{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"VA\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405840", "Griffith Announces $529,133 ARC Grant for Wise County", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded Wise County, Virginia, a $529,133 grant. This funding will support a water line replacement project along Ramsey Road and U.S. Route 58.\n\nIn response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis ARC grant for more than $529,000 helps Wise County modernize local water line infrastructure to better serve residents with potable water.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to ARC, this project will replace and realign 1,700 linear feet of water line. The existing line has developed repeated leaks and is difficult as well as costly to access.\n\nAs part of the project, new abandonment caps and gate valves will be installed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405841", "Chairman Griffith Bill Featured in Energy & Commerce Committee Package to Combat Health Care Fraud", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Today, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce unveiled a package of policies that help combat fraudulent activities and protect public health programs that serve vital health care resources to patients. One of these policies, H.R. 10621 \u2013 the Medicaid Fraud Fighting and Taxpayer Protection Act, is sponsored by U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Health. Chairman Griffith\u2019s bill targets Medicaid fraud by incentivizing States to take steps, such as implementing program integrity tools, that investigate fraud and protect federal health care programs. The incentive provided by Chairman Griffith\u2019s bill allows States to receive an increased portion of the federal dollars saved when States identify fraud. This saved money can then be used to support numerous State programs like those in Virginia.\n\nCommenting on this package and his bill, Chairman Griffith issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor too long, Medicaid fraud has cost American taxpayers and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a leader on this issue, I believe a tangible step is my bill to enhance incentives to States to ferret out fraud in Medicaid and receive an increased portion of the money saved when they find fraud.\n\n\u201cThrough this kind of action, we can improve fraud identification efforts and prevent foreign criminal actors from stealing valuable benefits that belong to patients.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nEarlier this year, Chairman Griffith helped launch and expand Energy and Commerce Committee investigations targeting nationwide Medicaid fraud.\n\nChairman Griffith is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 3887 \u2013 the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act, to create new civil penalties for any person who knowingly accesses, uses or transfers SNAP benefits. Particularly important to recent events in our region, the bill also provides that States can use SNAP benefits to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen due to no fault of their own.\n\nIn 2024, as then-Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on improper payments at CMS with a focus on fraud, waste and abuse.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-reports-suicide-attempts-sea-subramanyam-and-walkinshaw-seek-independent", "After Reports of Suicide Attempts at Sea, Subramanyam and Walkinshaw Seek Independent Review of Military Mental Health Care", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Suhas Subramanyam", "S001230", "subramanyam.house.gov", "subramanyam", "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, and Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, are pressing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine whether service members have sufficient access to mental health care during deployments.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers point to concerning conditions aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford during its 326-day deployment. A fire spread from a laundry room to sleeping quarters, displacing approximately 600 sailors. Some had to sleep on floors and tables. The carrier also experienced plumbing and sewage problems.\n\nThe letter also raises concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group\u2019s extended deployment. The Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy has said eight sailors across ships in the strike group attempted suicide and several sailors attempted to jump overboard the USS Lincoln. The lawmakers cite reports of inadequate food and supplies and say it remains unclear what mental health resources service members can access while deployed and if they are sufficient to address their urgent needs.\n\n\u201cExtended deployments place enormous strain on servicemembers and their families,\u201d the lawmakers write. \u201cAt a minimum, they deserve safe and adequate places to sleep, access to basic necessities, and living conditions that protect their physical and mental health.\u201d\n\nWalkinshaw and Subramanyam ask GAO to examine mental health screenings before, during, and after deployment; access to treatment at sea; how the Navy responds when symptoms escalate; and the obstacles it faces in delivering care.\n\n\u201cWhen those deployments are compounded by inadequate living conditions, Congress has a responsibility to understand the impact on morale, mental health, readiness, and retention, and ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) is doing everything possible to support the service members we ask to serve,\u201d the lawmakers write.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=851", "After Reports of Suicide Attempts at Sea, Walkinshaw and Subramanyam Seek Independent Review of Military Mental Health Care", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, are pressing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine whether service members have sufficient access to mental health care during deployments.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers point to concerning conditions aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford during its 326-day deployment. A fire spread from a laundry room to sleeping quarters, displacing approximately 600 sailors. Some had to sleep on floors and tables. The carrier also experienced plumbing and sewage problems.\n\nThe letter also raises concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group\u2019s extended deployment. The Acting U.S. Secretary of the Navy has said eight sailors across ships in the strike group attempted suicide and several sailors attempted to jump overboard the USS Lincoln. The lawmakers cite reports of inadequate food and supplies and say it remains unclear what mental health resources service members can access while deployed and if they are sufficient to address their urgent needs.\n\n\u201cExtended deployments place enormous strain on servicemembers and their families,\u201d the lawmakers write. \u201cAt a minimum, they deserve safe and adequate places to sleep, access to basic necessities, and living conditions that protect their physical and mental health.\u201d\n\nWalkinshaw and Subramanyam ask GAO to examine mental health screenings before, during, and after deployment; access to treatment at sea; how the Navy responds when symptoms escalate; and the obstacles it faces in delivering care.\n\n\u201cWhen those deployments are compounded by inadequate living conditions, Congress has a responsibility to understand the impact on morale, mental health, readiness, and retention, and ensure the Department of Defense (DOD) is doing everything possible to support the service members we ask to serve,\u201d the lawmakers write.\n\nRead the full letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=852", "Walkinshaw Calls for Investigation into Trump's DHS-Funded Political Ads", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), the only Democrat who sits on both the House Homeland Security and Oversight and Government Reform Committees, called for an investigation into President Trump's use of Department of Homeland Security funds to bankroll his political TV ads.\n\n\u201cTrump is using your tax dollars at the Department of Homeland Security to pay for his own political TV ads.\n\nRepublicans handed DHS historic levels of funding. Now it turns out Trump is spending it on himself.\n\nThese aren't PSAs. One is nearly identical to a Trump 2024 campaign ad. And they're illegal. Federal law bans spending taxpayer money on political ads and propaganda.\n\nHis approval is at rock bottom, so he's buying airtime while families are drowning in gas and grocery prices.\n\nWe need a full investigation, with everyone who signed off on this answering under oath.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-his-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-food-supply-chain-safer", "Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of His Bipartisan Legislation to Make Food Supply Chain Safer", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded the Senate passage of the Making America\u2019s Food Safer Act, bipartisan legislation he led alongside HELP Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply chain. The HELP Committee advanced this legislation in July.\n\n\u201cNo one should be in a grocery store aisle having to wonder whether the food in their cart is going to make them ill. Protecting Americans from contaminated food, faulty products, and other dangerous items is one of the most basic regulatory responsibilities the government has,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will make the food supply chain more efficient, improve coordination between the federal government and state and local entities about food safety\u2014all the more important in the context of recent outbreaks of foodborne illness\u2014and help keep dangerous products off U.S. shelves. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting this common-sense, bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Making America\u2019s Food Safer Act would:\n\nExpand the third-party certificate program to allow both foreign and domestic entities involved in the food supply chain to be audited by accredited third-party auditors. Previously, only foreign entities were eligible for third-party auditing. This broadening of eligibility will relieve administrative burden on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and improve efficiency while preserving safety.\n\nProvide the FDA with the authority to share food safety information with state and local regulatory agencies. Previously, the FDA was barred from sharing certain data, including surveillance data on foodborne illness outbreaks, laboratory fundings, facility inspection records, recall information, and consumer complaints, due to proprietary restrictions. Historically, coordination between the FDA and state/local regulators have helped protect public health, including in 2024 when data sharing between the FDA and North Carolina state health authorities led to the successful recall of lead-contaminated applesauce nationwide.\n\nExpand the authority of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to order the destruction of any FDA-regulated product that presents a significant public health risk, such as contaminated foods and illegal vaping/e-cigarette products. The FDA already has this authority for items like medical devices and prescription drugs. By expanding HHS\u2019 authority to destroy dangerous items, this legislation would help close a loophole known as \u201cport shopping\u201d\u2014i.e., subsequent attempts to bring dangerous goods into the U.S. after they have already been rejected through another port.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-criticizes-trump-vance-administrations-rollback-of-protections-for-survivors-of-assault-on-campus-and-lgbtq-students", "Kaine Criticizes Trump-Vance Administration\u2019s Rollback Of Protections For Survivors Of Assault On Campus And LGBTQ+ Students", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and former civil rights attorney, issued the following statement regarding the Education Department\u2019s final rule reinstating Title IX regulations from President Donald Trump\u2019s first term:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s Title IX final rule guts discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and will reimpose rules from the first Trump Administration that made it even harder for survivors of campus sexual assault to obtain justice,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cAmerica\u2019s future depends on the quality and safety of our schools. The Trump-Vance Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and weaken protections for students are dangerous steps in the wrong direction.\u201d\n\nSince Trump took office for his second term, Kaine has been at the forefront of opposing the Trump-Vance Administration\u2019s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). In July 2026, Kaine successfully secured committee passage of his legislation to prevent the Administration from scattering ED\u2019s programs to other agencies ill-equipped to handle them. Kaine has also advocated for legislation to combat campus sexual assault. Kaine has previously led introductions of the Survivor Outreach and Support on (S.O.S.) Campus Act and the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors (SUCCESS) Act, legislation to help support student survivors of sexual assault and other violence.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-lankford-introduce-jimmy-lai-internet-freedom-act-to-counter-chinas-internet-censorship-in-hong-kong", "Kaine, Lankford Introduce Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act to Counter China\u2019s Internet Censorship in Hong Kong", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the bipartisan Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act to assist the people of Hong Kong in circumventing Chinese Communist Party (CCP) censorship and maintain access to a free and open internet.\n\nThe bill is named in honor of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and publisher who was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong court after being convicted under Beijing\u2019s National Security Law. The legislation responds to the CCP\u2019s continued erosion of Hong Kong\u2019s freedoms and expanding efforts to restrict access to information online. The bill notes that Beijing has used its National Security Law to suppress freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the press, while granting authorities expanded power to censor online content and obtain user information.\n\n\u201cChina\u2019s restrictions on internet in Hong Kong are a blatant attempt to crack down on dissent, stifle freedom of expression, and censor the free flow of information to the people of Hong Kong,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThe United States must stand up for freedom and the rights of all people. This legislation would improve the State Department and other agencies\u2019 ability to strengthen access to internet and keep China from censoring information. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 bill would establish a Hong Kong Internet Freedom Program within the State Department\u2019s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and a corresponding program at the Open Technology Fund. The programs would coordinate with an interagency working group to develop a strategy for strengthening internet resiliency and online access in Hong Kong.\n\nThe Jimmy Lai Internet Freedom Act would:\n\nEstablish a Hong Kong Internet Freedom Program at the Department of State and Open Technology Fund.\n\nSupport technologies that allow Hongkongers to circumvent internet blocking, filtering, and censorship.\n\nSupport virtual private networks and other firewall circumvention tools.\n\nProvide digital security and resiliency support to pro-democracy activists and civil society organizations.\n\nRequire a strategic planning report outlining the federal government\u2019s efforts to expand internet freedom and circumvention technology in Hong Kong.\n\nKaine and Lankford first introduced the Safeguarding Internet Freedom in Hong Kong Act after Beijing imposed its National Security Law on Hong Kong. That legislation sought to develop and deploy firewall circumvention technology to help Hongkongers access information and communicate freely.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-welch-shaheen-urge-trump-admin-to-stop-meddling-in-brazils-elections-recognize-certified-outcome-and-support-brazils-democracy", "Kaine, Welch, Shaheen Urge Trump Admin to Stop Meddling in Brazil\u2019s Elections, Recognize Certified Outcome and Support Brazil\u2019s Democracy", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women\u2019s Issues, along with Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), sent a letter raising concerns that the Trump Administration is using diplomatic, economic, and political pressure to deliberately weaken Brazil\u2019s democratic institutions ahead of its October 4, 2026, presidential election.\n\nIn their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators outline how the Trump Administration\u2019s actions undermine confidence in Brazil\u2019s electoral process ahead of its upcoming election and inflict further damage on the United States\u2019 relationship with a strategic ally and trading partner. The Senators also highlight how the Administration\u2019s actions reflect a broader and deeply troubling pattern of interference in recent electoral processes across Latin America, as seen during Argentina\u2019s midterm elections and the presidential elections in Honduras and Colombia.\n\nThe senators detailed how, over the course of President Trump\u2019s second term, U.S. officials have engaged in a campaign of interference and destabilization in Brazil.\n\n\u201cThis effort first escalated sharply during the summer of 2025, with the administration deploying tariffs and targeted sanctions to attempt to shape the Brazilian Supreme Court\u2019s verdict in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro on charges of attempting to foment a military coup to stay in power. Despite some subsequent measures of de-escalation in the months that followed, including direct and cordial talks between Presidents Trump and Lula, the campaign directed at Brazil\u2019s authorities resumed with the appointment of Darren Beattie as a senior advisor on Brazil issues in the State Department. Beattie, a noted far-right extremist and white supremacist, came into this post with a record of public statements signaling an overt ideological commitment to undermining Brazil\u2019s democratic institutions and advancing the interests of the Brazilian far-right,\" said the senators.\n\n\u201cMore recently, the administration again targeted Brazilian imports with steep tariffs following a Section 301 investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative. The investigation was reportedly initiated at President Trump\u2019s direction at the same moment that he publicly criticized Brazilian court actions against former President Bolsonaro and U.S. social media companies. The administration\u2019s most recent actions point toward an effort to interfere with, and potentially undermine, Brazil's general election in October. Senator and presidential candidate Fl\u00e1vio Bolsonaro\u2019s recent Oval Office meeting with President Trump, undertaken while attempting to mitigate a domestic political scandal, underscored the administration's willingness to insert itself in the election,\" continued the senators.\n\n\u201cImmediately following the announcement of the election results in 2022, the United States moved swiftly\u2014in coordination with allies and partners\u2014to recognize President Lula\u2019s victory, helping to deny legitimacy to efforts to contest or reverse the outcome. Following the January 8, 2023, attacks on Brazil\u2019s democratic institutions, the United States stood firmly with Brazil\u2019s newly elected government and played a key role in rallying support across the region for Brazil\u2019s efforts to defend its hard-won 1988 constitution and the democratic institutions it established,\" the senators stressed.\n\nGiven the administration\u2019s actions, the senators requested answers to the following questions:\n\nHow does the Department coordinate its democracy and human rights objectives with regional partners in the Western Hemisphere, particularly regarding technical assistance or monitoring of electoral and judicial processes?\n\nWill the administration commit to recognizing the certified outcome of Brazil's 2026 democratic elections and to supporting normal diplomatic relations with whichever candidate is freely and fairly chosen by the Brazilian people?\n\nThe senators' full letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-500000-in-federal-funding-to-improve-water-infrastructure-in-wise-county", "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $500,000 In Federal Funding to Improve Water Infrastructure in Wise County", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $529,133 in federal funding to help replace and improve a waterline in Wise County, ensuring residents have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water.\n\n\u201cEvery Virginian deserves dependable access to clean, safe drinking water,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to help deliver these federal dollars to replace aging infrastructure in Wise County, improve reliable water service for residents, and support the community\u2019s long-term growth.\u201d\n\nThe funding will support the Ramsey Road Waterline Replacement Project, which will replace and realign the waterline along Ramsey Road and U.S. Route 58. The existing line was installed before the construction of U.S. Route 58 and later buried under deep infill, making it difficult and costly to access for repairs. As the line has aged, repeated leaks have created potential public health risks, increased maintenance costs, and threatened reliable water service. The project will install a new, properly sited waterline with direct maintenance access, as well as new abandonment caps and gate valves. The upgrades will help prevent service disruptions, reduce maintenance costs, and support long-term community and economic growth throughout Wise County.\n\nThe funding was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership that Warner and Kaine have helped fund to support economic development and community growth across the Appalachian region.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve clean water access and infrastructure across the Commonwealth. In 2026, the senators announced more than $3 million in federal funding for wastewater treatment facility upgrades in Campbell County. In 2025, they announced more than $26 million in federal funding for Lee County\u2019s wastewater system expansion and $700,000 to extend Wise County\u2019s public wastewater service. In 2023, they announced close to $62.4 million in funding for water infrastructure upgrades across Virginia, with more than $47 million made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which the senators helped pass.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cdfi-caucus-co-chairs-warner-and-crapo-applaud-release-of-congressionally-appropriated-fy25-cdfi-funds/", "CDFI Caucus Co-Chairs Warner and Crapo Applaud Release of Congressionally Appropriated FY25 CDFI Funds", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), co-chairs of the Senate Community Development Finance Caucus, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe welcome Treasury taking another step to get these long-delayed FY25 CDFI Fund dollars out the door before they expire at the end of the month. These funds matter to families, small businesses, and communities across the country, especially at a time when Americans are already feeling squeezed by the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and other everyday expenses.\n\n\u201cIt should not take months of bipartisan pressure from Congress and advocates across the country to release funding at the eleventh hour that Congress already approved. We also remain deeply concerned by repeated efforts to weaken the CDFI Fund and its ability to do its job. We urge Treasury to make sure these dollars are deployed quickly, transparently, and fairly in accordance with the intent of Congress.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-warner-calls-for-data-center-guardrails-on-water-energy-and-transparency/", "On Senate Floor, Warner Calls for Data Center Guardrails on Water, Energy, and Transparency", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 On the floor of the United States Senate today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) called on Congress to enact meaningful protections for communities facing the rapid expansion of data centers, arguing that legislation must include enforceable requirements on energy costs, water usage, transparency, and community impacts.\n\nThe Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which would direct states to consider adopting a standard under which certain large data centers would pay for the infrastructure costs associated with their development. States would have two years to consider the standard and would not be required to adopt it.\n\nWarner argued that the proposal does not go far enough and urged his colleagues to instead consider his Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act, which would establish mandatory transparency requirements for large data centers and condition valuable federal tax benefits on developers meeting standards related to energy, water, environmental performance, and community impacts.\n\nIn his speech today, Sen. Warner explained that the Ratepayer Protection Act \u201ccould be a starting point, but here\u2019s what the bill does. It says that states can consider adopting a federal standard that would hold data centers responsible for rising electricity bills, and then they get two years to consider that. Candidly, they could do that today. We\u2019ve already taken some action in Virginia. And what happens if nobody takes up that offer? Anything happen to these data centers? Does anything happen to those communities? Well, nothing.\u201d\n\nWarner continued, \u201cI think we need real legislation on this. We need legislation that actually has some boundaries. This should not be optional. We have seen communities hit by skyrocketing electrical costs. We\u2019ve seen communities where a lot of their water usage has gone up dramatically. We\u2019ve seen these data centers sometimes literally intrude right into neighborhoods.\u201d\n\nWarner\u2019s Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act would require greater public disclosure of data centers\u2019 energy and water consumption, backup power systems, environmental impacts, and other information. It would also condition access to accelerated depreciation tax benefits on developers meeting standards related to energy, water, building efficiency, setbacks, and community transparency.\n\n\u201cWe need to make sure we\u2019ve got accurate information about power usage, water usage, setbacks, backup power, get rid of non-disclosure agreements,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cMy legislation would require, not invite, but require that information to come forward and put a penalty in place.\u201d\n\nWarner also emphasized that the legislation would use existing federal tax incentives to encourage better behavior from developers rather than simply relying on voluntary commitments.\n\n\u201cIf you\u2019re going to do all that and not meet those standards, then you shouldn\u2019t get bonus depreciation,\u201d Sen. Warner said. \u201cWe have given these hyperscalers, we\u2019ve given these data center builders, enormous tax benefits and bonus depreciation, where they can write off the cost of these very expensive centers, all in the first year. I don\u2019t want to take that away. I\u2019m not raising anybody\u2019s taxes. But I\u2019m saying, you shouldn\u2019t get all the benefits up front if you don\u2019t provide to the community some guarantees about water, power, setbacks, community involvement.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnless we put some consequences, I think we are going to completely miss the boat,\u201d he continued.\n\nWarner contrasted that approach with the legislation before the Senate, rejecting the argument that Congress should accept a limited measure now and address the remaining issues later.\n\n\u201cI know people will say, and my colleagues may say, well, why don\u2019t you take half a loaf?\u201d said Warner. \u201cBut the underlying bill isn\u2019t half a loaf. It\u2019s the promise of maybe one slice of that bread two years down from now.\u201d\n\nSen. Warner said, \u201cI hope that I can encourage my colleagues to join me in passing the Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act, one that I\u2019ve already socialized with industry, one that would put some mandatory requirements, but also put some real teeth in this very important issue.\u201d\n\nSen. Warner\u2019s full remarks are below:\n\nI\u2019ve spent the last couple of years trying to learn as much as I can about artificial intelligence and its upside and still long AI in terms of innovational bring. I think there are some real challenges.\n\nI have to acknowledge I did witness something this afternoon something that was a little bit surreal. The president had brought together some leaders of the AI Industry and in a closed, quiet room, I guess they reached some level of moral agreement, whatever that means, that they\u2019re going to try to make sure things are safe. As a matter of fact, they even went so far as to say all of the president\u2019s critique about concerns about AI being a hoax or about data centers not being a problem are suddenly being solved because the president has renamed AI, SI, superintelligence. I didn\u2019t know whether to laugh or cry to think that the greatest innovation in my lifetime \u2014 and I was in the tech business before I came to politics \u2014 that it\u2019ll be bigger than my old industry, wireless, or bigger than cloud computing. And with all the up sides, there are down sides and it\u2019s suddenly going to be solved by a name change of but that\u2019s the status of our political debate.\n\nEarlier today I came down with two of my democratic colleagues and said as we get all of these warnings from industry, form business that use AI tools, from national security, wouldn\u2019t it be a good idea to put in some basic safety precautions in place. We stripped away all of the other provisions and just have a safety board here. I know the presiding officer has had an interest in this topic. I\u2019ve yet to talk to a member that doesn\u2019t think some level of safety with this enormous innovation is appropriate. Well, that\u2019s not going to take place before we finish before the elections.\n\nSo I\u2019m back again this afternoon to talk about another piece of the AI debate that certainly needs congressional action. And that is the whole question about how we build out and ensure consumers don\u2019t get stuck with the buildout of data centers. This is something I know a little bit about. Virginia is the capital of data centers in our country, and there is enormous concern from neighbors, from communities, many of the kind of the worst examples of data centers were built 15 or 20 years, but the industry has moved forward. I give credit there. But the angst about data centers, I think is also reflective of the angst about AI is not going away, no matter what the president wants to say. I\u2019d urge him to travel anywhere across Virginia, for that matter, anywhere across Kansas or Texas or anywhere else where these data centers are being proposed because communities actually want to have a say in what happens in their backyard, what happens with their utility rates, what happens with their water usage, what happens with local communities signing nondisclosure agreements, so the community doesn\u2019t even know what they\u2019re getting until after the deal is cooked.\n\nI guess tomorrow the Senate will turn to focus on the so-called Ratepayer Protection Act, which is supposed to answer all of these concerns about cost, about community.\n\nThe challenge is, and it could be a starting point, but here\u2019s what the bill does. It says that states can consider adopting a federal standard that would hold data centers responsible for rising electricity bills, and then they get two years to consider that. Candidly, they could do that today. We\u2019ve already taken some action in Virginia. And what happens if nobody takes up that offer? Anything happen to these data centers? Does anything happen to those communities? Well, nothing.\n\nI think we need real legislation on this. We need legislation that actually has some boundaries. This should not be optional. We have seen communities hit by skyrocketing electrical costs. We\u2019ve seen communities where a lot of their water usage has gone up dramatically, and they\u2019re concerned, concerned about the water table. We\u2019ve seen these data centers sometimes literally intrude right into neighborhoods.\n\nI\u2019ve heard the pushback from communities all across our Commonwealth. Matter of fact, even the community that\u2019s got the most, that has received the most economic benefits, they recently, Loudoun County, they recently put a pause. Now, I don\u2019t think we can pause. I don\u2019t think we can put the genie back in the bottle, but I would urge the Senate not to take this flim flam do nothing bill, but actually take a look at my Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act, which I didn\u2019t dream up in the last couple of days, but put forward much earlier this summer on an issue that I\u2019ve been working on for a couple of years. What we can\u2019t rely on is simply the goodwill of these hyperscalers and these companies. Some are well intentioned, some are not.\n\nWe need to make sure we\u2019ve got accurate information about power usage, water usage, setbacks, backup power, get rid of non-disclosure agreements. My legislation would require, not invite, but require that information to come forward and put a penalty in place, at a relatively small amount, if they don\u2019t submit that. But the real bite, and what\u2019s going to really change this behavior and, frankly, earn back some of the community\u2019s trust if there\u2019s a tool. Frankly, I have had ongoing discussions with most of the hyperscalers who are building out these data centers, who, frankly, think my piece of legislation makes some sense.\n\nThe second half of my legislation would say, if you don\u2019t meet LEED Gold or LEED Platinum standards, which are already established. If you don\u2019t show how you\u2019re bringing your own power. You don\u2019t have criteria on water usage, that\u2019s gotten better because more of these data centers have circulatory systems. If you don\u2019t have setbacks from neighborhoods. If you use non-disclosure agreements. What it would say is, well, if you\u2019re going to do all that and not meet those standards, then you shouldn\u2019t get bonus depreciation. I\u2019m not going to raise anybody\u2019s taxes. But we have given these hyperscalers, we\u2019ve given these data center builders, enormous tax benefits and bonus depreciation, where they can write off the cost of these very expensive centers, all in the first year. I don\u2019t want to take that away. I\u2019m not raising anybody\u2019s taxes. But I\u2019m saying, you shouldn\u2019t get all the benefits up front if you don\u2019t provide to the community some guarantees about water, power, setbacks, community involvement. If a community then wants to go or a hyperscaler wants to come in and say, we\u2019ll help provide. I think, in Louisiana, some additional benefits for your schools have at it. You\u2019ve got to set a federal baseline, so the communities don\u2019t feel that they\u2019re getting snookered. And the ability to make sure we don\u2019t give away these tax benefits without that minimum guarantee I think, has a lot of benefit. And just today, we learned that Microsoft saved about $12 billion in taxes on using accelerated depreciation or bonus depreciation. Meta saved about 16 billion, 15.9 billion, from using bonus depreciation. And I\u2019ve reached out to these companies. They understand the game has changed. They have to be more engaged. And I think many of the hyperscalers would meet these new standards.\n\nBut unless we put some consequences I think we are going to completely miss the boat.\n\nIt\u2019s kind of like saying, even though the AI companies themselves are saying, \u2018gosh, we\u2019re really worried about safety,\u2019 none of the responsible ones realize they can simply say, \u2018just trust us.\u2019 The idea that these largest companies in the world, and I know the CEOs of most of them, I think there are many of them are good people, but the idea, after we\u2019ve all experienced some of the ups and downs of social media, we\u2019re going to turn the same power over to this same group of CEOs and say, \u2018we\u2019re going to trust you to figure this all out on your own, without any public input.\u2019 I keep thinking back, would I ever climb on an airplane that hadn\u2019t had a safety inspection? But that\u2019s what we\u2019re thinking about on overall AI safety and these models being released.\n\nBut at least tomorrow, if the Senate takes up this Ratepayer Protection Act, I\u2019m not sure what I\u2019m going to do on the vote tomorrow, but I would say that the Ratepayer Protection Act is a fig leaf. And I know people will say, and my colleagues may say, well, why don\u2019t you take half a loaf? You know, I\u2019m pretty involved in every bipartisan action. You know, take half a loaf and we keep working on it. But the underlying bill isn\u2019t half a loaf. It\u2019s the promise of maybe one slice of that bread two years down from now.\n\nThe anger in my state and in every state across the country on this issue is not going to wait two years to have some kind of no penalty, but optional review where, frankly, the pitchforks are out already.\n\nI hope that I can encourage my colleagues to join me in passing the Data Center Tax Accountability and Disclosure Act, one that I\u2019ve already socialized with industry, one that would put some mandatory requirements, but also put some real teeth in this very important issue.\n\nBut, these issues are not going to disappear and simply punting or saying to industry, \u2018trust us,\u2019 and I come from the tech industry, is not going to satisfy the concerns of the American people.\n\nThe sooner we get to work on serious business, the sooner we can make sure that we benefit from all of this AI innovation that I do think lies in wait, because if we have a mistake, or if we have a challenge and something happens, all of this innovation could go away because the American people are already enormously suspect about AI. They are already enormously concerned at a 90-10 ratio about data centers.\n\nIt is time for us to act and not simply punt.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-warner-discusses-urgent-need-to-pass-ai-security-legislation/", "On Senate Floor, Warner Discusses Urgent Need to Pass AI Security Legislation", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 On the floor of the United States Senate today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), asked for unanimous consent to pass the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026, legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems.\n\nIn his speech today, Sen. Warner detailed the importance of legislating on artificial intelligence now and how we need to \u201cget AI right, that it\u2019s safe and it\u2019s fair. That America leads in AI innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe whole world has recognized that we\u2019ve got to do something. When AI companies come out one after another say we\u2019ve got to elevate safety ,\u201d said Sen. Warner.\n\n\u201cWe should not miss the moment to put a safety protocol in place now. If we leave and we have an incident, AI is already suspect by most Americans, we could actually see the stop of innovation if an AI tool took over a hospital, or a water system,\u201d he continued.\n\nWhen explaining the legislation, Sen. Warner said, \u201cOur request is really simple. It\u2019s been as pared down as possible. Before these models are released, there should be pretesting to make sure, secondly, the sandboxes where they do the testing have appropriate cyber protocols. That even before you start testing, there\u2019s at least basic safety policy. God forbid we have an incident; we\u2019ve got to have an incident reporting mechanism. No more, no less.\u201d\n\nSen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) objected, blocking the bill from Senate passage.\n\nSen. Warner\u2019s full remarks are below:\n\nI think most of us in this chamber realize that we are literally living through one of the most consequential technology moments in our lifetime.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here with several of my colleagues, Senator Schatz from Hawaii and Senator Kim from New Jersey, to say that we can\u2019t, frankly, have regular business at this moment.\n\nYou know, before I got into politics, I was in the technology field. I was lucky enough to be in on the ground floor of the wireless industry and then became a venture capitalist and was involved with iterations around the internet and cloud computing.\n\nBut I can say without reservation that as big as wireless was, as big as the internet is, as big as cloud computing, they will pale in comparison to the innovation that will come about through artificial intelligence.\n\nIn many ways, the reason I chose to ask the people of Virginia to hire me one last time was, because having spent an enormous amount of time on this subject, I am enormously concerned we get AI right. That it\u2019s safe. That it\u2019s fair. That America leads in AI innovation.\n\nAnd over the last year and a half or so, two years, I\u2019ve spoken on this subject repeatedly. I laid out my ideas on how we ought to have a comprehensive approach. I\u2019ve got legislation on data centers, that, if they don\u2019t meet federal minimum standards, would impose their inability to get a bonus tax depreciation. I\u2019ve got plans in terms of how we ought to be dealing with child safety. If you think social media messed up your kids, wait until your teenager daughter or son thinks they\u2019ve got an affinity or relationship with a chatbot. China has already prohibited that. We\u2019re seeing increasingly the use of AI agents. Who bears the liability? I\u2019ve got some ideas there. National security. When Mythos came out from Anthropic, our head of NSA and Cyber Command said this tool will change warfare as much as drones. Finally, I continue to be enormously concerned that while AI may create jobs long term, in the short run, in the next two to five years, I think it will have an enormous disruption in our workforce. I would make a wager with anyone that I hope I would lose, that we could see up to 30% of recent college grad unemployment as companies try to integrate the productive gains from AI. They\u2019re simply not going to hire as many folks going forward.\n\nI remain an AI optimist. I am not an AI doomer. But we are at a moment in time, particularly over the last few weeks, where I think the whole world has recognized we\u2019ve got to do something. When AI companies, one after another, come out and say, \u201cwe\u2019ve got to elevate safety and put that first and foremost.\u201d When OpenAI yesterday said they\u2019re slowing their model on Astra. When Anthropic has said they\u2019re trying to build in more safety protocols, I think that\u2019s good.\n\nBut, are we really going to trust the industry to self-police on something that goes beyond what is happening? We\u2019ve already seen not tens but thousands of examples where these models go beyond what humans want them to do. The most famous being the OpenAI-Hugging example where 3,000 bots jumped the sandbox fence, attacked another company, then came back and attacked OpenAI. Literally during that period they communicated with each other, hid their intent from human beings, would sacrifice some of the bots for the greater cause. And we\u2019re doing nothing. That was July. In August, they had 10,000 bots collaborate.\n\nWe three, and there are a lot of senators on both sides of the aisle who I think are enormously concerned, we said we\u2019ll all have time to debate all of our pet rocks, and say, we\u2019ve all got great ideas here. But we should not miss the moment to put a safety protocol in place now. If Congress goes out, God forbid we have an incident, AI is already suspect by most Americans, we could see the stop of innovation if an AI tool took over a hospital or water system.\n\nI\u2019m not an AI doomer, but the ability to have these AI agents take over, shut down part of the financial system, is real. We should heed the call from the experts. I think you\u2019ll also see shortly the finance world has said we need mandatory controls. I think you\u2019ll see other large businesses say that as well. We need to make sure whatever safety board we put in place doesn\u2019t ensconce the already largest frontier labs.\n\nOur request is really simple. It\u2019s been as pared down as possible. Before these models are released, there should be pretesting to make sure, secondly, the sandbox where they do the testing has appropriate cyber protocols. That before you start testing there\u2019s at least a basic safety policy. These companies welcome this. God forbid, we\u2019ve got an incident, we\u2019ve got to have an incident reporting mechanism. No more, no less. We would house this at NIST. The safety board would have to include where the expertise is, the frontier models. I think it would be good to have an international validator, somebody like the British, where they\u2019ve got an AI safety institute, where we can guarantee to the rest of the world that our models are safe.\n\nLet\u2019s not get involved, this is not a partisan issue. I think the Chairman of the Commerce Committee is coming down. We\u2019ve worked with him. We look forward to working with him further.\n\nLet\u2019s put a statement in place that we in the United States Senate recognize the enormous upside of AI, but there is also a downside.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-pbm-reimbursement-data-protect-patients-from-out-of-pocket-costs/", "Warner, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve PBM Reimbursement Data, Protect Patients From Out-of-Pocket Costs", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Finance Committee, and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, reintroduced the Ensuring Accurate Payments to Specialty Pharmacies Act, bipartisan legislation to include specialty and mail-order pharmacies in federal drug acquisition cost surveys, improving the accuracy of prescription drug reimbursement data and rates, and bringing down costs for patients.\n\n\u201cSpecialty and mail-order pharmacies provide critical medications to patients across Virginia, and they should be reimbursed fairly and accurately for the care they provide,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce legislation that will give the Department of Health and Human Services a more accurate picture of what pharmacies actually pay for prescription drugs, help ensure reimbursement rates reflect those costs, and protect patients from out-of-pocket expenses.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlthough I\u2019m a doctor, you don\u2019t have to be a doctor to see patients aren\u2019t able to afford the prescription drugs they need,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis legislation ensures that Medicaid and Medicare pay a fair and accurate price for specialty drugs so patients can access the best care at the lowest cost.\u201d\n\nPharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are third-party intermediaries that manage prescription drug benefits and pharmacy networks on behalf of health plans, including Medicare Part D plans and some state Medicaid programs. Among other responsibilities, PBMs help determine which medications are covered by health insurance plans, how much patients pay for prescriptions, and how pharmacies are reimbursed.\n\nUnder current law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires retail community pharmacies to participate in surveys used to determine the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), which measures how much pharmacies pay to acquire prescription drugs. Medicaid programs and their PBMs use this data to help establish appropriate pharmacy reimbursement rates.\n\nThe Ensuring Accurate Payments to Specialty Pharmacies Act would expand participation in these surveys to include specialty and mail-order pharmacies, providing more thorough data on drug acquisition costs and helping ensure PBM reimbursement rates cover the complete cost of prescription drugs.\n\n\u201cThe Virginia Pharmacy Association supports the Ensuring Accurate Payments to Specialty Pharmacies Act because accurate drug acquisition cost data is essential to establishing fair and sustainable pharmacy reimbursement. Expanding participation in the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey to include specialty and mail-order pharmacies will strengthen the integrity of reimbursement benchmarks and help ensure pharmacies are reimbursed based on more complete and representative data. We appreciate Senator Warner\u2019s continued leadership on policies that promote transparency and strengthen patient access to pharmacy services,\u201d said Jamie Fisher, Executive Director, Virginia Pharmacy Association.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-colleagues-sponsor-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-a-federal-film-tax-credit/", "Warner, Colleagues Sponsor Bipartisan Bill to Establish a Federal Film Tax Credit", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers sponsored the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, legislation to create a federal film tax incentive.\n\n\u201cFilm and television production supports good-paying jobs and small businesses across Virginia and across the country. This bill will help keep more productions \u2014 and the jobs they create \u2014 here at home, while giving Virginia\u2019s talented artists and production workers more opportunities to succeed. I\u2019m proud to support this effort,\u201d said Sen. Warner.\n\nThe Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act would:\n\nSpur American jobs and economic development by providing a 20% federal, labor-based tax credit to U.S. film and television productions with minimum spend of $1 million and where at least 75% of the principal photography days occur within the U.S.;\n\nOffer 5% bonus credit allowances, increasing the base credit up to a maximum of 30%, for productions in rural opportunity zones and areas impacted by disasters, independent productions, multi-state producers in 10+ states, and producers who show a measurable onshoring of productions;\n\nMake the credit available to traditional post-production and visual effects activities when at least 75% of the respective post-production and visual effects production takes place in the U.S.; and\n\nSupport the investments of states currently offering incentives by allowing the federal incentive to supplement state credits.\n\nIn addition to Sen. Warner, the legislation is sponsored by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). Companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is sponsored by Reps. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Linda Sanchez (D-CA- 38), Brian Jack (R-GA-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Vince Fong (R-CA-20), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5).\n\nThis bill is endorsed bytheAmerican Federation of Musicians, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), CreativeFuture, Coalition for American Production (CAP), Directors Guild of America (DGA), FilmUSA, Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Motion Picture Association (MPA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild \u2013 American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), Teamsters, Television Academy, U.S. Film and Television Production Coalition, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW).\n\nSen. Warner is a strong supporter of the performing arts industry. In 2025, the senator introduced the Performing Artists Tax Parity Act, legislation to provide much-needed tax relief to working artists. Sen. Warner also sponsored the CREATE Act, legislation to allow entertainers, singers, and songwriters to write off production expenses by extending Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 181 for five years. The senator also sent a letter to Leaders Thune and Schumer in 2025 urging them to consider legislation to extend Section 181 before it expired.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-more-than-500000-in-federal-funding-to-improve-water-infrastructure-in-wise-county/", "Warner, Kaine Announce More Than $500,000 in Federal Funding to Improve Water Infrastructure in Wise County", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $529,133 in federal funding to help replace and improve a waterline in Wise County, ensuring residents have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water.\n\n\u201cEvery Virginian deserves dependable access to clean, safe drinking water,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to help deliver these federal dollars to replace aging infrastructure in Wise County, improve reliable water service for residents, and support the community\u2019s long-term growth.\u201d\n\nThe funding will support the Ramsey Road Waterline Replacement Project, which will replace and realign the waterline along Ramsey Road and U.S. Route 58. The existing line was installed before the construction of U.S. Route 58 and later buried under deep infill, making it difficult and costly to access for repairs. As the line has aged, repeated leaks have created potential public health risks, increased maintenance costs, and threatened reliable water service. The project will install a new, properly sited waterline with direct maintenance access, as well as new abandonment caps and gate valves. The upgrades will help prevent service disruptions, reduce maintenance costs, and support long-term community and economic growth throughout Wise County.\n\nThe funding was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership that Warner and Kaine have helped fund to support economic development and community growth across the Appalachian region.\n\nSens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve clean water access and infrastructure across the Commonwealth. In 2026, the senators announced more than $3 million in federal funding for wastewater treatment facility upgrades in Campbell County. In 2025, they announced more than $26 million in federal funding for Lee County\u2019s wastewater system expansion and $700,000 to extend Wise County\u2019s public wastewater service. In 2023, they announced close to $62.4 million in funding for water infrastructure upgrades across Virginia, with more than $47 million made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators helped pass.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-statement-on-president-trumps-executive-order-to-rebrand-artificial-intelligence/", "Warner Statement on President Trump\u2019s Executive Order to Rebrand \u2018Artificial Intelligence\u2019", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe companies building the most powerful AI systems are warning us that the technology is advancing faster than our safeguards. The president\u2019s response? To rename it and tell the companies developing it to regulate themselves. But changing what we call artificial intelligence does nothing to address the very real risks that come with increasingly powerful AI systems.\n\n\u201cI believe deeply in the promise of AI and in America\u2019s ability to lead the world in this technology. But leadership also means making sure these systems are safe, secure, and remain under human control. That is why I\u2019ve introduced legislation to require rigorous testing and evaluation of the most advanced AI systems, strengthen cybersecurity and incident reporting, and establish clear rules of the road before the most powerful models are deployed.\n\n\u201cThere is bipartisan interest in Congress in getting this right. The technology is moving incredibly fast, and the risks are no longer theoretical. The question is whether Washington is going to act before something goes seriously wrong \u2014 or wait until afterward to ask why we didn\u2019t.\u201d\n\nWarner has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026, legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. This legislation comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. The legislation would establish a permanent Artificial Intelligence Safety Board within the Department of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of the Treasury, along with independent technical experts, to evaluate emerging AI risks and establish technical safety and security standards. Developers of frontier AI models would also be required to provide the Board access to their models at least 45 days before public release. The AI Safety Board would develop enforceable standards for evaluating frontier models and securing testing environments, including safeguards and monitoring procedures for models capable of discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities without direct human prompting. Developers would be legally required to comply with applicable standards, with violations subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, per day.\n\nEarlier today, Warner joined Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), original co-sponsors of the bill, on the Senate floor to request unanimous consent to pass the legislation, but the request was blocked by a Republican objection.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2696", "Cline Celebrates FCC Decision to Not Approve Verizon\u2019s Changes to Copper-Based Landline Service", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "FINCASTLE, VA \u2013 On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it did not grant Verizon\u2019s initial application to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia. Congressman Cline previously sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanding answers about the changes and urging the Chairman to review the application.\n\n\u201cI applaud the FCC for their decision to pause any changes to Virginia\u2019s copper-based landline service, following my letter to Chairman Carr,\u201d said Rep. Cline. \u201cThe Sixth District is home to many mountainous and rural communities where reliable communication is essential. Ending copper-based landline service before dependable alternatives are widely available could leave families without a reliable way to contact emergency services or stay connected with loved ones, particularly in areas with limited cellular coverage and frequent weather-related outages. I share the concerns of my constituents about the potential impact on public safety and basic connectivity. I will continue to monitor and work with the FCC to ensure that any future changes by Verizon do not leave families without reliable service.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/28/mcclellan-launches-2026-veteran-of-the-year-program/", "McClellan Launches 2026 Veteran of the Year Program", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her 2026 Veteran of the Year Program to recognize, honor and appreciate veterans living in Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District for their service.\n\n\u201cVeterans gave their time and put their bodies on the line to protect our nation, and they continue to serve after their military careers. Their commitment, courage and selflessness deserves our respect and deepest gratitude,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cMy fourth annual Veteran of the Year Program honors veterans living in Virginia\u2019s Fourth and celebrates their continued efforts to give back to our communities. I encourage all those who know a veteran who\u2019s continued to serve people in our district to send in their nominations today!\u201d\n\nEligible nominees must be honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must currently live in Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District. Nominations for Rep. McClellan\u2019s Veteran of the Year Program are due by October 28, 2026.\n\nLast year, Congresswoman McClellan recognized U.S. Air Force Colonel William Butler, who dedicated over 30 years of service to saving lives, advancing medical research and educating his community. In 2024, she recognized Lt. Col. Curt Powell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two combat deployments before volunteering as a mentor for local veterans. In 2023, she honored Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr., who dedicated 34 years of his life to the U.S. Army before continuing to support aspiring young professionals and active-duty servicemembers in Virginia\u2019s Fourth.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405839", "Griffith Announces $191,331 HHS Grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc.", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $191,331 grant. The funding supports research into therapies for psoriasis. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cPsoriasis is a skin disease that affects millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cThis grant for more than $191,000 helps Biotherapeutics, Inc. study a first-in-class treatment for psoriasis.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\nLast week, Congressman Griffith announced a separate $500,000 HHS grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-joins-virginia-west-virginia-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-historic-battlefields-in-shenandoah/", "Vindman Joins Virginia, West Virginia Delegations in Introducing Bill to Protect Historic Battlefields in Shenandoah", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined every member of the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegations from Virginia and West Virginia in supporting the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation (VALOR) Act.\n\nThis legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia\u2019s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act recognizes the important role the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle play in our nation\u2019s Civil War history while creating new opportunities for communities to preserve that history and share it with visitors,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support this legislation that will protect these historic sites, invest in our local communities, support tourism, and ensure that future generations can learn from the stories that shaped Virginia and West Virginia.\u201d\n\nIn addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition.\n\nThe legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System.\n\nThe legislation is led in the U.S. House by Riley Moore (W.Va.-02).\n\nIn addition to Vindman, the bill is supported by Rob Wittman (Va.-01), Jen Kiggans (Va.-02), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), John McGuire (Va.-05), Ben Cline (Va.-06), Don Beyer (Va.-08), Morgan Griffith (Va.-09), Suhas Subramanyam (Va.-10), James Walkinshaw (Va.-11), and Carol Miller (W.Va.-01).\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation\u2019s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies, said Moore. \u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations.\u201d\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s historic sites help tell the story of our nation,\u201d said Scott. \u201cThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District educates Virginians and those visiting our Commonwealth on the true history of the battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. I am proud to cosponsor the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the National Historic District\u2019s reach and to authorize new resources that support this critical work.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to support this measure to preserve the Commonwealth\u2019s battlefields and history. This important bill will help expand access to resources for our historic battlefields and districts for generations to come,\u201d said Subramanyam.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation\u2019s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I\u2019m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,\u201d said Walkinshaw.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley helped shape the course of the Civil War, and today its historic landscapes continue to draw visitors from across the country. Our Shenandoah VALOR Act would expand the National Historic District to additional communities in Virginia and West Virginia and strengthen the local partnerships that preserve and share this legacy. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic places,\u201d said Beyer.\n\n\u201cVirginians recognize the historical value of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields and the critical role this beautiful landscape played in the Civil War,\u201d said McClellan. \u201cBy expanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, the Shenandoah VALOR Act will strengthen the federal government\u2019s ability to preserve these hallowed lands for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from this site. I thank Congressman Moore for his leadership in this space.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s rich history and beautiful landscapes must be preserved,\u201d said McGuire. \u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act is crucial for safeguarding the historic landscapes our country is known for. As tourists from across the globe visit these sites, we must do what we can to ensure they\u2019re maintained for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cShenandoah is more than a scenic landscape. It is a place where Virginia\u2019s history and culture come to life. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the National Historic District to include four additional counties. This legislation preserves and strengthens the partnership among local communities, the state, and the district, while ensuring these historic resources continue to be supported at the local level rather than federally managed,\u201d said Cline.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most significant sites in our nation\u2019s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve that history for generations to come,\u201d said Wittman. \u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act will help protect historic battlefields, expand opportunities for Americans to experience the outdoors, and support the local tourism economy. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure the Shenandoah Valley is preserved for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cA part of what makes Virginia so special is the Commonwealth\u2019s rich history and the generations of Americans that have helped shape it. The Shenandoah VALOR Act will help preserve the historic battlefields and sites that tell the story of the Shenandoah Valley while expanding opportunities for future generations to learn about and experience this important part of our nation\u2019s history. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to protect these historic sites and ensure their stories are preserved for the next generation to learn and enjoy,\u201d said Kiggans.\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s history, good and bad, is worth studying. The Shenandoah VALOR Act helps promote this history and serve local economies. As a student of history with family ties to the region, I am excited to join a Congressional effort that expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District,\u201d said Griffith.\n\n\u201cWest Virginia came to be during the Civil War, and it is essential that we protect the rich history of our state. Expanding the Shenandoah Valley National Historic District into Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties will help preserve significant historic sites while also creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Panhandle. This legislation is an investment in West Virginia\u2019s past that will give our communities the resources they need to create jobs, attract visitors, and help local communities share their stories with visitors from across the country,\u201d said Miller.\n\nSenator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which is supported by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (Va.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.)\n\n\u201cThis is a big day for West Virginia. This bill would add critical Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties saw some of the first actions of the conflict and suffered through all four years of the war\u2014from Harpers Ferry and the Battle of Hokes Run to the Gettysburg Campaign and the battles of 1864, West Virginia\u2019s Eastern Panhandle played a significant role. West Virginia was born in the fire of the Civil War. Our people lived it, fought in it, and were shaped by it in ways no other state can claim. Expanding this District is about recognizing that unique role and making sure West Virginia\u2019s chapter of the story is preserved and told for generations to come. West Virginia\u2019s Civil War history is not a footnote,\u201d said Justice. \u201cIt is central to who we are as a state. This bill makes sure that history gets the recognition and the resources it deserves, and it does it with both of our states working side by side. That\u2019s the way it ought to be.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley played a vital role in our nation\u2019s history, and preserving these battlefields will ensure that future generations can understand the events that shaped our country. This bipartisan legislation reflects our shared commitment to protecting these historic landscapes by expanding the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to include additional sites in Virginia and West Virginia, which will support tourism and local communities across the region,\u201d said Warner.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District is one of Virginia\u2019s great historical treasures, preserving the Valley\u2019s Civil War battlefields so that Americans from across the country can visit them and reflect on our country\u2019s history,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cI\u2019m glad to be working with my colleagues to expand the district into Rockbridge County and strengthen the partnerships that protect these valued sites for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cExpanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District will help preserve key Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle that played a significant role in our state\u2019s history. The battlefield provides an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the formation of West Virginia and the important role our state holds in the foundation of our nation. By expanding the boundaries, we are able to enhance the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District partnership model, helping provide necessary resources and funding to preserve and improve this historic site for future generations,\u201d said Moore Capito.\n\nThe bill is also supported by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and American Conservation Coalition Action.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act brings together two states, once divided by war, in a bi-partisan effort to preserve the Shenandoah Valley as the national treasure that it is \u2013 reminding us that our shared history and natural wonders can unite and lift up diverse communities and provide a brighter future for us all,\u201d said the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.\n\n\u201cAs conservatives, we must conserve our natural heritage in places like the Shenandoah Valley. The American Conservation Coalition Action applauds Representative Moore\u2019s leadership to build a bipartisan consensus around this effort,\u201d said Chris Barnard, American Conservation Coalition Action President.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret Civil War battlefields and historic sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The District operates on a partnership-based management model involving local communities, organizations, landowners, and preservation partners.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-mfume-urge-netanyahu-to-contain-settler-violence-protect-communities-in-the-west-bank/", "Vindman, Mfume Urge Netanyahu to Contain Settler Violence & Protect Communities in the West Bank", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Kweisi Mfume (M.D.-07) sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging his government to take immediate steps to contain settler violence in the West Bank.\n\n\u201cWe write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWe do so out of concern for Israel\u2019s long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cNine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.\u201d\n\n\u201cRestoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cThe safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the representatives request that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank:\n\nInstruct the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are;\n\nEstablish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian Americans, and complete the pending investigations into the deaths of the nine American citizens killed in the West Bank since January 2022.\n\nHalt further settlement approvals and continue to take steps to remove illegal outposts in the West Bank.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-a-for-representing-va-01-a-for-bipartisan-leadership", "Congressman Wittman Earns A+ for Representing VA-01, A for Bipartisan Leadership", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert J. Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", "wittman", "https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted two recent recognitions of his work in Congress: an \u201cA+\u201d District-Based Grade and District Excellence Award from the Institute for Legislative Analysis and an \u201cA\u201d Bridge Grade recognizing his bipartisan and collaborative work.\n\nTogether, the recognitions reflect Wittman\u2019s approach to representing Virginia\u2019s First District: knowing the communities he serves, standing up for their priorities, and working across the aisle when necessary to deliver results.\n\n\u201cRepresenting Virginia\u2019s First District has never been about checking a partisan box\u2014it is about listening to the people I represent and getting things done for them,\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cI\u2019m honored to receive both of these recognitions because they reflect two principles I have always tried to bring to this job: staying grounded in the priorities of our district and being willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems.\u201d\n\nThe Institute for Legislative Analysis presented Wittman with its District Excellence Award after he earned an \u201cA+\u201d under its District-Based Grading system, which evaluates a Member\u2019s voting record in the context of the congressional district he or she represents.\n\nThe organization specifically cited Wittman\u2019s work to strengthen military readiness, protect taxpayers, and stand up for service members and families across Virginia\u2019s First District.\n\nWittman also earned an \u201cA\u201d rating from Bridge Grades, which evaluates Members of Congress on collaborative governance, bipartisan legislative work, coalition-building, and rhetoric.\n\n\u201cWhether we are strengthening our military, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, improving health care, modernizing infrastructure, supporting our veterans, or lowering costs for families, my focus is on results,\u201d Wittman continued.\n\n\u201cExperience matters. Leadership matters. But ultimately, what matters most is what you do with them. I will continue putting Virginia\u2019s First District first and working to deliver for the people who sent me to Washington.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Institute for Legislative Analysis\u2019 District-Based Grading system compares congressional voting records with an estimate of the political and ideological makeup of each Member\u2019s district. Wittman received an A+ and the organization\u2019s District Excellence Award.\n\nBridge Grades evaluates Members based on legislative collaboration and public rhetoric, including cross-partisan bill sponsorship and coalition-building. Wittman received an A for the 119th Congress.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-demand-dhs-halt-efforts-to-undermine-2026-midterm-elections", "Kaine, Colleagues Demand DHS Halt Efforts to Undermine 2026 Midterm Elections", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined 33 of his Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin halt the Department\u2019s efforts to extend federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators wrote to request information substantiating Mullin\u2019s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants and release the full grant funding to states, and urged DHS to end the alleged \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d disclosed by a recent whistleblower.\n\n\u201cWe write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President\u2019s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration\u2019s demands,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin\u2019s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration\u2019s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA\u2019s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting Americans' safety at risk as political leverage.\n\nThe senators also highlighted allegations from a federal whistleblower about an effort referred to as the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d According to the whistleblower, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) personnel were allegedly directed to use sensitive, personally identifiable information and improperly access state voter registration websites to find noncitizen voters. The whistleblower also alleged that personnel were directed to create law enforcement records using incomplete and unverifiable data for potential referral to law enforcement.\n\nThe senators called on Mullin to immediately provide all information substantiating his July 17, 2026 allegations regarding noncitizens who registered to vote, rescind FEMA Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a) and release all withheld funds to states without further delay; and provide information about the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and immediately cease its activities.\n\n\u201cThe 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nWe write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President\u2019s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration\u2019s demands.\n\nYou have been unwilling to publicly affirm that you will not send U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to the polls, despite federal law barring their presence. Most recently, you deployed Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) agents across nine states for a \u201ccoordinated criminal voter fraud surge initiative,\u201d despite the lack of verifiable evidence of widespread noncitizen voter fraud. Your actions as Secretary are intentionally undermining Americans\u2019 trust in the 2026 midterm elections and appear to purposefully disenfranchise eligible voters. Taken together, these actions amount to an illegal attempt to federalize the administration of the upcoming midterm elections.\n\nAt the direction of President Trump, you have endeavored to coerce states into divulging sensitive voter roll information, raising serious concerns about how that information will be stored and used. On March 25, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14248, which required DHS to compare state voter registration lists against federal immigration databases. The Executive Order was followed by an overhaul of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which transformed the program from one used for individual benefits eligibility checks to a system that could carry out bulk searches of records using Social Security numbers. Since then, DHS has repeatedly pressured states to share their voter rolls and run them through the modified SAVE program, despite legal concerns and known accuracy issues. You have exerted this pressure despite the fact that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which administers the SAVE program, has acknowledged that its results can be inaccurate. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has acknowledged that its citizenship data for naturalized citizens \u2013 which is used by the SAVE program \u2013 is incomplete and unreliable. Even though the Supreme Court has allowed you to use the SAVE program for now, we remind you of the requirement of the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U. S. C. \u00a720507(c)(2)(A) that bars any systematic removal of ineligible voters within 90 days of Election Day.\n\nOn July 17, 2026, you claimed, without evidence, that 250,000 non-citizens were registered to vote in four states. This claim has been refuted by states and even by other administration officials. For example, you claimed that around 16,000 noncitizens illegally registered to vote in Nevada, but later, other DHS officials alleged the number was only 185. A subsequent review by Nevada state officials found all 185 individuals were U.S. citizens. These states did not agree to give you their sensitive state voter roll information and judges in each state dismissed the Department of Justice\u2019s efforts to access that information. Moreover, elections experts have challenged the legitimacy of these numbers. Considering the inaccuracies in SSA\u2019s citizenship categorizations and the questions surrounding how you obtained the voter roll information needed to analyze this data, we cannot trust the numbers as reported.\n\nFurther, under your leadership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently added new terms and conditions to fiscal year (FY) 2025 and 2026 Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program awards. These are grants provided to states to help them protect their communities from terrorism and other hazards. In the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FEMA mandated that 3% of the target allocations for these grants be spent on enhancing election security, including critical activities like hardening election locations. Now, after FY25 agreements have already been signed, this Administration is threatening to withhold a percentage of the funding hostage if recipients do not meet these new, specious requirements, despite serious legal and implementation concerns. FEMA also added requirements to the recently released FY26 Homeland Security Grant Program NOFO, conditioning 20% of the full amount of the grants on states\u2019 compliance with election requirements that states have contested in litigation. DHS\u2019s continued interference with FEMA\u2019s grants puts FEMA\u2019s mission at risk, slows down the administration of grants, and ultimately hurts communities.\n\nNow, a federal whistleblower has alleged that, at the direction of DHS and USCIS leadership, the component\u2019s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate staff may have violated laws and DHS policies in furtherance of a new \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d According to the whistleblower, USCIS staff were given a list of names and told to use sensitive personally identifiable information to impersonate voters and access state voter registration websites to verify individuals\u2019 immigration and voter registration statuses. Equipped with incomplete and unverifiable data compiled with \u201csupplemental magic,\u201d USCIS staff are allegedly being directed to create law enforcement records on individuals, including U.S. citizens, for possible referral to HSI for further investigation. If true, this is just another alarming effort by the Department to use data that USCIS materials admit may be inaccurate, coupled with questionable means to potentially disenfranchise voters.\n\nThe 2026 midterm elections are already underway. Your unsubstantiated allegations of noncitizen voter fraud, public recitation of unreliable data, and unwarranted conditioning of continued grant funding for state election security measures on compliance with politically motivated requests for voter data appear to be calculated efforts to undermine confidence in our elections and risks wrongly disenfranchising voters.\n\nWe are deeply troubled by the actions that you, DHS, and the Trump Administration have taken. As such, we demand that you immediately cease the aforementioned activities and provide us with all information underpinning the allegations made in your July 17, 2026, letter regarding non-citizens registered to vote, rescind Information Bulletin Nos. 569 and 569(a), release all withheld funds to the states without further delay, and provide information about the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d\n\nThank you for your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-us-critical-mineral-supply-chains", "Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chains", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China by improving diplomatic training and coordination across the federal government.\n\n\u201cWe need critical minerals to build chips for everything from our smartphones to our national defense apparatus. The U.S. must not cede control of global critical mineral supply chains to China,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThat is why I\u2019m glad to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to establish a dedicated executive branch critical minerals czar and marshal our diplomatic corps\u2019 expertise in this area. This commonsense and overdue step is crucial to our national security and retaining our technological edge, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to support this legislation.\u201d\n\nThe Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act would establish a Foreign Service Institute training program to help Foreign Service Officers advance U.S. economic and national security interests related to critical minerals and strategic competition with China. The bill would also establish a permanent Special Advisor to the President for Critical Minerals and Supply Chains within the National Security Council to coordinate a government-wide critical minerals strategy.\n\nThe legislation also advances two provisions of the DOMINANCE Act, a bill led by U.S. Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA-06) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support.\n\nIn addition to Kaine, Scott, and Warnock, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), and John Curtis (R-UT).\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-subramanyam-rutherford-announce-bipartisan-legislation-support-first", "Reps. Subramanyam, Rutherford Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responder Behavioral Health", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Suhas Subramanyam", "S001230", "subramanyam.house.gov", "subramanyam", "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Representative John Rutherford (FL-05) announced the First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act, bipartisan legislation to expand access to behavioral health resources for first responders.\n\nResearch shows that first responders face elevated suicide risks. Across the country, there is a lack of behavioral health care providers and resources available. The First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act takes an innovative approach to address this.\n\n\u201cFirst responders put their lives on the line for our safety. Their quality of life should never be in jeopardy. We should not be losing them to mental health struggles when there are evidence-based solutions like clinicians and peer-to-peer counseling that could improve their well-being. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation delivers for our first responders and provides them with the necessary support they deserve,\u201d said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\n\u201cAs a former sheriff and law enforcement officer, I know how important it is for the men and women who keep our communities safe to have someone they can turn to that understands the unique demands of the job,\u201d said Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05). \u201cBy strengthening partnerships between first responder agencies and local public health departments, this legislation will help bring trusted behavioral health professionals directly into the workplace, expand peer-to-peer support programs, and strengthen the workforce serving our first responders.\u201d\n\n\"Counties run 911 centers, emergency medical services and public health departments, and our first responders and 911 telecommunicators answer the call in our residents' worst moments,\" said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. \u201cThis bill would give county health agencies the federal support to place mental health clinicians within emergency agencies and reach under-resourced communities. We thank Representatives Subramanyam and Rutherford for introducing this bipartisan legislation and urge Congress to act swiftly.\"\n\n\u201cBehavioral health is a top priority for our Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System members,\u201d said Systemwide Fire Chief James S. Williams, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue. \u201cWe are committed to strengthening our awareness, resources, and support so that every member of our Fire and Rescue community feels valued, heard, and cared for. I truly value the support of lawmakers, like Congressman Subramanyam, who bring much needed attention to the health and wellness of first responders and the need for expanded behavioral health resources.\u201d\n\nThe legislation:\n\nExpands access to grants to support the recruitment and field placement of behavioral health care providers to serve in first responder agencies, helping build a pipeline into the profession.\n\nCreates a pilot grant program to partner local, county, regional, and state governments with first responder agencies to embed clinicians with first responder agencies, establish peer-to-peer programs, and assist in training peer-to-peer behavioral health care providers.\n\nRep. Subramanyam, along with Reps. Rutherford and Alford, previously introduced the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act to establish an interagency working group to review ways to improve behavioral and mental health outcomes for first responders.\n\nThe First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act is also supported by The Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Narcotic Officers\u2019 Associations\u2019 Coalition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/subramanyam-and-kaine-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house", "Subramanyam and Kaine Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House As National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law", "2026-09-27", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Suhas Subramanyam", "S001230", "subramanyam.house.gov", "subramanyam", "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's (D-VA) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law.\n\n\u201cDodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall\u2019s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,\u201d said Subramanyam.\n\n\u201cGeorge C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army\u2019s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall\u2019s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I\u2019m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaineand Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. \u201cThis measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall\u2019s extraordinary character and example.\u201d\n\nThe official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliated area provides new resources to preserve and celebrate General Marshall\u2019s legacy at the site, including technical assistance to support restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and new programming.\n\nGeneral Marshall dedicated his life to public service, holding pivotal roles such as Chief of Staff of the Army during America's entry into World War II, Secretary of State where he designed the transformative Marshall Plan to rebuild post-war Europe, and Secretary of Defense during the early stages of the Korean War. In 1941, while serving as Army Chief of Staff, he purchased Dodona Manor, where he lived until his passing in 1959.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-subramanyam-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house-as-national-park-service-affiliated-area-becoming-law", "Kaine & Subramanyam Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House as National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law", "2026-09-27", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam\u2019s (D-VA-10) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law.\n\n\u201cGeorge C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army\u2019s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall\u2019s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I\u2019m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cDodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall\u2019s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,\u201d said Subramanyam.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaine and Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall\u2019s legacy,\u201d said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. \u201cThis measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall\u2019s extraordinary character and example.\u201d\n\nThe official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliated area provides new resources to preserve and celebrate General Marshall\u2019s legacy at the site, including technical assistance to support restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and new programming.\n\nGeneral Marshall dedicated his life to public service, holding pivotal roles such as Chief of Staff of the Army during America's entry into World War II, Secretary of State where he designed the transformative Marshall Plan to rebuild post-war Europe, and Secretary of Defense during the early stages of the Korean War. In 1941, while serving as Army Chief of Staff, he purchased Dodona Manor, where he lived until his passing in 1959.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405837", "Griffith Announces $160,000 FEMA Grant for Helene Relief", "2026-09-26", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grant is as follows:\n\n$160,000 to the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update\n\nIn response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cTwo years into recovery from Hurricane Helene, local authorities continue to investigate disaster vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThis FEMA grant for $160,000 helps the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission assess regional hazard mitigation strategies, tools and resources.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves Ninth District localities, including the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise as well as the City of Norton.\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nIn January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).\n\nIn April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs.\n\nIn January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system.\n\nIn February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair.\n\nIn April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair.\n\nIn June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith celebrated more than $7.3 million in federal funding for Helene relief projects in Southwest Virginia.\n\nAdditionally, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.2 million in Helene relief for recovery projects in Tazewell County.\n\nIn August 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.4 million in Helene relief for Washington County Service Authority management costs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/25/kiggans-wittman-call-on-usda-to-provide-federal-assistance-for-virginia-oyster-growers-in-light-of-recent-algal-bloom/", "Kiggans, Wittman Call on USDA to Provide Federal Assistance for Virginia Oyster Growers in Light of Recent Algal Bloom", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "K000399", "kiggans.house.gov", "kiggans", "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding significant oyster mortality in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Virginia. The losses have coincided with recent algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels affecting oyster populations throughout the region. Reports from growers in Coastal Virginia have signaled significant mortality, leading to the loss of not only market-sized and grow-out oysters, but seed oysters as well. These are detrimental losses to this year\u2019s harvest and could impact next year\u2019s harvest if action isn\u2019t taken.\n\nThe letter requests that the Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) assess the losses suffered by the Commonwealth\u2019s commercial oyster growers and determine whether the impact of these blooms qualify for Secretarial natural disaster designation.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, \u201cOur hardworking oyster producers and harvesters are critical to the Commonwealth\u2019s economy. As the representative of a coastal district and member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have a responsibility to ensure our producers have the resources they need when unforeseen circumstances threaten their livelihoods. These conditions could potentially impact harvests for years to come, which is why I\u2019m urging the USDA to assess whether the damage qualifies for federal assistance and help Virginia\u2019s oyster growers recover.\u201d\n\nIf USDA issues a Secretarial natural disaster designation, eligible oyster producers in designated primary and contiguous counties may apply for FSA Emergency Farm Loans to help recover from qualifying disaster-related losses. FSA evaluates each application individually based on the producer\u2019s losses, available security, repayment ability, and other eligibility requirements.\n\nHere is our draft quote: \u201cVirginia\u2019s oyster growers are facing significant losses that could impact harvests and livelihoods for years to come,\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cRep. Kiggans and I are urging the USDA to act quickly to assess these losses and ensure affected growers have access to disaster assistance. Our watermen and aquaculture producers are vital to Virginia\u2019s coastal economy, and I will continue working to ensure they have the resources they need to recover.\u201d\n\nRead their letter here.\n\nIf you\u2019re an oyster producer experiencing serious production loss due to the algal bloom, the Office of Congresswoman Jen Kiggans encourages you to reach out to the Accomack County FSA Office at 757-787-0918.\n\nBackground:\n\nVirginia is a national leader in shellfish aquaculture, ranking first nationally in production of hard clams and Eastern oysters, according to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Virginia shellfish aquaculture generated approximately $81 million in direct farm sales in 2024, up 52% from 2018.\n\nOn September 22, 2026, VIMS researchers reported that the recent harmful algal bloom expanded from the mainstem Chesapeake Bay into waters along Virginia\u2019s Eastern Shore, with bloom activity documented in Nassawadox, Hungars, and Cherrystone creeks. Researchers continue to monitor the bloom, associated low dissolved oxygen conditions, and impacts on shellfish and other marine life.\n\nIn their letter, Reps. Kiggans and Wittman ask USDA to work with VIMS, Virginia Tech, state and federal agencies, and other scientific partners to determine the scope and cause of the mortality and identify affected counties that may qualify for disaster designation and assistance.\n\nHarmful algal blooms are a recurring issue in the Chesapeake Bay. VIMS first conclusively identified Alexandrium monilatum in the Bay in 2007, and blooms have occurred nearly annually since, typically during the late summer months. The species produces goniodomin A, a toxin associated with harmful effects on oysters, oyster larvae, fish, and other marine life.\n\nPrevious blooms have raised similar concerns within Virginia\u2019s shellfish industry. In 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and VIMS documented an unusually extensive Alexandrium bloom across the lower Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads, accompanied by reports of oyster, fish, and crab mortality, although researchers did not establish a direct causal relationship at the time.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405834", "Griffith Announces $592,397 HHS Grant to Edward Via VCOM", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $592,397 grant. The funding supports research into back pain injury mechanisms to address chronic pain behaviors. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cSince 2003, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has been a leader in research efforts to improve health care in Virginia.\n\n\u201cThis grant for nearly $600,000 helps the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine research chronic pain.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405835", "Congressman Griffith\u2019s Weekly E-Newsletter 9.25.26", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "Two years ago, Southwest Virginia communities faced some of the most adverse weather conditions in recent memory.\n\nHurricane Helene damaged homes, businesses, infrastructure, farms, among other properties and items. Hundreds of thousands of people in Virginia\u2019s Ninth District were affected by other losses, including a loss of cellular telephone service in much of the District.\n\nPreparing for danger, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took decisive steps.\n\nThe Wednesday before the storm hit, Youngkin called. He advised me that Virginia\u2019s Ninth District would be severely impacted by the incoming storm.\n\nDuring this time, Youngkin and his team were consulting with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg about the imminent threat.\n\nTo help the region prepare for the impending crisis, Youngkin declared a State of Emergency. This action mobilized emergency response resources into our region. Youngkin did so to coordinate agency communications and prepare our communities for the worst, including deploying statewide assets like swift water rescue teams and additional State police.\n\nThe deployment of statewide swift water rescue teams included the Bristol, Virginia, Swift Water Rescue Team, the only such team based in Virginia\u2019s Ninth District at that time.\n\nYoungkin prepared the region so well that Virginia delivered assistance to Tennessee as well.\n\nUnicoi County Hospital, operated by Ballad Health, was completely flooded during the disaster. More than 50 people were stranded and stuck on the roof of the hospital.\n\nWith the help of rescue helicopter crews from Abingdon and the Virginia State Police, those on the hospital roof were saved.\n\nSurviving the storm, however, was just the first test.\n\nIn the aftermath, I traveled to the impacted areas with Youngkin and surveyed the damages.\n\nFrom our borders with North Carolina and Tennessee to our borders with West Virginia, we saw homes lifted off foundations, infrastructure decimated and storm debris throughout the region.\n\nAccordingly, Youngkin submitted a request for a federal Major Disaster Declaration. I pushed for federal authorities to approve his request and helped secure federal approval.\n\nIn addition to Youngkin\u2019s Declaration request, I voted for a government funding package that included Helene relief.\n\nMoney and federal relief resources from this package continue to flow into Ninth District communities. These funds have been used to support various projects, including extensive repairs in Damascus and wastewater treatment system repairs in Wytheville.\n\nThanks to Youngkin\u2019s actions, lives were saved and relief resources are available.\n\nMore work is underway in Congress to promote life-saving measures in times of emergency.\n\nThe impact of Hurricane Helene left many without access to power, cell phone signal and public communications systems. Friends, neighbors and loved ones could not get in touch with local authorities, missed critical alerts and faced persistent danger.\n\nWhen surveying damages in our region with Josh Hess, my then-district director, we planned to meet in Independence. However, Josh failed to show up. Due to the mobile signal outage, I could not contact Josh to learn that his vehicle had gone into a sinkhole.\n\nWhile I later learned that Josh and his car were okay, it illustrated the distressing situations many endured from the lack of communications support.\n\nIn Asheville, North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene hit hardest, communities struggled with this reality.\n\nHow could they contact people to make sure they were okay?\n\nFortunately, a local AM radio station came to the rescue.\n\nCBS News detailed how WWNC host Mart Starling and producer Tank Spencer served as a lifeline for North Carolina residents. The station received scores of messages from residents who could deliver news and updates during the damaging storms.\n\nFaced with a natural disaster, AM radio provided life-saving communications access.\n\nThis story is a testament to the power, value and reliability of AM radio technologies, particularly for those who live in or drive through rural areas.\n\nAM radio is a trusted and reliable technology than can serve folks in real-time with real emergencies.\n\nAccordingly, I supported a bill requiring AM radio technology for new cars.\n\nAs a co-sponsor of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, I voted in favor of the bill during a House Energy and Commerce Committee markup. Following the hearing, I pushed for House leadership to consider a vote on the bill.\n\nIn September, the House overwhelmingly passed the measure. I believe that the Senate should follow suit to support a life-saving technology that helps those in rural areas.\n\nAs your federal representative, I will continue to advocate for Ninth District access to natural disaster relief, community recovery resources and mitigation measures.\n\nIf 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 https://morgangriffith.house.gov/.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405836", "Griffith Announces $500,000 HHS Grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc.", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $500,000 grant. The funding supports research into therapies for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis summer, hero pilot Captain Sully Sullenberger became one of the latest figures to come forward about their Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis. As more figures speak out, federal efforts will support the development of new treatments.\n\n\u201cThis grant for $500,000 helps Biotherapeutics, Inc. develop new therapies for Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405838", "Griffith Announces $173,600 FEMA Grant to West Piedmont Planning District Commission", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grant is as follows:\n\n$173,600 to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission for All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update\n\nIn response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cLocal authorities continue to investigate disaster vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThis FEMA grant for more than $173,000 helps the West Piedmont Planning District Commission assess regional hazard mitigation strategies, tools and resources.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe West Piedmont Planning District Commission serves Ninth District localities, including the Counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick as well as the City of Martinsville.\n\nFEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients.\n\nAlthough the West Piedmont Planning District did not suffer as severe damages as some parts of Virginia, it is important for the area to be ready for the next big storm.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/25/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-help-fund-childcare-for-first-responders/", "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Fund Childcare for First Responders", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressmen Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Don Davis (N.C.-01) today introduced the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, legislation that would help states fund childcare services for the minor children of firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics during shift work and non-traditional hours.\n\n\u201cAs a father, I know how important reliable, affordable childcare really is for families across Virginia. Our community\u2019s firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics deserve to know their kids are taken care of when they answer the call to serve,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cThis legislation will support more childcare options for our neighbors that work long hours. I will always fight for Virginia\u2019s families and first responders to succeed.\u201d\n\nThe Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to help states fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules and non-traditional work hours of covered first responders.\n\nGrants would be awarded for three-year periods, with matching requirements increasing over the course of the grant term. Eligible beneficiaries would include career and volunteer firefighters, certified emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics who are employed by or affiliated with state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies.\n\n\u201cFirst responders across eastern North Carolina work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep our communities safe, but finding childcare that works around those hours can be a real challenge,\u201d said Davis. \u201cI am proud to co-lead the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act to help communities expand childcare options that reflect the realities of first responders\u2019 schedules. Our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are there for us at all hours of the day, so we should ensure their families have the support they need to continue serving our communities.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Prince William County IAFF.\n\n\u201cIn more than two decades as a firefighter and paramedic, I\u2019ve watched talented colleagues walk away from this profession entirely because they couldn\u2019t reliably find childcare,\u201d said the Prince William County IAFF. \u201cOur work doesn\u2019t stop at 5 p.m. We work 24-hour shifts, often leaving home well before sunrise to report for duty, and we cover nights, weekends, and holidays. Traditional childcare simply isn\u2019t built for that. The Providing Child Care for Firefighters and EMS Act tackles a problem that\u2019s quietly costing us good people.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSince coming to Congress, Vindman has been a champion for law enforcement and first responders across Virginia and the United States.\n\nIn 2026, Vindman secured more than $2,750,000 for law enforcement and public safety projects in Virginia\u2019s Seventh District as part of a U.S. House-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bill.\n\nVindman has also led key congressional efforts \u2014 like the Nitazene Control Act, the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, and the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act \u2014 to give law enforcement the tools they need to tackle the fentanyl and nitazene crises.\n\nVindman has cosponsored the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, the Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers\u2019 Benefits Program Expansion Act, and the COPS Reauthorization Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9226", "Beyer Demands Answers About Equipment at Proposed Arch Site", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district that includes Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), issued the following statement after visiting the site of President Trump\u2019s proposed 250-foot arch in response to reports from constituents of construction equipment at the site:\n\n\u201cThis morning, after hearing from constituents who saw construction equipment at the site of Trump\u2019s proposed vanity arch, I drove down to Columbia Island to see for myself. When I arrived, I found workers operating heavy equipment who told me they were conducting archaeological work to evaluate the composition of the soil. When I asked whether this work was a precursor to construction of the arch, they said that they could not answer. The logical conclusion, however, is that the presence of this heavy equipment and additional surveyors is a clear indication that the Trump Administration is preparing to move forward with construction.\n\n\u201cThat would be deeply troubling. Trump\u2019s arch is illegal and immoral, and the Administration is also under court order requiring 48 hours\u2019 notice before work proceeds. Yet, the Administration appears to be pushing ahead with activity at the site even while it still has not done the basic work necessary to understand the consequences of this project. There has been no adequate assessment of the regional impacts of this 250-foot structure on public safety, vehicular traffic, air traffic, or historic sites, including the implications of Trump\u2019s latest ravings about using the arch as a base for drone and sniper operations.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump and his Administration are determined to find a way to push this project through by any means necessary, regardless of the law or the concerns of the people who live here but my constituents have made their views abundantly clear: they do not want this project. Neither do I. I will continue doing everything in my power to stop this illegal and reckless attempt to turn our nation\u2019s capital into a monument to Donald Trump.\u201d\n\nRep. Don Beyer is leading congressional efforts to block construction of Trump\u2019s arch. His Northern Virginia district includes the Arlington National Cemetery, where his parents, grandparents, and sister are buried. He is the author of the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, which would explicitly prohibit construction of the arch. He previously raised concerns about the projects impacts on traffic in the region, which the Trump Administration has yet to address. The arch has been a consistent source of anger and concern to Beyer\u2019s constituents, who like much of the country, vociferously oppose the project.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9227", "Beyer Condemns Trump\u2019s Illegal, Secretive Assault on East Potomac Park Following Site Tour", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Don Beyer today issued the following statement after conducting a site visit at East Potomac Park with local stakeholders, including Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Executive Director Elizabeth Kiker, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten-Mile Run Deputy Director Becky Lambros, League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Bill Nesper, Beltway Golfer Magazine Publisher Alex Dickson, and Member of the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes (MWABA) LeRoy Hansen:\n\n\u201cEast Potomac Park is not Donald Trump\u2019s personal playground. It is a treasured public park that people across our region use every single day. Today, we saw golfers on the course, cyclists and runners on the roads, and families enjoying this incredible space. We also saw the Administration\u2019s destruction firsthand, including trees that have already been cut down, some of them historic cherry trees. And all of this is happening behind closed doors. The Administration is tearing apart a public park while refusing to tell the public what it is doing, what it has already done, or what it plans to do next. That is an outrageous mismanagement of our public land and a complete disregard for the American people whom this park belongs to.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/24/kiggans-hosts-va-secretary-doug-collins-for-veterans-roundtable-in-virginia-beach/", "Kiggans Hosts VA Secretary Doug Collins for Veterans Roundtable in Virginia Beach", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "K000399", "kiggans.house.gov", "kiggans", "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "scraper", "VIRGINIA BEACH, VA \u2014 Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to Virginia Beach last week for a visit focused on supporting Coastal Virginia\u2019s veterans and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Collins started the visit with a stop at Be Free Craft Caf\u00e9, a veteran-owned small business founded by retired Navy SEAL Christopher Fettes. Fettes served with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) before opening the artisan ice-cream shop in Virginia Beach.\n\nFollowing the visit, Secretary Collins and Congresswoman Kiggans traveled to the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center for a roundtable with local veterans and community stakeholders. The discussion provided participants with an opportunity to speak directly with VA leadership about the care, benefits, and services veterans rely on and ways the Department can continue improving access to quality, timely care.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, \u201cAs a Navy veteran, I know how important it is that the VA listens directly to the men and women it serves. I was proud to welcome Secretary Collins to Virginia Beach to hear firsthand from our local veterans about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Collins for taking the time to visit Hampton Roads, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every veteran receives the quality care, benefits, and services they have earned through their service to our nation.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans is a Navy veteran, the wife of a Navy veteran, and the mother of a future Navy veteran. Kiggans also serves on the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs and chairs the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Since coming to Congress, she has worked to improve veterans\u2019 healthcare, strengthen accountability at the VA, and ensure veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn May 2026, Rep. Kiggans voted for H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, which included $450.29 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Read her press release here.\n\nIn May 2026, Rep. Kiggans\u2019 bill, the Veteran Infection Prevention (VIP) Act passed out of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee following a markup. This bill would require all Sterile Processing Technicians (SPTs) to receive certification from an accredited institution in cleaning medical equipment to work at a VA Medical Center. Read her press release here.\n\nIn July 2025, Rep. Kiggans helped secure nearly $80 million for the construction of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Hampton Roads. The project represented a major federal investment to expand access to healthcare, counseling, and benefits for the region\u2019s more than 76,000 veterans. Read her press release here.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/24/mcclellan-joins-bipartisan-shenandoah-valor-act-to-expand-shenandoah-valley-battlefields-national-historic-district-into-west-virginia/", "McClellan Joins Bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to Expand Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman McClellan (VA-04) joined Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) to introduce the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act, or Shenandoah (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia\u2019s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia. Every member of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which also has the full bipartisan support of both states\u2019 senators.\n\n\u201cVirginians recognize the historical value of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields and the critical role this beautiful landscape played in the Civil War,\u201d said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). \u201cBy expanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, the Shenandoah VALOR Act will strengthen the federal government\u2019s ability to preserve these hallowed lands for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from this site. I thank Congressman Moore for his leadership in this space.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation\u2019s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies. The Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations,\u201d said Congressman Moore.\n\nIn addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition.\n\nThe legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System.\n\nThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret Civil War battlefields and historic sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The District operates on a partnership-based management model involving local communities, organizations, landowners, and preservation partners.\n\nShenandoah VALOR Act Supporters:\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley played a vital role in our nation\u2019s history, and preserving these battlefields will ensure that future generations can understand the events that shaped our country. This bipartisan legislation reflects our shared commitment to protecting these historic landscapes by expanding the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to include additional sites in Virginia and West Virginia, which will support tourism and local communities across the region,\u201d said Virginia Senator Mark Warner.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District is one of Virginia\u2019s great historical treasures, preserving the Valley\u2019s Civil War battlefields so that Americans from across the country can visit them and reflect on our country\u2019s history,\u201d said Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. \u201cI\u2019m glad to be working with my colleagues to expand the district into Rockbridge County and strengthen the partnerships that protect these valued sites for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most significant sites in our nation\u2019s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve that history for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). \u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act will help protect historic battlefields, expand opportunities for Americans to experience the outdoors, and support the local tourism economy. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure the Shenandoah Valley is preserved for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cA part of what makes Virginia so special is the Commonwealth\u2019s rich history and the generations of Americans that have helped shape it. The Shenandoah VALOR Act will help preserve the historic battlefields and sites that tell the story of the Shenandoah Valley while expanding opportunities for future generations to learn about and experience this important part of our nation\u2019s history. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to protect these historic sites and ensure their stories are preserved for the next generation to learn and enjoy,\u201d said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02).\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s historic sites help tell the story of our nation,\u201d said Congressman Bobby Scott. \u201cThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District educates Virginians and those visiting our Commonwealth on the true history of the battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War. I am proud to cosponsor the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand the National Historic District\u2019s reach and to authorize new resources that support this critical work,\u201d said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03).\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s rich history and beautiful landscapes must be preserved,\u201d said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). \u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act is crucial for safeguarding the historic landscapes our country is known for. As tourists from across the globe visit these sites, we must do what we can to ensure they\u2019re maintained for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman John McGuire (VA-05).\n\n\u201cShenandoah is more than a scenic landscape. It is a place where Virginia\u2019s history and culture come to life,\u201d said Rep. Cline. \u201cThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District Boundary Expansion and Partnership Act of 2026 expands the National Historic District to include four additional counties. This legislation preserves and strengthens the partnership among local communities, the state, and the district, while ensuring these historic resources continue to be supported at the local level rather than federally managed,\u201d said Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06).\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah VALOR Act recognizes the important role the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle play in our nation\u2019s Civil War history while creating new opportunities for communities to preserve that history and share it with visitors,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support this legislation that will protect these historic sites, invest in our local communities, support tourism, and ensure that future generations can learn from the stories that shaped Virginia and West Virginia,\u201d said Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07).\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley helped shape the course of the Civil War, and today its historic landscapes continue to draw visitors from across the country. Our Shenandoah VALOR Act would expand the National Historic District to additional communities in Virginia and West Virginia and strengthen the local partnerships that preserve and share this legacy. I\u2019m proud to join Congressman Moore in this effort to ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic places,\u201d said Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08).\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s history, good and bad, is worth studying. The Shenandoah VALOR Act helps promote this history and serve local economies. As a student of history with family ties to the region, I am excited to join a Congressional effort that expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District,\u201d said Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-09).\n\n\u201cI am proud to support this measure to preserve the Commonwealth\u2019s battlefields and history. This important bill will help expand access to resources for our historic battlefields and districts for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10).\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation\u2019s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I\u2019m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,\u201d said Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11).\n\n\u201cThis is a big day for West Virginia,\u201d said Senator Justice. \u201cThis bill would add critical Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties saw some of the first actions of the conflict and suffered through all four years of the war\u2014from Harpers Ferry and the Battle of Hokes Run to the Gettysburg Campaign and the battles of 1864, West Virginia\u2019s Eastern Panhandle played a significant role.\u201d\n\n\u201cWest Virginia was born in the fire of the Civil War. Our people lived it, fought in it, and were shaped by it in ways no other state can claim. Expanding this District is about recognizing that unique role and making sure West Virginia\u2019s chapter of the story is preserved and told for generations to come.\n\n\u201cWest Virginia\u2019s Civil War history is not a footnote,\u201d Justice said. \u201cIt is central to who we are as a state. This bill makes sure that history gets the recognition and the resources it deserves, and it does it with both of our states working side by side. That\u2019s the way it ought to be,\u201d said West Virginia Senator Jim Justice.\n\n\u201cExpanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District will help preserve key Civil War sites in our Eastern Panhandle that played a significant role in our state\u2019s history. The battlefield provides an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the formation of West Virginia and the important role our state holds in the foundation of our nation. By expanding the boundaries, we are able to enhance the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District partnership model, helping provide necessary resources and funding to preserve and improve this historic site for future generations,\u201d West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito said.\n\n\u201cWest Virginia came to be during the Civil War, and it is essential that we protect the rich history of our state. Expanding the Shenandoah Valley National Historic District into Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties will help preserve significant historic sites while also creating new opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Panhandle. This legislation is an investment in West Virginia\u2019s past that will give our communities the resources they need to create jobs, attract visitors, and help local communities share their stories with visitors from across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-01).", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/24/mcclellan-leads-virginia-democratic-delegation-to-oppose-trumps-efforts-to-rescind-the-roadless-rule/", "McClellan Leads Virginia Democratic Delegation to Oppose Trump\u2019s Efforts to Rescind the Roadless Rule", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) led 7 Members of the Virginia delegation \u2014 including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) \u2014 in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in strong opposition to the Trump Administration\u2019s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the \u201cRoadless Rule\u201d).\n\nSince its implementation in 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected 45 million acres of forest lands across the country, including nearly 394,000 acres in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August of this year to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could have devastating impacts on water quality, biodiversity, economic development and more for these regions.\n\n\u201cThis proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia\u2019s roadless areas, opening these lands to road construction, logging, and other industrial activities. The consequences for Virginia\u2019s environment, economy, and public health would be severe, falling squarely on the families and communities we represent,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWith more roadless acres than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia has an outsized stake in decisions regarding the Roadless Rule. Once lost, these ecosystems and the countless benefits they provide to clean air, clean water, and climate resilience cannot be easily restored, if at all.\u201d\n\nThe letter outlines the risks this rescission would pose to Virginia by jeopardizing Virginia\u2019s drinking water and ecosystems, threatening economic activity driven by recreation and tourism activities, increasing wildfire risk and straining public resources.\n\n\u201cFor 25 years, the Roadless Rule has demonstrated that protecting America\u2019s national forest lands is both effective and widely supported. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would ignore this overwhelming public consensus while undermining Virginia\u2019s drinking water, biodiversity, local economies, and public safety,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cWe urge the Department to withdraw this dangerous proposal and maintain the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 in its entirety.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405829", "Griffith Statement on Action to Protect SNAP Benefits", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "In response to fraudulent schemes in federal public health programs, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) will support a House effort to crack down on fraud in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Congressman Griffith is co-sponsor of anti-fraud legislation, H.R. 3887 \u2013 the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act, to create new civil penalties for any person who knowingly accesses, uses or transfers SNAP benefits. Particularly important to recent events in our region, the bill also provides that States can use SNAP benefits to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen due to no fault of their own.\n\nRecently, Lynchburg, Virginia, officials notified residents that more than $60,000 in SNAP benefits were stolen from Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The stolen benefits cannot be currently replaced, leaving SNAP participants without their fully allotted funds and putting them at risk of going hungry.\n\nFollowing his action to co-sponsor the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cSNAP benefits belong to the needy and vulnerable, not thieves. However, no system is currently in place to reimburse victims of SNAP theft, creating more financial and health hardship for SNAP recipients.\n\n\u201cI am proud to be a Virginia advocate for the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act. This bill will protect SNAP recipients, punish bad guys and serve Virginia\u2019s hungry.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405831", "Griffith Announces $1,977,991 Grant to Ferrum College", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Ferrum College, based in Ferrum, Virginia, a $1,977,991 grant. The funding comes through the Department\u2019s Strengthening Institutions Program to help higher education institutions serve low-income students. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cFerrum College is an educational institution supporting Ninth District communities.\n\n\u201cThis grant for nearly $2 million helps Ferrum College serve the educational needs of its students.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, the Strengthening Institutions Program provides funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405832", "Griffith Announces $1,233,412 Grant to Wytheville Community College", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Wytheville Community College, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $1,233,412 grant. The funding comes through the Department\u2019s Strengthening Institutions Program to help higher education institutions serve low-income students. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cCommunity colleges provide essential educational opportunities for Ninth District communities.\n\n\u201cThis grant for more than $1.2 million helps Wytheville Community College serve the educational needs of its students.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, the Strengthening Institutions Program provides funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405833", "Griffith Announces $96,000 HHS Grant to Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc.", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc., based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $96,000 grant. The funding supports the purchase of medical equipment for the Bristol, Virginia, PACE Center. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis year, the new Bristol PACE Center opened to provide care for senior citizens.\n\n\u201cThis grant for nearly $100,000 helps the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens tend to the health care challenges faced by senior citizens in the region.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=842", "Walkinshaw, McClellan Lead Virginia Democratic Delegation to Oppose Trump\u2019s Efforts to Rescind the Roadless Rule", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan led 6 Members of the Virginia delegation \u2014 including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) \u2014 in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in strong opposition to the Trump Administration\u2019s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the \u201cRoadless Rule\u201d).\n\nSince its implementation in 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected 45 million acres of forest lands across the country, including nearly 394,000 acres in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August of this year to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could have devastating impacts on water quality, biodiversity, economic development and more for these regions.\n\n\u201cThis proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia\u2019s roadless areas, opening these lands to road construction, logging, and other industrial activities. The consequences for Virginia\u2019s environment, economy, and public health would be severe, falling squarely on the families and communities we represent,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cWith more roadless acres than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia has an outsized stake in decisions regarding the Roadless Rule. Once lost, these ecosystems and the countless benefits they provide to clean air, clean water, and climate resilience cannot be easily restored, if at all.\u201d\n\nThe letter outlines the risks this rescission would pose to Virginia by jeopardizing Virginia\u2019s drinking water and ecosystems, threatening economic activity driven by recreation and tourism activities, increasing wildfire risk and straining public resources.\n\n\u201cFor 25 years, the Roadless Rule has demonstrated that protecting America\u2019s national forest lands is both effective and widely supported. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would ignore this overwhelming public consensus while undermining Virginia\u2019s drinking water, biodiversity, local economies, and public safety,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cWe urge the Department to withdraw this dangerous proposal and maintain the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 in its entirety.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter text here.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=849", "Walkinshaw Cosponsors Bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to Preserve Historic Battlefields", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) cosponsored Congressman Riley M. Moore's (WV-02) Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act, or Shenandoah (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia\u2019s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. Every member of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which also has the full bipartisan support of both states\u2019 senators.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation\u2019s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I\u2019m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,\u201d said Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11).\n\nIn addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition.\n\nThe legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System.\n\nThe Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret Civil War battlefields and historic sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley. The District operates on a partnership-based management model involving local communities, organizations, landowners, and preservation partners.\n\n\u201cThe Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation\u2019s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies. The Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations,\u201d said Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02).", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi-jinping", "Kaine, Colleagues Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi Jinping", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined 15 of his Democratic colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity.\n\n\u201cWe write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026,\u201d began the senators.\n\n\u201cWe support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI\u2019s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement,\u201d continued the senators.\n\n\u201cAs you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large,\u201d the senators added.\n\n\u201cThe conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit,\u201d the senators emphasized.\n\n\u201cAI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues.\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nKaine was joined in sending the letter by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nPresident Trump,\n\nWe write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI\u2019s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement. As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large.\n\nThe development, release, and proper and improper use of AI present several risks unique to this technology. Testing AI models without constant monitoring and safe sandboxing has resulted in security breaks. Current publicly available models are concerningly capable of detecting and exploiting cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Companies developing AI have even more powerful models internally. An international race between the U.S. and China to advance these capabilities without safety guardrails, as is currently unfolding, poses unnecessary and dangerous risks to the American people. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently said that it would \u201cnot be misplaced\u201d to refer to the capabilities of AI as \u201cakin to digital nuclear weapons.\u201d At the same time, despite serious warnings from those in your administration and bipartisan Congressional action, your administration has loosened export controls of semiconductors to China and refused to close relevant loopholes on the remaining regulations, enabling China to access the U.S. chips it needs to accelerate its own AI development. Both countries are currently integrating AI tools into military and defense applications, including in autonomous and unmanned systems, which Congress and AI developers alike have warned against without significant safeguards. AI has many applications and many of them are tools we will find beneficial, but its significant dangers and potential use in lethal applications without meaningful human control must be addressed, in part, through international cooperation.\n\nIn addition, efforts to engage with China should not stop the U.S. from constructing and implementing guardrails domestically, and Congress and U.S. companies should not wait to do so. In fact, both the U.S. and the Chinese government have already put some guardrails in place, but these provisions are not sufficient on their own. Your administration has implemented a voluntary testing scheme before the public release of advanced AI models. China reportedly has put in place several testing and capability restrictions, including registration and safety requirements for certain applications, although consistent implementation remains uncertain. The mutual recognition between the two countries that AI poses significant risks both during development and after release should be the foundation of discussions centered on reaching concrete terms for an international safety agreement. The conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.\n\nWhile advanced AI may be new, engagement between two superpowers over a technology that poses an existential threat is not. The U.S. and Soviet Union, over decades, negotiated and implemented multiple nuclear arms control agreements with each other, despite many deep-seated ideological differences during the Cold War. At the core of those agreements were verification mechanisms to ensure both countries were complying. Like those agreements that have helped keep the world safe from mutually assured destruction, identifying and coming to terms with the technical specifications for AI safety will require some of the smartest minds in the world committed to diplomacy. We encourage you to embrace these challenges because the stakes are existential, and our response must match the moment.\n\nThe experts building frontier AI models have also been raising concerns for some time that the capabilities of AI models may soon accelerate beyond our ability to understand or control them. In July, over 1,300 employees of frontier AI companies, who are uniquely aware of AI\u2019s potential and risks, called on the U.S. government to engage in an international effort to create the tools necessary to pace the frontier of AI development, particularly as increased automation of AI research may lead to even faster advancement. We should take these warnings seriously. Former Treasury Secretaries Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin recently published an op-ed calling for you and President Xi to work on an \u201cACT\u201d \u2014 AI Cooperation Treaty.\u201d We may not get another moment to take the actions necessary to protect our citizens and people around the world.\n\nAI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-response-to-extensive-salt-typhoon-hacks-warner-cruz-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-telecommunications-cybersecurity/", "In Response to Extensive Salt Typhoon Hacks, Warner, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Telecommunications Cybersecurity", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and former technology entrepreneur who cofounded the wireless firm Nextel, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the Telecommunications Cybersecurity and Resilience Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a voluntary framework, developed by experts from government and the private sector, to strengthen telecommunications cybersecurity. This bill comes after the Salt Typhoon hacks that widely compromised the U.S. and global telecommunications sector.\n\n\u201cThe Salt Typhoon intrusion was the worst telecom hack in our nation\u2019s history and showed us just how vulnerable our critical infrastructure is, but it does not have to be that way. If telecommunications companies adopt cybersecurity best practices, our networks can be more resilient,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation is a good start in protecting our nation and strengthening the communications networks Americans rely on every day.\u201d\n\n\u201cForeign adversaries are increasingly targeting America\u2019s communications networks. Securing them requires an approach that keeps pace with evolving threats. This sensible bill brings government and industry together to develop voluntary, telecom-specific cybersecurity best practices rather than adopting rigid federal mandates that quickly become outdated. As Commerce Committee chairman, I will continue working to strengthen the networks Americans rely on while preserving the innovation needed to protect them,\u201d said Chairman Cruz.\n\nThe Telecommunications Cybersecurity and Resilience Act would:\n\nCreate a telecommunications cybersecurity working group among providers, suppliers, cybersecurity experts, and relevant state, local, and federal agencies, to develop practical, risk-based cybersecurity best practices focusing specifically on the telecommunications sector.\n\nCreate a voluntary certification process, that puts real accountability behind the adoption of best practices through independent third-party assessment and certification.\n\nRequire the best practices to be reviewed and updated at least every two years and following major cyber incidents or significant changes in the threat landscape.\n\nRead the full bill here. Read a one pager here and a section by section here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-warner-asks-for-unanimous-consent-to-pass-the-protect-americas-workforce-act/", "On Senate Floor, Warner Asks for Unanimous Consent to Pass the Protect America\u2019s Workforce Act", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 On the floor of the United States Senate today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) asked for unanimous consent to pass his Protect America\u2019s Workforce Act (PAWA), legislation that would repeal two union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers.\n\nIn his remarks, Sen. Warner explained how the Trump administration \u201chas wanted to traumatize the federal workforce.\u201d The president \u201csigned two executive orders, one that ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million public servants and the other that unilaterally canceled hundreds of thousands of existing union contracts under, frankly, what I think are a false national security pretext to make it easier, frankly, to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants and, candidly, replace them with political loyalists.\u201d\n\nSen. Warner continued, \u201cThese executive orders reclassify entire departments and agencies \u2013 for example the whole Department of Treasury, the whole Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Communications Commission.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs I mentioned, this has already passed with a large margin, bipartisan in the Republican-controlled House,\u201d Sen. Warner said.\n\nHe then urged his colleagues to \u201cstand up for these vital and dedicated workers, protect long-standing labor protections, and the integrity of the civil service.\u201d\n\nSen. Rick Scott (R-FL) objected, blocking the bill from Senate passage.\n\nSen. Warner\u2019s full remarks as prepared are below:\n\nI rise today to remind my colleagues that federal workers do indispensable work to keep Americans safe, healthy, and informed.\n\nThey inspect our food, support our troops, respond to natural disasters, and protect our safety. They deserve basic workplace protections that prevent retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful terminations.\n\nSince taking office, the Trump Administration has treated federal workers with incredible cruelty \u2014 stripping them of basic employment rights, insulting their work, questioning their integrity, and indiscriminately firing hundreds of thousands of hardworking civil servants. This is a shameful way to treat the individuals that keep our country running every single day.\n\nI\u2019ve said this a hundred times, but federal workers are not interchangeable widgets that you can fire and replace with the snap of a finger. They are dedicated experts with irreplaceable knowledge and experience.\n\nWhen we treat these people as disposable, air traffic becomes more dangerous, our food supply becomes less safe, the health and safety of our coal miners and firefighters becomes compromised, scientific progress is halted, and our national security is placed at risk.\n\nAs part of his rampage against federal workers, last year President Trump signed two executive orders, one that ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million public servants and one that unilaterally canceled hundreds of thousands of existing union contracts under a false national security pretext to make it easier to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants and replace them with political loyalists.\n\nThrough these executive orders, President Trump has blatantly abused the authority granted to him under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, which allows the president to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern.\n\nNow let me be clear, as the Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I thoroughly understand the importance of making occasional exceptions to protect our national security.\n\nHowever, the Trump Administration has not utilized these exceptions in good faith.\n\nInstead, the president has inappropriately classified two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions without any explanation whatsoever.\n\nThese executive orders reclassify entire departments and agencies \u2013 including the Department of Treasury, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission \u2013 stripping their employees of collective bargaining rights without explanation because, clearly, the decision was made without any reasoning.\n\nToday I urge my colleagues to join me in reversing these reckless executive orders that have stolen long-standing labor protections from our workforce by passing my bill, the Protect America\u2019s Workforce Act.\n\nOur colleagues in the House have already taken a stand against this administration\u2019s union-busting campaign by passing this bill on a bipartisan basis.\n\nNow it is our turn, here in the Senate, to pass this legislation and repeal these harmful executive orders.\n\nLet\u2019s stand up for these vital and dedicated workers, restore long-standing labor protections, safeguard the integrity of the civil service, and ensure the federal workforce can continue serving the American people.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-introduces-bills-to-fight-against-tick-borne-diseases-protect-americans-with-alpha-gal-syndrome/", "Warner Introduces Bills to Fight Against Tick-Borne Diseases, Protect Americans With Alpha-Gal Syndrome", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today introduced two bills to strengthen the federal response to tick-borne diseases and better protect Americans living with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).\n\n\u201cCases of alpha-gal syndrome are rapidly increasing in Virginia and across the country, and nearly everyone I meet has or knows someone whose life has been affected by this disease. We must do more to understand, prevent, and treat AGS and other tick-borne diseases,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce these two bills to strengthen our efforts to combat tick-borne diseases by expanding the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, supporting research through targeted grants, and giving those living with AGS greater support by adding the condition to the major food allergen list.\u201d\n\nAGS is an allergic condition primarily associated with the bite of the lone star tick. Individuals with AGS develop a potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal, a carbohydrate found in meat from mammals, including beef, pork, lamb, venison, and rabbit, as well as certain products derived from mammals, including gelatin, dairy products, and some pharmaceuticals. The prevalence of AGS in the United States has increased in recent years with researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University finding a 100-fold increase in positive test results for alpha-gal antibodies between 2013 and 2024. AGS is the 10th most common food allergen in the country.\n\nThe Strengthening Tick-borne disease Opposition and Prevention Through Investment in Collaboration, Knowledge, and Surveillance (STOP TICKS) Act would boost efforts to prevent and respond to AGS and other tick-borne diseases by reauthorizing and expanding the federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group (TBDWG) and increasing funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants that support states and researchers working to combat vector-borne diseases.\n\nThe Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act would add alpha-gal to the federal list of major food allergens, requiring clear and specific labeling on all U.S. packaged food products and helping Americans with AGS more easily identify products that could trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02) and endorsed by the Alpha-gal Alliance, Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund, Alpha-gal Foundation, the National Society of Professional Surveyors, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, FARE, Tick-Borne Conditions United, Center for Lyme Action, Project Lyme, the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, LymeTV, FAACT, the Asthma and Allergy Network, the International FPIES Association, Alpha-gal Encouragers, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American, AllergyStrong, FOODiversity, Food Equality Initiative, The Foundation of AAIR, LivLyme, Lymedisease.org, and the Bay Area Lyme Foundation.\n\n\u201cWe are very grateful to Senator Warner for his leadership in encouraging and leading measures to further both education and science into the relationship between tick bites and human allergic reactions. We appreciate his responsiveness to this serious, potentially life-threatening allergy,\u201d stated UVA School of Medicine\u2019s Thomas Platts-Mills, FRS, the Oscar Swineford, Jr. Professor of Medicine and the Jeffrey M. Wilson, MD, PhD., Associate Professor of Medicine, in the Department of Medicine\u2019s Division of Asthma, Allergy, & Immunology.\n\n\u201cEvery day, we hear from Virginians with alpha-gal syndrome who struggle to feed themselves and their families safely. Reading a label should not require guesswork or a call to the manufacturer. Clear allergen labeling would give people with AGS the confidence to shop, cook, and share meals without fear. The Alpha-gal Foundation is grateful to Senator Warner for standing with the patients and families in our community,\u201d said Candice Matthis and Debbie Nichols, Co-founders Alpha-gal Foundation.\n\n\u201cThe Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act would add alpha-gal to the list of major food allergens disclosed on food labels, allowing people with alpha-gal syndrome to identify safe food options. People with AGS must avoid foods that contain mammalian ingredients, but current labeling law does not require those ingredients to be clearly disclosed. Alpha-gal syndrome is a life-altering and sometimes fatal allergy, which the CDC has identified as a \u2018growing threat to public health.\u2019 Cases are rising rapidly in the most affected areas, including in Virginia. The Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund thanks Senator Warner for his leadership and looks forward to working with him to pass this urgently needed legislation,\u201d said Sharon Forsyth, Executive Director, Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund.\n\n\u201cTick-borne diseases, including alpha-gal syndrome, are a growing public health concern, and we welcome a coordinated federal response,\u201d said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). \u201cSen. Warner\u2019s legislation aligns with FARE\u2019s priorities for increased funding, more research, and better surveillance capabilities to fully understand the true impact of alpha-gal syndrome and improve outcomes for patients seeking diagnosis and care.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-introduces-new-sweeping-health-care-bill-to-lower-costs-expand-coverage-and-improve-access-to-care/", "Warner Introduces New Sweeping Health Care Bill to Lower Costs, Expand Coverage, and Improve Access to Care", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today introduced the Health for the Commonwealth through Affordability, Reform, and Expansion Act of 2026, or the Health CARE Act, sweeping legislation to lower costs, expand coverage, and make it easier to access the care they need. The legislation would make significant reforms across the health care system while advancing Warner\u2019s broader goal of ensuring every American, regardless of age or employment status, can access affordable health coverage.\n\n\u201cOur current health care system makes it hard and expensive for Virginians and Americans across the country to access the care they rely on,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cThere is still a lot of work to be done to get to universal coverage, but my comprehensive Health CARE Act includes life-saving provisions to meaningfully improve health care and lower costs, including for those on Medicare, Medicaid, and those who get health insurance through their employer right now.\u201d\n\nThe Health CARE Act would:\n\nReverse harmful health care provisions in H.R. 1.\n\nMake permanent enhanced ACA premium tax credits.\n\nImplement a low-cost public health insurance option.\n\nExpand the Medicare drug price negotiation program.\n\nExtend Medicare-negotiated drug prices, out-of-pocket limits for prescription drugs, inflation rebates, and $35 copay cap and no deductible on insulin to ACA and employer markets.\n\nEnsure health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers do not put profit over patients by reforming the use of step therapy and prior authorization, banning PBM spread pricing in Medicaid, allowing Medicare Advantage enrollees to switch plans mid-year if their provider leaves their network, and requiring all retail, mail-order, and specialty pharmacies to respond to surveys that collect drug acquisition costs.\n\nImprove Medicaid by reinstating the higher federal match when a state newly expands Medicaid and applying it retroactively to states that expanded late.\n\nImprove Medicare by including hearing aid coverage.\n\nRequire hospitals, clinical laboratories, imaging centers, and ambulatory surgical centers make negotiated rates and cash prices public.\n\nRequire health insurance plans in the employer and ACA markets provide detailed information about benefits, explanations of benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and utilization management policies to plan enrollees, and to make certain cost and ownership information public.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Community Catalyst, Families USA, Small Business Majority, Virginia Community Healthcare Association, Virginia Poverty Law Center, and Virginia Rural Health Association.\n\n\u201cThe Virginia Rural Health Association appreciates the support Senator Warner continues to provide for rural citizens and rural healthcare. The Health CARE act will help rural citizens through maintaining the ACA premium tax credits and lowering prescription drug costs while supporting rural healthcare providers through prior authorization and Pharmacy Benefit Manager reforms,\u201d said Beth O\u2019Connor, Executive Director, Virginia Rural Health Association.\n\n\u201cVirginia\u2019s Community Health Centers are on the front lines of providing comprehensive, affordable health care to more than 400,000 Virginians each year. The Health CARE Act of 2026 represents a meaningful step toward expanding access to coverage, lowering health care costs, strengthening Medicaid, and reducing barriers that too often prevent patients from receiving the care they need. VCHA applauds Senator Warner\u2019s continued leadership on improving access to quality, affordable health care and is proud to endorse this legislation,\u201d said Tracy Douglas, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Community Healthcare Association.\n\n\u201cRecent cuts to health insurance tax credits and enrollment assistors combined with new red tape for people with Medicaid insurance has impacted people\u2019s ability to get insurance, get healthy and contribute to their communities,\u201d said Shaina Goodman, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, Community Catalyst. \u201cAs such, proposals like the Health CARE Act are the exact thing Congress should be focused on. We are grateful to Sen. Warner for his leadership and happy to support legislation that moves our healthcare system toward one Community Catalyst envisions: where healthcare is affordable, accessible, and accountable to all people.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe cuts to Medicaid from HR1 are devastating to low-income Virginians who were already struggling with increased costs for housing, food, and necessities. When someone goes without medical care due to red-tape barriers, the consequences to their health can be life threatening as well as financially devastating. We are excited that this bill would not only reverse the 2025 harmful cuts to life saving care but also create a federal option on the Marketplace which can assure that quality and affordable care is available to all Virginians,\u201d said Emily Hardy, Director of Advocacy, Virginia Poverty Law Center\u2019s Center for Healthy Communities.\n\nRead the full bill here. Read a section by section here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-schatz-to-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation/", "Warner, Schatz, Kim to Take to Senate Floor to Demand Passage of New AI Security Legislation", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later today, Warner, Schatz, and Kim will speak about the legislation on the Senate floor.\n\nThe Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs\u2019 security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured.\n\n\u201cThe companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models\u2019 capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cI remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public \u2013 not after something goes catastrophically wrong. This legislation establishes basic, enforceable rules of the road to make sure the most powerful models are tested, secured, and responsibly deployed.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day, we\u2019re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical \u2013 they are happening in real-time,\u201d said Sen. Schatz. \u201cOur bill is about making sure humans remain in control of AI models and preventing future breaches with rigorous standards, testing, and oversight. Immediate risk requires immediate action.\u201d\n\n\u201cInnovation without control just leads to chaos, and this is our moment to make sure that the American people have control over the incredible strides we\u2019re seeing on AI. Control means making sure that the technology does not outpace safety and common sense. It means making sure it can be used to advance quality of life instead of hurdling us towards the doomsday scenarios we\u2019ve been warned about. The actions we are proposing are in pursuit of meeting the moment that the American people are demanding; to work with urgency to keep our families safe,\u201d said Sen. Kim.\n\nThe Warner-Schatz-Kim legislation would establish a permanent Artificial Intelligence Safety Board within the Department of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of the Treasury, along with independent technical experts, to evaluate emerging AI risks and establish technical safety and security standards.\n\nCritically, developers of frontier AI models would be required to provide the Board access to their models at least 45 days before public release, including model weights, configuration files, runtimes, and software libraries necessary to operate the model, allowing experts to evaluate powerful models before deployment.\n\nThe legislation would also require AI developers to create and follow Model Safety Plans identifying the capabilities and risks of their systems, the specific steps they will take to mitigate those risks, and the corporate officer responsible for implementing the plan.\n\nUnder the legislation, the AI Safety Board would develop enforceable standards for evaluating frontier models and securing testing environments, including safeguards and monitoring procedures for models capable of discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities without direct human prompting. Developers would be legally required to comply with applicable standards, with violations subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, per day.\n\nThe bill would also:\n\nCreate a secure reporting process and a national AI incident database to track AI safety and security incidents, recurring flaws, and near misses so researchers, government agencies, and developers can learn from failures across different systems. The database would be established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.\n\nRequire frontier AI companies to report serious safety and security incidents, generally within 30 days, and within 72 hours when an incident poses an imminent threat to national security, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Critical infrastructure operators using AI to manage industrial control systems or other operational technologies would also be covered.\n\nEstablish secure federal testing environments that can use resources at the National Security Agency and Department of Energy National Laboratories to conduct sensitive pre-deployment testing of frontier models.\n\nDevelop new standards specifically for autonomous AI agents, including risks involving identity, authentication, authorization, access to data and systems, and differing levels of autonomy.\n\nRequire standardized documentation for AI agents, including their intended uses, authority boundaries, access to data and tools, known limitations, and results of independent evaluations where applicable.\n\nThe legislation specifically focuses on advanced artificial intelligence models \u2013 systems that exhibit, or could be modified to exhibit, high levels of performance on tasks posing serious risks to national security, national economic security, or public health and safety.\n\nThe legislation is designed to address a range of risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems, including their potential to facilitate cyberattacks, evade the control of their developers or operators, assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other weapons, or have their model weights stolen or maliciously modified.\n\nText of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405830", "Griffith Op-Ed: Predictable energy policy can help secure America\u2019s future", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, penned a new op-ed that highlights the impacts of permitting reform on America\u2019s energy future. Policies that support permitting reform, Griffith argues, will unleash American energy dominance, generate economic growth and modernize the electric grid.\n\nYou can read Congressman Griffith\u2019s op-ed piece in the Washington Times here and below.\n\nPredictable energy policy can help secure America\u2019s future\n\nAn unstable electric grid stands in the way of America\u2019s energy future.\n\nThe growing list of early power plant retirements, which outpaces new power supply to the electric grid, threatens a disruption of reliable power.\n\nThe Trump administration is doing what it can to help some plants remain open and serve American communities, but these temporary actions can only brace our creaking electric grid for so long.\n\nFurther, plant shutdowns make us more vulnerable to the rising power demands coming our way. Rapid electrification, increased manufacturing and the rise of new technologies such as artificial intelligence will require a new fleet of power sources to support the United States.\n\nTo make our power generation more reliable, we must make federal policy more predictable. By reforming the outdated, slow, and arbitrary federal permitting process, America can unleash new sources of power.\n\nThis new fleet will be powered by promising technologies, including nuclear. Advances in nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), offer a game-changing source of reliable, carbon-free power. Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, understanding this reality, promoted the lofty goal of making Virginia the first state in the nation to build and run a commercial SMR. Thanks to Youngkin\u2019s leadership, the Virgina Innovative Nuclear Hub, which consists of energy partners, research institutions and the state government, can collaborate on nuclear projects.\n\nSuch projects are contingent on obtaining a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This federal agency oversees and approves all nuclear power construction, including the buildout of microreactors and SMRs. With how critical these technologies are for America\u2019s energy leadership, the NRC has received greater attention from lawmakers over the past few years and has led to bipartisan reforms.\n\nAccordingly, Congressional action recently focused on my bill, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act. My bill will help reform an outdated procedural requirement at the NRC, making it less costly for applicants and NRC staff to navigate the nuclear licensing process. Given the overwhelming support my legislation received in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, it is clear the positive excitement about nuclear energy is growing. Congress recognizes we must continue to improve the permitting process for all energy forms, including nuclear.\n\nWhile advanced nuclear reactors remain in a nascent state, our energy maturity is tied to more familiar baseload energy sources: natural gas and coal.\n\nNatural gas and coal remain an indispensable part of America\u2019s energy mix, providing dispatchable power that stabilizes the grid when renewable output fluctuates. Congress is considering reforms to strengthen federal coordination on natural gas pipeline reviews so projects can move forward without years of delay but assuring that landowners are protected and pipeline routing makes sense. These reforms would reduce energy costs for families and ensure a dependable supply for the country for decades.\n\nAmerica is also home to beautiful, clean coal technologies. Thanks to innovations and technological progress, coal plants can continue to serve our electric grid while cutting back on emissions.\n\nBaseload power is a critical piece to the equation, but leading in energy requires tapping into all available energy sources.\n\nAmerican leadership in clean power deployment \u2014 solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and battery storage \u2014 is worth federal policy focus. Small hydro, and pumped storage projects in particular, are an overlooked energy source for the country. Regardless of the type of power, the permitting delays that affect clean energy infrastructure must be addressed.\n\nFaster licensing of energy projects could unlock billions in private investment, generate economic growth, particularly in rural areas, and help modernize our electric grid.\n\nShould we fail, American communities will fall behind.\n\nThrough action on permitting reform, we can make our energy future bright, visible and prosperous.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-introduces-bipartisan-stop-spam-calls-act", "Rep. Subramanyam Introduces Bipartisan Stop Spam Calls Act", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Suhas Subramanyam", "S001230", "subramanyam.house.gov", "subramanyam", "https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) introduced the Stop Spam Calls Act to crack down on spam calls and texts by empowering the FCC to better protect consumers. The bill requires each telemarketer wanting to send robocalls or robotexts to a consumer to directly get their explicit, written consent. Under current law, businesses can ask consumers to consent to telemarketing calls from them and thousands of their marketing partners with a single check box.\n\n\u201cFamilies shouldn\u2019t be subjected to unwanted telemarketing robocalls from thousands of businesses. In an age where Americans have become far too used to their information being sold to the highest bidder behind their backs, Congress needs to take action to protect people\u2019s privacy. The Stop Spam Calls Act will reign in robocall abuses and reestablish the power of consent for consumers,\u201d said Congressman Subramanyam.\n\n\u201cGiving one company permission to call you shouldn\u2019t open the door to calls from countless others. Your phone number shouldn\u2019t be passed around without your say,\u201d said Congressman Shreve. \u201cThe Stop Spam Calls Act closes that loophole. Americans should decide who has permission to call them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Stop Spam Calls Act would reinstate a repealed FCC protection aimed at reducing the billions of unwanted telemarketing calls that arrive on our phones every day,\" said Christine Hines, senior policy director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. \"This bill, which requires consumers to provide written consent to each marketer or seller before receiving certain robocalls or robotexts, would help to restore trust in our communications.\"\n\n\u201cWhen we interact with a business, we don\u2019t expect that they will share our phone number with hundreds of other sellers,\u201d said NCL Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. \u201cThis legislation would give control back to the public over how our contact information is shared. Congress should not delay in reinstating the FCC\u2019s commonsense policy that outlawed these predatory practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnline shopping shouldn\u2019t mean endless spam robocalls from thousands of companies you\u2019ve never even heard of,\u201d said Patrick Crotty, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. \"The Stop Spam Calls Act would restore FCC rules that checked these abuses and limit intrusive robocalls.\"\n\nThe bill was cosponsored by Reps. Raja Krishamoorthi, Andre Carson, George Whitesides, and John Mannion. It was endorsed by the following organizations: Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), and National Consumers League (NCL).\n\nView the full bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/24/following-meeting-with-va-leadership-vindman-presses-va-secretary-to-fully-staff-the-fredericksburg-va-health-care-center/", "Following Meeting with VA Leadership, Vindman Presses VA Secretary to Fully Staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins requesting that he take immediate and decisive action to hire the medical specialists necessary to fully staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center and ensure that veterans in Virginia receive the care they deserve.\n\nThe letter follows a meeting between Vindman, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and senior leadership at the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center to discuss ongoing staffing challenges and barriers to recruiting and retaining medical specialists.\n\nDuring the meeting, a representative of Secretary Collin\u2019s DC Office cited salary limitations as a significant obstacle to competing with private-sector health care providers for qualified physicians. Vindman is calling on Secretary Collins to use existing authority granted by Congress to waive those pay limitations for critical health care personnel and help fill vacancies at the Fredericksburg facility.\n\nYou can read the full text of the letter below.\n\n\u2014\n\nSecretary Collins,\n\nI write to request that you take immediate and decisive action to hire the medical specialists necessary to fully staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center and ensure that Veterans in Virginia receive the care they deserve. Congress has granted you the authority to pay competitive salaries for the medical professionals who treat our country\u2019s heroes. The time to exercise that authority to help veterans in Fredericksburg is now.\n\nAs you are aware, on August 24th, Senator Tim Kaine and I participated in a meeting with senior leadership of the VA Health Care Clinic in Fredericksburg. The facility leaders who attended that meeting were knowledgeable, forthcoming, and clearly committed to helping those who served our country. In my view, the meeting was a productive step towards resolving the staffing issues at the clinic.\n\nThe most important takeaway from the discussion related to hiring for vacant positions. A representative from your Washington, DC office explained that VA salary limitations are preventing the agency from competing with private hospitals for talented doctors. Specifically, he claimed the Fredericksburg facility is unable to hire and retain adequate staff because the VA does not pay doctors a competitive salary. However, for over a year, your agency has had Congressional authority to remedy this problem and hire all the skilled practitioners necessary to ensure that America\u2019s veterans receive the medical care they deserve.\n\nIn December of 2024 a Republican House of Representatives worked with a Democratic Senate and President Biden to resolve this issue by passing the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation contained a provision that granted the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 300 waivers permitting the agency to pay higher salaries for specialists in critical areas of healthcare.\n\nIt is my understanding that your team has recently begun awarding these waivers and that fewer than 100 remain to be allocated. Furthermore, according to staff on the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, not a single voucher has been used anywhere in Virginia. I am calling on you to use a portion of the remaining waivers to hire high-quality medical specialists for the Fredericksburg facility so we can improve the lives of the tens of thousands of veterans living in Central and Northern Virginia.\n\nVirginia\u2019s Seventh Congressional District is home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the country, and the Fredericksburg Health Care Center is the largest and newest VA outpatient clinic. A substantial share of my constituents in the Seventh are rural veterans, for whom traveling to Richmond or Washington D.C., presents a significant burden. Therefore, deploying the Elizabeth Dole Act vouchers in Fredericksburg will deliver real benefits to an area with an acute need.\n\nAs I mentioned above, the meeting with local leadership from the Fredericksburg Health Care Center was encouraging. Because your office has acknowledged that you understand the salary cap issue, it is your duty to address it immediately. Mr. Secretary, you have a clear opportunity to improve the quality of medical care for Virginia Veterans. I urge you to exercise your waiver authority to fill the vacancies at the Fredericksburg Health Care Center without further delay. If you need additional waiver authority for more slots, we stand ready to work with you to make that happen.\n\nPlease provide a response advising me whether you will begin using the waivers allowed by Section 142 of the Elizabeth Dole Act of 2025 to hire medical specialists at the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center no later than Friday, October 9, 2026.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nOn Monday, August 24, Vindman and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) hosted a roundtable with veterans discuss their experiences with the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center. Following the meeting, the lawmakers met with senior VA leadership.\n\nIn mid-July 2026, 200 Virginians responded to a survey from Vindman about the delays they experienced at the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center. He personally called over 30 of these veterans to express his commitment to demanding better from the VA.\n\nIn June 2026, Vindman introduced bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping address understaffing at facilities across the country, including the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center, and ensure veterans receive the care they earned.\n\nPrior to that, Vindman called for accountability and a clear timeline to bring the facility to full capacity, ensuring our nation\u2019s veterans receive the care they earned through their service in six different letters. All of these letters have gone without a written or substantial response.\n\nVindman sent the first letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on April 10, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the second letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 6, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the third letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 17, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the fourth letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on October 27, 2025. Read the letter here.\n\nVindman sent the fifth letter to Secretary Collins raising the concern on staffing, wait times, and the ability to best serve veterans on April 10, 2026. Read the letter here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/23/mcclellan-celebrates-securing-three-virginia-initiatives-in-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/", "McClellan Celebrates Securing Three Virginia Initiatives in Water Resources Development Act of 2026", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it: On September 16, 2026, the House passed H.R. 9497, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, to authorize critical water infrastructure projects and programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Specifically, McClellan applauded the inclusion of three initiatives that she requested to authorize water resource studies and water infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia.\n\n\u201cThe Water Resources Development Act of 2026 serves as proof that Congress can still work together on a bipartisan basis to tangibly better the lives of local communities and environments for generations to come. This bill will significantly strengthen our waterways, ports, harbors and critical water infrastructure across the country, and those in Virginia and beyond will feel its effects,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cI am especially grateful to see that priorities I championed to serve Virginia communities have been included in this year\u2019s WRDA. From proactively managing flood control for the James and Appomattox Rivers, to increasing funding for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program, to delivering $25,000,000 to improve water infrastructure for Henrico County in my district, these projects advance comprehensive quality-of-life improvements and ensure that the health, safety and well-being of our inland waterways and the people who live around them remain a priority.\u201d\n\nThe 2026 WRDA includes water resources infrastructure and projects of the USACE. Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve water resources infrastructure. WRDA-authorized projects of the Corps are locally-driven projects that deliver regional and national benefits. The 2026 WRDA will enact and bolster numerous projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including three of McClellan\u2019s submissions involving the Petersburg, Chesapeake Bay and Henrico County areas.\n\nThe three initiatives McClellan successfully requested included in the 2026 WRDA are as follows:\n\nJames River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study. This project modification would include additional portions of the Appomattox River to an existing feasibility study and add flood risk management as a purpose to better support water infrastructure in the region and mitigate potential damages incurred by flooding. The Appomattox River has not been dredged since 1949. This initiative would authorize dredging along the Appomattox River including at Petersburg to restore navigational capacity of the Appomattox River by removing the significant sedimentation that has accumulated in the Petersburg Harbor and portions downstream. The bill also authorizes additional flood-management activities to address frequent flooding in Petersburg and other localities along the Appomattox River. Failure to dredge the river and subsequent sediment buildup prevents the River from navigational uses and further impedes the function of the City\u2019s storm sewer outfalls. Over 67 acres of the City\u2019s urban downtown suffer from frequent flooding due to inadequate river conveyance.\n\nChesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program Authorization Increase. The purpose of the Chesapeake Bay Native Oyster Recovery Program in Virginia is the restoration and rehabilitation of reef habitat to provide for self-sustaining native oyster populations and associated fish and wildlife habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Virginia. According to USACE, the program is currently about $38 million short of its authorized cap of $120 million. Scheduled work over the next two years in Virginia and Maryland would bring the total close to the $120 million cap before the next anticipated WRDA. Without an increase in program authorization in the 2026 WRDA, USACE\u2019s ability to prepare needed oyster recovery work in the Chesapeake Bay could be imperiled. This initiative would make a $30 million increase in program authorization to address anticipated oyster recovery work in the Bay through 2030.\n\nEast End Water Transmission Main (Design) for Henrico County. This project entails the preliminary and final design of approximately 70,000 LF of 42\u201d water transmission main (WTM) and will deliver $25 million to Henrico County for the purposes of completing this project. This new WTM is intended to run from an existing 48\u201d WTM in the central part of the County to an existing 36\u201d WTM located in the east end of the County. This would improve resilience in Henrico\u2019s water supply system, allowing continued transmission of clean water from the western side of the County to the eastern side in the event that Richmond experiences another water treatment facility failure, similar to what occurred at the beginning of 2025.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/23/vindman-joins-democratic-veterans-in-demanding-trump-hold-beijing-accountable-for-providing-key-intelligence-to-iran/", "Vindman Joins Democratic Veterans in Demanding Trump Hold Beijing Accountable for Providing Key Intelligence to Iran", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Congressman Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) and 10 of their Democratic Veteran colleagues in calling on President Trump to publicly condemn China\u2019s support for Iranian forces that are killing U.S. troops ahead of his White House meeting with President Xi Jinping.\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others. Recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities.\n\nAhead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Ryan is leading his Democratic veteran colleagues in demanding Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing\u2019s role in U.S. troop deaths, and that he publicly condemn China\u2019s support for IRGC operations.\n\nJoining Vindman and Ryan are fellow Democratic veterans and U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (N.H.-02), Chris Deluzio (Pa.-17), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.-06), Jason Crow (Colo.-06), Herb Conaway (N.J.-03), Derek Tran (Calif.-45), Mike Thompson (Calif.-04), Jimmy Panetta (Calif.-19), Ted Lieu (Calif.-36), and Salud Carbajal (Calif.-24).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found hereand below.\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nAhead of President Xi Jinping\u2019s upcoming visit to the White House, we implore you to use your meeting to strongly condemn China\u2019s sharing of satellite information that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan on July 17th, and demand that President Xi cease any support, cooperation, and information sharing with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).\n\nOn July 17th, an Iranian ballistic missile struck sleeping quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers and wounding four others. The Wall Street Journal has since reported that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities both before and after the attack, intelligence that U.S. officials say was directly connected to the strike that killed our troops.\n\nYour administration knew this coordination was happening. In May, the State Department sanctioned three China-based firms for supplying Iran with satellite imagery of American and allied military facilities. Senior officials in your administration reportedly spent months warning their Chinese counterparts that companies in their country were arming Iran with the targeting data.\n\nThe satellite imagery is only one piece of China\u2019s material support to Iran; Chinese firms have supplied key raw materials for the production of Iranian Shaheds, delivered chipmaking equipment to the IRGC, and sold Iran shoulder-launched missile systems, including the weapon that was likely responsible for the downed American F-15E Strike Eagle.\n\nRather than hold Beijing accountable, you downplayed these findings. When asked aboard Air Force One whether you would raise the issue with President Xi, you told reporters, \u201cI think he\u2019s behaved reasonably well.\u201d That is a direct and egregious betrayal of our troops.\n\nOur servicemembers are paying the price in blood for this administration\u2019s pathetic refusal to confront Beijing. That must end now. Your meeting with President Xi presents an important opportunity to condemn China\u2019s role in arming and enabling Iran, and to demand an end to their support.\n\nAs veterans, we know what it means to send Americans into harm\u2019s way, and we know what is owed to them in return: the truth, and a Commander-in-Chief willing to hold accountable anyone and everyone who might do harm to our troops.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman is a 25-year Army veteran and member of the Democratic Veterans Caucus; Vindman also sits on the House Armed Services Committee, where he has become the leading voice of opposition to Trump\u2019s war in Iran.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-100-on-aea-energy-scorecard", "Congressman Wittman Earns 100% on AEA Energy Scorecard", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert J. Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", "wittman", "https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today highlighted his 100% score on the American Energy Alliance\u2019s (AEA) Energy Scorecard for the 119th Congress, earning recognition as an AEA \u201cEnergy Champion.\u201d The scorecard evaluates congressional voting and cosponsorship decisions on legislation affecting energy policy.\n\n\u201cAffordable, reliable energy is essential to America\u2019s economic strength, national security, and quality of life, and I am proud to be recognized as an Energy Champion,\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cEnergy costs affect nearly every part of a family\u2019s budget and every product a business makes or transports. America is blessed with abundant energy resources, and we should be responsibly putting those resources to work here at home to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries.\n\n\u201cI will continue advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that expands American energy production, strengthens our electric grid, advances nuclear innovation, secures our critical-mineral supply chains, and ensures families and businesses have access to the affordable, reliable power they need.\u201d\n\nCongressman Wittman has worked to advance these priorities, including cosponsoring the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House this month, and seeks to protect families and small businesses from electricity costs associated with growing data center demand. He has also supported the development of advanced nuclear energy, including provisions establishing a small modular reactor pilot program at military installations, and has led bipartisan legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains and map America\u2019s mineral resources.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe American Energy Alliance\u2019s Energy Scorecard evaluates congressional voting and cosponsorship decisions on legislation affecting energy policy. According to AEA, the scorecard is intended to inform constituents about lawmakers\u2019 records on energy-related issues.\n\nAEA\u2019s 2026 House Energy Scorecard includes 19 votes from the 119th Congress. Members of the House who earned a 100% score were designated by AEA as \u201cAmerican Energy Champions.\u201d Congressman Wittman earned a 100% score and was named an Energy Champion for the 119th Congress.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-to-force-votes-demanding-answers-regarding-trump-vance-administrations-horrifying-expansive-costly-third-country-deportation-network", "Kaine To Force Votes Demanding Answers Regarding Trump-Vance Administration\u2019s Horrifying, Expansive, Costly Third-Country Deportation Network", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, announced the filing of fifteen additional privileged resolutions to require the Trump-Vance Administration to produce assessments of the human rights situation in Belize, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Moldova, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, and Uganda following reports that the Trump-Vance Administration deported immigrants who are not from those countries to those places. The legislation comes amid new reporting alleging the Administration has pledged at least $410 million to build a vast network of dozens of countries for third-country deportations.\n\n\u201cThe American people want the government to focus on lowering their costs, not committing appalling human rights abuses with their tax dollars,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cYet the Trump-Vance Administration is spending hundreds of millions of dollars\u2014or more\u2014to rip migrants from their homes and families without due process and send them to random countries they have no connection to and where they are being brutally beaten and held in awful conditions. We have a right to demand answers about what conditions are like in those countries and to understand what kind of shady backroom deals are facilitating these shameful removals. We can get those answers by passing these resolutions.\u201d\n\nThe resolutions are privileged under the Foreign Assistance Act, meaning Kaine can force the Senate to debate and vote on them. Kaine previously teamed up with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) to force a vote in the Senate to require a human rights report regarding El Salvador. The move came after President Trump threatened to imprison U.S. citizens there. Kaine has also previously filed resolutions to compel human rights reports regarding Cameroon, Costa Rica, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Mexico, Panama, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uzbekistan after reports of those countries\u2019 involvement in third-country deportations from the United States.\n\nIncluded here are the full texts of the legislation regarding Belize, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Moldova, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-introduce-legislation-to-modernize-aging-schools-in-virginia-and-across-the-country", "Kaine, Warner Introduce Legislation to Modernize Aging Schools in Virginia and Across the Country", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) reintroduced the School Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to help modernize aging school buildings in Virginia and across the nation by expanding access to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit (HTC). The bill would make it easier for school districts to partner with private entities to finance renovations to historic school buildings that will continue to operate as schools after the improvements have concluded.\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves a safe, healthy learning environment where they can succeed, but many schools are in need of urgent and often costly repairs,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to introduce this legislation to help communities across the Commonwealth and the nation modernize their schools, preserve historic buildings, and support local construction jobs.\u201d\n\nForty percent of public school buildings nationwide were built before 1980, and many aging facilities contain harmful materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Research has shown that the physical conditions of school buildings affect student learning. Yet school districts are facing an estimated $85 billion funding gap for public school facilities, with state and local governments covering nearly all the costs.\n\nAs Mayor of Richmond, Kaine worked with local stakeholders to use the HTC to renovate the closed Maggie Walker High School and reopen it as the Maggie L. Walker Governor\u2019s School for Government and International Studies. The project helped address overcrowding at Thomas Jefferson High School by relocating its magnet program to the new building.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Preservation Action, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International WELL Building Institute, AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, the American Institute of Architects, the Build America\u2019s School Infrastructure Coalition, and the Historic Tax Credit Coalition.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here. A one-pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-blackburn-urge-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services-to-reconsider-proposed-restrictions-on-remote-patient-monitoring/", "Warner, Blackburn Urge Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Reconsider Proposed Restrictions on Remote Patient Monitoring", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider sweeping proposed changes to remote patient monitoring (RPM) that could limit access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural communities and those served by hospitals and small and independent practices, as well as undermine bipartisan efforts to expand technology-enabled health care.\n\nRPM is a growing health care service that utilizes real-time data and telehealth to keep people with acute and chronic diseases out of the emergency room by getting them the right care at the right time.\n\nIn a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, Sens. Warner and Blackburn raised concerns that changes included in the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule would make it significantly harder for providers to offer remote monitoring services, even as Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) work to expand access to technology-enabled care in rural communities.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cRemote monitoring services are especially important in rural communities, where patients often face long travel distances, transportation barriers, clinician shortages, hospital closures, and limited access to timely follow-up care. These services allow clinicians to monitor patients between visits, identify worsening conditions earlier, and intervene before a patient requires an emergency department visit or hospitalization. Congress, states, and providers are working to expand technology-enabled care, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize health information infrastructure, and support care in the home. Remote monitoring is central to these rural health transformation efforts. It extends the reach of limited clinical workforces, improves chronic disease management, supports patients following hospitalization, and helps rural residents remain stable and independent at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe proposed rule would make a number of changes that would fundamentally impact how RPM services are provided. One concerning change would prohibit contracting for RPM clinical services and instead require RPM services to be provided by clinical staff employed by the billing practitioner or the practitioner\u2019s practice. Many hospitals and rural, small, and independent practices rely on specialized clinical and technology partners to make remote monitoring available. However, these vendors are not mere middlemen; they are specialized to partner with health care practitioners to help provide these services to medically complicated patients. These arrangements help practices manage patient onboarding, device support, data review, alert management, documentation, and clinical escalation under the oversight of the treating practitioner.Because both hospital as well as small and rural practices often lack the internal workforce to manage these programs entirely in-house, we urge CMS to develop a regulatory framework that protects against waste while preserving flexible staffing models. In addition to the above, the proposed rule also includes provisions that create new payment methodologies, reduce reimbursement, and require additional health care appointments, all while acknowledging that it is making changes without even having all the information it needs,\u201d the senators added.\n\nThe senators noted that the proposed changes could run counter to bipartisan efforts to expand remote monitoring in rural America. Recently, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced the Rural Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act, legislation that Sens. Warner and Blackburn have introduced in the Senate to ensure Medicare patients in rural and underserved communities have access to remote physiological monitoring services. HHS is also working with states to implement the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to make investments in technology that can help rural providers deploy remote patient monitoring infrastructure.\n\nThe senators continued by urging CMS to improve its collection of information about how remote patient monitoring is being provided and then implement targeted guardrails to effectively root out fraud, waste, and abuse without leaving rural providers who are following the rules with fewer tools to serve patients.\n\nThe senators concluded, \u201cWe respectfully urge CMS to reconsider the proposal\u2019s changes to remote patient monitoring, particularly the limits on remote monitoring staffing, and partner with providers, patient advocates, and remote monitoring stakeholders on program integrity standards that reach bad actors while preserving access for the beneficiaries these services were designed to serve.\u201d\n\n\u201cRemote monitoring has become an important way for patients, especially seniors and people in rural communities, to stay connected to their care teams without unnecessary travel or delays in care. CMS\u2019s proposal to substantially reduce when and how these services can be reimbursed would make it impossible for many practices\u2014particularly small and rural providers\u2014to offer remote monitoring at all. At a time when policymakers are trying to expand access to technology-enabled care, Medicare should be making it easier for providers to reach patients where they are, not narrowing the pathways they can use to deliver that care,\u201d said Chris Adamec, Executive Director, Alliance for Connected Care.\n\n\u201cUVA Health appreciates Senators Mark Warner and Marsha Blackburn\u2019s leadership in supporting Medicare policies that preserve access to remote patient monitoring. At UVA Health, RPM extends care beyond the walls of the hospital, allowing our clinical teams to remain connected with patients as they transition home\u2014monitoring their recovery, identifying changes in condition earlier, and intervening when needed. This service is particularly important for patients in rural communities, who may otherwise travel significant distances for or may not receive care. Remote patient monitoring has become an important part of how we improve continuity of care, support safer transitions, reduce avoidable utilization, and help patients recover where they most want to be\u2014at home,\u201d said Novella W. Thompson, MBA, MA, ALM-C, FACHE, Assistant Chief, Population Health Department, UVA Health University Medical Center.\n\n\u201cRemote patient monitoring has become an important extension of care for patients across Southern Virginia, particularly those managing chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. Through our partnership with Cadence, RPM allows our cardiology and primary care teams to stay connected with patients between visits, use vital data to identify potential concerns before they become health care crises and help patients better manage their health from the comfort of home. For many rural patients, RPM improves access, convenience and peace of mind while helping providers deliver more proactive, personalized care,\u201d said Steve Heatherly, Market President & CEO, Sovah Health (Danville and Martinsville, Virginia).\n\n\u201cAt Highpoint Health, remote patient monitoring plays an important role in helping patients with heart conditions stay connected to their care team while remaining in their own homes. For many patients, particularly those in rural communities, this type of proactive care, grounded in real time clinical data, can provide earlier identification of potential concerns and increased confidence in managing their health between office visits. This includes advancing their care plan in between office visits. As healthcare providers continue to look for ways to improve access and outcomes, maintaining access to remote patient monitoring remains an important tool for supporting patient-centered care,\u201d said Rod Harkleroad, Market President Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas & CEO of Highpoint Health \u2013 Sumner (Gallatin, TN).\n\n\u201cWe share the concerns Sens. Blackburn and Warner raised about the remote patient monitoring changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule,\u201d said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. \u201cWe support strengthening program integrity and reducing administrative burden. To maximize the value of remote patient monitoring, CMS needs better data on remote patient monitoring use and cost. We also want to ensure RPM remains accessible, especially for rural patients. As Bipartisan Policy Center\u2019s comments on the rule state, the agency should require the provider billing for remote monitoring to redetermine at regular intervals\u2014for example, every six months\u2014whether remote monitoring is medically necessary for their patient.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) thanks Senators Blackburn and Warner for raising important issues with CMS regarding the remoting monitoring provisions in the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule,\u201d said AANP President Valerie J. Fuller, PhD, DNP. \u201cAANP raised similar concerns during the comment period, in particular the negative impact these proposals could have on access to care in smaller, rural practices, and we remain committed to working with Congress and CMS on policies that protect program integrity without harming patient access to care.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Commonwealth\u2019s largest safety-net provider, VCU Health has helped thousands of Medicare beneficiaries manage chronic conditions through remote monitoring and telehealth, reducing avoidable emergency department visits and rehospitalizations,\u201d said Marlon Levy, M.D., MBA, FACS, Chief Executive Officer of VCU Health. \u201cThese innovative digital health tools keep vulnerable patients connected to their care teams while preserving access to VCU Medical Center for high-acuity patients across central Virginia and beyond. As future policies and funding are considered, it is essential to maintain a balanced approach that protects patients, promotes high-quality care, and preserves the viability of these services.\u201d\n\n\u201cRPM services operate as an extension of an established primary care clinician, creating ongoing virtual support for patients in between regular visits. This access is critical in rural communities that struggle with physician and healthcare workforce shortages. Rural areas are especially susceptible to the harmful outcomes of RPM reimbursement variation: this often leads to a reduction in patients\u2019 access to cost-saving, patient-centered care. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) advocates for delays in CMS\u2019 proposed remote monitoring policies. We encourage CMS to work with stakeholders and Congress on a balanced approach that protects patients, preserves clinically integrated care, and strengthens program integrity protections: such approaches are outlined in provisions within the widely supported legislation H.R. 3108/S.1535, the Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Access Act,\u201d said Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Administrator Oz:\n\nWe write regarding the sweeping proposed changes to remote monitoring in the Calendar Year 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.\n\nWe share CMS\u2019s commitment to strengthening program integrity and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to provide high-quality services to Medicare beneficiaries. However, we are deeply concerned that the proposed policies would reduce access to care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries, with particularly severe consequences for rural communities and patients served by hospitals as well as small and independent practices.\n\nWe urge CMS not to finalize these policies as proposed and instead work with Medicare beneficiaries, health care providers who utilize remote monitoring in their practice, and other stakeholders to collect any necessary data and develop targeted safeguards that address fraud, waste, and abuse without disrupting clinically appropriate care.\n\nRemote monitoring services are especially important in rural communities, where patients often face long travel distances, transportation barriers, clinician shortages, hospital closures, and limited access to timely follow-up care. These services allow clinicians to monitor patients between visits, identify worsening conditions earlier, and intervene before a patient requires an emergency department visit or hospitalization. Congress, states, and providers are working to expand technology-enabled care, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize health information infrastructure, and support care in the home. Remote monitoring is central to these rural health transformation efforts. It extends the reach of limited clinical workforces, improves chronic disease management, supports patients following hospitalization, and helps rural residents remain stable and independent at home.\n\nFurther, this proposed rule works against bipartisan efforts by Congress and HHS itself to strengthen rural access to remote monitoring. Recently, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed the Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act,which we introduced in the Senate. Additionally, HHS continues to work with states on the ongoing rollout of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Through the RHTP, CMS is partnering with states to make investments in rural health technology, enabling rural providers in many states to deploy RPM infrastructure. We are concerned that the provisions in the proposed rule will disrupt the care delivery models that CMS and the states are working to build.\n\nThe proposed rule would make a number of changes that would fundamentally impact how RPM services are provided. One concerning change would prohibit contracting for RPM clinical services and instead require RPM services to be provided by clinical staff employed by the billing practitioner or the practitioner\u2019s practice. Many hospitals and rural, small, and independent practices rely on specialized clinical and technology partners to make remote monitoring available. However, these vendors are not mere middlemen; they are specialized to partner with health care practitioners to help provide these services to medically complicated patients. These arrangements help practices manage patient onboarding, device support, data review, alert management, documentation, and clinical escalation under the oversight of the treating practitioner.Because both hospital as well as small and rural practices often lack the internal workforce to manage these programs entirely in-house, we urge CMS to develop a regulatory framework that protects against waste while preserving flexible staffing models. In addition to the above, the proposed rule also includes provisions that create new payment methodologies, reduce reimbursement, and require additional health care appointments, all while acknowledging that it is making changes without even having all the information it needs.\n\nWe share CMS\u2019s commitment to strengthen oversight of technology-enabled care, including remote patient monitoring (RPM). However, in 2024, the HHS Office of the Inspector General reviewed RPM and agreed that CMS \u201clacks key information for oversight.\u201d OIG also made substantive recommendations that would enable CMS to create the data and accountability pathways to distinguish clinically integrated remote monitoring from arrangements that present genuine program integrity risk without imposing a blanket employment restriction. We believe CMS should work first to implement OIG\u2019s recommendations for collecting more information about how these services are being provided. Once CMS has that information, it can implement guardrails that appropriately steward taxpayer dollars by rooting out waste, fraud and abuse without leaving rural providers who are following the rules with fewer tools to serve their patients, which would only and push care back toward more costly emergency departments and institutional settings.\n\nWe respectfully urge CMS to reconsider the proposal\u2019s changes to remote patient monitoring, particularly the limits on remote monitoring staffing, and partner with providers, patient advocates, and remote monitoring stakeholders on program integrity standards that reach bad actors while preserving access for the beneficiaries these services were designed to serve.\n\nThank you for your attention. We look forward to your prompt reply.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-modernize-aging-schools-in-virginia-and-across-the-country/", "Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Modernize Aging Schools in Virginia and Across the Country", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced the School Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to help modernize aging school buildings in Virginia and across the nation by expanding access to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit (HTC). The bill would make it easier for school districts to partner with private entities to finance renovations to historic school buildings that will continue to operate as schools after the improvements have concluded.\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves a safe, healthy learning environment where they can succeed, but many schools are in need of urgent and often costly repairs,\u201d said the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to introduce this legislation to help communities across the Commonwealth and the nation modernize their schools, preserve historic buildings, and support local construction jobs.\u201d\n\nForty percent of public school buildings nationwide were built before 1980, and many aging facilities contain harmful materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Research has shown that the physical conditions of school buildings affect student learning. Yet school districts are facing an estimated $85 billion funding gap for public school facilities, with state and local governments covering nearly all the costs.\n\nAs Mayor of Richmond, Kaine worked with local stakeholders to use the HTC to renovate the closed Maggie Walker High School and reopen it as the Maggie L. Walker Governor\u2019s School for Government and International Studies. The project helped address overcrowding at Thomas Jefferson High School by relocating its magnet program to the new building.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by Preservation Action, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International WELL Building Institute, AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, the American Institute of Architects, the Build America\u2019s School Infrastructure Coalition, and the Historic Tax Credit Coalition.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here. A one-pager is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9224", "Beyer Statement On Trump Arch Announcement", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), issued the following statement after President Trump declared via social media post that his proposal for a gigantic arch intended to serve as a monument to himself would \u201cconvert\u201d the site \u201cto house, store, and\u2026 use large numbers of drones, plus snipers, \u2026and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition,\u201d supposedly for national security reasons:\n\n\u201cPutting a drone launching site directly in the landing path for DCA is a stupid, dangerous, and unworkable idea. But if Trump wants to pursue it, the FAA\u2019s prior work over the past six months to rubber stamp this proposal with a dubious safety study will be obsolete, and they will have to do it all over again.\n\n\u201cLikewise, Trump\u2019s notion to make his vanity arch an ammunition depot for \u2018snipers\u2019 in a location where snipers have never been needed would place a large weapons cache within feet of thousands of tourists, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on major commuter traffic thoroughfares and Metro\u2019s Blue Line. Such work would necessitate a redo of all prior impact studies, some of which remain unreleased if they were ever done at all.\n\n\u201cOf course, Trump is not serious about any of this. He just wants this massive monument to his own ego built by any means available, and he has been told that he is likely to lose court challenges. He hopes to use national security as a ludicrous pretext to force construction through, just as he did with his wildly expensive White House ballroom boondoggle. The overwhelming local opposition to Trump\u2019s illegal and disrespectful vanity arch will not be defeated by this chicanery. The Narcissist in Chief is not fooling anyone.\u201d\n\nLast Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a doubtful \u201cdetermination of no hazard to air navigation\u201d for the President\u2019s arch proposal. The FAA\u2019s determination did not contemplate the structure\u2019s use as a launch pad for \u201clarge numbers of drones.\u201d\n\nThe FAA document\u2019s political influence was especially apparent in the closing section, which overruled a prior FAA requirement of flashing red lights for the arch in favor of \u201ca non-standard eternal flame\u201d \u201ccontinuously floodlighted by searchlight projectors.\u201d The National Park Service similarly issued documentation finding the arch would have substantial adverse effects on regional historic sites, but approving it anyway.\n\nRep. Don Beyer is leading congressional efforts to block construction of Trump\u2019s arch. His Northern Virginia district includes the Arlington National Cemetery, where his parents, grandparents, and sister are buried. He is the author of the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, which would explicitly prohibit construction of the arch. He previously raised concerns about the projects impacts on traffic in the region, which the Trump Administration has yet to address. The arch has been a consistent source of anger and concern to Beyer\u2019s constituents, who like much of the country, vociferously oppose the project.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/22/mcclellan-announces-launch-of-the-2026-2027-youth-advisory-council-for-virginias-fourth/", "McClellan Announces Launch of the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council for Virginia\u2019s Fourth", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Richmond, VA \u2013\u200b\u200b Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her Youth Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 school year to promote high schoolers\u2019 engagement with the legislative process and federal government. Members of the Youth Advisory Council will engage with the Congresswoman\u2019s staff through monthly virtual meetings and have the opportunity to present their policy ideas to the Congresswoman.\n\n\u201cStudents thrive when they are encouraged to share their perspective and confronted with new ideas that teach them to think for themselves. Yet many young people think their voices aren\u2019t being heard by those in power,\u201d said Congresswoman McClellan. \u201cMy Youth Advisory Council Program fosters an environment in which high school students are empowered to discuss the challenges of our time and explore how we can fight for a better future for them and for future generations. I want to encourage high schoolers across Virginia\u2019s Fourth to speak up, to demand more from their elected leaders and to get involved in my Youth Advisory Council this year!\u201d\n\nThe Youth Advisory Council is open to all high school students currently residing or attending school in Virginia\u2019s Fourth Congressional District. The council will meet monthly with members of McClellan\u2019s Washington, D.C. and district staff to learn more about the legislative body, communications, constituent casework and district outreach. The students will also work on a project that they share with the Congresswoman and discuss what they have learned over the course of the program.\n\nEligible high school students can submit their applications now until 11:59 PM on October 2nd, 2026. The Council will be held from October through May.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405828", "Griffith Announces $161,508 HHS Grant to Mount Rogers Community Services Board", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Mount Rogers Community Services Board, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $161,508 grant. The funding supports local mental health services. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cMount Rogers Community Services leads a mental health awareness training program.\n\n\u201cThis HHS grant for more than $161,000 helps Mount Rogers Community Services strengthen local community access to mental health services.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to its website, the Mount Rogers Community Services Board serves the City of Galax well as Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth and Wythe Counties.\n\nIn July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced a $1 million HHS grant to the Board.\n\nMount Rogers Community Services operates multiple centers in the region.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/22/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-combat-mail-theft-and-check-fraud/", "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Combat Mail Theft and Check Fraud", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Mail Integrity and Inspector General Act, legislation that would strengthen the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General\u2019s capacity to investigate postal employee misconduct, mail theft, check fraud, and related financial crimes.\n\n\u201cVirginians deserve to trust our mail system. Families should be able to put a check or a personal document in the mail without worrying that it will be stolen and used to commit fraud,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cOur local law enforcement officers are doing everything they can, but they simply do not have the capacity to keep up with the growing number of cases. This bill will make sure our federal investigators have the personnel, training, and resources they need to do their jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cI support the need to staff this division of Special Agents and multiply these agent positions in an effort to better protect the citizens of the Commonwealth from mail frauds such as the cases that Investigator Oakerson has been tasked with working,\u201d said Town of Orange Chief of Police Rebecca Nelson. \u201cI also support the creation of legislation allowing Postal Inspectors to investigate postal employees and contractors associated with the mail. The thefts that are occurring in the sorting facilities are costing the citizens of the Commonwealth a great deal of money.\u201d\n\nThe bill comes in response to growing concerns from local law enforcement, including detectives with the Town of Orange Police Department, who have reported a significant increase in mail theft and the check fraud that often follows. Orange County currently has approximately 50 open mail fraud cases, creating a substantial burden for local investigators who do not have the resources or personnel to investigate every case.\n\nThe Mail Integrity and Inspector General Act would:\n\nIncrease investigative staffing at the USPS Office of Inspector General to keep pace with rising postal crime and growing caseloads;\n\nStrengthen recruitment and retention efforts for Special Agents responsible for investigating crimes involving postal employees;\n\nProvide critical resources, including training and equipment, to support federal investigators;\n\nImprove accountability and oversight through regular workforce assessments and reporting to Congress.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the Postal Police Officers Association and the Town of Orange Police Department.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn Virginia, only three Office of Inspector General Special Agents currently cover the entire state, including multiple major sorting facilities operating around the clock and employing thousands of workers.\n\nThe problem extends well beyond Virginia. Communities across the country \u2014 including in New York, California, North Carolina, Maryland, and Illinois \u2014 are experiencing increased mail theft, check washing, and fraud targeting Americans\u2019 personal and financial information. Nationally, reported mail theft-related check fraud has resulted in more than $688 million in losses.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-tackle-maternal-and-infant-mortality", "Kaine & Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Tackle Maternal And Infant Mortality", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, bipartisan legislation to address the United States\u2019 disturbingly high maternal and infant mortality rates and reduce the well-documented racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. is the most prosperous, powerful, and innovative nation in the world\u2014yet more mothers and infants die throughout pregnancy and childbirth than in nearly any other peer nation. For Black women, rates of maternal mortality are even higher,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cThis is tragic but overwhelmingly preventable\u2014that\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to direct federal resources toward dramatically decreasing U.S. maternal and infant mortality and addressing inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes. This is a goal everyone should be able to get behind, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe racial and rural disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in this country are alarming and unacceptable,\u201d said Murkowski. \u201cOur legislation works to address this by investing in innovative approaches to maternal health care, improving data collection, strengthening support for women during the postpartum period, and expanding the use of telehealth in rural communities. Whether you\u2019re in Napakiak or New York City, every mother and child deserves access to quality care, and the programs implemented through this bill will help bring us closer to that goal.\u201d\n\nMaternal and infant mortality in the U.S. is a tale of two crises: an overall rate that far exceeds other developed nations, and a rate among people of color that is yet worse. The overall U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2024 was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)\u2014a collection of developed peer nations\u2014average of 10.3. That same year, the U.S. infant mortality rate was 5.52 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to an OECD average of 4.0. For both maternal and infant mortality rates, there are clear racial disparities, with Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women suffering worse outcomes than white women. For example, the 2024 maternal mortality rate among Black women was 44.8 per 100,000 live births, which is over three times higher than the maternal mortality rate for white women and more than four times the OECD average.\n\nThe Mothers and Newborns Success Act would aim to bring the U.S. maternal and infant mortality below the OECD average and reduce racial and ethnic disparities by directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to take actions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and deploy such measures in a manner that counters inequities. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProvide grants administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration\u2019s (HRSA) State Maternal Health Innovation Program and the Supporting Maternal Health Innovation Program for states to create and implement plans to address disparities in maternal health and improve maternal health outcomes.\n\nSupport the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify birthing facilities so that patients know the level of risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care at each facility. This would help improve care delivery and health outcomes for expectant mothers and their infants.\n\nSupport the CDC\u2019s efforts to gather pregnancy checkbox data from death certificates to help provide more accurate data on maternal deaths.\n\nSupport the CDC\u2019s data collection on maternal attitudes and experiences during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods as well as efforts to provide technical assistance to states to ensure representation of communities of color in key datasets. This data would help determine and address gaps in care.\n\nEstablish a pilot program through HRSA to identify and share best practices and evidence-based information on maternal health with providers and patients.\n\nEstablish a National Maternal Health Research Network at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support innovative research on the underlying causes of maternal mortality and their treatment.\n\nSupport HRSA\u2019s Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategies (RMOMS) Program to improve access to and continuity of obstetric care in rural communities, including through the use of telehealth.\n\nEstablish a public and provider awareness campaign through the CDC to promote awareness of maternal health warning signs and the importance of vaccinations for pregnant women and children.\n\nFull text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-vote-against-advancing-college-sports-legislation", "Kaine Statement on Vote Against Advancing College Sports Legislation", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after voting against advancing college sports legislation that insufficiently protects student athletes:\n\n\u201cThis is a bill to tackle a real problem that needs a comprehensive solution. I can see some things in this bill that I like, and I\u2019m impressed that the NCAA and college conferences, including those whose members include Virginia schools, have signaled their support. But this bill won\u2019t be ready for primetime until it strikes the right balance to protect the best interests of student athletes. For example, why does the bill cap compensation for student athletes while allowing those who make massive salaries and profits from their labors\u2014coaches, athletic directors, sports networks, online gambling operations\u2014to rake in obscene amounts of money with no cap? And why must student athletes\u2019 rights to avail themselves of legal remedies under state laws for mistreatment by their institutions be dramatically restricted? We should pass a version of this bill that keeps its many good provisions without unreasonably limiting the young people who create America\u2019s exciting college athletic environment.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9223", "Beyer Calls For Suspension Of AI System Deployed By FAA At Washington Area Airports", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus and represents a Northern Virginia district that includes Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in the U.S. House, issued the following statement today on the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) deployment of an AI Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (\u201cSMART\u201d) system to manage flights at Washington area airports including DCA:\n\n\u201cThe FAA should not use my constituents as guinea pigs for an unproven AI air traffic control system. The safety of the 24 million people traveling through DCA each year must be the top priority. Residents of this region are still uncertain about air safety after last year\u2019s fatal accident, and the Administration did shockingly little to educate the traveling public about this development before implementing it in one of the most complex airspaces in the world.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, I was informed today that air traffic controllers were not consulted on the \u2018SMART\u2019 system\u2019s design and development, and were not trained on using it prior to the system\u2019s adoption at local airports. I was further informed that the air traffic controllers have been told the \u2018SMART\u2019 system can adjust schedules and potentially even routes. Despite outward appearances, the airlines reportedly were privately \u2018panicking\u2019 about the hasty implementation of this system. I do not know why the Administration felt the need to race it into use, but it is unacceptable to use AI as a substitute for rebuilding the human-directed air traffic controller workforce.\n\n\u201cDangerously rushing a system that holds Americans\u2019 lives in its hands is not a good use case for artificial intelligence. I call on the FAA to immediately suspend its operation, at the very least until it is clearly established beyond doubt via air traffic controller feedback and independently verified stress testing that the technology is safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2695", "Cline Demands Answers From FCC About Changes To Copper-Based Landline Service", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "FINCASTLE, VA \u2013 Following Verizon\u2019s notification of intent to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia, Congressman Cline (VA-06) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging him to review the decision.\n\n\u201cMuch of Virginia\u2019s Sixth District is mountainous, and discontinuing copper-based landlines prematurely can leave families without a reliable way to reach emergency services or loved ones,\u201d said Rep. Cline. \u201cWith large portions of our community in areas without cellular service, alternative options not yet being available to many constituents, and extended weather-related outages being common, my constituents are rightfully concerned about how this decision will affect public safety and basic connectivity. I share the concerns of those who have reached out to my office. That\u2019s why I am urging Chairman Carr and the FCC to carefully review the discontinuance of copper wire and ensure reliable connectivity for all of Virginia\u2019s Sixth.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/21/vindman-applauds-over-680000-in-federal-funding-to-strengthen-head-start-programs-in-caroline-orange-and-fredericksburg/", "Vindman Applauds Over $680,000 in Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Caroline, Orange, and Fredericksburg", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Virginia Families Pay for Back-to-School Essentials\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Back-to-School Tax Credit Act,...\n\nVindman Joins Legislation to Demand That Trump and Hegseth Stop Hiding True Cost of Iran War\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Congressman Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) and 10 of his...\n\nVindman Votes to Protect Ratepayers From Data Center Grid Upgrade Costs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday voted in favor of H.R....\n\nVindman Leads on Legislation to Make Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet...\n\nVindman Votes to End the War in Ukraine, Strengthen Our Own National Security\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting to pass...\n\nVindman Votes to Hold Trump Accountable\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting against the...\n\nVindman Remembers the Lives Lost on September 11, 25 Years Ago\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) honors the lives...\n\nVindman Hears from the 84% of Virginians Who Support Keeping the Government Open\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) heard from more...\n\nVindman Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Federal Whistleblowers\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressmen Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Suhas Subramanyam...\n\nVindman Introduces Legislation to Extend TPS for Individuals from El Salvador\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced legislation to extend Temporary Protected...\n\nVindman Votes to Keep Government Open, Federal Employees Paid\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after...", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=838", "Walkinshaw, Ranking Member Thompson, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Strengthen Oversight of CISA\u2019s Cyber Workforce", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) introduced the CISA Force Structure Assessment Act.\n\nSince President Trump took office, nearly 1,000 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees have been fired, sidelined, or pushed out, hollowing out roughly one-third of the nation\u2019s leading civilian cyber defense agency. His administration has also cut critical programs and disrupted partnerships that help government and industry share information about cyber threats. The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act would require the Director of CISA to determine whether, after these sweeping cuts, the agency still has the personnel, training, certifications, and resources needed to protect federal networks, support state and local governments, and secure critical infrastructure.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s cyber defenses are only as strong as the people behind them,\u201d said Congressman Walkinshaw. \u201cAs cyber threats grow more sophisticated and technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing reshape the threat landscape, Congress needs a clear accounting of whether CISA has the workforce, skills, and resources required to keep Americans safe and enable mission delivery. This legislation will identify critical gaps and give Congress concrete information to address them.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith Iran targeting our critical infrastructure and frontier AI models creating new cyber risks, we must ensure we have a cybersecurity workforce to counter these growing threats,\u201d said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. \u201cAfter Trump has spent the past two years targeting and slashing CISA\u2019s workforce, we need the agency to assess if it has right personnel in place to fulfill its mission. I thank Congressman Walkinshaw for introducing this necessary legislation to do exactly that.\u201d\n\n\"Between the security failures of DOGE, the abuses of immigrant families\u2019 data, and the decimation of CISA\u2019s workforce and resources, the Trump administration and my Republican colleagues have demonstrated a lack of interest in safeguarding our nation\u2019s cybersecurity and our residents\u2019 civil rights and privacy. And as Americans grow more concerned about the threats of AI models, it is more critical than ever that we expand and safeguard the workforce to protect America's cybersecurity,\" said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez. \"The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act will help Congress better understand how we can strengthen CISA's workforce to ensure the agency meets its mission of keeping our communities safe.\"\n\nThe CISA Force Structure Assessment Act would require the CISA Director to conduct an assessment of the agency\u2019s ability to fulfill its mission with current staffing levels and resources. The assessment includes :\n\nWorkforce training and industry-recognized certifications;\n\nSecurity of federal information systems and support for state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments;\n\nRisks associated with artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies;\n\nThreat-hunting and cyber incident response capabilities;\n\nSupport for critical infrastructure and operational technology; and\n\nCybersecurity cooperation with international allies and partners.\n\nCISA would be required to consult with federal agencies, state and local governments, information-sharing organizations, critical infrastructure partners, and other stakeholders.\n\nWithin one year of enactment, CISA would report its findings to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, including recommendations to address personnel, resource, training, and certification gaps.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=840", "Walkinshaw, Van Hollen, Hoyer Lead Bipartisan Coalition of 110 Lawmakers Against Trump\u2019s Proposed Federal Pay Freeze", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), joined by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 110 lawmakers in urging congressional leaders to reject the Trump administration's proposed federal employee pay freeze and deliver a meaningful pay increase in 2027.\n\nThe lawmakers urged Congress to enact the 4.1 percent increase provided under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising costs after two straight years of falling behind inflation. At a minimum, they wrote, civilian federal employees should receive the same 3.8 percent increase the Trump administration has proposed for federal law enforcement personnel.\n\nFederal employees received a 1 percent raise this year, well short of the 3.4 percent rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\"These challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in 2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living continues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut\n\n\"The Administration's own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary. President Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to improve recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers.\n\n\"The federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national security, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks, and perform countless other critical functions.\"\n\nThe letter, signed by 12 senators and 98 House members, urges congressional leaders to include the increase in Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations legislation.\n\nThe full letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools", "Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), introduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation to federally prohibit corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding.\n\n\u201cNo child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cIt's time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.\u201d\n\nThe administration of corporal punishment\u2014defined as the intentional infliction of physical pain upon a student for disciplinary purposes\u2014constitutes an unacceptable educational practice that remains prevalent across multiple jurisdictions. Empirically validated research demonstrates that corporal punishment fails to achieve measurable behavioral corrections; rather, it introduces substantial risk of long-term physical and psychological trauma, diminishes academic performance, and severely undermines the institutional trust required for effective learning. By establishing a comprehensive statutory prohibition on these practices, this federal legislation enacts protections for students to ensure all public educational facilities maintain safe, non-violent environments.\n\nFull text of the bill is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-federal-support-for-magnet-schools", "Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Federal Support for Magnet Schools", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act, legislation to fuel the growth of magnet schools nationwide by improving and expanding the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).\n\n\u201cEvery student deserves an education that helps them reach their full potential, regardless of their background or their ZIP code,\u201d said Kaine. \u201cMagnet schools bring kids from many different communities together, giving them valuable opportunities to learn from one another and explore their interests. I\u2019m proud to support this legislation to expand access to magnet schools and help both new and existing programs build diverse classrooms in Virginia and across the country.\u201d\n\nMagnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and across ZIP codes. Over 3.5 million students nationwide currently attend magnet schools. The MAGNET Act would help counter a growing national trend of segregation by race and income in school districts by updating the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and promote diversity. The bill would also authorize the Supplemental Diversity Grant, a new grant program to be housed under MSAP to help preexisting magnet programs reach diversity-related goals.\n\nThe MAGNET Act is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-2).", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-gao-report-reviewing-implications-of-global-aging", "Kaine Statement on GAO Report Reviewing Implications of Global Aging", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Tim Kaine", "K000384", "www.kaine.senate.gov", "kaine", "https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees, released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report requested by Kaine that reviewed the implications of global aging:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that the Government Accountability Office produced this report that I requested to better understand how the U.S. government is responding to this massive\u2014but under-appreciated\u2014global phenomenon, and to assess how aging populations will affect our security, economic competitiveness, and global health. At a time when the Trump-Vance Administration is chaotically slashing critical foreign assistance programs that have for decades served to maintain global stability and keep Americans safe, it\u2019s critical that we understand the implications of this demographic shift and thoughtfully incorporate the needs of aging communities in our foreign policy. As we work to restore U.S. foreign assistance programs and rebuild our alliances, this report underscores the need to develop a more comprehensive strategy to address global aging.\u201d\n\nThe share of the global population over 60 will double by 2050, and the total number of people over 80 will triple in that same time period.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-reed-coons-press-pentagon-dni-for-answers-on-reported-ai-failures-in-military-operations/", "Warner, Reed, Coons Press Pentagon, DNI for Answers on Reported AI Failures in Military Operations", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to investigate reported failures involving the use of artificial intelligence in U.S. military and intelligence operations and provide relevant Inspectors General unrestricted access to examine the incidents.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter follows public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran, and an aborted military interdiction operation after AI-generated false information was included in disseminated U.S. intelligence.\n\n\u201cRecent events \u2013 including public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran and a public report on an aborted military interdiction operation driven by potential AI-hallucination in disseminated intelligence by U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific \u2013 have given us growing concern about the extent to which agencies under your oversight have prioritized acceleration of AI capability adoption and \u2018experimentation\u2019 over effective governance,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nWarner, Reed, and Coons warned that reported AI failures in targeting and intelligence systems could lead to serious operational errors and erode confidence in U.S. intelligence and military actions.\n\n\u201cPublic reports that AI targeting platforms have repeatedly generated spurious outputs (based on outdated input data or outright hallucination) risk serious operational error, in addition to undermining the confidence of both the American public and international partners in the accuracy and reliability of U.S. intelligence and intelligence-informed kinetic actions,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe senators called for the reported incidents to be investigated by the relevant Inspectors General, warning against sacrificing safeguards in the push to rapidly deploy AI across national security missions.\n\n\u201cThese potential mistakes \u2013 against the backdrop of the Department of Defense\u2019s harassment of a leading U.S. AI vendor over the latter\u2019s reluctance to allow its products\u2019 use in fully-autonomous kinetic operations \u2013 deserve immediate investigation by relevant Inspectors General, with a higher degree of public transparency in the ultimate findings, given the impacts these perceived failures have on public confidence in our intelligence and warfighting missions,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nWarner, Reed, and Coons also stressed that AI can play an important role in intelligence analysis while requiring rigorous standards and human oversight, particularly when intelligence could lead to military action.\n\n\u201cWhile AI has appropriate applications in the analytic and other fields, strong tradecraft standards should ensure that no disseminated intelligence product contains AI-generated errors, particularly when such intelligence may serve as the impetus for a kinetic action against a nuclear-armed adversary,\u201d they wrote.\n\nThe senators pointed to the administration\u2019s rollback of AI governance measures, including the revocation of National Security Memorandum 25 and a Department of Defense AI strategy that characterizes governance policies as barriers to adoption.\n\n\u201cA \u2018Move Fast and Break Things\u2019 approach may serve for high-engagement memes on social media platforms, but it risks potentially grave operational miscalculations and represents a serious threat to morale; recruitment; and foreign perceptions on the thresholds, accuracy, and justness of U.S. military action,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nWarner, Reed, and Coons concluded by calling for a broader examination of potential AI-related failures beyond the two publicly reported incidents:\n\n\u201cWe urge you to promptly investigate this matter, providing relevant Inspectors General with unrestricted access to both instances this year in which media reports have suggested significant errors in AI-enabled targeting workflows, as well as any additional instances that may have so far not been publicly reported.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=841", "Walkinshaw , Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize our POW/MIA Servicemembers", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) and Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-Pa.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating Friday, September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This resolution pays tribute to American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or still missing while fighting in combat.\n\n\"As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are missing a loved one,\" Rep. Thompson said. \"More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for, and their families deserve a unified effort to help bring them home. This bipartisan resolution is a commitment to our men and women in uniform and serves as a reminder of the work needed to help reunite our military families.\"\n\n\u201cOn National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who endured captivity, those who have been accounted for, and those who remain missing. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Thompson and reaffirm our nation\u2019s enduring commitment to bring every servicemember home,\" Rep. Walkinshaw said.\n\n\"Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) proudly supports recognizing September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. For VVA, this day is more than a ceremony. It is a reminder of a promise our nation has not yet fully kept. Our founding principle, \u2018Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another,\u2019 is not a slogan. It is a sacred obligation. We will keep the POW/MIA flag flying, keep the candle burning, and keep faith with every family still waiting for answers. VVA believes one of the most meaningful ways to honor our POWs and MIAs is to provide the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency with $250 million to complete its mission. Recognition must be more than words. It must be backed by the resources, people, and commitment necessary to bring home every missing American who can still be found. We owe that to them. We owe it to their families. And we owe it to the promise our nation made when we sent them to serve,\u201d said Tom Burke, Vietnam Veterans of America President.\n\n\u201cWe have a sacred obligation to honor those whose service to their nation came at the cost of their freedom, and were never afforded the chance to return home. Recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day underscores that the 80,000 U.S. service members missing in action will never be forgotten, and reaffirms the gratitude of the American people for their sacrifices. With Honor Action, with solemn gratitude, is proud to endorse this resolution, and we thank Reps. G.T. Thompson and James Walkinshaw for ensuring the memory of our service members' lives on,\" said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder and CEO of With Honor.\n\n\u201cEANGUS proudly endorses this resolution recognizing the third Friday of September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Our nation has a solemn obligation to remember those who never returned, continue the fullest possible accounting of our missing, and stand beside the families who have carried the burden of uncertainty and loss. Their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten,\u201d saidCSM John D. Gipe, USA Retired Executive Director, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.\n\n\u201cThe Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) endorses House Res. 1566, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, introduced by Representatives Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson and James Walkinshaw, and thanks them for their leadership. Recognizing and honoring the brave Americans who endured the unimaginable as prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action is vital to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. JWV continues to strongly support the No Veteran Left Behind mission and to provide support to the families of POW/MIA servicemen and women who deserve closure. When JWV displays the POW/MIA flag and holds the Missing Man Table ceremony, we demonstrate our solidarity with families still awaiting answers. May the memory of our prisoners of war and those missing in action remain a constant source of blessing and a reminder of the true cost of our freedom,\u201d said National Commander Selina Kanowitz, MSgt. USAFR (Ret.).\n\nThis resolution is also endorsed by the Military Officers Association of America.\n\nBackground:\n\nEach year, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is honored on the third Friday of September. According to the Department of War\u2019s POW/MIA Accounting Agency, there are still 80,000 service members missing in action. Pennsylvania has the third most unaccounted for POW/MIAs with 5,375 servicemembers yet to be brought home. Since 2023, four POW/MIA\u2019s have been identified and returned home to Congressman Thompson\u2019s district.\n\nRead the full resolution here.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-colleagues-urge-congressional-leaders-to-reject-trumps-proposed-federal-pay-freeze/", "Warner, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leaders to Reject Trump\u2019s Proposed Federal Pay Freeze", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and a coalition of 110 bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers urged congressional leaders to reject the Trump administration\u2019s proposed federal employee pay freeze and deliver a meaningful pay increase in 2027.\n\nThe lawmakers urged Congress to enact the 4.1 percent increase provided under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising costs after two straight years of falling behind inflation. At a minimum, they wrote, civilian federal employees should receive the same 3.8 percent increase the Trump administration has proposed for federal law enforcement personnel.\n\nFederal employees received a 1 percent raise this year, well short of the 3.4 percent rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cThese challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in 2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living continues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cThe Administration\u2019s own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary. President Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to improve recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national security, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks, and perform countless other critical functions,\u201d the lawmakers added.\n\nThe letter, signed by 12 senators and 98 House members, urges congressional leaders to include the increase in Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations legislation.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Leader Schumer, and Leader Jeffries,\n\nWe write to urge you to reject the Trump Administration\u2019s proposed pay freeze and work to provide federal\n\nemployees with a meaningful pay increase in 2027 that keeps pace with the rising cost of living.\n\nFederal employees have endured an extraordinarily difficult period marked by government shutdowns and\n\nrepeated efforts to strip away longstanding civil service protections, all while continuing to deliver the benefits\n\nand services Americans rely on every day. These challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in\n\n2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living\n\ncontinues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut.\n\nThe Administration\u2019s own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary.\n\nPresident Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to\n\nimprove recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers.\n\nThe federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national\n\nsecurity, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks,\n\nand perform countless other critical functions. If competitive compensation is necessary to recruit and retain\n\nqualified federal law enforcement officers, it is also necessary to recruit and retain qualified employees\n\nthroughout the federal government.\n\nWithout a meaningful pay raise, we risk further exacerbating staffing challenges at critical agencies like the\n\nDepartment of Health and Human Services, whose employees conduct lifesaving medical research, monitor\n\ndisease outbreaks, administer critical health programs, and protect the safety of our food and medicines. HHS\n\nhas already lost thousands of employees, including significant reductions at the FDA, reducing the agency\u2019s\n\ncapacity to conduct inspections essential to Americans\u2019 wellbeing. At a time when families are seeing repeated\n\nfood recalls and outbreaks, further weakening the federal workforce responsible for inspecting facilities and\n\nidentifying contamination could put even greater strain on our food-safety system.\n\nA pay cut could similarly exacerbate staffing challenges across other mission-critical agencies. At the Social\n\nSecurity Administration, further workforce losses could mean longer waits for seniors, people with disabilities,\n\nand families seeking benefits. And at agencies responsible for our national security, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a pay freeze could make it even harder to recruit and retain the highly\n\nskilled cybersecurity professionals needed to protect federal networks and critical infrastructure. That is\n\nespecially concerning as cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, including our energy, water,\n\ntransportation, and communications systems, continue to grow more frequent and sophisticated.\n\nAt a minimum, federal civilian employees should receive the same 3.8 percent pay increase the Administration\n\nhas proposed for federal law enforcement. We strongly believe, however, that Congress should go further and\n\nprovide the 4.1 percent increase called for in the FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising\n\ncosts while ensuring the government can continue to attract and retain the workforce necessary to serve the\n\nAmerican people.\n\nThere\u2019s precedent for Congress taking action when a President fails to ensure federal employee pay keeps pace\n\nwith the cost of living. In 2019, after President Trump initially froze federal employee pay, Congress rejected\n\nthe freeze and enacted a pay increase. Congress should once again exercise its authority to ensure federal\n\nemployees receive a fair and meaningful adjustment to their pay in 2027.\n\nWe therefore urge you to include a federal employee pay increase of no less than 3.8 percent, and preferably the 4.1 percent provided under the FAIR Act, in Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405827", "Congressman Griffith\u2019s Weekly E-Newsletter 9.18.26", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in the United States demand continued federal diligence.\n\nReportedly America suffers from the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the developed world. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 80% of our pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.\n\nBecause of my concerns about this problem, I am working with federal partners to find solutions.\n\nOne of these partners, Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America (HMHBA), which was founded in 2026 by Cara Osborne and Olivia Walton, put a meeting together of a select group of 15 officials.\n\nBesides me, some of the others in the group included Second Lady Usha Vance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan and former White House official Kellyanne Conway.\n\nSecond Lady Vance shared with us her experiences regarding her most recent pregnancy, birth and care following the birth.\n\nOne of the things she suggested was that we look at the combined medical assessments for both children and mothers.\n\nShe advocated that these visits should not be weeks after birth, but closer to when the mother and child are released from the hospital. Doing so would help identify any problems that might be developing related to either the child\u2019s health or potential emotional issues of the mother. Telehealth can help facilitate health care provider access for the mother and child.\n\nI recall one former client of mine who struggled with exhaustion and postpartum depression as a result of caring for newborn twins. Her condition became so severe that she had to be committed to a hospital for 48 hours to ensure her safety and well-being.\n\nChildbirth can cause great potential for stress, exhaustion and postpartum depression, among other issues.\n\nSecond Lady Vance advocated for better monitoring of the health for moms and babies in the weeks after birth.\n\nDr. Oz discussed the recent rollout of the new CMS ACCESS Model. Under this program, his agency is supporting the extension of care beyond the clinic and harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and telehealth to reach more families.\n\nI believe telehealth and telemedicine, now coupled with technological advances, including wearables (Oura rings and Apple watches, etc.) with AI-analyzed data, will make a huge difference in the future.\n\nThese wearables can help moms track their health, spot trouble early and connect with providers before things get urgent. She can check her vitals, get advice from a nurse over video and know she\u2019s got a team watching out for her, even if the nearest clinic is miles away.\n\nDuring the same week of the HMHBA event, I held a hearing as the Health Subcommittee Chairman to consider various policies. One of the bills discussed during the hearing was the Rural Obstetric Readiness Act by Democratic Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly.\n\nThe Rural Obstetric Readiness Act seeks to create a new health care reality where we train more rural health providers and doctors to handle obstetric care.\n\nThe National Rural Health Association notes that more than 67% of rural counties lack hospital-based obstetrical services, with a majority of these counties lacking an obstetric clinician. That is more than double the rate of urban localities.\n\nAccordingly, more than two million American women live in what experts call \u201cmaternity care deserts.\u201d\n\nThe spirit of Congresswoman Kelly\u2019s bill is to tackle maternal care deserts, which make pregnancy-related complications more dangerous for mothers and infants.\n\nEarlier this year, I voted for the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act and Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Act, which are now law. These bills help federal agencies coordinate mortality prevention activities and promote prenatal care.\n\nVirginia state policy is treading on a path of maternal health success as well.\n\nIn 2025, a new state law took effect to allow licensed certified midwives and nurse practitioners to access pediatric privileges where they can serve on 24-hour on-call duty for nursery care when physicians are unavailable.\n\nHaving a midwife assist in areas where there are maternal care deserts will help enhance the rural health care workforce.\n\nTaken together, these and other policy ideas can produce dividends for maternal care.\n\nBy strengthening access to maternal health resources, mothers will be in a better position to give care to their children and live healthy lives.\n\nI will continue to work for policies that nurture an environment supporting mothers, improving maternal care and fighting to eliminate maternity care deserts.\n\nIf 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 https://morgangriffith.house.gov/.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=835", "Walkinshaw, McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth Urge Trump Administration: Do Not Deport People Back to Persecution and Torture in China", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Yesterday, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the Trump Administration to protect people who have fled repression in China and could face persecution or torture if they are sent back.\n\nMcGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, and Walkinshaw all serve on the CECC\u2014a congressional commission that monitors and documents human rights violations in the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC).\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers called on the U.S. government to stop the practice of detaining at-risk individuals, release those currently in detention, prohibit them from being deported to the PRC, and give fair and timely consideration of their applications for asylum.\n\n\u201cMany people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cThey should be given every opportunity to apply for asylum if they have not yet done so and given fair and timely consideration of such application for asylum or other protection. Under no circumstances should at-risk individuals be deported to the PRC.\u201d\n\nThe Members also made the letter public so immigration attorneys and advocates can use it in cases involving Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans and others who fear persecution if returned to China.\n\n\u201cThere are likely many more detainees at ICE facilities, perhaps lacking representation, who fear deportation to a country run by a government that seeks to do them harm,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cThere are perhaps others who have already been sent back to the PRC who are now experiencing persecution, torture or worse. Thus, we see value in making this letter and its message public.\u201d\n\nThe letter notes that the U.S. government deporting an individual to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened (also known as \u201crefoulement\u201d) would violate both United States and international law, and would also be a betrayal of that promise by then-Senator Marco Rubio to provide refuge to those subject to the repression of the Chinese Communist Party, when he introduced the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act and the Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act.\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wittman-secretary-collins-host-veterans-roundtable", "Wittman, Secretary Collins Host Veterans Roundtable", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert J. Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", "wittman", "https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted a roundtable with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. Congressman Wittman and Secretary Collins were joined by local leaders, Puller Clinic attorneys and students, and veterans to talk about the ways in which the veterans benefits process could be enhanced.\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to welcome Secretary Collins to Virginia\u2019s First District,\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cDuring the conversation, we discussed ways to improve the veterans benefits process. We must work to reduce the claim processing backlog, lower wait times at clinics, and expand community care. Our veterans deserve the best, and I am committed to providing for them and their families in every way possible.\u201d\n\nH.R. 552 \u2013 Veterans Collaboration Act: Requires the VA to implement a pilot program with veterans service organizations and law schools to increase the availability of legal services to veterans.\n\nH.R. 553 \u2013 Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis (BRAVE) Act: Requires the VA to establish a patient outreach system so that VA beneficiaries have access to mental health care services in response to traumatic or stressful events.\n\nH.R. 554 \u2013 Veteran\u2019s Choice Accountability Act: Ensures that specialty health care programs administered by the VA are maintained as centers of excellence, ensuring timely access to care for complex medical conditions.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-whistleblower-disclosure-warner-kaine-demand-investigation-into-dhs-data-misconduct-in-virginia-nationwide/", "Following Whistleblower Disclosure, Warner, Kaine Demand Investigation Into DHS Data Misconduct in Virginia, Nationwide", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), joined by 16 other Senate Democrats, today demanded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower\u2019s disclosure. The disclosure alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in Virginia and across the country in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative,\u201d an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump\u2019s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.\n\nIn Virginia, individuals using the state\u2019s online voter portal must certify that they are accessing their own voter registration record and are warned that accessing another voter\u2019s record is unlawful. According to the whistleblower, USCIS officers were nevertheless directed to falsely certify that they were the individual voters whose records they were searching. On Thursday, Virginia\u2019s Attorney General Jay Jones warned DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that officers\u2019 actions, specifically those who checked a box falsely attesting they were specific Virginians verifying their voter registration records, \u201cpotentially violates several Virginia laws.\u201d\n\nThe senators wrote in their letter, \u201cThe DHS Office of Inspector General\u2019s mission is \u2018[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.\u2019 We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.\u201d\n\nThe senators highlighted additional allegations in the whistleblower\u2019s disclosure, including that USCIS personnel were directed to create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as \u201cTECS records\u201d based on potentially unreliable information; required to meet performance quotas of reviewing 40 subjects per day with minimal training; and instructed to rely on DHS data of dubious origin that agency officials reportedly described as having been augmented with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nThe senators also urged the OIG to take immediate action to prevent additional wrongdoing, writing, \u201cIn addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prevent any additional wrongdoing or misuse of agency personnel and resources while the investigation is ongoing.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven the time-sensitive nature of these claims, and the potential for misuse of this information for political purposes in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, please provide weekly updates on the status of your investigation to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Senate Committee on the Judiciary,\u201d the senators concluded. \u201cFinally, recognizing the special provisions concerning the DHS Secretary\u2019s authority over certain DHS OIG audits and investigations, if the Secretary refuses to cooperate with an audit or investigation, please notify us immediately.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Sens. Warner and Kaine, the letter was signed by Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe DHS whistleblower\u2019s disclosure has also prompted outside watchdog organizations to conduct their own investigations into the Trump administration\u2019s wrongdoings, including an investigation launched by American Oversight to obtain DHS and USCIS records under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d and alleged DHS directives to violate state laws.\n\nThe full letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Inspector General Cuffari:\n\nOn September 8, 2026, a protected whistleblower made the attached disclosure to the Senate (the \u201cDisclosure\u201d) that reveals serious allegations of illegal and inappropriate activities within the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (\u201cDHS\u201d or \u201cthe Department\u201d) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (\u201cUSCIS\u201d) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (\u201cFDNS\u201d).\n\nThe attached Disclosure confirms that the Department and USCIS leadership have abruptly diverted FDNS from its mission and directed personnel to an \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d using highly questionable data and methods to identify purported unlawful voters. DHS and USCIS training materials admit these investigations will include U.S. citizens, some of whom will have federal law enforcement records created about them based on unreliable data and rushed reviews by officers held to quotas. This initiative is placing FDNS employees in an impossible position. They are being directed to take actions in the weeks before the election that this whistleblower believes are against the law and Department policy, and which will harm Americans.\n\nThe whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure includes compelling evidence of wrongdoing by agency leadership including:\n\n(1) USCIS personnel have been directed to access sensitive voter information in violation of state laws prohibiting unauthorized access to individual voter records, including to make false certifications and affirmations;\n\n(2) USCIS personnel are under significant pressure from headquarters to enter federal\n\nTECS records about individuals that have a high risk of being false, potentially harming thousands of people in likely violation of federal privacy requirements;\n\n(3) Agency leadership is imposing reckless quotas that demand USCIS personnel investigate 40 subjects per day with minimal training, a rate of roughly 12 minutes per subject, with leadership tracking agent output in an attempt to complete this rushed investigation by September 12; and\n\n(4) DHS is providing USCIS personnel with DHS data of dubious origin, including voter data, which they are required to accept as accurate despite the admission that the data has been augmented with \u201csupplemental magic.\u201d\n\nThe whistleblower\u2019s Disclosure states that rank-and-file USCIS employees have serious concerns with the actions they have been directed to perform as part of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative.\u201d When the whistleblower and others raised concerns about potential violations of state law, they were advised that they would not be held \u201cpersonally liable\u201d, implying an awareness of potential illegality by agency leadership. All these claims require a thorough and objective investigation, including whether authority exists to collect and use all relevant data, free of interference by agency leadership.\n\nThis initiative plainly appears to be a political exercise that poses risks to national security. Over the past several weeks, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, ProPublica, and other outlets have reported on the intense White House pressure on DHS and other agencies to back up the President\u2019s baseless claims of widespread election fraud. According to these reports, former USCIS officials are concerned that \u201cwork screening immigration applications for false information and possible security threats has effectively ground to a halt.\u201d\n\nConcerningly, the launch of the \u201cUnlawful Voter Initiative\u201d also occurred immediately following an FDNS reorganization that may have made these highly questionable practices easier to implement quickly across the agency. Your investigation should also examine whether this reorganization contributed to the management failures involved in this initiative.\n\nThe DHS Office of Inspector General\u2019s (OIG) mission is \u201cto provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.\u201d We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower\u2019s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity. Failure to do so risks compounding the serious concerns about these activities within the FDNS workforce and the lack of integrity of FDNS, USCIS, and DHS leadership. In addition to your investigation, please use every tool at your disposal, including a management alert, to address this immediately and prevent any additional wrongdoing or misuse of agency personnel and resources while the investigation is ongoing.\n\nGiven the time-sensitive nature of these claims, and the potential for misuse of this information for political purposes in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, please provide weekly updates on the status of your investigation to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Finally, recognizing the special provisions concerning the DHS Secretary\u2019s authority over certain DHS OIG audits and investigations, if the Secretary refuses to cooperate with an audit or investigation, please notify us immediately.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-statement-on-the-trump-administrations-repeal-of-an-executive-order-to-clean-up-the-chesapeake-bay/", "Warner, Kaine Statement on the Trump Administration\u2019s Repeal of an Executive Order to Clean Up the Chesapeake Bay", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s repeal of an executive order to clean up the Chesapeake Bay:\n\n\u201cFor more than a decade-and-a-half, the federal government has worked alongside states and local communities to restore the Chesapeake Bay and protect one of Virginia\u2019s greatest natural and economic resources. The Trump administration\u2019s decision to repeal the 2009 executive order, which to this point has maintained considerable bipartisan support, dismantles a longstanding framework for coordinating that federal effort, including work to expand scientific research, assess the impacts of climate change, and tackle pollution from agricultural runoff and stormwater.\n\n\u201cRestoring the Chesapeake Bay is critical to the Commonwealth\u2019s seafood and tourism industries, thousands of good-paying jobs, educational opportunities, and Virginians\u2019 recreation. Rolling back efforts to clean up the Bay is dangerous not just for our environment but for our economy. We should be building on the progress we\u2019ve made instead of walking away from a framework that has guided restoration efforts for more than 15 years.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-schatz-murray-shaheen-reed-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike/", "Warner, Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on an apparent errant U.S. strike on a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran on September 1st:\n\n\u201cReports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration\u2019s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon\u2019s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/17/mcclellan-statement-on-house-passage-of-ratepayer-protection-act-and-other-bills-to-ensure-data-centers-pay-their-fair-share/", "McClellan Statement on House Passage of Ratepayer Protection Act and Other Bills to Ensure Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Jennifer L. McClellan", "M001227", "mcclellan.house.gov", "mcclellan", "https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass four bills cosponsored by McClellan that will protect residents in the community from rising costs associated with data centers:\n\n\u201cIn a rapidly growing digital world in which U.S. households have on average 21 devices connected to the Internet, more and more activities from health care delivery to banking are conducted online and AI and other technologies continue to advance, the number of data centers has grown at a more rapid pace than our current electric infrastructure can handle. Consequently, the federal government must play a bigger role in ensuring that the costs to power these data centers do not get passed on to consumers and small businesses. As the data center capital of the globe, Virginia knows this struggle all too well.\n\n\u201cI voted in favor of four bills that take a crucial first step in ensuring that the burden of rising energy costs falls on the large-load customers who create increasing demand. These bills begin to move us in the right direction. From the Ratepayer Protection Act\u2019s creation of a standard states can follow to ensure data centers are paying their fair share, to bills that help ensure that companies are not overbuilding data center infrastructure, these policies have earned bipartisan support because they give the federal government the tools they need to begin enforcing fairer outcomes for consumers.\n\n\u201cWhile these bills are an important first step, they do not go far enough to be the last. Congress must also pursue greater transparency and regulation for data center projects, ensure local governments siting these projects coordinate with state and federal regulators that address the impact they have on energy demand and the environment and bring renewable energy sources and battery storage online in a much more significant way. I will continue to advocate for these and other policies that ensure our nation can meet its digital and energy needs without overburdening people, communities and our environment.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9220", "Beyer Opposes Crypto Tax Bill: \u201cCrypto Industry Has Been Weaponized To Corrupt Our Presidency\u201d", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), the Senior House Democrat on Congress\u2019 Joint Economic Committee and a member of the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks yesterday during the Ways and Means Committee\u2019s markup of crypto tax legislation, the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act, explaining his vote against the measure:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nI truly appreciate you and your staff for working across the aisle on the bill before us today.\n\nI am also thankful for Mr. Horsford\u2019s hard work and leadership through this process.\n\nThis legislation is a substantial improvement from the measure we considered in our committee earlier this year.\n\nSome of the more egregious giveaways to the digital asset industry have been sanded down or removed altogether.\n\nAnd I am particularly happy to see the inclusion of improved language that would limit the ability of taxpayers from using Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories as venues for tax evasion.\n\nHowever, despite these improvements, I cannot support this legislation at this time.\n\nSimply put, this bill does not exist in a vacuum.\n\nMost Americans, for good reason, associate digital assets and cryptocurrencies with fraud, instability, illicit finance, and most all, with corruption.\n\nEveryday, we are confronted with story after story of malfeasance of all types, either enabled or worsened by the increasing ubiquity of digital assets in the global economy.\n\nThe promises that crypto boosters have made over the years that greater digital asset adoption would somehow lead to lower costs, higher financial inclusion, more transparency, and so on have all been unmet.\n\nInstead of this utopian vision, the reality of crypto is that most Americans experience is much darker.\n\nUnfortunately, the fact is that the digital asset marketplace is dominated by bad actors, and none more so than the current occupant of the White House and his family.\n\nThrough their various cryptocurrency ventures like World Liberty Financial and the Trump-branded meme coin, the Trump family has amassed billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains coming in part from foreign governments, criminals, and wealthy donors \u2013 all through crypto.\n\nAnd hundreds of millions of these dollars are flowing through the President\u2019s political apparatus and flooding the airwaves to attack his political opponents.\n\nThe crypto industry has been weaponized to corrupt our presidency.\n\nIn exchange, this Administration has worked hard to water down or eliminate regulations aimed at protecting consumers while also halting prosecutions of numerous crypto fraudsters.\n\nAnd most of all, the President has been focused on ensuring that he can continue to personally rake in massive cryptocurrency profits without any accountability.\n\nJust look at what happened yesterday in the Senate, where CLARITY Act, a digital asset market structure bill, failed due to the President\u2019s desire to avoid any restrictions on his ability to benefit from his own crypto holdings.\n\nEven the most basic ethics requirements limiting the President and other senior government officials from profiting from the policies they oversee were onerous to him.\n\nThe close relationship between the President and cryptocurrency, and his relentless profit-seeking while in office, is doing the industry no favors in the long-term.\n\nThis staggering level of corruption is unprecedented in our history and leaves our nation extremely vulnerable, to say nothing of the more mundane criminal activity enabled by crypto which inflicts a heavy cost on the American people every single day.\n\nI do not believe that we should proceed with legislation that would further embed this industry into our economic life and republic until we can get a handle on these more pressing and immediate challenges.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9221", "Beyer, Meeks, Sherman & Garamendi Announce JRD on U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Donald S. Beyer, Jr.", "B001292", "beyer.house.gov", "beyer", "https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Representatives Don Beyer, and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brad Sherman, and John Garamendi, today issued the following statement raising serious concerns with the Trump administration\u2019s nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia and announced the introduction of a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block this agreement's entry into force.\n\n\u201cThis U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement dangerously departs from decades of nonproliferation standards and presents considerable risks. For decades, across administrations of both parties, the United States has committed to a clear nonproliferation policy that no new countries should be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. In order to prevent nuclear weapons development, two provisions are critical: the Gold Standard commitment to no enrichment and no reprocessing, and the Additional Protocol that allows International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections to confirm enrichment and reprocessing are not occurring. The proposed nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia fails to secure these critical safety measures. Several countries \u2013 including Saudi Arabia\u2019s neighbor, the UAE \u2013 successfully pursued civilian nuclear cooperation under this framework. There\u2019s no credible reason Saudi Arabia should get a weaker deal.\n\n\u201cA region already gripped by conflict and escalation does not need another nuclear power. Saudi Arabia's own statements make that risk explicit: In a 2023 interview, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said plainly that, \u2018if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, we must obtain one as well.\u2019 The Kingdom has also obtained multiple nuclear-capable Dongfeng-3 ballistic missiles from China and is actively developing its own long-range ballistic missile program that could provide the means to deliver nuclear weapons. Handing Saudi Arabia enrichment capacity under these conditions \u2013 even with the stipulations included in the agreement the administration has shared with Congress \u2013 isn\u2019t just reckless nonproliferation policy, it\u2019s an invitation to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cThat is why we are introducing a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block this deeply flawed agreement and stop the Trump administration from further dangerous global nuclear proliferation.\u201d\n\nBeyer: This Bill Would Do More Harm Than Good For America And For Ukraine\n\nSeptember 16, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBeyer, Meeks, Neal Statement On Russia Sanctions Legislation\n\nSeptember 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nVirginia Members Of Congress Welcome Investigation Of ICE Encounter With Jose Mejia Hernandez\n\nSeptember 4, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nBeyer Leads Special Orders Highlighting Urgent Need to Restore USAID\n\nSeptember 3, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-elfreth-condemn-trump-executive-order-targeting-chesapeake-bay", "Scott, Elfreth Condemn Trump Executive Order Targeting Chesapeake Bay", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Robert C. \"Bobby\" Scott", "S000185", "bobbyscott.house.gov", "bobbyscott", "https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, issued the following statement after President Trump revoked Executive Order 13508, which directed federal agencies to reduce water pollution from federal lands and facilities and to promote ecosystem conservation:\n\n\u201cYesterday, President Trump revoked an executive order by President Obama that directed federal agencies to support the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The federal government has a responsibility to be a partner in protecting and restoring the Bay, and walking away from that responsibility jeopardizes the hard-fought progress we have made. President Trump is making it more difficult for us to meet the goals outlined in the bipartisan 2025 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and to secure a healthier bay for the millions of people who live throughout the watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, we urge President Trump to immediately reverse course and reinstate the executive order. We cannot afford to turn back the clock on decades of bipartisan work to restore this national treasure.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/17/kiggans-statement-on-new-federal-approach-to-improving-chesapeake-bay-water-quality/", "Kiggans\u2019 Statement on New Federal Approach to Improving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Jennifer A. Kiggans", "K000399", "kiggans.house.gov", "kiggans", "https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order regarding \u201cProviding meaningful water quality improvements through collaboration and oversight of federal support,\u201d which repeals Obama-era EO 13508 and directs six federal agencies, including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to take practical and effective action to support water quality improvements in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.\n\nCongresswoman Kiggans said, \u201cAs a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the representative of a coastal district, I understand the importance of protecting the environmental assets that define our communities, including the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Yesterday\u2019s Executive Order eliminates outdated, vague regulations that have allowed local officials to hinder economic development. Virginians need to know that with commonsense, responsible reforms, they don\u2019t have to choose between environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. While I appreciate the administration shifting its focus to measurable solutions that build on decade-long cleanup efforts, I will be closely monitoring the next steps and working with EPA Administrator Zeldin to ensure any action taken is done with the economic and recreational opportunities the Bay provides and the complex Bay ecosystem in mind.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and environmental lifeline for families, visitors, and native species to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Maryland, and it must be preserved for future generations,\u201d Kiggans continued. \u201cI look forward to continuing work with the Environmental Protection Agency, our state and local partners, and communities to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, advance our nation\u2019s economic goals while safeguarding the natural resources that are so important to Coastal Virginia,\u201d she concluded.\n\nRead the Executive Order here.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn September 2026, the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act passed the House of Representatives. The bill reauthorizes key programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office (CBO) to advance the restoration of the Bay and support local businesses, schools and coastal resilience. The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act was co-lead by Congresswoman Kiggans, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), and Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-02). Read about the bill here.\n\nThe Advancing Water Research and Collaboration (AWRC) Act passed the House with Congresswoman Kiggan\u2019s support reauthorizing the national network of Water Resources Research Institutes (WRRIs) in each state that work to address state and regional water challenges. Read the press release here.\n\nThe Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and supports significant economic, recreational, environmental, and commercial activity throughout the watershed.\n\nIn 2009, President Obama issued Executive Order 13508, Chesapeake Bay Protection and Restoration, establishing a federal framework for coordinating Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts across federal agencies and watershed jurisdictions. The September 16, 2026 Executive Order revokes EO 13508 and establishes a new federal approach focused on measurable water-quality improvements and direct, on-the-ground projects.\n\nThe new Executive Order does not repeal the Clean Water Act, Chesapeake Bay TMDL, or State and local water-quality requirements. Rather, it changes federal executive-branch policy and directs agencies to prioritize resources toward projects that can demonstrate reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution.\n\nAs of 2025 the Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions had collectively achieved 100% of their sediment-reduction goal, 90% of their phosphorus-reduction goal, and 57% of their nitrogen-reduction goal. The Administration cites this progress as part of its rationale for replacing the 2009 framework.\n\nThe Bay has also experienced recent ecological improvements. In 2026, researchers projected the Bay\u2019s annual dead zone would be approximately 31% below the long-term average and among the smallest since monitoring began in 1985.\n\nThe order also addresses stormwater management fees, which some State and local governments use to finance stormwater infrastructure and pollution-control requirements. The new order directs EPA to assess their financial impact and encourage States and localities to repeal or rescind resident-funded stormwater fees.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405826", "Griffith Announces NCA Grant to SWVA Veterans Cemetery", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "H. Morgan Griffith", "G000568", "morgangriffith.house.gov", "morgangriffith", "https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/", "scraper", "The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has awarded the Commonwealth of Virginia a grant of up to $243,467. The funding supports expansion of the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cHonoring our veterans is part of the cultural heritage of Virginia\u2019s Ninth District.\n\n\u201cThe Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery does a magnificent job at honoring our revered veteran communities.\n\n\u201cThis NCA grant for as much as $243,467 should help the Cemetery construct new features, including nearly 500 gravesites and irrigation. Also, the funds will allow the addition of a U.S. Space Force service branch emblem.\n\n\u201cI am proud that the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, by virtue of the good work it does, has put itself in a position to contend for these funds.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery serves more than 108,000 veterans and their eligible family members in the region.\n\nThe installation of survey grid monuments will take place at an existing turfed area. The Space Force service branch emblem will be located at the existing assembly area.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/17/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-help-virginia-families-pay-for-back-to-school-essentials/", "Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Virginia Families Pay for Back-to-School Essentials", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Back-to-School Tax Credit Act, legislation that would provide families with a new federal tax credit for basic school supplies.\n\n\u201cEvery parent knows the back-to-school list: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators \u2014 the basics our kids need to show up ready to learn. But now, that list is growing far too expensive,\u201d said Vindman. \u201cFor hardworking families already stretching every dollar, those costs add up quickly. As a dad of two, I know firsthand that these aren\u2019t optional expenses. Kids need school supplies every year, and families shouldn\u2019t have to choose between getting their children what they need to succeed and paying for other necessities.\u201d\n\nThe Back-to-School Tax Credit Act would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $250 per qualifying child for eligible school supply expenses. The credit would help families offset the cost of supplies required for enrollment or attendance at a public, private, or home school providing elementary or secondary education.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe legislation comes as back-to-school expenses continue to put pressure on household budgets. The National Retail Federation\u2019s 2026 Back-to-School Survey found that families expected to spend an average of $146.45 per K-12 student on school supplies, in addition to roughly $250 per child on clothing and apparel, adding up to nearly $400 per student.\n\nThe price of school supplies has also increased sharply over the past year. Some common items, including lunch boxes, notebooks, and tissues, have seen year-over-year price increases of 20 percent or more. Tariffs and disruptions to global supply chains have contributed to higher costs for manufacturers and consumers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/17/vindman-votes-to-protect-ratepayers-from-data-center-grid-upgrade-costs/", "Vindman Votes to Protect Ratepayers\u00a0From\u00a0Data Center Grid Upgrade Costs", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "Eugene Simon Vindman", "V000138", "vindman.house.gov", "vindman", "https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday voted in favor of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation aimed at protecting families and businesses from being saddled with the costs of infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate the rapidly growing energy demands of large data centers.\n\n\u201cIt is past time for data centers to pay their fair share. Right now, Virginia families and businesses are unfairly footing the bill for massive infrastructure investments needed to power large data centers. That is unacceptable.\u201d said Vindman. \u201cThe Ratepayer Protection Act is about fairness, accountability, and making sure the families can actually afford and predict their monthly utility bills.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would require states to consider adopting policies that ensure large data centers help cover the costs of grid upgrades needed to support their power demands. Under the bill, utilities would be required to secure financial assurances or contributions from data centers to cover the costs of necessary upgrades before construction begins.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nVindman has been a champion for holding data centers and electric utilities accountable.\n\nIn August, he introduced legislation to prevent data center development near neighborhoods, schools, and parks.\n\nPrior to that, Congressman Vindman introduced a bill to cap the number of residential utility rate changes to one rate change annually, limiting how often utilities can change prices for everyday Virginians.\n\nHe has also fought against corruption in the energy space by championing a measure that would bar former government officials from lobbying on behalf of the companies they used to regulate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=833", "Walkinshaw, Bacon, Landsman, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Rescue Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Don Bacon (NE-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the bipartisan Justice for Ukrainian Children Act, legislation to strengthen efforts to locate and return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, hold those responsible accountable, and reunite families.\n\nAccording to the Ukrainian government, Russia has abducted at least 20,000 Ukrainian children since the start of its full-scale invasion. Just over 2,100 have come home. Those still held have been separated from their families, subjected to political indoctrination and militarization, and stripped of their Ukrainian identity.\n\n\"Russia is running a deliberate campaign to erase these children's identity and steal Ukraine's future,\" said Congressman Walkinshaw. \"As a father, I cannot imagine the anguish of having your child taken and indoctrinated by a foreign government. The United States cannot look away. This bipartisan bill will help find these children, bring them home, and hold the perpetrators accountable.\"\n\n\u201cRussia\u2019s abduction of Ukrainian children is among the most unconscionable crimes of this war,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick. \u201cThousands of children have been taken from their parents, separated from their communities, and forced to endure horrors no child should ever have to face. Our responsibility is clear: find them, bring them home, and hold accountable those responsible. This legislation ensures that responsibility remains central to our strategy\u2014and that the fate of Ukraine\u2019s children is inseparable from the pursuit of accountability and a just and durable peace.\u201d\n\n\"Tens of thousands of children from Ukraine are being brainwashed and hidden in Russia's adoption system. We have to do everything to bring these children home and reunite them with their families, where they belong,\u201d said Congressman Landsman.\n\n\u201cRussia has taken thousands of Ukrainian children from their families and tried to strip them of their identity and homeland,\u201d said Congressman Bacon. \u201cWe cannot sit by while parents, grandparents and siblings wait for their children to come home. The Justice for Ukrainian Children Act will strengthen efforts to find these children, return them to their families and hold those responsible accountable. I\u2019m pleased to join Reps. Walkinshaw, Landsman and Fitzpatrick on this bipartisan legislation.\u201d\n\nThe Justice for Ukrainian Children Act would:\n\nAuthorize $15 million a year of existing national security funding, through 2032, toward finding these children, getting them home, and helping them recover.\n\nMaintain a secure database to preserve evidence of Russia's crimes, and share it with Europol, Ukraine's Ministry of Justice, and the groups working to bring children home.\n\nRequire the President to freeze assets and revoke visas for anyone who takes part in abducting, deporting, indoctrinating, or militarizing Ukrainian children.\n\nAuthorize $10 million for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America broadcasts into Ukraine and the region, and toward technology that defeats Russian jamming.\n\nMake it United States policy to veto any Russian-led U.N. Security Council resolution that would shield Russia from accountability.\n\nRequire the State Department to report to Congress every year for five years on what it is doing to bring these children home, including in any talks to end the war.\n\nRussia's abduction of Ukrainian children has been widely documented and condemned by the international community. In March of this year, a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that Russian authorities committed crimes against humanity in deporting and forcibly transferring Ukrainian children and in making them disappear. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova over their alleged responsibility for those crimes.\n\nU.S. Representatives Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Jim Costa (CA-21), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Val T. Hoyle (O-04), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Bill Keating (MA-09), George Latimer (NY-16), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Joe Wilson (SC-02) are original cosponsors of this legislation.\n\nThis bill is endorsed by Human Rights Watch, Razom for Ukraine, FDD Action, and the American Coalition for Ukraine.\n\nThe full text of the legislation is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=834", "Walkinshaw Presses Postal Service Leadership for  Transparency After Troubling GAO Findings", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement today after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on United States Postal Service (USPS) performance and finances.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s GAO report confirms our previous warnings: under Louis DeJoy\u2019s leadership, cutting service while raising prices was a recipe for disaster. The result has been slower mail, higher costs, and declining service for the American people.\n\nJust as importantly, these findings from GAO reinforce my call for greater transparency from USPS. Congress is an essential partner in securing USPS\u2019s future, but that partnership requires USPS to provide Congress and the public with clear, timely information about its plans, finances, and service performance.\n\nThe American people deserve a Postal Service that is reliable, affordable, and accountable, and Congress needs reliable data from the Postal Service to help achieve that goal\u201d.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wittman-receives-2026-franchise-champion-award", "Wittman Receives 2026 Franchise Champion Award", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Robert J. Wittman", "W000804", "wittman.house.gov", "wittman", "https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) received the 2026 Champion of Franchise Award from the International Franchise Association. This award recognizes Members of Congress for exceptional work in supporting America\u2019s franchises and businesses.\n\n\u201cI am honored to be recognized as a \u2018Champion of Franchise,'\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cFranchises and small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, strengthen local economies, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurial minded Americans. In Congress, I will continue working to cut burdensome regulations and support Main Street businesses so that business owners have the resources they need to grow and succeed.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-wyden-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-standards-for-american-health-care-system/", "Warner, Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Standards for American Health Care System", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today reintroduced the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act, legislation to improve cybersecurity in our health care system amid a growing wave of cyberattacks that are compromising Americans\u2019 sensitive information and disrupting access to critical care across the country.\n\n\u201cCyberattacks on our health care system compromise Americans\u2019 most sensitive personal information, delay essential medical care, and put lives at risk,\u201d said Sen. Warner. \u201cAs cybercriminals ramp up their attacks on hospitals and health care providers, it\u2019s becoming increasingly clear that voluntary standards are not enough to protect Americans\u2019 health, safety, and privacy. This legislation would establish strong, commonsense cybersecurity protocols for health care entities, while also getting resources to rural and underserved hospitals to strengthen their defenses and protect the patients who depend on them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans share their most sensitive personal information with their health care providers, and in return they expect every effort to be made to keep it secure,\u201d said Sen. Wyden. \u201cThe frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks has dramatically increased in every part of the health care system, and will only grow. Our bill creates national cybersecurity standards for health care providers and devotes resources, especially in rural and underserved areas, to ensure every Americans\u2019 medical information is secure. Congress cannot wait to act until another catastrophic cyberattack compromises the safety and privacy of American families\u2019 most personal information.\u201d\n\nThe American health care system is particularly at risk for cyberattacks due to its size, technological dependence, collection of sensitive personal information, and unique vulnerability to disruptions.\n\nSpecifically, the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish, enforce, and regularly update strong minimum cybersecurity standards for health care providers, health plans, clearinghouses, and business associates, with heightened standards for systemically important entities and entities critical to national security. The legislation would also require covered entities to develop continuity plans describing how it would resolve a tech failure or intrusion, conduct annual cybersecurity tests, and undergo independent security audits, while increasing fines for failure to meet security requirements and strengthening HHS oversight through annual cybersecurity audits. Additionally, this legislation would provide $1.3 billion to help hospitals strengthen their cybersecurity, including $800 million for hospitals in rural and underserved urban communities.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here. A summary of the bill can be found here.\n\n###\n\n* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *\n\nPhotos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to \u2018The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=836", "Walkinshaw, McDowell Leads Bipartisan FISA AI Reporting Act to Increase Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Use Under FISA", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "VA", "James R. Walkinshaw", "W000831", "walkinshaw.house.gov", "walkinshaw", "https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) introduced a bipartisan bill with Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) to direct the intelligence community to report to Congress on how it uses artificial intelligence with data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, including which systems are being used and what safeguards are in place to protect Americans\u2019 Fourth Amendment rights.\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence is changing the way industries across our country are collecting and analyzing information,\u201d Congressman McDowell said. \u201cCongress has a responsibility to ensure these tools strengthen our national security while protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms that define our Nation.\u201d\n\n\"Congress must have strong oversight and transparency over federal AI use,\u201d Congressman Walkinshaw said. \u201cWhen intelligence agencies use AI to analyze sensitive communications and data, Congress needs to know how they use it and for what purpose. Our laws and oversight must keep pace with the technology.\"\n\nWhat the FISA AI Reporting Act does:\n\nRequires the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on the intelligence community\u2019s use of artificial intelligence systems under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.\n\nRequires the report to include:\n\nA summary of how the intelligence community is using artificial intelligence systems to acquire, analyze, query, disseminate or otherwise access data under Section 702.\n\nAn assessment of safeguards in place to ensure the use of artificial intelligence complies with FISA and the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.\n\nInformation submitted by the Department of Justice or intelligence community to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court regarding the use of artificial intelligence under Section 702.\n\nAn identification of the types of artificial intelligence models being used under Section 702.\n\nAllows the report to include a classified annex.\n\nRequires the Director of National Intelligence to coordinate with the Attorney General, CIA Director, FBI Director, NSA Director, and other relevant intelligence community officials in preparing the report.\n\nThe Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), first enacted in 1978, sets out the legal framework for the government\u2019s collection of foreign intelligence information, including electronic surveillance, physical searches, the use of pen registers and trap and trace devices, and business records.\n\nSection 702 of FISA allows the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside the United States to obtain foreign intelligence information, with the compelled assistance of electronic communication service providers.\n\nRead the full bill text here.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-senate-democrats-demand-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/", "Warner, Senate Democrats Demand Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "VA", "Mark R. Warner", "W000805", "www.warner.senate.gov", "warner", "https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined 45 of his Senate colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase.\n\nThe United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the senators note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cNow you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon\u2019s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration\u2019s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.\n\nThe senators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide:\n\nA detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft, and equipment.\n\nA full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations.\n\nA detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\u201cDespite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cCongress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Sen. Warner, the letter was signed by Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Hegseth:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Defense\u2019s failure to provide the American people with basic information about the war with Iran and its cost to taxpayers, even as the human costs of this war rise. More than six months into a war that the President said would last six weeks, 18 American servicemembers have been killed, more than 820 have been wounded, and more than 50,000 troops are currently deployed in the Middle East. Our troops have had their deployments extended repeatedly, as with the USS Lincoln and now the 82nd Airborne. Our offices have all received outreach from military families concerned about the safety and well-being of their loved ones serving and sacrificing in this war.\n\nMeanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war. Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.\n\nBased on the little information provided, the Department says it has already spent $41.7 billion on this war, though unofficial estimates put that figure much higher. In June, you formally asked the American taxpayers to foot the bill for a $67 billion Iran war supplemental request. This is on top of the Pentagon\u2019s $1.5 trillion fiscal year 2027 budget request. And all of these pending requests come while the Department still has $48 billion in unspent funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that the Pentagon has not accounted for.\n\nDespite your stated needs, you have repeatedly refused to share basic information that previous Administrations, both Republican and Democratic, provided to the American public and Congress during times of war. Donald Rumsfeld, as Secretary of Defense during the Iraq War, briefed Congress more than 20 times in the first six months of that war. In his briefings, he publicly provided granular detail about the war, including objectives; precise figures on damaged aircraft; quality of life for our troops\u2014down to the number of days it took to deliver mail; and detailed breakdowns for transportation, operational support, and munitions replenishment costs in the supplemental request. In stark contrast, you have briefed Congress just seven times in that same period and in those appearances refused to answer even basic questions about the objectives and cost of this war. Your Department has held only eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the start of the Iran War, compared to more than 70 in the first month of the Iraq War alone.\n\nThis lack of basic information extends to the Pentagon\u2019s spending. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Congress regularly received public supplemental requests that were more than a hundred pages long, with detailed explanations for how funding would be used, down to the number of barrels of fuel. In contrast, your public $67 billion Iran war supplemental request was a thin, seven-page document with only vague descriptions, such as \u201c$1.2 billion for Administration priorities.\u201d\n\nDespite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent. Congress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.\n\nYou shared this belief before entering government. In 2012, you criticized the Department\u2019s ability to \u201cshift literally hundreds of millions of dollars from program to program with little accountability.\u201d You added, \u201c[r]eforming the culture at the Pentagon to bring greater spending accountability will be difficult, but it\u2019s long overdue.\u201d And just last year, you said that \u201cthe American taxpayers deserve\u201d to know where their money goes, \u201chow it\u2019s spent and make sure it\u2019s spent wisely.\u201d We agree.\n\nGiven this, we request the following information to inform the Senate\u2019s decision-making by September 30, 2026.\n\nCost of the Iran War: Please provide a detailed cost breakdown for the cost of military operations against Iran to date, inclusive of all direct and indirect costs attributable to the conflict. This should include damage to military installations, aircraft, and equipment; cost to refurbish deployed ships and aircraft; and expected benefits for veterans.\n\n$67 Billion Iran War Supplemental: Please provide a breakdown of the Administration\u2019s supplemental request, including a detailed accounting for each major funding category and estimated expenses for the war in Iran. This breakdown should identify which portions of the request are intended to reimburse costs already incurred, which are intended to fund anticipated future operations, and which are unrelated to military operations against Iran. Please also note potential future funding requirements not included in the request, such as repairing military installations.\n\nOne Big Beautiful Bill Act Funding: Please provide a detailed accounting of how the $48 billion remaining from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be spent, on what timeline, and whether any of these funds will support operations related to the Iran war.\n\nThe American people elected us to be responsible stewards of their tax dollars. The information we are requesting is the bare minimum required for us to carry out that responsibility. We look forward to receiving your response.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2694", "Cline Votes For Legislation to Protect Local Ratepayers from Costs of Data Centers", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "VA", "Ben Cline", "C001118", "cline.house.gov", "cline", "https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, of which Congressman Cline is a cosponsor. This bill would require state utility regulators to consider adopting rules that make data centers pay the full cost of energy infrastructure upgrades needed to meet the immense energy demand of data centers, thereby protecting ratepayers from rising costs.\n\n\u201cWorking families, small businesses, and farmers should not have to shoulder the cost of the increasingly massive demand from data centers on our power grid,\u201d said Rep. Cline. \u201cData centers disrupt our rural way of life, and I support local governments that are taking action to prevent these behemoths from moving into our rural communities. The Ratepayer Protection Act will hold data centers accountable for the cost of new energy infrastructure. Taxpayers\u2019 hard-earned money should go to supporting local families and investing in small businesses, not supporting data centers and big tech companies.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1512, "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": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1163, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 349, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 997, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 515, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "VA", "label": "VA", "count": 1512, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 1512, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-09-17,https~3A~2F~2Fcline~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D2694", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=VA&year=2026&_next=2026-09-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcline~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D2694&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 470.69284482859075, "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"}