home / press

Menu
  • Search all tables

Press releases

One row per release. Full-text search runs over title + body text.

Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

url
Link to the original release on the member's official site
text
Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

344 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "VA" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending

✎ View and edit SQL

This data as json, CSV (advanced)

year 1

  • 2023 · 344 ✖

state 1

  • VA · 344 ✖

party 1

  • Democrat 344

chamber 1

  • Senate · 344 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-need-for-congressional-oversight-of-weapons-transfers Kaine Statement on Need for Congressional Oversight of Weapons Transfers 2023-12-30 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s decision to transfer weapons to Israel without congressional oversight: “Just as Congress has a crucial role to play in all matters of war and peace, Congress should have full visibility over the weapons we transfer to any other nation. Unnecessarily bypassing Congress means keeping the American people in the dark. We need a public explanation of the rationale behind this decision—the second such decision this month.” Kaine has long been a leading voice for the need to make decisions related to war and peace through a deliberate congressional process. This month, Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval was signed into law. Earlier this year, the Senate voted to pass Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) and formally end the Gulf and Iraq wars. Kaine strongly condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas’ terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-fiscal-year-2024-national-defense-act-becoming-law Kaine Applauds Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Act Becoming Law 2023-12-22 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) becoming law. The bipartisan legislation includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support our national security and Virginia’s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill. “I’m glad the president signed this defense bill, which will support our national security, servicemembers, and Virginia’s defense community. I help write this bill every year, and this year, I’m particularly proud to have included bipartisan legislation I led to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO and to direct more federal attention to combat the fentanyl crisis. I also ensured the incorporation of my provisions to implement the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement, which will support the security of our allies and boost Virginia’s economy.” Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation: NATO: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval. Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act: Includes provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan bill with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to direct increased federal attention to fentanyl trafficking by utilizing Pentagon tools like counter-drug intelligence and involving Mexico as an active partner to combat the crisis and disrupt cartel activity in Mexico. Specifically, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 will work to strengthen these efforts by: Highlighting the need to address the threat to national security posed by fentanyl trafficking. Directing the Pentagon to develop a fentanyl-specific counter-drug strategy, incl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-colleagues-sound-the-alarm-about-economic-deterioration-in-the-west-bank Warner, Kaine & Colleagues Sound the Alarm About Economic Deterioration in the West Bank 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Carper (D-DE) Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sounding the alarm about the economic deterioration in the West Bank and the troubling rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers. In a letter to President Biden, the lawmakers stressed the need for Israel to take steps to address the growing instability in the West Bank, including by ensuring that the Palestinian Security Forces are able to ward off violence against innocent Palestinian civilians and prevent further destabilization, which could open an additional front to the conflict. This letter follows a decision by Israel to withhold a significant portion of tax revenues that its government collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). These revenues – meant to be collected and transferred based on longstanding agreement – are critical for the PA’s civil administration and security purposes. “A range of factors since October 7 – including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked – have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank,” wrote the senators. “A significant source of the PA’s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-announce-3-million-in-federal-funding-for-regional-flood-risk-management-feasibility-study-in-hampton-va Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study in Hampton, VA 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today’s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately. “Rising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,” the members said. “We’re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.” The Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region. Since 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine have requested funding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=74152009-A568-4072-95E6-F3399A6F8809 Warner, Kaine, Scott Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding for Regional Flood Risk Management in Hampton, VA 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $3,000,000 to initiate the Peninsula Regional Flood Risk Management feasibility study for the City of Hampton, VA and the surrounding region. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the lawmakers previously secured $1.5 million for the Virginia Beach and Vicinity Coastal Storm Risk Management Study and nearly $399 million for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. Today’s announcement builds on that progress by extending the study of flood risk management strategies to the Peninsula. The study will investigate flood threats ranging from sea level rise, coastal storm surge, and rainfall events, and will develop mitigation solutions to reduce flood risk. This funding will allow work on the study to begin immediately. “Rising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods, and in no place has that been more evident than this region, which has experienced record flooding in recent years,” the members said. “We’re glad to see this crucial funding finally head to the region in order to develop a comprehensive resilience plan for all of Hampton Roads.” The Hampton Roads region is subject to the highest rate of historic relative sea level rise on the U.S. east coast and tenth worldwide in terms of value of assets exposed to flooding. Sea level rise conditions underscore the necessity for a comprehensive study to identify and address flooding challenges to ensure continued quality of life, economic growth, and ecosystem health for the region. Since 2021, Sens. Warner and Kaine have requested funding for this project in order to build a comprehensive flood management and storm resilience plan for the region. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F477A381-91DE-48A6-8275-990FED884AE8 Warner and Colleagues Sound the Alarm About Economic Deterioration in the West Bank 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, led Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tom Carper (D-DE) Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sounding the alarm about the economic deterioration in the West Bank and the troubling rise in violent acts perpetrated by extremist Israeli settlers. In a letter to President Biden, the lawmakers stressed the need for Israel to take steps to address the growing instability in the West Bank, including by ensuring that the Palestinian Security Forces are able to ward off violence against innocent Palestinian civilians and prevent further destabilization, which could open an additional front to the conflict. This letter follows a decision by Israel to withhold a significant portion of tax revenues that its government collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA). These revenues – meant to be collected and transferred based on longstanding agreement – are critical for the PA’s civil administration and security purposes. “A range of factors since October 7 – including a loss of wages for the thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank whose work permits Israel revoked – have contributed to an economic situation that has shuttered thousands of West Bank businesses and reduced the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) revenues by roughly 80 percent. Those revenues support a range of critical functions for the PA, including paying public-worker salaries as well as the salaries of members of the Palestinian Security Forces, whose local law enforcement and security efforts are critical to maintaining stability in the West Bank,” wrote the Senators. “A significant source of the PA’s revenue derives from Palestinian import tax revenues, which according to long-standing agreement, the Israeli government collects on behalf of, and then transfers to, the PA. We are concerned that the Israe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-marshall-lead-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs Kaine & Marshall Lead Colleagues in Bipartisan Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Roger Marshall (R-KS), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful “copay accumulators.” Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications. Virginia is one of 19 states that have banned copay accumulator programs, and this push would expand Virginia’s progress nationwide. Regarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said, “This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.” The lawmakers wrote, “Instead of appealing the court’s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan’s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.” In the letter, the senators also push for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. In addition to Kaine and Marshall, the letter is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Boozman (R-AR), Jeanne Shahe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-highlights-2023-accomplishments-work-ahead-in-2024 VIDEO: Kaine Highlights 2023 Accomplishments, Work Ahead in 2024 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following video celebrating this year’s accomplishments and looking ahead to 2024. In the video, Kaine discussed his travel across the Commonwealth to see how legislation he helped pass, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, is benefiting Virginians. He also highlighted that there’s more to do and that he’ll continue working to support communities across Virginia in the Senate in the new year. “As I've traveled around the state and been in so many communities in Virginia, it's been good to celebrate moving forward on some important progress,” said Kaine. “The combination of the infrastructure bill and our chips manufacturing bill and the Inflation Reduction Act has meant that I've been able to do significant announcements of key projects in virtually every corner of Virginia.” Kaine concluded, “Our strength is fundamentally the strength of our people, the strength of our investments, and the strength of our alliances. And whether that's right in Virginia or around the world, I'll keep promoting those strengths to keep America and Virginia moving forward.” During the video, Kaine discussed some of this year’s accomplishments, including: On the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: So far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in infrastructure law funding, including for over 247 projects. Kaine specifically mentioned a recent $729 million grant he secured for Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects, which will help alleviate current bottlenecks, promote economic growth, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. On the Inflation Reduction Act: The Inflation Reduction Act took historic steps to lower health care and energy costs, including a $35 cap per month on insulin for Americans with Medicare, including 36,461 Virginians. Kaine talked about how this cap is saving seniors money. The cap took effect on January 1, 2023. On … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/following-warner-and-kaine-push-administration-negotiates-pause-on-retaliatory-tariffs-on-whiskey-and-spirits Following Warner & Kaine Push, Administration Negotiates Pause on Retaliatory Tariffs on Whiskey and Spirits 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the Biden administration for heeding their call to protect the millions of U.S. jobs that rely on American whiskey and spirits producers. Earlier this month, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of senators urging the administration to negotiate with the European Union (EU) to remove retaliatory tariffs that hurt these businesses in Virginia and across the country. Without urgent action from the Biden administration, the EU would have implemented a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports on January 1, 2024. Today, the EU announced they would pause these retaliatory tariffs for 15 months in response to U.S. pressure. “The spirits industry plays a vital role in Virginia’s economy, and we’re glad to see the Biden administration acted quickly to protect the thousands of Virginia jobs that rely on it,” said the senators. “We’ll keep working to reach a permanent solution that will protect the industry from harmful retaliatory tariffs.” Retaliatory tariffs by the EU have cost domestic sprits distillers and winemakers billions of dollars since 2018, and the U.S. needs a permanent solution to safeguard over 1.7 million production, distribution, and hospitality jobs that rely on the industry. The EU originally set the whiskey tariff at 25%, and following Warner and Kaine’s push, the Biden Administration negotiated an agreement to suspend the tariff until 2024. The senators’ bipartisan letter urged U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to negotiate a deal to permanently remove retaliatory tariffs on all American-made sprits and wines. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-urge-administration-to-appoint-special-envoy-for-sudan Warner & Kaine Urge Administration to Appoint Special Envoy for Sudan 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine urged the Administration to avoid further delays in the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan. Nearly 4.8 million people have been internally displaced since the war in Sudan began in April 2023—resulting in one of the largest internal displacement crises in the world. It’s estimated that there have been 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators emphasize the crucial role a Special Envoy would play in coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address this crisis and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. “At the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and regional partners,” wrote the senators. “Although we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.” They continued, “We are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States’ ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis.” “To ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a special envoy … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3A0078CF-829C-43B2-A98A-08BFA23B65EC Sens. Warner and Kaine Urge Administration to Appoint Special Envoy for Sudan 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine urged the Administration to avoid further delays in the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan. Nearly 4.8 million people have been internally displaced since the war in Sudan began in April 2023—resulting in one of the largest internal displacement crises in the world. It’s estimated that there have been 10,000 civilian casualties, and approximately 24 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators emphasize the crucial role a Special Envoy would play in coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address this crisis and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. “At the onset of this conflict in April 2023, we strongly advocated for U.S. leadership in coordinating a robust international diplomatic response, the safe and swift delivery of humanitarian assistance, the protection of civilians, and, crucially, that a special envoy be appointed to provide a single address within the U.S. government, as well as a clear U.S. lead for foreign parties when participating in direct negotiations with the Rapid Support Forces, Sudanese Armed Forces, and regional partners,” wrote the senators. “Although we welcome the progress to-date in facilitating humanitarian action to meet the urgent needs of civilians, we once again reaffirm our request that you immediately appoint a special envoy to manage the Sudan crisis.” They continued, “We are concerned that the lack of a dedicated special envoy, who would report directly to the Secretary of State and who would internally coordinate and lead U.S. government efforts, and who may serve as a focal point and driver for international diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, is severely inhibiting the United States’ ability to engage most forcefully towards a resolution to the crisis.” “To ensure a prosperous future for Sudan, the U.S. government must serve as a lead negotiator in peace discussions via a special envoy for Sudan… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D5D7EA33-1B34-473B-9D28-16EFBF64C7C0 Warner, Kennedy Introduce Legislation to Require Financial Regulators to Respond to AI Market Threats 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), both members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, introduced the Financial Artificial Intelligence Risk Reduction Act, bipartisan legislation to require financial regulators to address uses of AI-generated content that could disrupt financial markets. “AI has tremendous potential but also enormous disruptive power across a variety of fields and industries – perhaps none more so than our financial markets,” said Sen. Warner, a former business executive and venture capitalist. “The time to address those vulnerabilities is now.” “AI is moving quickly, and our laws should do the same to prevent AI manipulation from rattling our financial markets. Our bill would help ensure that AI threats do not put Americans’ investments and retirement dreams at risk,” Sen. Kennedy said. The legislation requires the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to coordinate financial regulators’ response to threats to the stability of the markets posed by AI, including the use of “deepfakes” by malign actors and other practices associated with the use of AI tools that could undermine the financial system, such as trading algorithms. The legislation also requires FSOC to identify gaps in existing regulations, guidance, and exam standards that could hinder effective responses to AI threats, and implement specific recommendations to address those gaps. In response to the potential magnitude of the threat, the Financial Artificial Intelligence Risk Reduction Act would also provide for treble penalties when AI is used in violations of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules, including acts of market manipulation and fraud. The legislation also makes clear that anyone who uses an AI model is responsible for making sure that everything that model does complies with all securities laws. The legislation also provides the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) with the authority necessary… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-cosponsors-bill-to-expand-maternal-health-care-options Kaine Cosponsors Bill to Expand Maternal Health Care Options 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, cosponsored the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act, legislation led by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that would expand health care options for expectant mothers. Certain life events, including marriage, divorce, giving birth or adopting a baby, and changing jobs, trigger a special enrollment period to enroll in health insurance outside of an insurer’s annual open enrollment period. Currently, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event, meaning expectant mothers must wait until the birth of their child or an annual enrollment period to sign up for or change their coverage. The Healthy MOM Act would establish a special enrollment period for expectant mothers that are eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other private individual or group health plan coverage, ensuring that they can access affordable health care throughout their pregnancies. “Access to high-quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy is crucial to prevent devastating outcomes for Virginia families,” said Kaine. “Most pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The Healthy MOM Act would improve maternal health outcomes, lower costs, and help expectant mothers and their babies get the care they need, so they can start happy, healthy lives.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,205 women in the United States died from pregnancy-related complications in 2021, up from 861 in 2020 and 754 in 2019. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are about three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Prenatal care leads to healthier mothers and babies. Data demonstrates expanding access to prenatal care could help prevent more than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths. Without access to health insurance, expecting moms also face high out-of-pocket costs. The Healthy MOM Act would improve maternal health outcomes a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-colleagues-push-to-fund-wmata-national-security-needs Warner, Kaine, & Colleagues Push to Fund WMATA National Security Needs 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, Tim Kaine, Ben Cardin, and Chris Van Hollen wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration include at least $30 million in their FY25 budget request for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to specifically address the agency’s operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism. This request comes as WMATA faces a $750 million budget shortfall that threatens safety and services starting next summer. In their letter, the senators stress that WMATA, more than other transit authorities, shoulders a heavy security burden because of its role in federal government operations and national security activities. The agency estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million annually on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission. “Given this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA’s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation’s capital—a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system,” the senators wrote. They continued, “Unfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.” Sens. Warner, Kaine, Cardin, and Van Hollen have long been active supporters of WMATA, working to secure critical funding, expand service, and improve safety. A copy of the letter is available here and below: Dear President Biden: We write today to respectfully request that the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 include at least $30 million f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BC99C4D2-3B9B-414D-BA5D-907F385ABC1F Warner Leads Virginia and Maryland Senate Delegation in Push to Fund WMATA National Security Needs 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Cardin, and Chris Van Hollen (both D-MD) wrote to President Biden requesting that the administration include at least $30 million in their FY25 budget request for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to specifically address the agency’s operational costs related to national security and counterterrorism. This request comes as WMATA faces a $750 million budget shortfall that threatens safety and services starting next summer. In their letter, the senators stress that WMATA, more than other transit authorities, shoulders a heavy security burden because of its role in federal government operations and national security activities. The agency estimates that it spends between $30 and $33 million annually on operations relating to its national security and counterterrorism mission. “Given this sui generis role played by WMATA, it should come as no surprise that the agency shoulders some burdens that are unique among transit providers. Perhaps most important of these burdens is WMATA’s responsibility to prevent terrorism targeting our Nation’s capital—a responsibility far out of proportion to the size of the system,” the senators wrote. They continued, “Unfortunately, this responsibility is more than hypothetical. In 2010, an anti-government extremist opened fire at the Pentagon station. A year later, a man was convicted in connection with the targeting of four WMATA stations in a terrorist bomb plot. And let us not forget that it was a Metro Transit Police officer who, while assisting Capitol Police, discovered the bomb planted at the Democratic National Committee on January 6, 2021.” Sens. Warner, Kaine, Cardin, and Van Hollen have long been active supporters of WMATA, working to secure critical funding, expand service, and improve safety. A copy of the letter is available here and below: Dear President Biden: We write today to respectfully request t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-opening-of-the-kerem-shalom-border-crossing Kaine Statement on Opening of the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), released the following statement following the White House’s announcement that the Kerem Shalom border crossing would open for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance. Kaine called for the opening of Kerem Shalom to expedite the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. “As Israel brings Hamas to account for its horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, it is crucial that Israel also takes every possible step to protect civilians in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing and why I’m glad to see that become a reality. Reopening Kerem Shalom is necessary to ensure humanitarian assistance can be delivered to civilians in Gaza at the pace and scope it needs to be. We must continue pushing for additional humanitarian aid, the immediate release of all hostages, and a strategy that combats the threat from Hamas and protects civilians.” Kaine strongly condemned Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and has been vocal about the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He’s taken a series of steps to prioritize the release of hostages taken by Hamas, including directly engaging the Qatari and Egyptian governments, address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protect civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and counter Hamas’ terrorist threats. Kaine led his colleagues in calling for a short-term cessation of violence in order to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching civilians in Gaza. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-welch-van-hollen-kaine-booker-call-on-biden-to-urge-israeli-egyptian-governments-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press Schatz, Welch, Van Hollen, Kaine, Booker Call on Biden to Urge Israeli, Egyptian Governments to Allow Journalists into Gaza, Protect Free Press 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today called on President Joe Biden to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the war. In their letter to the president, the senators underscored the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. “We ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work,” the senators wrote. “Without protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.” The senators continued, “American democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.” The full text of the senators’ letter to President Biden is available here and below: Dear President Biden, We appreciate your con… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-5-million-in-funding-for-hampton-university Warner and Kaine Announce Nearly $5 Million in Funding for Hampton University 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $4,962,986 for Hampton University to establish an Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program. The program will be embedded in a National Center for Climate Modeling Research. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. “Our nation’s HBCUs make tremendous contributions to our communities, and HBCU graduates are often leading the way, working to find solutions to important global challenges,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled Hampton University is receiving federal funding to develop a climate science program and look forward to seeing the program’s success in the years to come.” The program will upgrade current research facilities at Hampton University and aim to increase the number of Black American doctoral recipients in climate science and increase the number of climate science research centers at HBCUs. 11% of all HCBUs are located in coastal communities that are impacted by rising sea levels and flooding, and these communities are also overwhelmingly Black and brown. However, only three HBCUs have research centers dedicated to climate resilience. Warner and Kaine are longtime advocates of HBCUs. The senators successfully pushed to get the FUTURE Act signed into law to restore $255 million in federal funding for these institutions. Kaine successfully pushed to pass legislation he cosponsored called the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, which strengthens partnerships between federal agencies and HBCUs. Warner successfully pushed to promote defense research at HBCUs in a defense authorization bill, which included a version of his Building Equitable Access to Contribute to Our National Security (BEACON) Act. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-murphy-smith-introduce-bill-to-modernize-public-health-data-infrastructure Kaine, Murphy, Smith Introduce Bill to Modernize Public Health Data Infrastructure 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tina Smith (D-MN) reintroduced the Improving Data Accessibility Through Advancements (DATA) in Public Health Act, legislation to modernize our nation’s public health data infrastructure. This bill would increase timely and accurate information sharing between local, state, and federal public health departments to improve our preparedness and response to emerging public health threats. “The pandemic underscored the importance of having an effective public health data sharing system for tracking cases, responding to public health emergencies, and providing live-saving care for those in need,” said Kaine. “While we’ve made some progress to strengthen public health data sharing since COVID, we still have much more to do to better connect local, state, and federal public health systems. The Improving DATA in Public Health Act would help us do that.” “Accurate, real-time data is key to an effective public health strategy – a major lesson learned from the pandemic. This legislation would bring our public health data infrastructure into the 21st century and make sure local, state, and federal public health departments have the information they need to monitor and quickly respond to future emergencies,” said Murphy. “We need collaboration across all levels of government to ensure that our public health experts have the information they need to make the best decisions,” said Smith. “Addressing the information gaps in public health data is crucial, and this bill provides a much-needed update to the way local, federal, and tribal authorities communicate, ensuring that we are ready to respond to the next public health crisis and keep our communities safe.” The United States’ early response to the COVID-19 pandemic was hindered by gaps in public health data, varying definitions of data across government agencies, and difficulties accessing data. These barriers made it m… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-applaud-passage-of-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-to-servicemembers Warner, Kaine Applaud Passage of Legislation to Provide Back Pay to Servicemembers 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of legislation they cosponsored with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to provide back pay, retroactive promotion dates, and other needed administrative fixes for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Passage of this legislation comes one week after Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released his months-long block of more than 400 military promotions. “The brave men and women of our military do not serve any particular political party. They serve our nation as a whole – working to defend our national interests and the values that we hold sacred as Americans. As such, we owe it to the members of our military to prevent them from becoming pawns in any political game. After a months-long blockade by a single Senator, we’re glad to see over 400 military promotions finally moving forward, and are proud to pass legislation to ensure that this senseless hold does not affect the pay, seniority, or benefits, of our brave men and women in uniform,” said the senators. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 – which applies to any officer that was held by Sen. Tuberville and confirmed by the end of the 2023 calendar year – would grant retroactive pay, allowances, benefits, and seniority for the grade or rank to which a servicemember had been appointed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1D9E0914-D5F0-425A-88CC-2CAE63835AB2 Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on Congressional Passage of the Nation's Annual Defense Bill 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), applauded congressional passage of the nation’s annual defense bill, which includes key priorities for Virginia and a series of measures championed and backed by Sen. Warner. “Despite all the current chaos in Congress, I’m encouraged that we were finally able to pass this annual defense spending bill that strengthens our military, provides support for our troops, bolsters our nation’s defense capabilities, and delivers for Virginia. Once signed by the president, this legislation will ensure that our military and Department of Defense have what they need to safeguard our national security interests and continue to keep Americans safe. I hope that my colleagues in both the House and the Senate will look to this deal, realize that bipartisan agreement is within reach, and reach the consensus needed to fund the government and fulfill our commitment to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel.” The legislation supports $886.3 billion in funding for our nation’s defense, and includes crucial measures supported by Sen. Warner. Servicemembers and the civilian defense workforce: Authorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for military servicemembers and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce – the largest raise in two decades. Improves living conditions for enlisted servicemembers by greenlighting improvements to the quality and oversight of barracks. This provision specifically authorizes the replacement of substandard barracks and establishes new requirements that enlisted housing meet the same basic standards as all other military housing. Improves living conditions for junior Navy Sailors whose vessels are undergoing an extended maintenance overhaul. This legislation authorizes basic allowance for housing (BAH) payments that allow these servicemembers to live in commercial housing, rather than aboard the ship. Supports more equitable housing rates in markets with limited housing inventory by modifying the calculation of basic allowance for housing (BAH) rates. Allows for … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=473DB335-FF10-4E29-896A-0CCD32A292E8 Warner & Kaine Applaud Passage of Legislation to Provide Back Pay to Servicemembers 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today,U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of legislation they cosponsored with Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to provide back pay, retroactive promotion dates, and other needed administrative fixes for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Passage of this legislation comes one week after Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) released his months-long block of more than 400 military promotions. “The brave men and women of our military do not serve any particular political party. They serve our nation as a whole – working to defend our national interests and the values that we hold sacred as Americans. As such, we owe it to the members of our military to prevent them from becoming pawns in any political game. After a months-long blockade by a single Senator, we’re glad to see over 400 military promotions finally moving forward, and are proud to pass legislation to ensure that this senseless hold does not affect the pay, seniority, or benefits, of our brave men and women in uniform,” said the senators. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 – which applies to any officer that was held by Sen. Tuberville and confirmed by the end of the 2023 calendar year – would grant retroactive pay, allowances, benefits, and seniority for the grade or rank to which a servicemember had been appointed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-rubio-applaud-senate-passage-of-their-bipartisan-bill-to-prevent-any-us-president-from-leaving-nato Kaine & Rubio Applaud Senate Passage of Their Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Any U.S. President from Leaving NATO 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan bill to prohibit any President of the United States from withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) without Senate approval or an Act of Congress. The legislation was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed by a bipartisan vote of 87-13. “NATO has held strong in response to Putin’s war in Ukraine and rising challenges around the world,” said Kaine. “The Senate’s vote today to pass my bipartisan bill to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO reaffirms U.S. support for this crucial alliance that is foundational for our national security. It also sends a strong message to authoritarians around the world that the free world remains united.” “The Senate should maintain oversight on whether or not our nation withdraws from NATO. We must ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies,” said Rubio. Kaine and Rubio successfully fought to include their bipartisan bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA. Specifically, the amendment would require the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress before suspending, terminating, or withdrawing U.S. membership in NATO. If any U.S. President attempts to leave NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress, the amendment prohibits any funding from being used to do so. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-national-defense-act-including-his-bills-to-prevent-any-us-president-from-leaving-nato-and-address-fentanyl-crisis Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of National Defense Act, Including His Bills to Prevent Any U.S. President from Leaving NATO and Address Fentanyl Crisis 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Senate’s bipartisan vote to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bipartisan bill includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support our national security and Virginia’s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill. “Every year, the defense bill provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our national security and better support our nation’s servicemembers and their families. As a member of the Armed Services Committee and senator from one of the most military-connected states, I’m proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done to provide a pay raise for servicemembers, support Virginia’s defense community, fund important projects at Virginia military installations, and help ensure the Navy and Marine Corps have the ships they need to keep us safe. The legislation also bolsters our alliances, as it includes my bipartisan bill to prevent any U.S. President from withdrawing from NATO, as well as provisions I secured to support the Australia-U.K-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement. Our NATO and AUKUS alliances are critical to our national security and economic growth in Hampton Roads, which is home to the only operational NATO command in the U.S. and the best shipbuilders in the world. I also fought to include my bipartisan bill to direct increased federal attention to combat the fentanyl crisis, which is hurting so many communities in Virginia. I urge the House to pass this bill and get it to the President’s desk as soon as possible.” Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation: NATO: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to prevent any U.S. President from unilaterally withdrawing f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-dhs-extension-of-temporary-protected-status-re-registration-period Warner & Kaine Statement on DHS Extension of Temporary Protected Status Re-Registration Period 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) praised an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The announcement follows a Warner-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from Sudan and a Kaine-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This move will extend the amount of time allotted for TPS recipients to re-register for the program and its benefits from 60-days to the full 18-month validity period for each country with a TPS designation. “We are very encouraged by DHS’ move to extend the re-registration period for those needing to renew their TPS status. Virginia is home to tens of thousands of TPS recipients who play essential roles in their communities and serve as a key part of our economy. This needed extension will provide these individuals – who are unable to safely return to their countries of origin due to extreme circumstances – with the additional time they need to carefully navigate the re-registration process and ensure that they can retain their lawful status, continue to work legally, and avoid deportation,” said the senators. Established by the U.S. Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to a work permit for foreign nationals from certain countries who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions. Under this extension, the TPS re-registration periods are as follows: El Salvador: July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025 Honduras: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025 Nepal: October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025 Nicaragua: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025 Sudan: August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025 Haiti: January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2FE783F1-7B1F-4D05-94EB-FA2B9C7C65EE Statement of U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner & Tim Kaine on DHS Extension of TPS Re-Registration Period 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) praised an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it will extend the re-registration period for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The announcement follows a Warner-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from Sudan and a Kaine-led letter to advocate for TPS for migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This move will extend the amount of time allotted for TPS recipients to re-register for the program and its benefits from 60-days to the full 18-month validity period for each country with a TPS designation. “We are very encouraged by DHS’ move to extend the re-registration period for those needing to renew their TPS status. Virginia is home to tens of thousands of TPS recipients who play essential roles in their communities and serve as a key part of our economy. This needed extension will provide these individuals – who are unable to safely return to their countries of origin due to extreme circumstances – with the additional time they need to carefully navigate the re-registration process and ensure that they can retain their lawful status, continue to work legally, and avoid deportation,” said the senators. Established by the U.S. Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS is a temporary, renewable program that provides relief from deportation and access to a work permit for foreign nationals from certain countries who are unable to return safely to their home country due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions. Under this extension, the TPS re-registration periods are as follows: El Salvador: July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025 Honduras: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025 Nepal: October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025 Nicaragua: November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025 Sudan: August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025 Haiti: January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024 ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EC4C325E-713B-4D67-84FD-445E58561999 Warner, Rubio Praise Passage of Intel Authorization Act 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statements on passage of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which was included the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The IAA authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight for the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). After the House of Representatives approves the legislation, it will head to the president for his signature. “The Intelligence Authorization Act plays a crucial role in ensuring that America’s intelligence agencies have the tools they need to protect the American people,” said Chairman Warner. “This year’s bill improves the IC’s ability to track threats posed by our adversaries while promoting much-needed reforms to our nation’s security classification system and expanding the Committee’s efforts to reform the security clearance process in order to attract the best and brightest talent to the intelligence space. I am glad that Congress is coming together to pass this package that meets the needs of our Intelligence Community. “Our adversaries, especially China, Russia, and Iran, are growing increasingly aggressive and collaborative in their efforts to weaken America and degrade the international rules-based system,” said Vice Chairman Rubio. “The Intelligence Community (IC) has a critical role to play in identifying and mitigating these significant threats. This Intelligence Authorization Act strengthens our Committee’s ongoing oversight of intelligence activities, makes important reforms to preserve our American values, and ensures that the IC effectively manages critical resources, authorities, and personnel to protect our national security. Background: The IAA for Fiscal Year 2024 authorizes funding for the IC and ensures that it has the resources, personnel, and authorities it needs to protect our country and inform decision makers, while ensuring continued robust co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cardin-rubio-kaine-cassidy-durbin-issue-bipartisan-statement-calling-on-guatemala-to-uphold-rule-of-law-ensure-the-peaceful-transfer-of-power Cardin, Rubio, Kaine, Cassidy, Durbin Issue Bipartisan Statement Calling on Guatemala to Uphold Rule of Law, Ensure the Peaceful Transfer of Power 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement calling for the rule of law and peaceful transfer of power to be upheld in Guatemala in the lead up to President-elect ?Bernardo Arévalo’s January 2024 inauguration. “Friday’s announcement by Guatemalan prosecutors to strip President-elect Arévalo of his legal immunity and cast doubt on his January 14, 2024 inauguration is a threat to Guatemala’s democracy. Together, with democratic actors and international organizations from around the world, we stand in solidarity with the people of Guatemala in the defense of the rule of law and democracy. “We urge Attorney General Porras to ensure that the Public Prosecutor’s Office upholds the rule of law and rejects efforts that undermine the peaceful transfer of power. We call on President Giammattei to advocate that Guatemalan institutions join with the private sector and civil society to support and respect a peaceful transition of power, as expected of every democracy. A commitment to uphold Guatemala's place among the community of democratic nations will be crucial for the future of U.S.-Guatemala relations.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-boost-substance-use-disorder-recovery-resources Kaine & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Substance Use Disorder Recovery Resources 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act to reauthorize and expand resources for individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals in recovery often struggle to reintegrate into society due to stigma, lack of support, and limited access to resources they need. The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would support those in recovery by reauthorizing and expanding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Building Communities of Recovery grant program, which allows organizations to develop and enhance peer recovery and general recovery support services. “Substance use disorder impacts Virginians across the Commonwealth, and it’s important that we help individuals and families get the support they need to recover,” said Senator Kaine. “The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would help develop, improve, and expand peer support and recovery services for Virginians in need.” SUD represents a significant public health challenge in Virginia. In 2022, 22,398 Virginians visited the emergency room due to an overdose, and 2,490 Virginians died from an overdose. Despite the number of Virginians impacted by substance use disorder, the availability of recovery services is limited. The Strengthening Communities of Recovery Act would increase the availability of recovery services by: Reauthorizing the Building Communities of Recovery grant program for five years, Increasing funding for the grant program from $5 million per year to $16 million per year, and Providing funding to allow organizations to offer a number of recovery services, including advocacy, education, employment assistance, and outreach to families and communities. Organizations would also be enabled to collaborate with other harm reduction entities, such as community-based partnerships that provide individua… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-committee-passage-of-his-bipartisan-bills-to-support-substance-use-disorder-recovery-address-teacher-shortages-and-more Kaine Applauds Committee Passage of His Bipartisan Bills to Support Substance Use Disorder Recovery, Address Teacher Shortages, and More 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded the HELP Committee’s passage of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act and the Advancing Research in Education (AREA) Act. The bills, which now head to the Senate floor, include several provisions Kaine secured to support individuals recovering from substance use disorder and to strengthen education by addressing teacher shortages and more. “I’m glad the HELP Committee has advanced the SUPPORT Act, which will provide support for those in recovery from substance use disorder, and the AREA Act, which will help collect the data we need to address issues facing our students and educators. The bills include provisions I’ve worked to secure, including support for peer support specialists, who play a crucial role in the recovery process, and resources to expand access to recovery programs. They also include improvements to our education data collection systems to help address teacher shortages. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these bills across the finish line.” The SUPPORT Reauthorization Act will reauthorize and expand the SUPPORT Act of 2018, which expired in September of this year. The bill supports prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation: Supporting Peer Support Specialists: Includes provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act, legislation to codify the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and help peer support specialists serving individuals recovering from a mental health condition or substance use disorder by removing barriers to certification and practice. Boosting Recovery Resources and Services: In… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-532435-in-funding-for-housing-in-central-and-southwest-virginia Warner and Kaine Announce $532,435 in Funding for Housing in Central and Southwest Virginia 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $532,435 in federal funding to help low-income families in Central and Southwest Virginia make critical housing improvements. The funding was awarded by U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. “Every Virginian should have access to safe housing,” said the senators. “This federal funding is critical to helping low-income Virginians make repairs to their homes to protect their health and safety.” The funding will be awarded as follows: $212,435 for Thomas Jefferson Planning District to partner with local housing nonprofit organizations to carry out emergency repairs, rehabilitation, and home safety modifications for homeowners in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson Counties. $210,000 for Renovation Alliance to help homeowners in Botetourt, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, and Roanoke Counties make repairs to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Funds will be used for restoration activities, including new roofs; electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling repairs; and improvements to address structural issues with the homes. $110,000 for Appalachia Service Project, Inc. for critical housing rehabilitation and repairs in Lee, Wise, and Dickenson Counties. Kaine, a former fair housing attorney, has introduced bicameral legislation to protect low-income families and veterans from housing discrimination by banning discrimination based on source of income. Warner and Kaine have introduced legislation to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers through more friendly mortgage rates. The senators also secured $210,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for Appalachia Service Project for home repairs as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=483D0BF6-B6BF-49F8-B55B-DE26D1AB3867 Statement of Senate Intel Chair Mark R. Warner on Zelenskyy Meeting 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON –U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with senators: “For nearly two years, President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have defended their country against Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion. I am proud that the United States has led the world in support of Ukraine’s efforts to push back against Vladimir Putin’s aggression, and today’s meeting highlighted the importance of continuing this support. The time to act is now. We must honor our commitments and pass a security package before the year ends.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-grassley-and-murray-lead-bipartisan-push-for-clear-guidance-on-the-new-free-application-for-federal-student-aid Kaine, Grassley & Murray Lead Bipartisan Push for Clear Guidance on the New Free Application for Federal Student Aid 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Patty Murray (D-WA) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in a letter urging the Department of Education to provide clear guidance and communication to students, families, educators, college access counselors, and schools leading up to and after the release of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The redesigned FAFSA—which was made possible by legislation Kaine helped pass—will make it easier for students to get financial aid and help 1.5 million more students, including 37,916 students in Virginia, access the maximum Pell Grant award. While the Department announced earlier this month that the new FAFSA will be released by December 31, 2023, it did not provide a concrete date and indicated that there will be processing delays in the first months of 2024, creating uncertainty for students and their families. “We understand that overhauling the current application and reconfiguring the federal student aid system requires significant time, preparation, and resources. However, despite a one-year delay in the implementation process, the Department recently announced the new FAFSA will be available to students by December 31, 2023, with no indication of an actual date,” the lawmakers wrote. “Further, the Department’s latest announcement also revealed that processing delays will take place in the first few months of 2024, meaning that schools will not be able to generate financial aid offers for their students in a timely fashion,” the lawmakers continued. “While the simplified FAFSA is meant to provide more students with federal student aid, we fear the most vulnerable students will be negatively impacted by these delays.” The lawmakers wrote, “FAFSA delays can be particularly burdensome for students who lack reliable broadband access, students in foster care, students experiencing homelessness, first-generation students, students expe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-led-bicameral-congressional-delegation-discusses-democracy-migration-and-economic-stability-during-visits-to-guatemala-and-honduras Kaine-Led Bicameral Congressional Delegation Discusses Democracy, Migration, and Economic Stability During Visits to Guatemala and Honduras 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and previously worked as a missionary in Honduras, concluded a bicameral congressional delegation visit to Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. Kaine led the delegation, which included U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3) and Norma Torres (D-CA-35). While the delegation was in Guatemala, the country’s Attorney General attempted to nullify the results of the country’s recent free and fair elections—prompting strong condemnation from the delegation before national and international press. Facing mounting pressure, including from the delegation, Guatemala’s private sector and the international community, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei was forced to distance himself from this brazen attempt to void the will of the Guatemalan people. Maintaining democracy and economic and political stability in Central America is critical to stopping forced migration and advancing U.S. national security and the security of our borders. During the visit, the delegation expressed their strong support for strategies to strengthen prosperity, stability, and security in the region, as well as bilateral coordination in countering Chinese government influence. During the visit, President-elect Arévalo’s transition team announced its intention to maintain Guatemala’s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. “Our national and economic security depend in part on our ability to address issues like drug trafficking, transnational crime, and the root causes of migration—all of which impact Virginia,” said Senator Kaine. “Democratic backsliding, including the attempt to overturn a free and fair election in Guatemala that occurred while we were there, further drives irregular migration and poses a serious danger to our abili… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-256-million-in-funding-for-safety-improvements-in-virginia-beach-and-richmond Warner & Kaine Announce Over $25.6 Million in Funding for Safety Improvements in Virginia Beach and Richmond 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $25,668,909 in federal funding to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and in Richmond. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, which funds initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators helped pass. “It’s critical that our transportation networks have the infrastructure needed to keep Virginians safe while they walk, bike, and drive,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed will be used to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and help prevent serious injuries and deaths at intersections in Richmond.” The funding will be awarded as follows: $14,900,000 for Virginia Beach to make multiple safety improvements for the Virginia Beach Trail project to address unsafe pedestrian conditions in the Hampton Roads area and create an active transportation link between downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Town Center. Once completed, the shared-use path will have over three miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails completely separated from vehicles and move people walking and biking off a busy road. The trail will link multiple universities, businesses, and employment opportunities to underserved communities along the corridor. The project also includes a pedestrian bridge over the 10-lane road, high-visibility crosswalks, and improved lighting. $10,768,909 for Richmond to address safety issues at 13 different corridors across the city. About 40% of the killed or seriously injured traffic incidents in Richmond occur on 3% of the street network, and many occur at intersections. The funding will be used to implement the Federal Highway Administration’s Proven Safety Countermeasures and the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Systemic Safety Countermeasures, including high visi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-mcclellan-call-for-answers-to-mail-delivery-issues-in-the-richmond-area Warner, Kaine, & McClellan Call for Answers to Mail Delivery Issues in the Richmond Area 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) sent a letter to the Virginia District Manager of the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting answers and improved transparency regarding the recent mail delivery issues in the Richmond area. In their letter, the lawmakers urge Virginia District Manager Gerald Roane to address these issues and communicate directly with impacted residents. “We write to advocate on behalf of our constituents, who have continued to share countless stories of mail delays and mail security concerns throughout Virginia and the Fourth Congressional District. While we appreciate your outreach with our offices, we feel our constituents would greatly benefit from direct communications from you or an appropriate United States Postal Service (USPS) representative,” wrote the lawmakers. “Therefore, we request your office to facilitate a town hall for concerned residents regarding their postal service concerns no later than January 19, 2024.” Over the past few months, the lawmakers received hundreds of reports of mail delivery issues, including late and missing deliveries, sudden stops in service, and mail theft. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight various cases currently under investigation, including a local small business owner in the Bellevue neighborhood and a constituent in the Fan neighborhood. “One notable case involves a 38-year resident of the Bellevue neighborhood and small business owner who has been grappling with mail delivery issues for over four months. Weekly missed deliveries since September have resulted in the non-receipt of crucial items such as paychecks, credit card bills, and insurance policies. This has, in turn, led to the imposition of late fees and, in some instances, the cancellation of essential services,” they continued. “Similarly, a constituent in the Fan neighborhood of Richmond reported a mail hiatus lasting up to eight days. Despite reporting the issue to their local post office, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1022E7AA-477A-4CA8-9076-4AAC84F92DA3 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine Announce over $25.6 Million in Funding for Safety Improvements in Virginia Beach and Richmond 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $25,668,909 in federal funding to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and in Richmond. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, which funds initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators helped pass. “It’s critical that our transportation networks have the infrastructure needed to keep Virginians safe while they walk, bike, and drive,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed will be used to make safety improvements along the Virginia Beach Trail and help prevent serious injuries and deaths at intersections in Richmond.” The funding will be awarded as follows: $14,900,000 for Virginia Beach to make multiple safety improvements for the Virginia Beach Trail project to address unsafe pedestrian conditions in the Hampton Roads area and create an active transportation link between downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Town Center. Once completed, the shared-use path will have over three miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails completely separated from vehicles and move people walking and biking off a busy road. The trail will link multiple universities, businesses, and employment opportunities to underserved communities along the corridor. The project also includes a pedestrian bridge over the 10-lane road, high-visibility crosswalks, and improved lighting. $10,768,909 for Richmond to address safety issues at 13 different corridors across the city. About 40% of the killed or seriously injured traffic incidents in Richmond occur on 3% of the street network, and many occur at intersections. The funding will be used to implement the Federal Highway Administration’s Proven Safety Countermeasures and the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Systemic Safety Countermeasures, including high visibility si… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D288EB92-82EA-4C70-97D9-08A8A1FD235F U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Rep. McClellan Call for Answers to Mail Delivery Issues in the Richmond Area 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – On Friday, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) sent a letter to the Virginia District Manager of the United States Postal Service (USPS) requesting answers and improved transparency regarding the recent mail delivery issues in the Richmond area. In their letter, the lawmakers urge Virginia District Manager Gerald Roane to address these issues and communicate directly with impacted residents. “We write to advocate on behalf of our constituents, who have continued to share countless stories of mail delays and mail security concerns throughout Virginia and the Fourth Congressional District. While we appreciate your outreach with our offices, we feel our constituents would greatly benefit from direct communications from you or an appropriate United States Postal Service (USPS) representative,” wrote the lawmakers. “Therefore, we request your office to facilitate a town hall for concerned residents regarding their postal service concerns no later than January 19, 2024.” Over the past few months, the lawmakers received hundreds of reports of mail delivery issues, including late and missing deliveries, sudden stops in service, and mail theft. In their letter, the lawmakers highlight various cases currently under investigation, including a local small business owner in the Bellevue neighborhood and a constituent in the Fan neighborhood. “One notable case involves a 38-year resident of the Bellevue neighborhood and small business owner who has been grappling with mail delivery issues for over four months. Weekly missed deliveries since September have resulted in the non-receipt of crucial items such as paychecks, credit card bills, and insurance policies. This has, in turn, led to the imposition of late fees and, in some instances, the cancellation of essential services,” they continued. “Similarly, a constituent in the Fan neighborhood of Richmond reported a mail hiatus lasting up to eight days. Despite reporting the issue to their local post of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-rounds-manchin-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold Kaine, Rounds, Manchin, & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and one of the most forceful voices who pushed to end Senator Tuberville’s reckless hold on military promotions, joined U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing the bipartisan Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 to provide back pay to military officers who were denied promotions for months. “By denying servicemembers’ military promotions at the time they were supposed to receive them, Senator Tuberville also denied them the pay, allowances, and benefits that come with these promotions,” said Kaine. “While I’m glad many of these servicemembers received the promotions they’ve earned this week, this bill is critical to helping ensure the impacted servicemembers are compensated.” Specifically, the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would provide those officers impacted by Tuberville’s promotions hold with backpay commensurate to the date they would have otherwise been promoted. It also directs the Secretary of Defense to adjust their time in grade, or associated seniority for the grade or rank associated with their appointment, and carry out other administrative fixes, including allowances and benefits. Tuberville’s hold on military promotions resulted in the delayed promotion or assignment of 430 flag or general officers. This week, the Senate confirmed 425 of these promotions and is expected to confirm the remaining ones before the end of the year. Last month, Kaine held the Senate floor for over an hour, calling up every individual military promotion being blocked by Tuberville, which Tuberville denied. Kaine also spoke on the Senate floor various times and during Senate Armed Services Committee hearings to highlight how the blockade impacted servicemembers in Virginia and across the country. In addition to Kaine, Rounds, and Manchin, the Military Personnel Confirmation Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Krist… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/statement-from-lawmakers-on-guatemalan-attorney-generals-attempt-to-nullify-fair-election Statement from Lawmakers on Guatemalan Attorney General’s Attempt to Nullify Fair Election 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA-35) and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-3) released the following statement regarding the Guatemalan Attorney General’s attempt to nullify the fair election of anti-corruption reformist President-elect Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera: “We categorically condemn and reject the Guatemalan Attorney General’s declaration that Guatemala’s national election results are ‘null and void.’ The Attorney General’s continued efforts to overturn the election and brazenly defy the will of the Guatemalan voter yet again threaten to undermine Guatemala’s political and economic stability and its standing in the international community. The election results must be upheld, and we call on the Constitutional Court to reject the Attorney General's arbitrary attempts to nullify the election. President Giammattei must demonstrate leadership and uphold his stated commitment to a peaceful transition of power. We call on President Giammattei and Attorney General María Consuelo Porras to immediately stop this attempted coup.” The Attorney General had previously filed spurious charges against President-elect Arévalo, Vice President-Elect Herrera, and other officials and attempted to strip them of their pre-trial immunity. While President Alejandro Giammattei has publicly acknowledged Arevalo’s electoral victory, the Attorney General has continued to systematically attempt to undermine the electoral transition and engage in targeted investigations against the President-elect's political party and other democracy defenders. Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the country’s top electoral court, has indicated it will not hold a repeat of these elections and that the results are unalterable. In November, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch condemned those attacks on democracy in Guatemala, and underscored how those actions are des… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-2-million-to-plan-new-rail-routes-across-virginia Warner and Kaine Announce $2 Million to Plan New Rail Routes Across Virginia 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,000,000 in federal funding to study huge improvements to passenger rail in Virginia and surrounding states by potentially extending Amtrak service to new cities, increasing frequency, and creating faster routes. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which supports comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development in order to create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation. The Corridor ID Program was authorized and funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, legislation strongly supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine. “For years, we’ve been championing the expansion of rail to every corner of the Commonwealth because it’s a slam dunk for local economies, cuts traffic, and protects the environment,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is taking a big step towards expanding service across the entire Commonwealth so communities along the I-95 corridor and beyond can be connected by more convenient, consistent passenger rail.” The funding is broken down as follows: $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would extend Amtrak service to Bristol. The proposed corridor would also include new frequencies, improved travel times, improvements to reliability, and new stations, including an infill stop in Bedford. $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville and the New River Valley. The proposed corridor would provide new service on existing alignment, complementing existing state-supported Northeast Regional services connecting Washington, DC with Newport News and Roanoke, VA. $500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a proposed project that would address infrastruc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8C973C57-5657-4DA9-9A40-25F5D6AB6951 Warner and Kaine Announce $2 Million to Plan New Rail Routes Across Virginia 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,000,000 in federal funding to study huge improvements to passenger rail in Virginia and surrounding states by potentially extending Amtrak service to new cities, increasing frequency, and creating faster routes. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program, which supports comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development in order to create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation.?The Corridor ID Program was authorized and funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, legislation strongly supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine. “For years, we’ve been championing the expansion of rail to every corner of the Commonwealth because it’s a slam dunk for local economies, cuts traffic, and protects the environment,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is taking a big step towards expanding service across the entire Commonwealth so communities along the I-95 corridor and beyond can be connected by more convenient, consistent passenger rail.” The funding is broken down as follows: $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would extend Amtrak service to Bristol. The proposed corridor would also include new frequencies, improved travel times, improvements to reliability, and new stations, including an infill stop in Bedford. $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville and the New River Valley. The proposed corridor would provide new service on existing alignment, complementing existing state-supported Northeast Regional services connecting Washington, DC with Newport News and Roanoke, VA. $500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a proposed project that would address infrastructure capa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cardin-rubio-durbin-cassidy-lead-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-joint-statement-on-the-maduro-regimes-harassment-of-democratic-opposition Kaine Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Joint Statement on the Maduro Regime’s Harassment of Democratic Opposition 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Marco Rubio (R-FL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Peter Welch (D-VT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) issued a joint, bipartisan statement condemning the Maduro regime for arresting democratic opposition leader Roberto Abdul and for issuing arrest warrants against other senior members of Venezuela’s democratic opposition. “We are extremely concerned over recent arrest warrants issued by the Maduro regime against members of María Corina Machado’s political party and coalition. This brazen act is a clear violation of the spirit of the Barbados Agreement and another indication that the Maduro regime is not following through on its commitment to free and fair elections in 2024. Additionally, the blatant refusal to release political prisoners or American hostages, the continued arrest warrants against other key opposition leaders, and the petulant saber rattling against Guyana show that the Maduro regime, far from taking steps towards the meaningful return of democracy, is moving towards an even more brutal dictatorship. The U.S. and our democratic partners should respond accordingly using all diplomatic tools, including imposing select sanctions.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-secures-wins-in-bicameral-bipartisan-national-defense-bill Kaine Secures Wins in Bicameral, Bipartisan National Defense Bill 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, released the following statement after an agreement was reached between the Senate and House Armed Services Committees for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, which the full Senate voted to proceed on today, includes several provisions secured by Kaine to support Virginia’s defense community. As a member of SASC, Kaine played a key role in shaping the legislation and served as a member of the conference committee working to reconcile differences between the House and Senate-passed versions of the bill. “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud of the bipartisan, bicameral work we’ve done to advance a defense bill that will protect our national security, strengthen our alliances, and support Virginia servicemembers, their families, and our robust defense community. The bill includes many provisions that I’ve fought for, including a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers and Defense Department personnel, resources to improve access to mental health services, and funding to improve military installations across Virginia. It also includes support to implement the Australia-U.K.-U.S. agreement and my bipartisan bills to address the fentanyl crisis and ensure no President can unilaterally withdraw from NATO. I’m glad the Senate will debate the legislation on the Senate floor next week and urge my colleagues to pass this bill as soon as possible, so we can get it to the President’s desk to be signed into law.” Kaine successfully secured the following provisions in the legislation: Shipbuilding: Authorizes investments to help meet the congressionally mandated requirement to have 31 operational amphibious warfare ships for the Navy and Marine Corps, by restoring funding for LPD-33 and strengthening oversight of the Navy’s shipbuilding plan. Improves acquisition processes, expands defense industrial base cap… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos/b-roll-virginia-delegation-secures-729-million-for-transforming-rail-in-virginia-phase-2-projects PHOTOS/B-ROLL: Virginia Delegation Secures $729 Million for Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase 2 Projects 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper PHOTOS AND B-ROLL ARE AVAILABLE HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) held an event in Arlington to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding they secured for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects. The funding will support the completion of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River to connect D.C. and Virginia, make improvements to L’Enfant Station, and lay a third track along key sections of the corridor in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties. This will help alleviate current bottlenecks, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. The TRV projects will help expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail services between D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to additional service to current destinations, these projects are also a necessary intermediate step for future passenger rail service for the New River Valley and Bristol. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, and Spanberger helped pass in 2021. “We’re thrilled we secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River and expand rail capacity and reliability in Virginia,” said Senators Warner and Kaine. “This is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country.” “This investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the Commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast. I appreciate the collaboration between our senators, our congressional delegation, and our Sec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/van-hollen-durbin-kaine-schatz-and-colleagues-announce-amendment-requiring-that-use-of-us-supplemental-aid-comply-with-us-international-law Van Hollen, Durbin, Kaine, Schatz & Colleagues Announce Amendment Requiring that Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), as well as Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tom Carper (D-DL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Ed Markey (D-MA) announced that they are working on an amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. The Senators’ amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes. “U.S. taxpayer dollars have never come in the form of a blank check. It’s critical that we hold all nations who receive our assistance to the same standards – and that includes ensuring the use of this assistance is in line with U.S. law, international humanitarian law, and the law of armed conflict. We must also insist that our partners cooperate with us in allowing the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Our amendment does all that and puts in place necessary reporting to Congress in order to track these measures. As we work to provide critical funding in the national security supplemental, I look forward to working with my colleagues to address these fundamental issues,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The U.S. is an indispensable country in helping… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CC27A572-D718-4F5C-AFC1-5943FE50D549 Warner, Rounds, Reed, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Enforce Sanctions on Terrorist Organizations Like Hamas 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) today introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on terrorist organizations like Hamas by applying sanctions to foreign parties that facilitate financial transactions with terrorists. Currently, these sanctions are imposed only in limited circumstances, primarily on the terrorist group Hezbollah following passage of the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act in 2015. The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act introduced today will expand this type of sanctions to cover all U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including Hamas, and other foreign parties that are controlled by or act on behalf of those FTOs. “The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act will make sure that the Treasury Department has the tools necessary to enforce our sanctions against Hamas and other terror groups,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m pleased to join Senators Rounds, Reed, and Romney in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve our national security.” “It is critical that the Department of the Treasury has the necessary counter-terrorism tools to combat modern threats,” said Sen. Rounds. “The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act takes commonsense steps toward rooting out terrorism by sanctioning foreign financial institutions and foreign digital asset companies that assist them in committing these heinous acts. Cutting off funding for terrorist organizations at the source will save lives. I am pleased to co-lead this bipartisan legislation that takes decisive action to disrupt terrorist finance networks.” “It is critical to bolster the Treasury Department’s tools to protect our national and economic security. With this bill, we are forcing foreign financial institutions and foreign crypto firms to choose between doing business with terrorist organizations or maintaining access to the U.S. financial system,” said Sen. Reed. “We must protect the integrity of our financial system from new and emerging threat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E817D5AC-FFF7-49C5-B083-D20E23479918 Virginia Delegation Secures $729 Million for Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase 2 Projects 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04) held an event in Arlington to announce $729,000,000 in federal funding they secured for the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) Phase 2 projects. The funding will support the completion of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River to connect D.C. and Virginia, make improvements to L’Enfant Station, and lay a third track along key sections of the corridor in Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania Counties. This will help alleviate current bottlenecks, expand capacity, and improve reliability for Virginia commuters, travelers, and freight. The TRV projects will help expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail services between D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina. In addition to additional service to current destinations, these projects are also a necessary intermediate step for future passenger rail service for the New River Valley and Bristol. The funding was awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner, Kaine, Beyer, Connolly, and Spanberger helped pass in 2021. “We’re thrilled we secured federal funding to support the construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River and expand rail capacity and reliability in Virginia,” said Sens. Warner and Kaine. “This is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion, and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country.” “This investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the Commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast. I appreciate the collaboration between our senators, our congressional delegation, and our Secretary of Transportation to finalize the funding for this critica… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-rubio-and-merkley-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-crimes-in-brazilian-amazon-strengthen-regional-stability Kaine, Rubio, and Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Crimes in Brazilian Amazon, Strengthen Regional Stability 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act, bipartisan legislation to address crimes committed by organized criminal and drug trafficking groups who are devastating communities in and around the Brazilian Amazon, upending rule of law, and accelerating environmental degradation and deforestation. The bill would provide the U.S. government with more resources to support U.S.-Brazil efforts to address these crimes and prioritize identifying investment opportunities for U.S. companies in the Brazilian Amazon. This would help promote regional stability across the Western Hemisphere. “The rise in environmental crimes and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is interconnected with the uptick in violence, displacement, and drug trafficking in the region and has direct consequences for our security here at home,” said Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “This bipartisan bill would support the United States’ efforts to address these crimes, protect the environment and local communities, and improve the stability of the region.” “Narcotraffickers, smugglers, and our adversaries have used the Amazon as a base to weaken our national security interests and destabilize the entire region. Through this bill, the U.S. and Brazil will work together to crack down on illegal activity in this vital region,” said Rubio, Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “The Amazon provides sanctuary for countless wildlife, and the trees of this tropical forest support not only Brazil’s environment, but the planet’s lifeblood,” said Merkley, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. “As the impacts of climate chaos become deadlier and more frequent—threatening our health, planet, and future—the U.S. must support Brazil's efforts to stand against the criminal and often violent efforts driving deforestation and environmental degradation … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-to-lead-bicameral-congressional-delegation-visits-to-guatemala-and-honduras-to-discuss-democracy-stability-migration-economic-growth-and-security Kaine to Lead Bicameral Congressional Delegation Visits to Guatemala and Honduras to Discuss Democracy, Stability, Migration, Economic Growth, and Security 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Later this week, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and previously worked as a missionary in Honduras, will lead a congressional delegation visiting Guatemala and Honduras to meet with elected officials, the private sector, and civil society leaders. Senator Kaine will be joined by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) and U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D-IL-3) and Norma Torres (D-CA-35). During their meetings, the lawmakers will discuss strategies to strengthen prosperity and security in the region and underscore the importance of democratic governance and the rule of law. Maintaining democracy and political stability in Central America is critical for U.S. national security and the security of our borders. The congressional delegation’s visit to Guatemala comes at a critical moment for the country’s democracy amid ongoing protests following provocative actions by the Public Ministry (Guatemala’s justice department), including the raiding of facilities holding electoral materials, opening of ballot boxes, and intimidation of peaceful protestors, among other brazen acts. The Public Ministry has also filed spurious charges against President-elect Bernardo Arevalo, Vice President-Elect Karin Herrera, and other officials and attempted to strip them of their pre-trial immunity. While President Alejandro Giammattei has publicly acknowledged Arevalo’s electoral victory, the Public Ministry continues to systematically attempt to undermine the electoral transition and engage in targeted investigations against the president-elect's political party and other democracy defenders. In November, Senators Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch condemned those attacks on democracy in Guatemala, and underscored how those actions are destabilizing for the entire region. In Honduras, the ruling party’s decision to use a procedural workaround to unilaterally appoint thei… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-rename-roanoke-federal-building-after-civil-rights-lawyer-reuben-lawson Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Rename Roanoke Federal Building After Civil Rights Lawyer Reuben Lawson 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to rename a federal building in Roanoke, VA the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building” in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson. Today, December 6th, marks what would have been Lawson’s 103rd birthday. “Reuben Lawson dedicated his life and career to fighting against segregation and paving the way for historic civil rights action,” said the senators. “We are proud to introduce this legislation, which would ensure Mr. Lawson’s relentless pursuit of social justice is cemented in Roanoke and remembered across Virginia.” Lawson graduated from Howard Law School in 1945 and spent his career in Roanoke, working closely with civil rights titan Oliver Hill. Lawson filed the first desegregation case in Southwest Virginia, which resulted in the admission of 13 African American students into Floyd County’s high school, which until then had only admitted white students. Similar efforts then followed in Pulaski, Grayson, and Roanoke Counties. Lawson also played a key role in convincing the Roanoke City Council to defy Virginia’s segregation law in 1961 and integrate Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. In September of this year, Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Roanoke attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John Fishwick, Reverend Edward Burton, and members of the Roanoke community who have championed the effort to honor Mr. Lawson through renaming this Federal Building. “Reuben E. Lawson was a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Roanoke, Virginia,” said former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick. “His legacy and fearlessness during a turbulent time of civil unrest throughout our country has long been overlooked, and naming Roanoke’s federal building in his honor will give Mr. Lawson the recognition he deserves.” “I knew Reuben Lawson through our work in the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP in the 1960s. Reuben was soft-spoken and easy to relate to, but worked tirelessly and enthusiast… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warren-kaine-hirono-blumenthal-murray-duckworth-urge-pentagon-to-implement-reforms-and-address-substandard-housing-conditions-for-military-families Warren, Kaine, Hirono, Blumenthal, Murray, Duckworth Urge Pentagon to Implement Reforms and Address Substandard Housing Conditions for Military Families 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel, Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Readiness, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting information on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) plans to address the unhealthy prevalence of mold, lead-based paint, and asbestos in housing for America’s service members, as well as concerns regarding the distrust and confusion surrounding the formal dispute resolution process that military families can use to address disputes with the private housing companies. “We write in regard to concerning reports about asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold in military housing and DoD’s implementation of the formal dispute resolution process available to tenants in privatized military housing,” wrote the lawmakers. “We seek further information regarding steps that the Department of Defense are taking to address asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold in military housing units and improve implementation of the formal dispute resolution process.” A 2023 Army Audit found that the Army’s inspection program for asbestos and lead-based paint had failed to adequately ensure that homes were safe for families. The Army Audit Agency uncovered that 41 percent of the homes it reviewed “had no documented survey identifying the home’s asbestos risk areas.” “We are highly alarmed by the consistent failure of the Army housing office inspectors to properly assess these homes and protect service members and their families from the hazards of asbestos and lead-based paint,” wrote the lawmakers. Similarly, the DoD has failed to ensure that military families’ homes are free of mold. A family living on Marine Corps Base in Hawaii experienced a variety of concerning health conditions from exposure to mold such as “hair loss, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=013C0B2B-FAA8-411A-8761-2E545BD6972A Sen. Warner Kicks off the Holiday Season with Tree Trimming Party 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO FROM SEN. WARNER'S TREE DECORATION THE NORTH POLE – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and his Washington, D.C. staff are ready for Christmas! Today, Sen. Warner welcomed kindergarteners from Bel Air Elementary School in Woodbridge, VA to his Capitol Hill office to kick off the holiday season with carols, milk and cookies, and decoration of the office Christmas tree. This year’s tree, a 12-foot Fraser fir, is from Mt. Rogers Tree Farm in Grayson County, Va. Students helped Sen. Warner decorate his tree with handmade ornaments while serenading members of his staff with classic carols such as “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Sen. Warner has hosted students from across the Commonwealth to help him get in the holiday spirit nearly every year since taking office in 2009. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5C315C1F-AF1B-4A2A-AAF3-31278B396EF6 Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Rename Roanoke Federal Building After Civil Rights Lawyer Reuben Lawson 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to rename a federal building in Roanoke, VA the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building” in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson. Today, December 6th, marks what would have been Lawson’s 103rd birthday. “Reuben Lawson dedicated his life and career to fighting against segregation and paving the way for historic civil rights action,”said the senators. “We are proud to introduce this legislation, which would ensure Mr. Lawson’s relentless pursuit of social justice is cemented in Roanoke and remembered across Virginia.” Lawson graduated from Howard Law School in 1945 and spent his career in Roanoke, working closely with civil rights titan Oliver Hill. Lawson filed the first desegregation case in Southwest Virginia, which resulted in the admission of 13 African American students into Floyd County’s high school, which until then had only admitted white students. Similar efforts then followed in Pulaski, Grayson, and Roanoke Counties. Lawson also played a key role in convincing the Roanoke City Council to defy Virginia’s segregation law in 1961 and integrate Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. In September of this year, Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Roanoke attorney and former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John Fishwick, Reverend Edward Burton, and members of the Roanoke community who have championed the effort to honor Mr. Lawson through renaming this Federal Building. “Reuben E. Lawson was a trailblazing civil rights attorney in Roanoke, Virginia,” said former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick. “His legacy and fearlessness during a turbulent time of civil unrest throughout our country has long been overlooked, and naming Roanoke’s federal building in his honor will give Mr. Lawson the recognition he deserves.” “I knew Reuben Lawson through our work in the Roanoke Chapter of the NAACP in the 1960s. Reuben was soft-spoken and easy to relate to, but worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=802CDD29-F260-40A7-81C8-C15DC0B2E142 Sen. Warner on Failed Supplemental Vote 2023-12-06 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence issued a statement after the Senate failed to reach the 60 votes needed to move forward on a supplemental spending package to provide crucial aid to aid our allies and protect our national security: “Vladimir Putin’s hopes for victory rest on the U.S. walking away from Ukraine. In 21 months, Ukraine has succeeded in decimating the military and morale of one of our chief geopolitical adversaries in Vladimir Putin’s Russia without the loss of a single American or NATO soldier. We know from intelligence community assessments that Putin believes Ukraine will fall within just months without renewed U.S. support. Why, at this moment in time, would we prove Putin right? “I believe Congress can and must pass a supplemental spending package that supports the fight for democracy in Ukraine, supplies our partner Israel, provides much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, and secures our border. But given the urgency of what’s facing the Ukrainians this winter, we cannot afford to wait. Autocrats around the world, including President Xi, are watching.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-the-lifting-of-many-of-senator-tubervilles-reckless-holds-on-military-promotions Kaine Statement on the Lifting of Many of Senator Tuberville’s Reckless Holds on Military Promotions 2023-12-05 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps, released the following statement regarding the lifting of many of Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) reckless holds on military promotions, which follows intense pressure by Kaine: “I've been pushing Sen. Tuberville to lift this reckless hold on military promotions for months. I'm glad that more than 400 servicemembers will finally receive the promotions they've earned, but we must confirm all of them.” Kaine has been one of Congress’ most forceful voices working to finally confirm these nominees and highlighting how the blockade hurts America’s national security, military readiness, and military families. Last month, in recognition of Veterans Day and Military Day in the state of Alabama, Kaine held the Senate floor for over an hour in an effort to end the blockade. Kaine also spoke on the Senate floor various times to highlight how the blockade impacts servicemembers in Virginia and across the country. Additionally, Kaine railed against the blockade during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in September. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-and-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-protect-virginia-jobs-remove-retaliatory-tariffs-on-whiskey-and-spirits Kaine, Warner and Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Protect Virginia Jobs, Remove Retaliatory Tariffs on Whiskey and Spirits 2023-12-05 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Rand Paul (R-KY), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in a letter urging the Biden Administration to act quickly to protect the millions of U.S. jobs that rely on American whiskey and spirits producers by negotiating with the European Union (EU) to remove retaliatory tariffs that hurt these businesses in Virginia and across the country. In Virginia, the spirits industry supports 16,600 jobs and generates billions in economic activity, including over $1.7 billion in 2019. Without urgent action from the Biden Administration, the EU will implement a 50% tariff on American whiskey imports on January 1, 2024, and American and Virginia wine and other distilled spirits imports could see sharp tariff increases by 2026, hurting their businesses and jeopardizing jobs. “We write today to request an expedited agreement with the European Union (EU) to secure the permanent removal of retaliatory tariffs on spirits and wines,” the senators wrote. “We are deeply concerned that a lack of a permanent solution risks the re-imposition of tariffs.” “Spirits have had a significant cultural impact in our country, and currently have a profound impact on the U.S. economy. In 2022 alone, U.S. distilled spirit exports reached $2.06 billion. But the impact of the retaliatory tariffs was devastating… Our belief is that the imposition of additional tariffs on this industry is detrimental,” the senators concluded. “There are mutual benefits in finding a path forward, and our belief is that spirits and wines are a point where there can be consensus to limit the damage for all parties.” Retaliatory tariffs by the EU have cost domestic sprits distillers and winemakers billions of dollars since 2018, and the U.S. needs a permanent solution to safeguard over 1.7 million production, distribution, and hospitality jobs that rely on the industry. The EU originally set the whiskey tariff at 25%, and following Kaine’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T22:34:08Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/in-light-of-inspector-general-probe-virginia-leaders-push-for-pause-on-fbi-relocation In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push for Pause on FBI Relocation 2023-12-04 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-8), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-2), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-4), Bobby Scott (D-VA-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process. The OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety – a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself. “It is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General’s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.” They continued, “For more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI – GSA’s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.” The effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-and-video-kaine-celebrates-introduction-of-bipartisan-bill-to-support-virginias-seafood-industry PHOTOS AND VIDEO: Kaine Celebrates Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Support Virginia’s Seafood Industry 2023-12-04 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper PHOTOS AND VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today in Lottsburg, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine celebrated the introduction of his Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced alongside Senator Mark Warner that would help seafood processors hire the seasonal workers they need in a timely manner. “The seafood industry is not just important to our economy, but important to who we are as Virginians. We want to make sure we keep you around for a very long time,” Kaine said to seafood industry leaders. “It would be a shame if we got choked up because we couldn’t solve this labor issue. So let’s stay at the table together – we will make this happen.” “Virginia’s seafood businesses rely on seasonal workers to keep their operations up and running. However, even in the best of circumstances, seafood processors struggle to find enough workers to meet demand,” said Sen. Warner. “This legislation would exempt seasonal, non-immigrant workers in the seafood processing industry from the limits on H-2B visas, allowing processors to fully staff their operations during harvest season, avoid the frustrating uncertainty of the H-2B lottery, and focus on growing their businesses.” The Virginia seafood industry contributes over $1 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy each year, supports over 7,000 jobs for Virginians, and generates $26 million in state tax revenue. Many of Virginia’s seafood processors rely on workers from the H-2B visa program to harvest and process Virginia crabs and oysters in season, but processors annually struggle to get enough workers during the season when they are needed most. The SOS Act would permanently exempt seasonal, non-immigrant workers who work in seafood processing from the cap on H-2B visas, ensuring that processors have the workforce they need, when they need them to meet the increased demand at the start of the harvesting season. Kaine and Warner have long supported Virginia’s seafood industry. Earlier this year, the senators met with former Department of Labor (DOL) Secre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1E0D6C04-AE36-49AE-8C1C-CAF92BDFBD4E In Light of Inspector General Probe, Virginia Leaders Push for Pause on FBI Relocation 2023-12-04 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) have sent a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget requesting that the FBI headquarters relocation process be paused in order to allow the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to properly investigate the site selection process. The OIG review comes in response to a November 15 letter penned by the lawmakers, who requested that the Inspector General investigate significant concerns that the GSA site selection process was fouled by political interference and alleged impropriety – a concern echoed by the FBI Director himself. “It is vital that both GSA and the FBI fully cooperate and provide relevant information to the Inspector General’s review, and that they allow time and space for investigatory efforts to reach a thorough conclusion,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge the Administration to pause efforts to advance this headquarters process, allowing for transparent and fair review.” They continued, “For more than a decade there has been a clear and shared understanding of the critical nature of this project. The decision bears significant impact on the law enforcement and national security missions of the FBI – GSA’s client agency on this project. All of the parties involved, including GSA and the FBI, had previously stated publicly the need for a process that was fair, transparent, and determined by the merits of the prospective sites. In light of the objections from the FBI, there is concern that this standard was not met. This process must be paused to allow for a fair and transparent review to address these concerns.” The effort to relocate the FBI spans years of work and multiple presidential administrations. For months, the lawmakers have been making the case that Virginia is the best home for the FBI in part because… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-kaine-speaks-at-virginia-economic-summit-and-forum PHOTOS: Kaine Speaks at Virginia Economic Summit and Forum 2023-12-01 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper Photos are available here. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine gave keynote remarks at the 14th Annual Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade in Richmond. The summit was hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), and it was attended by almost 600 business and policy leaders. “Virginia’s workers and business community are second to none, and we’ve made so much progress together to recover from the pandemic,” said Kaine. “Today’s gathering was a good opportunity to discuss how we can keep building on our economic recovery, including by making our workforce even stronger. That’s why I will continue championing my JOBS Act to expand access to high-quality job training, my legislation to make child care more affordable, and more.” During his remarks, Kaine spoke about funding and provisions he secured to boost economic development across the Commonwealth. A list of some of the projects he’s secured funding for is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-joins-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-improve-student-outcomes Kaine Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Improve Student Outcomes 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) in introducing the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2023, legislation to improve student outcomes and strengthen public education by expanding full-service community schools. Full-service community schools are public schools and districts that bring in wraparound support services, including medical, mental, and nutrition health services, mentoring and youth development programs, technical assistance, and continuing education courses. They have a proven track record of producing tangible results for students, including advancing academic achievement and improving attendance. The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would provide essential resources to school districts to plan, implement, expand, and build infrastructure for full-service community schools. “Schools provide more than a traditional education. For many students, they also serve as critical support systems that help them access the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom,” said Kaine. “By expanding access to community schools like this bill does, more public schools will be better equipped to serve students and families, particularly those from low-income and underserved backgrounds.” Specifically, the Full-Service Community School Expansion Act would: Invest $3.65 billion over the next five years to plan, implement, expand, and support full-service community schools serving low-income students; Provide renewable grant opportunities and additional resources to existing community schools to improve collaboration and communication among school leadership and strengthen wraparound services that support the needs of students, families, and neighborhoods. Build out community school infrastructure by funding the establishment of state-level teams that provide professional development opportunities and resources for community school staff, and collaborate … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-wyden-crapo-and-colleagues-call-on-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-and-stand-up-to-china-support-american-workers-and-human-rights Kaine, Wyden, Crapo & Colleagues Call on White House to Reverse Course on Digital Trade and Stand Up to China, Support American Workers and Human Rights 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) called on President Biden to reaffirm America’s global economic leadership by reversing a decision by the U.S. Trade Representative to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that allow the free flow of information across borders, protect against the forced transfer of American technology and promote open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses. The letter is cosigned by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Barrasso (R-WY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Charles Grassley (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Angus King (I-ME), Tedd Budd (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Cardin, D-MD), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), James Risch (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ). For nearly 30 years, the United States, along with democratic allies like the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and others, have supported the internet and free information flows as an engine of innovation and economic growth and a bulwark against authoritarian regimes that seek to dominate international digital rules. Human rights and free expression advocates such as Freedom House raised concerns that USTR’s decision to withdraw support for key positions, without offering any alternatives, gives China, Russia and other repressive regimes an opening to advance policies allowing greater surveillance and censorship. U.S. creators, small businesses and major industries have also warned the USTR move will further China’s model for digital protectionism and allow unfair trade practices targeting U.S. employers. “These commitments reflect bipartisan principl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-leaders-welcome-ig-investigation-into-fbi-site-selection-process Virginia Leaders Welcome IG Investigation into FBI Site Selection Process 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today welcomed the news that the Inspector General (IG) of the General Services Administration (GSA) will initiate an investigation into the site selection to relocate the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, issuing the following statement: “Given the overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by politics, we agree that an inspector general investigation is the appropriate next step. We applaud the inspector general for moving quickly and encourage him to move forward to complete a careful and thorough review. In the meantime, the GSA must pause all activities related to the relocation until the IG’s investigation is complete.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-108-million-to-improve-coastal-resilience-in-norfolk-and-virginias-coastal-communities Warner & Kaine Announce Over $10.8 Million to Improve Coastal Resilience in Norfolk and Virginia’s Coastal Communities 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $10,801,611.50 in federal funding to improve coastal resilience and combat sea level rise in Norfolk and Virginia’s coastal communities. The funding was awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), which provides funding to restore, increase, and strengthen natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife. “Severe flooding and sea level rise hurt Virginia communities, businesses, and economies. It’s important that we have the infrastructure in place to protect these communities,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding will help Norfolk and other coastal communities in Virginia improve resilience and address challenges created by flooding, storms, and sea level rise.” The funding is distributed as follows: $10,000,000 for Norfolk to improve flood management and water quality at St. Paul’s Blue-Greenway, a multipurpose park that will be located in St. Paul’s Redevelopment Project in Tidewater Gardens, one of Norfolk’s largest public housing complexes. The area is susceptible to frequent flooding due to stormwater events and the current stormwater system's ineffective connection to the river through canals and box culverts. The funding will be used to construct a nine-acre stormwater wetland, a shallow area with vegetation that captures stormwater and removes pollutants, which helps mitigate flooding and improves water quality. The wetland will also provide habitats and open spaces to support various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, and other small mammals and insects. $493,702.82 for the Old Dominion Research Foundation to address flooding and sea level rise in Southside Norfolk. The funding will be used to collect data related to flooding, engage the Southside community in designing infrastructure and nature-based solutions to alleviate recurring problems caused by flooding, storms, and sea level rise, and provi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T22:33:57Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7412E67E-5480-4433-AD4E-24B4770095F4 Virginia Leaders Welcome GSA Investigation Into FBI Site Selection 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), and Rob Wittman (R-VA) today welcomed the news that the Inspector General (IG) of the General Services Administration (GSA) will initiate an investigation into the site selection to relocate the new Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters, issuing the following statement: “Given the overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by politics, we agree that an inspector general investigation is the appropriate next step. We applaud the inspector general for moving quickly and encourage him to move forward to complete a careful and thorough review. In the meantime, the GSA must pause all activities related to the relocation until the IG’s investigation is complete.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D9714945-96BE-4AC1-807C-39E722B8A325 Warner & Kaine Announce Over $10.8 Million to Improve Coastal Resilience in Norfolk and Virginia’s Coastal Communities 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $10,801,611.50 in federal funding to improve coastal resilience and combat sea level rise in Norfolk and Virginia’s coastal communities. The funding was awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF), which provides funding to restore, increase, and strengthen natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife. “Severe flooding and sea level rise hurt Virginia communities, businesses, and economies. It’s important that we have the infrastructure in place to protect these communities,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding will help Norfolk and other coastal communities in Virginia improve resilience and address challenges created by flooding, storms, and sea level rise.” The funding is distributed as follows: $10,000,000 for Norfolk to improve flood management and water quality at St. Paul’s Blue-Greenway, a multipurpose park that will be located in St. Paul’s Redevelopment Project in Tidewater Gardens, one of Norfolk’s largest public housing complexes. The area is susceptible to frequent flooding due to stormwater events and the current stormwater system's ineffective connection to the river through canals and box culverts. The funding will be used to construct a nine-acre stormwater wetland, a shallow area with vegetation that captures stormwater and removes pollutants, which helps mitigate flooding and improves water quality. The wetland will also provide habitats and open spaces to support various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats, and other small mammals and insects. $493,702.82 for the Old Dominion Research Foundation to address flooding and sea level rise in Southside Norfolk. The funding will be used to collect data related to flooding, engage the Southside community in designing infrastructure and nature-based solutions to alleviate recurring problems caused by flooding, storms, and sea level rise, and provide traini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-durbin-collins-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-address-uptick-in-attacks-on-postal-service-mail-carriers Kaine, Durbin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Uptick in Attacks on Postal Service Mail Carriers 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in introducing bipartisan legislation to address the steep increase in robberies against postal workers, who are often targeted for their arrow keys. These keys can command thousands of dollars on the clandestine market because they allow access to cluster mailboxes and their contents, including Social Security checks, prescriptions, and other valuable items. The Postal Police Reform Act would ensure that Postal Police Officers may be assigned to duty outside of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) real property to protect letter carriers on their routes. “Mail carriers and Postal Service employees play a critical role in ensuring millions of Americans receive their mail,” said Kaine. “Amid a rise in mail theft in recent years, this bipartisan bill will help protect mail and mail carriers and will ensure Americans who depend on the Postal Service get their bills, prescription medications, and more.” The Postal Inspection Service reports that armed robberies of letter carriers increased sharply between 2018 and 2021, rising from 36 incidents to 154 incidents. Communities across Virginia, including Henrico County, Newport News, and Richmond, have seen robberies of USPS drivers, mail carriers, and post boxes in recent months. In 2020, under the leadership of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the USPS issued a directive that restricted Postal Police Officers to physical USPS properties. This directive has prevented Postal Police Officers from protecting the postal service and the integrity of the postal system outside physical postal properties. Prior to this order, Postal Police Officers were regularly granted authority to carry out their duties both on and off USPS property through annual appropriations language. The Postal Police Reform Act would counteract Postmaster General DeJoy’s 2020 directive and again allow Postal Police Officers to operate outside of Postal Service real property. Kaine has long worked … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-shares-stories-from-fairfax-city-blacksburg-on-senate-floor-to-highlight-need-to-address-child-care-crisis VIDEO: Kaine Shares Stories from Fairfax City, Blacksburg on Senate Floor to Highlight Need to Address Child Care Crisis 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, who serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding the need to renew child care funding that recently expired and help families get the support they need. During his remarks, Kaine shared stories from a parent in Fairfax City and a provider in Blacksburg to highlight the detrimental consequences of the lack of affordable child care. Click HERE to WATCH Kaine’s speech. “We have to act to restore the child care funding that created breathing room for our providers and our families. And I stand together with my colleagues to do all we can to support President Biden’s request that we add $16 billion in child care funding at this most critical time,” Kaine said. Kaine referenced two stories from Virginians in his speech. Heather, a parent in FairfaxCity, said: “One of the reasons my family ended up homeless was because we didn't have access to quality, affordable child care for our boys when they were little. They also lost access to programs that would allow them to be school-ready. When I was pregnant with our twins, I was hospitalized for almost 12 weeks, and we couldn't afford child care for our boys, so my husband would drop them off at the hospital so that he would be able to go to work. “Unfortunately, without access to child care and a hospital being no place for kids to stay all day long, he ended up losing jobs, which in turn meant we lost money to provide for ourselves. We had to go on SNAP to have food, and eventually, he lost his business, and we became homeless... one of the biggest contributing factors was the lack of access to affordable child care. At the time there was not enough space in other programs like Head Start. “Without access to affordable, quality child care, families are hurting. The lack of access to this vital service has forced families to not be able to work, go to school, or even leave kids at home in compromising positions just to be able to put food on the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-624-million-for-clean-water-infrastructure-upgrades-in-virginia Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $62.4 Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $62,362,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing to communities for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, pollution control, wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, and water reuse. More than $47 million of this funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Warner and Kaine helped pass. “Clean water is important for the health of all Virginians,” the senators said. “We’re glad this funding will help improve infrastructure throughout Virginia and ensure our communities have access to safe water.” Virginia will use the funding to help communities across the Commonwealth fund necessary water projects that some communities may not have been able to afford otherwise. Specifically, the funding may be used to: Improve wastewater collection and treatment facilities, Upgrade stormwater management systems, Clean up contaminated brownfields such as abandoned factories, gas stations, and dry cleaners, Build living shorelines, which are made from natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock and purify water, buffer floods, and reduce erosion, and Conserve lands. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve water infrastructure. Earlier this month, the senators announced over $8.1 million in federal funding to improve wastewater treatment in Kilmarnock and Clarksville. Warner and Kaine also announced over $4 million in federal funding, courtesy of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for clean water improvement in September of this year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=76B7AA8C-4786-48D5-8584-4F7B8BB544A5 U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner & Tim Kaine Announce Nearly $62.4 Million for Clear Water Infrastructure Upgrades in Virginia 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $62,362,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) to make clean water infrastructure upgrades across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing to communities for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects, including municipal wastewater facilities, pollution control, wastewater treatment systems, stormwater runoff mitigation, green infrastructure, and water reuse. More than $47 million of this funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Sens. Warner and Kaine helped pass. “Clean water is important for the health of all Virginians,” the senators said. “We’re glad this funding will help improve infrastructure throughout Virginia and ensure our communities have access to safe water.” Virginia will use the funding to help communities across the Commonwealth fund necessary water projects that some communities may not have been able to afford otherwise. Specifically, the funding may be used to: Improve wastewater collection and treatment facilities, Upgrade stormwater management systems, Clean up contaminated brownfields such as abandoned factories, gas stations, and dry cleaners, Build living shorelines, which are made from natural materials such as plants, sand, or rock and purify water, buffer floods, and reduce erosion, and Conserve lands. Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve water infrastructure. Earlier this month, the senators announced over $8.1 million in federal funding to improve wastewater treatment in Kilmarnock and Clarksville. the senators also announced over $4 million in federal funding, courtesy of the BIL for clean water improvement in September of this year. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-wicker-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-commemorate-90th-anniversary-of-holodomor-reaffirm-support-for-ukraine Kaine & Wicker Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Holodomor, Reaffirm Support for Ukraine 2023-11-28 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a resolution commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Ukraine Famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, and underscoring the threat of Russia’s current war on Ukraine to the existence of the Ukrainian people and global food security. The resolution comes in advance of negotiations over a bipartisan supplemental funding package to support key national security priorities, including aid for Ukraine. Kaine has called for swift passage of this package. “90 years ago, millions of Ukrainians lost their lives because of Joseph Stalin’s forced famine,” said Senator Kaine. “Today, Russia’s war on Ukraine is having devastating impacts on the Ukrainian people and global food supply. We must remember the victims and survivors of the Holodomor, condemn Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine and his weaponization of hunger, and continue to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression.” “The Ukrainian people are no strangers to the cruel will of a Russian dictator. Ninety years ago, a Soviet-imposed famine killed millions. Today, Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked assault has not only brought hunger to millions but also threatened the very existence of Ukraine. As we mark the anniversary of the Holodomor, we also need to recognize Ukraine’s current peril and continue helping them win,” said Senator Wicker. Russia’s war in Ukraine has strangled Ukraine’s ability to export much-needed wheat. As the producer of roughly a fifth of the world’s high-grade wheat, Ukraine has historically played an outsized role in the global food supply. The ongoing war and Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal, which allowed international shipments of corn, wheat, barley, and other food products from three ports in Ukraine, is causing prices for grains to soar around the world, threatening to put millions of people in countries dependent on Ukraine’s food exports in danger, and de… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-secure-41-million-to-support-small-businesses-in-virginia Warner & Kaine Secure $4.1 Million to Support Small Businesses in Virginia 2023-11-27 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine secured $4.1 million in federal funding for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) to help small businesses across Virginia access capital. Specifically, the funding will provide small business owners with technical assistance like webinars, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, job and resource fairs, and community events. The funding was awarded under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant Program, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan was supported by Warner and Kaine and passed the Senate by one vote. “Small businesses help keep our communities and economy running, but many of the smallest and most underserved businesses face significant barriers accessing capital,” said the senators. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan we passed, Virginia is receiving funding for the SSBCI program to help ensure entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to access capital and grow their business.” In December 2022, Virginia received $230.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the SSBCI program, which will enhance access to capital for Virginia’s small businesses. The $4.1 million in funding will help ensure very small and underserved businesses receive technical assistance to assist them in applying for funding through this and other federal programs. The VSBFA anticipates providing technical assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries, resulting in 500 pitch applications submitted to the state’s SSBCI capital programs and other federal programs. Warner, the co-chair of the Senate CDFI Caucus, has been a longtime leader in Congress for increasing access to capital for small businesses in underserved communities. To combat hemorrhaging jobs and the loss of economic opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner authored legislation to make a record $12 billion investment in CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and successfu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=64F82B87-D113-4CDD-B4C7-0DC089FC5D96 U.S. Sens. Warner & Kaine Secure $4.1 Million to Support Small Businesses in Virginia 2023-11-27 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine secured $4.1 million in federal funding for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) to help small businesses across Virginia access capital. Specifically, the funding will provide small business owners with technical assistance like webinars, workshops, one-on-one mentoring, job and resource fairs, and community events. The funding was awarded under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant Program, which was reauthorized and expanded by the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan was supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine and passed the Senate with a one vote margin. “Small businesses help keep our communities and economy running, but many of the smallest and most underserved businesses face significant barriers accessing capital,” said the senators. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan we passed, Virginia is receiving funding for the SSBCI program to help ensure entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to access capital and grow their business.” In December 2022, Virginia received $230.4 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the SSBCI program, which will enhance access to capital for Virginia’s small businesses. The $4.1 million in funding will help ensure very small and underserved businesses receive technical assistance to assist them in applying for funding through this and other federal programs. The VSBFA anticipates providing technical assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries, resulting in 500 pitch applications submitted to the state’s SSBCI capital programs and other federal programs. Sen. Warner, the co-chair of the Senate CDFI Caucus, has been a longtime leader in Congress for increasing access to capital for small businesses in underserved communities. To combat hemorrhaging jobs and the loss of economic opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner authored legislation to make a record $12 billion investment in CDFIs and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/following-kaine-and-colleagues-push-va-pauses-foreclosures-for-veterans-at-risk-of-losing-their-homes Following Kaine & Colleagues’ Push, VA Pauses Foreclosures for Veterans at Risk of Losing their Homes 2023-11-21 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, applauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that the VA will pause foreclosures for veterans and servicemembers using VA home loans for six months to ensure they can stay in their homes. The announcement follows a push by Kaine and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Jack Reed (D-RI) to urge the VA to take immediate action to prevent thousands of veterans and servicemembers who used VA home loan guarantee benefits from losing their homes. “Our veterans, servicemembers, and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we owe them our gratitude and support,” said Kaine. “I’m glad the VA heeded our call by taking this positive step to help our veterans and servicemembers stay in their homes. I’ll keep fighting to support those who have served and encourage the Department to implement a long-term solution as quickly as possible.” Veterans and servicemembers with VA home loans who faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic used forbearance to pause their mortgage payments without penalty. The VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments, but for more than a year, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgages current, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes. To ensure these veterans and servicemembers can stay in their homes, the VA is calling on mortgage servicers to pause foreclosures of VA home loans through May 31, 2024. It is also extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program through May 31, 2024, to allow veterans to access a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan from the Department to cover missed payments and modify their existing VA loan to achieve affordable monthly payments for the duration of this extension. In addition to pausing foreclosures and extending the COVID-19 Refund Modification program, the VA is continuing its efforts to launch the Department’s newest home… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-the-black-lung-benefits-program Warner & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the Black Lung Benefits Program 2023-11-21 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) in introducing the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease and their survivors access the workers’ compensation they are entitled to receive under the Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation would remove barriers that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing their benefits such as lengthy processing times, lack of a legal representative, and inflation. “For generations, coal miners across Virginia have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives and their health to electrify our nation,” said Senator Warner. “Miners living with black lung and their survivors need easy access to the benefits they’ve earned – but far too often, red tape gets in the way. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act would take important steps to make sure miners can access legal representation, have protection against inflation, and more so America can keep making good on the debt it owes to victims of black lung.” “Many of our nation’s miners have developed black lung disease, and we owe it to them to provide them with the care and support they need,” said Senator Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act is critical to helping more miners, miner retirees, and their families receive the benefits and compensation they’ve earned following their tremendous sacrifices.” Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes needed updates t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9CB62D94-0DAB-4EF8-94C3-307B33A71FF9 Warner & Kaine Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the Black Lung Benefits Program 2023-11-21 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine joined Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-3) in introducing the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, which would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease and their survivors access the workers’ compensation they are entitled to receive under the Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation would remove barriers that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing their benefits such as lengthy processing times, lack of a legal representative, and inflation. “For generations, coal miners across Virginia have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives and their health to electrify our nation,” said Senator Warner. “Miners living with black lung and their survivors need easy access to the benefits they’ve earned – but far too often, red tape gets in the way. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act would take important steps to make sure miners can access legal representation, have protection against inflation, and more so America can keep making good on the debt it owes to victims of black lung.” “Many of our nation’s miners have developed black lung disease, and we owe it to them to provide them with the care and support they need,” said Senator Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act is critical to helping more miners, miner retirees, and their families receive the benefits and compensation they’ve earned following their tremendous sacrifices.” Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes needed updates t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=AD1C1E88-EBE2-42BE-AD7A-28C0CA0CD7D3 Senate Intel Chair Warner on the Deal to Free Hostages Held by Hamas 2023-11-21 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the statement below after the announcement of a deal between Israel and Hamas to free hostages taken in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in exchange for a multi-day cessation of hostilities in Gaza. “I’m very heartened to see the announcement of a deal to finally bring home some of the hostages taken during the unconscionable terrorist attacks on October 7. I applaud all parties involvedin the negotiations, including the Biden Administration, for reachingthis critical breakthrough. However, our work will not be finished until all hostages have been returned to their families. It’s also clear that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated, and that the multi-day cessation of hostilities secured as part of the deal willenable the delivery of much-neededhumanitarian aid andsave many innocent Palestinian lives. Now that we have a deal, it’s incumbent on both parties to honor this agreement and to continue making every effort to protect innocent civilian lives." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/baldwin-kaine-van-hollen-lead-colleagues-in-calling-for-immediate-steps-to-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza-and-protect-civilians Baldwin, Kaine, Van Hollen Lead Colleagues in Calling for Immediate Steps to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza and Protect Civilians 2023-11-20 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) led their colleagues in urging President Biden to work with Israel and international partners to implement a plan that will protect innocent civilian life in Gaza, deliver sustained humanitarian aid, and work toward the long term goals of ending Hamas’s threat, bringing hostages home, and achieving sustainable peace in the region through a two-state solution. In the letter to President Biden, the senators call for the protection of civilians and civilian sites, the opening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, and access to prompt medical attention for civilians injured to help address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “As you and your administration work with Israel and international partners to secure the release of hostages and respond to the terror attack on Israel, we join you in your urgent call for humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We encourage you to work with international partners to achieve expeditious implementation of a plan for sustained humanitarian aid in Gaza. We hope you’ll join us in encouraging our ally Israel to take immediate steps to help provide critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians in Gaza, including re-opening the Kerem Shalom border crossing to allow life-saving water, food, and fuel to reach vulnerable civilians,” the senators wrote. The senators continued, “We are concerned that increased and prolonged suffering in Gaza is not only intolerable for Palestinian civilians there but will also negatively impact the security of Israeli civilians by exacerbating existing tensions and eroding regional alliances.” The senators concluded, “This conflict will not be solved by force alone. Preservation of and respect for innocent life is both morally right and the best hope for a long-term strategy to accomplish security, stability, and peace in the region.” In addition to Senators Baldwin, Kaine, and Van Hollen, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), B… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-celebrate-appointment-of-interagency-regional-coordinator-for-resilience Warner, Kaine, Scott Celebrate Appointment of Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience 2023-11-20 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Defense announced the selection of the Hampton Roads region as the first defense community in the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience Pilot Program, which aims to increase federal support for collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to enhance climate resilience in defense communities. U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA) and Representative Bobby Scott (VA-03) have long advocated for additional federal support for climate adaptation in the region, including the creation of a coordinator position in Hampton Roads. “The Hampton Roads region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which puts crucial military instillations at risk,” said the lawmakers. “The Interagency Regional Coordinators for Resilience will help ensure that our military readiness is maintained by enacting effective climate adaptation strategies that build on the work of local governments and existing regional efforts. We will keep working together to help make sure Hampton Roads continues to serve as a model for other communities working to build resilience.” In 2022, the lawmakers secured passage of language to establish the pilot program in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act as an amendment, which Rep. Scott introduced with the support of Senators Warner and Kaine. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-durbin-merkley-and-welch-statement-on-guatemala Kaine, Durbin, Merkley, and Welch Statement on Guatemala 2023-11-17 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Peter Welch (D-VT), released the following statement regarding efforts to strip Guatemalan President-elect Bernardo Arévalo and several members of his party of their immunity: “The Guatemalan Attorney General’s efforts to strip the immunity of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President-elect Herrera are a blatant abuse of power and undermine the peaceful transition of power in Guatemala. The Attorney General’s arrests of civil society and members of the Semilla party yesterday are an unacceptable criminalization of free speech and an affront to the rule of law. They represent another tragic chapter in the Giammattei administration’s systematic persecution against anti-corruption advocates, journalists, and political opponents. We condemn these attacks against democracy in Guatemala. These attacks are not only destabilizing for Guatemala, but also the entire region. The Biden administration has rightly imposed visa restrictions on those attempting to undermine the peaceful political transition to President-elect Arévalo. We stand with President-elect Arévalo, the Organization of American States, and the Guatemalan people in demanding a peaceful transition of power, and again call on Guatemalan officials to respect the will of the people.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-urge-department-of-education-to-combat-antisemitism-and-islamophobia-on-college-campuses Warner and Kaine Urge Department of Education to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia on College Campuses 2023-11-17 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) wrote to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona to urge the DOE to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on college and university campuses. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas crisis, higher education institutions have seen a precipitous rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, including hate speech, harassment, and violence – creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students. “We write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage,” the senators wrote. The letter draws attention to a few specific and recent examples of Islamophobia and antisemitism on college campuses. At Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest. “In the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that,” the senators continued. “We look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.” In the letter, the senators specifically call on the DOE to: expand the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign, craft an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign, conduct additional outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities, and provide resources to colleges and universities from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Sens. Warner and Ka… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=38C8BD98-454E-4F0C-83E5-3D18397D9997 Warner and Kaine Urge Department of Education to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia on College Campuses 2023-11-17 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) wrote to U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona to urge the DOE to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on college and university campuses. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas crisis, higher education institutions have seen a precipitous rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, including hate speech, harassment, and violence – creating an environment of fear and vulnerability for students. “We write to express our concern about the alarming rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States following the recent violence in Israel and Gaza. These events have had a profound impact on our college and university campuses, where students of all backgrounds come together to learn and engage,” the senators wrote. The letter draws attention to a few specific and recent examples of Islamophobia and antisemitism on college campuses. At Stanford University, an Arab Muslim student was the victim of a hit-and-run, where the perpetrator shouted vulgar and racist remarks during his attack. At Cornell University, a student posted violent threats online against the Jewish community, subsequently leading to his arrest. “In the face of these challenges, it is essential that we stand together as a nation against discrimination, xenophobia, and bigotry. Hate has no place in America, and our educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that,” the senators continued. “We look forward to your continued dedication to this important issue. We are hopeful that, together, we can create a safer environment for students at our colleges and universities.” In the letter, the senators specifically call on the DOE to: expand the Antisemitism Awareness Campaign, craft an Islamophobia Awareness Campaign, conduct additional outreach to Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab student communities, and provide resources to colleges and universities from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Sens. Warner and Kaine have … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/brown-tester-reed-kaine-urge-va-secretary-to-help-veterans-stay-in-their-homes Brown, Tester, Reed, Kaine Urge VA Secretary to Help Veterans Stay in Their Homes 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, along with Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee, Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Banking and Housing Committee and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, urged Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to protect veterans who used their VA home loan guarantee benefit from foreclosure. Veterans and servicemembers with VA loans who faced financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic used forbearance to pause their mortgage payments and stay in their homes. VA previously offered solutions to help borrowers exit forbearance and get back on track with their payments. But for more than a year, veterans have not had a viable option to bring their mortgages current, leaving them vulnerable to losing their homes. “[Tens] of thousands of veterans and servicemembers are left with no viable options to get back on track with payments and save their homes. Stories from across the country show that this is already having severe consequences for veterans and their families,” the Senators wrote. “With each additional day that passes, risks mount for borrowers who are facing foreclosure while they wait for a solution from VA.” A copy of the letter can be found HERE or below. Dear Secretary McDonough: We write today urging the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to address the potential crisis facing many veterans who used their VA home loan guarantee benefit. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique hardships for millions of Americans, including veterans and servicemembers. Recognizing the financial burden that the pandemic would cause for families, Congress acted quickly in 2020 to allow borrowers to pause their mortgage payments without penalty. VA also acted quickly to imp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-domestic-abuse-survivors-from-gun-violence Kaine & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in introducing the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. The bill was named in honor of Lori Jackson of Connecticut and Nicolette Elias of Oregon, who tragically lost their lives to gun violence when they were killed by their abusive partners. “Every year, survivors of domestic violence tragically lose their lives to gun violence, and we must do more to ensure they’re protected,” said Kaine. “This bill would better protect domestic violence survivors by keeping guns out of the hands of abusers.” Specifically, the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would: Restrict individuals under emergency restraining orders from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Current federal law prevents domestic abusers from purchasing or possessing a firearm only when a court issues a final restraining order, leaving survivors unprotected when there is only a temporary or emergency restraining order. Extend protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The current definition of “intimate partner” used to prohibit domestic violence abusers from purchasing a firearm includes spouses, former spouses, people with a child in common, and cohabitants; however, many survivors of domestic violence were never married, do not live with their abuser, and have no children. Establish a new grant program to help state and local governments implement policies that keep firearms out of the hands of domestic violence perpetrators while they are subject to a temporary or emergency restraining order. These policies include: requiring a domestic violence abuser to surrender or sell any firearm or ammunition in their possession; revoking their permit or license to purchase, possess or carry a firearm or ammunition while the restraining order is in effect; and requiring that a … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-western-district-of-virginia-judicial-recommendations Warner and Kaine Announce Western District of Virginia Judicial Recommendations 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to President Biden recommending both Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon to fill one upcoming vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which will be created when Judge Michael F. Urbanski assumes senior status in July 2024. Patice Holland was born and raised in Franklin County and has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk and now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia. Jasmine Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases. “We are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024,” said the senators. “Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.” Warner and Kaine recommended Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon based on their distinguished records and the assessments of an independent panel of attorneys from across the Commonwealth as well as feedback from numerous bar associations in Virginia. President Biden will now nominate one individual for the position to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Comm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-request-guidance-on-federal-employees-right-to-self-expression-during-middle-east-conflict Warner and Kaine Request Guidance on Federal Employees’ Right to Self-Expression During Middle East Conflict 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This letter comes in response to concerns voiced by Virginia federal workers who fear censorship or retaliation for expressing their personal views about the ongoing conflict. “Virginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens,” wrote the Senators. “Unfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.” “As federal employees – many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict – continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government,” they continued. “Although we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees’ rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.” A copy of the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=861B3EF1-B5A9-409D-93FC-8CCEE8DE9BC1 Warner and Kaine Announce Western District of Virginia Judicial Recommendations 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to President Biden recommending both Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon to fill one upcoming vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, which will be created when Judge Michael F. Urbanski assumes senior status in July 2024. Patice Holland was born and raised in Franklin County and has worked at Wood Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC in Roanoke, Virginia since 2007, having first joined the firm as a law clerk and now serving as a Principal Attorney and chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. In addition to her practice, she currently serves as substitute judge in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Virginia. Ms. Holland dedicates her free time to community outreach and serves on nine bar associations in Virginia. Jasmine Yoon is the Vice President for Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capital One Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she served as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, her alma mater. She also worked as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she investigated and prosecuted over 80 financial crimes and public corruption cases. “We are pleased to recommend Ms. Patice Holland and Ms. Jasmine Yoon for the vacancy on the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, following the decision by Chief Judge Michael F. Urbanski to assume senior status effective July 4, 2024,” said the senators. “Both would serve with great distinction and have our highest recommendation.” Warner and Kaine recommended Patice Holland and Jasmine Yoon based on their distinguished records and the assessments of an independent panel of attorneys from across the Commonwealth as well as feedback from numerous bar associations in Virginia. President Biden will now nominate one individual for the position to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=962F881D-1551-4C2E-A681-0057FDCD601F In Response to the People's Republic of China's Dominance in the Industry, Senate Intel Chair and Vice Chair Lead Colleagues in Push to Support Critical Mineral Projects 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – In response to China’s continued dominance of the critical mineral supply chain, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) led a group of bipartisan colleagues in a call for action to secure supply chains and reduce U.S. reliance on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for minerals that are inputs for critical technologies, including through increased government support to U.S. private sector companies investing and operating in critical mineral projects. This is the latest step that the Intelligence Committee leaders have taken to counter China’s dominance of this growing industry. Last month, Sens. Warner and Rubio hosted government officials and domestic industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on access to critical minerals. In a letter to the Biden administration, the senators highlighted the exploding demand of critical minerals and their growing importance to U.S. national security, while pointing out the U.S. is falling behind its adversaries in efforts to secure the global critical mineral supply chain. The senators wrote, “Demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially, yet the U.S. substantially lags behind its adversaries in securing critical mineral supply chains. In fact, in many cases China controls nearly 100 percent of the end-to-end supply chain, and is actively seeking to maintain and increase its control of these resources around the globe.” Outlining key areas where improvement is needed to expand domestic capabilities, the senators requested that the administration take a series of steps to ensure U.S. support to domestic industry, to strengthen internal coordination across government agencies, and to formulate a strategy for U.S. collaboration with our allies, to combat China’s growing dominance in this space. They continued, “Focusing the efforts of the U.S. government, in coordination with our allies, upon standing up processing, refining, and metallurgical capacity must be a priority if we are … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9B1B4FD0-5E9E-440A-8C74-2F0519D56089 Warner and Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Turbocharge Investment in American Spaceports 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to support spaceports across the nation, unleashing investment in space and addressing the concerning spaceport bottleneck. TheAlleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators (ASTRO) Act would award funding to spaceports with proven track records of launches, protecting and promoting America’s strategic, military, and commercial interests in space exploration while supporting local economies surrounding spaceports. “Space is an incredibly critical frontier for the next generation of America’s strategic needs and economic growth,”said Sen. Warner. “TheASTRO Act would solve a pressing need by allowing successful spaceports to rapidly scale their operations, unleashing the potential for more frequent launches and paving the way for breakthroughs across the cosmos.” “America’s spaceports are facing increasing demand for launch services,” said Sen. Sullivan. “As one of four sites in the United States with a demonstrated ability to vertically launch objects into orbit, the Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island plays a key role in providing American access to space, and also providing much-needed missiles to our allies, like Israel. The ASTRO Act is a critical step towards strengthening our space launch capabilities and will allow for needed infrastructure developments that will help bolster our national security, and propel our nation’s space ambitions for generations to come.” America faces a severe and worsening “spaceport bottleneck” as the need for space launch facilities vastly outstrips supply, creating very high demand on a small number of facilities. TheASTRO Actwould get non-federal spaceports the resources they need to build transit infrastructure and quickly increase launch capacity and cadence. Under theASTRO Act, spaceports would receive $250,000 for each licensed launch and $100,000 for each permitted launch up to $2.5 million annually, promoting investment in spaceports that already have a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B2730789-BEDF-4806-BDDF-D357275417B2 Warner and Kaine Request Guidance on Federal Employees' Right to Self-Expression During Middle East Conflict 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Special Counsel requesting guidance on the self-expression rights of federal workers as related to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. This letter comes in response to concerns voiced by Virginia federal workers who fear censorship or retaliation for expressing their personal views about the ongoing conflict. “Virginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of federal employees in the country. These federal employees perform essential work for the country and deserve respect for their public service and commitment to their fellow citizens,” wrote the Senators. “Unfortunately, we have heard from a number of federal employees in Virginia that they are either afraid to share their personal views for fear of being targeted for reprisal, or do not know the policies around sharing personal views and have consequently remained silent, even amid personal grief. Fears of being targeted for reprisal or remaining silent have manifested in numerous ways, including deleting social media, refraining from attending demonstrations, or simply refusing to share any views.” “As federal employees – many of whom have personal connections to the ongoing conflict – continue to serve their country with dignity and professionalism through this challenging period, it is essential that they be offered clear and transparent guidance on their right to self-expression as employees of the United States government,” they continued. “Although we appreciate your outreach efforts to federal employees thus far, current OPM and OSC policies lack adequate guidance on this matter and have left many federal employees unaware of their rights. This conflict has brought incredible heartache to countless Americans, and we urge you to act swiftly to develop clear guidance on federal employees’ rights allowing for the appropriate expression of these sentiments.” A copy of the letter i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/cassidy-kaine-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improving-retirement-savings-for-working-americans Cassidy, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Bill Improving Retirement Savings for Working Americans 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate HELP Committee, introduced the Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act. The legislation would help more Americans ages 18 to 20 years old access employer-sponsored retirement plans by removing barriers that discourage companies from offering these benefits to younger employees. “Americans who decide to enter the workforce instead of going to college should have every opportunity available to save for retirement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation increases those opportunities and empowers working Americans to plan for a secure retirement.” “Young people who are starting out in their careers should be able to access employer-sponsored retirement plans like everyone else,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan bill would help more Americans access critical retirement benefits and put them on a path to a better financial future.” Specifically, the bill would lower the participation age of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)-covered defined contribution (DC) plans to 18 years old under certain circumstances, providing access to retirement savings plans for eligible workers in this age range who currently don’t have access to their employers’ plans. Covered plans would still be able to set a minimum age threshold up to 18 years old. This legislation also removes costly provisions that would otherwise make covering younger workers expensive. Specifically, the bill delays ERISA provisions that require businesses to undergo mandatory audits if they allow employees under the age of 21 to start contributing to their pension. The legislation also exempts 18 to 20-year-old employees from testing related to retirement funds that would otherwise increase the cost of administering retirement plans for these employees. A 2021 report showed that 40 percent of workplaces only offer benefits to employees who a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-introduces-bill-to-support-student-survivors-of-sexual-assault Kaine Introduces Bill to Support Student Survivors of Sexual Assault 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors (SUCCESS) Act, legislation to support student survivors of sexual assault and other violence. The bill would help improve academic outcomes for student survivors and help ensure universities and colleges have the resources to support them. “Colleges and universities have an obligation to do everything they can to prevent sexual assault on their campuses and provide resources to support student survivors,” said Kaine. “This bill is critical to helping ensure survivors of sexual assault can access the support they need to pursue their academic and career goals.” Approximately 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students report experiencing sexual assault or violence. Many student survivors are impacted physically, psychologically, emotionally, and academically. Research has found that survivors of sexual assault are more likely to have lower grade point averages and ultimately drop out of school. The SUCCESS Act aims to improve student survivors’ academic outcomes and help them complete their degrees. Specifically, the SUCCESS Act would provide funding for universities and colleges to: Increase mental health services for student survivors of sexual assault and other violence. Provide higher education re-entry assistance for student survivors of sexual assault and other forms of violence. Increase training for faculty and administrators on helping students access patient-centered care and recognizing the signs of trauma. Provide patient-centered professional development training for academic advisors and counselors on how to support student survivors’ academic goals. Provide academic accommodations for students experiencing trauma, such as training for tutors or the establishment of a confidential tutoring program designed specifically to assist student survivors of sexual assaul… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/on-two-year-anniversary-of-infrastructure-law-how-virginians-are-benefiting On Two-Year Anniversary of Infrastructure Law: How Virginians are Benefiting 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement to mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law: “In the two years since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed into law, communities across Virginia have reaped its benefits. We’re finally seeing once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade our roads and bridges, improve water infrastructure, expand broadband, and more. We are proud to have passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make these improvements possible. We’re excited to see how this law will continue to improve our infrastructure, create jobs, and transform communities across Virginia.” So far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including funding for over 247 specific projects. Read below for some examples of how Virginians across the Commonwealth are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cardinal News: $25M federal grant will deliver high-speed internet to Wise, Lee and Norton A $25 million federal grant will bring a “fiber-to-the-premises” network that will deliver high-speed internet to more than 17,000 residents and more than 1,000 businesses in Wise and Lee counties and the city of Norton, federal legislators announced Monday. The money was awarded to the Scott County Telephone Cooperative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program and was funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, according to a joint news release from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and releases by U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. […] More information on this announcement can be found here. CBS19 News: Virginia airports receiving nearly $400 million in federal funding The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Louisa County/Freeman Field Airport, and Orange County Airport are among the facilities that will be receiving federal funding. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/virginia-delegation-members-request-investigation-of-site-selection-process-for-new-fbi-hq Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of Virginia’s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). “We write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,” wrote the Members. “There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety – one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.” “In summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria – which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency’s own best practices for site selection – in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,” the Members continued. “Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final sit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bill-to-avert-government-shutdown Warner & Kaine Statement on Senate Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to avert a government shutdown by passing a stopgap government funding bill that will fund federal agencies covered by the Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water Development and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills through January 19 and all remaining departments through February 2: “Today, we voted to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. We have long warned that a shutdown would cause catastrophic damage to Virginia’s economy, hurt our military readiness, and jeopardize Virginians’ ability to access crucial services, like help resolving issues with Social Security or Medicare benefits. While today’s bipartisan action is a relief, we share Virginians’ frustration with short-term fixes. We will continue to urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a full-year budget as quickly as possible, and will keep working to ensure that budget includes Virginia’s priorities.” Kaine and Warner have been vocal in emphasizing the harmful impacts of government shutdowns, including on America’s military readiness and the Commonwealth’s economy, air travel, and food security. Additionally, the senators worked to secure key wins for Virginia in the draft Fiscal Year 2024 budget bills, which will provide long-term government funding and are making their way through the legislative process. Today’s vote comes after a series of bipartisan agreements to fund the government. Earlier this year, congressional leadership and a majority of House Republicans came to an agreement with the White House regarding government funding levels for Fiscal Year 2024. As a means of protesting that bipartisan agreement, a vocal minority of House Republicans pushed Congress to the brink of a government shutdown at the end of September, when the Fiscal Year 2023 budget was set to expire. A bipartisan coalition of Senate and House lawmakers,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=174BFB88-65F7-478D-973A-CF272AB58E94 On Two-Year Anniversary of Infrastructure Law: How Virginians are Benefiting 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement to mark the two-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law: “In the two years since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed into law, communities across Virginia have reaped its benefits. We’re finally seeing once-in-a-generation investments to upgrade our roads and bridges, improve water infrastructure, expand broadband, and more. We are proud to have passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make these improvements possible. We’re excited to see how this law will continue to improve our infrastructure, create jobs, and transform communities across Virginia.” So far, Virginia has received $8.4 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including funding for over 247 specific projects. Read below for some examples of how Virginians across the Commonwealth are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Cardinal News: $25M federal grant will deliver high-speed internet to Wise, Lee and Norton A $25 million federal grant will bring a “fiber-to-the-premises” network that will deliver high-speed internet to more than 17,000 residents and more than 1,000 businesses in Wise and Lee counties and the city of Norton, federal legislators announced Monday. The money was awarded to the Scott County Telephone Cooperative through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program and was funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law of 2021, according to a joint news release from U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine, both Democrats, and releases by U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. […] More information on this announcement can be found here. CBS19 News: Virginia airports receiving nearly $400 million in federal funding The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, Louisa County/Freeman Field Airport, and Orange County Airport are among the facilities that will be receiving federal funding. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-Va., anno… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F34AB38-57E2-4C4D-9F02-874E010A00BC Virginia Delegation Members Request Investigation of Site Selection Process for New FBI HQ 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON– Today, members of Virginia’s congressional delegation wrote to the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) to request an investigation into concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters. The letter was signed by US Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). “We write to request an immediate investigation into the serious concerns raised by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, regarding the site selection process for a new FBI headquarters,” wrote the Members. “There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that the General Services Administration (GSA) administered a site selection process fouled by political considerations and alleged impropriety – one that was repeatedly curated to arrive at a predetermined outcome.” “In summary, GSA changed the original site selection criteria – which had been developed by GSA experts, in accordance with the agency’s own best practices for site selection – in a way that favored the Greenbelt site, and did so over the objections of the FBI Director,” the Members continued. “Then GSA changed the person tasked with confirming the final site selection from a career official to a political appointee. As identified by the FBI, there existed a potential conflict of interest with that political appointee, tied to the Greenbelt site. The political appointee then overturned the decision of a panel of career officials who unanimously selected Springfield, in part by changing how certain criteria were calculated and how certain factors were considered, contrary to what had been previously outlined to the public and to Congress by GSA. Almost immediately after directing the final site selec… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DE657E29-FEAF-4EE7-9D29-7499D94AE196 Statement of U.S. Sens. Warner and Kaine on Senate Passage of Bill to Avert Government Shutdown 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Mark R. Warner W000805 www.warner.senate.gov warner https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to avert a government shutdown by passing a stopgap government funding bill that will fund federal agencies covered by the Agriculture, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water Development and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills through January 19 and all remaining departments through February 2: “Today, we voted to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. We have long warned that a shutdown would cause catastrophic damage to Virginia’s economy, hurt our military readiness, and jeopardize Virginians’ ability to access crucial services, like help resolving issues with Social Security or Medicare benefits. While today’s bipartisan action is a relief, we share Virginians’ frustration with short-term fixes. We will continue to urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a full-year budget as quickly as possible, and will keep working to ensure that budget includes Virginia’s priorities.” Warner and Kaine have been vocal in emphasizing the harmful impacts of government shutdowns, including on America’s military readiness and the Commonwealth’s economy, air travel, and food security. Additionally, the senators worked to secure key wins for Virginia in the draft Fiscal Year 2024 budget bills, which will provide long-term government funding and are making their way through the legislative process. Today’s vote comes after a series of bipartisan agreements to fund the government. Earlier this year, congressional leadership and a majority of House Republicans came to an agreement with the White House regarding government funding levels for Fiscal Year 2024. As a means of protesting that bipartisan agreement, a vocal minority of House Republicans pushed Congress to the brink of a government shutdown at the end of September, when the Fiscal Year 2023 budget was set to expire. A bipartisan coalition of Senate and House lawmakers, includin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-4-million-in-federal-funding-for-conservation-efforts-across-virginia Warner & Kaine Announce Over $4 Million in Federal Funding for Conservation Efforts Across Virginia 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate VA Tim Kaine K000384 www.kaine.senate.gov kaine https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $4,024,286 in federal funding to support conservation efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which covers 60% of Virginia and includes the Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James Rivers and hundreds of streams across the Commonwealth. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, which supports efforts to conserve and restore fish and wildlife habitats, improve public access and water quality, and partner with underserved communities to coordinate restoration and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake WILD program was created by the Chesapeake WILD Act, which the senators sponsored before it became law. “The Chesapeake Bay watershed supports wildlife, local economies, and the health of Virginians,” said the senators. “We’re glad this federal funding will support conservation efforts, protect wildlife, and help Virginians enjoy the region for generations to come.” The funding will be allocated as follows: $750,000 for the Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia to reacquire over 700 acres of ancestral lands along the Rappahannock River in Richmond County to restore and conserve aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The Tribe will also receive $183,000 to establish a state-wide conservation council led by federally recognized tribes to conserve the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This project will improve access to the Rappahannock River and nearby lands, rebuild fish and wildlife habitats, and protect cultural resources that are being lost to development and sea level rise. $749,544 for the Valley Conservation Council to permanently protect wildlife corridors across 15 properties, totaling over 2,000 acres in the Shenandoah Valley. The project will help conserve the area, require the adoption of best management practices, and prepare the region for future projects that will benefit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z

Next page

Advanced export

JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object

CSV options:

CREATE TABLE [releases] (
   [url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
   [title] TEXT,
   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
Powered by Datasette · Queries took 484.113ms · Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press