Press releases
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
18,586 rows where state = "VA" sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| 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://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2696 | Cline Celebrates FCC Decision to Not Approve Verizon’s Changes to Copper-Based Landline Service | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | cline | https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | FINCASTLE, VA – On Friday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it did not grant Verizon’s initial application to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia. Congressman Cline previously sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanding answers about the changes and urging the Chairman to review the application. “I applaud the FCC for their decision to pause any changes to Virginia’s copper-based landline service, following my letter to Chairman Carr,” said Rep. Cline. “The Sixth District is home to many mountainous and rural communities where reliable communication is essential. Ending copper-based landline service before dependable alternatives are widely available could leave families without a reliable way to contact emergency services or stay connected with loved ones, particularly in areas with limited cellular coverage and frequent weather-related outages. I share the concerns of my constituents about the potential impact on public safety and basic connectivity. I will continue to monitor and work with the FCC to ensure that any future changes by Verizon do not leave families without reliable service.” | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/28/mcclellan-launches-2026-veteran-of-the-year-program/ | McClellan Launches 2026 Veteran of the Year Program | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her 2026 Veteran of the Year Program to recognize, honor and appreciate veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District for their service. “Veterans gave their time and put their bodies on the line to protect our nation, and they continue to serve after their military careers. Their commitment, courage and selflessness deserves our respect and deepest gratitude,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “My fourth annual Veteran of the Year Program honors veterans living in Virginia’s Fourth and celebrates their continued efforts to give back to our communities. I encourage all those who know a veteran who’s continued to serve people in our district to send in their nominations today!” Eligible nominees must be honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and must currently live in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. Nominations for Rep. McClellan’s Veteran of the Year Program are due by October 28, 2026. Last year, Congresswoman McClellan recognized U.S. Air Force Colonel William Butler, who dedicated over 30 years of service to saving lives, advancing medical research and educating his community. In 2024, she recognized Lt. Col. Curt Powell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two combat deployments before volunteering as a mentor for local veterans. In 2023, she honored Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr., who dedicated 34 years of his life to the U.S. Army before continuing to support aspiring young professionals and active-duty servicemembers in Virginia’s Fourth. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405839 | Griffith Announces $191,331 HHS Grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc. | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $191,331 grant. The funding supports research into therapies for psoriasis. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects millions of Americans. “This grant for more than $191,000 helps Biotherapeutics, Inc. study a first-in-class treatment for psoriasis.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Last week, Congressman Griffith announced a separate $500,000 HHS grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-joins-virginia-west-virginia-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-historic-battlefields-in-shenandoah/ | Vindman Joins Virginia, West Virginia Delegations in Introducing Bill to Protect Historic Battlefields in Shenandoah | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined every member of the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegations from Virginia and West Virginia in supporting the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia. “The Shenandoah VALOR Act recognizes the important role the Shenandoah Valley and the Eastern Panhandle play in our nation’s Civil War history while creating new opportunities for communities to preserve that history and share it with visitors,” said Vindman. “I’m proud to support this legislation that will protect these historic sites, invest in our local communities, support tourism, and ensure that future generations can learn from the stories that shaped Virginia and West Virginia.” In addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition. The legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System. The legislation is led in the U.S. House by Riley Moore (W.Va.-02). In addition to Vindman, the bill is supported by Rob Wittman (Va.-01), Jen Kiggans (Va.-02), Bobby Scott (Va.-03), Jennifer McClellan (Va.-04), John McGuire (… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/28/vindman-mfume-urge-netanyahu-to-contain-settler-violence-protect-communities-in-the-west-bank/ | Vindman, Mfume Urge Netanyahu to Contain Settler Violence & Protect Communities in the West Bank | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Kweisi Mfume (M.D.-07) sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging his government to take immediate steps to contain settler violence in the West Bank. “We write with urgent concern regarding the growing outbreak of extremist settler violence in the West Bank, including violence that has killed and threatened American citizens,” wrote the lawmakers. “We do so out of concern for Israel’s long-term security as well as for the safety of Palestinians. Continued settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank will harm that security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” “Amidst this violence, we are especially concerned for the safety of American citizens in the West Bank,” the lawmakers continued. “Nine American citizens have been killed in the West Bank since January 2022. To date, no one has been held accountable for any of these nine deaths. Many of us have heard directly from constituents, including American citizens who have themselves been threatened or harassed by settlers without cause.” “Restoring the rule of law in the West Bank serves the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the lawmakers concluded. “The safety of our constituents matters to us as the safety of your citizens matters to you. We also hope to see conditions improve so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live alongside one another without fear of terrorism or lawless violence.” In the letter, the representatives request that the Israeli government take the following actions to uphold the rule of law and end the violence in the West Bank: Instruct the Israeli Police and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to defend Palestinian communities in the West Bank when they come under attack, and to apply that standard consistently, whoever the attackers are; Establish a transparent and credible mechanism to investigate and prosecute violence against Palestinians, including Palestinian Americ… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-a-for-representing-va-01-a-for-bipartisan-leadership | Congressman Wittman Earns A+ for Representing VA-01, A for Bipartisan Leadership | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert J. Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | wittman | https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted two recent recognitions of his work in Congress: an “A+” District-Based Grade and District Excellence Award from the Institute for Legislative Analysis and an “A” Bridge Grade recognizing his bipartisan and collaborative work. Together, the recognitions reflect Wittman’s approach to representing Virginia’s First District: knowing the communities he serves, standing up for their priorities, and working across the aisle when necessary to deliver results. “Representing Virginia’s First District has never been about checking a partisan box—it is about listening to the people I represent and getting things done for them,” said Rep. Wittman. “I’m honored to receive both of these recognitions because they reflect two principles I have always tried to bring to this job: staying grounded in the priorities of our district and being willing to work with anyone who is serious about solving problems.” The Institute for Legislative Analysis presented Wittman with its District Excellence Award after he earned an “A+” under its District-Based Grading system, which evaluates a Member’s voting record in the context of the congressional district he or she represents. The organization specifically cited Wittman’s work to strengthen military readiness, protect taxpayers, and stand up for service members and families across Virginia’s First District. Wittman also earned an “A” rating from Bridge Grades, which evaluates Members of Congress on collaborative governance, bipartisan legislative work, coalition-building, and rhetoric. “Whether we are strengthening our military, protecting the Chesapeake Bay, improving health care, modernizing infrastructure, supporting our veterans, or lowering costs for families, my focus is on results,” Wittman continued. “Experience matters. Leadership matters. But ultimately, what matters most is what you do with them. I will continue putting Virginia’s First District first and working to deliver for the people who sent me to Washingt… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-demand-dhs-halt-efforts-to-undermine-2026-midterm-elections | Kaine, Colleagues Demand DHS Halt Efforts to Undermine 2026 Midterm Elections | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined 33 of his Senate colleagues in a letter demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin halt the Department’s efforts to extend federal control over and undermine public trust in the 2026 midterm elections. The senators wrote to request information substantiating Mullin’s public claims about noncitizens who registered to vote, called on DHS to rescind new election-related conditions on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) homeland security grants and release the full grant funding to states, and urged DHS to end the alleged “Unlawful Voter Initiative” disclosed by a recent whistleblower. “We write to warn you against continued activities at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that seek to undermine the Constitutional authority of both Congress and states to administer elections and defy the directions of federal courts. As Secretary of Homeland Security, you have promoted the President’s conspiracy theories about our elections, pressured states to participate in illegal activities, and explicitly threatened to reduce grant funding and initiate criminal investigations for those states that do not comply with the Administration’s demands,” the senators wrote. In their letter, the Senators raised concerns about Mullin’s unsupported claim that 250,000 noncitizens were registered to vote in four states and criticized DHS efforts to pressure states to provide sensitive voter roll information to be run through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, despite the Administration’s acknowledgment of problems with the underlying data. The Senators also objected to new election-related conditions on FEMA’s Homeland Security Grant Program, which have been retroactively applied to previously awarded Fiscal Year 2025 funding and are threatening Fiscal Year 2026 funding. By threatening to withhold funding that communities rely on to prevent acts of terrorism and other threats, Mullin is putting American… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-us-critical-mineral-supply-chains | Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Critical Mineral Supply Chains | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China by improving diplomatic training and coordination across the federal government. “We need critical minerals to build chips for everything from our smartphones to our national defense apparatus. The U.S. must not cede control of global critical mineral supply chains to China,” said Kaine. “That is why I’m glad to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation to establish a dedicated executive branch critical minerals czar and marshal our diplomatic corps’ expertise in this area. This commonsense and overdue step is crucial to our national security and retaining our technological edge, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to support this legislation.” The Critical Mineral Executive Coordination Act would establish a Foreign Service Institute training program to help Foreign Service Officers advance U.S. economic and national security interests related to critical minerals and strategic competition with China. The bill would also establish a permanent Special Advisor to the President for Critical Minerals and Supply Chains within the National Security Council to coordinate a government-wide critical minerals strategy. The legislation also advances two provisions of the DOMINANCE Act, a bill led by U.S. Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA-06) and Young Kim (R-CA-40) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. In addition to Kaine, Scott, and Warnock, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Coons (D-DE), and John Curtis (R-UT). Full text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/subramanyam-and-kaine-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house | Subramanyam and Kaine Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House As National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Suhas Subramanyam | S001230 | subramanyam.house.gov | subramanyam | https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) and U.S. Senator Tim Kaine's (D-VA) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law. “Dodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall’s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,” said Subramanyam. “George C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army’s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,” said Kaine. “This NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall’s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I’m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.” “We are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaineand Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall’s legacy,” said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. “This measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall’s extraordinary character and example.” The official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliate… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-subramanyam-applaud-bill-designating-george-c-marshall-house-as-national-park-service-affiliated-area-becoming-law | Kaine & Subramanyam Applaud Bill Designating George C. Marshall House as National Park Service Affiliated Area Becoming Law | 2026-09-27 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam’s (D-VA-10) bill designating the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as a National Park Service (NPS) affiliated area was signed into law. “George C. Marshall was educated at Virginia Military Institute, served as the US Army’s Chief of Staff during World War II and then earned the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as Secretary of State,” said Kaine. “This NPS designation of Dodona Manor will help preserve his home, honor General Marshall’s legacy, and ensure future generations understand the critical role he played in our history. I’m grateful to the many advocates and partners who have worked with us to get this done.” “Dodona Manor has been a pillar of the Northern Virginia community for hundreds of years. I am proud to honor George C. Marshall’s legacy by ensuring the property is preserved for many years to come. The International Center right here in Leesburg has so much to offer visitors from around the world, including educational programming for people of all ages. I am proud that Senator Kaine and I delivered for Virginians and made this bill law,” said Subramanyam. “We are deeply grateful to Representative Subramanyam and Senators Kaine and Warner for their leadership in advancing this legislation to preserve and elevate General Marshall’s legacy,” said Paul Michaels, chairman of the George C. Marshall International Center Board of Directors. “This measure marks a historic milestone for Dodona Manor and is wonderful news for the Leesburg and Loudoun County community. The increased visibility and expertise that come with National Park Service affiliation will help preserve this nationally significant landmark and help ensure future generations can learn from General Marshall’s extraordinary character and example.” The official designation is the final step in many years of advocacy for recognition of Dodona Manor as a unit of the National Park System. Designation as an NPS affiliat… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405837 | Griffith Announces $160,000 FEMA Grant for Helene Relief | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grant is as follows: $160,000 to the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Two years into recovery from Hurricane Helene, local authorities continue to investigate disaster vulnerabilities in our infrastructure. “This FEMA grant for $160,000 helps the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission assess regional hazard mitigation strategies, tools and resources.” BACKGROUND The LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves Ninth District localities, including the Counties of Lee, Scott, Wise as well as the City of Norton. FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients. In January 2025, Rep. Griffith announced $46.67 million in Helene relief to Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In April 2025, Congressman Griffith announced nearly $6 million in Helene relief in a separate grant for Washington County water line repairs. In January 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $4.2 million in Helene relief for a Wytheville wastewater treatment system. In February 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $8.6 million in Helene relief for water line repair. In April 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $1.7 million in Helene relief for bridge repair. In June 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $2.8 million in Helene relief for road repair. In July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced more than $9.3 million in Helene relief for waterline repair and $1.2 million in bridge repairs. In July 2026, Congressman Griffith celebrated more than $7.3 million in federal funding for Helene relief projects in Southwest Virginia. Add… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/25/kiggans-wittman-call-on-usda-to-provide-federal-assistance-for-virginia-oyster-growers-in-light-of-recent-algal-bloom/ | Kiggans, Wittman Call on USDA to Provide Federal Assistance for Virginia Oyster Growers in Light of Recent Algal Bloom | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Jennifer A. Kiggans | K000399 | kiggans.house.gov | kiggans | https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding significant oyster mortality in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Virginia. The losses have coincided with recent algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels affecting oyster populations throughout the region. Reports from growers in Coastal Virginia have signaled significant mortality, leading to the loss of not only market-sized and grow-out oysters, but seed oysters as well. These are detrimental losses to this year’s harvest and could impact next year’s harvest if action isn’t taken. The letter requests that the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) assess the losses suffered by the Commonwealth’s commercial oyster growers and determine whether the impact of these blooms qualify for Secretarial natural disaster designation. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Our hardworking oyster producers and harvesters are critical to the Commonwealth’s economy. As the representative of a coastal district and member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, I have a responsibility to ensure our producers have the resources they need when unforeseen circumstances threaten their livelihoods. These conditions could potentially impact harvests for years to come, which is why I’m urging the USDA to assess whether the damage qualifies for federal assistance and help Virginia’s oyster growers recover.” If USDA issues a Secretarial natural disaster designation, eligible oyster producers in designated primary and contiguous counties may apply for FSA Emergency Farm Loans to help recover from qualifying disaster-related losses. FSA evaluates each application individually based on the producer’s losses, available security, repayment ability, and other eligibility requirements. Here is our draft quote: “Virginia’s oyster growers are facing significant losses that could impact harvests and livelihoods for years to come,” said Rep. Wittman… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405834 | Griffith Announces $592,397 HHS Grant to Edward Via VCOM | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $592,397 grant. The funding supports research into back pain injury mechanisms to address chronic pain behaviors. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Since 2003, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine has been a leader in research efforts to improve health care in Virginia. “This grant for nearly $600,000 helps the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine research chronic pain.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405835 | Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 9.25.26 | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Two years ago, Southwest Virginia communities faced some of the most adverse weather conditions in recent memory. Hurricane Helene damaged homes, businesses, infrastructure, farms, among other properties and items. Hundreds of thousands of people in Virginia’s Ninth District were affected by other losses, including a loss of cellular telephone service in much of the District. Preparing for danger, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin took decisive steps. The Wednesday before the storm hit, Youngkin called. He advised me that Virginia’s Ninth District would be severely impacted by the incoming storm. During this time, Youngkin and his team were consulting with the National Weather Service in Blacksburg about the imminent threat. To help the region prepare for the impending crisis, Youngkin declared a State of Emergency. This action mobilized emergency response resources into our region. Youngkin did so to coordinate agency communications and prepare our communities for the worst, including deploying statewide assets like swift water rescue teams and additional State police. The deployment of statewide swift water rescue teams included the Bristol, Virginia, Swift Water Rescue Team, the only such team based in Virginia’s Ninth District at that time. Youngkin prepared the region so well that Virginia delivered assistance to Tennessee as well. Unicoi County Hospital, operated by Ballad Health, was completely flooded during the disaster. More than 50 people were stranded and stuck on the roof of the hospital. With the help of rescue helicopter crews from Abingdon and the Virginia State Police, those on the hospital roof were saved. Surviving the storm, however, was just the first test. In the aftermath, I traveled to the impacted areas with Youngkin and surveyed the damages. From our borders with North Carolina and Tennessee to our borders with West Virginia, we saw homes lifted off foundations, infrastructure decimated and storm debris throughout the region. Accordingly, Youngkin submitted a request for a fe… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405836 | Griffith Announces $500,000 HHS Grant to Biotherapeutics, Inc. | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Biotherapeutics, Inc., based in Blacksburg, Virginia, a $500,000 grant. The funding supports research into therapies for Alzheimer’s disease. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “This summer, hero pilot Captain Sully Sullenberger became one of the latest figures to come forward about their Alzheimer’s diagnosis. As more figures speak out, federal efforts will support the development of new treatments. “This grant for $500,000 helps Biotherapeutics, Inc. develop new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405838 | Griffith Announces $173,600 FEMA Grant to West Piedmont Planning District Commission | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Hurricane Helene-related grant to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funding breakdown of the grant is as follows: $173,600 to the West Piedmont Planning District Commission for All Hazards Mitigation Plan Update In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Local authorities continue to investigate disaster vulnerabilities in our infrastructure. “This FEMA grant for more than $173,000 helps the West Piedmont Planning District Commission assess regional hazard mitigation strategies, tools and resources.” BACKGROUND The West Piedmont Planning District Commission serves Ninth District localities, including the Counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick as well as the City of Martinsville. FEMA funds are obligated to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Commonwealth will be responsible for providing the funds to the sub-recipients. Although the West Piedmont Planning District did not suffer as severe damages as some parts of Virginia, it is important for the area to be ready for the next big storm. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/25/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-help-fund-childcare-for-first-responders/ | Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Fund Childcare for First Responders | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Don Davis (N.C.-01) today introduced the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act, legislation that would help states fund childcare services for the minor children of firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics during shift work and non-traditional hours. “As a father, I know how important reliable, affordable childcare really is for families across Virginia. Our community’s firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics deserve to know their kids are taken care of when they answer the call to serve,” said Vindman. “This legislation will support more childcare options for our neighbors that work long hours. I will always fight for Virginia’s families and first responders to succeed.” The Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award competitive grants to help states fund childcare programs tailored to the shift schedules and non-traditional work hours of covered first responders. Grants would be awarded for three-year periods, with matching requirements increasing over the course of the grant term. Eligible beneficiaries would include career and volunteer firefighters, certified emergency medical technicians, and licensed paramedics who are employed by or affiliated with state, local, tribal, or territorial agencies. “First responders across eastern North Carolina work long shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays to keep our communities safe, but finding childcare that works around those hours can be a real challenge,” said Davis. “I am proud to co-lead the Providing Childcare for Firefighters and EMS Act to help communities expand childcare options that reflect the realities of first responders’ schedules. Our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are there for us at all hours of the day, so we should ensure their families have the support they need to continue serving our communities.” This legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire F… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9226 | Beyer Demands Answers About Equipment at Proposed Arch Site | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district that includes Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), issued the following statement after visiting the site of President Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch in response to reports from constituents of construction equipment at the site: “This morning, after hearing from constituents who saw construction equipment at the site of Trump’s proposed vanity arch, I drove down to Columbia Island to see for myself. When I arrived, I found workers operating heavy equipment who told me they were conducting archaeological work to evaluate the composition of the soil. When I asked whether this work was a precursor to construction of the arch, they said that they could not answer. The logical conclusion, however, is that the presence of this heavy equipment and additional surveyors is a clear indication that the Trump Administration is preparing to move forward with construction. “That would be deeply troubling. Trump’s arch is illegal and immoral, and the Administration is also under court order requiring 48 hours’ notice before work proceeds. Yet, the Administration appears to be pushing ahead with activity at the site even while it still has not done the basic work necessary to understand the consequences of this project. There has been no adequate assessment of the regional impacts of this 250-foot structure on public safety, vehicular traffic, air traffic, or historic sites, including the implications of Trump’s latest ravings about using the arch as a base for drone and sniper operations. “Donald Trump and his Administration are determined to find a way to push this project through by any means necessary, regardless of the law or the concerns of the people who live here but my constituents have made their views abundantly clear: they do not want this project. Neither do I. I will continue doing everything in my power to stop this illegal and reckless attempt to turn our nation’s capital into a monument to Donald Tr… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9227 | Beyer Condemns Trump’s Illegal, Secretive Assault on East Potomac Park Following Site Tour | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Congressman Don Beyer today issued the following statement after conducting a site visit at East Potomac Park with local stakeholders, including Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) Executive Director Elizabeth Kiker, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten-Mile Run Deputy Director Becky Lambros, League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Bill Nesper, Beltway Golfer Magazine Publisher Alex Dickson, and Member of the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes (MWABA) LeRoy Hansen: “East Potomac Park is not Donald Trump’s personal playground. It is a treasured public park that people across our region use every single day. Today, we saw golfers on the course, cyclists and runners on the roads, and families enjoying this incredible space. We also saw the Administration’s destruction firsthand, including trees that have already been cut down, some of them historic cherry trees. And all of this is happening behind closed doors. The Administration is tearing apart a public park while refusing to tell the public what it is doing, what it has already done, or what it plans to do next. That is an outrageous mismanagement of our public land and a complete disregard for the American people whom this park belongs to.” | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/24/kiggans-hosts-va-secretary-doug-collins-for-veterans-roundtable-in-virginia-beach/ | Kiggans Hosts VA Secretary Doug Collins for Veterans Roundtable in Virginia Beach | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Jennifer A. Kiggans | K000399 | kiggans.house.gov | kiggans | https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/ | scraper | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins to Virginia Beach last week for a visit focused on supporting Coastal Virginia’s veterans and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Collins started the visit with a stop at Be Free Craft Café, a veteran-owned small business founded by retired Navy SEAL Christopher Fettes. Fettes served with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) before opening the artisan ice-cream shop in Virginia Beach. Following the visit, Secretary Collins and Congresswoman Kiggans traveled to the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center for a roundtable with local veterans and community stakeholders. The discussion provided participants with an opportunity to speak directly with VA leadership about the care, benefits, and services veterans rely on and ways the Department can continue improving access to quality, timely care. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a Navy veteran, I know how important it is that the VA listens directly to the men and women it serves. I was proud to welcome Secretary Collins to Virginia Beach to hear firsthand from our local veterans about their experiences and the issues that matter most to them. I’m grateful to Secretary Collins for taking the time to visit Hampton Roads, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every veteran receives the quality care, benefits, and services they have earned through their service to our nation.” Congresswoman Kiggans is a Navy veteran, the wife of a Navy veteran, and the mother of a future Navy veteran. Kiggans also serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and chairs the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Since coming to Congress, she has worked to improve veterans’ healthcare, strengthen accountability at the VA, and ensure veterans receive the benefits and services they have earned. Background: In May 2026, Rep. Kiggans … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/24/mcclellan-joins-bipartisan-shenandoah-valor-act-to-expand-shenandoah-valley-battlefields-national-historic-district-into-west-virginia/ | McClellan Joins Bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to Expand Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman McClellan (VA-04) joined Congressman Riley M. Moore (WV-02) to introduce the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act, or Shenandoah (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge Country in Virginia. Every member of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which also has the full bipartisan support of both states’ senators. “Virginians recognize the historical value of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields and the critical role this beautiful landscape played in the Civil War,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). “By expanding the boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, the Shenandoah VALOR Act will strengthen the federal government’s ability to preserve these hallowed lands for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from this site. I thank Congressman Moore for his leadership in this space.” “The Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the most hallowed battlefields in our nation’s history. For 30 years, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District has proven its ability to preserve that history, attract millions of visitors, and generate a positive effect on local economies. The Shenandoah VALOR Act builds on that success by expanding the District to include Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties in West Virginia as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. This expansion will support preservation efforts that protect our shared heritage, open it to locals and visitors alike, and bring new economic opportunities to the whole region. I am proud to introduce this bill with the full bipartisan support of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations,” said Congress… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/24/mcclellan-leads-virginia-democratic-delegation-to-oppose-trumps-efforts-to-rescind-the-roadless-rule/ | McClellan Leads Virginia Democratic Delegation to Oppose Trump’s Efforts to Rescind the Roadless Rule | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) led 7 Members of the Virginia delegation — including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and James Walkinshaw (VA-11) — in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”). Since its implementation in 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected 45 million acres of forest lands across the country, including nearly 394,000 acres in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August of this year to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could have devastating impacts on water quality, biodiversity, economic development and more for these regions. “This proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia’s roadless areas, opening these lands to road construction, logging, and other industrial activities. The consequences for Virginia’s environment, economy, and public health would be severe, falling squarely on the families and communities we represent,” wrote the lawmakers. “With more roadless acres than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia has an outsized stake in decisions regarding the Roadless Rule. Once lost, these ecosystems and the countless benefits they provide to clean air, clean water, and climate resilience cannot be easily restored, if at all.” The letter outlines the risks this rescission would pose to Virginia by jeopardizing Virginia’s drinking water and ecosystems, threatening economic activity driven by recreation and tourism activities, increasing wildfire risk and straining public resources. “For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has demonstrated that protecting America’s national forest lands is both effective and widely supported. Rescinding the Ro… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405829 | Griffith Statement on Action to Protect SNAP Benefits | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | In response to fraudulent schemes in federal public health programs, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) will support a House effort to crack down on fraud in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Congressman Griffith is co-sponsor of anti-fraud legislation, H.R. 3887 – the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act, to create new civil penalties for any person who knowingly accesses, uses or transfers SNAP benefits. Particularly important to recent events in our region, the bill also provides that States can use SNAP benefits to reimburse households whose benefits are stolen due to no fault of their own. Recently, Lynchburg, Virginia, officials notified residents that more than $60,000 in SNAP benefits were stolen from Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The stolen benefits cannot be currently replaced, leaving SNAP participants without their fully allotted funds and putting them at risk of going hungry. Following his action to co-sponsor the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act, Congressman Griffith issued the following statement: “SNAP benefits belong to the needy and vulnerable, not thieves. However, no system is currently in place to reimburse victims of SNAP theft, creating more financial and health hardship for SNAP recipients. “I am proud to be a Virginia advocate for the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act. This bill will protect SNAP recipients, punish bad guys and serve Virginia’s hungry.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405831 | Griffith Announces $1,977,991 Grant to Ferrum College | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Ferrum College, based in Ferrum, Virginia, a $1,977,991 grant. The funding comes through the Department’s Strengthening Institutions Program to help higher education institutions serve low-income students. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Ferrum College is an educational institution supporting Ninth District communities. “This grant for nearly $2 million helps Ferrum College serve the educational needs of its students.” BACKGROUND According to its website, the Strengthening Institutions Program provides funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405832 | Griffith Announces $1,233,412 Grant to Wytheville Community College | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Wytheville Community College, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $1,233,412 grant. The funding comes through the Department’s Strengthening Institutions Program to help higher education institutions serve low-income students. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Community colleges provide essential educational opportunities for Ninth District communities. “This grant for more than $1.2 million helps Wytheville Community College serve the educational needs of its students.” BACKGROUND According to its website, the Strengthening Institutions Program provides funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405833 | Griffith Announces $96,000 HHS Grant to Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc. | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc., based in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, a $96,000 grant. The funding supports the purchase of medical equipment for the Bristol, Virginia, PACE Center. In response to this grant notice, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “This year, the new Bristol PACE Center opened to provide care for senior citizens. “This grant for nearly $100,000 helps the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens tend to the health care challenges faced by senior citizens in the region.” BACKGROUND As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=842 | Walkinshaw, McClellan Lead Virginia Democratic Delegation to Oppose Trump’s Efforts to Rescind the Roadless Rule | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan led 6 Members of the Virginia delegation — including U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Don Beyer (VA-08), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) — in sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in strong opposition to the Trump Administration’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (the “Roadless Rule”). Since its implementation in 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected 45 million acres of forest lands across the country, including nearly 394,000 acres in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Forest Service filed a proposal in August of this year to repeal the Roadless Rule, which could have devastating impacts on water quality, biodiversity, economic development and more for these regions. “This proposal would strip protections from approximately 84% of Virginia’s roadless areas, opening these lands to road construction, logging, and other industrial activities. The consequences for Virginia’s environment, economy, and public health would be severe, falling squarely on the families and communities we represent,” wrote the lawmakers. “With more roadless acres than any other state east of the Mississippi River, Virginia has an outsized stake in decisions regarding the Roadless Rule. Once lost, these ecosystems and the countless benefits they provide to clean air, clean water, and climate resilience cannot be easily restored, if at all.” The letter outlines the risks this rescission would pose to Virginia by jeopardizing Virginia’s drinking water and ecosystems, threatening economic activity driven by recreation and tourism activities, increasing wildfire risk and straining public resources. “For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has demonstrated that protecting America’s national forest lands is both effective and widely supported. Rescindin… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=849 | Walkinshaw Cosponsors Bipartisan Shenandoah VALOR Act to Preserve Historic Battlefields | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) cosponsored Congressman Riley M. Moore's (WV-02) Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy, and Outdoor Recreation Act, or Shenandoah (VALOR) Act. This legislation expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District and its proven record of historic preservation and economic development to three counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle as well as Rockbridge County in Virginia. Every member of the West Virginia and Virginia House delegations is an original cosponsor of this legislation. Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate, which also has the full bipartisan support of both states’ senators. “The Shenandoah Valley is an important part of our nation’s history, and we have a responsibility to preserve the places that tell that story. I’m proud to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to expand these preservation efforts and ensure future generations can experience and learn from these historic landscapes,” said Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11). In addition to expanding the National Historic District, this bill would also protect its existing federal funding and provide resources for battlefield preservation, visitor facilities, historic properties, grants, technical assistance, and the acquisition of land from willing sellers. Specifically, the legislation authorizes $1.25 million annually beginning in Fiscal Year 2027 for management, operations, battlefield parks, visitor facilities, and preserved historic properties, along with $2.5 million annually from FY2027 through FY2033 for grants, technical assistance, and land acquisition. The legislation further directs the Secretary of the Interior to report to Congress on ways the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields partnership model could be replicated at other locations within the National Park System. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District was established by Congress 30 years ago, in the fall of 1996, to preserve and interpret … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi-jinping | Kaine, Colleagues Push Trump to Negotiate AI Guardrails with Xi Jinping | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined 15 of his Democratic colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The senators also urged President Trump to consider enacting a mutual pause in frontier AI development to prevent potential cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that could threaten humanity. “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026,” began the senators. “We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement,” continued the senators. “As you prepare for the upcoming summit, we urge you to engage with President Xi directly to discuss efforts to avoid the potential harms of this technology for the safety and benefit of the world. America leads in AI innovation, and we must lead the world in AI safety and international cooperation, including by working with China to develop a formal agreement that would slow down, and potentially enact a mutual pause in, frontier AI development to prevent cyberattacks, the development of biological weapons, and other dangerous activities that threaten the lives of the American people and humanity writ large,” the… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/in-response-to-extensive-salt-typhoon-hacks-warner-cruz-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-telecommunications-cybersecurity/ | In Response to Extensive Salt Typhoon Hacks, Warner, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Telecommunications Cybersecurity | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and former technology entrepreneur who cofounded the wireless firm Nextel, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced the Telecommunications Cybersecurity and Resilience Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a voluntary framework, developed by experts from government and the private sector, to strengthen telecommunications cybersecurity. This bill comes after the Salt Typhoon hacks that widely compromised the U.S. and global telecommunications sector. “The Salt Typhoon intrusion was the worst telecom hack in our nation’s history and showed us just how vulnerable our critical infrastructure is, but it does not have to be that way. If telecommunications companies adopt cybersecurity best practices, our networks can be more resilient,” said Sen. Warner. “This bipartisan legislation is a good start in protecting our nation and strengthening the communications networks Americans rely on every day.” “Foreign adversaries are increasingly targeting America’s communications networks. Securing them requires an approach that keeps pace with evolving threats. This sensible bill brings government and industry together to develop voluntary, telecom-specific cybersecurity best practices rather than adopting rigid federal mandates that quickly become outdated. As Commerce Committee chairman, I will continue working to strengthen the networks Americans rely on while preserving the innovation needed to protect them,” said Chairman Cruz. The Telecommunications Cybersecurity and Resilience Act would: Create a telecommunications cybersecurity working group among providers, suppliers, cybersecurity experts, and relevant state, local, and federal agencies, to develop practical, risk-based cybersecurity best practices focusing specifically on the telecommunications sector. Create a voluntary certification process, that puts real accountability behind the adop… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-senate-floor-warner-asks-for-unanimous-consent-to-pass-the-protect-americas-workforce-act/ | On Senate Floor, Warner Asks for Unanimous Consent to Pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE WASHINGTON – On the floor of the United States Senate today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) asked for unanimous consent to pass his Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), legislation that would repeal two union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers. In his remarks, Sen. Warner explained how the Trump administration “has wanted to traumatize the federal workforce.” The president “signed two executive orders, one that ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million public servants and the other that unilaterally canceled hundreds of thousands of existing union contracts under, frankly, what I think are a false national security pretext to make it easier, frankly, to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants and, candidly, replace them with political loyalists.” Sen. Warner continued, “These executive orders reclassify entire departments and agencies – for example the whole Department of Treasury, the whole Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Communications Commission.” “As I mentioned, this has already passed with a large margin, bipartisan in the Republican-controlled House,” Sen. Warner said. He then urged his colleagues to “stand up for these vital and dedicated workers, protect long-standing labor protections, and the integrity of the civil service.” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) objected, blocking the bill from Senate passage. Sen. Warner’s full remarks as prepared are below: I rise today to remind my colleagues that federal workers do indispensable work to keep Americans safe, healthy, and informed. They inspect our food, support our troops, respond to natural disasters, and protect our safety. They deserve basic workplace protections that prevent retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful terminations. Since taking office, the Trump Administration has treated federal workers with incredible cruelty — stripping them of basic employment rights, insulting their work, ques… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-introduces-bills-to-fight-against-tick-borne-diseases-protect-americans-with-alpha-gal-syndrome/ | Warner Introduces Bills to Fight Against Tick-Borne Diseases, Protect Americans With Alpha-Gal Syndrome | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today introduced two bills to strengthen the federal response to tick-borne diseases and better protect Americans living with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). “Cases of alpha-gal syndrome are rapidly increasing in Virginia and across the country, and nearly everyone I meet has or knows someone whose life has been affected by this disease. We must do more to understand, prevent, and treat AGS and other tick-borne diseases,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to introduce these two bills to strengthen our efforts to combat tick-borne diseases by expanding the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, supporting research through targeted grants, and giving those living with AGS greater support by adding the condition to the major food allergen list.” AGS is an allergic condition primarily associated with the bite of the lone star tick. Individuals with AGS develop a potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal, a carbohydrate found in meat from mammals, including beef, pork, lamb, venison, and rabbit, as well as certain products derived from mammals, including gelatin, dairy products, and some pharmaceuticals. The prevalence of AGS in the United States has increased in recent years with researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University finding a 100-fold increase in positive test results for alpha-gal antibodies between 2013 and 2024. AGS is the 10th most common food allergen in the country. The Strengthening Tick-borne disease Opposition and Prevention Through Investment in Collaboration, Knowledge, and Surveillance (STOP TICKS) Act would boost efforts to prevent and respond to AGS and other tick-borne diseases by reauthorizing and expanding the federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group (TBDWG) and increasing funding for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants that support states and researchers working to combat vector-borne diseases. The Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act would add alpha-gal to the federal list of major food allergens, requiring clear and specific lab… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-introduces-new-sweeping-health-care-bill-to-lower-costs-expand-coverage-and-improve-access-to-care/ | Warner Introduces New Sweeping Health Care Bill to Lower Costs, Expand Coverage, and Improve Access to Care | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today introduced the Health for the Commonwealth through Affordability, Reform, and Expansion Act of 2026, or the Health CARE Act, sweeping legislation to lower costs, expand coverage, and make it easier to access the care they need. The legislation would make significant reforms across the health care system while advancing Warner’s broader goal of ensuring every American, regardless of age or employment status, can access affordable health coverage. “Our current health care system makes it hard and expensive for Virginians and Americans across the country to access the care they rely on,” said Sen. Warner. “There is still a lot of work to be done to get to universal coverage, but my comprehensive Health CARE Act includes life-saving provisions to meaningfully improve health care and lower costs, including for those on Medicare, Medicaid, and those who get health insurance through their employer right now.” The Health CARE Act would: Reverse harmful health care provisions in H.R. 1. Make permanent enhanced ACA premium tax credits. Implement a low-cost public health insurance option. Expand the Medicare drug price negotiation program. Extend Medicare-negotiated drug prices, out-of-pocket limits for prescription drugs, inflation rebates, and $35 copay cap and no deductible on insulin to ACA and employer markets. Ensure health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers do not put profit over patients by reforming the use of step therapy and prior authorization, banning PBM spread pricing in Medicaid, allowing Medicare Advantage enrollees to switch plans mid-year if their provider leaves their network, and requiring all retail, mail-order, and specialty pharmacies to respond to surveys that collect drug acquisition costs. Improve Medicaid by reinstating the higher federal match when a state newly expands Medicaid and applying it retroactively to states that expanded late. Improve Medicare by including hearing aid coverage. Require hospitals, clinical lab… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-schatz-to-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation/ | Warner, Schatz, Kim to Take to Senate Floor to Demand Passage of New AI Security Legislation | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later today, Warner, Schatz, and Kim will speak about the legislation on the Senate floor. The Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs’ security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured. “The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,” said Sen. Warner. “I remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public – not after something goe… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405830 | Griffith Op-Ed: Predictable energy policy can help secure America’s future | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), a senior member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, penned a new op-ed that highlights the impacts of permitting reform on America’s energy future. Policies that support permitting reform, Griffith argues, will unleash American energy dominance, generate economic growth and modernize the electric grid. You can read Congressman Griffith’s op-ed piece in the Washington Times here and below. Predictable energy policy can help secure America’s future An unstable electric grid stands in the way of America’s energy future. The growing list of early power plant retirements, which outpaces new power supply to the electric grid, threatens a disruption of reliable power. The Trump administration is doing what it can to help some plants remain open and serve American communities, but these temporary actions can only brace our creaking electric grid for so long. Further, plant shutdowns make us more vulnerable to the rising power demands coming our way. Rapid electrification, increased manufacturing and the rise of new technologies such as artificial intelligence will require a new fleet of power sources to support the United States. To make our power generation more reliable, we must make federal policy more predictable. By reforming the outdated, slow, and arbitrary federal permitting process, America can unleash new sources of power. This new fleet will be powered by promising technologies, including nuclear. Advances in nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), offer a game-changing source of reliable, carbon-free power. Former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, understanding this reality, promoted the lofty goal of making Virginia the first state in the nation to build and run a commercial SMR. Thanks to Youngkin’s leadership, the Virgina Innovative Nuclear Hub, which consists of energy partners, research institutions and the state government, can collaborate on nuclear projects. Such projects are contingent on obtaining a license from the Nuclear R… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-introduces-bipartisan-stop-spam-calls-act | Rep. Subramanyam Introduces Bipartisan Stop Spam Calls Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Suhas Subramanyam | S001230 | subramanyam.house.gov | subramanyam | https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) introduced the Stop Spam Calls Act to crack down on spam calls and texts by empowering the FCC to better protect consumers. The bill requires each telemarketer wanting to send robocalls or robotexts to a consumer to directly get their explicit, written consent. Under current law, businesses can ask consumers to consent to telemarketing calls from them and thousands of their marketing partners with a single check box. “Families shouldn’t be subjected to unwanted telemarketing robocalls from thousands of businesses. In an age where Americans have become far too used to their information being sold to the highest bidder behind their backs, Congress needs to take action to protect people’s privacy. The Stop Spam Calls Act will reign in robocall abuses and reestablish the power of consent for consumers,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “Giving one company permission to call you shouldn’t open the door to calls from countless others. Your phone number shouldn’t be passed around without your say,” said Congressman Shreve. “The Stop Spam Calls Act closes that loophole. Americans should decide who has permission to call them.” “The Stop Spam Calls Act would reinstate a repealed FCC protection aimed at reducing the billions of unwanted telemarketing calls that arrive on our phones every day," said Christine Hines, senior policy director at the National Association of Consumer Advocates. "This bill, which requires consumers to provide written consent to each marketer or seller before receiving certain robocalls or robotexts, would help to restore trust in our communications." “When we interact with a business, we don’t expect that they will share our phone number with hundreds of other sellers,” said NCL Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. “This legislation would give control back to the public over how our contact information is shared. Congress should not delay in reinstating the FCC’s commonsense policy that outlawed these… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/24/following-meeting-with-va-leadership-vindman-presses-va-secretary-to-fully-staff-the-fredericksburg-va-health-care-center/ | Following Meeting with VA Leadership, Vindman Presses VA Secretary to Fully Staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Doug Collins requesting that he take immediate and decisive action to hire the medical specialists necessary to fully staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center and ensure that veterans in Virginia receive the care they deserve. The letter follows a meeting between Vindman, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and senior leadership at the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center to discuss ongoing staffing challenges and barriers to recruiting and retaining medical specialists. During the meeting, a representative of Secretary Collin’s DC Office cited salary limitations as a significant obstacle to competing with private-sector health care providers for qualified physicians. Vindman is calling on Secretary Collins to use existing authority granted by Congress to waive those pay limitations for critical health care personnel and help fill vacancies at the Fredericksburg facility. You can read the full text of the letter below. — Secretary Collins, I write to request that you take immediate and decisive action to hire the medical specialists necessary to fully staff the Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center and ensure that Veterans in Virginia receive the care they deserve. Congress has granted you the authority to pay competitive salaries for the medical professionals who treat our country’s heroes. The time to exercise that authority to help veterans in Fredericksburg is now. As you are aware, on August 24th, Senator Tim Kaine and I participated in a meeting with senior leadership of the VA Health Care Clinic in Fredericksburg. The facility leaders who attended that meeting were knowledgeable, forthcoming, and clearly committed to helping those who served our country. In my view, the meeting was a productive step towards resolving the staffing issues at the clinic. The most important takeaway from the discussion related to hiring for vacant positions. A representative from your Washington, DC office … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/23/mcclellan-celebrates-securing-three-virginia-initiatives-in-water-resources-development-act-of-2026/ | McClellan Celebrates Securing Three Virginia Initiatives in Water Resources Development Act of 2026 | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it: On September 16, 2026, the House passed H.R. 9497, the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, to authorize critical water infrastructure projects and programs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Specifically, McClellan applauded the inclusion of three initiatives that she requested to authorize water resource studies and water infrastructure projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. “The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 serves as proof that Congress can still work together on a bipartisan basis to tangibly better the lives of local communities and environments for generations to come. This bill will significantly strengthen our waterways, ports, harbors and critical water infrastructure across the country, and those in Virginia and beyond will feel its effects,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I am especially grateful to see that priorities I championed to serve Virginia communities have been included in this year’s WRDA. From proactively managing flood control for the James and Appomattox Rivers, to increasing funding for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program, to delivering $25,000,000 to improve water infrastructure for Henrico County in my district, these projects advance comprehensive quality-of-life improvements and ensure that the health, safety and well-being of our inland waterways and the people who live around them remain a priority.” The 2026 WRDA includes water resources infrastructure and projects of the USACE. Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve water resources infrastructure. WRDA-authorized projects of the Corps are locally-driven projects that deliver regional and national benefits. The 2026 WRDA will enact and bolster numerous projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including three of McClellan’s submissions involving the Petersburg, Chesapeake Bay and Henrico County areas. The three initiatives McClellan successfully requested included in the 2026 WRDA are as follows: Jam… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/23/vindman-joins-democratic-veterans-in-demanding-trump-hold-beijing-accountable-for-providing-key-intelligence-to-iran/ | Vindman Joins Democratic Veterans in Demanding Trump Hold Beijing Accountable for Providing Key Intelligence to Iran | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Congressman Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) and 10 of their Democratic Veteran colleagues in calling on President Trump to publicly condemn China’s support for Iranian forces that are killing U.S. troops ahead of his White House meeting with President Xi Jinping. On July 17th, an Iranian missile struck a U.S. base in Jordan killing three servicemembers and injuring four others. Recent reporting from the Wall Street Journal confirms that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities. Ahead of the September 23rd White House meeting between Trump and Xi, Ryan is leading his Democratic veteran colleagues in demanding Trump hold Xi accountable for Beijing’s role in U.S. troop deaths, and that he publicly condemn China’s support for IRGC operations. Joining Vindman and Ryan are fellow Democratic veterans and U.S. Representatives Maggie Goodlander (N.H.-02), Chris Deluzio (Pa.-17), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.-06), Jason Crow (Colo.-06), Herb Conaway (N.J.-03), Derek Tran (Calif.-45), Mike Thompson (Calif.-04), Jimmy Panetta (Calif.-19), Ted Lieu (Calif.-36), and Salud Carbajal (Calif.-24). The full text of the letter can be found hereand below. Dear President Trump, Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to the White House, we implore you to use your meeting to strongly condemn China’s sharing of satellite information that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in Jordan on July 17th, and demand that President Xi cease any support, cooperation, and information sharing with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). On July 17th, an Iranian ballistic missile struck sleeping quarters at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing three American soldiers and wounding four others. The Wall Street Journal has since reported that Iran acquired high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities both before and after the attack, intelligence that U.S. officials say was directly connected to the … | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congressman-wittman-earns-100-on-aea-energy-scorecard | Congressman Wittman Earns 100% on AEA Energy Scorecard | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert J. Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | wittman | https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today highlighted his 100% score on the American Energy Alliance’s (AEA) Energy Scorecard for the 119th Congress, earning recognition as an AEA “Energy Champion.” The scorecard evaluates congressional voting and cosponsorship decisions on legislation affecting energy policy. “Affordable, reliable energy is essential to America’s economic strength, national security, and quality of life, and I am proud to be recognized as an Energy Champion,” said Rep. Wittman. “Energy costs affect nearly every part of a family’s budget and every product a business makes or transports. America is blessed with abundant energy resources, and we should be responsibly putting those resources to work here at home to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries. “I will continue advancing an all-of-the-above energy strategy that expands American energy production, strengthens our electric grid, advances nuclear innovation, secures our critical-mineral supply chains, and ensures families and businesses have access to the affordable, reliable power they need.” Congressman Wittman has worked to advance these priorities, including cosponsoring the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, which passed the House this month, and seeks to protect families and small businesses from electricity costs associated with growing data center demand. He has also supported the development of advanced nuclear energy, including provisions establishing a small modular reactor pilot program at military installations, and has led bipartisan legislation to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains and map America’s mineral resources. Background: The American Energy Alliance’s Energy Scorecard evaluates congressional voting and cosponsorship decisions on legislation affecting energy policy. According to AEA, the scorecard is intended to inform constituents about lawmakers’ records on energy-related issues. AEA’s 2026 House Energy Score… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-to-force-votes-demanding-answers-regarding-trump-vance-administrations-horrifying-expansive-costly-third-country-deportation-network | Kaine To Force Votes Demanding Answers Regarding Trump-Vance Administration’s Horrifying, Expansive, Costly Third-Country Deportation Network | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, announced the filing of fifteen additional privileged resolutions to require the Trump-Vance Administration to produce assessments of the human rights situation in Belize, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Moldova, Palau, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, and Uganda following reports that the Trump-Vance Administration deported immigrants who are not from those countries to those places. The legislation comes amid new reporting alleging the Administration has pledged at least $410 million to build a vast network of dozens of countries for third-country deportations. “The American people want the government to focus on lowering their costs, not committing appalling human rights abuses with their tax dollars,” said Kaine. “Yet the Trump-Vance Administration is spending hundreds of millions of dollars—or more—to rip migrants from their homes and families without due process and send them to random countries they have no connection to and where they are being brutally beaten and held in awful conditions. We have a right to demand answers about what conditions are like in those countries and to understand what kind of shady backroom deals are facilitating these shameful removals. We can get those answers by passing these resolutions.” The resolutions are privileged under the Foreign Assistance Act, meaning Kaine can force the Senate to debate and vote on them. Kaine previously teamed up with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) to force a vote in the Senate to require a human rights report regarding El Salvador. The move came after President Trump threatened to imprison U.S. citizens there. Kaine has also previously filed resolutions to compel human rights reports regarding Cameroon, Costa Rica, Eswatini, Equatori… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-introduce-legislation-to-modernize-aging-schools-in-virginia-and-across-the-country | Kaine, Warner Introduce Legislation to Modernize Aging Schools in Virginia and Across the Country | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) reintroduced the School Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to help modernize aging school buildings in Virginia and across the nation by expanding access to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit (HTC). The bill would make it easier for school districts to partner with private entities to finance renovations to historic school buildings that will continue to operate as schools after the improvements have concluded. “Every student deserves a safe, healthy learning environment where they can succeed, but many schools are in need of urgent and often costly repairs,” said the senators. “We’re proud to introduce this legislation to help communities across the Commonwealth and the nation modernize their schools, preserve historic buildings, and support local construction jobs.” Forty percent of public school buildings nationwide were built before 1980, and many aging facilities contain harmful materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Research has shown that the physical conditions of school buildings affect student learning. Yet school districts are facing an estimated $85 billion funding gap for public school facilities, with state and local governments covering nearly all the costs. As Mayor of Richmond, Kaine worked with local stakeholders to use the HTC to renovate the closed Maggie Walker High School and reopen it as the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies. The project helped address overcrowding at Thomas Jefferson High School by relocating its magnet program to the new building. The legislation is endorsed by Preservation Action, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International WELL Building Institute, AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, the American Institute of Architects, the Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition, and the Histori… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-blackburn-urge-centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services-to-reconsider-proposed-restrictions-on-remote-patient-monitoring/ | Warner, Blackburn Urge Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Reconsider Proposed Restrictions on Remote Patient Monitoring | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider sweeping proposed changes to remote patient monitoring (RPM) that could limit access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural communities and those served by hospitals and small and independent practices, as well as undermine bipartisan efforts to expand technology-enabled health care. RPM is a growing health care service that utilizes real-time data and telehealth to keep people with acute and chronic diseases out of the emergency room by getting them the right care at the right time. In a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, Sens. Warner and Blackburn raised concerns that changes included in the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule would make it significantly harder for providers to offer remote monitoring services, even as Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) work to expand access to technology-enabled care in rural communities. The senators wrote, “Remote monitoring services are especially important in rural communities, where patients often face long travel distances, transportation barriers, clinician shortages, hospital closures, and limited access to timely follow-up care. These services allow clinicians to monitor patients between visits, identify worsening conditions earlier, and intervene before a patient requires an emergency department visit or hospitalization. Congress, states, and providers are working to expand technology-enabled care, strengthen the rural health workforce, modernize health information infrastructure, and support care in the home. Remote monitoring is central to these rural health transformation efforts. It extends the reach of limited clinical workforces, improves chronic disease management, supports patients following hospitalization, and helps rural residents remain stable and independent at home.” “The proposed rule would make a number of changes that would fundament… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-introduce-legislation-to-modernize-aging-schools-in-virginia-and-across-the-country/ | Warner, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Modernize Aging Schools in Virginia and Across the Country | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) reintroduced the School Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2026, legislation to help modernize aging school buildings in Virginia and across the nation by expanding access to the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit (HTC). The bill would make it easier for school districts to partner with private entities to finance renovations to historic school buildings that will continue to operate as schools after the improvements have concluded. “Every student deserves a safe, healthy learning environment where they can succeed, but many schools are in need of urgent and often costly repairs,” said the senators. “We’re proud to introduce this legislation to help communities across the Commonwealth and the nation modernize their schools, preserve historic buildings, and support local construction jobs.” Forty percent of public school buildings nationwide were built before 1980, and many aging facilities contain harmful materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Research has shown that the physical conditions of school buildings affect student learning. Yet school districts are facing an estimated $85 billion funding gap for public school facilities, with state and local governments covering nearly all the costs. As Mayor of Richmond, Kaine worked with local stakeholders to use the HTC to renovate the closed Maggie Walker High School and reopen it as the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies. The project helped address overcrowding at Thomas Jefferson High School by relocating its magnet program to the new building. The legislation is endorsed by Preservation Action, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the International WELL Building Institute, AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, the American Institute of Architects, the Build America’s School Infrastructure Coalition, and the Historic Tax Cre… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9224 | Beyer Statement On Trump Arch Announcement | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that includes Arlington National Cemetery and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), issued the following statement after President Trump declared via social media post that his proposal for a gigantic arch intended to serve as a monument to himself would “convert” the site “to house, store, and… use large numbers of drones, plus snipers, …and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition,” supposedly for national security reasons: “Putting a drone launching site directly in the landing path for DCA is a stupid, dangerous, and unworkable idea. But if Trump wants to pursue it, the FAA’s prior work over the past six months to rubber stamp this proposal with a dubious safety study will be obsolete, and they will have to do it all over again. “Likewise, Trump’s notion to make his vanity arch an ammunition depot for ‘snipers’ in a location where snipers have never been needed would place a large weapons cache within feet of thousands of tourists, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on major commuter traffic thoroughfares and Metro’s Blue Line. Such work would necessitate a redo of all prior impact studies, some of which remain unreleased if they were ever done at all. “Of course, Trump is not serious about any of this. He just wants this massive monument to his own ego built by any means available, and he has been told that he is likely to lose court challenges. He hopes to use national security as a ludicrous pretext to force construction through, just as he did with his wildly expensive White House ballroom boondoggle. The overwhelming local opposition to Trump’s illegal and disrespectful vanity arch will not be defeated by this chicanery. The Narcissist in Chief is not fooling anyone.” Last Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a doubtful “determination of no hazard to air navigation” for the President’s arch proposal. The FAA’s determination did not contemplate the structure’s use as a launch pad for “large numbe… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/22/mcclellan-announces-launch-of-the-2026-2027-youth-advisory-council-for-virginias-fourth/ | McClellan Announces Launch of the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council for Virginia’s Fourth | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Richmond, VA – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the launch of her Youth Advisory Council for the 2026-2027 school year to promote high schoolers’ engagement with the legislative process and federal government. Members of the Youth Advisory Council will engage with the Congresswoman’s staff through monthly virtual meetings and have the opportunity to present their policy ideas to the Congresswoman. “Students thrive when they are encouraged to share their perspective and confronted with new ideas that teach them to think for themselves. Yet many young people think their voices aren’t being heard by those in power,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “My Youth Advisory Council Program fosters an environment in which high school students are empowered to discuss the challenges of our time and explore how we can fight for a better future for them and for future generations. I want to encourage high schoolers across Virginia’s Fourth to speak up, to demand more from their elected leaders and to get involved in my Youth Advisory Council this year!” The Youth Advisory Council is open to all high school students currently residing or attending school in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. The council will meet monthly with members of McClellan’s Washington, D.C. and district staff to learn more about the legislative body, communications, constituent casework and district outreach. The students will also work on a project that they share with the Congresswoman and discuss what they have learned over the course of the program. Eligible high school students can submit their applications now until 11:59 PM on October 2nd, 2026. The Council will be held from October through May. | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405828 | Griffith Announces $161,508 HHS Grant to Mount Rogers Community Services Board | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the Mount Rogers Community Services Board, based in Wytheville, Virginia, a $161,508 grant. The funding supports local mental health services. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Mount Rogers Community Services leads a mental health awareness training program. “This HHS grant for more than $161,000 helps Mount Rogers Community Services strengthen local community access to mental health services.” BACKGROUND According to its website, the Mount Rogers Community Services Board serves the City of Galax well as Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth and Wythe Counties. In July 2026, Congressman Griffith announced a $1 million HHS grant to the Board. Mount Rogers Community Services operates multiple centers in the region. As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Griffith serves as the Chairman of the Health Subcommittee. ### | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/22/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-combat-mail-theft-and-check-fraud/ | Vindman Introduces Legislation to Combat Mail Theft and Check Fraud | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Mail Integrity and Inspector General Act, legislation that would strengthen the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General’s capacity to investigate postal employee misconduct, mail theft, check fraud, and related financial crimes. “Virginians deserve to trust our mail system. Families should be able to put a check or a personal document in the mail without worrying that it will be stolen and used to commit fraud,” said Vindman. “Our local law enforcement officers are doing everything they can, but they simply do not have the capacity to keep up with the growing number of cases. This bill will make sure our federal investigators have the personnel, training, and resources they need to do their jobs.” “I support the need to staff this division of Special Agents and multiply these agent positions in an effort to better protect the citizens of the Commonwealth from mail frauds such as the cases that Investigator Oakerson has been tasked with working,” said Town of Orange Chief of Police Rebecca Nelson. “I also support the creation of legislation allowing Postal Inspectors to investigate postal employees and contractors associated with the mail. The thefts that are occurring in the sorting facilities are costing the citizens of the Commonwealth a great deal of money.” The bill comes in response to growing concerns from local law enforcement, including detectives with the Town of Orange Police Department, who have reported a significant increase in mail theft and the check fraud that often follows. Orange County currently has approximately 50 open mail fraud cases, creating a substantial burden for local investigators who do not have the resources or personnel to investigate every case. The Mail Integrity and Inspector General Act would: Increase investigative staffing at the USPS Office of Inspector General to keep pace with rising postal crime and growing caseloads; Strengthen recruitment and retention efforts for Special Agents r… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-tackle-maternal-and-infant-mortality | Kaine & Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Tackle Maternal And Infant Mortality | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Mothers and Newborns Success Act, bipartisan legislation to address the United States’ disturbingly high maternal and infant mortality rates and reduce the well-documented racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. “The U.S. is the most prosperous, powerful, and innovative nation in the world—yet more mothers and infants die throughout pregnancy and childbirth than in nearly any other peer nation. For Black women, rates of maternal mortality are even higher,” said Kaine. “This is tragic but overwhelmingly preventable—that’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Murkowski to direct federal resources toward dramatically decreasing U.S. maternal and infant mortality and addressing inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes. This is a goal everyone should be able to get behind, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.” “The racial and rural disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates in this country are alarming and unacceptable,” said Murkowski. “Our legislation works to address this by investing in innovative approaches to maternal health care, improving data collection, strengthening support for women during the postpartum period, and expanding the use of telehealth in rural communities. Whether you’re in Napakiak or New York City, every mother and child deserves access to quality care, and the programs implemented through this bill will help bring us closer to that goal.” Maternal and infant mortality in the U.S. is a tale of two crises: an overall rate that far exceeds other developed nations, and a rate among people of color that is yet worse. The overall U.S. maternal mortality rate in 2024 was 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, far higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)—a collection of developed peer … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-vote-against-advancing-college-sports-legislation | Kaine Statement on Vote Against Advancing College Sports Legislation | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement after voting against advancing college sports legislation that insufficiently protects student athletes: “This is a bill to tackle a real problem that needs a comprehensive solution. I can see some things in this bill that I like, and I’m impressed that the NCAA and college conferences, including those whose members include Virginia schools, have signaled their support. But this bill won’t be ready for primetime until it strikes the right balance to protect the best interests of student athletes. For example, why does the bill cap compensation for student athletes while allowing those who make massive salaries and profits from their labors—coaches, athletic directors, sports networks, online gambling operations—to rake in obscene amounts of money with no cap? And why must student athletes’ rights to avail themselves of legal remedies under state laws for mistreatment by their institutions be dramatically restricted? We should pass a version of this bill that keeps its many good provisions without unreasonably limiting the young people who create America’s exciting college athletic environment.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9223 | Beyer Calls For Suspension Of AI System Deployed By FAA At Washington Area Airports | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus and represents a Northern Virginia district that includes Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in the U.S. House, issued the following statement today on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) deployment of an AI Strategic Management of Airspace Routing Trajectories (“SMART”) system to manage flights at Washington area airports including DCA: “The FAA should not use my constituents as guinea pigs for an unproven AI air traffic control system. The safety of the 24 million people traveling through DCA each year must be the top priority. Residents of this region are still uncertain about air safety after last year’s fatal accident, and the Administration did shockingly little to educate the traveling public about this development before implementing it in one of the most complex airspaces in the world. “Unfortunately, I was informed today that air traffic controllers were not consulted on the ‘SMART’ system’s design and development, and were not trained on using it prior to the system’s adoption at local airports. I was further informed that the air traffic controllers have been told the ‘SMART’ system can adjust schedules and potentially even routes. Despite outward appearances, the airlines reportedly were privately ‘panicking’ about the hasty implementation of this system. I do not know why the Administration felt the need to race it into use, but it is unacceptable to use AI as a substitute for rebuilding the human-directed air traffic controller workforce. “Dangerously rushing a system that holds Americans’ lives in its hands is not a good use case for artificial intelligence. I call on the FAA to immediately suspend its operation, at the very least until it is clearly established beyond doubt via air traffic controller feedback and independently verified stress testing that the technology is safe.” | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2695 | Cline Demands Answers From FCC About Changes To Copper-Based Landline Service | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | cline | https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | FINCASTLE, VA – Following Verizon’s notification of intent to discontinue copper-based landline services across much of Virginia, Congressman Cline (VA-06) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging him to review the decision. “Much of Virginia’s Sixth District is mountainous, and discontinuing copper-based landlines prematurely can leave families without a reliable way to reach emergency services or loved ones,” said Rep. Cline. “With large portions of our community in areas without cellular service, alternative options not yet being available to many constituents, and extended weather-related outages being common, my constituents are rightfully concerned about how this decision will affect public safety and basic connectivity. I share the concerns of those who have reached out to my office. That’s why I am urging Chairman Carr and the FCC to carefully review the discontinuance of copper wire and ensure reliable connectivity for all of Virginia’s Sixth.” Read the full letter here. | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/21/vindman-applauds-over-680000-in-federal-funding-to-strengthen-head-start-programs-in-caroline-orange-and-fredericksburg/ | Vindman Applauds Over $680,000 in Federal Funding to Strengthen Head Start Programs in Caroline, Orange, and Fredericksburg | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Virginia Families Pay for Back-to-School Essentials WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Back-to-School Tax Credit Act,... Vindman Joins Legislation to Demand That Trump and Hegseth Stop Hiding True Cost of Iran War Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Congressman Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) and 10 of his... Vindman Votes to Protect Ratepayers From Data Center Grid Upgrade Costs WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday voted in favor of H.R.... Vindman Leads on Legislation to Make Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet... Vindman Votes to End the War in Ukraine, Strengthen Our Own National Security WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting to pass... Vindman Votes to Hold Trump Accountable Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting against the... Vindman Remembers the Lives Lost on September 11, 25 Years Ago WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) honors the lives... Vindman Hears from the 84% of Virginians Who Support Keeping the Government Open Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) heard from more... Vindman Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Federal Whistleblowers WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Suhas Subramanyam... Vindman Introduces Legislation to Extend TPS for Individuals from El Salvador Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced legislation to extend Temporary Protected... Vindman Votes to Keep Government Open, Federal Employees Paid Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released the following statement after... | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=838 | Walkinshaw, Ranking Member Thompson, Ramirez Introduce Bill to Strengthen Oversight of CISA’s Cyber Workforce | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection, Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee Ranking Member Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) introduced the CISA Force Structure Assessment Act. Since President Trump took office, nearly 1,000 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees have been fired, sidelined, or pushed out, hollowing out roughly one-third of the nation’s leading civilian cyber defense agency. His administration has also cut critical programs and disrupted partnerships that help government and industry share information about cyber threats. The CISA Force Structure Assessment Act would require the Director of CISA to determine whether, after these sweeping cuts, the agency still has the personnel, training, certifications, and resources needed to protect federal networks, support state and local governments, and secure critical infrastructure. “America’s cyber defenses are only as strong as the people behind them,” said Congressman Walkinshaw. “As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing reshape the threat landscape, Congress needs a clear accounting of whether CISA has the workforce, skills, and resources required to keep Americans safe and enable mission delivery. This legislation will identify critical gaps and give Congress concrete information to address them.” “With Iran targeting our critical infrastructure and frontier AI models creating new cyber risks, we must ensure we have a cybersecurity workforce to counter these growing threats,” said Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. “After Trump has spent the past two years targeting and slashing CISA’s workforce, we need the agency to assess if it has right personnel in place to fulfill its mission. I thank Congressman Walkinshaw for introducing this necessary l… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=840 | Walkinshaw, Van Hollen, Hoyer Lead Bipartisan Coalition of 110 Lawmakers Against Trump’s Proposed Federal Pay Freeze | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Federal Workforce Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) and Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), joined by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), led a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 110 lawmakers in urging congressional leaders to reject the Trump administration's proposed federal employee pay freeze and deliver a meaningful pay increase in 2027. The lawmakers urged Congress to enact the 4.1 percent increase provided under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising costs after two straight years of falling behind inflation. At a minimum, they wrote, civilian federal employees should receive the same 3.8 percent increase the Trump administration has proposed for federal law enforcement personnel. Federal employees received a 1 percent raise this year, well short of the 3.4 percent rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months. In the letter, the lawmakers wrote: "These challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in 2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living continues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut "The Administration's own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary. President Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to improve recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers. "The federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national security, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks, and perform countless other critical functions." The letter, signed by 12 senators and 98 House members, urges congressional leaders to include the increase in Fiscal Y… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-protect-students-from-physical-abuse-end-dangerous-corporal-punishment-practices-in-schools | Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Students from Physical Abuse, End Dangerous Corporal Punishment Practices in Schools | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), introduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, legislation to federally prohibit corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding. “No child should ever face physical abuse, including at school,” said Senator Kaine. “It's time to end the outdated and harmful practice of corporal punishment in every school across the country. Instead of relying on fear, our schools should provide safe, supportive learning environments that students need to thrive and be healthy.” The administration of corporal punishment—defined as the intentional infliction of physical pain upon a student for disciplinary purposes—constitutes an unacceptable educational practice that remains prevalent across multiple jurisdictions. Empirically validated research demonstrates that corporal punishment fails to achieve measurable behavioral corrections; rather, it introduces substantial risk of long-term physical and psychological trauma, diminishes academic performance, and severely undermines the institutional trust required for effective learning. By establishing a comprehensive statutory prohibition on these practices, this federal legislation enacts protections for students to ensure all public educational facilities maintain safe, non-violent environments. Full text of the bill is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-expand-federal-support-for-magnet-schools | Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Federal Support for Magnet Schools | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, alongside Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act, legislation to fuel the growth of magnet schools nationwide by improving and expanding the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP). “Every student deserves an education that helps them reach their full potential, regardless of their background or their ZIP code,” said Kaine. “Magnet schools bring kids from many different communities together, giving them valuable opportunities to learn from one another and explore their interests. I’m proud to support this legislation to expand access to magnet schools and help both new and existing programs build diverse classrooms in Virginia and across the country.” Magnet schools are public schools designed to cater to different learning styles and attract a wide range of students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, and across ZIP codes. Over 3.5 million students nationwide currently attend magnet schools. The MAGNET Act would help counter a growing national trend of segregation by race and income in school districts by updating the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and promote diversity. The bill would also authorize the Supplemental Diversity Grant, a new grant program to be housed under MSAP to help preexisting magnet programs reach diversity-related goals. The MAGNET Act is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT-2). | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-gao-report-reviewing-implications-of-global-aging | Kaine Statement on GAO Report Reviewing Implications of Global Aging | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Tim Kaine | K000384 | www.kaine.senate.gov | kaine | https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees, released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report requested by Kaine that reviewed the implications of global aging: “I’m glad that the Government Accountability Office produced this report that I requested to better understand how the U.S. government is responding to this massive—but under-appreciated—global phenomenon, and to assess how aging populations will affect our security, economic competitiveness, and global health. At a time when the Trump-Vance Administration is chaotically slashing critical foreign assistance programs that have for decades served to maintain global stability and keep Americans safe, it’s critical that we understand the implications of this demographic shift and thoughtfully incorporate the needs of aging communities in our foreign policy. As we work to restore U.S. foreign assistance programs and rebuild our alliances, this report underscores the need to develop a more comprehensive strategy to address global aging.” The share of the global population over 60 will double by 2050, and the total number of people over 80 will triple in that same time period. ### | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-reed-coons-press-pentagon-dni-for-answers-on-reported-ai-failures-in-military-operations/ | Warner, Reed, Coons Press Pentagon, DNI for Answers on Reported AI Failures in Military Operations | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton to investigate reported failures involving the use of artificial intelligence in U.S. military and intelligence operations and provide relevant Inspectors General unrestricted access to examine the incidents. The senators’ letter follows public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran, and an aborted military interdiction operation after AI-generated false information was included in disseminated U.S. intelligence. “Recent events – including public reports of an AI-targeting platform relying on outdated geospatial data in a kinetic strike in Minab, Iran and a public report on an aborted military interdiction operation driven by potential AI-hallucination in disseminated intelligence by U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific – have given us growing concern about the extent to which agencies under your oversight have prioritized acceleration of AI capability adoption and ‘experimentation’ over effective governance,” the senators wrote. Warner, Reed, and Coons warned that reported AI failures in targeting and intelligence systems could lead to serious operational errors and erode confidence in U.S. intelligence and military actions. “Public reports that AI targeting platforms have repeatedly generated spurious outputs (based on outdated input data or outright hallucination) risk serious operational error, in addition to undermining the confidence of both the American public and international partners in the accuracy and reliability of U.S. intelligence and intelligence-informed kinetic actions,” they continued. The senators called for the reported incidents to be investigat… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=841 | Walkinshaw , Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize our POW/MIA Servicemembers | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw (D-Va.) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating Friday, September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This resolution pays tribute to American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or still missing while fighting in combat. "As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior, my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are missing a loved one," Rep. Thompson said. "More than 80,000 service members remain unaccounted for, and their families deserve a unified effort to help bring them home. This bipartisan resolution is a commitment to our men and women in uniform and serves as a reminder of the work needed to help reunite our military families." “On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who endured captivity, those who have been accounted for, and those who remain missing. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Thompson and reaffirm our nation’s enduring commitment to bring every servicemember home," Rep. Walkinshaw said. "Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) proudly supports recognizing September 18, 2026, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day. For VVA, this day is more than a ceremony. It is a reminder of a promise our nation has not yet fully kept. Our founding principle, ‘Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another,’ is not a slogan. It is a sacred obligation. We will keep the POW/MIA flag flying, keep the candle burning, and keep faith with every family still waiting for answers. VVA believes one of the most meaningful ways to honor our POWs and MIAs is to provide the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency with $250 million to complete its mission. Recognition must be more than words. It must be backed by the resources, people, and commitment necessary to bring home every missing American who can still be found. We owe that to them. We owe it to their families. And we owe it to the promise our nation made when we… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-colleagues-urge-congressional-leaders-to-reject-trumps-proposed-federal-pay-freeze/ | Warner, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leaders to Reject Trump’s Proposed Federal Pay Freeze | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and a coalition of 110 bipartisan, bicameral lawmakers urged congressional leaders to reject the Trump administration’s proposed federal employee pay freeze and deliver a meaningful pay increase in 2027. The lawmakers urged Congress to enact the 4.1 percent increase provided under the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act, or FAIR Act, which would help federal pay keep pace with rising costs after two straight years of falling behind inflation. At a minimum, they wrote, civilian federal employees should receive the same 3.8 percent increase the Trump administration has proposed for federal law enforcement personnel. Federal employees received a 1 percent raise this year, well short of the 3.4 percent rise in consumer prices over the past 12 months. The lawmakers wrote, “These challenges have come on top of just a 2 percent pay raise in 2025 and a 1 percent raise in 2026. Asking these public servants to now accept a pay freeze as the cost of living continues to rise amounts to an effective pay cut.” The lawmakers continued, “The Administration’s own proposal on federal pay increases demonstrates why such an increase is necessary. President Trump has proposed that federal law enforcement personnel receive a 3.8 percent pay increase to improve recruitment and retention, and has proposed a 5-7 percent pay increase for service members given the critical support they provide our nation. The same rationale applies to all federal workers.” “The federal government must recruit and retain skilled employees to care for our veterans, protect our national security, inspect our food and medicine, conduct lifesaving research, process benefits, secure federal networks, and perform countless other critical functions,” the lawmakers added. The letter, signed by 12 senators and 98 House members, urges congressional leaders to include the increase in Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations legislation. The full letter is available here and below. Dear Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Leade… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405827 | Congressman Griffith’s Weekly E-Newsletter 9.18.26 | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in the United States demand continued federal diligence. Reportedly America suffers from the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the developed world. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 80% of our pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Because of my concerns about this problem, I am working with federal partners to find solutions. One of these partners, Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America (HMHBA), which was founded in 2026 by Cara Osborne and Olivia Walton, put a meeting together of a select group of 15 officials. Besides me, some of the others in the group included Second Lady Usha Vance, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan and former White House official Kellyanne Conway. Second Lady Vance shared with us her experiences regarding her most recent pregnancy, birth and care following the birth. One of the things she suggested was that we look at the combined medical assessments for both children and mothers. She advocated that these visits should not be weeks after birth, but closer to when the mother and child are released from the hospital. Doing so would help identify any problems that might be developing related to either the child’s health or potential emotional issues of the mother. Telehealth can help facilitate health care provider access for the mother and child. I recall one former client of mine who struggled with exhaustion and postpartum depression as a result of caring for newborn twins. Her condition became so severe that she had to be committed to a hospital for 48 hours to ensure her safety and well-being. Childbirth can cause great potential for stress, exhaustion and postpartum depression, among other issues. Second Lady Vance advocated for better monitoring of the health for moms and babies in the weeks after birth. Dr. Oz discussed the recent rollout of the new CMS ACCESS… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=835 | Walkinshaw, McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth Urge Trump Administration: Do Not Deport People Back to Persecution and Torture in China | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON—Yesterday, Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA), Representative James P. McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on the Trump Administration to protect people who have fled repression in China and could face persecution or torture if they are sent back. McGovern, Merkley, Duckworth, and Walkinshaw all serve on the CECC—a congressional commission that monitors and documents human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In the letter, the lawmakers called on the U.S. government to stop the practice of detaining at-risk individuals, release those currently in detention, prohibit them from being deported to the PRC, and give fair and timely consideration of their applications for asylum. “Many people who have fled persecution in the PRC come to the United States with an expectation that they can find refuge,” the Members wrote. “They should be given every opportunity to apply for asylum if they have not yet done so and given fair and timely consideration of such application for asylum or other protection. Under no circumstances should at-risk individuals be deported to the PRC.” The Members also made the letter public so immigration attorneys and advocates can use it in cases involving Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans and others who fear persecution if returned to China. “There are likely many more detainees at ICE facilities, perhaps lacking representation, who fear deportation to a country run by a government that seeks to do them harm,” the Members continued. “There are perhaps others who have already been sent back to the PRC who are now experiencing persecution, torture or worse. Thus, we see value in making this letter and its message public.” The letter notes that the U.S. government deporting an individual to a countr… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wittman-secretary-collins-host-veterans-roundtable | Wittman, Secretary Collins Host Veterans Roundtable | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert J. Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | wittman | https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) hosted a roundtable with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. Congressman Wittman and Secretary Collins were joined by local leaders, Puller Clinic attorneys and students, and veterans to talk about the ways in which the veterans benefits process could be enhanced. “It was an honor to welcome Secretary Collins to Virginia’s First District,” said Rep. Wittman. “During the conversation, we discussed ways to improve the veterans benefits process. We must work to reduce the claim processing backlog, lower wait times at clinics, and expand community care. Our veterans deserve the best, and I am committed to providing for them and their families in every way possible.” H.R. 552 – Veterans Collaboration Act: Requires the VA to implement a pilot program with veterans service organizations and law schools to increase the availability of legal services to veterans. H.R. 553 – Be Ready to Assist Veterans in Extremis (BRAVE) Act: Requires the VA to establish a patient outreach system so that VA beneficiaries have access to mental health care services in response to traumatic or stressful events. H.R. 554 – Veteran’s Choice Accountability Act: Ensures that specialty health care programs administered by the VA are maintained as centers of excellence, ensuring timely access to care for complex medical conditions. | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-whistleblower-disclosure-warner-kaine-demand-investigation-into-dhs-data-misconduct-in-virginia-nationwide/ | Following Whistleblower Disclosure, Warner, Kaine Demand Investigation Into DHS Data Misconduct in Virginia, Nationwide | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), joined by 16 other Senate Democrats, today demanded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately open an independent investigation into the wrongdoings detailed in a recent whistleblower’s disclosure. The disclosure alleges that DHS is directing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to impersonate voters in Virginia and across the country in violation of state laws to access online voter data as a part of its “Unlawful Voter Initiative,” an effort aimed at manufacturing evidence for President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. In Virginia, individuals using the state’s online voter portal must certify that they are accessing their own voter registration record and are warned that accessing another voter’s record is unlawful. According to the whistleblower, USCIS officers were nevertheless directed to falsely certify that they were the individual voters whose records they were searching. On Thursday, Virginia’s Attorney General Jay Jones warned DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that officers’ actions, specifically those who checked a box falsely attesting they were specific Virginians verifying their voter registration records, “potentially violates several Virginia laws.” The senators wrote in their letter, “The DHS Office of Inspector General’s mission is ‘[t]o provide independent oversight and promote excellence, integrity, and accountability within DHS.’ We urge you to carry out that mission by immediately opening an independent investigation into the alleged wrongdoings detailed in the whistleblower’s claims, which describe agency leadership directing officers to violate the law and DHS standards of integrity.” The senators highlighted additional allegations in the whistleblower’s disclosure, including that USCIS personnel were directed to create erroneous federal law enforcement records known as “TECS records” based on … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-kaine-statement-on-the-trump-administrations-repeal-of-an-executive-order-to-clean-up-the-chesapeake-bay/ | Warner, Kaine Statement on the Trump Administration’s Repeal of an Executive Order to Clean Up the Chesapeake Bay | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement on the Trump administration’s repeal of an executive order to clean up the Chesapeake Bay: “For more than a decade-and-a-half, the federal government has worked alongside states and local communities to restore the Chesapeake Bay and protect one of Virginia’s greatest natural and economic resources. The Trump administration’s decision to repeal the 2009 executive order, which to this point has maintained considerable bipartisan support, dismantles a longstanding framework for coordinating that federal effort, including work to expand scientific research, assess the impacts of climate change, and tackle pollution from agricultural runoff and stormwater. “Restoring the Chesapeake Bay is critical to the Commonwealth’s seafood and tourism industries, thousands of good-paying jobs, educational opportunities, and Virginians’ recreation. Rolling back efforts to clean up the Bay is dangerous not just for our environment but for our economy. We should be building on the progress we’ve made instead of walking away from a framework that has guided restoration efforts for more than 15 years.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-schatz-murray-shaheen-reed-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike/ | Warner, Schatz, Murray, Shaheen, Reed, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on an apparent errant U.S. strike on a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran on September 1st: “Reports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration’s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon’s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/17/mcclellan-statement-on-house-passage-of-ratepayer-protection-act-and-other-bills-to-ensure-data-centers-pay-their-fair-share/ | McClellan Statement on House Passage of Ratepayer Protection Act and Other Bills to Ensure Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass four bills cosponsored by McClellan that will protect residents in the community from rising costs associated with data centers: “In a rapidly growing digital world in which U.S. households have on average 21 devices connected to the Internet, more and more activities from health care delivery to banking are conducted online and AI and other technologies continue to advance, the number of data centers has grown at a more rapid pace than our current electric infrastructure can handle. Consequently, the federal government must play a bigger role in ensuring that the costs to power these data centers do not get passed on to consumers and small businesses. As the data center capital of the globe, Virginia knows this struggle all too well. “I voted in favor of four bills that take a crucial first step in ensuring that the burden of rising energy costs falls on the large-load customers who create increasing demand. These bills begin to move us in the right direction. From the Ratepayer Protection Act’s creation of a standard states can follow to ensure data centers are paying their fair share, to bills that help ensure that companies are not overbuilding data center infrastructure, these policies have earned bipartisan support because they give the federal government the tools they need to begin enforcing fairer outcomes for consumers. “While these bills are an important first step, they do not go far enough to be the last. Congress must also pursue greater transparency and regulation for data center projects, ensure local governments siting these projects coordinate with state and federal regulators that address the impact they have on energy demand and the environment and bring renewable energy sources and battery storage online in a much more significant way. I will continue to advocate for these and other policies that ensure our nation can meet its digital and energy needs without over… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9220 | Beyer Opposes Crypto Tax Bill: “Crypto Industry Has Been Weaponized To Corrupt Our Presidency” | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee and a member of the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks yesterday during the Ways and Means Committee’s markup of crypto tax legislation, the Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act, explaining his vote against the measure: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I truly appreciate you and your staff for working across the aisle on the bill before us today. I am also thankful for Mr. Horsford’s hard work and leadership through this process. This legislation is a substantial improvement from the measure we considered in our committee earlier this year. Some of the more egregious giveaways to the digital asset industry have been sanded down or removed altogether. And I am particularly happy to see the inclusion of improved language that would limit the ability of taxpayers from using Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories as venues for tax evasion. However, despite these improvements, I cannot support this legislation at this time. Simply put, this bill does not exist in a vacuum. Most Americans, for good reason, associate digital assets and cryptocurrencies with fraud, instability, illicit finance, and most all, with corruption. Everyday, we are confronted with story after story of malfeasance of all types, either enabled or worsened by the increasing ubiquity of digital assets in the global economy. The promises that crypto boosters have made over the years that greater digital asset adoption would somehow lead to lower costs, higher financial inclusion, more transparency, and so on have all been unmet. Instead of this utopian vision, the reality of crypto is that most Americans experience is much darker. Unfortunately, the fact is that the digital asset marketplace is dominated by bad actors, and none more so than the current occupant of the White House and his family. Through their various cryptocurrency ventures like World Liberty Financial and the Trump-branded meme coin, the Trump family has amasse… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9221 | Beyer, Meeks, Sherman & Garamendi Announce JRD on U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Agreement | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Representatives Don Beyer, and Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brad Sherman, and John Garamendi, today issued the following statement raising serious concerns with the Trump administration’s nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia and announced the introduction of a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block this agreement's entry into force. “This U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement dangerously departs from decades of nonproliferation standards and presents considerable risks. For decades, across administrations of both parties, the United States has committed to a clear nonproliferation policy that no new countries should be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. In order to prevent nuclear weapons development, two provisions are critical: the Gold Standard commitment to no enrichment and no reprocessing, and the Additional Protocol that allows International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections to confirm enrichment and reprocessing are not occurring. The proposed nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia fails to secure these critical safety measures. Several countries – including Saudi Arabia’s neighbor, the UAE – successfully pursued civilian nuclear cooperation under this framework. There’s no credible reason Saudi Arabia should get a weaker deal. “A region already gripped by conflict and escalation does not need another nuclear power. Saudi Arabia's own statements make that risk explicit: In a 2023 interview, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said plainly that, ‘if Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, we must obtain one as well.’ The Kingdom has also obtained multiple nuclear-capable Dongfeng-3 ballistic missiles from China and is actively developing its own long-range ballistic missile program that could provide the means to deliver nuclear weapons. Handing Saudi Arabia enrichment capacity under these conditions – even with the stipulations included in the agreement the administration has shared with Congress – isn’t just reckless nonproliferation policy, it’s an invitation to a nuclear a… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-elfreth-condemn-trump-executive-order-targeting-chesapeake-bay | Scott, Elfreth Condemn Trump Executive Order Targeting Chesapeake Bay | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Robert C. "Bobby" Scott | S000185 | bobbyscott.house.gov | bobbyscott | https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, issued the following statement after President Trump revoked Executive Order 13508, which directed federal agencies to reduce water pollution from federal lands and facilities and to promote ecosystem conservation: “Yesterday, President Trump revoked an executive order by President Obama that directed federal agencies to support the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The federal government has a responsibility to be a partner in protecting and restoring the Bay, and walking away from that responsibility jeopardizes the hard-fought progress we have made. President Trump is making it more difficult for us to meet the goals outlined in the bipartisan 2025 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and to secure a healthier bay for the millions of people who live throughout the watershed.” “As co-chairs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, we urge President Trump to immediately reverse course and reinstate the executive order. We cannot afford to turn back the clock on decades of bipartisan work to restore this national treasure.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/17/kiggans-statement-on-new-federal-approach-to-improving-chesapeake-bay-water-quality/ | Kiggans’ Statement on New Federal Approach to Improving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Jennifer A. Kiggans | K000399 | kiggans.house.gov | kiggans | https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order regarding “Providing meaningful water quality improvements through collaboration and oversight of federal support,” which repeals Obama-era EO 13508 and directs six federal agencies, including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to take practical and effective action to support water quality improvements in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “As a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources and the representative of a coastal district, I understand the importance of protecting the environmental assets that define our communities, including the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Yesterday’s Executive Order eliminates outdated, vague regulations that have allowed local officials to hinder economic development. Virginians need to know that with commonsense, responsible reforms, they don’t have to choose between environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. While I appreciate the administration shifting its focus to measurable solutions that build on decade-long cleanup efforts, I will be closely monitoring the next steps and working with EPA Administrator Zeldin to ensure any action taken is done with the economic and recreational opportunities the Bay provides and the complex Bay ecosystem in mind.” “The Chesapeake Bay is a natural treasure and environmental lifeline for families, visitors, and native species to the Commonwealth of Virginia and Maryland, and it must be preserved for future generations,” Kiggans continued. “I look forward to continuing work with the Environmental Protection Agency, our state and local partners, and communities to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact, advance our nation’s economic goals while safeguarding the natural resources that are so important to Coastal Virginia,” she concluded. Read the Executive Order here. Background: In September 2026, the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act passed the House… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405826 | Griffith Announces NCA Grant to SWVA Veterans Cemetery | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has awarded the Commonwealth of Virginia a grant of up to $243,467. The funding supports expansion of the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, Virginia. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Honoring our veterans is part of the cultural heritage of Virginia’s Ninth District. “The Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery does a magnificent job at honoring our revered veteran communities. “This NCA grant for as much as $243,467 should help the Cemetery construct new features, including nearly 500 gravesites and irrigation. Also, the funds will allow the addition of a U.S. Space Force service branch emblem. “I am proud that the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, by virtue of the good work it does, has put itself in a position to contend for these funds.” BACKGROUND According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery serves more than 108,000 veterans and their eligible family members in the region. The installation of survey grid monuments will take place at an existing turfed area. The Space Force service branch emblem will be located at the existing assembly area. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/17/vindman-introduces-legislation-to-help-virginia-families-pay-for-back-to-school-essentials/ | Vindman Introduces Legislation to Help Virginia Families Pay for Back-to-School Essentials | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today introduced the Back-to-School Tax Credit Act, legislation that would provide families with a new federal tax credit for basic school supplies. “Every parent knows the back-to-school list: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, folders, calculators — the basics our kids need to show up ready to learn. But now, that list is growing far too expensive,” said Vindman. “For hardworking families already stretching every dollar, those costs add up quickly. As a dad of two, I know firsthand that these aren’t optional expenses. Kids need school supplies every year, and families shouldn’t have to choose between getting their children what they need to succeed and paying for other necessities.” The Back-to-School Tax Credit Act would provide a refundable tax credit of up to $250 per qualifying child for eligible school supply expenses. The credit would help families offset the cost of supplies required for enrollment or attendance at a public, private, or home school providing elementary or secondary education. BACKGROUND The legislation comes as back-to-school expenses continue to put pressure on household budgets. The National Retail Federation’s 2026 Back-to-School Survey found that families expected to spend an average of $146.45 per K-12 student on school supplies, in addition to roughly $250 per child on clothing and apparel, adding up to nearly $400 per student. The price of school supplies has also increased sharply over the past year. Some common items, including lunch boxes, notebooks, and tissues, have seen year-over-year price increases of 20 percent or more. Tariffs and disruptions to global supply chains have contributed to higher costs for manufacturers and consumers. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/17/vindman-votes-to-protect-ratepayers-from-data-center-grid-upgrade-costs/ | Vindman Votes to Protect Ratepayers From Data Center Grid Upgrade Costs | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) yesterday voted in favor of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation aimed at protecting families and businesses from being saddled with the costs of infrastructure upgrades needed to accommodate the rapidly growing energy demands of large data centers. “It is past time for data centers to pay their fair share. Right now, Virginia families and businesses are unfairly footing the bill for massive infrastructure investments needed to power large data centers. That is unacceptable.” said Vindman. “The Ratepayer Protection Act is about fairness, accountability, and making sure the families can actually afford and predict their monthly utility bills.” The legislation would require states to consider adopting policies that ensure large data centers help cover the costs of grid upgrades needed to support their power demands. Under the bill, utilities would be required to secure financial assurances or contributions from data centers to cover the costs of necessary upgrades before construction begins. BACKGROUND Vindman has been a champion for holding data centers and electric utilities accountable. In August, he introduced legislation to prevent data center development near neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Prior to that, Congressman Vindman introduced a bill to cap the number of residential utility rate changes to one rate change annually, limiting how often utilities can change prices for everyday Virginians. He has also fought against corruption in the energy space by championing a measure that would bar former government officials from lobbying on behalf of the companies they used to regulate. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=833 | Walkinshaw, Bacon, Landsman, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Rescue Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representatives James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Don Bacon (NE-02), Greg Landsman (OH-01), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the bipartisan Justice for Ukrainian Children Act, legislation to strengthen efforts to locate and return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, hold those responsible accountable, and reunite families. According to the Ukrainian government, Russia has abducted at least 20,000 Ukrainian children since the start of its full-scale invasion. Just over 2,100 have come home. Those still held have been separated from their families, subjected to political indoctrination and militarization, and stripped of their Ukrainian identity. "Russia is running a deliberate campaign to erase these children's identity and steal Ukraine's future," said Congressman Walkinshaw. "As a father, I cannot imagine the anguish of having your child taken and indoctrinated by a foreign government. The United States cannot look away. This bipartisan bill will help find these children, bring them home, and hold the perpetrators accountable." “Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children is among the most unconscionable crimes of this war,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Thousands of children have been taken from their parents, separated from their communities, and forced to endure horrors no child should ever have to face. Our responsibility is clear: find them, bring them home, and hold accountable those responsible. This legislation ensures that responsibility remains central to our strategy—and that the fate of Ukraine’s children is inseparable from the pursuit of accountability and a just and durable peace.” "Tens of thousands of children from Ukraine are being brainwashed and hidden in Russia's adoption system. We have to do everything to bring these children home and reunite them with their families, where they belong,” said Congressman Landsman. “Russia has taken thousands of Ukrainian children from their families and tried to strip them of their identity and homeland,” said Co… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=834 | Walkinshaw Presses Postal Service Leadership for Transparency After Troubling GAO Findings | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, released the following statement today after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on United States Postal Service (USPS) performance and finances. “Today’s GAO report confirms our previous warnings: under Louis DeJoy’s leadership, cutting service while raising prices was a recipe for disaster. The result has been slower mail, higher costs, and declining service for the American people. Just as importantly, these findings from GAO reinforce my call for greater transparency from USPS. Congress is an essential partner in securing USPS’s future, but that partnership requires USPS to provide Congress and the public with clear, timely information about its plans, finances, and service performance. The American people deserve a Postal Service that is reliable, affordable, and accountable, and Congress needs reliable data from the Postal Service to help achieve that goal”. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wittman-receives-2026-franchise-champion-award | Wittman Receives 2026 Franchise Champion Award | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert J. Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | wittman | https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) received the 2026 Champion of Franchise Award from the International Franchise Association. This award recognizes Members of Congress for exceptional work in supporting America’s franchises and businesses. “I am honored to be recognized as a ‘Champion of Franchise,'” said Rep. Wittman. “Franchises and small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, strengthen local economies, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurial minded Americans. In Congress, I will continue working to cut burdensome regulations and support Main Street businesses so that business owners have the resources they need to grow and succeed.” Background: | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-wyden-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-standards-for-american-health-care-system/ | Warner, Wyden Introduce Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity Standards for American Health Care System | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) today reintroduced the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act, legislation to improve cybersecurity in our health care system amid a growing wave of cyberattacks that are compromising Americans’ sensitive information and disrupting access to critical care across the country. “Cyberattacks on our health care system compromise Americans’ most sensitive personal information, delay essential medical care, and put lives at risk,” said Sen. Warner. “As cybercriminals ramp up their attacks on hospitals and health care providers, it’s becoming increasingly clear that voluntary standards are not enough to protect Americans’ health, safety, and privacy. This legislation would establish strong, commonsense cybersecurity protocols for health care entities, while also getting resources to rural and underserved hospitals to strengthen their defenses and protect the patients who depend on them.” “Americans share their most sensitive personal information with their health care providers, and in return they expect every effort to be made to keep it secure,” said Sen. Wyden. “The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks has dramatically increased in every part of the health care system, and will only grow. Our bill creates national cybersecurity standards for health care providers and devotes resources, especially in rural and underserved areas, to ensure every Americans’ medical information is secure. Congress cannot wait to act until another catastrophic cyberattack compromises the safety and privacy of American families’ most personal information.” The American health care system is particularly at risk for cyberattacks due to its size, technological dependence, collection of sensitive personal information, and unique vulnerability to disruptions. Specifically, the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish, enforce, and regularly update strong minimum … | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=836 | Walkinshaw, McDowell Leads Bipartisan FISA AI Reporting Act to Increase Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Use Under FISA | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | James R. Walkinshaw | W000831 | walkinshaw.house.gov | walkinshaw | https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) introduced a bipartisan bill with Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) to direct the intelligence community to report to Congress on how it uses artificial intelligence with data collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, including which systems are being used and what safeguards are in place to protect Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights. “Artificial intelligence is changing the way industries across our country are collecting and analyzing information,” Congressman McDowell said. “Congress has a responsibility to ensure these tools strengthen our national security while protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms that define our Nation.” "Congress must have strong oversight and transparency over federal AI use,” Congressman Walkinshaw said. “When intelligence agencies use AI to analyze sensitive communications and data, Congress needs to know how they use it and for what purpose. Our laws and oversight must keep pace with the technology." What the FISA AI Reporting Act does: Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report to Congress within 180 days on the intelligence community’s use of artificial intelligence systems under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Requires the report to include: A summary of how the intelligence community is using artificial intelligence systems to acquire, analyze, query, disseminate or otherwise access data under Section 702. An assessment of safeguards in place to ensure the use of artificial intelligence complies with FISA and the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Information submitted by the Department of Justice or intelligence community to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court regarding the use of artificial intelligence under Section 702. An identification of the types of artificial intelligence models being used under Section 702. Allows the report to include a classified annex. Requires the Director of … | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warner-senate-democrats-demand-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war/ | Warner, Senate Democrats Demand Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined 45 of his Senate colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the senators note that deployments, including for the USS Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration’s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The senators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide: A detailed breakdown of all direct and indire… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2694 | Cline Votes For Legislation to Protect Local Ratepayers from Costs of Data Centers | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Ben Cline | C001118 | cline.house.gov | cline | https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, of which Congressman Cline is a cosponsor. This bill would require state utility regulators to consider adopting rules that make data centers pay the full cost of energy infrastructure upgrades needed to meet the immense energy demand of data centers, thereby protecting ratepayers from rising costs. “Working families, small businesses, and farmers should not have to shoulder the cost of the increasingly massive demand from data centers on our power grid,” said Rep. Cline. “Data centers disrupt our rural way of life, and I support local governments that are taking action to prevent these behemoths from moving into our rural communities. The Ratepayer Protection Act will hold data centers accountable for the cost of new energy infrastructure. Taxpayers’ hard-earned money should go to supporting local families and investing in small businesses, not supporting data centers and big tech companies.” | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/17/vindman-joins-legislation-to-demand-that-trump-and-hegseth-stop-hiding-true-cost-of-iran-war/ | Vindman Joins Legislation to Demand That Trump and Hegseth Stop Hiding True Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Congressman Pat Ryan (N.Y.-18) and 10 of his Democratic Veteran colleagues as an original co-sponsor on the Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act. This legislation would honor the immense sacrifices made by US troops in the Iran War and stop Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s attempts to obscure the true cost to our troops and the American people. The Honoring the Sacrifice of Troops in War Act would ban the Secretary of Defense from manipulating casualty records and jeopardizing the benefits of our servicemembers and public servants. The bill introduction comes after the Pentagon unprecedentedly recategorized recent casualties suffered in Trump’s Iran war — including four killed and over 200 wounded servicemembers — under a separate category outside Operation Epic Fury in a shameless attempt to downplay the damage done and evade accountability to the American people. “Every service member who puts on the uniform deserves to know that their sacrifice will be honored and that their service will be accurately recorded,” said Vindman. “Casualties are not numbers to be moved around for political convenience. They represent Americans who were wounded, families who lost loved ones and are owed benefits, and communities that bear the lasting cost of war. The American people deserve an honest accounting of what is happening to our troops, and our servicemembers deserve the benefits and recognition they have earned. I’m proud to join my fellow veterans in demanding transparency, accountability, and a permanent record of their sacrifice.” “Every Patriot deployed to this war in Iran – the 50,000 still in theater, the hundreds wounded, and especially the 18 killed – are American heroes. They deserve to be honored as such – not swept under the rug by a President and SecDef so humiliated by their failure that they’d rather dishonor the troops than tell the truth,” said Ryan. “It’s a total betrayal of our armed forces by the very people that swore to protect an… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9218 | Bipartisan Delegation Urges House Leaders To Take Immediate Action On Artificial Intelligence | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Congressman Don Beyer, co-chair of Congress’ bipartisan Caucus on Artificial Intelligence, today led a bipartisan group of 10 leaders on AI in the U.S. House in pressing leadership of both parties to take immediate, urgent action to address risks posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI). Their push came in the wake of the OpenAI agent cyberattacks on Hugging Face and subsequent warnings from leaders and researchers at prominent AI companies about the societal and existential risks posed by unrestrained advances in the technology. The letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX). They wrote: “We call for your joint leadership on an urgent Congressional response to recent incidents involving advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models that have profound implications for economic and national security. Congress has a singular opportunity to respond swiftly and effectively to these warning shots before true catastrophes occur. … “Congress must urgently advance legislation to mitigate the risk of more serious incidents, especially those that could threaten critical infrastructure, our financial system, and other institutions that every American depends on. “The House of Representatives could and should immediately take up legislation that would strengthen AI oversight, security, and transparency. There currently exist dozens of bipartisan bills that that committees of jurisdiction have reported. Members of both parties have also worked in recent months to fast-track bipartisan legislation that is ready to be considered by committees of jurisdiction. We believe these bills should be carefully and urgently advanced through the legislative process. “We urge you to work with committees of jurisdiction, Members across the aisle, and Senate leadership to, as soon as practicable, advance legisla… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=9219 | Beyer: This Bill Would Do More Harm Than Good For America And For Ukraine | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Donald S. Beyer, Jr. | B001292 | beyer.house.gov | beyer | https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee and a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, delivered a stark warning against the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act during floor debate on the measure ahead of a final vote this afternoon. His remarks as delivered follow below, and video is available here. “Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this well-intentioned but terribly flawed bill. All of us on our side of the aisle strongly support Ukraine. But this bill would do more harm than good for America and for Ukraine. It has three main points: sanctions, tariffs, and symbolism. The new sanctions on Russia in this bill would be strong and sweeping, if they were enforced. But the bill gives Trump the power to simply ignore them, and that is what he is very likely to do. His criticism of Ukraine and friendliness to Russia have both been rising recently, and he is even calling for Russian energy exports, the very thing this bill is purported to block. The bill’s tariffs are a huge problem. President Trump has abused every presidential tariff authority – every single one – that Congress has given, often to target our allies. This bill has a loophole that would allow him to define basically any country as a facilitator of evading Russian sanctions. He could then hit them with tariffs of up to 100%, with no guardrails or oversight, and no expiration. It’s a much stronger tariff power than those he has already abused, and it would be much harder to challenge in court. Giving him this power when he has shown us over and over again what he will do with it would be an incredible mistake. And finally, we are told the bill will be a symbolic win for Ukraine and a show of American support. But if this bill passes, I predict Ukraine’s supporters will regret it. Yes they will be able to say “we stood with Ukraine,” in the immediate aftermath. But when Donald Trump hits our allies with new tariffs and waives sanctions on Russia, the propaganda vi… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-congress-should-support-ukraine-without-expanding-trumps-tariff | Scott: Congress Should Support Ukraine Without Expanding Trump’s Tariff Powers | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Robert C. "Bobby" Scott | S000185 | bobbyscott.house.gov | bobbyscott | https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting against the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act: “I strongly support Ukraine and efforts to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his brutal war. I stand with the Ukrainian people and have repeatedly voted to support Ukraine. However, I cannot support legislation that uses support for Ukraine as leverage to give Donald Trump even more authority to impose his reckless tariffs and trade wars that raise prices on American families. At a time when families are already struggling with the affordability crisis, Congress should be working to lower costs, not giving Donald Trump another tool to increase them.” # # # | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://kiggans.house.gov/2026/09/16/kiggans-bill-to-name-virginia-beach-post-office-after-wwii-veterans-col-edward-d-shames-passes-house/ | Kiggans’ Bill to Name Virginia Beach Post Office After WWII Veteran Col. Edward D. Shames Passes House | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Jennifer A. Kiggans | K000399 | kiggans.house.gov | kiggans | https://kiggans.house.gov/feed/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the passage of her bill to designate the U.S. post office at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, VA the “Colonel Edward D. Shames Post Office Building,” which passed the House by voice. This designation honors the extraordinary legacy of World War II veteran Colonel Shames and is the second Kiggans bill to pass the House this week. “This is a proud day for Virginia’s Second District and a fitting tribute to an American hero that dedicated his life to serving our country,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Colonel Shames represented the very best of the Greatest Generation from the beaches of Normandy to the brutal winter of Bastogne and continued service for his community after the war ended. I’m grateful that the House came together today on this legislation and I’d like to thank Colonel Shames’ family for helping preserve his remarkable legacy and sharing his story for future generations,” Kiggans concluded. Watch Rep. Kiggans’ speech from the House Floor here. Read Rep. Kiggans’ remarks prior to the bill’s passage as prepared for delivery: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7365, which would designate the United States Post Office located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach as the Colonel Edward D. Shames Post Office Building. Colonel Shames was a proud Virginian, a decorated World War II veteran, and a member of one of the most storied units in American military history: Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Colonel Shames enlisted in the Army in 1942 and volunteered to become a paratrooper. On June 6, 1944, he parachuted into Normandy as part of the D-Day invasion. During the Normandy campaign, his leadership under fire earned him a battlefield commission, and he would go on to serve as an officer in Easy Company. He fought in Operation Market Garden, endured the brutal Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, and participated in the Allied advance into Germany. … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/16/mcclellan-statement-on-sanctions-against-russia-and-granting-trump-unilateral-tariff-authority/ | McClellan Statement on Sanctions Against Russia and Granting Trump Unilateral Tariff Authority | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026: “At a time when the cost of everything from gas to groceries, health care to housing, technology to toilet paper and more keeps going up, the Trump Administration keeps doubling down on the cost-of-living crisis through needless tariffs on allies and adversaries alike with no discretion. Though I support implementing sanctions against Russia, I cannot support a sanctions bill that grants the Trump Administration greater tariff authority to prolong and intensify ongoing economic uncertainty. “Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine demands a serious response, and I stand firmly on the side of the Ukrainian people and their struggle against Putin’s invasion of their country. The U.S. must continue its role of providing support for Ukraine while holding Russia accountable. Unfortunately, rather than solely working to strengthen and enact tougher sanctions on Russia and deliver military aid to Ukraine, this bill also contains the largest transfer of tariff authority ever granted to a president by Congress, allowing the Trump Administration to launch 100% tariffs on any country it chooses without Congressional guardrails. And Trump, just off the heels of starting an unnecessary trade war with Canada, has given every indication that he would exploit this power to entrench the American people in more trade wars, which would only further drive up costs. “In a government that hinges on checks and balances, we cannot further cede Congress’s constitutional authority to levy tariffs and allow the executive to operate with total tariff power. To address Russia’s war in Ukraine, we need substantive action that both sanctions Russia and its allies for their aggression and equips Ukraine with the tools necessary to defend itself and push back against Putin’s war machine. This is not that legislation. For that reason, I voted no.” | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-john-mcguire-celebrates-passage-bill-shield-residents-data-center-costs | Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Passage of Bill to Shield Residents from Data Center Costs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | John J. McGuire III | M001239 | mcguire.house.gov | mcguire | https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 16, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, Representative John McGuire (VA-05) celebrated the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act, which will protect Americans from carrying the financial burden of data centers in their communities. “Data centers are necessary, but each individual community should have the right to decide where they are located," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "They should not negatively affect water tables or pass their energy costs on to ratepayers. The Ratepayer Protection Act ensures we can remain strong in the AI race against China while protecting hard-working Americans from financial burdens. We will continue to find ways to invest in American infrastructure while keeping costs low for the people who make our nation strong.” Background: The bill requires state utility regulators and nonregulated utilities to consider implementing a standard to hold certain large-load customers responsible for the costs associated with any generation, transmission, or distribution upgrade of electric service necessary to serve such customers. A large-load customer means a non-residential electric consumer that enters, or requests to enter, an agreement concerning the sale of electric energy primarily to operate information technology infrastructure and related systems pertaining to data storage and computational applications and services (e.g., data centers) that have a peak electric demand of 100 megawatts or more at a single site or campus. This rate must include the costs that would be incurred if the large-load customer terminates an agreement with the electric utility pertaining to the sale of electric energy or otherwise ceases the purchase of energy from the electric utility. | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405823 | Griffith Supports State of Emergency Declaration | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Today, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency in the Commonwealth. The declaration comes in response to a statewide hay shortage caused by persistent and ongoing drought conditions. In response to the State of Emergency declaration, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) released the following statement: “Hay is an integral agricultural product supporting Virginia farmers, particularly those with cows and horses. But due to devastating drought challenges, access to hay supplies is dwindling. “I commend the Governor’s action today to address the hay shortage impacting Virginia. “I will continue to advocate for our farming and rural communities as they try to access crop relief.” BACKGROUND Congressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declarations for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request. In July, Tazewell County received a primary natural disaster area designation due to recent drought. In August and September, the USDA extended its natural disaster declaration to many other Ninth District localities. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405824 | Griffith Statement on House Passage of Bill to Authorize USACE Project for Town of Richlands | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9497 – the Water Resources Development Act. This legislation authorizes and modifies certain water resource infrastructure projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). One USACE project in particular will promote flood risk management and ecosystem renovation along the Clinch River in Richlands, Virginia. The bill heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Following House passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill, issued the following statement: “USACE resources and personnel support projects in the Ninth District. “I am proud to vote for the Water Resources Development Act. This bill will advance a USACE project to address flooding risk vulnerabilities that stem from the Clinch River.” BACKGROUND In 2025, Congressman Griffith participated in a Rules Committee hearing to voice his support for funding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=405825 | Griffith Votes to Protect Ninth District Communities from Footing Bill for Data Centers | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | H. Morgan Griffith | G000568 | morgangriffith.house.gov | morgangriffith | https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/ | scraper | Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9340 – the Ratepayer Protection Act. This legislation protects local communities from electricity cost hikes by directing state regulators to make data center companies pay the full cost for its use of electricity infrastructure. Under the bill, all state utility commissions will hold proceedings on large-load electric rates and rules for data centers that draw more than 100 MW of power. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Following House passage of the bill, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), who voted for the bill and is a co-sponsor of similar legislation, issued the following statement: “Communities in Virginia’s Ninth District should not foot the bill for data centers’ electricity. “Electricity consumption costs associated with building and operating data centers must be passed along to the data centers, not the household ratepayer. “With this bill, data centers are on notice. Under the watch of this Congress, I will continue to promote responsible federal guardrails while supporting local autonomy over data centers.” BACKGROUND Congressman Griffith is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 6529 – the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/16/vindman-leads-on-legislation-to-make-data-centers-pay-their-fair-share/ | Vindman Leads on Legislation to Make Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.-08) and Don Davis (N.C.-01) as an original co-sponsor of the Reverse Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act. This legislation will take away unfair tax breaks for data center build outs passed by Republicans in H.R. 1. “It is past time we make data centers pay their fair share,” said Vindman. “Across Virginia, families and businesses are being forced to foot the bill for massive infrastructure investments needed to power large data centers. Everywhere I go, I hear from families who cannot afford their rising monthly utility bills and Republican-led data center tax breaks aren’t going to bring those monthly costs down. I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation that will make data centers pay their fair share.” Last year, Republicans’ H.R. 1 expanded tax breaks that would spur the construction of AI data centers, paid for by cutting nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and over $185 billion from food assistance. This legislation aims to reverse some of the harm by ending these tax breaks for big tech building data centers. BACKGROUND Vindman has been a champion for holding data centers and electric utilities accountable. In August, he introduced legislation to prevent data center development near neighborhoods, schools, and parks. Vindman has also come out in strong opposition of the proposed merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy. Prior to those actions, Congressman Vindman introduced a bill to cap the number of residential utility rate changes to one rate change annually, limiting how often utilities can change prices for everyday Virginians. He has also fought against corruption in the energy space by championing a measure that would bar former government officials from lobbying on behalf of the companies they used to regulate. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-schiff-file-oman-war-powers-resolution | Kaine & Schiff File Oman War Powers Resolution | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 Adam Schiff (D-CA) filed a War Powers Resolution to prohibit the use of the U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities in or against Oman. Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to “bomb the shit” out of Oman if it interferes with the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. “President Trump calls himself the ‘Peace President,’ but he has ordered military strikes in more countries around the world than any President in recent history,” said Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. “The American people don’t want more war, but instead of listening to them, President Trump is threatening to bomb Oman. The use of the U.S. military has a time and a place, but President Trump’s chaotic and expansive use of the military isn’t making Americans more secure. All it’s doing is raising costs, hurting servicemembers and their families, depleting our munitions stockpile, killing innocent civilians, and distracting us from real threats posed by China and Russia. I hope my colleagues will join us in trying to prevent the Trump-Vance Administration from stumbling from one blunder into another.” “Donald Trump threatened, and then launched a war with Iran. Donald Trump threatened, and then launched strikes against Venezuela. And last month, Donald Trump threatened strikes against Oman – his next potential target for yet another foreign war,” said Schiff. “Congress has not authorized any of these commitments of our armed forces. And this resolution will make it clear that the American people and the U.S. Senate reject any additional deployment of our servicemembers for new wars around the globe.” Full text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.warner.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/as-the-administration-continues-dangerous-effort-to-exploit-federal-workers-health-records-warner-and-schiff-demand-end-to-violation-of-privacy/ | As the Administration Continues Dangerous Efforts to Exploit Federal Workers’ Health Records, Warner and Schiff Demand End to Violation of Privacy | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | VA | Mark R. Warner | W000805 | www.warner.senate.gov | warner | https://www.warner.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – Following the White House Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) failure to suspend their proposed collection of the personal medical records of millions of federal workers, retirees, and their families to be weaponized in employment actions, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) are leading their colleagues in urging the administration to end this illegal effort and demanding safeguards to protect the data of federal workers. Earlier this year, Warner, Schiff, and 17 senators urged the administration to reverse course on the dangerous decision to seek unprecedented access to personal medical records. In addition to OPM’s failure to address the Senators’ inquiry, the System of Records Notice (SORN), published in June, confirms their intention to collect identifiable data of federal workers. “The modified SORN does not resolve the fundamental privacy, legal, and constitutional concerns raised in our initial letter regarding a federal personnel agency maintaining a longitudinal repository of highly sensitive health information on more than eight million people…Most concerningly, the SORN states that OPM retains the right to re-identify pseudonymized records. In combination, these features create an extraordinarily detailed longitudinal health history that remains linkable to a specific person,” the senators wrote in a new letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor. The senators point to the administration’s clear intent to target vulnerable communities by using sensitive health information in employment actions, including the hiring and firing of federal workers. The SORN revealed OPM is “utilizing ZIP code, birth year, provider, service dates, diagnoses, procedures, and drug information to reveal highly specific patterns of care.” “We support responsible efforts to protect the integrity of federal health-benefit programs. However, OPM’s proposals create an unnecessarily broad, decades-long, re-identifiable medical history of millions of workers, retirees, spouses, children, and oth… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/16/vindman-votes-to-end-the-war-in-ukraine-strengthen-our-own-national-security/ | Vindman Votes to End the War in Ukraine, Strengthen Our Own National Security | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation that would impose sanctions on Russia. “Ukraine’s national security is directly linked to America’s national security. Before what is likely to be a tough winter, I am proud to vote for the most serious sanctions package on Russia since this unprovoked war of aggression began. “Putin will only back down when there are consequences for his actions. By targeting the revenue and key industries that help sustain Russia’s war, we will increase pressure on the Kremlin while continuing to stand with our Ukrainian allies. “The legislation we voted on today is not perfect, but it is a vital step in ending the war, supporting Ukraine, and standing up for America’s national security. The last thing we want is America’s young men and women fighting and dying in Europe in another major war, and stopping Russia in Ukraine is key to curtailing Putin’s aggressive impulses. “After recently returning from a Congressional Delegation to Ukraine, I know they need our support now more than ever before.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/wittman-votes-to-protect-ratepayers-from-data-center-energy-costs | Wittman Votes to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Energy Costs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Republican | House | VA | Robert J. Wittman | W000804 | wittman.house.gov | wittman | https://wittman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) voted in support of the House passage of H.R. 9340, the Ratepayer Protection Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to help protect families and small businesses from higher electricity costs associated with growing data center energy demand. The legislation would help ensure data centers cover the costs associated with their increased energy demand and necessary infrastructure upgrades rather than passing those costs on to ratepayers. The Ratepayer Protection Act now awaits consideration in the United States Senate. “Data centers are important to Virginia’s economy, our technological leadership, and our national security, but Virginia families and small businesses should not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure needed to serve them,” said Rep. Wittman. “I was proud to cosponsor this legislation to help ensure data centers, not Virginia families and small businesses, cover the cost of the system upgrades needed to meet their energy demands. I urge the Senate to swiftly consider this commonsense legislation and protect American ratepayers.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-passage-of-bill-to-help-workers-share-in-company-profits | Kaine Applauds Passage of Bill to Help Workers Share In Company Profits | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | 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 (D-VA) released the following statement celebrating the passage of the Retire through Ownership Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) to facilitate the establishment and operation of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), which allow workers to directly share in the profits they help their company earn, leading to higher wages and more wealth-building: “ESOPs help workers make more money, build their retirement, and feel a sense of ownership and connection toward their places of work. I am glad that this bipartisan legislation, which will help companies to establish new ESOPs and operate existing ones, has now passed both houses of Congress. I encourage the President to sign this bill into law.” Specifically, the legislation amends the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to clarify that companies operating in good faith can use long-standing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance on valuing shares to determine “adequate consideration” in an ESOP transaction, thus eliminating a source of uncertainty for companies establishing or operating ESOPs. ### | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://vindman.house.gov/2026/09/16/vindman-votes-to-strengthen-water-infrastructure-across-virginias-seventh-district/ | Vindman Votes to Strengthen Water Infrastructure Across Virginia’s Seventh District | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Eugene Simon Vindman | V000138 | vindman.house.gov | vindman | https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07) today voted in favor of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, legislation that would advance critical water infrastructure projects and studies across the country. “Safe, reliable water infrastructure is essential to the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities,” said Vindman. “After seeing firsthand the devastating impact of Orange County’s water crisis, I was proud to secure the $50 million investment to help strengthen and modernize the county’s water system. We’re also taking action to restore the Rappahannock River by removing the Ficklen Island Dam and improving habitat for wildlife. These investments will help ensure our water infrastructure is prepared for the future and it’s why I voted for this legislation today.” The bill would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin 14 water infrastructure projects and 133 feasibility studies and modifications for future construction. It would also update Corps policies to strengthen coordination with state and local governments on water infrastructure needs. Vindman secured authorization for two projects in Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District: $50 million for water infrastructure improvements in Orange County and the removal of Ficklen Island Dam in Fredericksburg. In August 2024, Orange County experienced a major drinking water crisis after catastrophic pump failures at the Wilderness Water Treatment Plant led to hydrocarbons entering the county’s water supply. The failure prompted “Do Not Use” and “Do Not Drink” advisories, severely disrupting daily life for residents and businesses. Under this bill, Orange County will be able to access $50 million in federal funding to strengthen and modernize its water infrastructure, helping ensure the county has a more reliable and resilient water system for years to come. The removal of the Ficklen Island Dam, located on the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg, would restore the shoreline and improve the well-being of wild… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://mcclellan.house.gov/2026/09/15/mcclellan-statement-on-al-green-resolution-to-impeach-trump/ | McClellan Statement on Al Green’s Resolution to Impeach Trump | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | VA | Jennifer L. McClellan | M001227 | mcclellan.house.gov | mcclellan | https://mcclellan.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted “present” on the motion to table H.Res. 1486 to impeach President Trump: “Today, the House voted to table Articles of Impeachment against Donald Trump over his abuse of power and weaponization of ICE and Border Patrol agents, resulting in death, destruction and widespread fear across the country. “The actions of the Trump Administration require serious scrutiny and attention, and I remain alarmed by the lawlessness that we have seen. I have been an outspoken critic of this Department of Homeland Security’s cruel and inhumane actions against our immigrant communities. Since the onset of these attacks, I have consistently voted against funding ICE and Border Patrol, introduced legislation to demand greater oversight and accountability for the detention and deportation of legal residents and citizens, stood against the proposed establishment of an ICE detention facility near my district and more. Over a year and a half into Trump’s second term, we face a campaign of terror launched against our immigrant communities, rampant corruption, an agenda that prioritizes the interests of the ultra-wealthy at the expense of everyone else and skyrocketing prices across the board. “However, while many of these warrant accountability and President Trump likely has committed impeachable offenses, Congress has not established the record necessary to support Articles of Impeachment or a conviction in a Senate impeachment trial. Such a record requires a comprehensive investigation, the collection and review of evidence, examination of witnesses, Congressional hearings and more. None of that has occurred yet, and I do not trust the current Republican majority to conduct the kind of investigation necessary to impeach President Trump or conduct an impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. “When Articles of Impeachment were raised against Trump last year, I voted present on a motion to table the resolution so that a proper i… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
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]);