has been key to their efforts so far. Mikulski has long been a supporter of NASA and the MARS facility.\r\nIf passed, the bipartisan federal spending plan would fund the government through next September.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398376", "Griffith Statement on Government Spending Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today after voting against the nine-month government spending bill:\r\n\u201cAs with all compromises, this bill includes a number of both good and bad items, which I often refer to as \u2018candy apples\u2019 and \u2018toads,\u2019 respectively.\u00a0 I understand that action must be taken, and I appreciate the hard work that has gone into this bill.\u00a0 However, I feel there are myriad reasons to oppose this particular compromise.\u201d\r\n\u201cI strongly believe that in November, the American people voted for change.\u00a0 Among the more than 400 House-passed bills currently sitting stalled in the Senate are a number of appropriations bills, which authorize funding for certain government activities such as national defense, homeland security, education, and others.\u00a0 In the normal course of business, there are supposed to be 12 appropriations bills, and these bills require regular (usually annual) authorization.\u00a0 The House of Representatives passed and sent 7 of these bills to the Senate this year, but Senate Democrats wouldn\u2019t pass any of them, stiff-arming us and impeding regular order.\u00a0 Leadership in the House of Representatives decided not to have us vote on the remaining 5 because the Senate would not act.\u201d\r\n\u201cCompromise is part of the legislating process, and unfortunately Senate Democrats after the election are coming to the table with unclean hands because of their prior unwillingness to work with us.\u00a0 Therefore, following the November election, I repeatedly stated my belief that we ought to pass a short-term spending bill.\u00a0 Doing so would honor the will of the voters that we work out longer-term spending priorities with the newly elected Senate.\u201d\r\n\u201cFurther, the process in bringing this bill forward in the House was flawed.\u00a0 This more than 1,600 page bill was released at approximately 8:15pm on Tuesday with a vote expected Thursday afternoon.\u00a0 For me, this is too short of a time frame in which to read, investigate, and maturely consider this lengthy spending legislation.\u00a0 I do not feel I was able to complete the work I normally do before making a decision on a significant piece of legislation.\u00a0 I wish leadership had given us more time to fully understand a bill of this complexity and enormity.\u201d\r\n\u201cIf I do not feel I can adequately explain most aspects of a bill, it is my general policy to vote no.\u00a0 To reiterate, there are some good \u2018candy apples\u2019 in this bill.\u00a0 But while I know some of the legislation\u2019s \u2018candy apples\u2019 and some of its \u2018toads,\u2019 there is much that I am unable to comfortably explain at this time.\u201d \r\n\u201cFor the reasons enumerated above, I opposed this bill.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=707", "Connolly Statement on Cromnibus Funding Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly  issued the following statement on the Cromnibus spending package. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) issued the following statement on the Cromnibus funding package.\u201cThe bill before the House today is not a perfect bill, and certainly not the bill I would have written. For me, and many of my colleagues, this represents another \u201chold-your-nose vote.\u201d But it does represent some modicum of compromise that I hope carries Congress into a more productive New Year. \u201cThis package ensures that funding levels in the next fiscal year are more robust than we could hope for, and expect, from a GOP majority in both the House and Senate next Congress. \u201cIt also protects critical investments in our shared Northern Virginia priorities, specifically, maintaining the federal government\u2019s $150 million commitment to Metro in partnership with Virginia, Maryland, and DC, expanding investments in research and development and medical research funding, and offering some budget certainty for our Northern Virginia contracting community that provides critical services to the federal government. \u201cAnd, after years of enduring pay freezes, furloughs, and contributing more than $114 billion in deficit reduction \u2013 sacrifices no other group was asked to do -- federal employees will finally receive a pay raise. I will continue to push Congress to pass my FAIR Act legislation that would provide federal employees the true compensation they deserve, and I hope this is a signal of the end to the House majority\u2019s unrelenting political demagoguery of our federal workforce.\u201cWhile both sides of the aisle were forced to make sacrifices for this compromise, it troubles me that the House majority was once again unwilling to set aside its own ideological agenda. \u201cHouse Republicans continued their assault on the environment, cutting funding to EPA by more than $2.2 billion from 2010 levels, almost a 21% reduction, and scaling back Clean Water Act protections. They\u2019ve slashed more than $345.6 million from the IRS, leaving billions of uncollected tax revenue -- and lost deficit reduction -- on the table. They\u2019ve furthered their efforts to hand over our elections to the highest bidder by weakening campaign finance legislation. They once again refuse to give the District of Columbia basic autonomy over its own finances and governance. And they\u2019ve set up inevitable gridlock on important border security and immigration challenges by refusing to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. These don\u2019t represent our Northern Virginia values. \u201cOn foreign affairs, this bill is an equally mixed bag. It contains essential funding for the fight against ISIL and our efforts to stem the spread of Ebola. It also enforces a policy of non-recognition with regard to Russian sovereignty over Crimea that I have long-championed and believe to be the foundation of U.S. policy towards the Russia-invoked crisis in Ukraine. However, this bill allows military assistance to continue to flow to the el-Sisi government without making progress on human rights or strengthening Egyptian democratic institutions. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThis is a \u201chold-your-nose vote\" for many of us. There is much to celebrate in this bill, and there is much to reject. Absent a perfect world, however, I had to weigh two basic questions: Can we afford to risk another government shutdown, and will the budget numbers and policy riders improve in the next, all Republican controlled Congress? My answer to both questions is a decisive No. Accordingly, I voted for the omnibus compromise for fiscal 2015.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=708", "Connolly to Hold 22nd Telephone  Town Hall Meeting", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the 113th Congress draws to a close, Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on Tuesday, December 16, beginning at 8 p.m.  Residents of Virginia's 11th Congressional District are invited to participate. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      As the 113th Congress draws to a close, Congressman Gerry Connolly will hold his 22nd Telephone Town Hall Meeting for constituents of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia on Tuesday, December 16, beginning at 8 p.m.\u00a0 Residents of Virginia\u2019s 11th Congressional District are invited to participate.Thousands of residents of Fairfax County, Prince William County and Fairfax City will automatically receive calls inviting them to stay on the line as the one-hour meeting is about to begin.\u00a0 Those wanting to participate and guarantee that they are called on Tuesday evening may sign up on Congressman Connolly\u2019s website at http://connolly.house.gov/telephone-town-hall/ before 2 pm on Monday.As in his past telephone town halls, Connolly will open the session with a short report on the recent actions in Congress, his legislative activities in the House, and other matters affecting Northern Virginia and the nation.\u00a0 The remainder of the hour-long session is dedicated to Connolly responding to questions asked by 11th CD residents on the call.\u00a0Connolly\u2019s 21 previous tele-town hall meetings have been very popular with constituents, who note that they don\u2019t have to drive to the event, they can participate from the comfort of their homes, and they can bow out quietly when they are ready to leave the discussion.\u00a0 Generally, telephone town halls draw a much higher rate of participation than the turnout at physical town halls and other constituent meetings.Many participants are able to ask questions directly to Congressman Connolly.\u00a0 At the end of the hour-long meeting, those who were unable to ask a question and every other participant on the call are invited to leave a voice mail message with their question.\u00a0 Connolly and his staff respond to every question.Tuesday evening\u2019s telephone town hall meeting is open only to residents of Virginia\u2019s 11th Congressional District who live in Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the City of Fairfax.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=558", "Wittman to Again Chair Readiness Subcommittee in 114th Congress", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after House Armed Services Committee Chairman-elect Mac Thornberry (TX-13) renamed him Chairman of the Subcommittee on Readiness for the upcoming 114th Congress:\r\nIt has been an honor serving as Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee during the 113th Congress, and I look forward to building on our previous and ongoing efforts in the 114th. I am truly humbled that Chairman-elect Thornberry has selected me to continue in this exciting role that brings with it tremendous responsibilities. The challenges facing our military's readiness continue to grow under sequestration, just as threats multiply around the world, and I remain committed to restoring that readiness and making our services' capabilities whole.\r\nThe men and women of our armed forces are the best in the world. I am eager to work with Chairman-elect Thornberry and my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that our servicemen and women have the full support of their government behind them as they selflessly serve.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=559", "Wittman: Return to Regular Order", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today after opposing the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015:\r\nIn August I demanded that Congress remain in Washington until its work was done. Unfortunately, Congress still adjourned, and we now find ourselves at a familiar juncture: passing a bill to fund the government at the eleventh hour. While I am pleased that the critical functions of government are not shutting down, and that programs serving our military and veterans are still being properly resourced, I am frustrated at the process by which we have reached this point.\r\nI opposed this bill tonight because Congress has had months to properly fund our government with better legislation that doesn't include so many provisions that are disagreeable to folks on both sides of the aisle, such as the section that would add to the gross imbalance in government by allowing more outside money to flow into politics. We should be fixing campaign finance laws, not making things worse. I also believe that this bill did not go far enough to reign in the President's unilateral action on immigration.\r\nAs the 114th Congress takes office in January, I am adamant that Congress return to regular order in which we pass timely budget resolutions and consistent appropriations bills. The uncertainty caused by Washington's political games has a significant impact on our small businesses and communities and also threatens the readiness of our military.\r\nI am hopeful that the new year will find Congress and the White House prepared to pursue long-term, responsible solutions that can end the uncertainty in Washington and help to strengthen and preserve this great nation.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/authorization-for-use-of-military-force-against-isil-including-kaine-provisions-clears-foreign-relations-committee_", "Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL Including Kaine Provisions Clears Foreign Relations Committee", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL Including Kaine Provisions Clears Foreign Relations Committee  \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against ISIL, including key limitations on ground troops and duration advocated by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by a vote of 10-8 \u2013 a significant development following Kaine\u2019s five-month long push for a meaningful, transparent debate and vote to properly authorize U.S. military action against ISIL. The approved authorization language can now advance to consideration by the full Senate where Kaine will continue to press for a debate and vote before adjourning for the year.\r\n\u201cThis is so necessary that we\u2019re doing this today,\u201d Kaine said during the committee meeting. \u201cI speak for myself and I certainly speak for Virginians. We\u2019re so connected to the military in my state. It\u2019s necessary for us to do our job after more than four months of basically a unilateral war.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe need to do this to do our duty constitutionally and we need to do it to support our troops,\u201d Kaine continued. \u201cWe send them [U.S. troops] a message if we stand up and say this mission is worth it, but if we don\u2019t stand up and say this mission is in the national interest, we send them a message too. And I think the message they get by Congressional inaction on this is a powerful one - and a debilitating one. We need to stand against ISIL as a committee and as a Senate.\u201d\r\nIn closing, Kaine noted that while he will continue to do everything he can to see this authorization debated and voted on by the full Senate before adjourning, \u201ceven if we can just do it as a committee and start that process, I think that process is salutatory in the message it sends to our troops.\u201d\r\nThe authorization reported by the committee today supports the mission laid out by President Obama with key provisions Kaine has advocated, including the following:\r\n1) A strict limitation on U.S. ground combat troops, except as necessary for the protection or rescue of U.S. soldiers or citizens; intelligence operations, spotters to enable airstrikes, operational planning; or other forms of advice and assistance\r\n2) A sunset after three years unless reauthorized\r\n3) A repeal of the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-20-million-in-federal-funding-for-wallops-flight-facility", "Warner, Kaine Announce $20 Million In Federal Funding For Wallops Flight Facility", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine Announce $20 Million In Federal Funding For Wallops Flight Facility\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tIncludes significant additional funding for repairs to flight facility\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the compromise spending legislation for fiscal year 2015 scheduled to be considered by both the House and Senate this week \u00a0includes $20 million in funding for Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, a result of their efforts to secure additional funding to support repairs following a launch failure on October 28 that caused significant damage to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport\u2019s launch pad.\r\n\u201cWe are proud of our work with partners in the House and across the aisle to secure $20 million in federal funding that will help Wallops Island rebound from the launch failure this fall,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cThe Wallops Flight Facility is a key asset to Virginia that will continue to play a major role in the future of NASA and space exploration. We especially want to thank Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, the Appropriations chair, who has been a key supporter and advocate of NASA and the Wallops facility.\u201d\r\nWarner and Kaine will release a detailed list of Virginia priorities in the compromise spending bill following final passage, which is expected by the end of the week.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-hail-wins-for-virginia-in-defense-bill", "Warner, Kaine Hail Wins For Virginia In Defense Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine Hail Wins For Virginia In Defense Bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015 has cleared a key Senate hurdle and will now advance to a vote on final passage. The bipartisan legislation, which is expected to pass and be signed into law by the President soon, is substantially based on the two bills passed last spring by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, respectively.\r\n\u201cThis legislation demonstrates that despite often strong policy disagreements on both sides of the aisle, Congress can work together when our national security interests are at stake,\u201d said Warner. \u201cThe compromise maintains our national security priorities while also strengthening Virginia\u2019s historic commitments to our military men and women and their families.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that Congress has come together to strongly support programs and provisions that are critical to our defense communities,\u201d said Kaine, a member of the Armed Services Committee who advocated on behalf of Virginia in the Senate version of the bill. \u201cFrom giving our troops a pay raise, to maintaining our 11 aircraft carrier fleet and improving the credentialing process to ease servicemembers\u2019 transition into the civilian workforce, the positive impacts of this bipartisan legislation will be felt across the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\nThe following list highlights many of the provisions included in the defense bill that impact Virginia:\r\nRefueling and Overhaul of the USS George Washington (CVN 73):\u00a0 Provides the legislative authorities and program language to support the $848 million added by the appropriations bill to keep the\u00a0 refueling and complex overhaul of CVN 73 on track and preserve the Navy\u2019s 11 operational aircraft carrier fleet.\r\nSupports Shipbuilding Priorities: Authorizes funding for three Littoral Combat Ships, two Virginia Class submarines, the Ford Class aircraft carrier program, and allows two cruisers to enter modernization next year.\u00a0 This follows the landmark contract signed by the Navy this year for 10 new Virginia class submarines-the largest contract in the history of the Navy.\r\nRaises Servicemembers\u2019 Pay: Authorizes a one percent pay raise for most servicemembers.\r\nProtects Commissary Subsidies & Rejects Proposal to Consolidate TRICARE:\u00a0The compromise bill provides authority to ensure military commissaries will continue to provide this important benefit to servicemembers, and is matched by a $190 million restoration by the appropriations committee.\u00a0 The bill defers any other changes to the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, which is preparing to issue a comprehensive set of cost-saving recommendations in February 2015.\u00a0 This follows the guidance of the bipartisan Warner-Chambliss bill introduced early this year that blocked any commissary cuts until the review of military compensation commission was complete.\r\nImproves Policies on Sexual Assault in the Military: Requires the Secretary of Defense to consider the preference of sexual assault survivors regarding whether offenses should be prosecuted by court-martial or in a civilian court. Allows survivors of sexual assault, who believe that their rights were violated during the court martial process, the ability to petition the Court of Criminal Appeals to require the court martial to comply with the Military Rules of Evidence. Provides an appeal process for individuals who were survivors of a sex-related offense and were discharged from the military for what they believe is a side-effect of their assault, such as psychological struggles. Requires the establishment of a Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces.\u00a0\r\nExpands Battlefield Preservation: Includes a bill sponsored by Kaine to reauthorize a National Park Service program that partners with landowners to preserve Civil War battlefields at risk of being lost to haphazard development.\u00a0 It will make Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefield sites eligible as well.\u00a0\r\nImproved Credentialing Process for Servicemembers:\u00a0The authorization includes provisions of an amendment Kaine introduced with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) that requires the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to create a program for active duty servicemembers to obtain professional credentials while serving.\r\nAddresses Overmedication of Prescription Drugs in Treatment Plans:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes a pilot program to evaluate medication therapy management for servicemembers.\r\nNo BRAC Round:\u00a0 The bill rejects DoD proposals for a new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.\r\nAuthorizes Expansion of Arlington National Cemetery:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes the land exchange between Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, supporting both Army efforts for expanded cemetery grounds and Arlington County efforts for a variety of public uses.\u00a0\r\nSuicide Prevention: Authorizes $53.3 million toward behavioral and psychological health programs for military personnel.\r\nSupports Expansion of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program:\u00a0The bill includes provisions co-sponsored by Senators Kaine and Shaheen extending the Afghan SIV program, which was set to expire at the end of the fiscal year. The program provides visas to Afghans who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. forces mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result. The provisions extend the program and provide authorization for additional visas to be issued, increasing the total to approximately 4,000 per year.\r\nEstablishes a Commission on the Future of the Army:\u00a0The bill establishes a National Commission on the Future of the Army while limiting the transfer of aviation assets from the National Guard to the Army.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nIncludes Provisions for the Fight against ISIL:\u00a0 Authorizes programs to train and equip Iraqi and Kurdish security forces, and extends the authorization of a program to train vetted moderate Syrian opposition.\r\nSupport to Afghan forces:\u00a0 Authorizes full request of $4.1 billion for Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, critical to supporting the train and advise mission.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-statement-on-reporting-of-elizabeth-dillon-nomination-out-of-judiciary-committee", "Warner, Kaine Statement On Reporting Of Elizabeth Dillon Nomination Out Of Judiciary Committee", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine Statement On Reporting Of Elizabeth Dillon Nomination Out Of Judiciary Committee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following joint statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee reported the nomination of Elizabeth Dillon to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia:\r\n\u201cWith the Judiciary Committee reporting Elizabeth Dillon to the full body today, the Senate now has the opportunity to provide Virginia with another well-qualified judge. Ms. Dillon has spent her entire career practicing before Virginia\u2019s state and federal courts in both public service and private practice. Throughout this career, she has exhibited the qualities we look for in good judges\u2014 exemplary character, dedication to public service, and strong command of the law. We are confident that all of these qualities will serve her well on the bench.\r\n\u201cMs. Dillon\u2019s confirmation will be especially noteworthy since she will be the first woman to serve on the Western District bench. We look forward to her confirmation.\u201d\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/sen-tim-kaines-war-powers-push-wins-foreign-relations-committee-nod", "Sen. Tim Kaine's war powers push wins Foreign Relations Committee nod", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Tim Kaine's war powers push wins Foreign Relations Committee nod\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Dave Ress\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 11, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a strong message about the Constitution and the fight against the Islamic State Thursday, joining Sen. Tim Kaine's five-month-long campaign to seek congressional authorization for putting troops in harm's way.\r\nThe committee voted 10-8 to authorize the use of military force against the Islamic State forces that have seized large portions of Iraq and Syria, terrorizing opponents and killing those who don't share their religious beliefs.\r\n\r\n\"I just feel it is immoral to put our people's lives at risk \u2013 there've already been three deaths, two Marines and an Air Force captain \u2013 it's wrong to put them at risk if we're not going to say yes, this is a mission we believe we need to do,\" Kaine said after the committee vote.\r\nKaine has argued for months that the Constitution is clear that Congress must approve military action against the Islamic State, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL. But from his first days in the Senate, he has argued that laws governing presidential war powers need to be tighter and clearer.\r\n\"I speak for myself and I certainly speak for Virginians,\" Kaine told his fellow committee members during Thursday's debate. \"It's necessary for us to do our job after more than four months of basically a unilateral war.\"\r\nVoting for the authorization tells American troops the nation is with them \u2013 and it tells Islamic State the same thing, Kaine said.\r\nKaine believes the committee's vote last year to authorize the use of force in Syria, even though the full Senate never took up the measure, led Syria to agree to surrender its chemical weapons.\r\nThe committee's Islamic State authorization includes two key provisions Kaine has sought. One says the United States will not send ground troops except to protect or rescue U.S. personnel, gather intelligence, plan operations or direct air strikes. The other sets a three-year time limit on the authorization unless Congress extends it.\r\nKaine said there are still divisions between those who agree with him that authorizing the use of ground troops now is a bad idea and those who would like to keep the option open.\r\n\"There's a good, healthy debate on this,\" he said.\r\nAnd while the committee vote split on party lines, Kaine said the tone of the debate and the issues raised mean the change of control of the Senate next month won't derail the effort to win formal congressional authorization.\r\n\"The committee speaks with a powerful voice,\" he said.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/senate-committee-approves-military-action-against-islamic-state", "Senate committee approves military action against Islamic State", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate committee approves military action against Islamic State\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Karen DeYoung\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 11, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted Thursday to \u00adauthorize U.S. military action against the Islamic State \u201cand associated forces\u201d for three years, while prohibiting the introduction of ground combat troops.\r\nThe 10-to-8 vote was along party lines, with Republicans on the committee voting against the measure, mostly because they believed it limited the president\u2019s actions too much and at least one, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), because it did not limit them enough.\r\nThe authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) is unlikely to make it to the Senate floor before the current Congress adjourns. But the debate surrounding it provided a preview of where parties are likely to stand when the Senate reconvenes under Republican leadership next month.\r\nCommittee Chairman Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), the principal sponsor, said that rather than tying the hands of the president in using force, \u201cwe create checks and balances on the commander in chief as is envisioned by the founders.\u201d Others had proposed limiting the authorization to one year.\r\nIn testimony Tuesday, Secretary of State John F. Kerry asked the committee not to prohibit the use of ground forces, saying President Obama had already said it was not his intention to deploy them as part of the air campaign against the Islamic State that began last summer.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe president has been crystal clear that his policy is that U.S. military forces will not be deployed to conduct ground combat operations against ISIL,\u201d Kerry said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean that we should preemptively bind the hands of the commander in chief or our commanders in the field in responding to scenarios and contingencies that are impossible to foresee.\u201d ISIL is one of several acronyms that refer to the Islamic State.\r\nMost Republicans spoke strongly against the limits on time and the use of ground troops.\r\n\u201cWe are committed to defeating ISIL\u00a0.\u2009.\u2009.\u00a0but only if we can do it with airstrikes alone .\u2009.\u2009. or only in three years\u00a0.\u2009.\u2009.\u00a0or one year .\u2009.\u2009. and only where they\u2019re currently located?\u201d asked Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\r\nPaul had proposed an amendment that would have geographically limited the authorization to Syria and Iraq. In Iraq, Obama has authorized up to 3,000 U.S. troops to conduct training and other missions, while saying they will not be directly involved in combat.\r\nPaul also argued that the term \u201cassociated forces\u201d was ill defined and would open the door to U.S. military action in at least 30 countries where similar militant campaigns are underway or there are adherents to the Islamic State.\r\n\u201cI fear that limitations won\u2019t be enough,\u201d he said, and that both Democratic and Republican administrations \u201cwill abuse\u201d such power.\r\nSen. Timothy M. Kaine (D-Va.), who has long pushed for a new authorization, said the exercise was worth it despite the unlikelihood of a floor vote. \u201cIf we had waited until January .\u2009.\u2009. by the first week we\u2019re back we\u2019re already into the sixth month of a unilateral war that many of us feel lacks a legal authority,\u201d he said. \u201cWe forced the issue,\u201d he said, and the committee bill \u201cwill become the default position from which we will continue to work\u201d when the new Congress convenes.\r\nWhile the administration has supported new legislation, it believes it already has sufficient congressional authority for air attacks in Iraq and Syria, under the 2001 AUMF that both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations have interpreted to include al-Qaeda and \u201cassociated forces.\u201d The term is not included in the 2001 legislation and has never been fully defined by either president.\r\nThe new legislation, which would supersede the 2001 AUMF, defines \u201cassociated forces\u201d as \u201cindividuals and organizations fighting for or on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or a closely related successor entity.\u201d\r\nIt also would repeal a separate AUMF, passed by Congress in 2002, that authorized the U.S. invasion of Iraq. That authorization has been cited by the administration as justification for current operations against the Islamic State in Iraq.\r\nSen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the current ranking minority member and likely committee chairman in the next Congress, who voted against the measure, said that he wanted to hear more from the administration on its concerns about limiting language and would prefer that the White House submit its own language.\r\n\u201cI think we ought to go ahead and vote, and move on, and know that this is something that will continue,\u201d Corker said.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/senate-committee-vote-on-war-powers-marks-a-victory-for-kaine", "Senate committee vote on war powers marks a victory for Kaine", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate committee vote on war powers marks a victory for Kaine\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Markus Schmidt\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 11, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            The authorization by a Senate panel Thursday for use of military force against the Islamic State marks a victory for Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, D-Va., who has pushed for a vote on war powers since President Barack Obama launched airstrikes against the militant group in August.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s necessary for us to do our jobs after four-plus months of basically unilateral war,\u201d Kaine told the members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations before the vote.\r\n\r\nThere are \u201cdifferences of opinions certainly between the executive and us, some within this body, that many of us passionately believe there is no legal basis for the military action that is currently underway that\u2019s led to loss of U.S. lives, that\u2019s led to $1 billion in expenditure and 1,100 airstrikes, and now nearly 3,000 advisers on the ground or on their way to be on the ground in Iraq,\u201d Kaine said.\r\nThe resolution, which cleared the committee by a 10-8 vote along party lines after a vivid discussion on war powers, includes key limitations on ground troops and duration advocated by Kaine in his own measure that he introduced in September.\r\n\u201cThis discussion was a very civil and educational one (and ) the action of the committee was important because it basically becomes the template for the authorization that I now feel confident will happen,\u201d Kaine said in an interview later Thursday. \u201cIn some ways, it\u2019s the first real step, but there are many more steps.\u201d\r\nBut Kaine said chances are rather slim for the approved legislation to go to the Senate floor for a vote by the full body before adjournment, which could come next week or earlier.\r\n\u201cWe may be here for a few more days, so I have not completely given up on the ability to do something about it on the floor,\u201d Kaine said. \u201cAt minimum, this sets the baseline for the discussion that we are going to have once we come back in January.\u201d\r\nThe Senate resolution supports several of the key pillars laid out by the Obama administration, including a strict limitation on U.S. ground combat troops, except as necessary for the protection or rescue of U.S. soldiers or citizens; intelligence operations; operational planning; and other forms of advice and assistance.\r\nIt would also repeal the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force under which the White House is operating and create a process for updates and revisions to the 2001 authorization.\r\n\u201cThis is about fighting ISIL, but it is also about clearing up some of the legal confusion surrounding the meaning of those earlier authorizations,\u201d said Kaine, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.\r\nThe authorization would be limited to three years \u2014 Kaine had pushed for a one-year sunset \u2014 forcing Congress to renew it after it expires.\r\nSince the beginning of Obama\u2019s air campaign, Kaine had stressed the importance of congressional approval for the continuing use of military force against the Islamic State, for reasons of constitutional requirements and to signal support for the troops sent to fight the militants.\r\nSpeaking before the committee on Thursday, he reiterated those points, urging the panel to take action before the Senate adjourns.\r\n\u201cI think if the troops who are there, who are missing the holidays with family as we are adjourning, we send them a message if we stand up and say this mission is worth it. But if we don\u2019t stand up and say this mission is in the national interest, we send them a message, too,\u201d Kaine said, adding that the message sent by congressional inaction would be a \u201cdebilitating one.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe need to stand against ISIL as a committee and as a Senate,\u201d he said.\r\nSince taking office almost two years ago, Kaine has made war powers a cornerstone of his first term in the Senate.\r\nLast year, he openly criticized Obama for his airstrikes against Libya without congressional approval.\r\nIn January, he teamed with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to introduce the War Powers Consultation Act in an attempt to overhaul the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which permits the president the use of military force only by congressional authorization or in a national emergency.\r\nThe Kaine-McCain proposal is designed to strengthen the consultative process between Congress and the president on whether and when to engage in military action. It would also redefine war for the 21st century, especially in light of new means of warfare such as drone and cyber attacks and conflict with non-state actors such as the Islamic State.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=024d3fa3-271a-45ac-9575-c2c6867c32f3", "Warner, Kaine Hail Wins for Virginia in Defense Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015 has cleared a key Senate hurdle and will now advance to a vote on final passage. The bipartisan legislation, which is expected to pass and be signed into law by the President soon, is substantially based on the two bills passed last spring by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, respectively.\r\n\u201cThis legislation demonstrates that despite often strong policy disagreements on both sides of the aisle, Congress can work together when our national security interests are at stake,\u201d said Warner. \u201cThe compromise maintains our national security priorities while also strengthening Virginia\u2019s historic commitments to our military men and women and their families.\u201d\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that Congress has come together to strongly support programs and provisions that are critical to our defense communities,\u201d said Kaine, a member of the Armed Services Committee who advocated on behalf of Virginia in the Senate version of the bill. \u201cFrom giving our troops a pay raise, to maintaining our 11 aircraft carrier fleet and improving the credentialing process to ease servicemembers\u2019 transition into the civilian workforce, the positive impacts of this bipartisan legislation will be felt across the Commonwealth.\u201d\r\nThe following list highlights many of the provisions included in the defense bill that impact Virginia:\r\nRefueling and Overhaul of the USS George Washington (CVN 73):\u00a0 Provides the legislative authorities and program language to support the $848 million added by the appropriations bill to keep the\u00a0 refueling and complex overhaul of CVN 73 on track and preserve the Navy\u2019s 11 operational aircraft carrier fleet.\r\nSupports Shipbuilding Priorities: Authorizes funding for three Littoral Combat Ships, two Virginia Class submarines, the Ford Class aircraft carrier program, and allows two cruisers to enter modernization next year.\u00a0 This follows the landmark contract signed by the Navy this year for 10 new Virginia class submarines-the largest contract in the history of the Navy.\r\nRaises Servicemembers\u2019 Pay: Authorizes a one percent pay raise for most servicemembers.\r\nProtects Commissary Subsidies & Rejects Proposal to Consolidate TRICARE:\u00a0The compromise bill provides authority to ensure military commissaries will continue to provide this important benefit to servicemembers, and is matched by a $190 million restoration by the appropriations committee.\u00a0 The bill defers any other changes to the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, which is preparing to issue a comprehensive set of cost-saving recommendations in February 2015.\u00a0 This follows the guidance of the bipartisan Warner-Chambliss bill introduced early this year that blocked any commissary cuts until the review of military compensation commission was complete.\r\nImproves Policies on Sexual Assault in the Military: Requires the Secretary of Defense to consider the preference of sexual assault survivors regarding whether offenses should be prosecuted by court-martial or in a civilian court. Allows survivors of sexual assault, who believe that their rights were violated during the court martial process, the ability to petition the Court of Criminal Appeals to require the court martial to comply with the Military Rules of Evidence. Provides an appeal process for individuals who were survivors of a sex-related offense and were discharged from the military for what they believe is a side-effect of their assault, such as psychological struggles. Requires the establishment of a Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces.\u00a0\r\nExpands Battlefield Preservation: Includes a bill sponsored by Kaine to reauthorize a National Park Service program that partners with landowners to preserve Civil War battlefields at risk of being lost to haphazard development.\u00a0 It will make Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefield sites eligible as well.\u00a0\r\nImproved Credentialing Process for Servicemembers:\u00a0The authorization includes provisions of an amendment Kaine introduced with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) that requires the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to create a program for active duty servicemembers to obtain professional credentials while serving.\r\nAddresses Overmedication of Prescription Drugs in Treatment Plans:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes a pilot program to evaluate medication therapy management for servicemembers.\r\nNo BRAC Round:\u00a0 The bill rejects DoD proposals for a new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.\r\nAuthorizes Expansion of Arlington National Cemetery:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes the land exchange between Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, supporting both Army efforts for expanded cemetery grounds and Arlington County efforts for a variety of public uses.\u00a0\r\nSuicide Prevention: Authorizes $53.3 million toward behavioral and psychological health programs for military personnel.\r\nSupports Expansion of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program:\u00a0The bill includes provisions co-sponsored by Senators Kaine and Shaheen extending the Afghan SIV program, which was set to expire at the end of the fiscal year. The program provides visas to Afghans who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. forces mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result. The provisions extend the program and provide authorization for additional visas to be issued, increasing the total to approximately 4,000 per year.\r\nEstablishes a Commission on the Future of the Army:\u00a0The bill establishes a National Commission on the Future of the Army while limiting the transfer of aviation assets from the National Guard to the Army.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nIncludes Provisions for the Fight against ISIL:\u00a0 Authorizes programs to train and equip Iraqi and Kurdish security forces, and extends the authorization of a program to train vetted moderate Syrian opposition.\r\nSupport to Afghan forces:\u00a0 Authorizes full request of $4.1 billion for Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, critical to supporting the train and advise mission.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ab38fa29-bc23-4516-ba15-b127d28bffcb", "Sens. Warner, King Usher Regulatory Relief for Community Banks, Credit Unions Through Senate", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed two provisions authored by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Angus King (I-ME) to help relieve America\u2019s small financial institutions, like community banks and credits unions, of regulatory burdens so that they are better able to serve their communities.\r\n\u201cCommunity banks and credit unions are the backbone of the U.S. economy.\u00a0 According to the FDIC, small banks hold 14% of the nation\u2019s banking assets and make nearly half of all of the smaller loans to farms and small businesses.\u00a0 That is why I am so pleased to get final passage on our proposals to reduce regulatory burdens on smaller institutions and create parity for certain accounts between community banks and credit unions. This allows community-based financial institutions to do what they do best: support our local economies,\u201d said Senator Warner.\r\n\u201cSmall banks and credit unions are often the financial cornerstones of communities across the country, providing the very credit that helps drive our economy each and every day,\u201d Senator King said. \u201cBut while these smaller institutions played no part in causing the financial crisis in 2008, they have often been forced to shoulder the burden of too many poorly-tailored regulations intended to prevent the next one. These provisions will lift some of those onerous requirements and provide parity for accounts between community banks and credit unions, all of which will help smaller lending institutions better serve the communities that rely upon them.\u201d\r\nThe two provisions, authored by Senators Warner and King, had also been introduced as part of the RELIEVE Act earlier this year. A description of each is below:\r\n \r\nThe community bank relief bill allows small bank holding companies with under $1 billion in assets to be regulated under the Small Bank Holding Company Statement (SBHCS), which allows simplified reporting requirements and less stringent capital standards that reflect the traditional banking services that these smaller banks provide. The current SBHCS applies only to institutions below $500 million in assets.\u00a0 The change will reduce regulatory burdens for 89 percent of bank holding companies, up from 75 percent today.\u00a0This policy change is supported by the Federal Reserve, with Federal Reserve Governor Daniel Tarullo calling on Congress to boost the SBHCS to $1 billion in speech in November. It has also been endorsed by the Independent Community Bankers of America and the American Bankers Association.\r\n \r\n \r\nCurrently, interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTAs) at banks are able to receive FDIC insurance on deposits; similar accounts at credit unions are not insured.\u00a0 This bill provides credit unions parity with FDIC-insured institutions when it comes to deposit insurance coverage on IOLTAs and other escrow accounts.\u00a0 A similar version of this language passed the House by voice vote in May 2014 and has been endorsed by the Credit Union National Association; the National Association of Federal Credit Unions; and the American Bar Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=b4ee353d-487d-4b08-b268-6750b0810b39", "Warner, Kaine Statement on Reporting of Elizabeth Dillon Nomination Out of Judiciary Committee", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following joint statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee reported the nomination of Elizabeth Dillon to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia:\r\n\u201cWith the Judiciary Committee reporting Elizabeth Dillon to the full body today, the Senate now has the opportunity to provide Virginia with another well-qualified judge. Ms. Dillon has spent her entire career practicing before Virginia\u2019s state and federal courts in both public service and private practice. Throughout this career, she has exhibited the qualities we look for in good judges\u2014 exemplary character, dedication to public service, and strong command of the law. We are confident that all of these qualities will serve her well on the bench.\r\n\u201cMs. Dillon\u2019s confirmation will be especially noteworthy since she will be the first woman to serve on the Western District bench. We look forward to her confirmation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=c3dcf189-45a8-4da3-9268-31fb95357e77", "Warner, Kaine Announce $20 Million in Federal Funding for Wallops Flight Facility", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that the compromise spending legislation for fiscal year 2015 scheduled to be considered by both the House and Senate this week \u00a0includes $20 million in funding for Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, a result of their efforts to secure additional funding to support repairs following a launch failure on October 28 that caused significant damage to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport\u2019s launch pad.\r\n\u201cWe are proud of our work with partners in the House and across the aisle to secure $20 million in federal funding that will help Wallops Island rebound from the launch failure this fall,\u201d the Senators said. \u201cThe Wallops Flight Facility is a key asset to Virginia that will continue to play a major role in the future of NASA and space exploration. We especially want to thank Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski, the Appropriations chair, who has been a key supporter and advocate of NASA and the Wallops facility.\u201d\r\nWarner and Kaine will release a detailed list of Virginia priorities in the compromise spending bill following final passage, which is expected by the end of the week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=557", "Wittman, Warner Chesapeake Bay Legislation Passes House, Cleared for President's Signature", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014, sponsored by Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), by a vote of 416-0. The legislation will increase coordination and transparency within Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, in addition to reducing duplication of federal and state efforts. The bill passed the U.S. Senate on December 2, 2014, and is now cleared for the President's signature.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the development of a cross-cut budget to detail the activities of all federal agencies that are involved in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Additionally, the legislation would create a Chesapeake Bay Program Independent Evaluator to review and report to Congress on restoration activates in the watershed. The Chesapeake Bay partnership includes 10 federal agencies, six states and the District of Columbia, over one thousand localities and multiple non-governmental organizations. To date, the complexity of the participants has resulted in a muddled effort.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay is one of our nation's prized historic resources, Rep. Wittman said. While many entities share a commitment to restoring the health of this economic driver for communities and industries across the Commonwealth, we must ensure that federal, state, and local efforts are not working at cross purposes, and that the restoration effort as a whole is coordinated and efficient. With today's action, we are one step closer to ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains the economic foundation of our region and a national treasure that will be enjoyed for generations to come.\r\nRep. Wittman first introduced the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act in the House of Representatives in 2008. Versions of the bill have passed the House alone or as part of broader packages in each of the last three sessions of Congress. Sen. Warner first sponsored the bill in 2011.\r\nRestoring the Chesapeake Bay will not only preserve a national treasure, but will reap huge economic and environmental benefits to the Commonwealth and the millions of people who live within the Bay's watershed. This legislation allows us to better manage and coordinate the activities of dozens of state and federal stakeholders to increase accountability and make sure that every dollar spent is making progress towards cleaning up the Bay. I want to thank Congressman Wittman for his tireless efforts over several years to enact this legislation, and I was very pleased to help get it across the finish line, Senator Warner said.\r\nIn drafting this legislation, Rep. Wittman drew heavily on his 23 years of experience as a shellfish specialist monitoring water quality and environmental health issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In addition to generating billions of dollars in economic activity, the Bay provides tens of thousands of jobs in the commercial seafood and recreational fishing industries. Since coming to Congress, the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay has been one of Rep. Wittman's top priorities.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-175-million-grant-to-expand-pre-k-programs-in-virginia", "Kaine Applauds $17.5 Million Grant To Expand Pre-K Programs In Virginia", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Applauds $17.5 Million Grant To Expand Pre-K Programs In Virginia\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 10, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement applauding today\u2019s announcement by the U.S. Department of Education that Virginia will receive a $17,500,000 Preschool Development Grant to provide high-quality preschool programs for children from low and moderate income families through the Virginia Preschool Initiative, which Kaine helped expand as Governor. Kaine wrote to the Department of Education in October urging the department to award the grant to Virginia.\r\n\"The critical funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Education will help children in high-need communities throughout the Commonwealth get a head start on a lifetime of learning,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cInvesting in early childhood education helps close the achievement gap between children of all backgrounds. That\u2019s why as Governor I worked with members of both parties to improve the quality of Pre-K programs and increase enrollment by 40 percent. Virginia\u2019s early childhood education programs are a model for the nation and I am a proud supporter of their expansion.\u201d\r\nIt is estimated that through the grant, Virginia will increase the number of children served in state-funded preschool programs by 17 percent. The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services require that grant recipients promote federal priorities such as engaging families as partners, serving children at or below 200% of poverty in high-need communities and ensuring there are highly qualified teachers in preschool classrooms.\r\nKaine has long championed early childhood education, having\u00a0worked with legislators, educators and business leaders as Governor to expand the Virginia Preschool Initiative. As Senator, Kaine introduced\u00a0the\u00a0Strong Start for America\u2019s Children\u00a0Act,\u00a0legislation to expand access to high-quality early learning programs for children from birth to age five.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/tim-in-the-news/rules-of-engagement-still-missing", "Rules of Engagement, Still Missing", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rules of Engagement, Still Missing\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Editorial Board\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Wednesday, December 10, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Nearly five months and 1,100 airstrikes into the American-led war against the Islamic State, Congress has barely begun to fulfill its constitutional war-making responsibilities. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday belatedly opened debate on legislation that would authorize the use of force, but there\u2019s no expectation that the work can be finished before the session ends on Thursday. That means it will be put off at least until January, when the new Congress convenes.\r\nThe delay also means that President Obama will continue to conduct the war in Iraq and Syria under an outdated 2001 authorization, without explicit approval by Congress and without the necessary limitations that the committee chairman, Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, and two other members, Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, and Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, have urged.\r\nPresidents often resist attempts by Congress to limit their powers. But after 13 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq that first targeted Al Qaeda and then evolved into conflicts in other states (like Yemen) against \u201cassociated\u201d extremists, the United States cannot afford to get caught up in another endless, all-consuming conflict.\r\nThe Menendez bill tries to address such concerns in part by prohibiting the deployment of American ground troops in the fight against the Islamic State, also called ISIS or ISIL, except in specific circumstances, including collecting intelligence; enabling airstrikes; and carrying out operational planning or \u201cother forms of advice and assistance to forces fighting ISIL in Iraq or Syria.\u201d The reference to \u201cother forms\u201d refers in part to rescue operations in support of American troops who may be injured on the battlefield, a reasonable exception. Still, the language seems too open to broad interpretation and could be used by presidents to justify almost anything.\r\nPresident Obama has insisted that he has no intention of deploying ground troops in combat against the Islamic State. His stated plan is to rely on indigenous forces for ground troops, backed by American air power. So he should have no problem accepting the ground troop limits in the legislation.\r\n?\r\nNevertheless, Secretary of State John Kerry argued against the limits at Tuesday\u2019s hearing, saying Mr. Obama\u2019s pledge \u201cdoesn\u2019t mean that we should pre-emptively bind the hands of the commander in chief or our commanders in the field in responding to scenarios and contingencies that are impossible to foresee.\u201d He is, in effect, asking Americans to take Mr. Obama at his word, and the administration\u2019s insistence on this point calls into question just what the pledge on no ground troops really means.\r\nEven if one took Mr. Obama at his word, his successor in 2017 may have fewer reservations about another enormous American-led ground war. Already, there are too many red flags about the potential for mission creep to ignore. Mr. Obama declared an end to American involvement in Afghanistan, yet he has already increased the size and expanded the mission of the residual American force that will be there in 2015. His military chief, Gen. Martin Dempsey, has publicly raised the possibility of deploying a limited number of troops to accompany Iraqi soldiers on complex offensive operations to retake Mosul and other areas under the Islamic State\u2019s control. And, privately, some officials talk about possibly deploying United States ground troops (along with Turkish) if a decision is made to establish a buffer zone along the Syrian border that could be a shelter for refugees and a training area for moderate rebels.\r\nMr. Menendez\u2019s bill also includes a much-needed sunset provision that would have the authorization expire after three years, which Mr. Kerry said the administration could accept. The timing is designed to get through Mr. Obama\u2019s administration and then give the next president a year to assess the war before wrestling with Congress and reauthorization. The problem is that Mr. Kerry has also asked Congress to include a renewal provision after the three years. He didn\u2019t detail how the renewal might work. If it is automatic, it could defeat the point of a sunset provision in the first place, namely that presidents should be required to go back to Congress to explain why a military conflict deserves continued support.\r\nMr. Kerry also urged the committee not to specifically bar the administration from taking the fight to other countries besides Iraq and Syria on the grounds that such a provision would alert the Islamic State that it could seek safe havens elsewhere. But if the conflict metastasizes, Mr. Obama should have to return to Congress and make the case for greater authority.\r\nAs much as Congress has tried to avoid the war authorization issue, so has Mr. Obama. Although he has insisted that he has all the authority he needs under the 2001 authorization, or A.U.M.F., against Al Qaeda and the 2002 authorization for the Iraq war, he recently said he would welcome congressional authorization against the Islamic State and Mr. Kerry repeated that on Tuesday. But the administration has dragged its feet in proposing its own version, working with Congress on a joint version or sending officials to participate in essential congressional hearings.\r\nWith time running out for this Congress, the best outcome this week would be for a committee that is still under Democratic control to approve a use-of-force authorization that imposes some limits on Mr. Obama. That would at least set a benchmark for when the Republicans take over in January. There are signs that some Republicans want a broad war authorization that could be exploited to justify military action against terrorist groups geographically beyond Iraq and Syria.\r\nGoing forward, any action on the use-of-force authorization must be accompanied by a thorough debate about American policy toward the Islamic State, including plans for Syria and for an overall exit strategy from the conflict. Sadly, at Tuesday\u2019s hearing, too much time was wasted on arguing over whether Mr. Obama or Congress was the obstacle to drafting a use-of-force resolution.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8015034d-15b1-4a96-8e02-9e4f4af00683", "Wittman, Warner Chesapeake Bay Legislation Passes House, Cleared for President's Signature", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014, sponsored by Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), by a vote of 416-0. \u00a0The legislation will increase coordination and transparency within Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, in addition to reducing duplication of federal and state efforts.\u00a0 The bill passed the U.S. Senate on December 2, 2014, and is now cleared for the President\u2019s signature.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the development of a cross-cut budget to detail the activities of all federal agencies that are involved in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. \u00a0Additionally, the legislation would create a Chesapeake Bay Program Independent Evaluator to review and report to Congress on restoration activates in the watershed. \u00a0The Chesapeake Bay partnership includes 10 federal agencies, six states and the District of Columbia, over one thousand localities and multiple non-governmental organizations. \u00a0To date, the complexity of the participants has resulted in a muddled effort.\r\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is one of our nation\u2019s prized historic resources,\u201d Rep. Wittman said. \u00a0\u201cWhile many entities share a commitment to restoring the health of this economic driver for communities and industries across the Commonwealth, we must ensure that federal, state, and local efforts are not working at cross purposes, and that the restoration effort as a whole is coordinated and efficient. \u00a0With today\u2019s action, we are one step closer to ensuring that the Chesapeake Bay remains the economic foundation of our region and a national treasure that will be enjoyed for generations to come.\u201d\r\nRep. Wittman first introduced the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act in the House of Representatives in 2008. \u00a0Versions of the bill have passed the House alone or as part of broader packages in each of the last three sessions of Congress. \u00a0Sen. Warner first sponsored the bill in 2011.\r\n\u201cRestoring the Chesapeake Bay will not only preserve a national treasure, but will reap huge economic and environmental benefits to the Commonwealth and the millions of people who live within the Bay\u2019s watershed. This legislation allows us to better manage and coordinate the activities of dozens of state and federal stakeholders to increase accountability and make sure that every dollar spent is making progress towards cleaning up the Bay. I want to thank Congressman Wittman for his tireless efforts over several years to enact this legislation, and I was very pleased to help get it across the finish line,\u201d Senator Warner said.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nIn drafting this legislation, Rep. Wittman drew heavily on his 23 years of experience as a shellfish specialist monitoring water quality and environmental health issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. \u00a0In addition to generating billions of dollars in economic activity, the Bay provides tens of thousands of jobs in the commercial seafood and recreational fishing industries. \u00a0Since coming to Congress, the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay has been one of Rep. Wittman\u2019s top priorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=99bb538c-aafc-473d-bdcf-aa501e1ea598", "Statement of Sen. Warner on Award of $17.5 million Federal Preschool Expansion Grant to Virginia", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Mark Warner released this statement today following a U.S. Department of Education announcement that Virginia will receive a $17.5 million Preschool Development Expansion Grant to serve children in 11 Virginia school divisions. Sen. Warner, who championed early childhood programs and doubled the number of children enrolled in the Virginia Preschool Initiative during his 2002-6 term as Governor, had urged federal approval of Virginia\u2019s request for funding in an Oct. 16, 2014 letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.\r\n\u201cThis federal support allows the Commonwealth to expand and improve the Virginia Preschool Initiative, which helps equip at-risk four-year-old children not served by Head Start with the critical skills they need for lifelong learning,\u201d Sen. Warner said. \u201cI am especially pleased that Virginia\u2019s initiative includes community partnerships to improve early childhood readiness as well as professional development for educators.\u201d\r\nAccording to the Governor\u2019s Office, the grant from the U.S. Department of Education will support expansion and improvement of the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) in 11 high-needs school divisions beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. VPI is a state-funded program that currently supports quality preschool programs for approximately 18,000 at-risk four-year-olds. \u00a0In addition to providing high-quality preschool experiences and activities, the selected divisions will offer focused outreach to families and communities, as well as individualized support for children with unique learning needs, including students with disabilities, English-language learners and children from military families. This combination of instruction, outreach and support will be known as VPI Plus, and participating localities include Brunswick County, Chesterfield County, Fairfax County, Giles County, Henrico County,\u00a0Norfolk, Petersburg, Prince William County,\u00a0Richmond,\u00a0Sussex County and \u00a0Winchester. The divisions were selected based on the following indicators of need: poverty, number of Title I schools, percentage of children entering kindergarten below the state\u2019s literacy readiness benchmark and the number of unserved at-risk four-year-olds. Together, the divisions have committed to establishing 88 VPI Plus classrooms and improving services for children in 94 existing preschool classes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/in-hearing-with-secretary-kerry-kaine-presses-case-for-congress-to-act-on-authorization-for-use-of-military-force-against-isil-before-adjourning", "In Hearing With Secretary Kerry, Kaine Presses Case For Congress To Act On Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL Before Adjourning", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Hearing With Secretary Kerry, Kaine Presses Case For Congress To Act On Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL Before Adjourning\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 9, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following U.S. Senator Tim Kaine\u2019s months-long push for a meaningful, transparent debate and vote on an authorization for U.S. military action against ISIL, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing today on the mission against ISIL with Secretary of State John Kerry \u2013 a move Kaine believes is a critical, yet overdue, first step in properly authorizing this mission.\r\nResponding to criticism about the unorthodox process that led to today's hearing, Kaine said: \u201cCongress has been silent about this. I don\u2019t think we weaken our nation so much with an unwieldy process as we weaken our nation when we don\u2019t take seriously the most solemn responsibility Congress has, which is to engage around the authorization at the beginning \u2013 not five months in \u2013 about whether we should initiate war.\u201d\r\n\u201cConstitutionally it\u2019s required,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I\u2019m driven by a more important value \u2013 I don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair to ask people \u2026 to risk their lives - to give their lives - in a mission if Congress hasn\u2019t had a debate and put their thumbprint on it and said this is in the national interest. If we \u2018re not willing to do that, how can we ask people to risk their lives?\u201d\r\n\u201cI think it would be foolish to leave here this week or next, to adjourn,\u201d Kaine continued. \u201cFor those of us who do not believe that the \u201801 or \u201802 authorizations give this a legal authority, every day we have been on offense without Congress we believe is an unauthorized war. We believe it\u2019s a Congressional abdication of our oath of office and of our fundamental constitutional responsibilities.\u201d\r\nSince June 2014, Kaine has been urging the administration to seek a specific authorization for military action against ISIL while pressing his Congressional colleagues to debate and vote on the mission. In September,\u00a0Kaine introduced a draft authorization, key provisions of which have been incorporated into the version expected to now be marked up by the committee on Thursday, December 11.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=9f7be0f8-5c16-444e-8730-422a3f6c0415", "Statement of Sen. Warner on Release of CIA Interrogation Study", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cLike the President and the Director of National Intelligence, I\u00a0know there is never a perfect time to release this report, and believe we should do so now to get this matter behind us. I was not a member of the Committee when the study was launched, and with hindsight, I wish it could have been a more collaborative process that included personal interviews with those involved. As a Senator who represents thousands of patriotic Americans who work in the intelligence community, it is important to emphasize that this report found that, more than a decade ago, a small number of CIA officials made misrepresentations about the effectiveness of the program, that ultimately were conveyed to CIA leadership and then passed along to the President.\u00a0We must demonstrate to the world that, as Americans, we are willing to look squarely at our actions, and always look for ways to do better.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\nFor more resources on the Senate Intelligence Committee study click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398373", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.8.14", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The ABLE Act Much talk about Congress focuses on partisan conflict.\u00a0\u00a0But it is important to keep in mind that, though discord gets more attention, Democrats and Republicans can and do work together to get things done.\u00a0 Among my efforts are the bipartisan Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3089) to clarify oversight of the compounding drug manufacturing system (which was signed into law) and the Patient Choice Act (H.R. 2090), bipartisan legislation to speed up Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of drugs and give certain patients the option to buy new, innovative, experimental drugs and therapies at their own expense. More recently, I was proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647), which passed the House of Representatives on December 3 with very strong bipartisan support.\u00a0 The ABLE Act enables those with disabilities to set up tax-free savings accounts, and will allow those on Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work, earn money, and save while continuing to receive those benefits.\u00a0\u00a0 Much like 529 college savings accounts, these 529A (or ABLE) accounts would be administered by the States on a voluntary basis.\u00a0 The range of investment options would be determined by the States. In voicing their support for the ABLE Act, Americans for Tax Reform said on December 2, \u201cPut simply, an ABLE account is to a child with a disability what a 529 plan is to a child who has college in his future.\u00a0 Not only is an ABLE account a good way to increase tax-free savings for families (always a good thing), it's a compassionate way for families with special needs children to save for the needs of the most vulnerable.\u201d The ABLE accounts will assist those with disabilities and their caretakers with managing expenses, helping to provide stability, security, and the knowledge they can save and cover the costs of medical care, housing, transportation, education, etc. into the future. \u201cThis is why we\u2019re here: to advance solutions that make people\u2019s lives better,\u201d said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), whose seven-year old son Cole has Down syndrome.\u00a0 \u201cSolutions that empower all Americans \u2013 no matter where they come from, how much money they make, or what challenges they face.\u201d I urge the Senate to pass the ABLE Act, so we can send this common-sense bill to the President to be signed into law. Defeating ISIS and Defending Congress\u2019 Power In previous columns I have noted my belief that the President does not have the authority to wage an extended war on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) without Congressional approval.\u00a0 Like Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), I believe Congress must debate and decide whether or not the United States goes to war or, alternatively, consider an authorization for the use of military force. As described by the New York Times, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) \u201c\u2026used a routine meeting over an unrelated issue \u2014 clean water \u2014 to force his colleagues to schedule a vote on authorizing force against the Islamic State.\u201d The President is Commander in Chief, but it is the constitutional duty of Congress to declare war.\u00a0 I am pleased the Senate will be taking action on this important matter, and strongly believe the House should also debate and vote on this issue as well. Protecting Civil Liberties Each year, Congress considers the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which primarily specifies budgeting for the Department of Defense.\u00a0 However, although the NDAA does include some good provisions, I am of the belief that it fails to adequately protect our civil liberties. The law says if you give assistance to a terrorist, you can be held indefinitely by the military against your constitutional rights.\u00a0 Note it doesn\u2019t stipulate that you know that person is a terrorist. In theory, under the current system, you could be held indefinitely for having a new neighbor over for dinner or for assisting them with changing a tire, even if you are unaware of that person\u2019s alleged involvement with or connection to al-Qaeda and associated forces.\u00a0 While not specifically defined, those probably include groups on the U.S. State Department\u2019s Foreign Terrorist Organizations List. Of course, people push back on this, saying, \u201cWell, they wouldn\u2019t actually detain you for something like this.\u201d\u00a0 But if that\u2019s so, why not provide clarity in the law so it requires someone to knowingly give assistance to a terrorist or terrorist organization? If I am to err, I will err on the side of liberty.\u00a0 Because it lacks language that clearly protects our freedom, as in past years, I opposed this bill. As always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.\u00a0 To reach my office by email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/commonwealth-connection/tribes-deserve-recognition", "Tribes Deserve Recognition", "2014-12-07", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sunday, December 7, 2014\n\t\t\t\t Tribes Deserve Recognition \n\t\t\t\t\n                 \n\t\n\t            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t  \t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBy Senator Tim Kaine  This Op-Ed appeared in the Daily Press and the Lynchburg News & Advance\r\nMillions of children know the story of Pocahontas. They know that, thanks to the help of the Powhatan tribe, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas survived when others had failed. As Virginians, we know Indian tribes have played an integral role in the commonwealth and the country's history from the beginning. Yet even today, the federal government has yet to recognize any of Virginia's historic tribes. Many Virginia Indian tribes were situated here in 1607, when Jamestown was founded, or earlier and have maintained their identities for thousands of years. Today, the majority of Virginians, all eight living Virginia governors and the entire bipartisan congressional delegation support federal recognition. despite this, the tribes still haven't received the same recognition the federal government has granted to more than 500 similar tribes in America. Federal recognition would acknowledge and protect the identities of the tribes. It would also guarantee their people access to much-needed healthcare and emergency assistance, and allow their children to attend federal Indian schools. Many tribes have vigorously pursued paths to recognition through the administrative process but have found it to be inefficient, expensive and confusing. The federal process run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs uses a one-size-fits-all system that fails to account for extraordinary circumstances like the barriers Virginia tribes have encountered. Tribes are required to provide the federal government with birth and death records dating back more than 100 years. This is greatly complicated by the fact that courthouses that held the vast majority of the Virginia tribes' records were burned during the Civil War. Many of the records that survived the Civil War were later systematically altered as part of a Virginia policy known as the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. During the nearly 50-year period in which this law remained in force, Virginia's tribes were forbidden to list their race as Native American. Certainly this shameful chapter of our history warrants an exception in the federal recognition process, yet none has been granted. Yet another challenge Virginia Indian tribes face is equally baffling: The tribes made peace with their neighbors too soon. The Virginia tribes entered into the Treaty of Middle Plantation in 1677 with the English, earning them official recognition from England 100 years before American independence. Ironically, if the Virginia tribes had waited another hundred years to make peace with the settlers, the United States would have recognized them long ago because tribes that established treaties during the first 150 years after independence were considered recognized by the federal government. As governor of Virginia, I testified before Congress in support of the tribes and was deeply disappointed when they were not granted federal recognition before my term ended. When I came to the Senate, I was proud to join the efforts of my colleagues who have worked tirelessly on this issue. In 2013, Sen. Warner and I introduced the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, which would grant federal recognition to six Virginia tribes: the Nansemond, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock and Monacan. Congressmen Jim Moran, Rob Wittman, Gerry Connolly and Bobby Scott introduced companion legislation in the House and we joined members of the tribes on the Capitol steps to call on our colleagues to support the bill. I testified in front of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee last October, and the Committee passed the legislation this April. Unfortunately, we have yet to see a vote on the Senate floor and some members of Congress outside Virginia have objected to moving the legislation forward because they believe that only the Bureau of Indian Affairs should have authority to recognize tribes, even though more than 90 percent of tribes that have been granted federal recognition obtained it through Congress. As I continue to push for a vote, I have also recommended changes to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' recognition process that will increase flexibility for tribes with unique and challenging circumstances. The BIA has announced proposals that will increase transparency and efficiency and I welcome those reforms. In Virginia, there's a beautiful tradition on the day before Thanksgiving dating back to 1677. Members of Virginia Indian tribes come to Richmond to present a tribute to the governor in recognition of the bond between the commonwealth and the tribes. We owe it to them to honor this friendship and their renowned role in United States history. The federal government's failure to recognize the Virginia tribes is a grave injustice, but one that can still be corrected.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=554", "Wittman Statement on NDAA Provisions Adjusting Military Compensation and Allowances", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement today concerning provisions in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for 2014 (H.R. 3979) which adjusted military compensation and allowances:\nThe passage of today's bill was absolutely necessary for protecting our national security and ensuring our military is resourced to accomplish its missions. However, I am adamantly opposed to provisions which increase pharmacy copays and reduce the basic housing allowance.\nWhile the provisions were a better option than what was requested by the Senate and DoD, both of which supported a higher increase in copays and a more significant reduction in the basic housing allowance, I believe it is premature to adjust the benefits of service members or their families without comprehensive review and recommendations from the ongoing Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission. I will continue to fight to ensure this nation honors its promise to our service members, veterans and military families.\nWittman Statement in Congressional Record\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. \n####", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=556", "Wittman Statement on Ash Carter Nomination as Secretary of Defense", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Statement on Ash Carter Nomination as Secretary of Defense \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        December 5, 2014\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      Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement today after President Barack Obama announced that he would nominate Ashton Carter to be the next Secretary of Defense:\r\nAsh Carter is a dedicated public servant who possesses a thorough understanding of the budget crisis the Department of Defense is experiencing. I look forward to working with him if he is confirmed by the Senate.\"\r\nThe challenges facing the Department of Defense are far-reaching, and I am committed to working with the Pentagon to ensure our men and women in uniform are fully trained, equipped, and resourced to accomplish their missions successfully and return home safely.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-ashton-carter-nomination-to-be-secretary-of-defense", "Kaine Statement On Ashton Carter Nomination To Be Secretary Of Defense", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Ashton Carter Nomination To Be Secretary Of Defense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 5, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on President Obama\u2019s nomination of former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter to serve as the nation\u2019s next Secretary of Defense.\r\n\"Ash Carter is a dedicated public servant with a unique degree of Pentagon experience that spans three decades and includes time in the number two post under Secretaries Panetta and Hagel, and service as both Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. In each of these roles, he has successfully navigated complex global contingencies while demonstrating a strong commitment to servicemembers and their families. With no shortage of challenges facing the Department of Defense and our Armed Forces \u2013 from responding to the ISIL threat and managing a changing security environment in Europe and the Pacific, to a severely constrained fiscal environment \u2013 I believe Ash Carter is the right person for the job and urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly confirm him to this critical post.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398372", "Griffith Statement on the NDAA", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement today following his vote against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015:\r\n\u201cThough it does include some good provisions, I remain of the belief that the National Defense Authorization Act fails to adequately protect our civil liberties.\u00a0 Put simply, we cannot leave our liberty to inference.\u00a0 Among what makes America so great are our freedoms and liberties.\u00a0 Without language that clearly protects our freedom, if I am to err, I will err on the side of liberty.\u00a0 For that reason, as in past years, I could not vote for this bill.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=704", "Fedscoop: IT Reform Comes Up For Vote as Part of Defense Bill", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After nearly two years and several iterations, the bill formerly known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition and Reform Act is heading to the House floor as part of the 2015 Defense authorization bill.Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      IT reform comes up for vote as part of Defense bill  By Jake WilliamsAfter nearly two years and several iterations, the bill formerly known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition and Reform Act is heading to the House floor as part of the 2015 Defense authorization bill.The bill, which could head to the House as early as Thursday, would add additional authorities for agency chief information officers, effectively codifying the position\u2019s oversight responsibilities for IT management and governance.According to the text of the bill, every agency chief information officer, except for the Defense Department CIO, would have a significant role in \u201cthe decision processes for all annual and multi-year planning, programming, budgeting and executive decisions, related reporting requirements and reports related to information technology.\u201dThose CIOs would also lead the formulation of their agency\u2019s IT budget and would have the final say on any IT-related contracts, as well as any moving of funds from one IT-related program to another.Earlier drafts of FITARA included a provision that would limit an agency to one CIO position; however, the version included in the NDAA would allow the CIO of a larger agency to appoint CIOs for smaller agencies. The bill does assert that the duties of a CIO are not delegable, though. An agency CIO could only delegate approval of IT contracts or systems that are classified as nonmajor under the White HouseOffice of Management and Budget\u2019s guidance.In the case of the Defense Department, the CIO would review and provide recommendations to the Defense secretary on the department\u2019s IT budget request.Almost none of the CIO\u2019s additional IT authorities will apply to any telecommunications or IT funded under the National Intelligence Program or the Military Intelligence Program, the bill said.In an effort to more effectively manage the risk of some agency IT investments, the director of OMB would make a list of each major executive branch IT investment publicly available. The information would be updated by agency CIOs semi-annually and would be categorized according to risk.Then, every agency investment identified as high risk for four consecutive quarters would be reviewed to determine the cause of the risk or if that risk can be mitigated. If the high-risk status remained a year later, the director of OMB would be required to deny any request for additional development funding until the CIO of the agency determines the cause of the risk and establishes a plan to address it.The provisions of the FITARA portion in the NDAA also would provide for the establishment of an annual IT portfolio review at the agency level that looks for ways to consolidate IT systems and eliminate duplicative IT investments. Agencies would be required to align the portfolios with a multiyear strategy to cut IT costs.At the Defense Department, the portfolio management requirement would only apply to business systems within the department\u2019s IT systems. The bill would exempt national security systems from the annual review and multiyear plan.In another attempt to cut down on costs of IT, the bill also would codify OMB\u2019s 2010 Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative. The head of each agency, with the help from the CIO, would be required to submit a comprehensive inventory of the agency\u2019s data centers to OMB. Like the IT portfolios, agencies would be required to align data center consolidation with a multiyear strategy \u201cby which the quantitative and qualitative progress of the agency toward the goals of the FDCCI can be measured.\u201dThe Government Accountability Office would evaluate agency progress in data center consolidation annually. Any cloud-related consolidation efforts would need to comply with Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, and National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines, the bill said. The director of national intelligence or the Defense Secretary would retain the authority to waive applicability of the FDCCI to any system related to national security; however, the agency must submit its reasoning to Congress.The bill also would call for the establishment and expansion of an agency IT acquisition cadre, which involves the development of personnel assigned to IT acquisitions through a specialized Office of Personnel Management-designated career path.In addition, the bill would mandate that the General Services Administration develop a strategic sourcing initiative to enhance acquisition governmentwide. This initiative could allow software licenses to be shared across agencies.The original version of FITARA was released in early 2013. It was penned by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and co-sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va. In an Oversight Committee hearing Wednesday morning, Connolly commended Issa for his service as the panel\u2019s chairman and on the inclusion of FITARA in the NDAA.\u201cI just want to congratulate you today on the news that the FITARA legislation is in fact headed for passage both in the Senate and in the House,\u201d Connolly said. \u201cIt was an honor collaborating with you on such an important topic, and it\u2019s a great way to cap your career as chairman of this committee.\u201dhttp://fedscoop.com/reform-heads-floor-defense-bill/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=706", "Federal News Radio: IT Reform Bill Overcomes Toughest Hurdle on Path to Become Law", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The first major reform bill for federal information technology in more than a decade has made it through its toughest hurdle \u2013 the National Defense Authorization bill. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      IT reform bill overcomes toughest hurdle on path to become law  Jason MillerThe first major reform bill for federal information technology in more than a decade has made it through its toughest hurdle \u2014 the National Defense Authorization bill.House and Senate Armed Services committee members agreed to keep a pared down version of the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act in the final NDAA bill.While the full House and Senate chambers still need to approve it, and President Barack Obama needs to sign it, FITARA is closer than ever to becoming law.\"I think the core of the legislation and the reforms that we had in mind are absolutely the original language of the Issa-Connolly bill in this version of FITARA in the NDAA, and I'm very, very happy and gratified,\" said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), in an interview with Federal News Radio Wednesday. \"I really believe this reform legislation will make a difference and save taxpayers a lot of money.\"The provision in the NDAA applies only to civilian agencies and gives chief information officers specific and increased authorities and responsibilities over IT investments.FITARA calls for agency heads to ensure CIOs have a \"significant role in the decision processes for all annual and multi-year planning, programming, budgeting and execution decisions \u2026 related to IT,\" and the \"management, governance and oversight processes related to IT.\"Civilian agency CIOs also must approve the IT budget request from their agency before sending it to the Office of Management and Budget, approve any contract for technology products or services and sign-off on any request to reprogram funds for IT projects.CIOs also must \"certify that IT investments are adequately implementing incremental development\" as defined by OMB.\"I think the empowerment of CIOs and streamlining of their authorities is a very important reform. It's practical, but it will make a big difference in the 24 federal agencies at least,\" Connolly said.One other major change in FITARA is the departmental CIO now will approve the appointment of any bureau or organizational level CIO. Under the Issa-Connolly bill, each agency only would have one CIO, but the negotiators reduced that requirement.\"Each year, the federal government spends $80 billion on federal IT systems, yet much of that is wasted by cost overruns, long delays, and outdated programs,\" said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and co-author of the bill, in a statement. \"FITARA will streamline authority, increase accountability, and improve the decision making process for federal IT acquisition. By enacting these necessary reforms, we will cut waste and improve efficiency for IT systems across the federal government.\"As for DoD, the bill makes a few major changes. First, the deputy chief management officer will change to the undersecretary of Defense for business management and information starting Feb. 1, 2017. Second, the bill also merges the DoD CIO and performance improvement officer into this new undersecretary position.In addition to the CIO authorities, the NDAA includes FITARA provisions codifying the IT Dashboard, and requiring OMB to issue guidance to standardize the data and reporting formats for major IT projects.FITARA also includes a provision to codify a similar initiative to TechStat where risky IT projects are measured and mitigated by a joint agency and OMB team. The NDAA also includes a provision to require a similar program to PortfolioStat to look across the agency for opportunities to reduce redundant programs, to move to shared services and to identify potential cost savings.Connolly said his data center consolidation provision and the call for agile or modular contracting also are significant parts of the bill.Finally, FITARA also included the requirement for OMB to develop an IT acquisition cadre, similar to the Digital Services office, and the Office of Personnel Management to create a career path for IT program managers, the approval of direct hire authority, and testing out innovative approaches to IT acquisition workforce development.The White House has yet to signal its support for FITARA, but Connolly didn't think it would be a reason for Obama to veto the NDAA.\"OMB traditionally has taken the position on almost all legislation that if they didn't think it up, it can't be really that worthwhile,\" Connolly said. \"So they haven't been a hindrance, but they certainly haven't been a help in the process, and to some extent, that's why it has taken four years to finally get this reform into the shape it's in for final passage. So they've chosen to be a bystander instead of an active participant in acquisition reform, and I think that's a missed opportunity on their part.\"http://www.federalnewsradio.com/520/3755509/IT-reform-bill-overcomes-toughest-hurdle-on-path-to-become-law", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=553", "Wittman Applauds House Passage of National Defense Authorization Act of 2015", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Chairman of the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, applauded the House passage of H.R. 3979, the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2015, which follows original House passage in May.\r\nPassage of this bill highlights Congress' strong commitment to our military, Wittman said. The military's resources have been continually undermined by senseless, unbalanced budget cuts in recent years, and it is critical that we ensure our servicemen and women have the training and equipment to accomplish their missions and return home. The threats facing our nation grow every day, and our defense budget must be governed by strategy, not numbers.\r\nThe NDAA authorizes $521.3 billion in base discretionary spending for national defense. The bill includes a number of initiatives championed by Wittman, including provisions to:\r\n Prohibit DOD from conducting another base realignment and closure round at a time when our national security strategy is in flux, our requirements uncertain, and the future unclear;\r\n Fund critical operation and maintenance activities, such as depot maintenance, ship and aircraft sustainment, and basic and advanced training for troops;\r\n Ensure a ready and robust Navy that is prepared to support global Combatant Commander requirements by including incremental funding for the construction of a 12th San Antonio class amphibious ship (LPD-28);\r\n Restore funding for the refueling and overhaul of USS George Washington (CVN-73).\r\nThis bill strengthens many of our most critical defense programs, Wittman added. However, our work is not done, as there is a continued need to make our readiness whole. The overall strength and preparedness of our military continues to be threatened by the combination of unnecessary budget cuts and the impending sequester. We absolutely must restore readiness and maintain it going forward so that our nation's military remains the greatest the world has ever known.\r\nFinally, Wittman said, I'd like to thank Buck McKeon for his service to our nation both as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and representative for California's 25th congressional district. His commitment to our troops is unparalleled and he has served the American people well. I wish him the best as he moves on to the next chapter of his life.\r\nWatch: Rep. Rob Wittman Speaks during Floor Debate of FY15 NDAA\r\nRead: Summary of FY15 NDAA \r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=555", "Wittman Supports Legislation Rolling Back Immigration Executive Order", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement after supporting H.R. 5759, the Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act, which rolls back the President's recent executive order to change immigration policy:\r\nBefore the President announced his executive action, I urged him to remember what he'd said in 2013, when he acknowledged that the path to get immigration reform done is through Congress. Despite the concerns of many Americans, the President still chose to circumvent the legislative process and the Constitution.\r\nToday's legislation reinforces the reality that the President simply cannot unilaterally make policy. Our founders established our system of government with a purpose, and the President must work with Congress. To fix our broken immigration system, we must first secure the border, enforce existing laws, and reform our visa program. I remain adamantly opposed to amnesty in any shape or form.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-notes-progress-against-sexual-assault-within-the-military_more-work-to-be-done", "Kaine Notes Progress Against Sexual Assault Within The Military – More Work To Be Done", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Notes Progress Against Sexual Assault Within The Military \u2013 More Work To Be Done\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 4, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to today\u2019s comprehensive Department of Defense (DoD) Report to the President on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Subcommittee on Personnel, noted the important steps that have been taken towards eliminating sexual assault within the military, but stressed that lawmakers, military leaders and servicemembers must continue embracing reform to combat these crimes.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe efforts of the Department of Defense and Congress have resulted in a notable increase in reporting of sexual assaults and a decrease in the number of sexual assault cases, however our work isn\u2019t done,\u201d said Kaine.\u00a0 \u201cWe must ensure the culture within the military supports, protects and empowers survivors and that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are put behind bars.\u201d\r\nDoD\u2019s report indicates a 27% reduction in incidents of sexual assault from 26,000 in FY2012 to 19,000 in FY2014.\u00a0 In addition, the report shows a 50% increase in reporting of these crimes, from 1 in 10 in FY2012 to 1 in 4 in FY2014, which could reflect increasing confidence in the military justice system from sexual assault survivors.\u00a0However, a majority of survivors indicated retaliation for reporting, showing the pressing need to do more to combat social and professional retaliation against sexual assault survivors.\u00a0 In 2013, Kaine and U.S. Senator Mark Warner took steps to begin to address this issue by introducing the Military Whistleblower Protection Act, provisions of which were included in the 2014 defense bill.\r\nSince taking office, Kaine has voted to take broad steps to protect\u00a0and empower\u00a0survivors of military sexual assault, increase reporting, and hold perpetrators accountable. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kaine strongly supported reforms included in the 2015 defense bill to improve policies for prosecuting sexual assault in the military, including measures to eliminate the \u201cgood soldier\u201d defense for servicemembers accused of assault under most circumstances and many other important provisions. Kaine was also a strong supporter of the bipartisan Victims Protection Act that passed the Senate unanimously in March 2014, key provisions of which are on track to be included in the 2015 defense bill.\u00a0\r\nDuring the markup of the 2014 defense bill, Kaine strongly supported 36 historic provisions to tackle sexual assault in the military, including reforms to provide survivors their own independent legal counsel, strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review of decisions to not prosecute cases, make it a crime to retaliate against survivors who report a sexual assault, eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases, and many others.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-decision-to-hold-senate-foreign-relations-committee-hearing-and-vote-next-week-on-authorization-for-use-of-military-force-against-isil-", "Kaine Statement On Decision To Hold Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing And Vote Next Week On Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Decision To Hold Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing And Vote Next Week On Authorization For Use Of Military Force Against ISIL \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 4, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez\u2019s decision to hold a hearing on the U.S. mission against ISIL next Monday, December 8 and a markup and vote on an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) on Wednesday, December 10:\r\n\u201cWe will now have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful, transparent debate on the U.S. military mission against ISIL, as I\u2019ve been calling for since military action began nearly four months ago. We owe it to our servicemembers and the American people to have this debate and take this vote before adjourning for the year, and I\u2019m pleased we\u2019re on track to do so in the right way, \u201dsaid Kaine, who delivered related remarks on the Senate floor yesterday.\r\nSince June, Kaine has been urging the administration to seek a specific authorization for military action against ISIL while pressing his Congressional colleagues to debate and vote on the mission. In September,\u00a0Kaine introduced a draft authorization\u00a0that supports the mission laid out by President Obama but includes four key provisions: 1)\u00a0\u00a0a strict limitation on U.S. ground combat troops; 2) a repeal of the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force; 3) a sunset after one year; and 4) a narrow definition of \u201cassociated forces.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398371", "Griffith Statement on Tax Increase Prevention Act", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Tax Increase Prevention Act (H.R. 5771):\r\n\u201cThis legislation, as is often the case, is far from perfect.\u00a0 It includes tax credits for the wind power industry, tax credits I oppose.\u00a0 However, it also contains provisions supportive of our farmers, teachers, and small businesses.\u00a0 As is the case with all compromises, I try to determine whether the good outweighs the bad.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn this bill, I believe the good narrowly outweighs the bad.\u00a0 For example, I have heard from a number of farmers from the Ninth District of Virginia in support of this tax extender package and the benefits it will provide them.\u00a0 In voicing their support, the American Farm Bureau Federation said, \u2018\u2026the extension of tax provisions contained in this legislation are critically important to farm and ranch businesses as they engage in year-end business planning and file their 2014 taxes.\u2019\u00a0 One such provision is the Section 179 small business expensing limit, which makes it easier to purchase equipment.\u201d\r\n\u201cAnother provision extends the ability for our K-12 school teachers to take an above-the-line deduction for some of the supplies they buy for projects in their classrooms.\u201d\r\n\u201cThere are numerous other provisions which will be beneficial for small businesses and job creators.\u201d\r\n\u201cAccordingly, while admittedly having some negatives, I ultimately concluded it was in the overall best interest of the United States and the Ninth District to vote in favor of the bill.\u201d\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=701", "Nextgov: Federal IT Overhaul Included in Defense Bill, Headed for Vote", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The bipartisan Federal Information Technology Reform Act -- which aims to upgrade the government's creaky process for purchasing and building IT systems -- has made it past intense House-Senate negotiations and will be included in the compromise version of the Fiscal 2015 National Defense Authorization Act unveiled by lawmakers late Tuesday evening. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Nextgov: Federal IT Overhaul Included in Defense Bill, Headed for Vote  By Jack MooreThe biggest legislative overhaul in nearly 20 years to the way the federal government buys information technology has cleared a key hurdle and is headed for votes in both houses of Congress.\u00a0The bipartisan Federal Information Technology Reform Act -- which aims to upgrade the government\u2019s creaky process for purchasing and building IT systems -- has made it past intense House-Senate negotiations and will be included in the compromise version of the Fiscal 2015 National Defense Authorization Act unveiled by lawmakers late Tuesday evening.The House is expected to vote on the annual defense policy bill as early as Thursday.FITARA, as the bill is known, was first introduced by Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Gerry Connolly, a Democratic member of the committee from Virginia, in spring 2013 and gained greater urgency in the wake of the HealthCare.gov debacle last fall.Agency CIOs Get Boost  Among the bill's most significant measures is an enhancement of the role of agency-level chief information officers. Under the legislation, agency CIOs would be granted a \u201csignificant role\u201d in programming, budgeting and decision-making related to IT management and would have a say-so in their agency\u2019s annual IT budget requests.The legislation would specifically bar agencies from signing any contracts for IT or IT services unless the agency CIO has signed off on the deals. The bill similarly bars agencies from reprogramming IT funds without CIO approval.The compromise version doesn\u2019t limit the CIO title to a single official, but the main agency CIO would have the authority to approve the appointment of any other agency officials -- at the component or bureau level, for example -- who have a similar title or carry out the function of a CIO.\u00a0CIOs would also be held to account for managing risk in their IT portfolios. The Office of Management and Budget would require agencies to publicly post a list of each of their major IT investments, including both new investments and existing systems. The publicly released data must include data on the cost, schedule and performance of each of the agency\u2019s IT investments, categorized by agency CIOs based on risk.For investments found to be high risk, CIOs will be required to consult with OMB on root causes and how to address them. OMB will be required to report the outcome of these review sessions to Congress.If, a year after the initial review, the investment is still rated as high risk, the law directs the OMB director to \u201cdeny any request for additional development, modernization or enhancement funding for the investment\u201d until the CIO determines the root causes of the cost overruns or schedule slips \u201cand there is sufficient capability to deliver the remaining planned increments within the planned cost and schedule,\u201d according to the bill.Data Center Consolidation, DOD Cloud Migration Also Included  The enhancement of the CIO role, it should be noted, generally would not apply to the Defense Department. At the Pentagon, for example, the DOD CIO would not formally approve the department\u2019s IT budget request but would instead make recommendations to the defense secretary.Similarly, the DOD CIO alone would not conduct review sessions regarding the risk of their IT investments. Instead, the CIO would consult with the department\u2019s deputy chief management officer and the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. The review sessions would only apply to DOD\u2019s business systems, not\u00a0 its national security systems, according to the bill.The bill would also codify into law Obama administration efforts to close and consolidate federal data centers, spur the Pentagon\u2019s shift to cloud computing and a five-year plan to expand the use special cadres of\u00a0 IT acquisition experts.The House has twice voted to approve federal procurement reform. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved a version of the bill last spring.  An effort to include IT reform in last year\u2019s defense policy bill fell short.  \u00a0http://www.nextgov.com/cio-briefing/2014/12/federal-it-overhaul-included-defense-bill-headed-vote/100313/?oref=ng-HPtopstory", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=702", "Connolly Welcomes Pastor Ryoo to Give House Prayer", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Wednesday, Congressman Connolly welcomed Pastor Ryoo, from Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia to give the opening prayer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Connolly, Speaker John Boehner and House Chaplain Reverand Patrick J. Conroy welcome Pastor Ryoo to serve as guest chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.On Wednesday, Congressman Connolly welcomed Pastor Ryoo, from the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia to give the opening prayer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Each year, Members of Congress can recommend someone from their congressional district to serve as guest pastor of the House for a day.\u00a0 Pastor Ryoo was selected to be a guest chaplain at the request of Congressman Connolly.\u00a0On the Floor of the House today, Connolly said, \"I am proud to welcome Pastor Ryoo, who I think really is emblematic of the success of the immigrant population in the United States, to offer this morning's prayer.\u00a0 He represents our future.\"\u00a0Congressman Connolly visits with Pastor Ryoo of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, Virginia prior to giving this morning's opening prayer at the House of Representatives. Pastor Ryoo offers the opening prayer at the U.S. House of RepresentativesConnolly Floor Statement on the contributions of the Korean-American and the Korean Central Presbyterian Church to our community.Wednesday, December 3, 2014  Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11th)Mr. Speaker,I am pleased to join you in welcoming Pastor David Ryoo from the Korean Central Presbyterian Church, located in Centreville, Virginia, and the 11th Congressional District, for today\u2019s invocation.The Church has been active in our community since it was founded 41 years ago in Vienna. Prior to my election to Congress, I served as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with that congregation on the construction of its new sanctuary and in many of its activities throughout our community.Within its many outreach ministries, the Church founded a Senior Center 20 years ago offering meals, recreation, and skills training and computerization for our senior population. Under the direction of Heisung Lee, the Center is now independently run and has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Republic of Korea as an outstanding volunteer organization. This and the many other activities of the congregation exemplify the tremendous contributions the Korean-American community is making throughout the United States.Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent one of the most vibrant Korean-American communities in the United States and to continue our partnership here in Congress as co-chair of the Korea Caucus. I thank you again for joining us in welcoming Pastor Ryoo, who I think really is emblematic of the success of the immigrant population in the United States. He represents our future.Thank you. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=705", "Federal Times: Lawmakers Strike Deal on Sweeping IT Reform Bill", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), the bill would significantly empower CIOs at the largest civilian agencies. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Federal Times: Lawmakers Strike Deal on Sweeping IT Reform BillAaron BoydSenators have included a sweeping federal IT reform bill in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), almost guaranteeing its passage.Known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), the bill would significantly empower CIOs at the largest civilian agencies.If approved, the bill will give CIOs:? More discretion over how IT budgets are set and used;? Authority over planning and implementing large-scale projects;? Hiring approval for CIOs at component agencies; and? Final approval on contracts for all major IT products and services.The bill would not affect the Defense Department or intelligence agencies.CIOs also would be required to submit regular reports to the Office of Management and Budget and update public-facing dashboards detailing the status of large IT investments.The measure also codifies some best practices, including a risk management approach to cybersecurity, regular reviews of agency IT portfolios, and an endorsement of the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative.The Senate bill leaves out some provisions included in an earlier House-passed version. Namely, the bill does not include a \u201cmyth-busting\u201d initiative aimed at encouraging more robust communications between federal officials and the private sector. It also lacks a working capital fund for cloud procurement.Nevertheless, sponsors of the House bill said Wednesday they were pleased with the final version.\u201cBy giving decision-makers the ability to make changes appropriate for their agency, we can ensure that the most knowledgeable will now be able to enact solutions that had otherwise plagued their agencies,\u201d said House Government Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., an original FITARA sponsor.\u201cAs technology changes, Chief Information Officers were previously prevented from adopting new technologies, and often the American taxpayer missed out on more cost effective options. FITARA fixes this crisis of leadership and ensures that the contracting standard is modernized to handle a changed tech landscape,\u201d Issa said.\u201cThe fact that we were able to get the key components through \u2014 even without some of the \u2018wants\u2019 \u2014 is a good thing,\u201d a spokesman for Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said, noting that reform, and particularly IT reform, needs to be incremental. \u201cThis is really the beginning of a whole other step.\u201dOthers worry the incremental approach won\u2019t be enough.\u201cSome think it\u2019s too weak,\u201d said a federal CIO advisor familiar with the measure. \u201cThey think this is the only shot and Congress won\u2019t do more IT reform if this passes.\u201dCIOs have expressed concern that bureau-level IT managers will still have too much control over their individual budgets.\u201cIt would be better to leave it alone and go back next year,\u201d the official said. \u201cEspecially with the bi-partisan feelings on this.\u201dLarry Allen, senior advisor with TechAmerica, noted that many of the leaders pushing for IT reform in the House and Senate will not be in the legislature come January.\u201cIf we don\u2019t get something passed now, it might be a while,\u201d he said. \u201cHistory has shown it takes some critical mass to get IT acquisition reform passed.\u201d\u201cWe\u2019re at the point where we have a consensus-based bicameral package with our colleagues over on the House side and the Senate side, we\u2019ve come together,\u201d Oversight Committee Senior Advisor and Counsel for Acquisition Policy Richard Beutel said during a conference in October. \u201cThat bill gives CIOs broad plenary authority over the budget, over the people they hire and does things that we hope will fulfill the promise of Clinger-Cohen [Act of 1996] ... We\u2019re very optimistic something is going to happen.\u201dhttp://www.federaltimes.com/article/20141203/FEDIT03/312030017/Lawmakers-strike-deal-sweeping-reform-bill", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-calls-on-congress-to-debate-and-vote-on-mission-against-isil-before-adjourning", "Kaine Calls On Congress To Debate & Vote On Mission Against ISIL Before Adjourning", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Calls On Congress To Debate & Vote On Mission Against ISIL Before Adjourning\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 3, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In remarks on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, reiterated his months-long call for Congress to debate and vote on U.S. military action against ISIL \u2013 a mission that has gone on since August without congressional authorization.\r\nIn his remarks, Kaine made two requests: 1) that President Obama follow through on his commitment to engage Congress and immediately demand a debate and vote on an authorization for use of military force; 2) that Congress stay in session until a debate and vote is held.\r\n\u201cWe have gone four months without any meaningful debate about this war,\u201d Kaine said.\u201d Now many are saying that we need to delay until after the New Year. \u2026 So the unilateral war would extend to at least five months and in all likelihood longer before Congress gets around to any meaningful discussion of the ISIL threat.\u201d\r\nFor over five months, Kaine has been urging the Obama Administration to seek a specific authorization for use of military force against ISIL while pressing his Congressional colleagues to take action. In September, Kaine introduced a draft authorization that supports the mission laid out by President Obama but includes four key limitations: 1)\u00a0\u00a0no U.S. ground troops; 2) a repeal of the 2002 Iraq Authorization for Use of Military Force; 3) a sunset after one year; and 4) a narrow definition of \u201cassociated forces.\u201d\r\n\u201cGiving any president a greenlight to wage unilateral war without any meaningful debate or authorization would be deeply destructive of the legitimacy of the legislative branch of our government,\u201d Kaine said. \u201cIt would be deeply disrespectful of our citizens; and it would be especially disrespectful of the troops who are risking their lives every day while we do nothing.\u201d\r\nFull transcript of Kaine\u2019s remarks today is below:\r\nMadam President, next Monday will mark four months since the President commenced military action in Syria and Iraq against ISIL. As of December 2, Operation Inherent Resolve, which the administration calls a war on ISIL, has involved more than 1,100 coalition airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, the vast majority carried out by American airmen and women. The President has authorized currently 1,400 U.S. ground troops who are deployed in Iraq to train and advise regional forces. The President has authorized an additional 1,500 U.S. troops to serve in that train and advise capacity. This past Monday, 250 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division of Fort Bragg, North Carolina were sent to Iraq and the total cost of the operation thus far to the U.S. taxpayers is in excess of $1 billion.\r\nThere have been three deaths of Americans serving in Operation Inherent Resolve. On October 1, Marine Corporal Jordan Spears of Memphis, Indiana was lost at sea while conducting flight operations over the Persian Gulf. On October 23, Marine Lance Corporal Sean Neal of Riverside, California, died in Iraq. On December 1, Air Force Captain William Dubois of New Castle, Colorado died in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.\r\nSenator King and I visited Al Udeid Air Force Base in Qatar in October to see the Combined Air Operation Center in action and we saw -- I saw many Virginians there working with colleagues from all service branches and many other nations in coalition nations that are directing the airstrike campaign.\r\nSo, Madam President, let's not make any mistake about this. America is at war. The number of air and ground troops deployed is steadily creeping upwards every day. Our troops are dying. And the fiscal cost to American taxpayers is growing every day.\r\nBut, Madam President, this is a most unusual war. While all the activities of war are occurring, there's a strange conspiracy of silence about it in the White House and in the halls of Congress. The President has not offered any proposed authorization for the war despite his suggestions that one is needed. Congress has not debated on, taken committee action on, or voted on the ongoing war. The House is contemplating adjourning for the holidays on December 11 without saying anything about an ongoing war. And because neither the President nor Congress has undertaken the necessary public debate over the war, the American public have not had the chance to be fully educated about what's at stake and why it's in our national interest in to ask our troops to risk their lives thousands of miles away. We owe it to our troops serving abroad, troops who are engaged in war even as we think about recessing and leaving Washington on December 11 for the holidays, to do our job and to have a debate and vote about the war that our Constitution demands.\r\nLet me make an earnest request to our President and to my colleagues in Congress. To the President: I had previously taken the floor to strongly argue that the President needs new legal authority to conduct the war on ISIL. When the President spoke to the nation on September 10 he said that he would -- quote -- \"welcome a congressional authorization.\" And on November 5, he affirmatively asserted that a new congressional authorization was needed and that he would -- quote -- \"engage Congress in passing one.\" But, to this date four months after the initiation of war, the Administration has not even been willing to present a draft authorization of the mission to Congress. In testimony yesterday at the Armed Services Committee, no DoD Witness could recall a single other instance in which a president told Congress of the need for a war but failed to present a proposed authorization spelling out the dimensions of the military mission. Instead, the President has persisted in a war that is not within the scope of his Article II powers, that is not authorized by any treaty obligation, that is not justified under either of the congressional authorizations passed in 2001 or 2002. The President's unilateral action has even extended beyond the 60 and 90-day timing requirements created by the War Powers Resolution of 1973.\r\nAnd the President's willingness to push a war without engaging Congress has even violated his own solemn and wise pronouncement of just one year ago. Quote--\"I believe our democracy is stronger when the president acts with the support of Congress. This is especially true after a decade that put more and more war-making powers in the hands of the president while sidelining the people's representatives from the critical decisions about when we use force.\"--close quote.\r\nAnd so I request our president, make good on your promise to engage Congress. Do what other presidents have done. Demand that we debate and vote on an authorization and that we do it now. The votes are here in this body to support the President. I am a supporter of the need for military action against ISIL, and I know that is a position held by a strong majority of the Senate, a strong majority of the House. There is no reason for the President to not demand that we actually have that debate and have that vote.\r\nAnd to my congressional colleagues, I have a similar request: Let's not leave this capitol without a debate and vote on this war on ISIL. We've gone four months without any meaningful action about this war. First, we were told that Congress would get to it after the midterm elections. And so we recessed for seven weeks in the middle of a war without saying one thing, shirking our constitutional duties. And now, many are saying that we need to delay until after New Year before having any meaningful discussion of this war. And so the unilateral war would extend to at least five months and, in all likelihood, longer before Congress gets around to any meaningful discussion of the ISIL threat and what we should do to counter it.\r\nGiving this president--giving any president--a greenlight to wage unilateral war for five or six months without any meaningful debate or authorization would be deeply destructive of the legitimacy of the legislative branch of our government; it would be deeply disrespectful of our citizens; and it would be especially disrespectful of the troops who are risking their lives every day while we do nothing. Madam President, I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-wittman-bipartisan-battlefield-protection-bill-heads-to-house-senate-floors-for-a-vote", "Kaine, Wittman Bipartisan Battlefield Protection Bill Heads To House, Senate Floors For A Vote", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine, Wittman Bipartisan Battlefield Protection Bill Heads To House, Senate Floors For A Vote\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 3, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Rush Holt (D-NJ), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015 announced by Senate and House negotiators last night. The legislation will reauthorize a National Park Service program that partners with landowners to preserve Civil War battlefields at risk of being lost to haphazard development.\u00a0 It will make Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefield sites eligible as well.\u00a0\r\nThis program has preserved 24,000 acres of at-risk Civil War battlefield land in 16 states, including 11,500 acres in Virginia \u2013 more than any other state.\u00a0 A 2013 study found that compared to average tourists, tourists visiting Civil War battlefields stay twice as long and spend double the money. Kaine has pushed for passage of the bill throughout the year, and, as Governor, worked with the General Assembly to support the program at the state level.\r\nThe House of Representatives is expected to consider the bill this week followed by Senate consideration next week.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-statement-on-confirmation-of-nani-coloretti-as-deputy-secretary-of-hud", "Warner, Kaine Statement On Confirmation Of Nani Coloretti As Deputy Secretary Of HUD", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine Statement On Confirmation Of Nani Coloretti As Deputy Secretary Of HUD\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 3, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following joint statement praising the\u00a0confirmation of Nani Coloretti to be the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u00a0(HUD)\u00a0Deputy Secretary, making her the fourth female Deputy Secretary and one of the highest-ranking Filipino-Americans serving in the Administration:\r\n\u201cPresident Obama made an excellent choice in nominating Nani Coloretti to be the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer of the agency. We are proud to have joined our Senate colleagues in confirming\u00a0Ms. Coloretti, who is currently the Assistant Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and has more than 20 years of experience in budget, finance, economic and program analysis.\u00a0We are confident that\u00a0Ms. Coloretti\u00a0will focus her talent and experience on growing the housing sector and advocating for communities across the country\u00a0in need of critical\u00a0assistance.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a1120288-a961-48f4-9bcd-20c237c015fe", "Warner, Kaine Statement on Confirmation of Nani Coloretti as Deputy Secretary of HUD", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine released the following joint statement praising the\u00a0confirmation of Nani Coloretti to be the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development\u00a0(HUD)\u00a0Deputy Secretary, making her the fourth female Deputy Secretary and one of the highest-ranking Filipino-Americans serving in the Administration:\r\n\u201cPresident Obama made an excellent choice in nominating Nani Coloretti to be the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, the Chief Operating Officer of the agency. We are proud to have joined our Senate colleagues in confirming\u00a0Ms. Coloretti, who is currently the Assistant Secretary for Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and has more than 20 years of experience in budget, finance, economic and program analysis.\u00a0We are confident that\u00a0Ms. Coloretti\u00a0will focus her talent and experience on growing the housing sector and advocating for communities across the country\u00a0in need of critical\u00a0assistance.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=a2c6756c-35ba-4f98-a17f-dd2303cc6b77", "Sen. Warner to Host Second Annual Virginia Science Summit at National Academy of Sciences", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Friday, December 5, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) will bring together a cross-section of Virginia\u2019s leaders in science on Friday for the second annual Virginia Summit on Science, Engineering and Medicine, co-hosted by Sen. Warner, the Virginia\u00a0Academy\u00a0of\u00a0Science, Engineering,\u00a0and Medicine (VASEM) and Virginia Tech. This summit will provide an opportunity for VASEM members and their prot\u00e9g\u00e9s to join with representatives from government, industry, and institutions of higher education in Virginia to discuss Big Data and its implications for science, technology, healthcare and industry.\r\n\r\n\u201cIn an era of diminished federal support for research and development, it is more important than ever for Virginia\u2019s leading thinkers across institutions and disciplines to increase collaboration,\u201d Sen. Warner said.\u00a0 \u201cVirginia is home to some of the nation\u2019s top technology companies and leading education and research institutions. That means the Commonwealth can play an important role in the rapidly growing sector of Big Data.\u00a0 This second annual Summit provides an exciting venue for some of the best and brightest in Virginia to discuss the challenges and benefits of Big Data.\u00a0 I am eager to see what Friday\u2019s program inspires.\u201d\r\n\u201cVirginia has some of the nation\u2019s leading universities, and I commend the Virginia Academy for addressing important \u2018big data\u2019 applications that will enable us to be on the forefront in solving some of the most complex societal and medical problems of our day,\u201d said Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands.\r\n\u201cWe have worked hard over the past year and a half to get VASEM off the ground. This is the second convergence of the group, and I\u2019m looking forward to the further collaboration and conversations that this meeting stimulates,\u201d said Joe Campbell, the Lucian Carr Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia and President of VASEM.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nSummit participants include representatives from some of Virginia\u2019s top educational institutions; healthcare organizations including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute,\u00a0Inova Health Systems and the Virginia BioScience Health Research Corporation; government agencies including NASA Langley, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Naval Research Laboratory\u00a0and National Science Foundation; and private sector partners including Orbital Sciences,\u00a0Amazon Web Services, and Metron. \u00a0Each participant is also encouraged to bring a prot\u00e9g\u00e9 to engage the next generation of the Commonwealth\u2019s leaders in the sciences.\r\nSenator Warner established VASEM in 2013 to bring together many of Virginia\u2019s most prominent scientists\u00a0to foster and promote a vibrant intellectual exchange and serve as a resource for the Commonwealth.\u00a0The group is comprised of Virginia\u2019s members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering,\u00a0and\u00a0the Institute of Medicine.\u00a0Election\u00a0to one of the three national academies is a lifetime designation, and represents one of the highest honors for scientists in the U.S.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=552", "Senate Unanimously passes Warner-Wittman Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The U.S. Senate today passed the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act of 2014, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), by unanimous consent. The legislation will bring increased accountability measures and a more collaborative management approach to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and spending. The 2013 legislation now returns to the House of Representatives for approval. \r\nThe Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to prepare a crosscut budget to better track the progress of Bay restoration efforts, comparing costs and the performance of restoration activities by the various federal agencies involved in the Bay preservation effort. The multi-state, multi-year initiative to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay involves at least 10 federal agencies, Virginia and five other states, the District of Columbia, and more than 1,000 local governments.\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a centerpiece of the culture and economy of many coastal communities in Virginia, and neighboring states. I commend the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners across the watershed who are working tirelessly to preserve and restore the Bay, Senator Warner said. In order to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay during a time of limited federal funding, we must make sure that every dollar spent on restoration activities produces real results. I will continue to focus on ways to be a good steward of both the taxpayer's dollar and the Commonwealth's invaluable natural resources.\r\nToday's Senate passage of this Chesapeake Bay legislation is a tremendous step forward, Wittman said. After seeing my Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support numerous times, I am thrilled to see progress in the Senate. I appreciate Senator Warner's steady cooperation and leadership in getting the bill passed through the Senate in its current form. Moving forward, I will push for swift House passage of this bill so that we can get it to the President's desk.\r\nSen. Warner first sponsored the Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act along with then-U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) in 2011. The 2013 Act was cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). Rep. Wittman first introduced the bill in the House of Representatives in 2008. Versions of the bill have passed the House of Representatives alone or as part of broader packages in each of the last three sessions of Congress.\r\nThis bill will display on one sheet which agencies are investing in Chesapeake Bay restoration and on what activities and where, said Senator Kaine. Having chaired the Chesapeake Executive Council as Governor of Virginia, I understand the importance of tracking restoration work among many stakeholders in a tangible, quantifiable way. This legislation is a good government measure that bolsters our efforts to clean up the Bay while improving the transparency of government spending, and I salute Senator Warner and Congressman Wittman for their bipartisan leadership on it.\r\nAs Governor of Virginia from 2002-2006, Sen. Warner increased spending on natural resources by 34% and took a leadership role in protecting the Bay, including adoption of the most comprehensive nutrient reduction standards in the nation. Governor Warner's final budget included $243 million for clean drinking water programs, and the Warner Administration funded the largest single investment in water quality in state history.\r\nA PDF of the legislation is available here. \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-suggests-improvements-to-proposed-epa-rules", "Kaine Suggests Improvements To Proposed EPA Rules", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Suggests Improvements To Proposed EPA Rules\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tComments come in response to EPA\u2019s request for input on proposed Clean Power Plan \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 2, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine submitted a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the agency\u2019s request for input on its proposed Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants by 30 percent by 2030.\u00a0\r\nIn the letter, Kaine suggests that the proposed standard should do more to\u00a0reward states like Virginia that have already taken major steps toward creating a cleaner power sector. While the current proposal sets state-by-state goals for reducing carbon emissions, these goals do not sufficiently account for many of the proactive steps that states like the Commonwealth have already taken to reduce their own emissions.\r\nKaine also suggests that the EPA develop a procedure for building flexibility into the proposal should there be unforeseen impacts on the affordability or reliability of electricity. In addition, he asks EPA to project the potential emission savings from energy efficiency measures on federal government installations like Naval Station Norfolk and the Pentagon.\u00a0Governor McAuliffe\u2019s Virginia Energy plan calls for aggressive implementation of energy efficiency in state facilities, and he believes federal facilities should also be leading the way.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve never accepted the view that cleaning up pollution and growing the economy are incompatible goals,\u201d Kaine said regarding his comments .\u00a0 \u201cI believe the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change necessitates action to reduce the carbon pollution responsible for it. \u00a0I\u2019m confident we can take such action in a manner that succeeds at this goal while maintaining affordable, reliable electricity for families and businesses in the Commonwealth and across the nation.\u201d\r\nThe full text of Kaine\u2019s letter to the EPA can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-welcomes-compromise-defense-bill-highlights-wins-for-virginia-", "Kaine Welcomes Compromise Defense Bill, Highlights Wins For Virginia", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Welcomes Compromise Defense Bill, Highlights Wins For Virginia \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tHouse expected to consider legislation this week, Senate to follow next week \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 2, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today welcomed compromise defense bill language announced by House and Senate negotiators. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2015 is substantially based on the two bills passed last spring by the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, respectively, and includes important provisions Kaine advocated for on behalf of Virginia in the Senate version. The full House of Representatives is expected to consider the defense bill this week followed by Senate consideration next week. \u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the bipartisan work that went into this bill, which provides critical support to our military personnel and civilians, especially shipbuilders, and includes my amendments to maintain our 11-carrier fleet and improve the credentialing process for servicemembers so employers better understand their skills when they transition into the civilian workforce,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis legislation includes important provisions to protect commissary subsidies, improve policies for prosecuting sexual assault, and give our troops a pay raise. While I\u2019m pleased that we are directing resources to the fight against ISIL, Congress should have had a debate on an authorization for our mission in Iraq and Syria, which has continued for nearly four months without approval from Congress. It is the height of public immorality to ask servicemembers to risk their lives when we\u2019re not willing to debate and vote on this issue.\u201d\r\nThe following list highlights many of the programs and provisions included in the final compromise authorization language which Kaine pushed for during the markup process:\r\nRefueling and Overhaul of the USS George Washington (CVN 73):\u00a0Following Kaine\u2019s successful efforts in the Senate Armed Services Committee to authorize the refueling and complex overhaul of CVN 73 and preserve the Navy\u2019s 11 operational aircraft carrier fleet, $795 million has been authorized in the compromise defense bill for this purpose.\r\nImproved Credentialing Process for Servicemembers:\u00a0The authorization includes provisions of an amendment Kaine introduced with Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) that requires the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to create a program for active duty servicemembers to obtain professional credentials while serving.\r\nSupports Shipbuilding Priorities: Authorizes funding for three Littoral Combat Ships and allows two cruisers to enter modernization next year.\r\nRaises Servicemembers\u2019 Pay: Authorizes a one percent pay raise for most servicemembers.\r\nProtects Commissary Subsidies & Rejects Proposal to Consolidate TRICARE:\u00a0The compromise bill restores $200 million for commissaries and defers any other changes to the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, which is preparing to issue a comprehensive set of cost-saving recommendations in February 2015.\r\nImproves Policies on Sexual Assault in the Military: Requires the Secretary of Defense to consider the preference of sexual assault survivors regarding whether offenses should be prosecuted by court-martial or in a civilian court. Allows a victim of sexual assault, who believes that their rights were violated during the court martial process, the ability to petition the Court of Criminal Appeals to require the court martial to comply with the Military Rules of Evidence. Provides an appeal process for individuals who were victims of a sex-related offense and were discharged from the military for what they believe is a side-effect of their assault, such as psychological struggles. Requires the establishment of a Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces.\r\nAddresses Overmedication of Prescription Drugs in Treatment Plans:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes a pilot program to evaluate medication therapy management for servicemembers.\r\nNo BRAC Round:\u00a0 The bill rejects DoD proposals for a new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round.\r\nAuthorizes Expansion of Arlington National Cemetery:\u00a0\u00a0Authorizes the land exchange between Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, supporting both Army efforts for expanded cemetery grounds and Arlington County efforts for a variety of public uses.\u00a0\r\nSuicide Prevention: Authorizes $53.3 million toward behavioral and psychological health programs for military personnel.\r\nSupports Expansion of Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program:\u00a0The bill includes provisions co-sponsored by Senators Kaine and Shaheen extending the Afghan SIV program, which was set to expire at the end of the fiscal year. The program provides visas to Afghans who have provided faithful and valuable service to the U.S. forces mission in Afghanistan and face threats as a result. The provisions extend the program and provide authorization for additional visas to be issued, increasing the total to approximately 4,000 per year.\r\nEstablishes a Commission on the Future of the Army:\u00a0The bill establishes a National Commission on the Future of the Army and places limits on the transfer of aviation assets from the National Guard.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=6129481d-b64b-49c4-98ac-c87c6fe8687a", "Sen. Warner Announces Keyanna Conner As Director of Government & Community Affairs", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) announced today that Keyanna Conner will join his state staff as Director of Government and Community Affairs. Ms. Conner, who previously served as\u00a0a senior advisor on Sen. Warner\u2019s successful \u00a02014 re-election campaign, will serve as a primary point of contact between the Senator\u2019s office and representatives of state and local governments, public agencies and other constituency organizations. She will be based in Richmond.\r\n\u201cI am very pleased that Keyanna Conner will be\u00a0joining our state staff as director of government and community affairs,\u201d said Sen. Warner.\u00a0\u201cEffective communication and problem-solving for state and local governments, and the Virginians they serve, remains a key priority for our entire office.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am thrilled and honored to join Senator Warner's staff, and I look forward to engaging and empowering state and local leaders in communities across Virginia,\u201d Conner said.\u00a0\r\nConner graduated from Hampton University in 2006 and currently is completing a doctoral degree in organic chemistry at\u00a0Virginia Commonwealth University.\u00a0She grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=ac1a780a-6df3-4fc7-98e9-a13a90b25a58", "Senate Unanimously Passes Warner-Wittman Chesapeake Accountability Act", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate today passed the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act of 2014, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), by unanimous consent. The legislation will bring increased accountability measures and a more collaborative management approach to Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and spending. \u00a0The 2013 legislation now returns to the House of Representatives for approval. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 requires the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to prepare a crosscut budget to better track the progress of Bay restoration efforts, comparing costs and the performance of restoration activities by the various federal agencies involved in the Bay preservation effort. The multi-state, multi-year initiative to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay involves at least 10 federal agencies, Virginia and five other states, the District of Columbia, and more than 1,000 local governments.\r\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure and a centerpiece of the culture and economy of many coastal communities in Virginia, and neighboring states.\u00a0 I commend the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners across the watershed who are working tirelessly to preserve and restore the Bay,\u201d Senator Warner said.\u00a0 \u201cIn order to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay during a time of limited federal funding, we must make sure that every dollar spent on restoration activities produces real results.\u00a0 I will continue to focus on ways to be a good steward of both the taxpayer\u2019s dollar and the Commonwealth\u2019s invaluable natural resources.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s Senate passage of this Chesapeake Bay legislation is a tremendous step forward,\u201d Wittman said. \u201cAfter seeing my Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act pass the House with overwhelming bipartisan support numerous times, I am thrilled to see progress in the Senate. I appreciate Senator Warner\u2019s steady cooperation and leadership in getting the bill passed through the Senate in its current form. Moving forward, I will push for swift House passage of this bill so that we can get it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\r\nSen. Warner first sponsored the Chesapeake Bay Accountability Act along with then-U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) in 2011. The 2013 Act was cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). Rep. Wittman first introduced the bill in the House of Representatives in 2008. Versions of the bill have passed the House of Representatives alone or as part of broader packages in each of the last three sessions of Congress.\r\n\u201cThis bill will display on one sheet which agencies are investing in Chesapeake Bay restoration and on what activities and where,\u201d said Senator Kaine.\u00a0 \u201cHaving chaired the Chesapeake Executive Council as Governor of Virginia, I understand the importance of tracking restoration work among many stakeholders in a tangible, quantifiable way.\u00a0 This legislation is a good government measure that bolsters our efforts to clean up the Bay while improving the transparency of government spending, and I salute Senator Warner and Congressman Wittman for their bipartisan leadership on it.\u201d\r\nAs Governor of Virginia from 2002-2006, Sen. Warner increased spending on natural resources by 34% and took a leadership role in protecting the Bay, including adoption of the most comprehensive nutrient reduction standards in the nation. Governor Warner\u2019s final budget included $243 million for clean drinking water programs, and the Warner Administration funded the largest single investment in water quality in state history.\r\nA PDF of the legislation is available here. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nMy Bay bill has passed House multiple times, but never Senate. Thanks to @MarkWarner for his cooperation and leadership on this issue.\r\n\u2014 Rep. Rob Wittman (@RobWittman) December 2, 2014", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398370", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 12.1.14", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Immigration \u2013 An Update\nIt has been more than a week since President Obama announced his executive actions regarding immigration.\u00a0 I have serious concerns about his actions and their legality.\u00a0 My concerns include whether the President can broadly and unilaterally grant illegal immigrants permission to work.\nFurther, among the red flags being raised about the President\u2019s immigration announcement is a recent report by the Washington Times indicating that, under this plan, \u201c\u2026businesses will have a $3,000-per-employee incentive to hire illegal immigrants over native-born workers because of a quirk of Obamacare.\u201d\nThe President\u2019s plan, though it declares as many as 5 million illegal immigrants to be eligible for work permits, deems them ineligible for public benefits such as Obamacare.\u00a0 As the Washington Times notes, \u201c\u2026that means businesses who hire them won\u2019t have to pay a penalty for not providing them health coverage \u2014 making them $3,000 more attractive than a similar native-born worker, whom the business by law would have to cover.\u201d\u00a0 \nAccording to this same Washington Times report, an anonymous official at the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that these immigrants will be unable to access Obamacare, creating this Obamacare employer mandate loophole.\nI can\u2019t help but wonder if the President or his team noticed this conflict ahead of time, or if they failed \u2013 as usual \u2013 to notice yet another Obamacare problem in advance.\nMy office has heard from a number of you concerned about the President\u2019s executive announcement regarding immigration.\u00a0 The overwhelming majority feel that:\n \n    the President is acting outside of his authority with this executive action;\n    this action is unfair to those who have legally immigrated to the United States;\n    Congress should look into stripping funding for implementation of the executive action, etc.\n \nBut in fairness, I should note that approximately 3% of those contacting us about this have done so to voice their support for the President\u2019s action. \nDiscussions regarding President Obama\u2019s immigration plans and how to most appropriately respond are ongoing.\u00a0 Please know I will be reviewing our options closely, keeping in mind the laws already on the books as well as my responsibility to support and defend the Constitution. \n\u201cThe Most Expensive Regulation Ever\u201d\nWhen this Administration or others have controversial and/or bad news to share, they often release it on Friday afternoons or before holidays in an effort to minimize negative attention.\u00a0 This is what is known as a \u2018news dump.\u2019\u00a0 As an example, you may remember that shortly before Independence Day last year the Obama Administration announced it would be delaying for one year the controversial \u2018employer mandate\u2019 built into Obamacare.\nMore recently, the day before this last Thanksgiving \u2013 November 26, 2014 \u2013 President Obama\u2019s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed changes to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone.\u00a0 Yes, this is another line of attack on fossil fuels, particularly coal.\u00a0 This is in addition to new regulations that do not take effect until this summer as well as proposed new regulations currently in the comment period that will impact fossil fuels.\nAccording to POLITICO, these changes \u201c\u2026 would lower the amount of ground-level ozone pollution that is considered healthy to breathe, which in turn could lead to costly new requirements for air pollution permits in much of the country.\u201d\nNational Association of Manufacturers President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Timmons (who served as a Chief of Staff to Governor and then Senator George Allen) said in response to the EPA\u2019s announcement: \u201cThis new standard comes at the same time dozens of other new EPA regulations are being imposed that collectively place increased costs, burdens and delays on manufacturers, threaten our international competitiveness and make it nearly impossible to grow jobs. \u00a0Before the Obama Administration moves the goalposts with yet another set of requirements that will make it more difficult for manufacturers across the country, they need to allow existing ozone standards to be implemented and give time to American businesses to meet those already stringent and onerous requirements.\u201d\u00a0 \nHe also said: \u201cThis new ozone regulation threatens to be the most expensive ever imposed on industry in America.\u201d \nInterestingly, the White House in 2011 (before the 2012 Presidential elections) directed the EPA to withdraw a nearly final version of this rule.\u00a0 The President at the time said he was taking this action in order to \u201cunderscore the importance of reducing regulatory burdens and regulatory uncertainty.\u201d\nSeems to me these concerns are no less valid today than they were in 2011.\nThis is another example of overreaching Obama EPA actions that must be stopped.\nAs always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.\u00a0 To reach my office by email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-tours-gwu-science-and-technology-campus-in-ashburn-speaks-with-nursing-students", "Kaine Tours GWU Science & Technology Campus In Ashburn, Speaks With Nursing Students", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Tours GWU Science & Technology Campus In Ashburn, Speaks With Nursing Students\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 1, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine\u00a0joined\u00a0George Washington University\u00a0(GWU) President Steven Knapp on a tour of the School of Nursing\u2019s state-of-the-art Skills and Simulation Lab at\u00a0the\u00a0Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. After the tour, Kaine spoke with School of Nursing students, including participants in the Veterans Bachelor of Science Nursing Program that helps veterans transition their military skills into a nursing career, about the demand for skilled healthcare workers in the Commonwealth and across the nation.\r\n\u201cI wanted to come and learn about the nursing program here at George Washington, which does a great job for the students who are pursuing careers in healthcare,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cTechnical training is important, especially now with the significant and growing need for highly trained health care professionals. GW is at the pinnacle of training for health professions and campuses like this are where the solutions lie.\u201d\r\nThe George Washington School of Nursing\u00a0is\u00a0ranked among the top 50 nursing\u00a0schools in the country.\u00a0Through\u00a0an agreement with Virginia Community Colleges,\u00a0the GW School of Nursing offers guaranteed admission to students\u00a0who\u00a0graduate\u00a0with an Associate\u2019s Degree in Nursing from any accredited community college nursing program in Virginia and who meet\u00a0certain\u00a0academic\u00a0requirements.\u00a0\r\nKaine co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, which focuses on improving and strengthening access to CTE to ensure that students of all ages are prepared with the skills they need for the jobs of the 21st century. Since taking office, one of Kaine\u2019s top priorities has been reducing veterans unemployment and helping to ease the transition from active duty to a civilian career. Kaine\u2019s first bill, the\u00a0Troop Talent Act,\u00a0provides active duty servicemembers with the tools they need to receive credentials for the skills they acquire through military training. Key provisions of the\u00a0Troop Talent Act\u00a0passed into law as part of the\u00a0National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2014.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=08fdd212-826b-4253-bdd4-1967ac9e08eb", "President Signs Sen. Warners Bipartisan Initiative to Eliminate Unnecessary Federal Reports", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Tuesday, November 25, the President signed the Government Reports Elimination Act (H.R. 4194), a bipartisan initiative to eliminate or modify more than 50 unnecessary, outdated, or duplicative federal reports required of more than a dozen federal agencies. The Government Reports Elimination Act is the House version of Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) companion legislation, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 16. Among the reports to be eliminated under the legislation: a Department of Homeland Security annual report on illegal imports of products made with dog or cat fur, and a Department of Agriculture report on the number of acres of peanuts planted each year. \u00a0\r\nAdditionally, Senators Warner and Ayotte introduced the Reports Reduction Act of 2014 on November 13, to further their bipartisan efforts to increase government performance by removing government waste and inefficiency. This legislation would eliminate or modify an additional 67 unnecessary reports.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very pleased the President has signed this important step towards increasing efficiency in the federal government,\u201d Senator Warner said. \u201cThere is no reason that hundreds of federal employees should spend countless hours producing outdated and often useless reports. Getting rid of these 50 unnecessary reports is a simple but effective step, but we can and should go even further. Sen. Ayotte and I have introduced additional legislation to take aim at 67 more unnecessary federal reports produced each year. We need to continue to find smart ways to create a more efficient government to ensure our taxpayers dollars are being spent productively.\u201d\r\nSen. Warner serves as Chairman of the Budget Committee\u2019s bipartisan Government Performance Task Force, and Sen. Ayotte serves as the Ranking Republican Member. The Task Force was established in 2009 to examine how the government measures the cost-effectiveness of federal programs with a goal of saving taxpayer dollars. Sen. Warner was a lead sponsor of the\u00a0Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010, which required federal agencies to identify outdated or duplicative congressionally mandated reports that could be consolidated or eliminated to direct agency resources towards more productive activities. In addition, Sen. Warner was lead sponsor of the\u00a0bipartisan Digital Accountability and Transparency Act, which standardizes federal spending data and ensures it is made available online so taxpayers can access information about how their tax dollars are being spent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=2779a86e-78c4-45ed-8522-8bbcae0afa87", "Statement of Sen. Warner in support of the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy to be U.S. Surgeon General", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement in support of the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy to be Surgeon General of the United States.\r\n\"Dr. Murthy brings an entrepreneurial focus, and he is committed to using technology to expand our outreach on health and wellness in innovative ways. I believe he will make an excellent Surgeon General,\u201d Senator Warner said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=8ed4c25d-1ae9-4c3f-86ae-5df29375a789", "Statement of Sen. Warner on the Death of Dr. William C. Bosher, Jr.", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on the passing of Dr. William C. Bosher, Jr.:\r\n\u201cI am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Bill Bosher, a career public servant who started as a classroom teacher, served as public school chief for Henrico and Chesterfield counties, and also served as Virginia\u2019s Superintendent of Public Instruction. Bill Bosher was a thoughtful policymaker and effective administrator. He demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the power of quality public schools to create opportunities for all of Virginia\u2019s young people. I offer my condolences to his family, friends and many colleagues,\u201d Senator Warner said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/photos/tour-of-gwu-science-and-technology-campus_-ashburn", "Tour Of GWU Science and Technology Campus - Ashburn", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator Tim Kaine joined George Washington University (GWU) President Steven Knapp on a tour of the School of Nursing\u2019s state-of-the-art Skills and Simulation Lab at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. After the tour, Kaine spoke with School of Nursing students, including participants in the Veterans Bachelor of Science Nursing Program that helps veterans transition their military skills into a nursing career, about the demand for skilled healthcare workers in the Commonwealth and across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-back-plan-to-better-protect-military-families-from-abusive-financial-practices", "Warner, Kaine Back Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Warner, Kaine Back Plan To Better Protect Military Families From Abusive Financial Practices\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 26, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with 40 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter in support of the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes to better protect servicemembers and their families from abusive financial practices.\u00a0 The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.\r\n\u201cAs our servicemembers are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders,\u201d the senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cWe strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for servicemembers and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\u201d\r\nThis is the third action Warner and Kaine have taken in recent months to protect servicemembers and their families from abusive financial practices. In August, they called for a federal investigation into aggressive debt collection actions used by retailers against servicemembers. \u00a0In response to a separate letter from Warner and Kaine, DOD recently announced a policy change to protect servicemembers from businesses that use allotments to trap Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families in illegal predatory loans.\r\nCongress first passed the MLA following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that \u201cpredatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force.\u201d\u00a0 This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to servicemembers and their dependents while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered.\u00a0 The DOD\u2019s 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: certain payday, auto title, and refund anticipation loans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=7dac238b-cb0f-470b-950f-f23651bfbf77", "Warner, Kaine Back Plan to Better Protect Military Families from Abusive Financial Practices", "2014-11-26", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Mark Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with 40 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter in support of the Department of Defense\u2019s (DOD) plan to update the Military Lending Act (MLA) and close existing loopholes to better protect servicemembers and their families from abusive financial practices.\u00a0 The letter, sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, expresses strong support for the proposed new rule to help prevent lenders from charging excessive fees and taking advantage of military families.\r\n\u201cAs our servicemembers are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders,\u201d the senators wrote.\u00a0 \u201cWe strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for servicemembers and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\u201d\r\nThis is the third action Warner and Kaine have taken in recent months to protect servicemembers and their families from abusive financial practices. In August, they called for a federal investigation into aggressive debt collection actions used by retailers against servicemembers. \u00a0In response to a separate letter from Warner and Kaine, DOD recently announced a policy change to protect servicemembers from businesses that use allotments to trap Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families in illegal predatory loans.\r\nCongress first passed the MLA following a 2006 Pentagon report that found that \u201cpredatory lending undermines military readiness, harms the morale of troops and their families, and adds to the cost of fielding an all-volunteer fighting force.\u201d\u00a0 This law capped the annual interest rates for consumer credit to servicemembers and their dependents while giving DOD the authority to define what loans should be covered.\u00a0 The DOD\u2019s 2007 implementing regulations narrowly included only three types of loans: certain payday, auto title, and refund anticipation loans.\r\nIn the proposed changes to the MLA, first announced in September, DOD seeks to close existing loopholes in the current MLA rule.\u00a0 Warner and Kaine\u2019s letter voices strong support for the proposed rule, arguing that the changes strike a better balance between protecting servicemembers and their families while maintaining access to good credit.\u00a0\r\nWarner and Kaine were joined by Senators Jack Reed, Dick Durbin, Mark Udall, Carl Levin, Sherrod Brown, Mazie Hirono, Joe Manchin, Al Franken, Tammy Baldwin, Bill Nelson, Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, Jeff Merkley, Martin Heinrich, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Patty Murray, Sheldon Whitehouse, Angus King, Amy Klobuchar, Tom Udall, Claire McCaskill, Jean Shaheen, Brian Schatz, Ed Markey, Michael Bennet, Chris Coons, Joe Donnelly, Diane Feinstein, Ben Cardin, Tom Carper, Ron Wyden, Heidi Heitkamp, Jon Tester, Barbara Boxer, Kay Hagan, Tom Harkin, and Charles Schumer in signing onto the letter.\u00a0 The signatories include every Democratic member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\r\nThe comment period, which was recently extended, for the proposed rule ends on December 26, 2014.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe text of the letter can be found below:\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Chuck Hagel\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Defense\r\n1000 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, D.C. 20301-1000\r\n\u00a0\r\nRe: Limitations on Terms of Consumer Credit Extended to Service members and Dependents\r\nDocket ID: DoD-2013-OS-0133\r\nDear Mr. Secretary:\r\nWe are writing in response to the Department of Defense (DOD) proposal to update the implementing rules for the Military Lending Act (MLA).\r\nBy enacting the MLA as part of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, Congress sent a clear bipartisan message that protecting servicemembers and their families from predatory and high cost lending was of paramount importance to their financial security and military readiness.\r\nThis concern was reiterated in the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which stated that \u201cthe conferees are concerned that the Department must remain vigilant to eliminate continuing, evolving predatory lending practices targeting servicemembers and their families, and believe the Department should review its regulations implementing section 987, to address changes in the industry and the evolution of lending products offered since 2007, continuing use of predatory marketing practices, and other abuses identified by consumer protection advocates, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau\u2019s Office of Servicemember Affairs.\u201d\r\nAs a result of this required review of the current MLA rule, DOD in its proposal now recommends closing existing MLA loopholes.\u00a0 We believe this strikes a significantly better balance than the current MLA rule between protecting servicemembers and their families on the one hand and maintaining access to non-predatory credit on the other.\u00a0 As such, this proposal also does a much better job of reflecting Congressional intent.\u00a0\r\nSpecifically, we support the proposal to expand the MLA\u2019s \u201cdefinition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 to cover a broader range of closed-end and open-end credit products.\u201d\u00a0 In so doing, the rule proposes that these products be treated in a manner generally consistent with the decades-old requirements of the Truth in Lending Act.\u00a0\r\nThis comprehensive approach is essential to preventing future evasions.\u00a0 As DOD notes in its proposed rule, \u201cthe extremely narrow definition of \u2018consumer credit\u2019 permits creditors to structure credit products in order to reduce or avoid altogether the obligations of the MLA.\u201d\u00a0 For example, MLA protections currently can be avoided by simply adding a day to the term of a payday loan or by lending just one additional cent so that the payday loan no longer qualifies as \u201cconsumer credit\u201d subject to the MLA protections. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nContrary to Congressional intent, these evasions threaten military readiness.\u00a0 According to DOD, \u201ceach separation of a servicemember is estimated to cost the Department $57,333, and the Department estimates that each year approximately 4,703 to 7,957 servicemembers are involuntarily separated due to financial distress.\u201d\u00a0 In addition to the estimated cost savings DOD has identified, we give great weight and deference to DOD\u2019s statement that the proposed MLA rule \u201cwould reduce non-quantifiable costs associated with financial strains on servicemembers. High-cost debt can detract from mission focus, reduce productivity, and require the attention of supervisors and commanders.\u201d\u00a0 As a result, we strongly agree with DOD\u2019s view that the proposed MLA rule not only has the potential to produce substantial cost savings, but also enhance military readiness.\r\nIn August of last year, a number of us wrote, \u201cservicemembers and their families deserve the strongest possible protections and swift action to ensure that all forms of credit offered to members of our armed forces are safe and sound.\u201d\u00a0 Indeed, as our servicemembers are asked to take on even more tasks in defense of our nation, we should take every opportunity to protect them and their families here at home, especially from unscrupulous lenders.\u00a0\r\nFor all these reasons, we strongly support the proposed MLA rule and urge that the final MLA rule be similarly robust in enhancing protections for servicemembers and their families, producing significant cost savings for DOD, and improving military readiness.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\u00a0\r\nReed\r\nDurbin\r\nMark Udall\r\nLevin\r\nBrown\r\nHirono\r\nManchin\r\nWarner\r\nFranken\r\nBaldwin\r\nNelson\r\nMurphy\r\nBlumenthal\r\nMerkley\r\nHeinrich\r\nWarren\r\nGillibrand\r\nMurray\r\nWhitehouse\r\nKing\r\nKlobuchar\r\nTom Udall\r\nKaine\r\nMcCaskill\r\nShaheen\r\nSchatz\r\nMarkey\r\nBennet\r\nCoons\r\nDonnelly\r\nFeinstein\r\nCardin\r\nCarper\r\nWyden\r\nHeitkamp\r\nTester\r\nBoxer\r\nHagan\r\nHarkin\r\nSchumer", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201904/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/617", "GOODLATTE & HENSARLING TO AG: WHY DOES JUSTICE DEPT. REQUIRE BANKS TO DONATE TO ACTIVIST GROUPS?", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "GOODLATTE & HENSARLING TO AG: WHY DOES JUSTICE DEPT. REQUIRE BANKS TO DONATE TO ACTIVIST GROUPS? \n                      \n                      \tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) wrote a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder requesting information about two questionable terms in the Justice Department\u2019s recent mortgage-lending settlement agreements with two major banks.\n                      \n                      \tThe Department\u2019s most recent settlements with Bank of America and Citigroup required millions of dollars in minimum donations to activist groups from an approved list, which includes La Raza and NeighborWorks, which has been described as \u201cfund(ing) a national network of left-wing community organizers operating in the mold of Acorn.\u201d\n                      \n                      \tIn addition, as an incentive for donations above the minimum to these groups, settling banks earn two dollars\u2019 worth of credit against their Department-mandated consumer relief commitment for every one dollar donated. As stated in the letter, \u201c[T]hese startling terms in the Justice Department\u2019s two latest settlements make them look less like consumer relief and more like bank \u2018shakedowns\u2019 to benefit special interest groups.\u201d\n                      \n                      \tRead more about the unprecedented terms of the Justice Department\u2019s mortgage-lending settlements in the text of the letter to Attorney General Holder below:\n                      \n                      \tDear Attorney General Holder:\u00a0\n                      \n                      \tWe request information about the Justice Department\u2019s mortgage-lending lawsuits and whether they actually deliver redress to consumers genuinely harmed.\n                      \n                      \tRelief for these consumers is long overdue, yet the Justice Department\u2019s record settlements have left homeowners disappointed. It seems that the alleged victims are not the primary beneficiaries of these multi-billion dollar settlements. \u00a0Instead, the terms in the Justice Department\u2019s two latest settlements look less like consumer relief and more like a scheme to funnel money to politically favored special interest groups.\n                      \n                      \tFirst, the settling banks must donate a minimum of $150 million to activist groups like La Raza and NeighborWorks, which funds a national network of community organizers. \u00a0Second, for each dollar donated above the minimum, banks earn two dollars\u2019 worth of credit against their overall consumer relief commitment. \u00a0By contrast, direct forms of consumer relief, such as loan modifications, earn only dollar-for-dollar credit. \u00a0This makes donations to activist groups far more attractive to banks than providing direct relief to injured consumers. \u00a0As a result, the settlements appear to serve as a vehicle for funding activist groups rather than as a means of securing relief for consumers actually harmed.\n                      \n                      \tOn July 14, 2014, the Justice Department announced a $7 billion mortgage-lending settlement with Citigroup that included $2.5 billion in \u201cconsumer relief.\u201d \u00a0In its press release touting the settlement, the Department described the relief as \u201cinnovative\u201d and as going beyond the \u201cprincipal reductions and loan modifications . . . built into previous resolutions.\u201d The details of this relief were contained in Annex 2 of the agreement. \u00a0Menu item 4F of the annex requires a minimum $10 million in donations to HUD-approved \u201chousing counseling agencies,\u201d which include La Raza and NeighborWorks. \u00a0Menu items 4D and 4E require an additional minimum $40 million in donations for housing-related organizations, including \u201clegal aid\u201d and community development \u201cnon-profits.\u201d\n                      \n                      \tFor every dollar donated above the $50 million minimum, Citigroup will earn two dollars\u2019 worth of credit against its $2.5 billion consumer relief commitment. \u00a0By contrast, for direct forms of consumer relief, like principal forgiveness, the base credit is merely dollar-for-dollar.\n                      \n                      \tNearly identical terms appear in the Department\u2019s August 21, 2014 settlement with Bank of America (BoA). \u00a0This settlement, which the Department has described as \u201chistoric,\u201d demands a minimum of $100 million in donations to housing-related organizations, including counseling agencies, \u201clegal aid\u201d organizations and community development \u201cnon-profits.\u201d \u00a0For every dollar donated above the minimum, BoA\u2019s credit against its overall $7 billion consumer relief obligation is two-for-one. \u00a0Again, the base credit for direct forms of consumer relief is just dollar-for-dollar.\n                      \n                      \tThese terms appear unprecedented. \u00a0The Department\u2019s November 2013 mortgage-lending settlement with J.P. Morgan Chase, for example, included only direct forms of consumer relief. \u00a0Certain previous agreements, including during the George W. Bush Administration, provided that any funds remaining after all consumer injury had been redressed could go to third-party groups. \u00a0But that is far different from earmarking mandatory minimum donations to activist groups as central provisions of settlements, and giving banks twice the incentive to funnel settlement funds to third-party groups instead of to harmed consumers.\n                      \n                      \tIn light of these concerns, we request that the Department conduct a briefing for the Judiciary and Financial Services Committees as soon as possible on the foregoing settlement terms and ask that you provide the following answers and information before the briefing and no later than December 9, 2014:\n                       \n                      \t\n                      \t\tIdentify the individuals who were involved in making the decision to depart from the J.P. Morgan Chase settlement format and add the mandatory donations and two-for-one credit terms to the Citigroup and BoA settlements, and in the subsequent implementation of those settlement terms.\n                      \t\n                      \t\tWere non-profits that stood to gain involved in any manner in that decision? \u00a0If so, which ones and to what extent?\n                      \t\n                      \t\tWere any White House officials involved in the decision? \u00a0If so, who and to what extent?\n                      \t\n                      \t\tDid Citigroup or BoA ever receive any formal or informal guidance from the Department or the White House regarding which particular groups should receive donations?\n                      \t\n                      \t\tPlease provide all communications relating to what became the \u201cCommunity Reinvestment and Neighborhood Stabilization\u201d provisions in the Citigroup and BoA settlements. \u00a0Please also provide any communications discussing similar terms as part of the J.P. Morgan Chase settlement discussions.\n                       \n                      \n                      \tThank you for your prompt attention to this request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398368", "Congressman Griffith's Weekly E-Newsletter 11.24.14", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Giving Thanks, Attitudes are Contagious\nWhile there are many important national issues deserving discussion, this week is a time of Thanksgiving. We all have things for which we should be grateful.\u00a0 But if you are like most, you or a loved one have likely experienced some trials and tribulations during the last year as well.\nI was recently reminded of this when my colleague, Congressman Alan Nunnelee (R-MS), returned to the House of Representatives.\u00a0 While in Washington in early May, Congressman Nunnelee began experiencing nausea and fatigue.\u00a0 Following consultation with a doctor, Congressman Nunnelee went to a hospital and underwent an MRI scan.\u00a0 As a result of this scan, doctors found a small abnormality on the right side of his brain, which doctors ultimately confirmed was a small intracranial mass, a brain tumor.\nCongressman Nunnelee underwent surgery on June 9, and his doctors were able to successfully remove the mass.\u00a0 However, as a result of a stroke he suffered during the surgery, Congressman Nunnelee experienced some complications including difficulty with his speech and mobility on his left side.\u00a0 Congressman Nunnelee spent this summer recovering and undergoing regular therapy in order to improve both his speech and mobility.\u00a0 Statements released by his office at the time indicate that his doctors were pleased with his progress, but confirmed that his follow-up treatment would require radiation and chemotherapy.\u00a0 Following his treatment, he has returned to work in our nation\u2019s capital.\nAccording to a June 20 statement from his office, Congressman Nunnelee communicated to his family and staff:\n\u201cAttitudes are contagious, so you better make sure yours is worth catching.\u201d\nWhat a positive, inspiring perspective.\nCongressman Nunnelee recently gave the opening prayer at one of the House Republicans\u2019 regular meetings, quoting I Thessalonians 5:18: \n\u201cGive thanks in all circumstances, for this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.\u201d\nI couldn\u2019t help but reflect on this choice and on Congressman Nunnelee\u2019s message that morning.\u00a0 \n\u201cI am glad the scripture in Thessalonians does not say to give thanks for all circumstances,\u201d Congressman Nunnelee says, \u201cbecause I would have a difficult time being thankful for a tumor or a stroke, much less both.\u00a0 I have learned the way to approach the difficulty of stroke rehabilitation is to give thanks in all circumstances.\u201d\nThough we may not be thankful for hardships such as tumors, strokes, etc., we ought to be thankful in all situations for our blessings and that with which we have been provided in order to deal with health scares and other tribulations.\nAs Thanksgiving draws near, I am reminded of the many things for which I am grateful, including my wife, my children, and my health.\u00a0 I am thankful to have the opportunity to serve our community, first in the state legislature and now in the halls of Congress.\u00a0 \nI am deeply thankful in the Lord for these blessings and others bestowed upon me and my family, and for the blessings on this nation, where a man or woman can determine their fate by the sweat of their brow and their ingenuity.\u00a0 This is true no matter what family you are born into or whom you are fortunate enough to know.\nIn preparing this column, I looked into some of my books for additional guidance on Thanksgiving messages.\u00a0 While doing so, I found the \u201cOld 100th\u201d as a hymn listed under \u2018Thanksgiving\u2019 in my 1952 Book of Common Prayer/Hymnal:\nPraise God, from Whom all blessings flow;\nPraise Him, all creatures here below;\nPraise Him above, ye heavenly host;\nPraise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. \nHow very meaningful, the familiar words of the \u201cOld 100th.\u201d\nLike Congressman Nunnelee, many in the Ninth District have experienced losses that we are not thankful for, but we remain thankful in the Lord for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.\u00a0 To again borrow from Congressman Nunnelee, \n\u201cI am thankful in this circumstance and pray you find yourself doing the same.\u201d\nMay God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless these United States.\u00a0 Best wishes to you, your family, and your friends for a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  \n\u00a0  \nAs always, if you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671.\u00a0 To reach my office by email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398369", "Ninth District Traveling Staff Office Hours for December", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Griffith\u2019s Ninth District STAFF will be available at the following locations during the month of December.\u00a0 In the event of inclement weather (heavy snow, sleet, icy rain, etc.), traveling office hours may be rescheduled to avoid putting constituents at risk.\u00a0 Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions or to confirm that traveling hours are still in effect.\r\nDecember 3, 2014\r\nSmyth County: \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a09:00 am \u2013 11:00 am\r\nTown Council Chambers  \r\n138 West Main Street  \r\nMarion, VA\r\nCovington:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCovington City Hall  \r\nCity Hall Conference Room  \r\n333 W. Locust Street  \r\nCovington, VA\r\nCraig County:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nCraig County Administration Building  \r\n108 Court Street  \r\nNew Castle, VA\r\nBristol:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nBristol VA Public Library  \r\nUpstairs Conference Room  \r\n701 Goode Street  \r\nBristol, VA\r\nDecember 5, 2014\r\nMartinsville: \u00a0 11:00 am \u2013 1:00 pm  \r\nNCI  \r\nRoom 106 \u2013 Classroom Building  \r\n30 Franklin Street  \r\nMartinsville, VA\r\nLee County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nLee County Sheriff\u2019s Office  \r\nConference Room \u2013 Suite U101  \r\n33640 Main Street  \r\nJonesville, VA\r\nNorton: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nNorton City Council Chambers  \r\n618 Virginia Avenue NW  \r\nNorton, VA\r\nDecember 9, 2014\r\nGiles County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nPearisburg Town Hall  \r\n112 Tazewell Street  \r\nPearisburg, VA\r\nSalem: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nSalem Library  \r\n28 East Main Street  \r\nSalem, VA\r\nDecember 10, 2014\r\nRadford: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nRadford Public Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n30 West Main Street  \r\nRadford, VA\r\nPulaski County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nPulaski County Library  \r\nMeeting Room  \r\n60 3rd Street NW  \r\nPulaski, VA\r\nDecember 11, 2014\r\nGrayson County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nGrayson County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room \u2013 Suite 206  \r\n129 Davis Street  \r\nIndependence, VA\r\nRussell County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nSouthwest Virginia Technology Development Center  \r\n141 Highland Drive  \r\nLebanon, VA\r\nTazewell County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm   \r\nBluefield Town Hall \u2013 Council Chambers  \r\n112 Huffard Drive  \r\nBluefield, VA\r\nGalax: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nGalax Municipal Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n111 E. Main Street  \r\nGalax, VA\r\nDecember 12, 2014\r\nAlleghany County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nClifton Forge Library  \r\nConference Room  \r\n535 Church Street  \r\nClifton Forge, VA\r\nRoanoke County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nRoanoke Library Hollins Branch  \r\n6624 Peters Creek Road  \r\nRoanoke, VA\r\nDecember 16, 2014\r\nTazewell County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nRichlands Town Hall  \r\n200 Washington Square  \r\nRichlands, VA\r\nBuchanan County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nGrundy Town Hall  \r\n1185 Plaza Drive  \r\nGrundy, VA\r\nDecember 17, 2014\r\nHenry County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nBassett Historical Society  \r\n964 Fairystone Parkway  \r\nBassett, VA\r\nBland County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nBland County Courthouse  \r\nAdmin. Office Room 200  \r\n612 Main Street  \r\nBland, VA\r\nWythe County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nWythe County Sheriff\u2019s Office  \r\nConference Room  \r\n245 South 4th Street  \r\nWytheville, VA\r\nPatrick County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nPatrick County Administration Building  \r\nConference Room  \r\n106 Rucker Street  \r\nStuart, VA\r\nDecember 18, 2014\r\nScott County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCommunity Services Building  \r\nCommunity Room  \r\n190 Beech Street  \r\nGate City, VA \r\nDecember 19, 2014\r\nCarroll County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nCarroll County Administration Building  \r\nBoard of Supervisors Room  \r\n605 \u2013 1 Pine Street  \r\nHillsville, VA\r\nDickenson County: \u00a0 10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm  \r\nDickenson Center for Education & Research  \r\n818 Happy Valley Drive  \r\nClintwood, VA \r\nWise County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nBig Stone Gap Federal Courthouse  \r\n3rd Floor Room 303  \r\n322 Wood Avenue E  \r\nBig Stone Gap, VA\r\nFloyd County: \u00a0 2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm  \r\nFloyd County Library  \r\n321 W. Main Street  \r\nFloyd, VA\r\n** Please contact the Christiansburg Office at 540-381-5671 or the Abingdon Office at 276-525-1405 with any questions.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201906/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/616", "GOODLATTE: ROANOKE'S POFF BUILDING A 'HALLMARK IN WASTE'", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "GOODLATTE: ROANOKE'S POFF BUILDING A 'HALLMARK IN WASTE' \n                      \n                      \tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today issued a Committee report outlining the findings of the Judiciary Committee\u2019s thorough investigation into the mismanagement of taxpayer funds during the renovation of the Richard H. Poff Federal Building located in Roanoke, Virginia. \u00a0The Poff Federal Building houses several critical federal entities, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, the U.S. Marshals Service district headquarters, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Roanoke Regional Office. Chairman Goodlatte has aggressively sought answers from GSA regarding the cost and scope of this wasteful project.\n                      \n                      \tThe House Judiciary Committee\u2019s report documents the U.S. General Services Administration\u2019s (GSA) mishandling of the Poff Building renovation from its failure to follow fundamental procedures designed to prevent government waste to its failure to properly plan and to anticipate and manage the project. The report also highlights GSA\u2019s efforts to dodge concerns from the local community and from Congress. \u00a0\u00a0\n                      \n                      \tBelow are statements from Chairman Goodlatte and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), the Committee with jurisdiction over the GSA.\n                      \n                      \tChairman Goodlatte: \u201cOne simple phrase can sum up the renovation of the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke \u2013 it\u2019s a hallmark in waste. In 2009, it was announced that nearly $51 million of taxpayer money would be spent to make the Poff Federal Building more energy efficient. However, the project has instead resulted in ballooning costs and an overall lack of transparency, unresponsiveness, and dismissal of the public\u2019s concerns.\u00a0\n                      \n                      \t\u201cAs the Committee recently learned, problems with GSA\u2019s responsiveness and management of facilities are not isolated. Issues at the Poff Federal Building in Roanoke are symptomatic of widespread deficiencies in GSA\u2019s service and wasteful spending decisions throughout the nation. \u00a0\n                      \n                      \t\u201cThe report issued today clearly outlines the major issues with the project, including the ever increasing costs of the renovation, the lack of a thorough cost benefit analysis of the project, the process that GSA used to award contracts for the project, and the failure of GSA to meet the needs of the tenants. The Poff Federal Building is a prime example of the kind of wasteful spending in Washington that must be eliminated. It is critical that we continue to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely and that GSA is held accountable for this boondoggle.\u201d\u00a0\n                      \n                      \tChairman Shuster: \u201cThe Administration wasted millions of stimulus dollars in its rush to \u2018green\u2019 federal buildings without congressional input. \u00a0Chairman Goodlatte\u2019s report chronicles the misguided spending and costly mistakes of the Administration\u2019s stimulus program at a single courthouse in Virginia. \u00a0The General Services Administration can and should do better.\u201d\n                      \n                      \tKey Findings of the House Judiciary Committee Report:\n                       \n                      \t\n                      \t\tGSA failed to properly plan and squandered millions of taxpayer dollars.\n                      \t\n                      \t\tGSA violated federal contracting law & undermined public confidence by foolishly offering to pay a maximum sum for the Poff project. \u00a0\n                      \t\n                      \t\tGSA\u2019s misfeasance prevented the implementation of important security, building code, and life safety improvements.\n                      \t\n                      \t\tThe Poff project repeatedly impacted the ability of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia to administer justice and negatively impacted the ability of the Roanoke Veterans Affairs Regional Office to serve veterans.\u00a0\n                      \t\n                      \t\tGSA attempted to avoid accountability by refusing to fully address questions from the Roanoke community, the press, and Virginia\u2019s representatives in Washington, D.C.\n                       \n                      \n                      \tAdditional Information: Click here to download a PDF copy of the report, \u201cA Hallmark in Taxpayer Waste: The U.S. General Services Administration\u2019s Mismanagement of Taxpayer Funds at Roanoke\u2019s Poff Federal Building.\u201d \u00a0In June, the Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet Subcommittee held a hearing on \u201cGSA\u2019s Failure to Meet the Needs of the Judiciary: A Case Study of Bureaucratic Negligence and Waste.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=549", "Wittman Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wittman Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        November 24, 2014\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      Washington, D.C. Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today issued the following statement on the resignation of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel: I thank Secretary Hagel for his many years of service to the nation and for his efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform. While this is a time of transition at the helm of the Department of Defense, it is critical that we remain resolute in our efforts to stop the sequester from going into effect. We must have a responsible defense budget in place that is governed by strategy and maintains an unwavering commitment to our military's readiness to ensure our ability to respond to current and future threats. I urge the President to act swiftly to nominate a successor.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=550", "CODEL Wittman Meets With King Abdullah of Jordan", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today following the Congressional delegation meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan:\r\nThere is no question that ISIS must be destroyed and it is critical that the coalition of NATO partners and nations in the Middle East such as Jordan continue to work together to that end, Wittman said. Jordan plays a key role in the region by leading the effort among Sunni Arab nations to combat ISIS. Today's meeting with King Abdullah was very enlightening and will be useful in developing an understanding within Congress to use in establishing defense policy to defeat ISIS. I look forward to continued dialogue with King Abdullah during his future travel to the United States.\r\nIn connection with a CODEL focused on oversight of operations against ISIS in the Middle East, Representative Rob Wittman led a Congressional delegation including Representative Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa, Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, Representative Bill Flores of Texas, and Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin to Qatar, Afghanistan and Jordan. The Congressional delegation met with King Abdullah of Jordan to discuss regional security efforts and traveled to the Syrian border to gain a firsthand understanding of the Syrian refugee crisis and Jordanian efforts to combat ISIS.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=551", "Wittman-Led Congressional Delegation Meets With Afghan Leadership", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement today regarding Congressional delegation meetings with newly-elected Afghan leadership:\r\nIn connection with a CODEL focused on oversight of operations against ISIS in the Middle East, Representative Rob Wittman led a Congressional delegation including Representative Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa, Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, Representative Bill Flores of Texas, and Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin to Qatar, Afghanistan and Jordan.\r\nIn Afghanistan, the delegation met with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah to discuss the Bilateral Security Agreement which passed the lower house of the Afghan parliament during the meeting and was proudly announced to the delegation by President Ghani. The Status of Forces Agreement with NATO was also endorsed by the lower house of parliament.\r\nThis was the first Congressional delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives to meet with Afghanistan's new leadership and congratulate them on the establishment of Afghanistan's first ever unity government and peaceful transition of government power, Wittman said. It is critical that dialogue between the leaders of our two countries continues to ensure thesafe and responsible withdrawal of our troops from Afghanistan and to meet the goals of strengthening Afghan forces, countering the threat of terrorism and improving security in the region.\r\nCongressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-grand-jury-verdict-in-missouri", "Kaine Statement On Grand Jury Verdict In Missouri", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Grand Jury Verdict In Missouri\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement following a Missouri grand jury\u2019s decision not to indict Police Officer Darren Wilson:\u00a0\r\n\u201cIn light of the grand jury decision not to prosecute officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of Michael Brown, I ask authorities to respect the right of all people to express themselves during this understandably emotional time, as well as urge the people of Ferguson and the nation to respond peacefully and constructively. Going forward, it\u2019s critically important that we do more as a nation to address the tense relationship between law enforcement and local communities that was prevalent well before this tragedy, particularly in communities of color. Our criminal justice system should never give anyone in America reason to doubt its fairness. It\u2019s on us to work through these challenges in Virginia, Missouri and across the country.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-iran-nuclear-negotiations", "Kaine Statement On Iran Nuclear Negotiations", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Iran Nuclear Negotiations\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, July 9, 2015\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Secretary of State John Kerry\u2019s update on the nuclear talks with Iran today:\r\n\u201cI support giving our negotiators the time to make sure they get the best deal possible with Iran to protect U.S. national security interests. Extending negotiations is much better than the alternative\u2014walking away from significant progress that\u2019s been made, including Iran\u2019s compliance with the Joint Plan of Action that \u2013 for the first time \u2013 has successfully rolled back components of Iran\u2019s nuclear weapons development. Nevertheless, Iranian leaders understand the decisions they need to make and must demonstrate the political will to reach an acceptable and verifiable agreement. I applaud the tireless and technical work of the P5+1 negotiators and am pleased that if a final nuclear deal is reached, there will be a prompt, deliberate and constructive process for Congressional review of it thanks to passage of the bipartisan Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-secretary-hagel", "Kaine Statement On Secretary Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On Secretary Hagel\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 \u00a0U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement today on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel\u2019s decision to step down:\r\n\u201cSecretary Hagel has led the Department of Defense through an extremely challenging time in our nation\u2019s history, including a severely constrained fiscal environment. He has been a strong advocate for military servicemembers and their families, ensuring the U.S. Armed Forces have the resources they need to respond to contingencies at home and around the globe. He also played a significant role this year in building a robust international coalition to combat ISIL and has helped lay the groundwork for a smooth transition in Afghanistan. I also thank Secretary Hagel for standing up for our nation\u2019s veterans at every opportunity.\u201d \u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-us-attorney-timothy-heaphy", "Kaine Statement On U.S. Attorney Timothy Heaphy", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kaine Statement On U.S. Attorney Timothy Heaphy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 24, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON,D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on the decision by Timothy Heaphy, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, to step down:\r\n\u201cTim has served the Western District of Virginia with distinction as U.S. Attorney. I appreciate Tim\u2019s dedication to combatting prescription drug abuse, human trafficking, and illegal gang activity, and I\u2019m confident his work to promote community outreach and crime prevention will leave a lasting mark on the region.\u201d\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://connolly.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=703", "Connolly Calls on Congress to Pass Connolly-Chabot Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Gerald Connolly", "C001078", "connolly.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Failure to stand up against Putin's illegal annexation of Crimea will set a danger and irrevocable precedent, said Rep. Connolly. Read more.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      On Thursday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed legislation prohibiting federal agencies from taking action that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea.The bipartisan legislationwas introduced by Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA)with Steve Chabot (R-OH).\u201cThe United States must lead the way in refusing to recognize or legitimize the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation,\u201d said Rep. Connolly. \u201cFailure to stand up against Putin\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea will set a danger and irrevocable precedent.\u201d\u201cAcquiescence on the part of the U.S. threatens the security of all sovereign nations. Who is next? Moldova? Georgia? The Baltic Republics?\u201d added Connolly.When Russian troops were identified as fomenting unrest in Crimea in February of this year, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin adamantly denied involvement. By April, Russia had illegally annexed Crimea, and Putin had come clean about the blatant Russian intrusion, admitting that Russian troops had been deployed to Crimea before the illegal annexation on March 21.\u201cNow, Putin\u2019s playbook is being put to in eastern Ukraine,\u201d said Connolly.Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg certified a serious Russian military buildup in eastern Ukraine. The U.S. and our European allies have issued successive rounds of sanctions and warnings as Russian aggression has mounted and spurred violence and destruction in the region.\u201cThe U.S. lacks credibility objecting to Russia\u2019s aggression without a firm stance on Crimea,\u201d added Connolly. \u201cCongress must make a simple, declarative statement on Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea. The Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act does just that.\u201dFull Connolly Statement on H.R. 5241, Crimea Annexation Non-recognition ActHouse Committee on Foreign Affairs  Thursday, November 20, 2014  Statement by Rep. Gerald E. ConnollyI want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for bringing H.R. 5241, the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, to the Full Committee for markup. I introduced this legislation with my colleague, Mr. Chabot, and it has broad bipartisan support.The dangerous precedent set in Crimea cannot be overstated. Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and threatens the stability of European borders. Acquiescence on the part of the U.S. threatens the security of sovereign nations. Who is next? Moldova? Georgia? The Baltic Republics?Countries seeking to shed authoritarian institutions or pursue democratic reforms have historically been drawn to Western economic prosperity and democratic freedoms like a shining beacon. Cold War era geopolitics dictated that the endgame for the Soviet Union was to extinguish that beacon. In the post-Cold War era, Putin\u2019s Russia has once again set its sights anew on the beacon.When Russian troops were identified as fomenting unrest in Crimea in February of this year, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin adamantly denied involvement. By April, Russia had illegally annexed Crimea, and Putin had come clean about the blatant Russian intrusion, admitting that Russian troops had been deployed to Crimea before the illegal annexation on March 21.Now, Putin\u2019s playbook is being put to in eastern Ukraine. Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg certified a serious Russian military buildup in eastern Ukraine. The U.S. and our European allies have issued successive rounds of sanctions and warnings as Russian aggression has mounted and spurred violence and destruction in the region. However, I am stuck in Crimea.\u00a0 The U.S. lacks credibility objecting to Russia\u2019s aggression without a firm stance on Crimea.Congress must make a simple, declarative statement on Russia\u2019s illegal annexation of Crimea. The Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act does just that. The legislation prohibits any federal department or agency from taking any action or extending any assistance that recognizes or implies recognition of the de jure or de facto sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters. It authorizes the President to waive such prohibitions if he determines that doing so is vital to U.S. national security interests.I remember that in the Cold War era, the U.S. had a policy of non-recognition regarding the Soviet Union\u2019s illegal annexation of the Baltic Republics. The U.S. recognized neither the de jure nor de facto sovereignty of the Soviet Union over the Baltic Republics. Our policy of non-recognition did not end in 1991 because it had become outdated or failed to recognize the facts on the ground. Although, I can attest that there were some in Washington who believed that the Baltic Republics would forever remain under the dominion of the Soviet Union. The Baltic people gained their independence in 1991 almost 50 years after the Soviet occupation began, and today, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia are NATO allies.This is an important moment for the U.S. and the rest of the world. We are not seeking a return to Cold War brinksmanship. But all of 20th century history tells us that bullies can never be satisfied by concession.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201909/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/614", "GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT OBAMA ALL-IN AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "GOODLATTE: PRESIDENT OBAMA ALL-IN AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION \n                       The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the President\u2019s power grab when Congress returns \n                      \n                      \tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the statement below in advance of President Obama\u2019s speech today on his unconstitutional immigration actions in Las Vegas, Nevada. When Congress returns after the Thanksgiving break, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on President Obama\u2019s unconstitutional power grab on Tuesday, December 2, 2014. The time and witness list will be announced later.  Chairman Goodlatte: \u201cLast night, President Obama went all-in against the Constitution and today he is doubling-down on his lawlessness in Las Vegas of all places. Unfortunately for the American people, the President has ignored their opinions and forged ahead with his plan, creating a constitutional crisis and an untold number of consequences for the American people and legal immigrants. \u201cWhen Congress returns in early December, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the unconstitutionality of President Obama\u2019s power grab. The stakes of inaction are high and Congress will use the best tools available to stop President Obama from implementing his unconstitutional plan.\u201d Chairman Goodlatte issued a statement last night on President Obama\u2019s unconstitutional, unilateral actions. Earlier this week, Chairman Goodlatte joined House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) in sending a letter to President Obama demanding that he abandon his plan to change our immigration laws on his own. Additionally, Chairman Goodlatte\u2019s op-ed on this subject was published in the Wall Street Journal this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201912/http://goodlatte.house.gov/press_releases/615", "EPA MUST ACT NOW TO REDUCE RFS", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert Goodlatte", "G000289", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "EPA MUST ACT NOW TO REDUCE RFS \n                      \n                      \tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s announcement that the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will not be finalized this year, Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Steve Womack (R-AR) released the following statement:  \u201cThese delays by the EPA are completely unacceptable. After nearly a year with no action on the proposed RFS for 2014, the EPA has decided to throw in the towel and punt the final decision until next year. It\u2019s extremely disappointing that this decision on renewable fuel obligations for 2014 has taken so long and will not be resolved by the end of the year. How can the industry comply with a mandate that is released after they are already supposed to be in compliance? The longer stakeholders are forced to wait, the more uncertainty it creates in the marketplace. The EPA\u2019s proposal for 2014, which included a reduction in the amount of ethanol blended into the fuel supply, was a positive step forward and acknowledged that the mandate is unworkable, detrimental to the environment, and price distorting to feedstock industries throughout the country. Action is needed now to reduce the ethanol mandate and provide much-needed relief. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, not several months into 2015.\u00a0 Today\u2019s action once again proves that the RFS is unworkable and that Congress must reform the RFS.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/in-response-to-letter-from-warner-and-kaine-dod-announces-policy-change-to-protect-servicemembers-from-predatory-loans", "In Response To Letter From Warner & Kaine, DOD Announces Policy Change To Protect Servicemembers From Predatory Loans", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Response To Letter From Warner & Kaine, DOD Announces Policy Change To Protect Servicemembers From Predatory Loans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 21, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to a letter from U.S. Senators Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and three of their colleagues in July 2014, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced a policy change today that will prohibit the use of allotments by servicemembers to purchase, lease or rent personal property.\u00a0 This important change will protect servicemembers from businesses that use allotments to trap Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families in illegal predatory loans.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m very pleased Secretary Hagel and the Department of Defense are making important improvements to the allotment system to better protect our servicemembers from predatory lending,\u201d Senator Warner said. \u201cThe current system allows unscrupulous companies to sign servicemembers up for questionable payment plans and then turn around and sue them for failure to pay. This policy change will prevent these sorts of abuses going forward and provide our military families with more of the protections they deserve.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI applaud Secretary Hagel and the Department of Defense for taking this important step to protect our servicemembers and their families from predatory loans,\u201d said Senator Kaine.\u00a0 We need to improve Department of Defense policy to ensure when our troops seek financial support, unscrupulous businesses cannot divert payments from a servicemember's monthly income to support their own profits. By protecting their financial stability, these changes also help ensure the military readiness of our troops.\u201d\r\nThe new regulations will go into effect in January 2015.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1105, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "VA", "p1": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 736, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 369, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1105, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 1105, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 1105, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-11-21,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ekaine~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fin-response-to-letter-from-warner-and-kaine-dod-announces-policy-change-to-protect-servicemembers-from-predatory-loans", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2014&_next=2014-11-21%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ekaine~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpress-releases~2Fin-response-to-letter-from-warner-and-kaine-dod-announces-policy-change-to-protect-servicemembers-from-predatory-loans&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 237.65565501525998, "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"}